Lunch with the Minister: Third Wednesdays
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UUCLV
Lunch with the Minister: Third WednesdaysLunch 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. January 2021: Continuing ConversationsHappy 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 Imagination: A Note from Our Minister January 2021
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 One That We Can All Relate To![]() The final month of 2020 has thankfully arrived. Can I get a yes???!!! Many of us have been more than ready to be done with this year for months now. The News, real and fake, social media and all of its positives and negatives, has shown us that people opted for fully decorated Christmas trees and other symbols of Holy Days, Holidays, and Revelry that only come at the years end since early fall. In essence folks have needed a beacon (UUCLV) of shimmering light to guide us all into a new year. So how are you all managing? Are you into the holiday cards tradition this year? Is it a way to reconnect to a time that was less stressful? More normal, whatever that is? At times I've loved the entirety of the season. Even my friends and relatives that did a lot of bragging about the economic success of their lives or how awesome it is to be them with exotic trips and photoshoot letters of fabulous places seem to enjoy the less extravagant season this year. To be honest I've always been taken aback by the braggadocious, consumer driven behaviors. I think I've longed for a more basic way of closing the year. Chanukah, a Solstice Service followed by Christmas Eve service, Christmas Day, Kwanzaa, New Years Eve, and Three Kings Day captured everything and everybody on my radar. This year life has been too messy! The losses, too great! My faith is even challenged as I watch our nation and world behave in many ways I find painful. Oh, 2020 how I'm not going to miss you! I think many of us have wanted to commiserate and wallow in our shared despair; to give into the bad. But dear friends I’m asking and pleading for another course of action. At this time dear friends I encourage you to channel your inner curiosity and look at the world with a new set of eyes. Our Theme is STILLNESS this December. Maybe in the STILLNESS of life we can find peace? Love? Joy? If the holiday season isn't for you, slow it all down before the blues set in. Take control way ahead of the crush of things. Please take time to appreciate the buzz of this special season, if you can. Remember that in the midst of it all, a quiet place exists. A joy can be had. The peacefulness of the dark, a park, or desert scape or your living room or any place that makes you feel good. I think we can find balance along with falling snow or maybe just falling asleep. It can happen for you in a restful, blissful way this special season. I've taken to seasonal music! Try in moderation to enjoy delicious foods. Enjoy the offerings by different religions conceived and created by the talented artist, musician, preachers, theologian, saint and spiritualist of every kind. Please allow yourself in this season of awe and wonder to find meaning and joy. I know it can be crazy! I know this particular season is beyond the pale. I'm aware many of us go overboard. Too much drink! Too much food! Too many people on the roads who are not competent to be driving. I get it! Despite the chaos of the holiday season, take quiet moments to marvel in the mood of December and find what brings you joy this month. Embrace your sense of wonder by trying something new or something old - just try it safely... December is a holiday season. From Advent starting on the 1st to Christmas on the 25th, Hanukkah begins on the evening of the 10th, and Kwanza on the 26th. These and many other holidays represent family, love, charity, and giving. So regardless of the beautiful gifts you give and receive, take time to consider the meaning behind each of these days and consider giving to local organizations, International organizations our how about our own UU family of good doers (UUCLV, UUSC, UUNO, DRUUMM, etc.) who would welcome your help. On the 31st, celebrate the past year by giving yourself the peace of mind to prepare for the year ahead. Plan goals and resolutions, but let yourself live and make mistakes as well! Sometimes the best resolutions are made with STILLNESS and awe along the way. Happy December, Seasons Greetings, Have a great New Year, Stay Safe, Rev. Gordon Clay Bailey Stillness |
Introduction/Zoom Orientation Welcome Invocation Chalice Lighting Opening Words Opening Song: You Don't Own Me by Lesley Gore | |
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1. How have societal labels helped, or hurt, you or those you love? 2. What can an individual do to help heal a nation? |
