UUFA Sunday Morning Program Committee
The Sunday Morning Program Committee (SMPC) plans and
implements year-round Sunday morning services during times
when our minister doesn't speak. The committee works with our
minister to facilitate and to plan shared programs. Members
arrange for speakers from within and from outside the
Fellowship.
Current Working Schedule
Programs in 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Agenda for upcoming meeting
Facilitator Duties
Workshop Notes
Committee Members
Resources
Fellowship Musicians
Programs Presented in 2002
January 2002
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4 5 <-- Sunday Morning Program
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Committee Meeting at 10am
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
Jan 6 "I Really Want to Change" Speakers: Carole Kazmierski 232-2026, 296-4869
Facilitators: Roger Berger
Pianist: Sue Haug - both services
Special Music:
As the new year begins, we make resolutions to break bad habits
and improve our moods, our dispositions, and our lives. Why is
change so hard when the self-help books make it sound so easy?
Jan 13 "Flow" Music, Nature and Speakers: David Smith & Cynthia Marten
the Psychology of Flow Facilitators: Cynthia Marten, Barb Evenson (9am)
Pianist: Cynthia Marten - both services
Special Music: David Smith
David Smith, medical examiner from Davenport, IA, will present his
understanding of "flow" through his appreciation of nature and the
nature of songwriting.
Jan 20 "Toltec Wisdom" Speakers: Deb Kline
Facilitators: George Naylor
Pianist: Peggy Earnshaw (1st), Ginny Molgaard (2nd)
Special Music: UUFA Recorder Ensemble
Thousands of years ago in southern Mexico, artists and scientists
formed a society to practice ancient spiritual knowledge known as
Toltec teachings. They became masters, or maguals, in the
pyramids near present day Mexico City. These pyramids are still
called the place where "Man Becomes God." The Toltec knowledge is
not a religion, but rather a way of engaging in the world with
personal freedom and happiness. Ideas from The Four Agreements,
by Don Miguel Ruiz will be shared as a beginning path for your
own personal freedom and happiness.
See: http://www.miguelruiz.com/books.htm#fa
Jan 27 "Being Spiritual Moment by Speakers: Kay, Kelly & Cindy Cory
Moment: Holistic Health, Facilitators: Kay, Kelly & Cindy Cory
Yoga, and Spirituality" Pianist: Sue Haug - both services
Special Music:
To most people, the word "yoga" probably suggests physical postures
or "asanas" such as the headstand or twisting the body into a
pretzel shape, but there is more to yoga than making an asana out
of yourself.
February 2002
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2
Brian at ----> 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 <-- Sunday Morning Program
Coming of 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Committee Meeting at 10am
Age Retreat 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Feb 2-3 24 25 26 27 28
Feb 3 "Globalization Happens" Speakers: Francis Owusu, Toby Ewing, Stu Huntington
Facilitators: Toby Ewing, Stu Huntington
Pianist:
Special Music:
Globalization 101: There's been a lot of talk lately about
globalization, but what does it mean to all of us? Our Unitarian
Universalist principles include a goal of a world community with
peace, liberty, and justice for all. Does globalization help move
toward, or away from that goal? This is the first in a series of
three programs, one each in February, March, and April.
Feb 10 "A Light IN the Storm" Speakers: Rev Brian Eslinger
Pledge Drive Kickoff Facilitators: Duffie Lorr
Pianist:
Special Music:
Light is a potent symbol and an even more potent reality. Light
provides warmth, guidance, hope and clarity for our vision. Yet
these lights don't just appear; each of us has a role in kindling
them in our own lives and in the lives of those around us. This
Sunday we'll talk about the ways in which Unitarian Universalism
helps us kindle that flame within and how we help to support this
religious community.
Feb 17 "Music's Gift to Life" Speakers: Rev Brian Eslinger
Clara Schumann Facilitators: Sam Wormley
Pianist: Sue Haug
Special Music: Piano Trio
The life of Clara Schumann (wife of the great composer Robert Schumann)
was filled with tremendous joy and great tragedy. Through it all,
she was a loving wife and mother, a composer, and a famous concert
pianist. We'll hear more about her "balancing act" and the music she
created.
