LCUUC Sunday Services Sermon Archive

2007

2008

2009

Most current

--2007--

Nov. 4: “Star Light and Apple Cores” by Rev. Sydney Wilde, a CLF service presented by Yvonne Fort Spirituality is a subject that comes up again and again in Unitarian Universalist circles. What does it mean to experience the spirit? Rev. Wilde shares his answer to that question in this worship service. Perhaps it will help you in finding your own answer.

November 11: “Report on Hurricane Katrina Relief,” by High Schoolers This service is presented by the high school group that traveled to New Orleans this past summer to help in Hurricane Katrina Relief. The high schoolers teamed up with youth from UUCW. The combined group will share an overview of the work they accomplished, and several will share their personal reflections on the trip. A slide presentation will also be shown, and we’re hoping there will be time for a polylog to get first-hand feedback about their experiences.

November 18: “Gather ‘Round the Table,” by Rev. Linda Berez Come join us for an intergenerational service. Linda will reflect on the historical lineage between modern-day Unitarian Universalists and the pilgrims who came from England to Plymouth Rock. Mary Movsessian, Director of Religious Education, will help our children set a table of gratitude and thanks. All are welcome to gather around our tables after the service for our annual Thanksgiving meal.

November 25: “We’re ALL Worth It,” by Rev. Linda Berez At the 1984 annual General Assembly, Unitarian Universalists almost unanimously adopted seven principles. These principles emerged after a lengthy democratic process. They do not represent a creed or a set of beliefs to which we must all subscribe and recite weekly. What they represent is a covenant, a promise of mutual trust and support. Our first principle affirms the inherent worth and dignity of every person, but what does this mean for us at this time in history? How would we understand it as it relates to every person, not just those with whom we associate?

Dec. 2: “Behind Wisconsin’s Wildlife Story: A Remarkable Migration of the Human Heart,” by Eric Hansen  Our conservation legacy offers rich spiritual lessons for the environmental challenges we face in 2007. Author Eric Hansen, a life-long Unitarian, won the Outdoor Writer's Association of America's first prize for 2005 newspaper conservation writing. He is a frequent guest on Wisconsin Public Radio's Lake Effect and Larry Meiller shows.

Dec. 9: “Growing the Spirit,” by Rev. Linda Berez This Sunday we will welcome our newest members of Lake Country Unitarian Universalist Church. Welcoming new members reminds us of one of the principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association, which is a commitment to the acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations. What does this mean exactly, and how do we live it out? Join with our minister, the Rev. Linda Berez, as she continues to explore and reflect upon the principles of our Association and why they are important to us.

Dec. 16: “The Many Ways of Wisdom,” by Rev. Scott Gerard Prinster As we sift through the many sources of information around us in our search for understanding and wisdom, we are offered a variety of traditions with which to align ourselves. Do these “paths” offer us valuable guidance, or are they really just a way of letting others do our thinking for us? How do we decide whether a religious tradition or identity is of use to us, and how do we give ourselves permission to choose which parts of a tradition to embrace?

Dec. 23: “Christmas Lights,” by Rev. Linda Berez How is it that we as Unitarian Universalists understand the meaning of Christmas? In what ways is the time of the Winter Solstice meaningful for us? With Christmas two days away and the Winter Solstice just past, everyone, young and old alike, is invited to this intergenerational service led by our minister, the Rev. Linda Berez, who will reflect upon how both Christmas and the Winter Solstice are a part of our faith. We’ll have music from the choir and sing Christmas songs.

Dec. 24: “Christmas Eve,” by Rev. Linda Berez All are welcome to gather at 4:00 p.m. in the sanctuary on Christmas Eve for a holiday service of carols and stories. This is a chance to sing together and be together. We hope you and your family will be able join our minister, the Rev. Linda Berez, and our music director, Karen Haskell, for this special service.

Dec. 30: “Learning to Live Without a ‘Why',” a sermon by Rev. Richard S. Gilbert, presented by LCUUC member Mike Santo For many of us, our spiritual adrenaline flows freely when celebrating life’s peak moments and sustains us in life's shadowy valleys. But it needs exercise in the times in-between if we are to experience life abundant. It is in developing a discipline to live through the everyday that we create meaning for ourselves. It is the challenge of giving significance to the daily tasks that await our hands that gives zest to the human endeavor. The holidays are nearly behind us, and January 2nd it’s back to the daily grind. Prepare yourself with this timely and inspiring message.

--2008--

Jan. 6: "Passing Through" a sermon by Lori Gorgas Hlaban Student, Chicago Theological Seminary, Member LCUUC Life is a Journey from birth to death - and we're all just passing through. This will be our annual New Year's service where we honor those who died in the past year, celebrate new life, and consider or intentions for the coming year.

