January 2012

  January 1, 2012:
Bring Joy Into Your Life in 2012
Worship Leader  ~  Letitia Sweitzer
Worship Associate  ~ Doyle Jones
Let’s bring in the New Year with joyful music, memories, of joys past, insights into what individual Elements of Joy are the most satisfying to you, and action steps to create and optimize your joy in 2012.  This spirit-lifting service will be interactive as we share the joy!
 
January 8 - Beloved
Worship Leader  ~  Rev. Dr. Morris W. Hudgins
Worship Associate  ~ Susan Burnore
Several years ago I was able to research the Underground Railroad while on sabbatical in Cincinnati.  During this year and afterwards, I was able to share what I was learning with the individuals who were developing the Freedom Center--the Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinnati.  One of the individuals I researched was Margaret Garner, the basis for the story, Beloved.  I will share her story.
 
January 15 - Reconciliation
Worship Leader  ~  Rev. Dr. Morris W. Hudgins
Worship Associate  ~ Karen Reagle
In this sermon I will tell you of the most memorable experience of my 39 years of ministry.  It is the story of a reconciliation event planned for an African-American Unitarian minister, W.H.G. Carter, who was discriminated by our Association early in the 20th Century.  I hope this even will be a model for all of us.
January 22:
The Dark Night of the Soul
Worship Leader  ~  Rev. Dr. Morris W. Hudgins
 
Someone recently said to me before a sermon, “Please give me some hope.”  This is my goal in this sermon.  I first will admit that we all experience “The Dark Night.”  But then I will affirm with the poet, Gibran:
Be silent, my heart, until Morn comes.
For he who awaits patiently the coming
Of dawn will be embraced longingly by Morningtide. (p.168-9)
 
January 29:  The Power of
Human Transformation
Worship Leader  ~  Nick Newell
Worship Associate  ~ Doyle Jones
We humans can proudly call ourselves the most dynamic creatures on this planet.  Our theme invites you to embark on a sweeping adventure through the human experience that you’re already a part of!  Evolution, science, religion, and magic all play an important part in the ways we have transformed ourselves and this planet.  Through this service we will reflect together on our thrilling freedom to continue and direct our human power of transformation.