Feb 24 "A Sustainable Future Speakers: Kari Cobler, Larry Ginter & Bob Uetz
for Rural Iowa?" Facilitators: George Naylor, Duffie Lorr
Pianist: Cynthia Marten
Special Music: Cynthia Marten
Rural Iowans are faced with numerous challenges including declining
farm prices, declining population, and factory farm pollution. During
this presentation, we will discuss these issues and the efforts of
Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement members to preserve and improve
our rural communities.
March 2002
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 <-- Sunday Morning Program
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Committee Meeting at 10am
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 <-- Spring Break ISU, Ames Schools
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
(773 256-3000 x232 chepokoski@meadville.edu)
Mar 3 "Ecological Integrity" Speakers: Rev. Dr. Carol Hepokoski
Facilitators: Sam Wormley & Cindy Cory
Pianist: Carol Casavant
Special Music: John Berquist
What does it mean to live with ecological integrity?
This morning, Carol will share reflections from her
environmental journey, focusing on recent work involving
eco-justice and living in place.
Spacial Treat: John Berquist Concert evening of March 3 (CANCELED)
Mar 10 "The War on Terror Within" Speakers: Rev Brian Eslinger
Facilitators: Roger Berger
Pianist: Sue Haug, both services
Special Music: Beethoven Trio (S. Haug, D. Haug, Carbrey)
Our nation's leadership has committed us to a "War on Terrorism".
While I would not expect that we would have a single response to this
war, I hope that we will take the time to consider how we respond. Part
of this response relates to ongoing strife within our own community and
the fears we have regarding each other.
Mar 17 "Being Human in the 21st Speakers: Rev Brian Eslinger
Century" Facilitators: Cindy Cory
Sacred stories with a Pianist: 9 AM - Anne Kimber, 11 AM - Ginny Molgaard
humanist tradition? Special Music:
Philosophers are calling the model for the 21st century human the
"cyborg". Some see this model as a wonderful release from old
stereotypes; others see it as the end of the human race. We'll
look at it through our optically enhanced glasses and see what
we find.
Mar 24 "Regulating the Global Speakers: Toby Ewing & George Naylor
Economy--Where do people Facilitators: Toby Ewing & George Naylor
and democracy fit in?" Pianist: 9 AM - Cynthia Marten, 11 AM - Anne Kimber
Special Music: Fellowship Voices
We will look at the social, economic, and environmental
consequences of economic globalization and the institutions
that are in charge of regulating international trade and
finance.
Mar 31 "The Empty Tomb" Speakers: Rev Brian Eslinger
Easter Facilitators: Kay Puttock
All-Congregational Pianist: Peggy Earnshaw (both services)
Special Music: Ed Carbrey and Peggy Earnshaw
Special Music: Free Spirits
While this winter hasn't given us the usual sense of cold isolation
and darkness, spring is still a time when life rises from the seeming
death. As we sense spring's pull toward resurrection in our lives,
what tomb are we walking out of and what new life are we opening
ourselves to?
April 2002
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4 5 6 <-- Prairie Star District Meeting (Apr 5-7)
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Gateway Center, UUFA Hosting
Exchange -----> 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ministers with 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
1st Unitarian 28 29 30
Des Moines http://www.ucdsm.org/
Apr 7 Note there is one single service this morning at 9:30 a.m. in the
Pioneer Room of the Hotel at Gateway Center. Our UUFA Service is
combined with the Sunday Morning Worship Service at the Prairie Star
District Annual Conference and Meeting April. Please do join us,
one and all! Child care will be provided.