January 13: “Our Moral Compass,” by Rev. Linda Berez Sometimes Americans reflect warmly on a time they say we must return to—a time that could be used as a moral base line. Often people might say that we have lost our direction with respect to values. Yet, how difficult it is to adjust our moral compass when it was never properly calibrated from the onset. As our country gets ready to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 79th birthday, you are invited to join our minister, the Rev. Linda Berez, as she reflects upon where we as Unitarian Universalists are with respect to our nation’s and our own moral compass.

January 20: “The Gift of Silence,” by Peter Morales, a CLF service presented by John Kuhn This service, drawing from the Church of the Larger Fellowship resource, provides an opportunity to consider different kinds of silence and how important silence can be in our interaction with others and our surroundings. Silence can be difficult, awkward, or powerful, and we will explore how it is so.

January 27: “Six Degrees of Connections,” by Rev. Linda Berez We are literally all connected according to the idea of “six degrees of separation.” It goes that if a person is one step away from each person he or she knows and two steps away from each person who is known by one of the people he or she knows, then everyone is no more than six “steps” away from each person on Earth. The result of this thinking speaks well of our seventh Unitarian Universalist principle, which states that we are all part of an interdependent web of all existence. Join our minister, the Rev. Linda Berez, as she continues her series on the importance of our Unitarian Universalist principles and purposes and how they are relevant in our daily life.

Feb. 3: "Amazing Grace," by Rev. Dr. Bobbie Groth, UU Community Minister On the issue of grace in UU religion, Rev. Groth goes through some of her own experiences that seemed to have no good outcome—until the intervention of grace.

Feb. 10: "Worship Is Not a Product: Worship Is a Need," by Rev. Webster Kitchell, presented by LCUUC member Colleen Kennedy What is implied by worship that makes it seem incompatible with Unitarian Universalism? Can action-minded, problem-solving liberals who weigh issues with a scientific mind and shun dependency on a supernatural God actually worship on Sunday mornings? Rev. Kitchell takes a fresh view of worship, defining it as a time to be philosophical and meditate on what things are of worth, of "worth-ship." When we worship we feel joy in the mystery and open up to the transforming power of creative good. Our ability to perform good works in the world is enhanced by having taken this "Sabbath time" to worship.

Feb 17: Closed due to bad weather

Feb. 24: “Red, White and Blue,” by Rev. Linda Berez In honor of the President’s Day holiday, Rev. Linda Berez will continue her series on our Unitarian Universalist principles, specifically focusing on our fifth principle, which affirms the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.

March 2: “The Message of Islam: What Can We Learn?”, by Rev. Jody Wheldon, community minister
Knowing the history of a religion helps us understand its message. Both believers and nonbelievers benefit from a familiarity with these stories. Today, we will work to discern Islam’s message threads from Islam’s beginnings. This will include Mohammed’s remarkable journey as The Prophet, which did not begin until he was about 40 years old. If you are interested in reading ahead, Jody recommends Karen Armstrong’s very readable book, Islam: A Short History, a pre-9/11 publication.

March 9: “A Celebration of Transitions,” presented by LCUUC 5th grade RE class with Christi Ehler
This service will be a presentation of poems, stories, and music in celebration of completing the first part of LCUUC’s “coming of age” curriculum. Transitions Part 1: Identity focuses on the transition from childhood to adolescence. During this special service, you will hear what our young people have to say about themselves and their place in our religious community.

March 16: “Simply Living Simply,” by Rev. Linda Berez
Naturalist, Transcendentalist, and author Henry David Thoreau advocated for a simple and sustainable life in his book Walden. Yet, today our American way of life, and our economy, seems to be predicated on the idea that “more is better.” Is it? How do we find a balance? Join Rev. Linda Berez as she reflects
upon these and other questions related to the ideas of simple living and why these issues are important to Unitarian Universalists.

March 23: “Sun Rise,” by Rev. Linda Berez
Come celebrate Easter at Lake Country, Unitarian Universalist style. All are invited to attend this intergenerational service.

March 30: “Darfur,” by a speaker from Amnesty International
The speaker from Amnesty International will talk about the continuing crisis in the Darfur region of the Sudan. There will be a special collection to help AI with their relief efforts in this troubled part of the world.

April 6: “It’s Tough Getting Old—Don’t Try It!”, by Rev. Linda Lawrence
Are you brave enough to consider some of the challenges of aging—mine, yours, your congregation’s?

April 13: “The Joys of Ownership,” by Rev. Linda Berez
We’ll kick off our annual Stewardship Campaign and pledge drive this Sunday. “I Own This Church” isn’t just the theme, but the reality, and ownership has its joys. Our service will feature some great music including two original songs by Lake Country members as well as the opportunity to welcome our newest members. It’s a service you won’t want to miss.

