Rev. Julie Lombard, Minister

“We all have the capacity to heal each other – healer is a possibility in each of us.” ~ Adrienne Maree Brown. Her book, Emergent Strategy, inspired by Octavia Butler’s explorations of our human relationship to change, offers us a design for shaping the futures we want to live. Brown believes healing happens when a place of trauma or pain is given full attention, really listened to; and that healing is the resilience instinct of our bodies, skills she believes we unlearn as we are taught to pay for and rely on data and medicine outside of our awareness. Come, explore what we might gain by Brown’s passionate perspective on human nature.

Rev. Julie Lombard, Minister

In the overflowing wake of family separation, children in cages, gun violence inspired by the rhetoric of some of our nation’s leaders, we are grateful to hear another voice… a cry of love. The fight between good and evil is as old as humankind, and here we are, again. Come and examine what our faith is calling us to do now. What did Emma Lazarus mean in her poem? “Give me your tired, your poor.” How are we responding to” the huddled masses yearning to breathe free”? Join us for worship as the songs we sing show us how to love.

Write Your Own Bible class will be held in the Wilson Library from 12 noon to 2 pm.

Rev. Julie Lombard, MInister

Robert Greene is a master guide for millions, especially his readers who like distilling ancient wisdom and philosophy into essential texts for seekers of power, understanding and mastery. In his latest book, The Laws of Human Nature, he gives us more to consider as he unpacks the various laws of human nature and explains what makes us tick. Today, we will focus on his perspective of The Law of Aimlessness by looking at some strategies for developing a high sense of purpose. What does this master have to teach us about ourselves, one another, and the human traits we all share? Join us for worship and an inspiring guided tour towards a purposeful faithful journey forward.

Rev. Julie Lombard, Minister

In the fullness of shared tradition, we gather by bringing waters from the many directions of our faith journeys. This ingathering, also called a “Water Communion,” is a beloved UU tradition. This ritual is celebrated as folks return and bring water that has sacred significance for them. Poured into a common bowl, these
waters signify our coming together again, as a of symbol of many becoming one. It’s a celebration and blessing of our unique unity, not a competition to see who travelled the farthest. Please join us for this multigenerational worship service where we will explore human nature and the warm welcome of another new church year.

Bill Whiston

Bill is an ordained Congregational Minister, Unitarian Layman and resident of Brooksby Village. The Mediterranean world at the onset of the current era was dominated by a religion known as “Hellennstic Judaism”. The evidence for this religion and its beliefs are most reliably illustrated in ancient churches and synagogues. The best preserved of these early churches are the remains at Dura, which is located in Syria near the cities presently under siege. The story of how Hellenistic Judaism became Christianity invites us ask “where was Jesus in this move to organized religion?”

Rev. Julie Lombard, Minister

Come hear a story of hope and courage, and a love story born out of the concentration camps at Auschwitz- Birkenau. Lale is a Jew that was sent to a work as a tattooist and tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners for two and a half years. He uses his privileged position to help and keep his fellow prisoners alive. He vows to survive the camp and marry a fellow prisoner. Hear his testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions. Join us for worship and leave with your spirit lifted up.

Lisa Judd

There are periods in history when hope fails; when the support systems that used to be dependable seem absent and reliable leadership is scarce. How is it then that in the very worst of times there are some people who refuse to abandon hope? Contrary to expectation, these hardy souls find ways to triumph over their challenges, to construct something beautiful or useful, and to renew hope. Some of these individuals are gifted, but others are ordinary folk responding to pain and adversity in unprecedented and innovative ways that can teach us something important. This service will tell some of their stories and will reveal to us how they became “keepers” of their own dreams. In this process, perhaps we will find renewed inspiration to become keepers of our own dreams.