Apr 7 "In Search of Our Heart" Speakers: Rev Brian Eslinger, Linda Barns
Facilitators: Linda Barns
Pianist: Sue Haug
Special Music: Piano Trio
Special Music: Reggie Greenlaw & Blue Moon Players
Special Music: Fellowship Voices & Conference Choir
We applaud diversity, we are proud of our pluralism, we foster
different spiritual paths in our congregations. With all of this
wonderful difference, what keeps us together? Join us for a morning
of music, stories and songs as we explore the elusive center at the
heart of our Prairie Star District Unitarian Universalism.
Apr 14 "Secrets of the Psychic" Speakers: Rev. Mark Stringer
Facilitators: Cynthia Marten, Barb Evenson
Pianist: Cynthia Marten
Special Music:
Apr 21 "Earth Day Celebration" Speakers: Rev Brian Eslinger
All-Congregational Facilitators: Duffie Lorr
Earth Day Pianist: Carol Casavant
Special Music: Fellowship Voices (Spanish)
chmartin@iastate.edu
Apr 28 "World Community: Theory, Speakers: Laura Hatfield, Tammi Martin, Toby Ewing
Practical, Spiritual Facilitators: Duffie Lorr & Jane Vallier
Pianist:both services - Sue Haug
Special Music: Piano Trio
We look at the positive side of globalization from three
perspectives: 1) the theory of how globalization should work;
2) the practical aspects of globalization as experienced at
"Worldly Goods" in Ames; and 3) the spiritual aspect of
globalization and how we are all connected.
May 2002
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4 <-- Sunday Morning Program
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Committee Meeting at 10am
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
May 5 "Planning a Sacred Speakers: Rev Brian Eslinger
Summer" Facilitators: Barb Evenson & Sam Wormley
Pianist: Sue Haug (9), Ginny Molgaard (11)
Special Music:
As we begin to turn our thought toward summer adventures, what travels
lay before us? How might we make something simple as a trip to the
neighborhood park or elaborate as a voyage across the ocean a religious
experience rather than just another tourist trip? Join for some
thought on the importance of our travels.
May 12 "Play On: Music Sunday" Speakers: Rev Brian Eslinger, Peggy Earnshaw
Mother's Day Facilitators: Duffie Lorr
Fine Arts Program Pianist: Peggy Earnshaw (if needed)
Special Music: Fine Arts Program
Shakespeare wrote "If Music be the food of love, play on." Music provides
sustenance in the hearing and playing. We'll gather together our talents
and tales of music and life as we celebrate Mother's Day. Our offertory
this Sunday will benefit Fellowship music programs.
May 19 "Coming of Age Sunday" Speakers: Cindy Cory & Dallas Thies
Coming of Age Facilitators: Cindy Cory & Dallas Thies
Pianist: Reggie Greenlaw to accompany if needed
Special Music: Reggie Greenlaw, guitar
Join our Coming of Age youth as they describe their journey through the
program. Special offertory for the Boston Bound Youth.
May 26 "And We Remember Them" Speakers: Rev Brian Eslinger
Memorial Day Facilitators: Sam Wormley
Pianist: Peggy Earnshaw (9) Anne Kimber (11)
Special Music:
Remembering people who have died is an important part of human life. We
remember both to grieve and to celebrate. Join us for a time of reflection
on the lives lost during the past year. Our service will include special
memorial candle lighting.
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Transition to single 10am service to two services at 9am and 11am
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June 2002
S M Tu W Th F S
1 <-- Sunday Morning Program
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Committee Meeting at 10am
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 (Brian, Duffie gone)
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30
June 2 "Spring's Celebration" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger
[First One Service Sunday] Facilitators: Sam Wormley
All Congregational Special Music: Fellowship Voices, etc.
Outdoor Festival - Flower Communion?
We'll take our service to the out-of-doors this Sunday as we head to
Emma McCarthy Lee Park for a celebration of spring's arrival. One
Service will be held at 10 AM. Feel free to bring lawn chairs or
blankets for you seeing comfort.