April 20: “Why the World Needs Harry Potter,” by Rev. Linda Berez
The message of Harry Potter, that good can defeat evil, is one that brings us much hope in our lives. All non-magical folk, “muggles,” wizards, and witches, are invited to journey into the magical land of Harry Potter for a service that will lift up why we all need a little of that magic at some time in our lives.

April 27: “A Celebration of Transition,” presented by LCUUC’s High School Seniors
Led by our High School Seniors, this service is a culmination of their religious education and Transition program. We will celebrate their years at LCUUC, as they share special words, faith statements, and music. Join us for what is sure to be a moving and memorable service!

May 4: “Messages from Earth—Are We Listening?” by Sue Loomans
This is our annual Earth Day service presented by the Green Sanctuary Committee. Sue Loomans, a climatologist who was one of our speakers at last fall’s Step It Up 2007 rally, will be our guest speaker. We are planning to hold this service outside, weather permitting, and to have outdoor Earth-related activities, such as Adopt A Highway and tree planting, after the service. Come prepared for the outdoors!

May 11: “Mother’s Day for Peace,” by Rev. Linda Berez
The observance of a Mothers’ Peace Day was begun in the 1870s, based on an idea from Unitarian Julia Ward Howe, and was eventually replaced by the Mother’s Day holiday we now celebrate. Howe’s hope for peace and an end to war is just as relevant today as it was back then. The service will also include a Ceremony of Dedication for the children of members of the congregation who were born during this past year or who are new to the community.

May 18: “Finding the Truth,” by Rev. Linda Berez
What is truth? Where do we find meaning? As Unitarian Universalists we are encouraged to search freely and responsibly for answers to these questions throughout our lives. Please join Rev. Linda Berez on a journey into the places where truth and meaning might be found in our lives.

May 25: “Against All Enemies,” by Lori Gorgas Hlaban
Members of the military take an oath to protect the country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. In this Memorial Day service, we will consider military veterans, and others, to be honored as veterans in the struggle to ensure freedom for all.

June 1: “Religious Education Sunday,” led by LCUUC Youth
This is the service we set aside each year to celebrate our children and youth—their spirit, their energy, their creativity, their music, their thoughts and ideas, and the way they care for each other. It is also the day we recognize and appreciate all the volunteers who work with them in our children’s Religious Education programs. Each RE class will tell us about what they have learned together this year. The presentations are always inventive and enjoyable. Don’t miss it!

June 8: “Flower Communion Sunday,” by Rev. Linda Berez
On the final Sunday of the church calendar year we will celebrate our annual Flower Communion. Everyone is invited to bring a fresh flower that will become a part of the ritual of sharing our own flowers with each other. As each flower is unique so are we all. Our flower communion service reminds us that the many varied facets of our lives, our gifts, and our talents come together like the petals, the colors, and the fragrances of the flowers to create a beautiful bouquet. All are welcome to this intergenerational service. Please join us.

July 13: “The Goodness of the Other,” by Mike Santo, church member
In my world I experience the satisfaction of my needs in my friends and family, and I enjoy the familiar surroundings of my town, state, and country. But I also experience the desire for the greener grass on the other side of the fence; I wonder what is beyond my horizon of familiarity as I dream of what could be; I stand in awe of the good which is beyond my knowledge and beyond my grasp. This sermon explores the good that comes not from my own world of enjoyment, but from the face of the other person as other than me.

August 10: “Whose Bible?”, by Rev. Linda Berez and Lori Hlaban, Candidate for UU Ministry
If you’ve ever been to a football game you’ve probably seen someone holding up a sign saying“John 3:16.” What does John 3:16 have to say to Unitarian Universalists? Is this potential message of
hope helpful? Is it hurtful? Do these words help us to live lives of meaning in this day and age? You are invited to join Lori Hlaban and Rev. Linda Berez as they consider these and other questions in their conversation on this Sunday. All are welcome.

September 7: “Water Communion,” by Rev. Linda Berez Come and celebrate our Annual Water Communion. Everyone is invited to bring a small amount of water that has some significance or meaning in their lives. It might be water that came from a lake, a river, or an ocean. Maybe it came from a vacation you took with your family, or from your backyard fountain. Maybe you collected water from the devastating rains at the beginning of the summer or from the snow melt of last winter. Every drop you bring reminds us of the importance of water to each of us individually and as a community, and we will take time for people to share their stories. Please join us for this intergenerational service.

