2020 / 2021 Themes
In October of 2020 we completed our series on the Six UU Wisdoms and the Seven Principles and we returned to monthly themes for our services. Below find a list of Monthly Themes for 2020 and 2021.
In October of 2020 we completed our series on the Six UU Wisdoms and the Seven Principles and we returned to monthly themes for our services. Below find a list of Monthly Themes for 2020 and 2021.
October 2020 - Questioning
The key to wisdom is this - constant and frequent questioning, for by doubting we are led to question and by questioning we arrive at the truth. Peter Abelard
Persistent questioning and healthy inquisitiveness are the first requisite for acquiring learning of any kind. Mahatma Gandhi
Join us in October, to think about Questioning as a Holy and Spiritual Pursuit, and characteristic of Unitarian-Universalists. It’s how most of us arrived at this Spiritual Home.
Persistent questioning and healthy inquisitiveness are the first requisite for acquiring learning of any kind. Mahatma Gandhi
Join us in October, to think about Questioning as a Holy and Spiritual Pursuit, and characteristic of Unitarian-Universalists. It’s how most of us arrived at this Spiritual Home.
November 2020- Spiritual Growth
The Year 2020 has been out of the norm, presenting us each with many challenges. The stress of these challenges has worn people down, without an end in sight. How do we care for our Human Spirits in times of prolonged stress, fear and anxiety? Let’s talk about it in November.
December 2020 - Understanding
“Data is not information, information is not knowledge, knowledge is not understanding, understanding is not wisdom.” Clifford Stoll
“The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.” Leonardo da Vinci
“I call him religious who understands the suffering of others.”― Mahatma Gandhi
Tune into us for a service in December to discover the many dimensions of understanding –
ourselves, others, and the roller-coaster ride that was the year 2020.
“The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.” Leonardo da Vinci
“I call him religious who understands the suffering of others.”― Mahatma Gandhi
Tune into us for a service in December to discover the many dimensions of understanding –
ourselves, others, and the roller-coaster ride that was the year 2020.
January 2021 - Awe
“One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day.” Albert Einstein
“If you think of feelings you have when you are awed by something - for example, knowing that elements in your body trace to exploded stars - I call that a spiritual reaction, speaking of awe and majesty, where words fail you.” Neil deGrasse Tyson
We start the year by looking back, in Awe, at what the year behind us has wrought, and looking ahead, with Awe, to what possibilities the year ahead of us holds. Join us on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. for these conversations.
“If you think of feelings you have when you are awed by something - for example, knowing that elements in your body trace to exploded stars - I call that a spiritual reaction, speaking of awe and majesty, where words fail you.” Neil deGrasse Tyson
We start the year by looking back, in Awe, at what the year behind us has wrought, and looking ahead, with Awe, to what possibilities the year ahead of us holds. Join us on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. for these conversations.
February 2021 - Bravery
The quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty; Courage - a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear. Are these the same or different? Do our circumstances require us to be Brave today?
Tune in this month for discussions about this fascinating topic!
Tune in this month for discussions about this fascinating topic!
March 2021 - Dignity
"People attain worth and dignity by the multitude of decisions they make from day to day." Rollo May
"When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him." Bayard Rustin
Our UU First Principle is that we believe in and affirm the worthiness and dignity of everyone. This is sometimes a challenge for us as individuals. Join on Sundays in March to hear about and discuss the topic of Dignity.
"When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him." Bayard Rustin
Our UU First Principle is that we believe in and affirm the worthiness and dignity of everyone. This is sometimes a challenge for us as individuals. Join on Sundays in March to hear about and discuss the topic of Dignity.
April 2021 - Freedom
Freedom is the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint.
"May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right." Peter Marshall
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."Nelson Mandela We celebrate freedom in America, and have pride in having fought to achieve it. But Have you really thought about what it means? During the month of April, Freedom will be our focus. Join us on Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
"May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right." Peter Marshall
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."Nelson Mandela We celebrate freedom in America, and have pride in having fought to achieve it. But Have you really thought about what it means? During the month of April, Freedom will be our focus. Join us on Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
May 2021 - Happiness
We all think we know what Happiness is, the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile. But there’s more to it than that. “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” – Dalai Lama.