Hold at Fellowship as it will be raining! Natl Weather Service ETA Model
June 9 "Mary Richards Brunch" No Service
In order to foster the occurrence of the annual Mary Richards
Brunch, the committee would like to recommend the following:
o that there be no formal UUFA service on the Sunday of
the brunch.
o that the Mary Richards Brunch be held in the month of
June, citing cooler weather and to aid in the transition
from two services during the regular year, to the single
services of the summer.
o that the Mary Richards Brunch be scheduled on the
Fellowship calendar at least 90-120 days in advance
to aid in the planning of Fellowship services.
o that the Sunday Morning Program Committee be responsible
for posting a person(s) at the Fellowship on the morning of
the annual Mary Richards Brunch (and any other time that
services will not be held at the Fellowship) so as to
greet visitors and steer them properly to the location where
we are meeting. This, bye the way, is how Benette Sherman
came to be involved in the Fellowship. She showed up one
morning during the Mary Richards Brunch, and as luck would
have it, some kind soul happened to be at the Fellowship
and gave her directions.
o that the Sunday Morning Program Committee foster better
relationships with the organizing committee(ies) and/or
individuals involved with planning.
June 16 "Hunger Banquet"? Speakers: Clark Ford, et al
Service with regular Facilitators: Toby Ewing, Roger Berger, et al
service elements, but the Pianist: Ginny Molgaard
primary deliverable is the Special Music:
Hunger Banquet, itself.
June 23 "Stick and Ball and the Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger
American Psyche" Facilitators: Roger Berger & Kay Puttock?
Pianist: Anne Kimber
Special Music:
Thanks to the passion of my ten-year-old son, I've become
immersed in the world of baseball this spring. During this
immersion I've learned how our "American pastime" mirrors and
mimics movements in society as a whole and am asking myself,
"What does the current game say about us?" Join me in my
ponderings about the game and life.
June 30 "Opossum Wisdom" Speakers: Joel Severinghaus (1st Unitarian)
Facilitators: Kay Puttock, Kelly Arbuckle
Pianist: Ginny Molgaard
Special Music:
Musings on the tao of marsupials by a former wildlife rehabilitator.
Tube-feeding litters of orphaned baby opossums at 2:00 a.m. prompts
reflection on man's relationship to our animal elders, what the wild
creatures who live among us can teach us about life and death, and the
advantages of motherhood with a pouch. Come learn about the natural
history of these unusual critters, ponder opossum philosophy, and
listen to opossum mythology from the Aztecs. Hold an opossum skull in
your hand, gaze upon it like Hamlet at poor Yorick, and recall the
words of cartoon hero Pogo 'Possum: "We has met the enemy, and he is us."
July
S M Tu W Th F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
Jul 7 "Asking a Stone to Talk" Speakers: Toby Ewing, et al
Facilitators: Sam Wormley
Pianist: Mimi Ho (student of Sue Haug, make contact through Sue)
Special Music:
We modern humans have a conflicted relationship with
nature. We love it and then spend our lives indoors; we
anthropomorphize it and then attempt to subdue it; we ask it
to reveal divinity to us and then ignore it. How have we
seen nature historically, and what would a healthy
relationship look like? Musing on nature, with
contributions from authors Annie Dillard, Michael Pollan,
and others.
Jul 14 TBD Speakers: Fred & Jane Vallier
Star Island Pilgrimages Facilitators: Duffie Lorr
Pianist: Sue Haug
Special Music:
Jul 21 "If It Stands Still, Speakers: Cindy Cory & Kelly Arbuckle
Paint it" Facilitators: Kelly Arbuckle
Pianist:
Special Music:
This program focuses on the goddess Aphrodite and her
affection for transformations. We will be discussing the
energy produced through the transformational event in both
humans and materials available in the physical world, eg.
paint colors. Every person will have an opportunity to
transform a canvas.
Jul 28 "Voices and Visions" Speakers: Guest Speaker from 1st Unitarian
Facilitators: Laura Hatfield
Pianist: Anne Kimber
Special Music:
An exploration of the various claims over the years from St. Patrick,
Joan of Arc, Carl Jung and others who have experienced mystical moments.
