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 2007
Agenda for upcoming meeting
Facilitator Duties
Workshop Notes
Committee Members
Resources
Fellowship Musicians
Programs Presented in 2007
January 2007
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 <-- COA Winter Retreat
28 29 30 31
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Brian is on Study Leave in January - Committees to light Chalice
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Jan 7 "The Failure of Speakers: Dawn Cooley [61,97]
Perfection" Facilitators: Matt Keller, Tom Janicki
Accompanist: Anne Kimber (both)
Special Music:
During this time of New Year's resolutions, it seems
fitting to look at the myth of perfectionism and the
damaging effect striving toward perfection can have on our
ability to find happiness. How does one find peace, and
healing, in imperfection?
Jan 14 "Encountering the Speakers: Dawn Cooley [50,115]
Infinite" Facilitators: Toby Ewing, Mark Witherspoon
[Children - 1st 15 min] Accompanist: Megan Eagen (both)
Special Music: Fellowship Voices -
"Spirit of Life" arr. by E. Luedders
Sometimes it feels as though we are carrying around the
weight of the world on our shoulders. But if we step back,
waaaayyy back, not only do we become smaller, but our
problems do, as well.
Jan 21 "The Healing Path" Speakers: Mikela Licona, Deborah Kline & Ria Keinert [27,44] Bad Weather
Facilitators: Chris White, Kay Puttock
Accompanist: Peggy Earnshaw (both)
Special Music:
Youth Prelude: Kristen Hill (flute)
"Serenade" by Joseph Haydn.
Three holistic health practitioners share their
perspectives on spirituality and health.
Jan 28 "How Theology Can Heal" Speakers: Building Your Own Theology Class [51,71]
[Children - 1st 15 min] Facilitators: Cathy Nelson & Kali Hayslett
Accompanist: Anne Kimber (both)
Special Music:
Members of the fall Building Your Own Theology class will
share some of their insights and experiences. The class
was led by Dawn Cooley during Wellspring Wednesdays.
February 2007
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28
Feb 4 "The Essentials of Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger [51,73]
Living and Dying" Facilitators: Joel Geske & Jean-Marie Marsden
Accompanist: Mary Richards (both)
Special Music:
During the winter season we are surrounded by life in
limbo. During various seasons of our lives we are
surrounded by complex questions of meaning. The answers to
these questions, while personal, are also reflected in our
national drama.
Feb 11 "Taking to the Open Road" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger [73,51] Obama in Ames
[Children - 1st 15 min] Facilitators: Chris Albrecht & Kali Hayslett
Stewardship Kickoff Accompanist: Megan Eagen (both)
Special Music: Fellowship Voices
"Winter" by Randall Stroope
"Beautiful Dreamer" by Stephen Foster
The theme of this year's annual campaign is 'Worth the
Drive'. Continuing with that metaphor, what roads, paths,
trails, and highways bring us to our Fellowship? Together
we will celebrate our various journeys.
Feb 18 "Reading, Writing, Speakers: Fellowship Youth [40,104]
and Rigidity" Facilitators: Sam Wormley (if needed)
Accompanist: Cynthia Marten (9) Anne Kimber (11)
Special Music:
If the word education means to lead out---helping us to be
open to knowledge and experience, and learn more about
ourselves and our world---does our current educational
system do this when focusing on reading, writing, and
'rithmetic at the expense of the humanities and arts? Does
offering school time for music, drama, movement, and
visual arts contribute to our spiritual development? The
high school youth, budding cultural creatives, thinks it
does.
ALL CANCELED -- WINTER STORM!
Feb 25 "Spiritual Graffiti" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger
[Children - 1st 15 min] Facilitators: Cathy Nelson & Toby Ewing
Accompanist: Peggy Earnshaw (both)
Special Music: Deb Kline (piano)
Many of the changes in theology happened because of the
discontent of people with what was being offered as
accepted beliefs. Oftentimes this discontent began as
underground movements. We'll explore the writing on the
wall of subversives through history and ask what some
current graffiti artists might be saying.