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony”. – Mahatma Gandhi. “Happiness depends more on how life strikes you than on what happens.” – Andy Rooney.
Be with us in May to hear more about Happiness.
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony”. – Mahatma Gandhi. “Happiness depends more on how life strikes you than on what happens.” – Andy Rooney.
Be with us in May to hear more about Happiness.
June 2021 - HEaling
Selected from The Wounded Healer, by Henri J. M. Nouwen Quotes -
“When we become aware that we do not have to escape our pains, but that we can mobilize them into a common search for life, those very pains are transformed from expressions of despair into signs of hope.”
Nobody escapes being wounded. We all are wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. The main question is not “How can we hide our wounds?” so we don’t have to be embarrassed, but “How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?”
“When we become aware that we do not have to escape our pains, but that we can mobilize them into a common search for life, those very pains are transformed from expressions of despair into signs of hope.”
Nobody escapes being wounded. We all are wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. The main question is not “How can we hide our wounds?” so we don’t have to be embarrassed, but “How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?”
July 2021 - Becoming
Albert Schweitzer
The path of awakening is not about becoming who you are. Rather it is about unbecoming who you are not.
Margery Williams Bianco, The Velveteen Rabbit
Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real...It doesn't happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time.
The path of awakening is not about becoming who you are. Rather it is about unbecoming who you are not.
Margery Williams Bianco, The Velveteen Rabbit
Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real...It doesn't happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time.
August 2021 - Story
Maya Angelou
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
Brené Brown
I now see how owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.
David Loy
A better way to evaluate a myth—a symbolic story—is to consider what happens when we try to live according to it. The most important criterion for Buddhism is whether a story promotes awakening...
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
Brené Brown
I now see how owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.
David Loy
A better way to evaluate a myth—a symbolic story—is to consider what happens when we try to live according to it. The most important criterion for Buddhism is whether a story promotes awakening...
September 2021 - Perseverance / Persistance
Winston Churchill said, “If you are going through hell, keep going.”
And Confucius said, “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
From Abe Lincoln we’re told, “When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”
In life we are advised to just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Join us in September to talk about perseverance, and why we need to keep going and going and going!!
And Confucius said, “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
From Abe Lincoln we’re told, “When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”
In life we are advised to just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Join us in September to talk about perseverance, and why we need to keep going and going and going!!
October 2021 - Reconciliation / Restoration
The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions. ---Thich Nhat Hanh.
May all people here find inspiration and strength to build a future of reconciliation, justice and peace for all the children of this beloved land — Pope Francis
We have a Mountain of Reconciliation ahead of us, if we choose to climb it. Be with us on Sundays in October to talk about this important work.
May all people here find inspiration and strength to build a future of reconciliation, justice and peace for all the children of this beloved land — Pope Francis
We have a Mountain of Reconciliation ahead of us, if we choose to climb it. Be with us on Sundays in October to talk about this important work.
November 2021 - Trust
Trust is the easiest thing in the world to lose, and the hardest thing in the world to get back. R. M. Williams
Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either. Albert Einstein
Love cannot live where there is no trust. Edith Hamilton
Trust me – you’ll be glad you tuned in to these messages in November.
Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either. Albert Einstein
Love cannot live where there is no trust. Edith Hamilton
Trust me – you’ll be glad you tuned in to these messages in November.
December 2021 - Values
“Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny.” ― Gandhi
“It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.” ― Roy Disney
We know what our UU values are; do we consistently act on them? Let’s talk about it.
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny.” ― Gandhi
“It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.” ― Roy Disney
We know what our UU values are; do we consistently act on them? Let’s talk about it.