Perhaps some parts of the brain are almost "wired" for these kinds of
experiences--our guest speaker will share some recent research in
neurobiology supporting such a theory. Come and ponder these phenomena
and their meanings, along with the different ways different times and
cultures deal with such claims.
August
S M Tu W Th F S
Kay, Cindy, Kelly 1 2 3 <-- Sunday Morning Program
---------------------> 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Committee meeting
First Unitarian 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Des Moines 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Aug 4 "Dog Days of Summer: Speakers: Sam Wormley
Reflections on Life" Facilitators: Toby Ewing
Pianist: Mimi Ho (student of Sue Haug, make contact through Sue)
Special Music:
"DOG DAYS" is the name for the most sultry period of summer,
from about July 3 to Aug. 11. Named in early times by
observers in countries bordering the Mediterranean, the
period was reckoned by the conjunction of Sirius (the dog
star) and the Sun. We regard Winter as a time of renewal
before the "return" of the Sun and the new life of spring.
Similarly the Dog Days of Summer offer contemplation and
renewal as we head toward renewed activities that come with
each autumn. This program includes congregational reflection
and discussion.
Aug 11 "Only you can make a Speakers: Laura Hatfield, et al
Cow Path" Facilitators: Sam Wormley
corporation vs consumer Pianist: Sue Haug
order vs chaos Special Music:
Walk along some new mental cow paths in this program, as we
explore the fine line between destructive shortcuts and
democratic choice. We'll look at the role of worn paths in
society, our brains, business models, spirituality and public
green-ways.
Aug 18 "UUism in Great Brittan" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger
Facilitators: Cindy Cory
Pianist: Mimi Ho
Special Music:
Aug 25 "To tell the Truth" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger
Facilitators: Kelly Arbuckle
Pianist: Peggy Earnshaw
Special Music:
September
S M Tu W Th F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 <-- Sunday Morning Program
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Committee meeting (partially)
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 with the Music Committee
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
Sep 1 "Changing Universe: What Speakers: Sam wormley
do we mean, changing?" Facilitators: Roger Berger
Pianist: Peggy Earnshaw
Special Peggy Earnshaw
As mankind's knowledge has grown, so has our perspective on where we
are and what our place is. Four hundred years ago, Copernicus, Kepler
and Galileo removed us from the center of creation. Modern cosmology is
taking us on the most exciting voyage in human history. Far from
diminishing our wonder at the Universe, this modern story of Genesis
surpasses even our wildest speculations. Consider the simple words of
Genesis: "Let there be light." A more succinct, more cogent depiction
of the Primeval Cosmic Fireball known as the Big Bang cannot be
envisioned.
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Transition from single 10am service to two services at 9am and 11am
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Sep 8 "Water Communion: Well Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger
Springs an Sources" Facilitators: Annette Rowley
[Children - 1st 15 min] Pianist: Peggy Earnshaw (9 AM), Ginny Molgaard (11 AM)
Special Music:
We will bring water from backyard swimming pools, local lakes and rivers
or from distant pilgrimages, the various sources of nourishment during our
summer, for our water communion. We'll reflect upon what sources of
sustenance are for our spiritual lives and our Unitarian Universalist
tradition. This will be our first two service Sunday of the fall,
returning to 9am and 11am services an RE classes.
Sep 11 Special Noon Hour Service Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger
Facilitators: Sam Wormley
Sep 15 "An Act of Faith" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger
Facilitators: Barb Evenson
Pianist: Peter Mayer, Cynthia Marten
Special Music: Peter Mayer
One year ago we gathered to mourn an act of hate. Living in the shadow
of that act, we are continually called to engage in an act of faith. To
heed this call means a constant process of discernment. What is faith?
What is our faith? We'll explore these question and their implications
in our lives in post 9/11 America. Peter Mayer will be our special
guest musician.
