October 7, 2018
The unifying themes of this program are justice, love, learning and hope. The messages come from sermons and readings from Unitarian-Universalist sources. The program title comes from a beloved Unitarian-Universalist hymn, “Spirit of Life,” which includes the words, “Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion” and “Move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.”
How can you not have hope when people invite you to gaze at the stars through their telescopes? This story is shared in a sermon by the Rev. Shawn Newton.
Sermon
“Come Sleet, Snow or Hail” (4/15/18)
Shawn Newton
First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto
“Where Hope Comes From” (9/23/18)
Mark Ward
Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Asheville, North Carolina
Commentary
Written by Orlando Montoya
I wrote a newspaper article recently about the bus. I ride the bus a lot. I’ve been riding buses since high school. I’d like to share five life lessons I’ve learned from the bus. Number one, the bus is indifferent to your life. The bus doesn’t care if you’re going to work, in a hurry, or if you really need it. The bus will pass you, be late, be early or not show up at all, regardless of your needs or how fast you run. The bus comes and goes without you. Number two, the bus you see is better than the bus you don’t see. If you can get home on the 14 or the 27, and you prefer the 14, because it’ll get you closer to home, but you see the 27 coming, cross the street and take the 27. You don’t know if the 14 is coming. Even if the schedule says it’s coming, it might not. Don’t count on a bus you don’t see. Number three, a late bus becomes a later bus. Even if the bus could speed up, which it can’t, a late bus means more people getting on and off, more stops. So, don’t get behind. It only piles up. Number four, respect the bus operator. This might be hard. The bus operator might be rude, not answer your question, not care about you, or the fact that you’re missing ten cents, or were standing in the wrong place and need to be embarrassed in front of others. You don’t know the bus operator’s life. Practice patience. Number five, wait for the bus to stop completely before standing up. Hold on to something when you board. When the bus moves, it’ll knock you over. It’s a big bus. Enjoy the ride.
UUA Principles and Sources
Our liberal faith as defined by the Unitarian Universalist Association
UUA Statements
Messages from the Unitarian Universalist Association
Natural Silence
Used by permission of ListeningEarth.com
Braver Wiser
Used by permission of Braver Wiser, a publication of the Unitarian-Universalist Association
Quest Monthly
Used by permission of Quest Monthly, a publication of the Church of the Larger Fellowship
World Religions
Written by Orlando Montoya
Interfaith Calendar
Written by Orlando Montoya
UU FAQ
Written by John Sias from interviews with Rev. Steve Edington
Published by the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Nashua, NH
