2020 Hindsight
Lessons from Y2K. Led by Rev. Barnaby Caitlin Gildrien shared a testimony about her writing as spiritual practice:
Podcast: Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society
What Would Martin Do?
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would have turned 91 this Jan. 15 had he not been murdered in 1968. How would he want us to remember and honor him in this age of Trump? Led by Rev. Barnaby followed by our congregational conversation: White Privilege, White Supremacy, and Us. Testimonial: My Legacy of … Continue reading What Would Martin Do?
Just Care
Guest worship leader Rev. Dr. Patience Stoddard returned to our pulpit to talk about the importance understanding and advocating for the mentally ill in the current debate on health care. She worked for 4 years as Director of Pastoral Care at NH Hospital and shared some of the spiritual lessons she learned from her patients. … Continue reading Just Care
Living Your Truth within a Meaningful Community: An LGBTQ+ Inclusive Service
LGBTQIA+ members of the congregation reflected on their personal experiences, challenged us to meaningfully engage with what our individual orientations and gender identities mean within a community, and celebrated the power of truly embracing our differences. Dr. François S. Clemmons & Kate Gridley performed Down by the Riverside and John Barstow led us in singing We … Continue reading Living Your Truth within a Meaningful Community: An LGBTQ+ Inclusive Service
Now Let Us Sing
Becky Strum led us in singing some of our favorite hymns and David Rosenberg led in some shape note singing. Breath in—rejoice! Chalice Lighting As the Cold Wind Bites By Ben Soule (adapt. Rev. Barnaby Feder) As the wild wind bites, this flame warms us. As the crackling cold air stops our breath, This radiant … Continue reading Now Let Us Sing
Traditional UU Christmas Service
Rev. Barnaby reflected on the intersection of hope, faith, courage, and compassion led by Rev. Barnaby. Readings and carol singing. Special music by our CVUUS choir, our bell choir, Chris Foster on trumpet, Janie Wulff on flute and Richard Hopkins on bassoon.
No-Rehearsal All-Ages Nativity Pageant
Many joined our family-friendly service in which all are welcome to take part in our joyful story with Mary, Joseph, shepherds, sheep, angels, animals, wise ones, and stars – flexible depending on who shows up. We provided costumes or some brought their own. You could just sit and sing along with traditional carols. Youth Choir … Continue reading No-Rehearsal All-Ages Nativity Pageant
Fumbling in the Dark
Thoughts about when accepting each other gets in the way of spiritual growth. Prelude Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming Kate Gridley, Janie Wulff Chalice Lighting As the Cold Wind Bites by Ben Soule (adapt. Rev. Barnaby Feder) As the wild wind bites, this flame warms us. As the crackling cold air stops our breath, … Continue reading Fumbling in the Dark
How We Are Called
Rev. Barnaby explored whether something more than conscience is calling on our better angels. Margie Bekoff on harp and Jim Morse on trumpet provided special music including the prelude Let There be Peace on Earth. They were joined by Kate Gridley for Allelujah for the offering which was dedicated to a holiday appreciation fund for … Continue reading How We Are Called
Why Wait?
Rev. Barnaby wondered whether patience is an underrated spiritual discipline. Jason Duquette-Hoffman read Leveling Up by Rev Karen Johnston and Esther Thomas read The Work of Christmas by Rev Howard Thurman. Radical Love and Alternative Giving continued.