Also, John Snyder, architect from Story Construction, will present
concept drawings for our proposed building addition between services
in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
Sep 22 "Embracing Autumn" Speakers: Toby Ewing, Kelly Arbuckle & Sam Wormley
Facilitators: Toby Ewing, Kelly Arbuckle & Sam Wormley
[Children - 1st 15 min] Pianist: None Required
Special Music: Reggie (original compositions)
The equinox marks a point of tradition between the growing season and
the harvest. The autumnal transitions of our lives (such as retirement)
are marked by both joy of the harvest and sadness at the transition, plus
the decisions of what to leave behind and what to store. Join us in a
celebration of seasonal transitions.
Sep 29 "What Will We Worship?" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger
Facilitators: Cindy Cory
Pianist: Sue Haug (both services)
Special Music: Horn Trio (Haug, Larry Burkhalter, Pam Schwab)
"Worship" is one of those words about which we debate. Is it something
we do, or not? Ralph Waldo Emerson stated, "A person will worship something."
We will explore the character and practice of worship in the context in which
Emerson places it, not seeking a final answer but further illumination.
October 2002
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4 5 <-- Sunday Morning Program
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Committee meeting (partially)
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 with the Music Committee
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
Oct 6 "Wholeness and Holiness" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger
Facilitators: Amy Hassinger
[Children - 1st 15 min] Pianist: Cynthia Marten (9) Peggy Earnshaw (11)
Special Music: Danny Apatiga, piano
We will mark the beginning of "coming Out Week" with a exploration
in music, poetry and words of what it means to be a whole person. We
will also pose the question, "We became a welcoming congregation four
years ago, now what?"
Oct 13 "Our Common Ground: A Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger & Jim Scott
Green Sanctuary" Facilitators: Ken Lane
Pianist: Jim Scott
Special Music: Jim Scott
Join this inspirational kick off of our "Green Sanctuary" program as
UU singer/song writer Jim Scott brings his special musical talents to
help enliven this festive day. See the Green Corner of the newsletter
for more information.
Oct 20 "A Visitor From Afar" Speakers: Rev. Lajos Lorinczi and Rev. Brian Eslinger
[Children - 1st 15 min] Facilitators: Roger Berger
Orff Fans Pianist: Cynthia Marten (9), Peggy Earnshaw (11)
Special Music: Orff Fans" (directed by C. Marten)
Offertory: Women in the Round (2 pieces)*
*should be toward the end of the service
Please come and help welcome Rev. Lajos Lorinczi, the minister from our partner
church in Transylvania, as he begins his visit to Iowa by joining us on Sunday
morning. We will have the opportunity to share our Fellowship hospitality with
him as he shares Transylvanian Unitarianism with us.
Oct 27 "Who are we? Why are we?" Speakers: Laura Hatfield
Facilitators: Anna Foley
(Fall Back) Pianist: Peggy Earnshaw (9), Ginny Molgaard (11)
Offertory & Special Music: Barb Evenson, harp
As scientific knowledge expands, identity formation seems to be an even more
complex process than imagined. A mixture of genetics, psychology, peers,
culture and family combine to form our intricate self-identity. What role do
we have in this process and how do these predetermined factors play out in
our lives? We'll take a closer look at who we are and why.
November 2002
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 <-- Sunday Morning Program (Laura, Kelly out of town)
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Committee meeting (partially)
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 with the Music Committee
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Brian in Iowa City Nov 17
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Thanksgiving is Thursday the 28th
Nov 3 "Day of the Dead Celebration" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger & Deb Kline DRE
All Congregational Facilitators: Roger Berger
Pianist: Bonnie Bowen (both)
Special Music: Blue Moon Players
As the season changes in the Fall, many people remember their
ancestors and loved ones during festivals called "Day of the Dead".
Join us in our second celebration of this festival as we share
songs, stories and food. Feel free to bring a photograph or
memento of a departed loved one for our alter of remembrance.