2019 Monthly Themes
January -
Affirmation:
Affirmation:
Affirmation is a positive action, a confirmation that a person or a thing is good. It’s also a gift you are able give to yourself as well as to others. A statement of appreciation can change a day from dull to delightful, and positivity is contagious. Each Sunday we state our affirmation of the things we believe in, confirming our values as Unitarian Universalists. Join us in the New Year on Sundays in January to explore the meaning and significance of “Affirmation” in life.
February -
Challenges:
Challenges:
Life is a series of challenges because it is a succession of changes --- changes and challenges are linked. Common wisdom tells us that facing and overcoming life’s challenges is how we grow in strength and character.
Our country too faces challenges in many spheres --- the environment, racism, and healthcare, to name but a few. The Dalai Lama says “To remain indifferent to the challenges we face is indefensible. If the goal is noble, whether or not it is realized within our lifetime is largely irrelevant. What we must do therefore is to strive and persevere and never give up.”
Whether personal, national, or global, challenges are a fact of human life. Join us this month to hear our speakers on this topic, and to be part of the discussion circle following the service.
Our country too faces challenges in many spheres --- the environment, racism, and healthcare, to name but a few. The Dalai Lama says “To remain indifferent to the challenges we face is indefensible. If the goal is noble, whether or not it is realized within our lifetime is largely irrelevant. What we must do therefore is to strive and persevere and never give up.”
Whether personal, national, or global, challenges are a fact of human life. Join us this month to hear our speakers on this topic, and to be part of the discussion circle following the service.
March -
Equity & Equality
Equity & Equality
Equity and Equality are often thought to mean the same thing and often used interchangeably. But they are not the same.
Equity is based on the principle of fairness and on individual needs; Equality demands that everyone be treated the same, regardless of differences.
Both are important to an ethical and compassionate society. Join us on Sunday mornings during March to learn more about practicing both of these in your life.
Equity is based on the principle of fairness and on individual needs; Equality demands that everyone be treated the same, regardless of differences.
Both are important to an ethical and compassionate society. Join us on Sunday mornings during March to learn more about practicing both of these in your life.
April -
Honesty
Honesty
Honesty is the best policy, or so we’ve been told. In today’s world, it sometimes seems that Honesty is only a last resort, and that Truth is hard to discern amidst the chatter. The philosopher, Diogenes, is said to wandered Greece with a lantern, looking for an honest man. Come to church this month to hear from our speakers about the meaning and value of Honesty for living in the world.
May -
Interdependence
Interdependence
Interdependence; mutual dependence; the dependence of one living thing upon another. Our Seventh Principle may be our Unitarian Universalist way of coming to fully embrace something greater than ourselves. The interdependent web—expressed as the spirit of life, the oneness of all existence. The glory of being human is in being a part of something as magnificent as the totality of all existence.
June -
Kindness
Kindness
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” ―- Dalai Lama XIV
“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” --― Henry James
In the month of June we will turn our focus to Kindness as a spiritual practice. Join us and our speakers to dig into this important topic.
“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” --― Henry James
In the month of June we will turn our focus to Kindness as a spiritual practice. Join us and our speakers to dig into this important topic.
July -
Mindfulness:
Mindfulness:
Mindfulness means being awake. The best way to capture moments is to pay attention. It means knowing what you are doing. Mindfulness practice means that we commit fully in each moment to be present; inviting ourselves to BE with this moment in full awareness, with the intention to embody as best we can an orientation of calmness, mindfulness, and equanimity right here and right now.
Jon Kabat-Zinn
Jon Kabat-Zinn
August -
Beginning August 2019 we started a series focusing on the Six Sources of our Living Tradition followed by a series on our Seven Principles.
2018 Monthly Themes
January: Rebirth
When speaking of Rebirth, one could be referring to reincarnation (being reborn - after death - into a new body), or a spiritual rebirth of being “born again” during this lifetime. There are also the terms ‘revival’ and ‘renaissance,’ both of which have roots in other languages that mean returning to life or going through a second birth. Our speakers for January will share their interpretations of the concept and meaning of Rebirth as it applies to our times and our lives. Join is for what promises to be an interesting and thought-provoking exploration.