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Share Your Glorious Light with the World Within each of our hearts there is a most glorious light. Go forth, and let its spark help you understand what troubles both you and others; Go forth, and let its light of reason be a guide in your decisions; Go forth, and bring its ray of hope to those in need of help in both body and spirit, that they may find healing; Go forth, and fan the flames of passion to help heal our world; Go forth, and spread the warm glow of love, pushing back the darkness of the world; Go forth, and share your glorious light with the world. by James Morison |
Spiritual healing is about working with illness, dis-ease and dis-harmony from multiple angles. When using spiritual healing to address illness, we focus on bringing harmony back to reinforce a person‘s whole body-heart-mind health. In modern society, we expect quick fixes. Western medicine focuses on curing people through surgery, pharmaceuticals and other medical interventions. Many treatments focus on curing symptoms. However, long-term reliance on only treatment can inhibit healing or create dependence on the treatment and even create additional illness and disease. For example, anti-bacterial medications often create an imbalance in the gut. Healing is not symptom-relieving nor is it always curing. Addressing only one element of an illness rarely leads to healing. We aim to transform the cause of the illness/disease and grow beyond the problem. That is healing! from the website on Spiritual Healing |
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Lean On Me Bill Withers, John Legend, Stevie Wonder 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 And I'll be your friend I'll help you carry on For it won't be long 'Til 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 And I'll be your friend I'll help you carry on For it won't be long 'Til 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 |
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Healing Our Country, Healing Ourselves - Audio Click on this to listen to the sermon or right click to download How, then, shall we be healed? What will it take to heal our nation? What does it mean for us as religious liberals to talk of healing in a spiritual/religious context? What does it mean to talk of healing in a world where illness and disease are understood more clearly than ever before, but where adequate health care for most of the world's people remains inaccessible? What does it mean to talk of healing when medical and spiritual models of wellness don't speak much to each other? What does it mean to talk of healing when all too often the best we can do with all our knowledge and power and technology is not enough? How shall we be healed? In order to change the world, our nation, our state, our county, our city, our congregation our selves we must see the whole picture. Look to this day. This moment in time and decide maybe just maybe it it time to do things differently or more collaboratively or maybe in a radically new way. The key I think is seeing, hearing, listening and paying attention to the entirety. That means all of us. Black and White, Latinex and Asian, native Americans and all of the indigenous people of our country and the world Here are a few things I've been gleaning about self care, leading to healing and possibly then leading to movement from the self out into the world. Nourishing the Mind, Body and Soul During the Pandemic- 1. Schedule your meal times. It is so easy to engage in boredom-eating and increased snacking while at home close to the kitchen and fridge! Remember you are what you eat. Eat well! 2. Keep a regular exercise schedule. Maybe you used to go to the gym before or after work. Schedule that time for home workouts! Moving regularly is a great way to boost endorphins and feel-good hormones, and a good excuse to get out for some fresh air. Even if you can’t dedicate a lot of time, consider having movement breaks during your day. 3. Drink plenty of water. Often, we mistake thirst with hunger. Being dehydrated can increase snacking or grazing and make you feel more fatigued, weak, and can affect concentration. Drink calorie-free beverages throughout the day, like water or seltzer. 4. Try to maintain a normal sleep cycle. Sleep is so critical for our mental and emotional health and directly impacts our behaviors around food. Continue going to sleep and waking up at a typical time, or try to use this time to establish a better sleep cycle of seven to nine hours a night. 5. Stay connected. It is so easy to feel isolated and lonely when stuck inside and you are not able to get together with friends and family or participate in social events. Reach out regularly over the phone, meeting platforms like Zoom, or through social media and FaceTime! A sense of togetherness and community is crucial right now, and virtual gatherings can be very uplifting. Come to all of the UUCLV events you can. We are here for you! 6. Learn something new. If you find yourself with more time on your hands, think about activities you have always wanted to do, books you wanted to read, podcasts you wanted to listen to, etc. Do them! 7. Practice gratitude. Take a minute every day to be grateful for something. It restores us to think about what we have, and not just on what we have lost. 8. Relax. Try to curtail your mind from catastrophizing by engaging in activities that make you happy and relaxed. Get up and dance, listen to your favorite song, do a puzzle, meditate, and focus on serenity whenever possible. 