Updated 2021-02-26 by Erma
“Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.” He also joined with suits against southern and northern hospitals for failure to treat blacks and poor people. Our subject is health care issues as part of the Beloved Community. In order to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the UUCLV congregation has suspended most in-person programs and events for the time being.
UUCLV will be holding Virtual Worshipful Gatherings on Sundays until such a time that we can come together in-person again. You can join us at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84823621393 on Sunday mornings. The Zoom room opens at 10:20 AM. Worship begins at 10:30 AM Please message us at admin@uuclv.org for the Zoom passcode. #UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #SundayService #BelovedCommunity #healthcare #injustice Beloved Community |
 | Theme for February: Beloved Community What is the beloved community: Martin Luther King popularized the notion of the “Beloved Community.” King envisioned the Beloved Community as a society based on justice, equal opportunity, and love of one's fellow human beings. The Beloved Community also describes a society in which all are embraced and cared for. The word associated with Beloved Community this month is - Blessing |
Black History Month Matters: Why it is still relevant
Every February when the nation recognizes Black History Month to celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans, some inevitable questions are raised.
Do we still need to celebrate Black History Month?
Isn’t this an archaic idea?
Black History Month is not only still relevant but necessary. But first, let’s take a quick look at how this observance began.
While earning a master’s degree from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. from Harvard, both in history, historian Carter G. Woodson saw how Black people were underrepresented in history books. He was determined to correct this marginalization, which he viewed as dangerous.
“If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile traditions, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated,”
Woodson said of the need for such study.
Woodson began to realize his hopes of raising awareness of African-American contributions when he and the organization he founded, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), conceived and announced Negro History Week in 1925.
Negro History Week was first celebrated during the second week of February in 1926 because it is the birth month of both President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
In response to the creation of Negro History Week, Black History clubs sprang up across the country and teachers sought and demanded materials to instruct their pupils.
In 1976, the nation’s bicentennial, the celebration was expanded to a month. President Gerald Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often-neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
That’s the brief history.
There are many reasons we should continue to celebrate Black History Month today.
First, the month long celebration is needed because African-American history is still largely unknown and underappreciated.
The uplifting film “Hidden Figures” is a great example of how much African-American history remains unknown. The movie, based on a book of the same name, is about African-American female mathematicians at NASA during the 1960s space race. “Hidden Figures” is an example of the stories of many other African-American scientists and inventors that still remain hidden history for too many Americans.
Or more recently the film “One Night In Miami” which depicts the night of February 25, 1964 in Miami Beach, Florida, as the heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston met Cassius Clay in the ring for the first of their two famous bouts. Clay emerged victorious, earning the championship and skyrocketing the career of the man who would later be known as Muhammad Ali. “One Night In Miami,” is a fictionalized account of what happened before and after that fight that day, when Clay and his friends Jim Brown, Sam Cooke and Malcolm X got together to celebrate, debate, argue and pontificate about life in the USA . These men were all celebrities in their own right, but to each other, they’re friends and acquaintances unafraid to challenge each other’s views on the present and future of Black America, White America and our place on the world stage
Secondly, though many people understand that Black American culture is essential to the understanding of American culture, many do not know how African-American history is intractably tied to the founding, development and evolution of America — politically, economically, spiritually and culturally.
In fact our own Unitarian Universalist denomination has benefited from Black members, administrators, religious educators, ministers and leaders like Whitney Young and so many others.
Also, the history of the U.S. The Civil Rights Movement is too important to an accurate understanding of U.S. history for citizens not to know it. Yet a Southern Poverty Law Center study showed that most states fail when it comes to teaching the Civil Rights Movement to students let alone teach the fullness of Black participation in securing our independence or serving disproportionately in our armed services.
In addition, I argue that greater knowledge and understanding of African-American history would have cautioned us against making the mistake of assuming the election of Barack Obama as the nation’s first African-American president would lead to a post-racial America. There were prominent African-American officeholders during the Reconstruction Era from 1863 to 1877, including two U.S. senators from Mississippi and even the governor of Louisiana. Reconstruction was followed by a racist backlash to gains made by African Americans. An understanding of African-American history teaches us that progress is not always inevitable. History teaches us that progress results from collective and protracted struggle.
An understanding of Black history would help us, as the late writer Albert Murray would say, “reject the folklore of white supremacy and the fakelore of Black pathology.”
The history of Black Americans is a testament to the human spirit. Despite enslavement and centuries of brutal discrimination, many Black Americans became creators of a strategy for living and triumphed over their conditions with faith, resilience and dignity. Knowledge of this history can inform and uplift those who are struggling to overcome life’s challenges.
Those who argue that Black history should be integrated into America’s history books are right. Black history should not be relegated to one cold, short month.
However, Black History Month was never supposed to be the end goal. It is the beginning — a small spark that hopefully will bring light to the minds of all Americans to seek more information for greater knowledge and understanding.
It is one of my goals as our minister to share my love and knowledge of pan African peoples with UUCLV and maybe even more importantly is my efforts to open pathways of understanding and engagement with the BIPOC world which is all about us.
In the words of a great Unitarian Universalist: The Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley
Every February when the nation recognizes Black History Month to celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans, some inevitable questions are raised.
Do we still need to celebrate Black History Month?
Isn’t this an archaic idea?
Black History Month is not only still relevant but necessary. But first, let’s take a quick look at how this observance began.
While earning a master’s degree from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. from Harvard, both in history, historian Carter G. Woodson saw how Black people were underrepresented in history books. He was determined to correct this marginalization, which he viewed as dangerous.
“If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile traditions, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated,”
Woodson said of the need for such study.
Woodson began to realize his hopes of raising awareness of African-American contributions when he and the organization he founded, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), conceived and announced Negro History Week in 1925.
Negro History Week was first celebrated during the second week of February in 1926 because it is the birth month of both President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
In response to the creation of Negro History Week, Black History clubs sprang up across the country and teachers sought and demanded materials to instruct their pupils.
In 1976, the nation’s bicentennial, the celebration was expanded to a month. President Gerald Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often-neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
That’s the brief history.
There are many reasons we should continue to celebrate Black History Month today.
First, the month long celebration is needed because African-American history is still largely unknown and underappreciated.
The uplifting film “Hidden Figures” is a great example of how much African-American history remains unknown. The movie, based on a book of the same name, is about African-American female mathematicians at NASA during the 1960s space race. “Hidden Figures” is an example of the stories of many other African-American scientists and inventors that still remain hidden history for too many Americans.
Or more recently the film “One Night In Miami” which depicts the night of February 25, 1964 in Miami Beach, Florida, as the heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston met Cassius Clay in the ring for the first of their two famous bouts. Clay emerged victorious, earning the championship and skyrocketing the career of the man who would later be known as Muhammad Ali. “One Night In Miami,” is a fictionalized account of what happened before and after that fight that day, when Clay and his friends Jim Brown, Sam Cooke and Malcolm X got together to celebrate, debate, argue and pontificate about life in the USA . These men were all celebrities in their own right, but to each other, they’re friends and acquaintances unafraid to challenge each other’s views on the present and future of Black America, White America and our place on the world stage
Secondly, though many people understand that Black American culture is essential to the understanding of American culture, many do not know how African-American history is intractably tied to the founding, development and evolution of America — politically, economically, spiritually and culturally.
In fact our own Unitarian Universalist denomination has benefited from Black members, administrators, religious educators, ministers and leaders like Whitney Young and so many others.
Also, the history of the U.S. The Civil Rights Movement is too important to an accurate understanding of U.S. history for citizens not to know it. Yet a Southern Poverty Law Center study showed that most states fail when it comes to teaching the Civil Rights Movement to students let alone teach the fullness of Black participation in securing our independence or serving disproportionately in our armed services.
In addition, I argue that greater knowledge and understanding of African-American history would have cautioned us against making the mistake of assuming the election of Barack Obama as the nation’s first African-American president would lead to a post-racial America. There were prominent African-American officeholders during the Reconstruction Era from 1863 to 1877, including two U.S. senators from Mississippi and even the governor of Louisiana. Reconstruction was followed by a racist backlash to gains made by African Americans. An understanding of African-American history teaches us that progress is not always inevitable. History teaches us that progress results from collective and protracted struggle.
An understanding of Black history would help us, as the late writer Albert Murray would say, “reject the folklore of white supremacy and the fakelore of Black pathology.”
The history of Black Americans is a testament to the human spirit. Despite enslavement and centuries of brutal discrimination, many Black Americans became creators of a strategy for living and triumphed over their conditions with faith, resilience and dignity. Knowledge of this history can inform and uplift those who are struggling to overcome life’s challenges.
Those who argue that Black history should be integrated into America’s history books are right. Black history should not be relegated to one cold, short month.
However, Black History Month was never supposed to be the end goal. It is the beginning — a small spark that hopefully will bring light to the minds of all Americans to seek more information for greater knowledge and understanding.
It is one of my goals as our minister to share my love and knowledge of pan African peoples with UUCLV and maybe even more importantly is my efforts to open pathways of understanding and engagement with the BIPOC world which is all about us.
