February 11, 2018

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

"Lean in to Life"

Tara Humphreys

First Universalist Church of Auburn, Maine

Sermon

"Theology of Kindness" (12/10/17)

Rev. Aaron White

First Unitarian Church of Dallas, Texas

Message

UU 101

Message

"Dear Mother Earth"

Thich Nat Hahn read by Rev. Dr. Lynn Unger

Published by Quest Monthly, Church of the Larger Fellowship, Unitarian-Universalist

Natural Silence

"Redwoods"

Andrew Skeotch and Sarah Koschak

ListeningEarth.com

World Religions

Today in Eastern churches is Meatfare Sunday, or Sunday of the Last Judgment.  The last day before Easter for eating meat in Orthodox churches, the holiday reminds the faithful of the parable in Matthew 25, which begins, “For I was hungry and you gave me food…”

Today is the birthday, in 1809 in Shropshire, England, of biologist Charles Darwin.  Known for his contributions to the science of evolution, he proved that all life descended from a common ancestor.  His birthday reminds us that science and religion can co-exist.

Tuesday is the birthday, in 1835 in Punjba, India, of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad.  The founder of his own religious movement in Islam, he argued strongly that the Islamic idea of jihad, or struggle, was fundamentally a peaceful religious endeavor rather than a military one.

Tuesday in many Western churches is Shrove Tuesday.  Also known as Pancake Tuesday and Mardi Gras, the day marks the last day before Lent, when many Christians abstain from certain foods.  The day before Lent becomes a carnival before the fasting period.

Wednesday then will be Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, a penitential 40 days of reflection before Easter.  Traditions include placing a cross of ashes on a worshipper’s head, a symbol of repentance.  The ashes come from palms, a symbol of Palm Sunday.

Wednesday in Hinduism is Maha Shivaratri.  A festival to honor the god Shiva, one of the main gods in Hinduism, celebrations include fairs, dances, pilgrimages and feasts. The holiday is largely solemn, a remembrance of overcoming darkness and ignorance.

Thursday in Mahayana Buddhism is Nirvana Day, remembering the death of Buddha and his entry into nirvana, a state of liberation, quietude, non-self and emptiness.  The day reminds the faithful of Buddhist teachings on life’s impermanent and fleeting nature.  

Thursday is the birthday, in Adams, Massachusetts in 1820, of Susan B. Anthony.  A tireless reformer, abolitionist and women’s rights activist, she was proud of her Quaker roots but joined the Unitarian church, saying “Work and worship are one with me.”

Thursday is Valentines’s Day.  Celebrated as the Feast of St. Valentine in some churches, the holiday’s connection to a third century Christian martyr today largely has been lost.  The saint’s connection with romantic love began with Chaucer in the 14th Century.

Friday is a new moon and a new year for Chinese, Vietnamese and other East Asians who keep holidays by a lunar calendar.  The most important holiday in much of Asia, the new year will be celebrated by many local Vietnamese at a festive, loud and delicious Tet extravaganza at the Catholic Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Thunderbolt on Saturday.

Sermon

"The History in Our Hands"

Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs

Unity Church Unitarian, St. Paul, Minnesota

Message

TBD

Conclusion

Seven Principles and Six Sources of Unitarian-Universalism