“Like the butterfly, you will also go through stages of change, rebirth, and new beginnings for transformation and renewal.” Susan C. Young
“Like the butterfly, you will also go through stages of change, rebirth, and new beginnings for transformation and renewal.” Susan C. Young
February: Change
Change is frightening to some of us; we put a lot of effort into avoiding it like the plague. Others find Change to be exciting, enlivening, an adventure. But regardless of our feelings, Change is an inevitable part of Life, a virtual Law of Nature.
Think about one thing you have changed in your life, or about a time when things changed and you had no control over the changes. How did you deal with it? What tools or skills did you use? Come this month to hear what our speakers have to share about Change.
You may learn to “be the change you wish to see.”
Think about one thing you have changed in your life, or about a time when things changed and you had no control over the changes. How did you deal with it? What tools or skills did you use? Come this month to hear what our speakers have to share about Change.
You may learn to “be the change you wish to see.”
March: Voice
Our Worship theme for March is Voice. March is also Women’s History Month.
In UU history, there are many women of courage and substance who have given “voice” to the voiceless and hope to the hopeless.
From Anne Bradstreet in the 1600’s, to Dorothea Dix, Clara Barton, Emily Dickinson in the 1800’s, Margaret Sanger in the 1900’s, and to Sylvia Plath, the voices of Unitarian women have spoken out for abolition, women’s rights, equality and justice in all its many forms.
Today women’s voices are making a difference in the world again. Join us with our speakers in March to learn about voice, the voice of reason, your inner voice, “the still small voice” whatever your gender.
“Be a Voice, Not an Echo.” Anon.
In UU history, there are many women of courage and substance who have given “voice” to the voiceless and hope to the hopeless.
From Anne Bradstreet in the 1600’s, to Dorothea Dix, Clara Barton, Emily Dickinson in the 1800’s, Margaret Sanger in the 1900’s, and to Sylvia Plath, the voices of Unitarian women have spoken out for abolition, women’s rights, equality and justice in all its many forms.
Today women’s voices are making a difference in the world again. Join us with our speakers in March to learn about voice, the voice of reason, your inner voice, “the still small voice” whatever your gender.
“Be a Voice, Not an Echo.” Anon.
April: Boundaries
We can trust ourselves to know when our boundaries are being violated. Melody Beattie
Love, having no geography, knows no boundaries.
Truman Capote
Boundaries are to protect life, not to limit pleasures.
Edwin Louis Cole
Right knows no boundaries, and justice no frontiers.
Learned Hand
Art transcends cultural boundaries.
Thomas Kinkade
Do you know what your Boundaries are?
Do they help you? Or cause you trouble?
Did you create them? Or inherit them?
Join us this month to explore the issue of Boundaries.
Love, having no geography, knows no boundaries.
Truman Capote
Boundaries are to protect life, not to limit pleasures.
Edwin Louis Cole
Right knows no boundaries, and justice no frontiers.
Learned Hand
Art transcends cultural boundaries.
Thomas Kinkade
Do you know what your Boundaries are?
Do they help you? Or cause you trouble?
Did you create them? Or inherit them?
Join us this month to explore the issue of Boundaries.
May: Hope
Hope has been called our greatest weakness and our greatest strength.
Barack Obama said “Hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists….
that something better awaits us as long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep fighting.”
Desmond Tutu agrees, saying “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”
Let’s hear what our speakers have to say about Hope this month.
Barack Obama said “Hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists….
that something better awaits us as long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep fighting.”
Desmond Tutu agrees, saying “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”
Let’s hear what our speakers have to say about Hope this month.
June: Inclusion
Inclusion is a significant concept – a big word in terms of its meaning. We all probably have an idea of what the word means, but do we really think of the depth of the meaning? We include secret ingredients in our favorite recipes, we include second cousins on our holiday card list, we include exercise in our weekly schedules. That simply means those things are a part of the whole we have added them to.
