October 6, 2019

The unifying themes of this program are justice, love, learning and hope.  The messages come from sermons and readings from Unitarian-Universalist sources.  The program title comes from a beloved Unitarian-Universalist hymn, “Spirit of Life,” which includes the words, “Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion” and “Move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.”

We welcome the return of one of our favorite UU ministers, the Rev. John Buehrens, former president of the UUA, after two years of retirement.  He'll have a message about "trust."  Then we'll talk about nourishing relationships of all kind in a message called simply "Marriage."


Commentary

Written by Orlando Montoya

“Come on, Charlie Brown.  I’ll hold the ball and you’ll kick it.”  Anyone raised on the cartoon Peanuts recognizes those mendacious words from the character Lucy.  Lucy held the football as Charlie ran toward it.  But she always pulled it away at the last second, sending Charlie onto his back.  As a child, I laughed at Charlie.  But as an adult, the consequence of seeing too many Lucies in too many footballs is no laughing matter.  I have no doubt that I’m not as successful as I could be, both professionally and personally, because when Linus wants me to kick the ball, I see Lucy.  Or when I want Peppermint Patty to hold the ball for me, I still see Lucy.  It might takes me ten good experiences to overcome one bad experience.  Psychology tells me that this is normal.  The brain handles negative and positive information differently.  Negative experiences require more thought and last longer in memory.  Or as a song by Calvin Harris says, “You can’t un-train yourself to notice to feel pain or follow fear.”  But my training isn’t with the ball, is it?  It’s with the people holding it.  Trusting unfamiliar people, getting to know mild acquaintances better, reaching out for help when that help comes without a track record.  These are the hardest things to do when you’re looking at that cartoon sky, face up, on your back, the people gathered around you laughing.  And I haven’t even considered Lucy yet.  I need to kick some balls around here, people.  In this game, give me the wisdom to see the football as the football.  And the football holder as the football holder.  Give me trust when needed, skepticism when needed and a soft, grassy field just in case, oh no, it’s happened again.  Good grief.


Sermon

“What Deserves Our Ultimate Trust?” (6/9/19)

Rev. John Buehrens

First Unitarian-Universalist Society of San Francisco


Sermon

“Marriage” (9/22/19)

Rev. Matthew Johnson

Unitarian-Universalist Church of Rockford, Illinois


Sermon

TBD


Sermon

TBD


Braver Wiser

Used by permission of Braver Wiser, a publication of the Unitarian-Universalist Association


Quest Monthly

Used by permission of Quest Monthly, a publication of the Church of the Larger Fellowship


UUA Statements

Messages from the Unitarian Universalist Association


Natural Silence

Used by permission of ListeningEarth.com


UUA Principles and Sources

Our liberal faith as defined by the Unitarian Universalist Association


World Religions

Written by Orlando Montoya


Interfaith Calendar

Written by Orlando Montoya


UU FAQ

Written by and used by permission of John Sias from interviews with Rev. Steve Edington

Published by the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Nashua, NH


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