9. Be kind to yourself. Do not put too much pressure on yourself. We are in a time of change and worry. Do not add to your stress by creating unattainable expectations or burning yourself out. 10. Perform small acts of kindness. Doing for others is a proven way of making yourself feel good. Drop off a book for your neighbor to read, pick up groceries or donate food to someone in need, or send an encouraging text, card, or letter to someone to let them know you are thinking of them. 11. Remember you are a part of a faith community that has supported its membership since before this was a nation. Our forbearers survived the revolution, the civil war, the flu of 1918, WW1, WW2, the 1960s , etc. Please know that although times are unsettled and potentially stressful, this is temporary and some level of normalcy will resume at some point in the future. HOLD ON! In closing - Heal the world. Make this a better place. For you and for me and the entire living planet! In hope, in faith in our abilities to grow and change love for us all, Rev Gordon |
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We shall be known by the company we keep By the ones who circle round to tend these fires We shall be known by the ones who sow and reap The seeds of change, alive from deep within the earth It is time now, it is time now that we thrive It is time we lead ourselves into the well It is time now, and what a time to be alive In this Great Turning we shall learn to lead in love In this Great Turning we shall learn to lead in love We shall be known by the company we keep By the ones who circle round to tend these fires We shall be known by the ones who sow and reap The seeds of change, alive from deep within the earth It is time now, it is time now that we thrive It is time we lead ourselves into the well It is time now, and what a time to be alive In this Great Turning we shall learn to lead in love In this Great Turning we shall learn to lead in love Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Karisha Michele Longaker |
We leave this gathered community, But we don’t leave our connection, Our concerns, our care for each other. Our service to each other, to the world, and to our faith continues. Until we are together again, friends, Be strong, be well, be true, be loving. For Remember that all of our lives we are in need AND Others are in need of us. by Rev. Cynthia Landrum |
Welcome and Zoom Orientation Ringing the Bell Welcome Opening Words Chalice Lighting Song: Come Come Whoever You Are Of Our Hearts Pastoral Reflection & Silence Hymn: We’ll Build a Land | |
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Come come Come, Come, Whoever You Are Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. It doesn’t matter. Ours is not a caravan of despair. Come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times Come, yet again, come, come. ~ Jalaluddin Rumi |
Talking points: Native Americans and indigenous people all over the planet have been taken advantage of. Their lands stolen, their legacies taken away. They have been decimated by diseases and racism. In order to be caretakers or keepers if others we must begin by being good stewards of ourselves. Are we getting the mental, physical and spiritual care we need to thrive? If not are we ready to step up and get it? The world’s religions offer us many opportunities and ways to be our sisters and brothers keepers. The key is to being open to others and seeing them as valuable and worthy beings. Extending our generosity of caring to all sentient beings will allow us to be each others keepers in right relationships. |
1. Were you raised with the Golden Rule? If so is it meaningful to you and your life? Should be place this guideline on the young maybe even everyone? 2. Do you feel responsible for the lives of others? For example should we be taking care of the earth so that future generations will have a planet that is healthy, clean, free from human degradation? 3. Have you been cared for or taken care of by others, strangers, teachers, distant relatives, your immediate inner circle? Is this to be expected? |
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That's What Friends Are For ft. Elton John, Gladys Knight & Stevie Wonder And I never thought I'd feel this way And as far as I'm concerned I'm glad I got the chance to say That I do believe, I love you And if I should ever go away Well, then close your eyes and try To feel the way we do today And then if you can remember Keep smiling, keep shining Knowing you can always count on me, for sure That's what friends are for For good times and bad times I'll be on your side forever more That's what friends are for |