March 2007
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 <-- Hospitality Workshop 12-3pm
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Sam------>11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Okoboji 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Mar 4 "Spiritual Graffiti" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger [55,91]
Facilitators: Matt Keller & Joel Geske
New Member Sunday Accompanist: Anne Kimber (both)
Special Music:
I remember when I first encountered the philosophy of
existentialismit was all about courage and a stiff upper
lip in the face of the hard, cruel world. I still find
much in this philosophy to embrace but would rather like
to smile than to stiff my lips.
Mar 11 "The Price of Privilege" Speakers: Dawn Cooley & Jean-Marie Marsden [33,64]
GA Resolutions Facilitators: Cathy Nelson
Accompanist: Peggy Earnshaw (both)
Special Music:
Privilege is defined as "a right, immunity, or benefit
enjoyed by a person beyond the advantages of most." Some
of us are granted more than others, based on the color of
our skin, our gender, and a host of other characteristics.
What happens when we begin to pay attention to the
privileges we enjoy?
Mar 18 "Growing in the Spring" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger [48,67]
Facilitators: Jean-Marie Marsden & Tom Janicki
Accompanist: Mary Richards
Special Music: Fellowship Voices
"Follow the River" by Julie Wheeler
With the warming sun come the tulips and the daffodils and
the growing sense of what it means to be faithful to this
world of ours and to the generations who will follow us.
Mar 25 "A World-Wide Faith" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger and Dawn Cooley [63,71]
[Children - 1st 15 min] Facilitators: Chris Albrecht & Matt Keller
Accompanist: Megan Eagen (both)
Special Music: Craig Mushel, Violin
Special Music: Kitty Fisher & Deb Kline
On this Sunday that celebrates partnerships between our UU
congregations, come see the wide connections of our
world-wide faith.
April 2007
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 <--- PSD Annual Conference and Meeting (April 13-15)
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
Apr 1 "The Essential Qualities Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger, middle schoolers [56,139]
of the Fool" Facilitators: Tom Janicki & Sam Wormley
Accompanist: Mary Richards (both)
Special Music:
There is much in the world to fool us. On this All-Fool's
Day, we'll explore such foolishness and the role of the
fool in religion.
Apr 8 "Awakening to the Speakers: Dawn Cooley & Rev. Brian Eslinger [72,162]
Mystery" Facilitators: Jean Marie Marsden & Cathy Nelson
[Children - 1st 15 min] Accompanist: Barb Evenson (both)
Special Music: Fellowship Voices
"Morning has Broken" by Farjeon/Stevens/Simeone
In many of the world's traditions, spring is a time of
transformation, an awakening to the new dawn out of the
winter's slumber. Easter celebrates the possibility of
life from death and of rebirth in our own hearts.
Apr 15 "Another Inconvenient Speakers: Mark Witherspoon & Toby Ewing [36,65]
Truth" Facilitators: Chris Albrecht
Accompanist: Anne Kimber (both)
Special Music:
For the First Amendment to work in a democratic society,
that society has to be informed about what its government
is doing. What happens when a society allows the
government to close itself off from providing information
the public needs to be an informed electorate? Find out in
an experiential experiment.
Apr 22 "Stepping Gently: An Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger [102,123]
Earth Day Frolic" Facilitators: Matt Keller, Toby Ewing
[All-congregational] Accompanist: Cynthia Marten (both)
Special Music: Free Spirits
Join us in celebrating the earth with gentle feet and
uplifted voices.
Apr 29 "Our UU Good News" Speakers: Dawn Cooley [83,96]
[Children - 1st 15 min] Facilitators: Kali Hayslett, Linda Barnes (11am) & Sam Wormley (9am)
Accompanist: Ginny Molgaard (both)
Special Music: Emily Boydston (bassoon)
"Polichnelle" by Karol Rathhaus
accompanied by Peggy Earnshaw
Come celebrate what it means to be a Unitarian
Universalist in this contemporary, high-energy, multimedia
service!