September 14: “Are you a UU?,” by Rev. Linda Berez
Even those of us who have been Unitarian Universalists for more than half our lives or more find the question of our religion a difficult one to answer. We may be tempted to say what we?re not because explaining Unitarian Universalism is complex, a reflection of our very lives. At the same time, regardless of whether you?ve attended one Sunday worship or 100, once you find this community, a community committed to compassion, justice, and equity, you know you?ve found a church home. So are you a UU? Come explore together.

September 21: “Across the Great Divide,” by Rev. Jane Esbensen
What does a small country, nestled between the open sea and the deep-fabled forests of the north, have to offer us, the greatest country in the world? Jane Esbensen is an ordained UU minister. She recently spent the last 2 1/2 years living and working in Sweden, and her talk today will be a reflection piece on the juxtaposition of how life can and, perhaps, should be lived, and what tangible shifts in perspectives it would require of us to get there.

September 28: “The Threshing Place,” a sermon authored by Rev. M. Maureen Killoran and read by LCUUC member Colleen Kennedy
This sermon from the Unitarian Universalist online resources spans the continuum from Pagan and Celtic rituals, to Old and New Testament quotations, to Emily Dickinson and Trappist Monks. The collective wisdom offered encourages us to pause at the thresholds of our lives. To grieve for what can no longer be and when it’s time to cross the threshold, step forward, and let your future begin!

October 5: "Wake-Up Call," by Rev. Linda Berez
As Unitarian Universalists, we draw from many sources including Judaism. With the date of this service falling directly between the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, we will have an opportunity to celebrate the Jewish New Year together. Worshipping during this season is a time of spiritual re-awakening and reflection. With all that is happening in our world today, a wake-up call may be just what we need.

October 12: "Association Sunday," by Rev. Linda Berez
Plan now to be in church on this Sunday when we join with thousands of Unitarian Universalists across the nation celebrating our shared commitment on Association Sunday. In this service, we will strengthen the bonds of our common purpose and combine our resources to make Unitarian Universalism a stronger voice for liberal religious values in our country. We are better together.

October 19: "What Good Is Intuition in a Rational World?", by Rev. Scott Gerard Prinster
Is there any room in our scientific and reasonable worldview for the hunch, for following our gut? What good is it to speak of such things when we can¡¦t put our finger on the source of intuition, or identify the benefits of an irrational way of knowing? Join us as we explore the nature and value of our intuitive side.

October 26: "Yes, in my Back Yard: The Community's Call for Affordable Housing in Waukesha County,"
by Heather Dummer Combs, Housing Campaign Director, Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee
Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee is leading a community effort in Waukesha County to increase public awareness for the need of affordable housing and to promote the establishment of a housing trust fund. This is an opportunity for you to learn about Interfaith's efforts in this important community outreach, and how you can help. The cash and un-designated checks from the offering will be donated to Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee.

November 2: “Joy,” a sermon authored by Rev. Edwin Charles Lynn and presented by LCUUC member John Kuhn
As the holiday season glimmers in the not-too-distant future, the Church of the Larger Fellowship on-line resource brings us this sermon, an inspiration to each of us to recognize and to cherish the joy in our lives. It is a reminder to seek out the goodness that can be found in every day.

November 9: “Who Wins?”, by Rev. Linda Berez
If you work hard, support a candidate, and they win the election, it feels good. Yet, if you work hard, support a candidate, and they lose, it might not feel so good. Regardless of the outcome of this
Presidential election, some will feel better than others. As Unitarian Universalists, how is it that we best live within the interdependent web of all existence, and as citizens of this country, how do we best live with each other, no matter who wins?

November 16: “Last Words,” by Rev. Linda Berez
Today’s sermon will draw upon the inspiring words of the Rev. Forrest Church, Minister of Public Theology at All Souls Church in New York, and Randy Pausch, Computer Science Professor at Carnegie Mellon University and author of The Last Lecture. Church says that our goal in life “is to live in such a way that our lives will prove worth dying for.” Is your life worth dying for? And, if you had a chance to pen your last words as both these men have, what would you want to share? Let’s explore these questions together.

November 23: “Who Will You Thank?”, by Rev. Linda Berez
Please join us for our annual Thanksgiving Day service and meal to follow. This intergenerational service will include a welcoming ceremony for our newest members, music, and a time to give thanks to those people and things in our lives that we are most grateful for. All are welcome.

November 30: “Breaking Evil,” by LCUUC member Michael Santo
This sermon will explore the subject of evil and its relationship to senseless violence, thoughtlessness, and a possible response to evil by my own thoughtfulness. The very broad topic of evil in the world will, consequently, be reduced to my role in it and how I can break its power.

December 7: “What Will You Give?”, by Rev. Linda Berez
The season of giving and buying may be in full swing, but consider how offering yourself might be the greatest gift of all. Lending a hand or a listening ear, especially during this time of year when, for some, the season isn’t so jolly, may be more valuable than a stack of presents.

