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Celebrations of Life
2004 Archive
- January 4, 2004
Tying Rocks to Clouds
William Elliott
International traveler, adventurer, author, lecturer and golfer, William Elliott has spent many years asking extraordinary people profound and meaningful questions. For his first book, the best seller Tying Rocks to Clouds, he traveled the world interviewing a number of the world’s renown spiritual leaders and greatest thinkers, including the Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa. In today’s service he will be sharing some of those stories. See www.williamelliott.com.
- January 11, 2004
Good Enough Unitarian Universalists
Rev. Norm Stewart & Worship Associate Suzanne Meeks
As a group, compared to most other religious denominations, Unitarian Universalists are generally more highly educated, environmentally conscious, socially responsible, and politically correct. That, of course, begs the question: “Just how good is good enough?”
- January 18
What Does Faith Mean in Our Tradition?
Rev. Norm Stewart & Worship Associate Linda Berry
The word faith often seems to require an object, as in “faith in _______.” For many Unitarian Universalists that object is either not clearly defined or non-existent. Can we be a community of faith without something specific to have faith in?
- January 25
Wellsprings of Wonder
Rev. Norm Stewart & Worship Associate Linda Berry
The religious impulse in humans has been described at least in part by some as our response to the wonder and awe of the universe. Today’s intergenerational Celebration of Life will take a look at, and play with, a few of those things that prompt us to seek meaning in the mysteries.
- February 1
Odd Fellows and Peculiar Ladies
Rev. Norm Stewart & Worship Associate Barbara Payton
The title of today’s service comes from an idea I discovered in James Hillman’s book The Soul’s Code: In Search of Character and Calling. It explores and lifts up the importance of having many different people in our lives and spiritual journeys as we grow.
- February 8
God and Other Famous Liberals
Rev. Norm Stewart & Worship Associate Tom Barron
What is liberal religion and who might the liberal religionists be? A service whose title was inspired by Forrest Church’s book of the same name.
- February 15
Doctors of Durability
Rev. Norm Stewart & Worship Associate Suzanne Meeks
A multigenerational service where we will be honoring all of the elders (70 and over) of our congregation and presenting several of them with honorary Doctorates.
- February 22
Body and Soul Together?
Worship Associates Jeff Matthias & Carol Uebelhoer
Sexuality and spirituality are integral to our humanity. Where do they overlap? Should they?
- February 29, 2004
Who, Where and What’s Calling?
Rev. Norm Stewart & Worship Associate Tom Barron
Who and/or what calls us as a community of faith? Where are we called to go and what are we called to do to live out our faith?
- March 7, 2004
Gender and Divinity: the male/female quandary
What benefit or harm follows from speaking of “God” as male or female? Is gender assigned to divine attributes even a good idea? As a follow-through on a service Norm Stewart led last fall on feminist theology, the Worship Associates and Norm have invited Jen Lavery to give a woman’s view on the male/female aspects of God. The service will also celebrate International Women’s Day, which is Monday, March 8.
- March 14
Partner Church Sunday
Making Friends Around the World
Rev. Norm Stewart, Joan Beal and 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade RE classes
Looking at our First Unitarian Church of Louisville partner church in Transylvania and emerging Unitarian Universalist partnerships in the Philippines will we lift up Making Friends Around the World as an option to some of the other strategies our country uses to build global relationships.
- March 21
Music Sunday Celebration of Life
Coffee Cantata by J.S. Bach
Sponsored by First Unitarian Church Music Committee and Staff.
Soloists: Jesse Schreiber, Rebecca Kuhn.
Narrator: Michael Purintun.
Instrumentalists: Bonnie Avery, Lisa Weaver, Ray Weaver, Audrey Schmidt, Rebecca Johnson, Lisa Reynolds
Staging: Pat Allison
- March 28, 2004
John and Judith Murray Bring Universalism to America
Rev. Doddie Stone & Worship Associate Linda Berry
Rev. Doddie Stone, was a ministerial intern here in the early 90’s. After serving congregations in California, New England, and New Jersey, she retired to her family home in Northern Indiana. Doddie will speak to us about the birth of Universalism in America and the powerful role that both John and Judith Murray had in that birth.