May 2007
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4 5 <-- 4th 10yr Celebration, 5th Erv Luedders Memorial
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 <-- COA Spring Retreat, May 19 & 20
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
May 6 "Ten Years Ago" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger, Dawn Cooley [130]
Single 10am Service Facilitators: Mark Witherspoon & Chris White
Congregational Meeting 11am Accompanist:
Special Music: Barb Evenson (harp)
Special Music: Barb Evenson (harp), Tom Russell & Brian Eslinger
It was ten years ago this month that I became the
ministerial candidate for the Fellowship. I'll take a few
moments to reflect, and then I'll open up the program to
your questions.
May 13 Fine Arts Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger and Peggy Earnshaw [78,104]
[All-congregational] Facilitators: Jean Marie Marsden & Cathy Nelson
Accompanist: Peggy Earnshaw (both)
Special Music:
Celebrate Mother's Day with the arts! Performances and
creations from many arts will be featured on this special
Sunday. We will also recognize our graduating high school
seniors during the second service.
May 20 "Eating: To Devour the Speakers: Rev. Charlotte Shivvers [45,66]
Interdependent Web Facilitators: Kali Hayslett & Tom Janicki
or to Nourish It?" Accompanist: Cynthia Marten (both)
[Children - 1st 15 min] Special Music:
The relationship to food has long been a sacred matter --
from Jewish kosher practice to the Islamic ban on pork.
How does our religion direct our relation to food? What
do UU Principles and practice direct beyond support for
potlucks and coffee hours? And how is it changing? Come
join us.
This sermon evolved from one that won the Schweitzer Award
at General Assembly in 2004. Rev. Shivvers is Minister
Emerita of the Sepulveda Unitarian-Universalist Society in
Los Angeles and has served as interim minister at our
churches in Kansas City and Omaha. Now retired, she and
her husband Bob Baker live near Knoxville on the farm
where she was born.
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Transition to single 10am service from two services at 9am and 11am
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May 27 "Spirit of Life: a Speakers: Fellowship Voices [128]
Choral Service" Facilitators: Mark Witherspoon & Matt Keller
Single 10am Service Accompanist: Megan Eagen
Directing: Barb Evenson
Special Music: Fellowship Voices, Ed Carbrey,
Barb Evenson & Carolyn Heising
We gather to nourish our spirits. Asking for spirit.
Supporting individual concerns. Supporting the love of
couples. Longing for spirit in our life. Examining our
lives. Looking for Acceptance. Singing to our spirit.
Looking for beauty in life. Finding beauty in our country.
Finding comfort. Becoming alive. Proceeding in spirit.
June 2007
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2
Jean 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 <-- Transylvania Trip
Marie --->10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Okoboji 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 <-- GA in Portland, OR, June 21-25
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Jun 3 "Planting Seeds: the Speakers: Eslinger, Dawn Cooley, Benette Sherman [106]
Flower Communion" Facilitators: Jean Marie Marsden & Sam Wormley
All-Congregational Accompanist: Peggy Earnshaw
Special Music:
Bring a flower to share for this traditional
all-congregational service in which we engage in an
historical celebration that reminds us that, just as the
diversity of the flowers enhances their beauty, so, too,
our community is made richer by the presence of each of
us.
Jun 10 "Living from the Center" Speakers: Kathryn L. Bowman [102]
Facilitators: Sam Wormley
Accompanist: Anne Kimber
Special Music: (Peter Mayer)
"Living from the Center" is not just about combating
over-consuming and an acquisitive lifestyle, but an
overall orientation toward life. Readings from Annie
Dillard, eco-theology as explained by Sallie McFague, and
practical advice on Spirituality in an Age of Consumerism
by Jay McDaniel will be woven together by logic and
poetry, pointing toward a new way of living from the
center, focused on right relations among Our Creator, our
People and the Planet.
Jun 17 "Choosing Our Charities" Speakers: Mary Richards [78]
Facilitators: Tom Janicki
Accompanist: Ginny Molgaard
Special Music:
Many religions require or encourage charitable giving by
their adherents. Whether you view sharing with those less
fortunate as a moral imperative or as a convenient income
tax deduction, it's nice to know that your contributions
are actually getting to the intended recipients. This
program will mix practical advice with philosophical
reflection.