December 14: “Nature’s Way: Discovering the Sacred in the Natural World,” by Philip Chard, author, columnist, and nature therapist
Of the many paths we pursue in our quests for the divine (church, scripture, community, prayer, ritual, meditation), nature is the only one that flows pure and undiluted from the Creator. In nature we meet the unblemished manifestations of the sacred mystery we call “the universe” or “life.” This presentation will explore nature’s way, a spiritual path into the natural world that leads us to the divine.

December 21: “Holiday Cheer,” by Rev. Linda Berez
This intergenerational celebration of Winter Solstice and Christmas will, we hope, light up the holiday and holy days of winter. Come and be together to sing, enjoy the music, and rejoice in this season that holds great meaning for so many people all over the world.

December 24 at 4:00 p.m.: Christmas Eve Service, by Rev. Linda Berez
All are welcome to gather at 4:00 p.m. in the sanctuary on Christmas Eve for a holiday service of carols, stories, and candles. This is a chance to sing together and be together. We hope you and your family will be able join our minister, the Rev. Linda Berez, for this special service.

December 28: “Unitarian Universalists, Cats and Dogs,” a sermon authored by Rev. Chris Buice and presented by LCUUC member John Kuhn
This service from the Church of the Larger Fellowship on-line resource uses a cat-dog metaphor to explore why we need both our humility and our pride, and how the merger of Unitarians and Universalists brought together two different ways of thinking.

--2009--

January 4: "Borning and Dying," a service created by Lori Gorgas Hlaban and presented by Gerry Flakas
This is our traditional first service of the New Year, where we reflect on the past year honoring those who have passed away and celebrating births, and set our intentions for the year before us. Special thanks to Olympia Brown UU Church Intern Minister (and LCUUC member) Lori Gorgas Hlaban for her contribution to this service.

January 11: "The Paths are Many, The Peak is One," by the LCUUC Pathways Committee
As Unitarian Universalists, we have each chosen to make our own "free and responsible search for truth and meaning." However, by joining LCUUC we have also chosen to do so in community with one another. Please join us for this service as we explore the path thus traveled and begin to consider what lies ahead on our shared journey together.

January 18: "Hope," by Rev. Linda Berez
History will be written on January 20, 2009 when an African-American man is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. The Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday will be celebrated just the day before. Both men inspire hope in millions of people in this country and all around the world. Why is the message of hope so powerful? During times of uncertainty and fear, are you able to find hope? Where? Let's consider these questions together.

January 25: "Treading the Spiritual Path with Feet of Clay," by Vicky Jones, Lay minister and former congregational president of First Unitarian Society in Madison
We can react strongly when someone we want to admire tumbles off the pedestal. What if that someone merely stumbles on the church steps? What if nobody sees? What if everybody sees? What if that someone is one's own self? Ms. Jones will explore coming to terms with the role human frailty plays in the spiritual journey and in a spiritual community that sets high standards.

February 1: “Can You Be Yourself?”, by Rev. Linda Berez
As Unitarian Universalists, we affirm the inherent worth and dignity of all people including Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender people. As Lake Country Unitarian Universalist Church begins the process of becoming an official Welcoming Congregation with the Unitarian Universalist Association, you are invited to come and hear the stories of what it means to truly welcome people of all different sexual orientations, and what it means to truly feel welcomed.

February 8: “Who’s Right? Who’s Wrong?”, by Rev. Linda Berez
Recently, The Great American Think-Off released its 2009 essay and debate question: “Is it ever wrong to do the right thing?” Is it? Come ponder this question with Rev. Linda Berez this Sunday and reflect upon how the answers affect us as spiritual beings.

February 15: “Faith & the Blues: Finding Something to Believe In,” by LCUUC member Greg Valde
What does “having faith” mean to a UU? And what does the blues have to do with faith? In this service, LCUUC member Greg Valde will use music and text to explore these and other questions … and perhaps provide a useful lens to look at difficult times and our need for “something to believe in.”

February 22: “Insights: A New Earth,” a service presented by LCUUC New Earth Book Club
The New Earth Book Club shares insights found in Eckhart Tolle’s message of how to transcend our current state of consciousness, which is essential to personal happiness and the key to ending conflict and suffering throughout the world.

March 1: “I Don't Know,” by LCUUC member Mike Santo
The focus of this sermon will be the limits of knowledge, and how these limits free us for a personal encounter with transcendence. This meditation will address the difference between knowing and thinking, and our relationship with our bodies (knowing) and other persons (thinking).