On a deeper level, in human terms, when we are inclusive we incorporate someone into the group as an important and integral part. As UUs we are committed to affirming the worth and dignity of every person, and we strive for inclusivity. This month our speakers will address “inclusion,” each from his or her unique perspective. Join us to expand your understanding.
On a deeper level, in human terms, when we are inclusive we incorporate someone into the group as an important and integral part. As UUs we are committed to affirming the worth and dignity of every person, and we strive for inclusivity. This month our speakers will address “inclusion,” each from his or her unique perspective. Join us to expand your understanding.
July: Liberation
Liberation is the act of setting someone free from imprisonment or bondage.
Sometimes the someone who is set free, or needs to be, is yourself.
Join us in July to hear our speakers’ discussing this fascinating and multi-faceted topic.
Sometimes the someone who is set free, or needs to be, is yourself.
Join us in July to hear our speakers’ discussing this fascinating and multi-faceted topic.
August: Symbolism
Our lives involve the use of symbols on a continuing basis. We communicate with symbols (words). We navigate with symbols (signs and maps). We study and learn with symbols (letters and numbers). And we worship with symbols.
This month we will explore the use and meaning of symbols/symbology in our lives and our faith. What symbols are meaningful to us as UUs? What symbols are part of your daily life? Join us on Sundays in August to dig into this topic.
This month we will explore the use and meaning of symbols/symbology in our lives and our faith. What symbols are meaningful to us as UUs? What symbols are part of your daily life? Join us on Sundays in August to dig into this topic.
September: Transformation
"Personal transformation can and does have global effects.
As we go, so goes the world, for the world is Us."
Marianne Williamson
Transformation comes in many forms – physical, emotional, philosophical. It can be superficial, like a coat of paint, or deep and lasting. Experiences can be transformational; relationships can transform a person; and religion has long been a medium of apparent transformation. Join us on Sunday mornings in September to explore the topic of transformation in your own life.
As we go, so goes the world, for the world is Us."
Marianne Williamson
Transformation comes in many forms – physical, emotional, philosophical. It can be superficial, like a coat of paint, or deep and lasting. Experiences can be transformational; relationships can transform a person; and religion has long been a medium of apparent transformation. Join us on Sunday mornings in September to explore the topic of transformation in your own life.
October: Enlightenment
The state of having knowledge or understanding; The "full comprehension of a situation." The independent use of reason to gain insight into the true nature of our world. In Buddhism: the awakening to ultimate truth; In the Western world the concept of enlightenment in a religious context has acquired a romantic meaning. It has become synonymous with self-realization.
Join us on Sundays in October and be Enlightened!
Join us on Sundays in October and be Enlightened!
November: Remembrance
A Memory – a retained mental impression of a person, thing or event. We all have them – probably even some we wish we didn’t have. Here is what some renowned people have said about remembrance.
- By recollecting the pleasures I have had formerly, I renew them, I enjoy them a second time, while I laugh at the remembrance of troubles now past, and which I no longer feel. Giacomo Casanova
- I know not why there is such a melancholy feeling attached to the remembrance of past happiness, except that we fear that the future can have nothing so bright as the past. Julia Ward Howe
- I've given my life to the principle and the ideal of memory, and remembrance. Elie Wiesel
- You must learn some of my philosophy. Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure. Jane Austen
December: Sources
We all know a lot about sources. As UUs, we identify six sources of our collective Wisdom. But what about the sources of less “tangible” things than wisdom, information or knowledge?
For example – What is a source of comfort for you; what are the sources of your Joy; what things make you sad or mad or glad? Where does your strength come from? We may not think about the causal factors of our emotions but, if we did identify them, perhaps we could do more of what gives us good feelings and less of what creates bad feelings. Join us during December to explore “Sources.”
For example – What is a source of comfort for you; what are the sources of your Joy; what things make you sad or mad or glad? Where does your strength come from? We may not think about the causal factors of our emotions but, if we did identify them, perhaps we could do more of what gives us good feelings and less of what creates bad feelings. Join us during December to explore “Sources.”