Jun 24 "Back from Transylvania" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger [109]
Facilitators: Matt Keller
Accompanist: Mary Richards
Special Music:
Join us as the Rev. Eslinger shares his reflections on his
journey to the Unitarian homeland in Transylvania.
July 2007
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Sam & Toby ---> 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
in Mason City 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
Jul 1 "Patriots" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger & Jean Marie Marsden [80]
Facilitators: Chris Albrecht
Accompanist: Cynthia Marten
Special Music:
As we prepare for our nation's anniversary, we'll explore
the question of what it means to be a patriot.
Jul 8 "Stand Up for Darfur!" Speakers: Alissa Stoehr [75]
Facilitators: Kali Hayslett
Accompanist: Anne Kimber
Special Music:
The genocide in Darfur has been going on for more than two
years and has started to envelop neighboring countries,
including Chad and the Central African Republic. Alissa
will update the congregation on the current status of the
genocide and give us practical ways that we all can help
the people of the Sudan.
Jul 15 "The Iowa Sisterhood Tames Speakers: Dr. Melinda Knutson [102]
the Frontier, Unitarian Style" Facilitators: Tom Janicki & Sam Wormley
[service followed by Accompanist: Ginny Molgaard
Mary Richards Brunch] Special Music:
Iowa was a hotbed for the women's rights movement as well
as providing fertile ground for UU values in the late
1800s. We will celebrate the accomplishments of pioneer
women ministers who established the first Unitarian
congregations in Iowa and the Midwest.
Dr. Knutson is a wildlife biologist and a member of the
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of La Crosse, WI; she is
a former member of the Ames Fellowship.
Jul 22 "One Big Family" Speakers: Lee Boeke Burke [99]
Facilitators: Tom Janicki & Sam Wormley
Accompanist: Anne Kimber
Special Music: Kitty Fisher
Over the years, the world of UU International Partnerships
has been ever growing and expanding. Come and learn about
the directions we are heading now and the promise that
lies ahead with our exciting new programs and
collaborations. Lee Boeke Burke, Outreach Coordinator for
the UU Partner Church Council, will present this service
with both an PCC overview and a special focus on the UUs
of the Philippines!
Jul 29 "J. Alfred Prufrock and Me" Speakers: Xenda Lindel <xenda@iowalink.com> [99]
Facilitators: Matt Keller
Accompanist: Ginny Molgaard
Special Music:
August 2007
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
Sam at UU 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Davenport -->19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
Aug 5 "Defining Sustainability: Speakers: Carolyn Raffensperger [94]
What are the problems... Facilitators: Linda Barnes
Want can we do..." Accompanist: Mary Richards
Special Music:
We are facing an environmental Bermuda triangle: loss of
species, global warming, and toxic chemicals. We need new
navigating tools of vision, ethics, and action to avoid
an unfortunate future. Are we up to the task?
Carolyn Raffensperger did graduate work in archeology at
Northwestern University. She has a strong interest in
archeological medicine. She is a leading advocate for the
Precautionary Principle and has been featured in
"Scientific American", "Utne Reader", and "Sun Magazine",
and will be in an upcoming issue of "Vogue". She directs
the Science and Environmental Health Network from her home
in Ames.
Aug 12 "Restraint = Indulgence: Speakers: Linda Barnes, Mark Runquist & Brian [107]
Eating as Though Community" Facilitators: Sam Wormley and Marty Helland
Economy, & Ecology Matter" Accompanist: Ginny Molgaard
Special Music:
Indulgence in the best-tasting food, that which is grown
and prepared in close proximity to the eater, can increase
human energy, reduce fossil energy consumption, and help
increase the web of connections among the land, the
people, and all others dependent on the skin of soil and
atmosphere we call home. Learn how to enhance community,
nourish the earth, and be well fed in the process.