In the words of a great Unitarian Universalist: The Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley
| If, recognizing the interdependence of all life, we strive to build community, the strength we gather will be our salvation. If you are black and I am white, it will not matter. If you are female and I am male, it will not matter. If you are older and I am younger, it will not matter. If you are progressive and I am conservative, it will not matter. If you are straight and I am gay, it will not matter. If you are Christian and I am Jewish, it will not matter. If we join spirits as brothers and sisters, the pain of our aloneness will be lessened, and that does matter. In this spirit, we build community and move toward restoration. |
May each of us prosper this season. May each of us stay safe. May our Unitarian Universalist faith support and sustain us in all we do!
In faith,
Rev Gordon
In faith,
Rev Gordon
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Build Back Better
Sunday, February 21, 2021
with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
President Biden believes to his core that there’s no greater economic engine in the world than the hard work and ingenuity of the American people. We UU’s have been in solidarity with Americans as they struggle, we've been respecting the working women and men who get up every day to build and sustain this country. Now more than ever support mechanisms and communities of care are needed. Our beloved UUCLV needs each of us. Our pledge campaign is about garnering resources to fund the shared ministries of UUCLV. This service is about our vision, our mission and our covenant and how we engage the city and communities around us. Join us for a forward look into our bright tomorrow.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #SundayService #BelovedCommunity #economy #PresidentBiden #stewardship #tomorrow
Image by congerdesign from Pixabay
with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
President Biden believes to his core that there’s no greater economic engine in the world than the hard work and ingenuity of the American people. We UU’s have been in solidarity with Americans as they struggle, we've been respecting the working women and men who get up every day to build and sustain this country. Now more than ever support mechanisms and communities of care are needed. Our beloved UUCLV needs each of us. Our pledge campaign is about garnering resources to fund the shared ministries of UUCLV. This service is about our vision, our mission and our covenant and how we engage the city and communities around us. Join us for a forward look into our bright tomorrow.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #SundayService #BelovedCommunity #economy #PresidentBiden #stewardship #tomorrow
Image by congerdesign from Pixabay
Service Details
Prelude: Kumbaya ("Come by Here")
Introduction/Zoom Orientation with Mairin O’Steen, Worship Associate
Ringing the Bell
Welcome with Mairin O’Steen, Worship Associate
Opening Words with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Chalice Lighting with Mairin O’Steen, Worship Associate
UUCLV President Nancy Czar
Opening Hymn: Alicia Keys – Underdog (See video below)
Of Our Hearts with Mairin O’Steen, Worship Associate
Pastoral Reflection with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Pastoral Hymn: A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke (See video below)
UUCLV Stewardship with Mark Bergtholdt
Offering and Invitations with Mairin O’Steen, Worship Associate
Reading with Mairin O’Steen, Worship Associate
Introduction/Zoom Orientation with Mairin O’Steen, Worship Associate
Ringing the Bell
Welcome with Mairin O’Steen, Worship Associate
Opening Words with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Chalice Lighting with Mairin O’Steen, Worship Associate
UUCLV President Nancy Czar
Opening Hymn: Alicia Keys – Underdog (See video below)
Of Our Hearts with Mairin O’Steen, Worship Associate
Pastoral Reflection with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Pastoral Hymn: A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke (See video below)
UUCLV Stewardship with Mark Bergtholdt
Offering and Invitations with Mairin O’Steen, Worship Associate
Reading with Mairin O’Steen, Worship Associate
They are hostile nations by Margaret Atwood
i
In view of the fading animals
the proliferation of sewers and fears
the sea clogging, the air
nearing extinction
we should be kind, we should
take warning, we should forgive each other
Instead we are opposite, we
touch as though attacking,
the gifts we bring
even in good faith maybe
warp in our hands to
implements, to manoeuvres
In view of the fading animals
the proliferation of sewers and fears
the sea clogging, the air
nearing extinction
we should be kind, we should
take warning, we should forgive each other
Instead we are opposite, we
touch as though attacking,
the gifts we bring
even in good faith maybe
warp in our hands to
implements, to manoeuvres
Read more here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47794/they-are-hostile-nations
Copyright © 1974, 1976 by Margaret Atwood.
Copyright © 1974, 1976 by Margaret Atwood.
Story for All Ages: Counting on Katherine | How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 - Read Aloud with Mr. Manny (See video below)
Sermon: Build Back Better with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Closing Song: Better Days by Ant Clemons (feat. Justin Timberlake) (See video below)
Benediction with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Extinguish the Chalice with Mairin O’Steen, Worship Associate
Announcements
Let's Talk About It
Sermon: Build Back Better with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Closing Song: Better Days by Ant Clemons (feat. Justin Timberlake) (See video below)
Benediction with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Extinguish the Chalice with Mairin O’Steen, Worship Associate
Announcements
Let's Talk About It
| | |
| | |
Covenant, Culture, Compassion
Sunday, February 14, 2021
with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Come worship with the UUs!
We are in the midst of a year unlike almost any other. The trauma of the pandemic. The insurrection and disharmony of our political life. The issues that arise from the linked oppressions inherent in our nation. These and so many challenges. Hence todays service. We are a covenantal community, we have spaces filled with peoples from cultures far and wide, we are a compassionate people ready to step into the future with hope, vitality and optimism.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #SundayService #BelovedCommunity #Covenant #Compassion #challenges #culture
Image by Anne-marie Ridderhof from Pixabay
with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Come worship with the UUs!
We are in the midst of a year unlike almost any other. The trauma of the pandemic. The insurrection and disharmony of our political life. The issues that arise from the linked oppressions inherent in our nation. These and so many challenges. Hence todays service. We are a covenantal community, we have spaces filled with peoples from cultures far and wide, we are a compassionate people ready to step into the future with hope, vitality and optimism.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #SundayService #BelovedCommunity #Covenant #Compassion #challenges #culture
Image by Anne-marie Ridderhof from Pixabay
Service Details
Prelude
Introduction/Zoom Orientation with Nina Kuzniak
Introduction/Zoom Orientation with Nina Kuzniak
| Good morning! Welcome to our Unitarian Universalist congregation. I’m Nina, and this is my first time serving as worship associate of this curious and compassionate community. We welcome everyone to our service, especially those searching for a spiritual home. Ours is a community of seekers- of truth, kinship, and belonging- on individual paths, intentionally intersecting here today. In this congregation, we strive not for perfection but for authenticity and connection. Whether you are new here or known well, we hope this time together will draw you nearer to your own lived experience through feeling connected to others, even in this virtual space. This place is made sacred by us. It is through our presence and intention that our small corner of the interdependent web of all existence is held together. Please add your pronouns to your name on Zoom, using the three dots on the top right-hand corner of your picture. Doing this ensures we are all seen and addressed in ways that affirm who we are. Our Zoom tech this morning is Keith, he will be muting and unmuting you through the gathering. Erma, our office administrator, is the host this morning. She will be letting folks into the Zoom room and monitoring the chat. Now, I invite you to settle into your physical space, so you are comfortable, peaceful, and prepared to receive. Take a breath in, and sense your “enoughness”, not from doing but from simply being. Know you are seen and held by this beloved community. For the moment, you have arrived. |
Ringing the Bell with Erin Mara
Opening Words with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Chalice Lighting with Nina Kuzniak
Opening Words with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Chalice Lighting with Nina Kuzniak
| Our chalice lighting words this morning come from Rev. Maureen Killoran. She says, “Love is the aspiration, the spirit that moves and inspires this faith we share. Rightly understood, love can nurture our spirits and transform the world. May the flame of this chalice honor and embody the power and the blessing of the love we need, the love we give, the love we are challenged always to remember and to share.” "We light the chalice as a reminder that together we are a beacon in the desert. May its light lead the way to love, acceptance and justice as we strive for personal and societal transformation." |
Reading with Nina Kuzniak
with words from Rev. Dr. Kendyl L. R. Gibbons: “Communities of Memory and Promise”
with words from Rev. Dr. Kendyl L. R. Gibbons: “Communities of Memory and Promise”
| “Our communities of memory and promise are founded upon covenants because we all need a defense against the impulse of immediate feelings that challenge our best intentions. It is necessary to be reminded from time to time of what you said you were going to do, and what you really want, over and above the lure of momentary comfort. "Covenant" is our word for the solemn promises that counteract the randomness of a future in which anything and everything is possible, by committing us in advance to certain relationships and values. We do [this] because what we build with intention, and even with difficulty, is more satisfying in the long run than the pleasures that we happen to encounter. We do it in time-consuming rituals, invoking powers that we scarcely know how to name, because we are seeking some way to give our lives the density, and dignity, and depth that we suspect, with longing, might yet be possible.” |
Opening Hymn: Lean on Me by Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, John Legend (UU Hymn #1021) - See video below
Of Our Hearts with Nina Kuzniak
Pastoral Reflection with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Pastoral Hymn: A Change Is Gonna Come by our own Sky Barton - Song by Sam Cooke
Offering and Invitations with Nina Kuzniak – The offering this month is being shared to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund.
Story for All Ages: The Story of Ruby Bridges written by Robert Coles and illustrated by George Ford (posted by The Teacher's Library on YouTube) - See video below
Sermon: Covenant, Culture, Compassion with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Of Our Hearts with Nina Kuzniak
Pastoral Reflection with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Pastoral Hymn: A Change Is Gonna Come by our own Sky Barton - Song by Sam Cooke
Offering and Invitations with Nina Kuzniak – The offering this month is being shared to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund.
