November 12, 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.  The title of this program comes from the words of a beloved Unitarian-Universalist hymn, “Spirit of Life,” including, “Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion” and “Move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.”

Braver Wiser

"Someone to Listen"

Connie Simon

Unitarian Society of Germantown

Message

"Blessing"

The Rev. Meg Riley

Church of the Larger Fellowship, Unitarian-Universalist

Message

"Response to Texas Shooting"

The Rev. Susan Federick-Gray

President, Unitarian-Universalist Association

Natural Silence

"Springtime in the Bush"

Andrew Skeotch and Sarah Koschak

Listening Earth

World Religions

Today is the birthday, in 1651, near Mexico City, of Sister Juana Ines de la Cruz.  A Catholic nun and feminist poet, she educated herself in her own library, inherited from a grandfather.  Her criticism of misogyny and male hypocrisy led to her condemnation by a Mexican bishop, who forced her to sell her books and focus on charity toward the poor.

Today is the birthday, in 1815, in Johnstown, New York, of Elizabeth Cady Stanton.  An American suffragist, social activist, abolitionist and leading figure in the women’s rights movement, she published, in 1895, the Woman’s Bible.  In it, she challenged the traditional position of religious orthodoxy that women should be subservient to men.

Monday is World Kindness Day.  Organized by the Denver-based Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, the day reminds us that it’s fun and easy to spread kindness while making a huge impact in someone’s life.  It’s as simple as opening a door for someone with their hands full or leaving a kind note on someone’s car.  Be kind every day.

Thursday is the birthday, in 1835, in Lincklaen, New York, of Orello Cone.  A Universalist minister, he was one of his era’s foremost Biblical scholars.  Promoting modern ideas, he considered science and religion as mutually supportive.  He encouraged Universalist associations with Unitarians, Jews, ethicists and other religious liberals.

Thursday is the International Day for Tolerance.  Organized by the United Nations, the day calls us to understanding and non-violence.  Every two years on this day, the UN awards a prize for the promotion of tolerance.  Last year, the UN honored the Russian Federal Research and Methodological Center for Tolerance Psychology and Education.

Thursday is the Great American Smokeout.  Organized by the American Cancer Society, the day reminds us that our bodies are our temples.  Religions have widely varying views on smoking.  Many ban it outright.  But the best reason to quit is to extend the gift of your life.  Tobacco remains the nation’s single largest cause of disease and early death.

Message

"Bless One Another"

The Rev. Dan Schatz

Unitarian Congregation of West Chester, Penn.

Message

"Prayer for Saying Yes"

The Rev. Elizabeth Nguyen

Standing on the Side of Love

Message

"Matthew 25 Pledge"

Conclusion

Seven Principles of Unitarian-Universalism