Aug 19 "The Interconnected Energy Speakers: Bob Haug and Anne Kimber [120]
Web: Iowa Stories" Facilitators: Chris White and Jean Marie Marsden
Accompanist: Peggy Earnshaw
Special Music: Larry Burkhalter, Craig Mushel & Paula Forrest
Bach Double Concerto
This little light of mine.... This program will trace our
power back to the source and provide a primer on the good,
bad and the ugly aspects of electrical power in Iowa and
our hopes for the future.
Aug 26 "Creating Sustainable Speakers: Erv Klaas/Rev. Brian Eslinger [121]
Cities" Facilitators: Matt Keller & Mark Witherspoon
[UU brunch at the Fellowship] Accompanist: Peggy Earnshaw
Special Music:
Today, there are at least 25 major cities in the United
States that have invested significant amounts of time,
resources, and political capital to pursue some form of
sustainability, and the list is growing. What can we learn
from these cities? What is the relationship between
sustainability and social and environmental justice? Does
Ames have the will to join the list of sustainable cities?
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There will be a UU brunch at the Fellowship after the program on August
26 to coincide with the culmination of the program committee's
four-week series on sustainable living. The format will be similar to
that of soup lunches held last February through April. However, there
won't be any soup. Instead, the focus will be on salads, breakfast
casseroles, and bread with the menu consisting as much as possible of
Iowa-grown food. We will also try to incorporate sustainable practices
such as having fresh fruit rather than bringing beverages in plastic
bottles. And we plan to unveil new, homemade calico tablecloths. So put
the brunch on your calendar and come join us for fine food and awesome
camaraderie. If interested in being part of a steering committee and/or
otherwise helping to make the August brunch a success, contact soup
lunch coordinator Helen Gunderson. Thanks. helen@gunderfriend.com
232-9416
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September 2007
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
Brian in 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
LaCrosse ---> 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30
Sep 2 "The Inquiring Mind of Speakers: Toby Ewing & Sam Wormley [108]
Galileo" Facilitators: Chris White
Accompanist: Ginny Molgaard
Special Music:
Quoting from Sam's dad's old college physics book (1936),
"What we may properly call the birth of modern physics
dates from Galileo (1564-1642), one of the most remarkable
men who ever lived". Galileo was at the forefront of what
could be seen as an intellectual battle between faith and
reason. His unyielding insistence on intellectual rigor,
physical understanding, and the primacy of observation
over philosophy aroused the church's anger, but he dragged
science -- and eventually the church -- to the firmer
ground of a moving earth.
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Transition from single 10am service to two services at 9am and 11am
Single services around holidays will be at 11am
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Sep 9 "Ingathering: Water Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger, Lori Allen [125,155]
Communion" Facilitators: Linda Barnes, Mark Witherspoon
[All-congregational] Accompanist: Ginny Molgaard
Special Music:
We gather to collect our community and share our stories.
Many of you have remembered to collect a sample of water
during your summer travels; please bring this to add to
our common cup of experiences. Whether our samples are
from the heights of the Himalayas or the depths of your
wading pool, they are all sacred, as are the stories that
go with them.
Sep 16 "Was George Washington a Speakers: Clair Keller & Fritz Franzen [76, 93]
closet Unitarian?" Facilitators: Joel Geske & Sam Wormley
Accompanist: Peggy Earnshaw
Special Music:
An itinerant minister (portrayed by Fritz Franzen, in
costume) will interview George Washington (portrayed by
Clair Keller), at a rural tavern, in an effort to
determine his religious views. After the interview, the
audience will discuss whether or not George Washington
reflected Unitarian values of that time.
Sep 23 "The Missing Story of Speakers: Penny Rice, Dr. Vivyan C. Adair & Brian [80,120]
Ourselves: Poverty and the Facilitators: Tom Janicki & Sam Wormley
Promise of Higher Education" Accompanist: Mary Richards
[Children - 1st 15 min] Special Music:
Vivyan C. Adair, Ph.D., the Elihu Root Peace Fund Chair,
Associate Director of Women's Studies, and Director of The
ACCESS Project at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York
will be the guest lecturer on Sunday, September 23, 2007.
The lecture compliments the installed exhibition on the
Gallery in the Round with the same title and explores the
images and stories created by men and women who either
are, or were, poor parents and students changing their
lives through the pathway of higher education in the
United States. Higher education changes people's lives
and has become a privilege for the elite rather than an
entitlement for all. Join the discussion as we explore
the realities, challenges, and joys of "The Missing Story
of Ourselves."
More information on the project and publications by Dr.
Adair can be found at:
http://www.hamilton.edu/college/access/index.html
Sep 30 "Ships at Sea" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger [65,88]
Facilitators: Matt Keller & Mary Richards
Accompanist: Mary Richards
Special Music:
We are all adrift -- some with more indirection than
others -- but for each of us, a place to call home, a safe
harbor, is a welcome sight. This morning, we'll explore
how we extend our hospitality to our fellow travelers to
create a safe harbor here at the Fellowship.
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Religious Naturalism -- Caring Month
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October 2007
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4 5 6
Sam at 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
UCMC --> 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 & Facilitator's workshop 9-11:30am
28 29 30 31
Oct 7 "A Theology of Caring" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger [118,78]
Facilitators: Mary Richards & Sam Wormley
New Member Sunday Accompanist: Barb Evenson
[Children - 1st 15 min] Special Music: Fellowship Voices
Many religions have specific expressions of caring as part
of their theological underpinnings. Modern science is also
showing that there may well be an evolutionary component
to caring. We'll explore how both the beliefs and the
science have helped human beings create caring
communities.
Oct 14 "Doing unto Others: Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger [58,65]
Caring and the Community" Facilitators: Tom Janicki & Sarah Carlson
Accompanist: Peggy Earnshaw
Special Music:
Youth Prelude: Claire Dupuis
What does it mean to be a caring community? How do we
strive to make this idea real in our lives and in our
community? What kind of difference can such a ministry
make in our religious community and in the larger
community? Many questions help us create the answers.
Oct 21 "Self-fullness" Speakers: Jean Marie Marsden [59,90]
Facilitators: Mark Witherspoon & Marty Helland
[Children - 1st 15 min] Accompanist: Ginny Molgaard
Special Music: Larry Burkhalter and Paula Forrest (pianist)
As we explore the meaning of "caring community" Jean Marie
takes a look at social action, burn-out and bringing
ourselves fully to our callings.
Oct 28 "Turning the Wheel of the Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger [59,84]
Year: Turning Toward the Earth" Facilitators: Matt Keller & Tom Janicki
Accompanist: Ginny Molgaard
Special Music:
During this season of the year, generations past would
mark the ending of their calendars with ceremonies and
stories. These events marked a time of reflection and
celebration for the gifts of nature and a reverence for
that bounty. How might a year ritually rooted in the
cycles of nature affect our relationship to our planet?
November 2007
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30
Nov 4 "All Souls" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger [64,92]
[Children - 1st 15 min] Facilitators: Jean Marie Marsden
Accompanist: Peggy Earnshaw
Special Music: Tom Russell
Many traditions choose this time of year to honor those
who have died. We'll hold a service for all souls, taking
time to honor those whose loss we want to acknowledge. If
you would like, please bring an item to place on an altar
of remembrance.
Nov 11 "Harvest Festival" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger [90,96]
[All-congregational] Facilitators: Linda Barnes & Sam Wormley
Accompanist: Barb Evenson
Special Music: Fellowship Voices
As we join in celebrating the annual harvest, we'll renew
our ties with the traditions of our partner church in
Tordátfalva, Transylvania. Along with exploring traditions
from the past, we'll also continue our own tradition, the
apple communion.
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Sunday, November 18, 2007
On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, celebrate Guest at Your
Table. UUs of all ages will learn about human rights around the
world while celebrating the interconnectedness of all life and
building lasting connections to UU values through this special
tradition. http://www.uusc.org/guest
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Nov 18 "De-Institutionalizing Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger [67,99]
Religion" Facilitators: Jean Marie Marsden & Kay Puttock
Accompanist: Ginny Molgaard
Special Music: Kristin Maah & Barb Evenson
Harp Music
Oftentimes we hear people say, "I'm spiritual but not
religious." I've often wondered just what that means, but
I think it has something to do with a dislike of the idea
of religion as an institution. In this program, I'll try
to address the issue of what happens when the institution
of a religion becomes more important than the spiritual
needs of the people and how we might de-institutionalize
religion.