Story for All Ages: The Story of Ruby Bridges written by Robert Coles and illustrated by George Ford (posted by The Teacher's Library on YouTube) - See video below
Sermon: Covenant, Culture, Compassion with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
| Talking Points Covenant: A statement of how members of the congregation will be with, and will behave toward, one another, as well as what is promised or vowed to one another and to the congregation as a whole. So, what does this mean to you? How does this manifest in your life? Can we start the movement towards caring about each other and the world? Culture: The Spiritual and Cultural Ethos of Unitarian Universalism The collective personality of any group reflects both conscious and unconscious patterns that express the group's way of being in the world and its relationship with its members. I would dare say individualism and polity/ democratic principles are at the historical core for UUs. Should we as Unitarian Universalists continue to reflect the American culture of individualism? Could we incorporate a greater concern for mutual support in our congregations? Compassion: The word compassion comes from two Latin roots that literally mean “to suffer with.” True compassion requires that we see the other as equal to, and indeed part of, ourselves. This means it is not enough to feel sorry that people are suffering. We must feel their suffering and want to eliminate it if we can? Are you open to learning how to be more compassionate? Are you aware of your surroundings? |
Musical Interlude with Sky Barton
Closing Song: There Is More Love Somewhere by Bernice Johnson Reagon (UU Hymn #95) - See video below
Benediction with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Extinguishing the Chalice with Nina Kuzniak
Closing Song: There Is More Love Somewhere by Bernice Johnson Reagon (UU Hymn #95) - See video below
Benediction with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Extinguishing the Chalice with Nina Kuzniak
| "We release that which was called with love and gratitude and we extinguish the flame, but not our commitment to being a beacon in the desert. This burns brightly until we gather again." |
Let’s Talk About It: Choose your own breakout room with Nina Kuzniak, Worship Associate
1. General coffee talk
2. Social Justice Chat
3. Pastoral Care sharing: How are you doing?
4. Events, hopes, plans of UUCLV
5. Newcomers: info about UUCLV hosted by Hilary
1. General coffee talk
2. Social Justice Chat
3. Pastoral Care sharing: How are you doing?
4. Events, hopes, plans of UUCLV
5. Newcomers: info about UUCLV hosted by Hilary
| | |
| |
Lyrics
Lean on Me by Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, John Legend
Sometimes in our lives, We all have pain, We all have sorrow
But if we are wise, We know that there's always tomorrow
Lean on me, When you're not strong, I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on...
For it won't be long, Till I'm gonna need somebody to lean on
Please swallow your pride, If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill, Those of your needs that you won't let show
You just call on me brother when you need a hand, We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand, We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on me, When you're not strong, I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on...
For it won't be long, Till I'm gonna need somebody to lean on
You just call on me brother, When you need a hand, We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand, We all need somebody to lean on
If there is a load you have to bear, That you can't carry
I'm right up the road, I'll share your load, If you just call me
Call me, If you need a friend
(Call me) (repeat)
A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cook
I was born by the river, in a little tent
Oh, and just like the river, I've been running ever since
It's been a long, A long time coming, But I know a change gonna come, Oh, yes it will
It's been too hard living, But I'm afraid to die
'Cause I don't know what's up there, Beyond the sky
It's been a long, A long time coming, But I know a change gonna come, Oh, yes it will
I go to the movie, And I go downtown
Somebody keep telling me, Don't hang around
It's been a long, A long time coming, But I know, a change gonna come, Oh, yes it will
Then I go to my brother, And I say, brother, help me please
But he winds up, knockin' me, Back down on my knees
Oh, there been times that I thought, I couldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able, to carry on
It's been a long, A long time coming, But I know a change gonna come, Oh, yes it will
There Is More Love Somewhere by Bernice Johnson Reagon
There is more love somewhere. There is more love somewhere.
I’m gonna keep on ‘til I find it. There is more love somewhere.
There is more peace somewhere. There is more peace somewhere.
I’m gonna keep on ‘til I find it. There is more peace somewhere.
There is happiness somewhere. There is happiness somewhere.
I’m gonna keep on ‘til I find it. There is happiness somewhere.
There is more joy somewhere. There is more joy somewhere.
I’m gonna keep on ‘til I find it. There is more joy somewhere.
There is more love somewhere. There is more love somewhere.
I’m gonna keep on ‘til I find it. There is more love somewhere.
Lean on Me by Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, John Legend
Sometimes in our lives, We all have pain, We all have sorrow
But if we are wise, We know that there's always tomorrow
Lean on me, When you're not strong, I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on...
For it won't be long, Till I'm gonna need somebody to lean on
Please swallow your pride, If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill, Those of your needs that you won't let show
You just call on me brother when you need a hand, We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand, We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on me, When you're not strong, I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on...
For it won't be long, Till I'm gonna need somebody to lean on
You just call on me brother, When you need a hand, We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand, We all need somebody to lean on
If there is a load you have to bear, That you can't carry
I'm right up the road, I'll share your load, If you just call me
Call me, If you need a friend
(Call me) (repeat)
A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cook
I was born by the river, in a little tent
Oh, and just like the river, I've been running ever since
It's been a long, A long time coming, But I know a change gonna come, Oh, yes it will
It's been too hard living, But I'm afraid to die
'Cause I don't know what's up there, Beyond the sky
It's been a long, A long time coming, But I know a change gonna come, Oh, yes it will
I go to the movie, And I go downtown
Somebody keep telling me, Don't hang around
It's been a long, A long time coming, But I know, a change gonna come, Oh, yes it will
Then I go to my brother, And I say, brother, help me please
But he winds up, knockin' me, Back down on my knees
Oh, there been times that I thought, I couldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able, to carry on
It's been a long, A long time coming, But I know a change gonna come, Oh, yes it will
There Is More Love Somewhere by Bernice Johnson Reagon
There is more love somewhere. There is more love somewhere.
I’m gonna keep on ‘til I find it. There is more love somewhere.
There is more peace somewhere. There is more peace somewhere.
I’m gonna keep on ‘til I find it. There is more peace somewhere.
There is happiness somewhere. There is happiness somewhere.
I’m gonna keep on ‘til I find it. There is happiness somewhere.
There is more joy somewhere. There is more joy somewhere.
I’m gonna keep on ‘til I find it. There is more joy somewhere.
There is more love somewhere. There is more love somewhere.
I’m gonna keep on ‘til I find it. There is more love somewhere.
Black, UU and Proud: From Joseph Jordan to BLUU
Sunday, February 7, 2021 at 10:30 AM PT
with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Come worship with the UUs!
As a Unitarian Universalist whose family has been active with our association since the early 1900’s I have a unique perspective with both great joys along with a few sorrows. Join UUCLV for a journey filled with folks that proclaimed this faith and continue to challenge it to live up to its promise.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #SundayService #BelovedCommunity #JosephJordan #BLUU #BlackUU
Read more about Joseph Jordan here:
https://uudb.org/articles/josephjordan.html
https://www.harvardsquarelibrary.org/biographies/joseph-f-jordan/
with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Come worship with the UUs!
As a Unitarian Universalist whose family has been active with our association since the early 1900’s I have a unique perspective with both great joys along with a few sorrows. Join UUCLV for a journey filled with folks that proclaimed this faith and continue to challenge it to live up to its promise.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #SundayService #BelovedCommunity #JosephJordan #BLUU #BlackUU
Read more about Joseph Jordan here:
https://uudb.org/articles/josephjordan.html
https://www.harvardsquarelibrary.org/biographies/joseph-f-jordan/
Service Details
Prelude: We Shall Overcome performed by Morehouse College (See video below)
Introduction/Zoom Orientation with Erin Mara, Worship Associate
Ringing the Bell
Invocation with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Opening Words and Chalice Lighting with Erin Mara, Worship Associate
"We light the chalice as a reminder that together we are a beacon in the desert. May its light lead the way to love, acceptance and justice as we strive for personal and societal transformation."
Covenant with Erin Mara, Worship Associate & The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Introduction/Zoom Orientation with Erin Mara, Worship Associate
Ringing the Bell
Invocation with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Opening Words and Chalice Lighting with Erin Mara, Worship Associate
"We light the chalice as a reminder that together we are a beacon in the desert. May its light lead the way to love, acceptance and justice as we strive for personal and societal transformation."
Covenant with Erin Mara, Worship Associate & The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
| This is the Covenant adopted by and for UUCLV: 1. We practice hospitality, welcoming all those that enter. 2. We are building a multicultural, mutli0generartaioal community that promote and strives toward justice and worsk to end marginalization of any people. 3. We listen with respect and attention, and we communicate with care. 4. We are a church community who serves our church community with generosity and good humor, and we support one another in times of joy and need, 5. To encourage healthy interactions, we reach out, with openness and kindness, to maintain relationship/covenant. 6. We acknowledge our own shortcomings and hold ourselves accountable for our mistakes, recognizing them as opportunities for growth and self-awareness. |
Opening Hymn: #1017 Building a New Way performed by The Love Supremes (See video below)
Of Our Hearts with Erin Mara, Worship Associate
Pastoral Reflection with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Pastoral Hymn: A Change Is Gonna Come by our own Sky Barton - Song by Sam Cooke
Offering and Invitations with Erin Mara, Worship Associate
"With gratitude for the abundance in our own lives, we give for the life of this congregation and the benefit of the larger community."
