September 17, 2017

Love is the spirit of this program. The music spans many genres but has unifying themes of justice, love, learning and hope. The messages come from podcasts, sermons and readings from Unitarian-Universalist and other allied sources in liberal religion.

9am Hour

Introduction

Braver Wiser

"Change Is a Word on Wheels"

DeReau K. Farrar

First Unitarian Church of Portland, Ore.

Sermon

"Restless Is the Heart" (8/20/17)

Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs

Unity Church Unitarian, St. Paul, Minn.

Message

"Here's How You Can Support Dreamers Now"

Unitarian-Universalist Associaiton

Natural Silence

Forest Sounds with Soft Bird Calls

World Religions

Today is the anniversary, in 1972, of the Clean Water Act, protecting America’s waters.  Many religions hold water to be sacred.  Many Unitarian-Universalist congregations will celebrate “water communion,” an ingathering and remembrance ritual, during September.

Tuesday in the Hindu faith begins Pitri Paksha, a 16-day period when the faithful honor their ancestors.  Called by many names and celebrated in many ways, the worship often includes a purifying bath, food offerings and prayers for the dead ancestor’s well being.

Wednesday in the Sikh faith is the anniversary, in 1708, of the date when Sikhs believe their holy book, the Granth Sahib, was declared the final, sovereign and eternally living guru.  The Granth Sahib envisions a society based on divine justice without oppression.

Thursday in the Jewish faith is Rosh Hashana, celebrating the 5,778th new year in the Jewish calendar.  Traditions include sounding the shofar, a ram’s horn; reciting liturgy about teshuva, repentance; and festive meals that might include apples dipped in honey.

Thursday also marks the new year for Muslims, who call it al-Hijra.  Islam begins its calendar when prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina in the year 622 C.E., making this Islamic year 1,439, although Muslims don’t have a new year’s celebration.

Thursday in the Hindu faith begins Navatri, a nine-day fall festival honoring one of two female deities, either Durga or Rama, depending on the region.  Celebrations include elaborate stage decorations, dancing, fasting, food offerings and chanting of scriptures.

Thursday is the peak night for the annual Orionid Meteor Shower, the most prolific sky event associated with Haley’s Comet.  Meteors always have inspired religious awe.  Seen as gifts from the gods or symbols of enlightenment, they remind us to keep looking up.

Saturday is the fall equinox.  Many Native American nations will celebrate a harvest festival around this time of year, with traditional dance and food.  Many pagans will celebrate Mabon, a ritual to give thanks for blessings received and to welcome the coming of winter’s darkness.  And in Japan, it’s called Shubu no Hi, a public holiday, or for those who keep the Japanese national Shinto religion, a day to honor one’s ancestors.

Sermon

“Horizon of Care” (9/10/17)

Guelen Guengerich

Unitarian Chuch of All Souls, New York City

Message

"Stonger in Broken Places"

Rev. Teresa Schwartz

First Unitarian Church of Chicago

Published by Quest Monthly, a production of the Church of the Larger Fellowship

Conclusion