- April 4, 2004
A Healing Journey
Rev. Norm Stewart
On Palm Sunday we will be exploring journeys, passion, compassion and where we might be going from here.
- April 11
Resurrection
Rev. Norm Stewart & Worship Associate Barbara Payton
EASTER SUNDAY
Think Pancake Breakfast, think Easter Egg hunt and think Resurrection, a time of new life for all of us. The choir will sing.
- April 18
The Common Wealth of Kentucky
Randy Wilson & Rev. Norm Stewart
To people on both sides of the Jefferson County line, the state of Kentucky and what is now Metro Louisville seem at times like two different countries, quite foreign to each other. Guest Speaker Randy Wilson from Eastern Kentucky will talk about mountaintop removal and what it is doing to our common wealth. We will also reflect on how we might be better citizens of the Commonwealth.
- April 25, 2004
Sr. High Youth Service
- May 2, 2004
Beltane – A Time of Release and Grounding
Rev. Norm Stewart & Worship Associate Linda Berry
Beltane is a pagan festival that celebrates new light, new life and the fertility of the Earth. It is the time when the sun is fully released from the bondage of winter and is able to rule over summer and life once again. With the children and youth we will dance the Maypole during the service.
- May 9, 2004
God the Father?
Rev. Norm Stewart & Worship Associate Jo Ann Dale
From the pervasive parental figure to co-creation and process theology, images of divinity are culturally powerful, even when -- or maybe especially when --they do not represent our personal truths.
- May 16, 2004
What is Marriage For?
Rev. Norm Stewart & Worship Associate Barbara Payton
Same sex marriages are scheduled to become legal in Massachusetts on May 17th. The cover story of the May/June UU World magazine is "Same-Sex Marriage Shifts Into High Gear." To quote Joan Rivers, “can we talk” about marriage, between both same-sex and opposite sex couples?
- May 23, 2004
Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
Our annual R.E. Recognition celebration features the beloved Dr. Seuss story, as well as very special music by the First Unitarian Church Dr. Seussophone All-Trombone Orchestra. Join us as we honor our teachers, graduates, and R.E. leaders. This is a multigenerational service with participation by all our R.E.
classes.
- May 30, 2004
Without a Vision
Rev. Norm Stewart
Its that vision thing again. It has been written that without a vision, people perish and so do their churches. What is this church called to be in this community. If we had a vision, what would it be? The choir will sing.
- June 6, 2004
Camp Wyandotte
Annual Church Camp Out at Camp Wyandotte in Corydon, Indiana
For those not attending the Otter Creek gathering, a small service will be held in the Choir Room at church.
Hymn Sing
Come with an idea of a hymn you would like to hear or sing with others. We will have copies of Singing the Living Tradition and How Can We Keep from Singing! Join others in the Choir Room at 10:55 if you are not spending that time at Wyandotte Woods with the church weekend camp out. Choir members and Marian Ziebell,our music director, will lead this informal service.
- June 13, 2004
What They Dreamed Be Ours to Do
Rev. Norm Stewart
How we are together as a community of faith. Reflections on hubris, civility, and false consensus.
- June 20, 2004
Family Rituals
Rev. Norm Stewart
For our last “regular” service of this year we will celebrate family rituals and offer some ideas for families to possibly share together. We will also celebrate with a Flower Communion.
- June 27, 2004
Taking Flight
Worship Leader Pat Allison
The service will present scenes from Pat's play, Taking Flight, which includes icon characters such as Amelia Earhardt, Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony, and others. The play and the service celebrate the human yearning to be daring and do all that one can for the good of all.
- July 4, 2004
The Marriage of Science and Religion for Personal and Planetary Wellbeing
Guest Speaker Michael Dowd
Our guest speaker offers a presentation of a realistic, hopeful, and inspiring vision of our past, present, and possible futures. Michael Dowd pastored UCC churches for eight years and more information about him can be found at www.thegreatstory.org. A follow up session will be held Wednesday, July 7 (time to be determined). Jim Fry is the worship associate. Intergenerational service.
