September 24, 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.

Braver Wiser

"Multicultural Joy"

Yuri Yamamoto

Sermon

“Defining God” (9/3/17)

The Rev. Bridget Spain

Dublin Unitarian Church

Natural Silence

"Spirit of the Outback"

Andrew Skeoch and Sarah Koschak

Listening Earth

World Religions

Wednesday in the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox churches is Meskel.  Called by the name Exaltation of the Holy Cross and celebrated two weeks ago in Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Churches, the holiday honors what the faithful believe to be St. Helena’s fourth century discovery of the cross used to kill Jesus.  The African traditions around the holiday include making a large bonfire and using its ashes to mark a cross on foreheads.

Wednesday in Jainism is the beginning of a nine-day fast called Navapad Oli.  During the fast, Jains eat only one meal per day of boiled grains without spice, dairy or additions of any kind.  The fast comes twice a year, once in the spring and the fall.  Each day of the fast, Jains acknowledge a different of their nine “essential realities,” which begin with freedom from earthly attachments and end with equilibrium and tranquility.

Thursday is the birthday, in 551 BCE, in Shandong province China, of the philosopher Confucius, also known as Kong Qui or Kung Fu-tzu.  Confucius espoused a philosophy of personal and governmental morality.  And his teachings had a strong influence over Chinese society.  He championed strong family loyalty, ancestor veneration, respect of elders and the Golden Rule.  His festivals include Ming Dynasty song, dance and dress.

Friday in many Western churches is Michaelmas.  A minor holiday in the Christian calendar, Michaelmas celebrates the archangels, angels of the highest rank, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel.  The faithful believe the greatest of these is Michael, who, according to belief, defeated Satan in a war in heaven.  Holiday traditions have faded.  They were strongest in Britain, where the holiday was connected with the fall harvest.

Friday in the Jewish faith is Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.  Called Day of Atonement, its central theme is repentance.  Jews traditionally observe the holiday with a day of fasting and prayer, often spending the entire day in synagogue, practicing teshuva, seeking forgiveness, through confession and rituals.  Traditions vary by religious observance but include wearing white to symbolize purity and immersion in a ritual bath.

Friday in Hinduism is Dasara.  Celebrated in many different ways and for many different reasons throughout the Indian subcontinent, it marks the end of Durga Puja, remembering what the faithful believe to be Lord Rama’s victory over the evil demon Ravana.  Holiday traditions include processions of clay goddess statues to a river, fireworks, exchanging of sweets, dramatic reenactments, visiting elders, military parades and large fairs.

Saturday is the birthday, in 1207, in present day Tajikistan, of the Sunni poet, philosopher and mystic Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī.  Known simply as Rumi, his legacy spans the continents.  His philosophy is inclusive, personal, direct, clear and aimed at inner peace and global harmony.  His poems sell by the millions still today.  He also is the foremost exponent of Sufism and the underpinning of much classical Iranian and Afghan music.

Message

“Resilience” (9/1/17)

The Rev. Dr. Lynn Unger

Unitarian-Universalist Church of the Larger Fellowship

Sermon

“A Radical Welcome” (5/21/17)

The Rev. Tim Kutzmark

Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno