Archives: Services

Annual Water Communion Service

Annette Grochowski will lead our annual Water Communion service. The Water Communion was first used at a Unitarian Universalist service in the 1980s. It celebrates “coming together” from our many journeys, physical and spiritual. Participants are encouraged to bring to the service a small amount of water from a place that is special to them. During the appointed time in the service, people one by one pour their water together into a large bowl. As the water is added, the person who brought it tells why this water is special to them. The combined water can symbolize different things to different people: our shared faith coming from many different sources, our principle of world community with peace and justice for all, or recognizing water’s role in our interdependent web of all existence.

Guest Speaker: Jeffrey Lockwood: Sounds of Silence

Jeff Lockwood, University of Wyoming professor of Natural Sciences & Humanities and long-time member of the UU Fellowship of Laramie, will explore the importance of free speech to any democracy—from a nation to a religious community. To understand the moral hazards censorship, there is no more compelling, contemporary context than the energy industry’s application of economic pressure on governmental bodies and public institutions to suppress the expression of ideas that are contrary to the financial interests of those who profit from fossil fuels. Based on this recent book, Behind the Carbon Curtain: The Energy Industry, Political Censorship and Free Speech, he will share stories and thoughts about human freedom, the control of citizens by those in power, the dire risks of dissent in times of fear, and the importance of speaking the truth about oppression—whether political, economic, or both. Stuart Mackenzie will act as service leader.

Discussion Forum: Kindness

Laura Gossman will facilitate a discussion forum on the monthly worship theme of “Kindness.” Deliberately practicing kindness syncs well with Unitarian Universalism’s emphasis on “deeds, not creeds.” We’ll explore our current culture’s ambiguities surrounding kindness, and reflect on why we should and how we can behave more kindly.

Find the Eternal Light of Kindness: Even in Dark Times

Kindness is vital to surviving dark times. Progress depends on a positive outlook on life. When we reach out to others doing small and large acts of kindness we are feeding hope, moving ourselves forward and combatting the forces of darkness. Guest speaker Rebecca Hunt, Ph D., a historian and senior instructor at the University of Colorado at Denver, and story teller at Crimson Dawn, will share ideas and philosophies about kindness and its role in creating a better world.

Don’t be Nice, be Kind!

The Kind bar company has a series of commercials. “People think nice and kind are the same thing,” they begin by saying. Then go on to describe how kind bars are superior because they contain real ingredients. The commercial closes by saying, “Give kind a … read more.

Hope, Hypocrisy and Hot Fudge Sundaes

Hope, Hypocrisy and Hot Fudge Sundaes, by Jim Brown

In these times of social media it’s tough to be a purveyor of hope, inspiration or just causes without someone instantly digging up a reason or two to doubt the credibility of the purveyor.  The question I’ll … read more.

Hope Springs Eternal

An Essay on Man, Epistle I (1733) –  Alexander Pope

Hope springs eternal in the human breast;
Man never Is, but always To be blest:
The soul, uneasy and confin’d from home,
Rests and expatiates in a life to come.

It means that no matter the circumstances, … read more.

Hope Across the Board

Welcome

Opening Words

Look to this day!

For it is life, the very life of life,

In its brief course lie all the verities

And realities of your existence:

The bliss of growth,

The glory of action

The splendor of beauty;

For yesterday is but a dream,

And tomorrow is only a vision;

But today, well … read more.

Helpful Hopes, Unhelpful Expectations

The inspiration for my presentation today on “Healthy Hopes, Unhealthy Expectations,” came from recent reflections upon my past and current life. I have often revisited difficult decisions I made during my youth and young adulthood, sometimes wishing I would have chosen differently. Although fortunately not … read more.