March 8: “Godless,” by Dan Barker, co-president of Madison-based Freedom From Religion Foundation
Dan Barker will tell us about his transformation from an evangelical preacher to one of America’s leading atheists, and will enlighten us with his unique songs. His latest book, Godless, along with other literature and music from the FFRF, will be available for sale after the service.

March 15: “To Whom it May Concern,” by Rev. Linda Berez
Prayer is central to the lives of religious people everywhere. Praying to a higher power, that which is holy, might include prayers before meals, before bed, upon waking in the morning, and especially during times of need. As Unitarian Universalists, how do we understand what is holy, and to whom do we pray, if we pray at all? How do we talk about prayer to our children? Please join Rev. Linda Berez and Chris Peske as we explore together the answer to these and other questions related to prayer.

March 22: “A Celebration of Transitions,” by LCUUC 5th grade RE class with Leann Rigoli
This service will be a presentation of poems, stories, and music in celebration of completing the first part of LCUUC’s “coming of age” curriculum. “Transitions Part 1: Identity” focuses on the transition from childhood to adolescence. During this special service, you will hear what our young people have to say about themselves and their place in our religious community.

March 29: “Justice Sunday 2009,” by guest (tbd) in conjunction with the LCUUC Social Action Committee
Justice Sunday 2009 celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Learn how our congregation can help move the world closer to justice! The goal of Justice Sunday is to connect participants with people on the frontlines of today’s human rights movement and offer meaningful actions for people of all ages.

April 5: “The Journey to the Top,” by Rev. Linda Berez
Our paths are many but we have chosen the same “peak,” a faith community to enrich and support us. Come and join us on Stewardship Sunday as we consider the ways we will continue to sustain each other on our journey to the top.

April 12: “Easter,” by Rev. Linda Berez
All are invited to our intergenerational Easter service, a celebration of hope and renewal.

April 19: “Voluntary Simplicity,” by LCUUC Great Lakes Earth Institute “Voluntary Simplicity” group
A dozen LCUUCers just completed a 6-week course on Voluntary Simplicity, offered by the Great Lakes Earth Institute. This service, which will be our Earth Day service, focuses on the lessons learned about Voluntary Simplicity, and how it can improve our lives.

April 26: “Is Anything Meant To Be?”, by the Rev. Jane Rzepka (presented by Kelly Kohl)
Are the events that happen to us coincidence or are they meant to be? Do our dreams or intuitions have meaning or spiritual significance? Does what happens inside us “attract” these external events or are they of a greater spiritual existence? As Unitarian Universalists we are encouraged to a free and responsible search for answers. Please join us as we explore these questions.

May 3: “Pilgrimage, a Service of Meditations and Music,” by Rev. Dr. Bobbie Groth
Rev. Groth will present a sermon on pilgrimage with special music on violin and hammered dulcimer provided by Rev. Groth and her husband, Don Lawson.

May 10: “Celebrating Women in Our Lives,” by Rev. Linda Berez
On this Mother’s Day, let’s take time to celebrate our mothers and all the women in our lives including our sisters, aunts, nieces, and friends. We will also celebrate Unitarian and Universalist women who have changed our lives by inspiring our nation.

May 17: “A Celebration of Transition,” presented by LCUUC’s High School Seniors
Led by our high school seniors, this service is a culmination of their Religious Education and Transition program. We will celebrate their years at LCUUC, as they share special words, faith statements, and music. If time permits, Rev. Linda Berez will answer questions you may have about Unitarian Universalism or our faith in general. Note: Immediately after the service, Rev. Berez invites the congregation outside for the memorial garden dedication.

May 24: “Citizen Soldiers,” by Rev. Linda Lawrence and Mr. Gary Lawrence
We UUs have either adopted or somehow adapted to most religious and national holidays. However, Memorial Day presents special issues for some of us. How can we use our first principle, “To promote the inherent worth and dignity of all people,” to include our soldiers? Please join us as we explore these issues and give special recognition and remembrance to veterans close to our hearts.

May 31: “Religious Education Sunday,” led by LCUUC Youth
This is the service we set aside each year to celebrate our children and youth – their spirit, their energy, their creativity, their music, their thoughts and ideas, and the way they care for each other. It is also the day we recognize and appreciate all the volunteers who work with them in our children’s Religious Education programs. Each RE class will tell us about what they have learned together this year. The presentations are always inventive and enjoyable. We hope you can join us!

June 7: “Flower Communion Sunday,” by Rev. Linda Berez
Let’s celebrate our annual Flower Communion together, our last service for this church calendar year. Everyone is invited and reminded to bring a fresh flower. Together, these different flowers will become a beautiful bouquet. From the bouquet, people will be invited to take a flower different from the one they brought. Our Unitarian Universalist tradition of the Flower Communion lifts up the idea that our common bouquet would not be the same without the unique addition of each individual flower, and thus it is with our church community – it would not be the same without each and every one of us. All are welcome to this intergenerational service.

