March 25, 2018

Introduction

TBD

Braver Wiser

"Opportunities To Say Yes"

The Rev. Nathan Ryan

Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge, La.

Sermon

“Prophetic Resistance Summit Keynote Address” (10/23/17)

Rabbi Sharon Brous

IKAR, Los Angeles

Prophetic Resistance Podcast

Andrew Skeoch

ListeningEarth.com

This is Holy Week in the Christian faith.  Holy Week is celebrated all over the world in many different colors and flavors that reflect regional and denominational customs.  Holy Week includes Palm Sunday, commemorating the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem; Holy or Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper; Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus; and Holy or Black Saturday, commemorating the loneliness of the Virgin Mary on the laying of the body of Jesus into his tomb.  Holy Week processions are legendary in Roman Catholic countries, including Spain and Latin America, where theatrical dance and music follow the faithful though the streets.

Tomorrow is the birthday of Joseph Campbell in 1904.  An American mythologist, writer and lecturer, his magnum opus is the book “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.”  In it, Campbell discusses his theory of the journey of the archetypal hero found in world mythologies.  His theory has been applied by many modern writers and artists.  His philosophy has been summarized by his own often repeated phrase: “Follow your bliss.”

Wednesday is Khordad Sal, celebrated as the birthday of the prophet Zarathustra in the Zoroastrian faith.  One of the world’s oldest religions to feature the concepts of heaven and hell, free will and messiahs, Zoroastrianism entered history in the fifth Century B-C-E.  Scholars believe it influenced the developments of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.  The traditions of Khordad Sal include decorating floors, putting red dots on children’s foreheads, donning new clothes, cutting fragrant flowers and preparing delicious meals.

Thursday is the birthday of Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise in 1819.  Wise was one of the leading minds behind the rise of American Reform Judaism.  He played key roles in the establishment of the Union for Reform Judaism, the parent body of Reform synagogues; the Hebrew Union College, the rabbinical seminary in Reform Judaism; and the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the rabbinical association in Reform Judaism.

Saturday in Hinduism is Hanuman Jayanti.  It’s celebrated in many parts of India and Nepal as the birthday of Sri Hanuman.  A god worshipped as a protector who can attain victory against evil, he’s often called the son of Vayu, the wind god.  On Hanuman’s birthday, the faithful flock to temples to worship him and present offerings.  In return, priests share the sacred gifts of sweets, flowers, coconuts, sacred ash and holy water.

And Saturday is Cesar Chavez Day, a state holiday in California and a day of closed state offices in Arizona, Michigan, New Mexico, Utah and Wisconsin.  An American farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist, Chavez co-founded, with Dolores Huerta, the National Farm Workers Association, making his struggle a moral cause nationwide.

And in honor of Joseph Cambell’s birthday, a song about heroes by David Crosby.

TBD

Sermon

"Where We Make Our Stand" (1/7/18)

The Rev. Guelen Guenguerich

Unitarian Church of All Souls, New York City

Message

TBD

Conclusion

Seven Principles and Six Sources of Unitarian-Universalism