Story for All Ages: The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez (See video below)
Sermon: Black, UU and Proud: From Joseph Jordan to BLUU with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Of Our Hearts with Erin Mara, Worship Associate
Pastoral Reflection with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Pastoral Hymn: A Change Is Gonna Come by our own Sky Barton - Song by Sam Cooke
Offering and Invitations with Erin Mara, Worship Associate
"With gratitude for the abundance in our own lives, we give for the life of this congregation and the benefit of the larger community."
Story for All Ages: The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez (See video below)
Sermon: Black, UU and Proud: From Joseph Jordan to BLUU with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Talking Points about the Sermon Today’s service was primarily a history lesson. We talked about Joseph Jordan, the first African American ordained Universalist minister. Egbert Ethelred Brown the first Ordained Unitarian minister of African heritage. He was from Jamaica, BWI. Rev Dr Kristen Harper, Yvonne Seon, Adel Penniman Smith, Michelle Bentley, Qiyamah Rachman as some of the most important figures in Unitarian Universalist/ female history. I brought up AAUUM (African American Unitarian Universalist Ministry), DRUUM (Diverse and Revolutionary Multicultural Ministries), BLUU (Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism) as affiliate organizations within the UUA orbit. These are both historic and deeply connected structures that supports Black, Brown and other BIPOC peoples. Rev Bailey is going to set up a dialogue on race, ethnicity, gender, class and creed amongst the many human understandings. Stay tuned... Some resources for you from the Reverend:
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Musical Interlude with Sky Barton
Closing Song: We Shall Overcome - New York Philharmonic - Arranged by Jordan Millar (See video below)
Benediction with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Extinguish the Chalice with Erin Mara, Worship Associate
"We release that which was called with love and gratitude and we extinguish the flame, but not our commitment to being a beacon in the desert. This burns brightly until we gather again."
Postlude with Sky Barton
Announcements
Let’s Talk About It: Choose your own breakout room with Erin Mara, Worship Associate
1. General coffee talk
2. Social Justice Chat
3. Pastoral Care sharing: How are you doing?
4. Events, hopes, plans of UUCLV
5. Newcomers: info about UUCLV hosted by Hilary
Closing Song: We Shall Overcome - New York Philharmonic - Arranged by Jordan Millar (See video below)
Benediction with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Extinguish the Chalice with Erin Mara, Worship Associate
"We release that which was called with love and gratitude and we extinguish the flame, but not our commitment to being a beacon in the desert. This burns brightly until we gather again."
Postlude with Sky Barton
Announcements
Let’s Talk About It: Choose your own breakout room with Erin Mara, Worship Associate
1. General coffee talk
2. Social Justice Chat
3. Pastoral Care sharing: How are you doing?
4. Events, hopes, plans of UUCLV
5. Newcomers: info about UUCLV hosted by Hilary
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Where Wounds Are Healed
Join us for our Multi-generational religious education experience.
When it comes to Beloved Community, we focus on creating a place where wounds are healed and wrongs are righted. Our faith has taken up this work and called on UU’s to build a world without racism. A large part of that is creating new ways of being together, but we also need to focus on healing old and existing wounds that linger. So, what’s one of the ways our faith guides us into becoming a people of Beloved Community? It says, “acknowledge and heal the wounds that racism has caused.”
We will be talking about the difference between putting a band aid versus working to heal racism, reading a children's story about racial injustice, celebrating our unique differences, and creating our own song about justice.
If you have any questions or would like to help lead an activity, please message us at admin@uuclv.org.
Zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87942752264 - please message us for the Zoom password
See more about the Learning Together Series here.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #BelovedCommunity #healing #racism #RacialInjustice
When it comes to Beloved Community, we focus on creating a place where wounds are healed and wrongs are righted. Our faith has taken up this work and called on UU’s to build a world without racism. A large part of that is creating new ways of being together, but we also need to focus on healing old and existing wounds that linger. So, what’s one of the ways our faith guides us into becoming a people of Beloved Community? It says, “acknowledge and heal the wounds that racism has caused.”
We will be talking about the difference between putting a band aid versus working to heal racism, reading a children's story about racial injustice, celebrating our unique differences, and creating our own song about justice.
If you have any questions or would like to help lead an activity, please message us at admin@uuclv.org.
Zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87942752264 - please message us for the Zoom password
See more about the Learning Together Series here.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #BelovedCommunity #healing #racism #RacialInjustice
Where Black Leaders Are Honored
Join us for our Multi-generational religious education experience.
When we think about Beloved Community, one can’t help reflecting on the work of BLUU (Black Lives of UU) and DRUUMM (Diverse Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries). With the dedicated leadership of these groups, UU White Supremacy is being called out and challenged. We are gaining insights into our faith from these and other leaders of color about how to journey into multicultural wholeness. So, what’s one of the ways our faith guides us into becoming a people of Beloved Community? It tells us to “Honor Your Black leaders!”
We will be talking about our UU leaders and organizations that are working towards creating the beloved community, reading a story about a famous Black civil rights leader, meditating on creating peace and love, and talking about what it means to support one another in leading by "passing the baton"
If you have any questions or would like to help lead an activity, please message us at admin@uuclv.org.
Zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87942752264 - please message us for the Zoom password
See more about the Learning Together Series here.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #BelovedCommunity #BlackLeaders #Leaders #BLUU #DRUUMM #WhiteSupremacy
When we think about Beloved Community, one can’t help reflecting on the work of BLUU (Black Lives of UU) and DRUUMM (Diverse Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries). With the dedicated leadership of these groups, UU White Supremacy is being called out and challenged. We are gaining insights into our faith from these and other leaders of color about how to journey into multicultural wholeness. So, what’s one of the ways our faith guides us into becoming a people of Beloved Community? It tells us to “Honor Your Black leaders!”
We will be talking about our UU leaders and organizations that are working towards creating the beloved community, reading a story about a famous Black civil rights leader, meditating on creating peace and love, and talking about what it means to support one another in leading by "passing the baton"
If you have any questions or would like to help lead an activity, please message us at admin@uuclv.org.
Zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87942752264 - please message us for the Zoom password
See more about the Learning Together Series here.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #BelovedCommunity #BlackLeaders #Leaders #BLUU #DRUUMM #WhiteSupremacy
Newcomer Orientation Classes
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Las Vegas is inviting you to our upcoming Newcomer Orientation.
Please join us for three 1-1/2 hour overviews of Unitarian Universalism. These sessions are highly recommended workshops for visitors new to UU. This is also a great opportunity to meet others of the congregation in a small group experience. These will be held on Zoom and hosted by Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey.
Time and Dates:
February 21 - 12:30 - 2:00 PM
February 28 - 12:30 - 2:00 PM
March 7 - 12:30 - 2:00 PM
If you could confirm your attendance by February 15, 2021, it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact admin@uuclv.org. Once you're confirmed for the class, a separate email will be sent a week before the event(s) with the Zoom code and a reminder of the dates and times. An agenda and handouts will also be provided beforehand.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Lisa and Rick Bleyle
Membership Committee
admin@uuclv.org
Please join us for three 1-1/2 hour overviews of Unitarian Universalism. These sessions are highly recommended workshops for visitors new to UU. This is also a great opportunity to meet others of the congregation in a small group experience. These will be held on Zoom and hosted by Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey.
Time and Dates:
February 21 - 12:30 - 2:00 PM
February 28 - 12:30 - 2:00 PM
March 7 - 12:30 - 2:00 PM
If you could confirm your attendance by February 15, 2021, it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact admin@uuclv.org. Once you're confirmed for the class, a separate email will be sent a week before the event(s) with the Zoom code and a reminder of the dates and times. An agenda and handouts will also be provided beforehand.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Lisa and Rick Bleyle
Membership Committee
admin@uuclv.org
Special UUCLV Congregational Meeting
Sunday, February 14 at 12:00 Noon
To celebrate our future,
to mend our broken home,
to serve our community.
to mend our broken home,
to serve our community.
The Shift
Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 10:30 AM PT
with Mathew Taylor
Come worship with the UUs!
Mathew Taylor will be leading us in service. They are a Queer, Pro-Black, Unitarian Universalist Pagan. Mathew is an Intern Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville. They are the founder and lead lay-Pastor of Covenant UU, a covenanting community, and a Co-Vice President of Diverse and Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries, also known as DRUUMM. Mathew currently uses they/he pronouns. They are called to a heart-led mystical ministry that highlights the intersection of Earth-based magickal practices and Unitarian Universalism.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #SundayService #Imagination #2021 #MathewTaylor #Shift
with Mathew Taylor
Come worship with the UUs!