June 7: “Flower Communion Sunday,” by Rev. Linda Berez
Let’s celebrate our annual Flower Communion together, our last service for this church calendar year. Everyone is invited and reminded to bring a fresh flower. Together, these different flowers will become a beautiful bouquet. From the bouquet, people will be invited to take a flower different from the one they brought. Our Unitarian Universalist tradition of the Flower Communion lifts up the idea that our common bouquet would not be the same without the unique addition of each individual flower, and thus it is with our church community – it would not be the same without each and every one of us. All are welcome to this intergenerational service.

July 12: “Responding to the Crisis of Global Warming: The Ultimate Snap Quiz on Our Beliefs, Perceptions and Ability to Shift Gears,” by pulpit guest Eric Hansen*
Humans, both as individuals and societies, have confronted towering crises before. What lessons and hope can we draw from those experiences? How do humans perceive that a crisis is at hand – and an immediate change in course is wise? What moves individuals and groups to speak out and mobilize their fellow citizens? Searching for insight, we’ll reflect on several stories of crisis and response. *Author Eric Hansen, a life-long Unitarian, is an award-winning environmental essayist and outdoors writer. He is also a commentator for WUWM’s Lake Effect program and a regular guest on Wisconsin Public Radio.

August 16: “Seeking Truth” by Lori Hlaban
One New Testament writer in the letter to the Ephesians encourages Christians to put on the “armor of God” to bolster their faith. Considering the language of this passage, as well as similar symbols or talismans of faith and/or protection – like Harry Potter’s Cloak of Invisibility - will be the theme of this service. What “armor” would/should UUs carry?

September 6: “The Heart of a Buffalo,” presented by Dennis Hawk
The Heart of a Buffalo is a musical drama with Dennis Hawk playing the character of Black Elk, a 19th century Lakota Medicine Man who relates his childhood experience hunting buffalo in Canada in the days just after the death of Chief Crazy Horse. Interlaced with the story is both traditional and original music by Dennis (Native American Drum, chanting, flute, guitar, and vocals). This intergenerational service is ideal for young and old alike. Dennis Hawk is a Cherokee/Mesquaki descendent, a pipe carrier, sweat lodge leader, and teacher of Native American spirituality. He is a singer/songwriter/story-teller who plays guitar and Native American flute.

September 13: Water Communion Service, presented by Rev. Jane Esbensen
Come and join us for our traditional opening worship service of the year—the Water Communion Ceremony. In this intergenerational service, everyone is invited and encouraged to bring a small flask of water in memory of a significant place they went to this summer. The water can actually be from the place you traveled to, or it can be a symbol of a place you journeyed to in heart or mind, or it can be a bit of tap water, or hose water, or kiddie pool water from the backyard if you just stayed home. Wherever you “journeyed” this summer, we want to hear from you, as we gather the waters and embark upon this new church year together. Please come!

September 20: “To Live Deliberately,” presented by Rev. Jane Esbensen
Being a Unitarian Universalist is no small thing, but a great privilege and responsibility to ourselves, to each other, and to the world. But who are we? In this communal service, our new minister, Jane Esbensen, will speak a bit about her religious background and what she brings to our congregation, and she invites each and every one of you to come prepared to speak briefly about your religious background and what you bring here, as well. We are all in this together, this religious journey, but we can go forward only if we know ourselves, know each other, and know what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist. Let us begin our deliberate way to be in the world, one by one, together.

September 27: “Tables,” a sermon authored by Rev. Tony Larsen and presented by member John Kuhn
Over the millennia, many important things have happened around tables. They have been witness to important discussion and great events, countless hopes and doubts. Join us as we use the symbolism of the table to explore our community. Is your table open? This service is available through the Church of the Larger Fellowship on-line resource. Rev. Tony Larsen has been the minister at Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church in Racine, Wisconsin since 1975. He has become well known throughout the country for his deeply moving, spiritual and often humorous sermons.

October 4: “When Death Gets Personal,” a podcast presented by Michael Dowd and Connie Barlow Connie Barlow was scheduled to be our guest speaker for our Sunday October 4 service, and her husband, Michael Dowd, was scheduled to present his “Thank God for Evolution” program at LCUUC that afternoon. We learned in late August of Michael’s medical diagnosis which will prevent them from coming to LCUUC. Connie and Michael have lived the last 7+ years entirely on the road evangelizing a sacred understanding of the Epic of Evolution. With Michael’s life-threatening illness, they have decided to change their mode of operation to sending out podcasts from their website (http://www.thegreatstory.org/). Michael and Connie have both written and spoken about how an evolutionary understanding of death can enhance one’s gratitude and awareness of the blessings of each moment—and for the generations of ancestors who came before. Our October 4 service will feature their first podcast since Michael’s diagnosis, where the two talk about how these conceptual understandings actually do bear fruit in times of need, when death gets personal.

