UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES
Soul Matters Theme: HEALING
November 1
END OF DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
FALL BACK YOUR CLOCK ONE HOUR
Sadness Always Has a Hope of
One Day Not Being Sad Anymore
10:30
Rev. Clare L. Petersberger, Kara Tyler, Director of Religious Education, special choro music by Kris and Paul Faatz
The title of today’s service comes from the Brazilian poet and musician Vinicius de Moraes. Brazil is known for its choro music. The origin of the word in Portuguese translates to “weep” or “cry.” Yet choro music takes sorrow and transmutes it into joy and even a dance. This happens, in no small measure, because in the roda—the circle where musicians meet—there are no spectators, only participants in a grand, ongoing dialogue of resilience. This Sunday before the mid-term elections is a good time to reflect on what we are grieving and our vision for the future. Today, may our choro music, celebrating diversity and democracy, strengthen our resilience and heal us.
November 8
Rituals of Healing
10:30 AM
Rev. Clare L. Petersberger, Kara Tyler, Director of Religious Education, Kris Faatz, TUUC Music Director, and The TUUC Choir
When the late scholar of the world religions, Huston Smith, was asked how he started his days, he responded that he greets the sun the way a Winnebago medicine man taught him to do; followed by praying an Islamic morning prayer to Allah; followed by engaging in a half hour of hatha yoga; followed by reading a chapter from the Bible and only then getting a cup of coffee. I imagine many Unitarian Universalists would start with the cup of coffee or tea or breakfast and then discern what spiritual practices they want to do next. On this Sunday following the mid-term elections, we are going to engage in rituals not unlike Houston Smith’s to honor beauty; to bless what is good; to lift our voices and hearts in song; and to create our collective vision for the future. Dress comfortably. You do not need to bring a yoga mat. Coffee will be served after worship. And we will engage in another Unitarian Universalist ritual---a town hall. We will listen as we share what we need from (and hope to offer) one another in community in the months to come.
November 15
Healing Is Impossible In Loneliness
10:30 AM
Rev. Clare L. Petersberger, Kara Tyler, Director of Religious Education, Kris Faatz, Music Director and the Community Choir
This morning we reflect on what the late American novelist, poet, essayist, environmental activist, cultural critic, and farmer Wendell Berry taught about healing. The experience of hiring a bulldozer to create a pond; turning to nature for healing from despair; and discerning what it means to do good work all gave Berry cause to ruminate on what obstructs and what promotes healing. He was not a Unitarian Universalist. He attended a local Baptist church with his wife who was the pianist. However, Wendell Berry shared his wisdom with the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly in 2013. What can we learn from Wendell Berry about healing?
November 22
Beyond the Label: The Power of Being Seen
10:30 AM
Andrew Hager, Lay Worship Associate; Sheila Malenski, TUUC Liaison to Earl’s Place; Sheila Helgerson, Executive Director of Earl’s Place; Kris Faatz, Music Director; The TUUC Choir
How often do we see someone’s circumstances before we see the person?
When we encounter someone experiencing homelessness, it can be easy to see the label first and overlook the individual—their experiences, strengths, hopes, and dreams.
Sheila Helgerson, Executive Director of Earl’s Place, will share how the program supports men experiencing homelessness in Baltimore as they work to rebuild their lives. A few men from Earl’s Place will also share their personal stories, inviting us to listen, connect, and deepen our understanding.
Our offertory will be donated to Earl’s Place in support of its mission to help men rebuild their lives and change community attitudes toward homelessness through outreach and education.
November 29
The Healing Power of Gratitude
10:30 AM
Rev. Clare L. Petersberger, Dr. Sarah Googe, Kris Faatz, Music Director, and an ensemble of vocalists and instrumentals
How does a gratitude practice help us to heal? We just passed an annual remembrance to give thanks for the good in our lives. Some of us engage in a daily ritual of reviewing our day and giving thanks for something beautiful we noticed; naming those whose love companions us; and identifying an act of kindness we received from (or offered) to another. Obviously, such a litany of thanks cannot heal a cut finger; or mend a broken heart (in and of itself); or end a war between nations. But it can focus our attention on what gives our lives meaning. It can remind us of the sources of our own healing. And it can invite us to become a source of healing in the lives of others. Today we give thanks for the healing power of gratitude!