- July 11, 2004
“To Look For America”
Worship Leaders Jenny Lavery & Sam Avery
Simon and Garfunkel (Paul and Art) first sang these words in the early 1960’s. Today First U’s Lavery and Avery (Jenny and Sam) build on these words to lead us in a participatory service that questions America’s meaning. What does it mean “to look for America” in 2004? Has your sense of “America” gone missing? Do you look for America (meaning the United States) to be other than the nation it now is? If so, how can you help that be so? The acapella group “The Last Notes” will sing.
- July 18, 2004
What Does Faith Have to Do With Us?
Worship Leaders Carol Edelen & Kathie Johnson
It is important to fashion a rational and reasonable faith since the alternative is an irrational and unreasonable one. Special Music by Michelle Lloyd and Conor Curtis.
- July 25, 2004
Just Outside the City of Good People
Rev. Todd Eklof, Guest Minister, & Worship Associate Linette Lowe
Based on an Islamic/Sufi parable. Rev. Eklof is minister of Clifton Unitarian Church. The flute choir will provide the music.
- August 1, 2004
Ego and Beyond
Worship Associate Linda Berry
Explore what we are and how we move beyond ourselves. What is the ego? Why do we need it? How does it limit us? What does it mean to go beyond it? This will be followed by the Breads and Spreads Luncheon which is given to the church by the CUUPs group to say thank you for all that the church has given to them.
- August 8, 2004
Politics and UUA Principles
Worship Associate Pat Allison
A service exploring how our political parties match our UU objectives. Representatives from the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, and the Green Party will present their positions on the Iraq War, No Child Left Behind, and Fairness issues.
- August 15, 2004
For Praying Out Loud: Interfaith Prayers For Public Occasions
Rev. Annie Foerster, Guest Minister
Public prayer is a frequent observance in American life. As we grow more religiously diverse, prayers that emphasize our sectarian beliefs tend to divide us rather than unite us. In my book “For Praying Out Loud: Interfaith Prayers For Public Occasions” I make a plea for the creation of a new and inclusive language for public prayer and provide examples of what this might sound like. I’ll talk about how I came to write the book and how Unitarian Universalists can set an example for religious inclusion. Copies of the book will be available for sale after the service.
- August 22, 2004
"Your Suffering--The Wind Beneath the Wings of a Promise Fulfilled"
by the Rev. Richard Stennett
Worship Associate Rev. Norm Stewart
GREAT SERMON SERIES: Today the Rev. Norm Stewart will share with you one of his favorite sermons. It was written by the Rev. Richard Stennett and delivered July 10, 1994 in Asheville, NC.
- August 29, 2004
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective World Changers
Our times demand action. Though we have the tools to make a difference, too often we hesitate to use them. How can we decide what to do? On this T-shirt/Cleanup Sunday, wear a shirt that expresses something about how you think the world, the church, or your community should be different.
- September 5, 2004
Labor Day Weekend
Worship Associates Kathy Kremer, Henry Lieberg, & Doug Taylor
A service celebrating labor as essential to our personal and spiritual integrity.
- September 12, 2004
Ingathering Celebration of Life
Rev. Norm Stewart & Worship Associate Carol Uebelhoer
An intergenerational service based on the story “Old Turtle and the Broken Truth” by Douglas Wood. Remember to bring water (real or virtual) from your summer adventures to add to our community water during the service.
- September 19, 2004
Discernment
Rev. Norm Stewart & Worship Associate Emil Roy
Discernment...what’s it all about? As a congregation we have agreed to walk a fairly specific path together for the coming year. The foundation for that journey was laid over the summer. Today’s Celebration of Life will be the introduction of that process of engagement in the wider church community.
- September 26, 2004
Renewing our Bonds: Parents, Schools and Communities
Dr. Robert Sexton & Worship Associates Norm Stewart & Carol Edelen
Our UU commitment to a free and responsible search for truth and meaning implies the need for quality lifelong learning. Dr. Sexton has been the Executive Director of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence since its beginning in 1980. The Prichard Committee works together with schools, parents, and communities to improve the educational foundation for all children.
- October 3, 2004
Then... and Now... and Now Again
Rev. Norm Stewart & Worship Associate Linda Berry
For most of us our previous experience(s) of organized religion significantly impact and will continue to impact both our current and future spiritual life. This is even true for most people who had no direct religious connections or influences in their families of origin. Today we will explore some of the ways these experiences have shaped our current religious life.