Mathew Taylor will be leading us in service. They are a Queer, Pro-Black, Unitarian Universalist Pagan. Mathew is an Intern Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville. They are the founder and lead lay-Pastor of Covenant UU, a covenanting community, and a Co-Vice President of Diverse and Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries, also known as DRUUMM. Mathew currently uses they/he pronouns. They are called to a heart-led mystical ministry that highlights the intersection of Earth-based magickal practices and Unitarian Universalism.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #SundayService #Imagination #2021 #MathewTaylor #Shift
Service Details
Prelude: Rising Appalachia by Resilient (See video below)
I've Got to Use My Imagination - Gladys Knight and the Pips (See video below)
Welcoming with Cooper Garrett (Them/They), Worship Associate
I've Got to Use My Imagination - Gladys Knight and the Pips (See video below)
Welcoming with Cooper Garrett (Them/They), Worship Associate
Opening Hymn: Woyaya with the Silver Spring UUC (See video below)
Chalice Lighting with Cooper Garrett (Them/They), Worship Associate
In Our Hearts with Cooper Garrett (Them/They), Worship Associate
Chalice Lighting with Cooper Garrett (Them/They), Worship Associate
In Our Hearts with Cooper Garrett (Them/They), Worship Associate
| We are calling all souls The artist The atheist The seeker The magician The joy filled And the heart broken We are calling all souls The belabored and the beloved The wise person and the fool The organizer and the activist The pacifist and the revolutionary We are calling all souls The youth The elder The ancestor We are calling all souls To this circle of worship We are calling all souls To come in Blessed Be. |
| We may have just started a new year, but that doesn’t mean we are leaving behind last year’s triumphs and heartbreaks. For these will be carried forward with us into this new year. For those celebrating new life, new love, new beginnings, our joy is with you. For those mourning, confronting mortality, and just struggling, we extend our hearts to you. For those caught somewhere in between, we also embrace you in the love of this community. Please type the names of those loved ones you hold in your heart this morning, so that we may hold them in our hearts as well. |
Prayer with Mathew P. Taylor (They/Them), Worship Leader
Silence/Personal Prayer
Pastoral Hymn: We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder
Meditation on Breathing by Sarah Dan Jones (See video below)
Reading with Cooper Garrett (Them/They), Worship Associate
Musical Offering: High and Low by Emeli Sandé
Sermon: The Shift with Mathew P. Taylor (They/Them), Worship Leader
Offering with Cooper Garrett (Them/They), Worship Associate
Extinguishing Chalice with Cooper Garrett (Them/They), Worship Associate
Closing Music: "It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)"
Choose your own breakout room
Silence/Personal Prayer
Pastoral Hymn: We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder
Meditation on Breathing by Sarah Dan Jones (See video below)
Reading with Cooper Garrett (Them/They), Worship Associate
Musical Offering: High and Low by Emeli Sandé
Sermon: The Shift with Mathew P. Taylor (They/Them), Worship Leader
Offering with Cooper Garrett (Them/They), Worship Associate
Extinguishing Chalice with Cooper Garrett (Them/They), Worship Associate
Closing Music: "It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)"
Choose your own breakout room
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Conversations with the President
Conversations with the President
Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 10:30 AM PT
with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Come worship with the UUs!
Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 10:30 AM PT
with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Come worship with the UUs!
Imagine we had a sit down with President Joseph Biden. What would the conversation be like? Are the stakes very high? Yes, we are at a critically important moment in our nation’s history. What will you ask him? What do you think he needs to hear? How can our faith lead us into the most important dialogues of our lives.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #SundayService #Imagination #President #JoeBiden
Photo: The Replica Oval Office in the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
https://www.flickr.com/photos/georgebushlibrary/5726289741/
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #SundayService #Imagination #President #JoeBiden
Photo: The Replica Oval Office in the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
https://www.flickr.com/photos/georgebushlibrary/5726289741/
Service Details
Ringing the Bell with Erin Mara
Invocation with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Opening Words: We Will Emerge by Rabbi Sharon Brous
Invocation with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Opening Words: We Will Emerge by Rabbi Sharon Brous
| We will emerge more loving. The morning after the virus passes, we will mourn the world we’ve lost. And then we’ll build a new world, rooted in the lessons we’ve finally learned. Like the realization that we’re all connected by an invisible web of humanity that crosses land and sea. And the awareness that the judge of a society is not how we treat the most powerful, but how we care for the most vulnerable. And the irrefutable truth that when we allow profit and political expediency to supersede moral responsibility, when we let our indignation slip into quiet resignation, people die. The new world we create will upend the systems of oppression and inequity, cruelty, and callousness that have been laid bare in this crisis. In it, we’ll pay teachers what they deserve; treat medical professionals like the superheroes they are; and honor farm, grocery, garbage, and postal workers as essential and invaluable, because they truly are. The new world will be rooted in the shared knowledge that we must live responsibly and sustainably on this planet. In this new world, we’ll know that our bodies are precious and touch is sacred. And our eyes will be trained to see beauty and poetry everywhere. After the loss and dislocation, the brokenness and grief, when we emerge, we will build a world rooted in love. |
Chalice Lighting: Superheroes with Erin Mara
Spiderman, Green Lantern, & the Human Torch (compiled by Cynthia Landrum)
Mindful that
With great power comes great responsibility,
We light this chalice in the hopes that
In brightest day, in blackest night,
Our faith will
Flame on!
Opening Music: Wake Now Now my senses
Of Our Hearts with Erin Mara
Pastoral Reflection with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Pastoral Hymn: Spirit of Life
Offering and Invitations with Erin Mara
Story for All Ages: When Penny Met POTUS (See video below)
Covenant with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Reflection/Sermon with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Musical Interlude with Sky Barton
Closing Song: We Are a Gentle Angry People
Benediction with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Extinguish the Chalice with Erin Mara
Announcements with Erin Mara
Spiderman, Green Lantern, & the Human Torch (compiled by Cynthia Landrum)
Mindful that
With great power comes great responsibility,
We light this chalice in the hopes that
In brightest day, in blackest night,
Our faith will
Flame on!
Opening Music: Wake Now Now my senses
Of Our Hearts with Erin Mara
Pastoral Reflection with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Pastoral Hymn: Spirit of Life
Offering and Invitations with Erin Mara
Story for All Ages: When Penny Met POTUS (See video below)
Covenant with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Reflection/Sermon with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Musical Interlude with Sky Barton
Closing Song: We Are a Gentle Angry People
Benediction with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Extinguish the Chalice with Erin Mara
Announcements with Erin Mara
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Building Your Own Theology Classes
Building Your Own Theology Classes by Richard S Gilbert - Reimagined in part by the Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Unitarian Universalists are accustomed to speaking out and sharing their diverse views, but sometimes we find it difficult to say just what our individual theologies are. This class will explore participants’ evolving individual and collective theological perspectives by reflecting on personal religious experiences, raising questions of ultimate reality, ethics, religious meaning, human nature, the sacred or holy, good and evil, suffering, community, authority, death, immortality and UU’s Seven Principles. The aim of the course is to come to a deeper understanding of “where we stand” as individuals and as a community of seekers. Participants will engage in writing their insights and views and ultimately creating individual credo statements.
Ten sessions from February to June.
Monthly on the 1st Saturday (1030 AM-12 PM)
and on the 2nd Thursday of the month (6 PM-730 PM)
1 - Sat Feb 6 at 10:30 AM
2 - Thu Feb 11 at 6 PM
3 - Sat Mar at 10:30 AM
4 - Thu Mar at 6 PM
5 - Sat Apr at 10:30 AM
6 - Thu Apr at 6 PM
7 - Sat May at 10:30 AM
8 - Thu May at 6 PM
9 - Sat Jun at 10:30 AM
10 - Thu Jun at 6 PM
Please RSVP to The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey at minister@uuclv.org
Photo: Chalice 1 by Last Minute Linda
https://www.flickr.com/photos/87526933@N02/14556207194/
Unitarian Universalists are accustomed to speaking out and sharing their diverse views, but sometimes we find it difficult to say just what our individual theologies are. This class will explore participants’ evolving individual and collective theological perspectives by reflecting on personal religious experiences, raising questions of ultimate reality, ethics, religious meaning, human nature, the sacred or holy, good and evil, suffering, community, authority, death, immortality and UU’s Seven Principles. The aim of the course is to come to a deeper understanding of “where we stand” as individuals and as a community of seekers. Participants will engage in writing their insights and views and ultimately creating individual credo statements.
Ten sessions from February to June.
Monthly on the 1st Saturday (1030 AM-12 PM)
and on the 2nd Thursday of the month (6 PM-730 PM)
1 - Sat Feb 6 at 10:30 AM
2 - Thu Feb 11 at 6 PM
3 - Sat Mar at 10:30 AM
4 - Thu Mar at 6 PM
5 - Sat Apr at 10:30 AM
6 - Thu Apr at 6 PM
7 - Sat May at 10:30 AM
8 - Thu May at 6 PM
9 - Sat Jun at 10:30 AM
10 - Thu Jun at 6 PM
Please RSVP to The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey at minister@uuclv.org
Photo: Chalice 1 by Last Minute Linda
https://www.flickr.com/photos/87526933@N02/14556207194/
UUCLV's Death Café
We welcome you to our Death Café. It will be a respectful space where you can feel comfortable sharing your questions, curiosity, fears, beliefs and stories about any/all aspects of death, grief, mourning, bereavement. We have learned that there is often lots of laughter as well as a few tears.