May the Love which overcomes all differences, which heals all wounds, which puts to flight all fears, which reconciles all who are separated, be in us and among us now and always. by Frederick E. Gillis |
“The sacred is not in heaven or far away. It is all around us, and small human rituals can connect us to it’s presence. And of course, the greatest challenge (and gift) is to see the sacred in each other.” -Alma Luz Villanueva | |
Chalice Lighting Hymn #123 Spirit of Life Of Our Hearts Pastoral Reflection & Silence Pastoral Hymn #1027 When the Poor Ones - Cuando El Poble Offering and Invitations | |
Story for All Ages: “Pepe and the Parade” by Tracey Kyle and Mirelle Ortega Reflection/Sermon: Celebrating Our Connections with The Reverend Gordon Clay Bailey Click on this to listen to the sermon 34:41 or right-click to download Let’s observe Hispanic Heritage Month by connecting to and honoring the contributions of our own LatinX Community. LUUNA is a multicultural continental association of Unitarian Universalists dedicated to both celebrating who LatinX people are and for the continued growth of the LatinX community within Unitarian Universalism. Attracting more Latina/os to our Unitarian Universalist tradition and for enhancing their participation within it by providing support, guidance, fellowship and advocacy. Educating the larger Unitarian Universalist community about Latina/o history, culture and diversity; and facilitating Unitarian Universalist involvement in current issues that affect the various Latina/o communities. Sharing aspects of Latina/o spiritual heritage, personal journeys and emerging UU Latina/o Liberation Theology with the larger Unitarian Universalist community thus enriching the worship, mission, and spirituality of our chosen faith. Interacting with the Unitarian Universalist Association and other Unitarian Universalist organizations in order to enhance the justice-making abilities of LUUNA and the aforementioned organizations. Interacting with other justice-making and multicultural organizations in order to bring about effective social change within our Unitarian Universalist movement so that it can truly become multicultural and empowering of traditionally marginalized and under-represented communities. Membership in LUUNA is not restricted to Latina/os; it is open to all persons who are in sympathy with the aforementioned purposes, without regard to race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic or national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, citizenship, or political affiliation and shall not require any adherence to any particular interpretation of religion or to any particular religious belief or creed. Talking points: The demographics of Hispanic and Latino Americans depict a population that is the second-largest ethnic group in the United States, 52 million people or 16.7% of the national population, of them, 47 Million are American citizens. In Las Vegas the population is approximately 30% and growing. It is smart and right to both lift up our Latinex community living more fully into our 1 principle but because as the years move forward the Latinex community will be the single largest ethnic community in the USA. Our community of Unitarian Universalist becomes more whole as the various groups of the human family join us, work with us, grow spiritually with us. |
Musical Interlude By Sky Let’s Talk About It
Closing Song: Grateful – A Love Song to the World |
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Talking points: How do you develop deep listening skills? Here are some tips for becoming a better listener: Put yourself inside the mind of the speaker. Listen for meaning. Pay attention to body language. Cultivate empathy. Avoid making judgments. Look into others' eyes when they're speaking. Pay attention to the feelings associated with the words. So this day. May we begin the journey anew. May we listen with our whole sleeves. May we use all the skills it takes to give full attention. May we hear the needs of ourselves and others. May we be a support for others and may others find support and strength in us. May this community of ours , this nation, this world find/know peace and love! How to Deep Listen 1. Put yourself inside the mind of the speaker. 2. Listen for meaning. 3. Pay attention to body language. 4. Cultivate empathy 5. Avoid making judgements 6. Pay attention to the feelings associated with the words. Deep Listening is a process of listening to learn. |
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Sunday Services begin at 10:30 a.m. and are immediately followed by coffee/social hour
Competent nursery care is provided for youngsters The building is wheelchair accessible and equipped. We also offer assisted listening devices upon request. UUCLV is officially recognized as a "Welcoming Congregation" through the Unitarian Universalist Association. We welcome and celebrate the presence & participation of people who are bisexual, gay, lesbian, straight, transgender, questioning, queer, and all affections. All will be welcomed! |
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