Rev. Ed Vaeni

When a life-altering experience calls into question our every spiritual assumption and belief, how can we find appropriate ways to seek out new spiritual resources in the midst of crisis? Using examples taken primarily from my hospice experience, I will reflect on how we can learn to be open to new and creative ways to express and find comfort in our personal spirituality in the face of a significant life crisis, such as the death of a loved one.

Ordained in 1973 by the Central Association of the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ, Ed spent 44 years engaging in a number of ministries. For the final ten years of his active ministry, until retirement in 2017, Ed served as a Hospice Chaplain. Ed’s other ministry roles included, Community Missioner at an ecumenical lay academy, local church pastor, intentional interim pastor, Community Rep. for the former Massachusetts Office for Children, Ex. Dir. of a youth and family services council, and Licensed Practical Nurse.

SoulSong, our comfort choir, will sing to accompany Rev. Vaeni’s sermon.

Rev. Julie Lombard, Andrea Kaiser and Helen Brandt

Rev. Gary Kowalski said, “People who come to Unitarian Universalism seeking spiritual goods are likely to be disappointed so long as they have the outlook of consumers in search of material goods. If their connection to our liberal faith is to grow into something more rewarding, they have to give up the consumer mind set and begin to think of themselves instead as share holders, investors, co-owners in what happens in church. Just as the parties in a marriage see themselves as partners rather than competitors with a joint share in the success of the enterprise.” Hear the inspirational stories from our own leaders and their experience with lay-leadership as a spiritual practice. Please join us for worship and fellowship you cannot forget.

Judy Putnam will play a special piano selection and Helen Brandt will sing a piece by Elizabeth Alexander.

Rev. Julie Lombard, Minister

Every spiritual journey leads to a better understanding of our place in the world. Spiritual practices help us connect with the Self, which is merely a drop in the sea of consciousness. As we connect with consciousness, we learn that there is an intelligent design underlying our life, and that the spiritual realm contains all you need to know. How might we define spiritual practice? If it is the simple act of getting in touch with your Self, can being a prankster help you to arrive at enlightenment? Let us explore what might guide your choice of practice: Religion or tradition need not matter, except to your heart. Follow your intuition, not your mind (or another’s). Practice will make all the difference. Spirituality is an experience, not an intellectual pastime. Please join us as we consider the many ways one might take this journey.

Singing Group will provide the music to deepen the meaning of the October theme of spiritual practices.

Rev. Art McDonald

Art will share some personal insights from his transition from Roman Catholic roots and priesthood, and, after marrying, his subsequent wandering into a Unitarian Universalist context in Boston and Pittsburgh, eventually entering the UU ministry in Pittsburgh and Essex. He’ll discuss the challenge of beginning again in a new religious tradition, and what exactly to do with one’s former spiritual and religious context and roots. In this sermon he’ll use some insights from theologian John Dunne, especially from one of his books entitled THE WAY of all the EARTH.

Rev. Julie Lombard, Minister

Rev. Edwin Lynn, Minister Emeritus of Northshore UU Church, believes that there are life lessons to be learned from the sea. Could the shifting sands of Ferry Beach help us to understand the hold of regret and resentment? Join those gathered in the grove for worship at our Ferry Beach Retreat to explore the sacred lessons sand can teach us.

Rev. Julie Lombard, Minister

Have you ever wondered when Creativity peaks: youth, middle age, or beyond? If you say yes, you are not alone. Explore the concept of the beginner’s mind with Elizabeth Gilbert as she reflects deeply on the gift and challenge of inhabiting a creative life. Creativity, as she defines it, is about choosing curiosity over fear. It’s a choice available to all ages. “For there are moments,” says poet, Rainer Maria Rilke, “when something new has entered into us, something unknown; our feelings grow mute in shy perplexity, everything in us withdraws, a stillness comes, and the new, which no one knows, stands in the midst of it and is silent.” .

The Singing Group will call us to worship with a choral introit and will provide the music during the service.

September 9 Service at 10:30 AM

Rev. Julie Lombard, Minister

In the fullness of our faith community we gather by bringing waters from where ever our journeys have taken us while we were apart. This ingathering, sometimes called a “water communion” is a beloved UU tradition. This ritual is celebrated as folks return from their various summer travels and are invited to bring water from those travels or water that has other significance for them. Poured into a common bowl, these waters signify our coming together again and a way of symbolizing that many are one. A water communion is never a competition to see who went the farthest away; it’s a celebration and blessing of our unique unity. Please join us for this multigenerational worship service which will explore the importance new beginnings.

Judy Putnam will bring us back to a place of peace and community with her music.The Singing Group will sing.