Nov 10 "Rethinking Religion and Speakers: Hector Avalos, Prof. Religious Studies at ISU
Violence" Facilitators: Roger Berger
Pianist: Sue Haug (both)
Special Music: UUFA Piano Trio
Since September 11, 2001, many scholars have been exploring anew
the relationship between religion and violence. Some thinkers
see violence as a corruption of religion. Others see violence
as an inherent part of religion. Dr. Avalos will present briefly
a new theory he has been developing as he compares how different
religions explain violence in their scriptures.
Nov 17 "Meditations on Grace" Speakers: Amy Hassinger, Linda Barnes, Annette Rowley
Brian has many readings available Facilitators: Amy Hassinger, Linda Barnes, Annette Rowley
[Children - 1st 15 min] Pianist: Sue Haug (both)
Special Music: Dan Haug, oboe
What do we mean by Grace? What is it to experience a moment of
grace? Join us for an exploration of the many facets of grace, from
its theological definition to the way it manifests itself in our
personal lives. Note: Rev. Eslinger will be speaking in Iowa City
this morning.
Nov 24 "Giving Thanks" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger
All Congregational Facilitators: Linda Barnes
Pianist: Reggie Greenlaw, guitar
Special Music: Reggie Greenlaw, guitar
In this season of harvest, how do we show our gratitude to the
earth for the bounty we reap? How do we show gratitude to the
people in our lives for the gifts of their presence? How do we
show gratitude for the ideals of our forbears for the guidance
offered? Join in this exploration of giving thanks.
December 2002
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 <-- Sunday Morning Program
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Committee meeting (Barn, Erv gone)
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
Dec 1 "War an Peace: A Dialogue" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger
Single Service @10am Facilitators: Roger Berger
Pianist: Cynthia Marten
No RE: Special Music: Cynthia Marten
Our nation has a long history of waging war and seeking peace.
We are in that position again. What path will we choose? Join in
dialogue on this important issue as I will offer reflections
from religious traditions and we will all be pert of the
conversation.
Dec 8 "Being Human: a Learner's Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger
Manual" Facilitators: Kelly Poole
Pianist: Sue Haug (both)
Young Adult Sunday Special Music: UUFA Piano Trio
The old punch line in the joke about parenthood is that babies
don't come with an instruction manual. How can we learn to be fully
compassionately human when there are such strong pressures to be
otherwise? We'll explore what both Eastern and Western traditions
might offer for our own instruction manual.
Dec 15 "The Rights of Conscience" Speakers: Ruth David, Rev. Brian Eslinger, & David DenHaan
Facilitators: Sam Wormley
[Children - 1st 15 min] Pianist: None Needed
Offertory or Special Music: Women in the Round (Frost)
Special Music: Blue Moon Players
Seeking to promote our first principle, the inherent worth and
dignity of every person, is also the mission of Amnesty International.
For more than 40 years Amnesty International has been involved in the
struggle for Human Rights. Ruth David, local Amnesty International
member and one of the original 1961 London AI members, will discuss
how this Nobel Prize winning, grassroots organization has mobilized
the voices of compassionate, concerned individuals to help those less
fortunate realize their inherit worth as individuals.
Dec 22 "Stories of the Season" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger
All Congregational Service Facilitators: Kelly Poole (Linda Barnes backup)
Pianist:
Special Music: Barb Evenson, harp
Join us as we recount tales from the many traditions for whom this
time of year is special. Along with favorite Christmas carols, we'll
sing songs from other traditions as well. Return "Guest at your Table"
boxes this Sunday. Child Dedication(s) today.
Dec 29 "Reflection & Resolution" Speakers: Toby Ewing & Sam Wormley
Single Service @10am Facilitators: Toby Ewing & Sam Wormley
[Children - 1st 15 min] Pianist:
Congregational Discussion Special Music: Reggie Greenlaw (possibly)
Congregational Discussion is at the heart of this single service at
the end of the year. During this time of reflection and resolution,
Toby, Sam, and Reggie will facilitate with music and stories, the
transition from the past to the future of our changing lives.