We will start in January, meeting once a month for 1.5 hours. During these sessions we will try writing eulogies, write living wills, consider burial options, cremation, video remembrances, song list for your memorial service and so much more. This isn't morbid or sad, it is a mature way of looking at the dual reality of our living and having to die. Please RSVP to The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey at minister@uuclv.org for the Zoom password.
UUCLV's Death Café will be held monthly on the Fourth Saturday from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM beginning January 23.
Visit our CALENDAR for more dates.
Photo: 2013-04-24 11.52.14 by Renee Ruchotzke
https://www.flickr.com/photos/89193592@N03/8770557432/
We will start in January, meeting once a month for 1.5 hours. During these sessions we will try writing eulogies, write living wills, consider burial options, cremation, video remembrances, song list for your memorial service and so much more. This isn't morbid or sad, it is a mature way of looking at the dual reality of our living and having to die. Please RSVP to The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey at minister@uuclv.org for the Zoom password.
UUCLV's Death Café will be held monthly on the Fourth Saturday from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM beginning January 23.
Visit our CALENDAR for more dates.
Photo: 2013-04-24 11.52.14 by Renee Ruchotzke
https://www.flickr.com/photos/89193592@N03/8770557432/
UUCLV Pastoral Care Committee
Pastoral Care is when the Minister of a church and trained Pastoral Care Associates help other members & friends with their personal affairs. Things like: home-cooked meals delivered, occasional rides to and from church or other locations, phone call check-ups, and more are covered under this group. If you're interested in becoming a Pastoral Care Associate or if you need help, please reach out to Rev. Bailey at minister@uuclv.org
If you're interested, please check our CALENDAR for meeting dates.
Lunch with the Minister: Third Wednesdays
Lunch with the Minister happens every Third Wednesday of the month from 12:00 – 1:30 PM. Please join The Reverend Gordon C. Bailey via Zoom for our monthly "Lunch with the Minister" event. The format will include a topic based on the monthly theme, possibly a short TED-style Talk or other informational piece, and then a discussion to follow. Please message the Reverend for more information at minister@uuclv.org
Visit our CALENDAR for dates.
Visit our CALENDAR for dates.
January 2021: Continuing Conversations
Happy New Year!
Dear UUCLV family and friends,
I wish you all a Happy New Year with lots of health, peace, and love. These are the sentiments I was holding on to as 2021 this New Year opened. These are the thoughts I still have despite the difficult situations that are everywhere.
The challenges for our congregation, our communities, our nation, and our world couldn’t be higher! All of the values we share as Unitarian Universalists, our work for justice, the communities we love, and the beloved community we seek to create are feeling the pressures of a world struggling with Covid-19 along with the sociopolitical realities of our time. Our denomination, this UUCLV, we the individuals that name and claim Unitarian Universalism as our chosen faith must speak with moral courage and act with prophetic clarity in these times.
Hatred must never win! Ignorance must never be allowed to prevail! Anti-oppression is our duty to promote. We seek not just tolerance but a dismantling of anti-Semitism, anti-immigration, anti-black racism, anti-Latinx, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia and all things that demean or oppress the human family. The cycles of hate have taken an enormous toll on our world, our nation, and this community we love. In short, racism and all that separates us must be dismantled and replaced with systems that are built with love, equanimity, and affirmation.
In the words of the UUA President, Rev. Susan Frederick- Gray: - “Our UU values of interdependence, democracy, and the inherent worth and dignity of all people are direct antidotes to the fear, bigotry, and inequity that define our world. In this political moment, UUs are called to join forces with all people who want to organize our communities and our nation to #DefeatHate.”
Dear friends, in the words that the great Pete Seeger sang: -
We shall overcome
We shall overcome
We shall overcome, some day!
Deep in our collective hearts and minds, I do believe we UUs can make a difference today!
May each of us have healthy, prosperous and engaged seasons filled with love,
Rev. Gordon Clay Bailey
Dear UUCLV family and friends,
I wish you all a Happy New Year with lots of health, peace, and love. These are the sentiments I was holding on to as 2021 this New Year opened. These are the thoughts I still have despite the difficult situations that are everywhere.
The challenges for our congregation, our communities, our nation, and our world couldn’t be higher! All of the values we share as Unitarian Universalists, our work for justice, the communities we love, and the beloved community we seek to create are feeling the pressures of a world struggling with Covid-19 along with the sociopolitical realities of our time. Our denomination, this UUCLV, we the individuals that name and claim Unitarian Universalism as our chosen faith must speak with moral courage and act with prophetic clarity in these times.
Hatred must never win! Ignorance must never be allowed to prevail! Anti-oppression is our duty to promote. We seek not just tolerance but a dismantling of anti-Semitism, anti-immigration, anti-black racism, anti-Latinx, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia and all things that demean or oppress the human family. The cycles of hate have taken an enormous toll on our world, our nation, and this community we love. In short, racism and all that separates us must be dismantled and replaced with systems that are built with love, equanimity, and affirmation.
In the words of the UUA President, Rev. Susan Frederick- Gray: - “Our UU values of interdependence, democracy, and the inherent worth and dignity of all people are direct antidotes to the fear, bigotry, and inequity that define our world. In this political moment, UUs are called to join forces with all people who want to organize our communities and our nation to #DefeatHate.”
Dear friends, in the words that the great Pete Seeger sang: -
We shall overcome
We shall overcome
We shall overcome, some day!
Deep in our collective hearts and minds, I do believe we UUs can make a difference today!
May each of us have healthy, prosperous and engaged seasons filled with love,
Rev. Gordon Clay Bailey
Imagination: A Note from Our Minister January 2021
| Happy New Year Dear UUCLV family and friends, We have made it to a new theme and I hope you find this one exciting. Jan: Imagination is the theme for January. The practice of waking up to possibility. The healing practice of putting ourselves in other people’s shoes The practice of completing the world by conjuring up its missing parts. The practice of allowing hope to widen our view. (SoulMatters) |  |
Dear UUCLV, let's get serious about our spiritual growth. SoulMatters has offered us a direction and my hope is we may follow. In the possibilities available to us this month I hope the use of our imagination will give license to expansive thoughts.
In The Conduct of Life, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: “We live by our imaginations, by our admirations, by our sentiments. The child walks amid heaps of illusions, which he does not like to have disturbed.”
I find Emerson’s words spot on. In fact I think that most adults don’t want the dreams or flights of fancy disturbed. Yet we must always be mindful of the context, the locus, the place we find ourselves. I hope we can use this month and this theme to dream and imagine this community of ours and this congregation rising to new heights. It is my prayer and a hope of mine that the adage that you must imagine it before it becomes so may happen for us as we imagine the very best for us all.
In faith,
Rev Gordon
In The Conduct of Life, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: “We live by our imaginations, by our admirations, by our sentiments. The child walks amid heaps of illusions, which he does not like to have disturbed.”
I find Emerson’s words spot on. In fact I think that most adults don’t want the dreams or flights of fancy disturbed. Yet we must always be mindful of the context, the locus, the place we find ourselves. I hope we can use this month and this theme to dream and imagine this community of ours and this congregation rising to new heights. It is my prayer and a hope of mine that the adage that you must imagine it before it becomes so may happen for us as we imagine the very best for us all.
In faith,
Rev Gordon
Click on the photo for photo credits
Learning Together: Think Outside The Box
changed to 01/30/2021
Join us for our Multi-generational religious education experience from 4-5 PM PT.
Our faith asks us to use our reason to question what is and imagine new ways to think about things. It’s part of our fifth UU Source, “...heed the guidance of reason and the results of science…”
Sometimes people think of science and imagination as opposites, but every good scientist will tell you that you need both imagination and reason to understand the world and to invent new things. So, what’s one of the ways our faith guides us into becoming a people of imagination? It tells us “Use imagination and reason as partners to think outside the box!”
We will be using household objects to turn on our imaginations, using science to help us imagine what we can not see with our eyes, and playing some puzzles.
If you have any questions or would like to help lead an activity, please message us at admin@uuclv.org.
Zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87942752264 - please message us for the Zoom password
See more about the Learning Together Series here.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #imagination #science #ThinkOutsideTheBox
Our faith asks us to use our reason to question what is and imagine new ways to think about things. It’s part of our fifth UU Source, “...heed the guidance of reason and the results of science…”
Sometimes people think of science and imagination as opposites, but every good scientist will tell you that you need both imagination and reason to understand the world and to invent new things. So, what’s one of the ways our faith guides us into becoming a people of imagination? It tells us “Use imagination and reason as partners to think outside the box!”
We will be using household objects to turn on our imaginations, using science to help us imagine what we can not see with our eyes, and playing some puzzles.
If you have any questions or would like to help lead an activity, please message us at admin@uuclv.org.
Zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87942752264 - please message us for the Zoom password
See more about the Learning Together Series here.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #imagination #science #ThinkOutsideTheBox
Learning Together: Imagine A Better World
Join us for our Multi-generational religious education experience from 4-5 PM PT.
Each month we are dedicating one session to a different aspect of anti-racism work, with our theme guiding us toward which aspect to focus on. When it comes to imagination, we focus on imagining a better world. And who better to celebrate than Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr?