- October 10, 2004
Come Out, Come Out Whoever You Are
Rev. Norm Stewart & Worship Associates Jo Ann Dale & Marty Huelsmann, Jr.
October 11th is National Coming Out Day. Most of us have something about ourselves that we think shouldn't see the light of day. The struggles to conceal it stunt us all out of proportion to the secret we think we are keeping. This will be a chance to open our ears and our hearts to one another and to grow in the strength that comes from being truly authentic to who we are.
- October 17, 2004
Appreciating Islam
Rev. Norm Stewart & Worship Associate Tom Barron
Today service provides a brief glimpse into the wisdom, power, and hope that Islam holds for the world's
1.2 billion Muslims.
- October 24, 2004
Be the Change You Want to See in the World
Eileen Blanton, Guest Speaker, & Worship Associate Carol Edelen
Eileen Blanton from the Peace Education Program is well known to many of us. Today she will share with us reflections about the work she does with the Peace Ed focusing on prejudice reduction and conflict resolution in our community.
- October 31, 2004
Day of the Dead
“Dia de los Muertos... mixes celebration and mourning. Like a good UU memorial service, it both affirms life and gives us a chance to share our grief.” Before and during the service we will be decorating altar areas with photographs, mementos, favorite foods, flowers, candles, etc. to remember and celebrate the lives of those we choose to remember. Please bring something to help decorate our altars.
- November 7, 2004
The Individual In the Gathered Community
Rev. Norm Stewart
Throughout recorded history there is a constant tension between the rights of individuals and the needs of the wider community. The community which challenges your individuality may be your church, your village, your country or your world. How might we as Unitarian Universalists respond to this fundamental human dilemma?
- November 14, 2004
Manifest Humanism
Rev. Norm Stewart with John Gage, special musical guest
Is Humanism merely a passé manifestation of what Unitarian Universalists once were, “a concert and lecture series approach to religion” or is it something more? Today, we take an introductory look at the many varieties of Humanism that have evolved over the years and examine whether or not any of them are still valid approaches to being religious. We will also hear about our church’s pivotal role in the development of American Religious Humanism.
- November 21, 2004
Intergenerational Thanksgiving Service
Guest at Your Table Sunday
- November 28, 2004
Traditions
Worship Associates Kathie Johnson & Carol Edelen
Webster defines traditions as “an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom).” The winter holiday season is upon us. So as culturally and religiously diverse UUs where does that leave us? In this church our Christmas Eve Vesper Service is a well established tradition. Today we’ll lift up some other winter holiday traditions that are celebrated by our members.
- December 5, 2004
Kwanzaa Celebration
Guest speaker Dr. Ricky L. Jones & Worship Associates Pat Allison & Rev. Norm Stewart
For this years Kwanzaa Celebration our guest speaker will be Dr. Ricky L. Jones from the Department of Pan-African Studies at the University of Louisville. Dr. Jones has taught about Kwanzaa in his classes and will address one of the seven Kwanzaa principles for us. Ed White and members of the River City Drum Corps will also help us celebrate.
- December 12, 2004
Unto You a Savior Is Born
Rev. Norm Stewart
It has been said that “real religions” offer a salvation story to their adherents. The birth of Jesus marks the beginning of the Christian salvation story. Do Unitarian Universalists have a salvation story worth sharing with the world? If so, what is it? Is it a compelling story? If not, what might be a compelling story?
- December 19, 2004
A Celebration of Birth
R.E. Classes
Join us for our annual multigenerational “Religious Education Holiday Celebration of Life.” All R.E. children and youth take part in planning and presenting this service. Special music will be provided by the R.E. Holiday Choir for All Ages and many of our talented young musicians. Rumor has it that a special visitor from the North Pole may be joining us in the Social Hall immediately following the service.
- December 26, 2004
Commitment
Worship Associates Linda Berry & Tom Barron
Where are you going next year? What matters to you?
Return to upcoming Celebrations of Life
Coffee and refreshments served following the service in the Social Hall.
For directions, see our map to the church.
First Unitarian Church * Unitarian Universalist * UU * Louisville
Kentucky * KY
3050
www.firstulou.org/scryingsarchive/scryings2004.html
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