Services for May 2017 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula
theme: As We Give We Gain
Services include sermons preached by Rev. Andrew Clive Millard unless otherwise noted.
May 7th: “Faith Over Fear” #UUWhiteSupremacyTeachIn
Like a majority of Unitarian Universalist congregations, we are shifting our regularly scheduled Sunday morning programs to participate in a teach-in on racism and white supremacy. Our call to action comes from a growing network of UU religious professionals and and lay leaders from both within and outside congregations, led by UUs of color and white UUs working together. As Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism puts it,
“White supremacy” is a provocative phrase, as it conjures up images of hoods and mobs. Yet in 2017, actual “white supremacists” are not required in order to uphold white supremacy culture. Building a faith full of people who understand that key distinction is essential as we work toward a more just society in difficult political times.”
The greater part of each service will be devoted to small group sharing and deep listening. This work to dismantle white supremacy, like anything else good and important, requires us to show up with our hearts and ears open. Our collective vulnerability is transformative and powerful, and everyone is welcome to participate to the extent that they are able. Whether stretching with us, being uncomfortable with us, or feeling affirmed in any decision to pass or step out if time for self-care is needed, this is the first step in work that will bring us into wholeness with the values of our faith.
Jaimie Dingus will join Rev. Andrew to co-lead the teach-in. Jaimie is a longtime member of the UUFP and a first-year student at Harvard Divinity School. She serves as Children’s RE Assistant at Arlington Street Church and is an active member of The Sanctuary Boston. This Summer, Jaimie will serve as a chaplain intern at Essex County Correctional Facility. For now, she is so grateful to be back home worshipping with the UUFP!
May 14th: “The Power of Commitment”
We often think we’d be able to accomplish great things if only one or two circumstances were changed. Perhaps the most important change of all, though, is something that happens within us. Let’s explore the power of commitment to shape our experience and to change the world.
The Rev. David Morris is the minister of the UU Congregation of the Outer Banks, in Kitty Hawk NC, having previously served congregations in California and Virginia. He was a founding member of the Southeast District’s Anti-Racism Transformation Team and the UUA’s Council for Cross-Cultural Engagement. We welcome Rev. David to the Fellowship in his first pulpit swap with Rev. Andrew!
May 21st: “Life Worth Living”
Arrested by the Gestapo in 1941, Unitarian minister Norbert Čapek gave a letter to his daughter, Zora, the day before his trial on the charge of treason against the Nazi regime. (Several of his sermons, promoting respect for the inherent worth and beauty of every person, were cited as evidence.) Norbert’s letter included a poem he wrote for Zora, meditating on the ecstasy of a life spent fighting for sacred ideals in spite of disappointments, cruelty and pain.
We shall celebrate the Flower Communion, created by the Čapeks, so please bring a flower (preferably with a long stem) with you. Flowers are collected in vases before the start of each service, and then distributed during the service.
Special music will be provided by the Fellowship’s ChorUUs!
May 28th: “Thank You for Your Blessing”
Every year on Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those who have laid down their lives in service to our country. Let’s look at the motivations of their service and the lessons we can learn from those who paid the ultimate price to serve this nation.
Walter Clark is a graduate of the Meadville Lombard Theological School and has served as student minister in both Newport News and Richmond, VA. He hopes to be welcomed into Preliminary Fellowship with the UUA in September and to find a congregation to serve in 2018. Walter enjoys the full support of his wife, Wendy, and their two children, Willow and William.
UUFP Blog 