Dr. King’s words in his “I Have a Dream” speech can be revisited through the lens of today’s environment with even more impact. White UU’s were not very aware of racism in the last decade. Yet, now white UU’s are working on understanding that racism is still here, deep in our society. Today, more white UU’s realize that they need to imagine a better world. We need to work hard to end racism. Our faith has taken up this work and called on UU’s to build a world without racism. So, what’s one of the ways our faith guides us into becoming a people of imagination? It says, “Imagine and work for a better world.”
We will be talking about Martin Luther King Jr., Georgia Gilmore, and the Civil Rights Movement, and participating in a body prayer.
If you have any questions or would like to help lead an activity, please message us at admin@uuclv.org.
Zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87942752264 - please message us for the Zoom password
See more about the Learning Together Series here.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #imagination #MartinLutherKingJr #MLK #IHaveADream #racism #GeorgiaGilmore #CivilRights
Each month we are dedicating one session to a different aspect of anti-racism work, with our theme guiding us toward which aspect to focus on. When it comes to imagination, we focus on imagining a better world. And who better to celebrate than Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr?
Dr. King’s words in his “I Have a Dream” speech can be revisited through the lens of today’s environment with even more impact. White UU’s were not very aware of racism in the last decade. Yet, now white UU’s are working on understanding that racism is still here, deep in our society. Today, more white UU’s realize that they need to imagine a better world. We need to work hard to end racism. Our faith has taken up this work and called on UU’s to build a world without racism. So, what’s one of the ways our faith guides us into becoming a people of imagination? It says, “Imagine and work for a better world.”
We will be talking about Martin Luther King Jr., Georgia Gilmore, and the Civil Rights Movement, and participating in a body prayer.
If you have any questions or would like to help lead an activity, please message us at admin@uuclv.org.
Zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87942752264 - please message us for the Zoom password
See more about the Learning Together Series here.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #imagination #MartinLutherKingJr #MLK #IHaveADream #racism #GeorgiaGilmore #CivilRights
Martin Luther King, Jr.: Real and Imagined
A Joint Service Presentation: UUC of Las Vegas and UUC of Las Cruces
Sunday, January 17, 2021
with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey and The Reverend Xolani Kacela
Come worship with the UUs of Nevada & New Mexico!
with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey and The Reverend Xolani Kacela
Come worship with the UUs of Nevada & New Mexico!
Let us honor and remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Decades after Dr. King’s death, we continue struggling to make his vision of peace and racial harmony a reality. Let’s examine the progress we’ve made and explore how far we have to go.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #SundayService #Imagination #ContemporaryIssue #InRemembrance #Justice #Worship #DrMartinLutherKingJr #MLK
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #SundayService #Imagination #ContemporaryIssue #InRemembrance #Justice #Worship #DrMartinLutherKingJr #MLK
Service Details
Gathering Hymn: Somebody Prayed For Me with Catherine Massey, CML - Director of Music
Opening Words with The Reverend Xolani Kacela & The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Chalice Lighting with Steve Hychka & Mary Phillips
Affirmation of Covenant
Doxologies
Words of Welcome
Announcements
Time for All Ages: An MLK Reading with Owen Tanner
Opening Hymn #199 Precious Lord, Take My Hand with Sky Barton, Soloist
Joys and Sorrows
Meditation and Prayer
Readings: The Racial Healing Handbook by Anneliese A. Singh PhD.
We Answer the Call of Love by Julia Corbett-Hemeyer
To Embody the Dream of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Wayne B Arnason
Anthem: King for a Day - Music by Jason Shelton, Produced for today by Association of Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries
Sermon: May We Be Servant Leaders with The Reverend Xolani Kacela
Sermon: Reimaging King with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Sharing of Gifts
Offertory: For Every Mountain - Music by Kurt Carr, Performed by New Mexico State University Gospel Choir, Dr. Bobbie Green, Director; Roi Hines, Soloist
Closing Hymn: #141 I've Got a New Name with Catherine Massey
Closing Words
Extinguishing the Flame
Postlude: Like a Mighty Stream - Music and Lyrics by Moses Hogan and John Jacobson, Performed by UU Church of Las Cruces Choir with Catherine Massey, Director of Music
Opening Words with The Reverend Xolani Kacela & The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Chalice Lighting with Steve Hychka & Mary Phillips
Affirmation of Covenant
Doxologies
Words of Welcome
Announcements
Time for All Ages: An MLK Reading with Owen Tanner
Opening Hymn #199 Precious Lord, Take My Hand with Sky Barton, Soloist
Joys and Sorrows
Meditation and Prayer
Readings: The Racial Healing Handbook by Anneliese A. Singh PhD.
We Answer the Call of Love by Julia Corbett-Hemeyer
To Embody the Dream of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Wayne B Arnason
Anthem: King for a Day - Music by Jason Shelton, Produced for today by Association of Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries
Sermon: May We Be Servant Leaders with The Reverend Xolani Kacela
Sermon: Reimaging King with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Sharing of Gifts
Offertory: For Every Mountain - Music by Kurt Carr, Performed by New Mexico State University Gospel Choir, Dr. Bobbie Green, Director; Roi Hines, Soloist
Closing Hymn: #141 I've Got a New Name with Catherine Massey
Closing Words
Extinguishing the Flame
Postlude: Like a Mighty Stream - Music and Lyrics by Moses Hogan and John Jacobson, Performed by UU Church of Las Cruces Choir with Catherine Massey, Director of Music
| Sermons by The Reverend Xolani Kacel & The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey | Full Joint Service for 01/17/2021 |
Learning Together: Imagine A World Without Covid
Join us for our Multi-generational religious education experience from 4-5 PM PT.
Our faith is a hopeful one. We disagreed with those who saw this life as doomed and irredeemable and instead asserted that life in the here and now was good and full of possibilities. In difficult times our faith has always encouraged us to hold on to hope by imagining the new day that is on its way. (Think about how often we quote the famous line about the arc of the universe bending toward justice.) So, what’s one of the ways our faith guides us into becoming a people of imagination? It tells us to “imagine the new day that is on its way!”
We will be talking and drawing and imagining how our lives will be different when Covid is over, and getting a chance to share and empathize about our lives during this time.
If you have any questions or would like to help lead an activity, please message us at admin@uuclv.org.
Zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87942752264 - please message us for the Zoom password
See more about the Learning Together Series here.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #imagination #Hope #Covid
Our faith is a hopeful one. We disagreed with those who saw this life as doomed and irredeemable and instead asserted that life in the here and now was good and full of possibilities. In difficult times our faith has always encouraged us to hold on to hope by imagining the new day that is on its way. (Think about how often we quote the famous line about the arc of the universe bending toward justice.) So, what’s one of the ways our faith guides us into becoming a people of imagination? It tells us to “imagine the new day that is on its way!”
We will be talking and drawing and imagining how our lives will be different when Covid is over, and getting a chance to share and empathize about our lives during this time.
If you have any questions or would like to help lead an activity, please message us at admin@uuclv.org.
Zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87942752264 - please message us for the Zoom password
See more about the Learning Together Series here.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #imagination #Hope #Covid
Imagination & Being
Sunday, January 10, 2021
with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Come worship with the UUs!
It is January, 2021. Let’s get imaginative! Are their links between imagination, ethics, and the life of the spirit? What role does imagination play in the formation and growth of our religious, spiritual, and human identities? What does it mean to be brave with our imaginations? What can we create when we unleash imagination?
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #SundayService #Imagination #2021 #ManifestingImagination
with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey
Come worship with the UUs!
It is January, 2021. Let’s get imaginative! Are their links between imagination, ethics, and the life of the spirit? What role does imagination play in the formation and growth of our religious, spiritual, and human identities? What does it mean to be brave with our imaginations? What can we create when we unleash imagination?
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #SundayService #Imagination #2021 #ManifestingImagination
Service Details
Welcome and Zoom Orientation with MaryAnn Amodeo (She/Her), Worship Associate
Ringing the Bell
Ringing the Bell
| If you are a dreamer, come in. If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar, A hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer. If you’re a pretender, come sit by my fire, For we have some flax golden tales to spin. Come in! Come in! Shel Silverstein |
Invocation and Opening Words with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey (He/Him)
Chalice Lighting with MaryAnn Amodeo (She/Her), Worship Associate
Chalice Lighting with MaryAnn Amodeo (She/Her), Worship Associate
| Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, said “I know it’s easier to portray a world filled with cynicism and anger, where problems are solved with violence… It’s an easy out. What’s a whole lot tougher is to offer alternatives, to present other ways conflicts can be resolved, and to show you can have a positive impact on your world. To do that, you have to put yourself out on a limb, take chances, and run the risk of being called a do-gooder." |
Singing Together: #123 Spirit of Life (See video below)
Of Our Hearts with MaryAnn Amodeo (She/Her), Worship Associate
Pastoral Reflection & Silence with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey (He/Him)
Pastoral Hymn: Imagine by John Lennon (See video below)
Offering and Invitations with MaryAnn Amodeo (She/Her), Worship Associate
Story for All Ages: Imagination Vacation (See video below)
Reflection/Sermon: Imagination and Being with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey (He/Him)
Of Our Hearts with MaryAnn Amodeo (She/Her), Worship Associate
Pastoral Reflection & Silence with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey (He/Him)
Pastoral Hymn: Imagine by John Lennon (See video below)
Offering and Invitations with MaryAnn Amodeo (She/Her), Worship Associate
Story for All Ages: Imagination Vacation (See video below)
Reflection/Sermon: Imagination and Being with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey (He/Him)
Musical Interlude with Sky Barton
Closing Song: What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong (See video below)
Benediction and Extinguish the Chalice with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey (He/Him)
Announcements with MaryAnn Amodeo (She/Her), Worship Associate
Postlude with Sky Barton
Invitation to Virtual Social Time with MaryAnn Amodeo (She/Her), Worship Associate
Closing Song: What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong (See video below)
Benediction and Extinguish the Chalice with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey (He/Him)
Announcements with MaryAnn Amodeo (She/Her), Worship Associate
Postlude with Sky Barton
Invitation to Virtual Social Time with MaryAnn Amodeo (She/Her), Worship Associate
VIDEOS
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Learning Together: Imagine A New You
Join us for our Multi-generational religious education experience from 4-5 PM PT.
