April 22, 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

"That They May Have Like Mindedness"

DeReau K. Farrar

First Unitarian Church of Portland

Sermon

"The Force of Spirit"

Rev. Michael Schuler

First Unitarian Society of Madison, Wisc.

Message

TBD

Natural Silence

"Safari"

Andrew Skeotch

ListeningEarth.com

World Religions

Today is Earth Day.  All of the world’s major religions and spiritual traditions teach that nature is sacred and that we should take care of our earthly home.  Many also teach that the Earth itself is a product of divine creation.  Regardless of belief, the planet’s health is our own health.  And Earth Day reminds us to ground our spirit in its conservation.  As Pope Francis said, “We are not God. The Earth was here before us and was given to us.”

Monday in some Christian countries is St. George’s Day.  St. George is the patron saint of Ethiopia, Portugal and England. The English flag is called St. George’s flag.  The St. George cross is that country’s highest civilian honor.  The English mark the holiday mainly in churches or by putting out an English flag and eating traditional English food.

Wednesday is one of only two holidays celebrated by the Druze.  There are about a million Druze in the world, mainly in Syria, Lebanon and Israel.  Their faith has elements of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Gnosticism and the philosophies of Plato and Pythagoras.  Jethro of Midian, father-in-law to Moses, is their founder and on the Wednesday holiday, called Ziriyat al-Nabi Shu’ayb, a festival is held at the founder’s tomb in northern Israel.

Wednesday in Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches is the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist, a first Century figure whom many Christians believe to be the author of Mark’s Gospel, perhaps the earliest written account of Jesus.  Many Christians believe that Mark was a companion or interpreter for the Apostle Paul and that he founded the Church of Alexandria in Egypt, therefore making him the founder of Christianity in Africa.  Modern scholars regard Mark’s Gospel as the work of an unknown author.

Saturday many Hindus will celebrate Narasimha Jayanti, the birthday of Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, one of the principle deities in Hinduism.  On this day, Hindus believe Vishnu appeared in the form of Narasimha, who was half-lion, half-man, so that he could kill the demon Hiranyakashipu, end religious persecution and restore the faith.  Some Hindus on this day will observe a fast, wear auspicious clothing and pray.

This time of the year in many Midwestern states is corn planting.  Many native American nations will celebrate the planting season with ceremonies involving the smoldering of sage, cedar, sweetgrass or tobacco.  This smudging is intended to bring a good growing season, honor creation and the cycles of life and give thanks to the Great Spirit.

Sermon

"Our Golden Calves"

The Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs

Unity Church Unitarian, St. Paul, Minn.

Message

"Privilege Comes with Power"

The Rev. John C. Dorhauer

General Minister and President, United Church of Christ

Conclusion

Seven Principles and Six Sources of Unitarian-Universalism