Nov 25 "Flavors of Gratitude" Speakers: Sarah & Sam [120]
Single Service at 11am Facilitators: Marty, Sarah & Sam
"Congregational Sharing" Accompanist: Anne Kimber
Special Music:
During this time of year after the fall harvest, with the
changing season, we take a break from our busy lives to
reflect and be thankful. Please join in the sharing of our
stories of gratitude and appreciation.
December 2007
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 <-- Sunday Morning Program Committee Meeting
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
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Mary Richard: "Five Lessons and Carols" based on the five UU sources of
religious wisdom, or "Seven Lessons and Carols" based on the seven
principles?
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Dec 2 "Season of Peace" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger [45,64]
Facilitators: Jean Marie Marsden & Linda Barnes
[Children - 1st 15 min] Accompanist: Ann Kimber
Special Music: UUFA Recorder Group
As the year turns again toward the sun, we celebrate the
possibilities of humanity achieving our ideals. Let us
consider what it co uld mean for this to be a season of
peace.
Dec 9 "Six Lessons & Carols" Speakers: Mary Richards [63,70]
[Readers from the Congr.] Facilitators: Mark Witherspoon & Sam Wormley
Accompanist: Barb Evenson & Cynthia Marten
Special Music: Fellowship Voices
Join us as we survey the six great sources of our
Unitarian Universalist faith through words and songs of
this season that celebrates darkness to light, death,
birth, and renewal.
Dec 16 "Stories of the Season" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger [92,115]
[All-congregational] Facilitators: Mary Richards, Joel Geske
Accompanist: Mary Richards and/or Peggy Earnshaw
Special Music: Dena Linn Sidmore & Greg Bruna
"The Christians & The Pagans"
Prelude: "The Holy Infant's Lullaby"
Offertory: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
Peggy Earnshaw & Mary Richards
Imagine gathering around a warm fire and listening to
tales of wonder, warming our hearts in the cold winter
season. We'll explore the many stories about the turning
of the year that bring hope and joy into our lives.
Dec 23 "What Child Is This?" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger [94]
Single Service at 11am Facilitators: Sarah Carlson & Linda Barnes
Accompanist: Anne Kimber
Special Music:
We will celebrate the miracle of the birth of a child,
what it represented 2,000 years ago, and what it can mean
for us today. We will also have child dedications for any
families who would like to participate. If you would like
to dedicate your child or children, either today or at the
early Christmas Eve service, please contact the office.
Dec 24 "Walking Our Way to Speakers: Lori Allen, Ruth Appleton, and Youth [122}
Bethlehem" Facilitators: Mark Witherspoom & Tom Janicki
Single Service at 5pm Accompanist: Cynthia Marten
Special Music:
Join the Fellowship youth and young-at-heart as they
present The Magic Walking Stick: A Journey to Bethlehem.
The play gives us a glimpse of how the characters learn
the value and worth of all individuals. Bring a plate of
goodies for a family celebration after the service.
Dec 24 "Christmas Eve Reflections" Speakers: Rev. Brian Eslinger [45]
Single Service at 9pm Facilitators: Sam Wormley
Accompanist: Cynthia Marten
Join in a time of song, readings, and reflections on
Christmas Eve. Please feel free to bring a poem, short
story, or personal reflection to share.
Dec 30 "Coming out of the Speakers: Jean Marie & Sam [92]
Darkness" Facilitators: Matt Keller & Dan Cullinan
[Readings, Poems, Music] Accompanist: Ginny Molgaard
Single Service at 11am Special Music: Music Men (quintet)
"Non nobis Domine",
"How Merrily We Live"
"It was a Lover & His Lass",
Out of the Darkness, Jean Marie, Sam and the Music Men
explore mid-winter cheer and ways to be stay merry while
we await the first buds of spring.