When we think about imagination, one can’t help reflecting on the very first thing one does with UU kids: Child Dedications. In contrast to some faiths that highlight how we are born with original sin, UU Child Dedications emphasize that we are born with inherent goodness and immense possibilities. So, what’s one of the ways our faith guides us into becoming a people of imagination? It tells us to “Don’t put any limits on imagining what you can become!”
We will be talking about seeds and possibilities, singing with Lea Morris, and making "All The Possible You's" paper fortune tellers.
When we think about imagination, one can’t help reflecting on the very first thing one does with UU kids: Child Dedications. In contrast to some faiths that highlight how we are born with original sin, UU Child Dedications emphasize that we are born with inherent goodness and immense possibilities. So, what’s one of the ways our faith guides us into becoming a people of imagination? It tells us to “Don’t put any limits on imagining what you can become!”
We will be talking about seeds and possibilities, singing with Lea Morris, and making "All The Possible You's" paper fortune tellers.
If you have any questions or would like to help lead an activity, please message us at admin@uuclv.org.
Zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87942752264 - please message us for the Zoom password
See more about the Learning Together Series here.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #imagination #ChildDedications
Zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87942752264 - please message us for the Zoom password
See more about the Learning Together Series here.
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #imagination #ChildDedications
The Rest is Drag
Sunday, January 3, 2021
A Lay-Led Worship with Cooper Garrett
Come worship with the UUs!
World famous drag queen superstar, Rupaul famously says,
"We are all born naked, and the rest is drag."
Drag queens have been a force behind many social justice movements but most notably in the fight for Queer liberation. What lessons can we learn from drag queens as we strive for social justice?
A Lay-Led Worship with Cooper Garrett
Come worship with the UUs!
World famous drag queen superstar, Rupaul famously says,
"We are all born naked, and the rest is drag."
Drag queens have been a force behind many social justice movements but most notably in the fight for Queer liberation. What lessons can we learn from drag queens as we strive for social justice?
#UUCLV #UU #UnitarianUniversalist #UnitarianUniversalism #UUCLVEvent #SundayService #DragQueen #DragQueens #RuPaul #SocialJustice #queer #QueerLiberation
Photo: 17th Street High Heel Race Photo by Ted Eytan
https://dcist.com/story/18/10/08/mayor-bowser-to-present-annual-high/
Photo: 17th Street High Heel Race Photo by Ted Eytan
https://dcist.com/story/18/10/08/mayor-bowser-to-present-annual-high/
Service Details
Prelude: I’ve Got to Use My Imagination by Gladys Knight (See video below)
Born Naked by Rupaul (See video below)
Welcoming with Terri Boling (She/Her), Worship Associate
Invocation & Opening Words with Cooper Garrett (They/Them)
Opening Hymn: How Can I Keep from Singing by the NYC Virtual Choir and Orchestra
In Our Hearts with Cooper Garrett (They/Them)
Prayer with Cooper Garrett (They/Them)
Pastoral Hymn: "Tomorrow" composed by Kate and Justin Miner and performed by the UUA General Assembly 2020 virtual choir (See video below)
Chalice Lighting with Terri Boling (She/Her), Worship Associate
I Dwell in Possibilities by Emily Dickenson
I dwell in Possibility –
A fairer House than Prose –
More numerous of Windows –
Superior – for Doors –
Of Chambers as the Cedars –
Impregnable of eye –
And for an everlasting Roof
The Gambrels of the Sky –
Of Visitors – the fairest –
For Occupation – This –
The spreading wide my narrow Hands
To gather Paradise –
“We light the chalice as a reminder that together we are a beacon in the desert. May its light lead the way to love, acceptance, and justice as we strive for personal and societal transformation.”
Please also ignite your personal chalices if you will it.
In Our Hearts with Cooper Garrett (They/Them)
Prayer with Cooper Garrett (They/Them)
Pastoral Hymn: "Tomorrow" composed by Kate and Justin Miner and performed by the UUA General Assembly 2020 virtual choir (See video below)
Sung Meditation by Tanya O'Connor (See video below)
Reading with Terri Boling (She/Her), Worship Associate
Imagination as a Strategy by Rev. Jen Crow
Born Naked by Rupaul (See video below)
Welcoming with Terri Boling (She/Her), Worship Associate
Invocation & Opening Words with Cooper Garrett (They/Them)
Opening Hymn: How Can I Keep from Singing by the NYC Virtual Choir and Orchestra
In Our Hearts with Cooper Garrett (They/Them)
Prayer with Cooper Garrett (They/Them)
Pastoral Hymn: "Tomorrow" composed by Kate and Justin Miner and performed by the UUA General Assembly 2020 virtual choir (See video below)
Chalice Lighting with Terri Boling (She/Her), Worship Associate
I Dwell in Possibilities by Emily Dickenson
I dwell in Possibility –
A fairer House than Prose –
More numerous of Windows –
Superior – for Doors –
Of Chambers as the Cedars –
Impregnable of eye –
And for an everlasting Roof
The Gambrels of the Sky –
Of Visitors – the fairest –
For Occupation – This –
The spreading wide my narrow Hands
To gather Paradise –
“We light the chalice as a reminder that together we are a beacon in the desert. May its light lead the way to love, acceptance, and justice as we strive for personal and societal transformation.”
Please also ignite your personal chalices if you will it.
In Our Hearts with Cooper Garrett (They/Them)
Prayer with Cooper Garrett (They/Them)
Pastoral Hymn: "Tomorrow" composed by Kate and Justin Miner and performed by the UUA General Assembly 2020 virtual choir (See video below)
Sung Meditation by Tanya O'Connor (See video below)
Reading with Terri Boling (She/Her), Worship Associate
Imagination as a Strategy by Rev. Jen Crow
| "Outrage is not a strategy, but imagination is." This phrase has stuck with me, and I'm relying on it pretty heavily these days as I try to figure out who I am called to be and what I am called to do in this particular moment in time. I know there is a place for outrage, for grief, for rage and disappointment and discouragement - and I know how important it is to let whatever feelings we are having flow through our bodies and our spirits unimpeded by judgment. And I know that it is tempting for me to stay in rage and despair and discouragement too long, inadvertently giving up my power and creativity along the way. So I'm pushing myself these days to use my imagination. To imagine winning. To remember that another world is possible, as the author and activist Aurora Levins Morales writes in her blog post, titled, V'ahavta. I'm trying to push myself and my thinking out of the boxes that usually hold me captive, allowing my imagination to fly for even a moment before the practical considerations come in and shut it all down. And I'm feeling grateful for the imagination and creativity we are living into with our physical space at church... -Re-imagine what and who our building is for -Live into our commitment as a resource for the larger community -Dream of the ways our space can more fully reflect our values and help us to welcome all of who we are and who we can be, in joy. Being a part of this community draws out the best in me, and I hope in you, too. Let us imagine winning. Let us remember that another world is possible. And may our imaginations come to life as we respond to the joy and challenge of this time. |
Musical Offering: “Pure Imagination” by Lou Rawls (See video below)
Sermon: The Rest is Drag with Cooper Garrett (They/Them)
Legos, the sims - Story about class asking questions
A recent study shows that young children ask about 73 questions a day.
I sometimes wonder what questions Drag Queens ask themselves.
What can we learn from Drag Queens about social justice?
Imagination and Queer liberation
Offering with Terri Boling (She/Her), Worship Associate
Extinguishing the Chalice with Cooper Garrett (They/Them)
Closing Music: We Shall Be Known - (Thrive Choir covering MaMuse) (See video below)
Sermon: The Rest is Drag with Cooper Garrett (They/Them)
Legos, the sims - Story about class asking questions
A recent study shows that young children ask about 73 questions a day.
I sometimes wonder what questions Drag Queens ask themselves.
What can we learn from Drag Queens about social justice?
Imagination and Queer liberation
Offering with Terri Boling (She/Her), Worship Associate
Extinguishing the Chalice with Cooper Garrett (They/Them)
Closing Music: We Shall Be Known - (Thrive Choir covering MaMuse) (See video below)
VIDEOS
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