October 11: “Together We Stand: Association Sunday,” presented by Rev. Jane Esbensen
Annually, UU congregations around the nation are encouraged by the UUA in Boston to participate in Association Sunday. The theme chosen for this year is Growth in Diversity. The contributions each congregation collects will go toward this theme, a focus on making our vision of justice and equality a reality for all. Come and learn more about this vital and vibrant endeavor to create change for the world we wish to live in.

October 18: “Where Two Or More Are Gathered….”, presented by Rev. Jane Esbensen
Today you are invited to learn more about what it means to be part of a congregation of believers. It is not just the minister who ministers in a church, it is all of us. Shared Ministry is what we do whenever we come together to do good works. By these acts we express our individual beliefs and demonstrate the vision of this church community. Please come on this Sunday wearing your heart on your sleeve.

Oct 25: "Intellectual Integrity: the Life of Joseph Priestley" presented by Rev. Scott Gerard Prinster
How do we remain true to our beliefs when it seems that everyone around us is compromising theirs?  One place we can turn for guidance is an important part of our Unitarian Universalist history, the story of Joseph Priestley, scientist, heologian, philosopher, and one of the founders of the English Unitarian Church.  Let's explore together how the life of his intellectual pioneer can help us stand against the forces of conformity.

Nov. 1: “Saints and Sinners,” by Lori Gorgas Hlaban
Today is All Saints Day in the Christian calendar, and a time in many cultures for celebrating their ancestors and honored dead. This service will explore the notion of Unitarian Universalist saints – or sinners – in our history. Are the terms “saint” and “sinner” useful for contemporary Unitarian Universalists?

Nov. 8: “The Meaning of Compassion,” by Sally Pla and Kelly Kohl
Nov. 12 is the very first official worldwide “Charter for Compassion” Day. The charter was initiated by religious scholar Karen Armstrong and generated by religious and secular leaders around the world, who came together to write a pact – the Charter – to help us all overcome global spiritual differences and seek to celebrate a specific commonality underlying all world religions: The Golden Rule. Come learn about the Charter project, and reflect on ways compassion can become more conscious in our lives.

Nov. 15: “The Cross under the Pines,” by Rev. Jane Esbensen
How many people have a cross lying in their backyard? Not many, but we do. Where did it come from? What is it doing out there? What does it mean to us to have it, unseen but present? Life presents us with all sorts of opportunities to look at things from different vantage points, through different lenses, and make sense of it all. We have a cross outside that is silently prodding us to think about its presence in the life of this church. What are we supposed to pay attention to? Come and listen….

Nov. 22: “Roots and Wings: A Thanksgiving Homily,” by Rev. Jane Esbensen
Today is the annual Thanksgiving Day Service and New Member Sunday and Potluck Meal at LCUUC. A lot of things happening all at once! As we welcome new members into this church today, we are at the same time reminding ourselves why it is we are even here. We are pilgrims, all. Let’s celebrate this church’s tradition of fellowship and food with a remembrance of what religious freedom truly means. Come hungry!

Nov. 29: “Attuning to Nature: Insights from Wiccan Traditions,” by Rev. Selena Fox
Selena (Senior Minister of Circle Sanctuary, an international Wiccan church serving Nature religion practitioners worldwide since 1974) will explore some contemporary and ancient approaches for attuning to sacred dimensions of Nature and aligning with the cycles of sun, moon, and seasons. Learn about Wiccan spirituality, rooted in the Nature religions of old Europe, and consider some ways of adapting some Wiccan symbols, lore, customs, and ceremonies for enriching personal, family, and community life.

Dec. 6:  “Religious Truth for Progressives:  Discerning the Meaning of Miracles”, by Rev. Bret Myers

Today we will consider three miracles recorded in the New Testament in a way that makes sense for UUs, religious progressives, and post-modern thinkers who are “spiritual but not religious.”  The “Feeding of the 5000,” the “Virgin Birth,” and the “Resurrection” are integral to the Christian understanding of the world, and have even shaped the religious imagination of those who do not consider themselves “Christian.”  They are questionable to the modern mindset that associates truth with provable or historical facts, and are sometimes construed as “roadblocks” to continuing dialogue when interpreted as literal.  Yet, is there still a “truth” to them?  Should we continue to consider them if they do not conform to and satisfy our “scientific” understanding of reality?  Can they still remain meaningful for our lives in the 21^st century?  Today’s message will show one way by which these questions may be answered in the affirmative

Dec.13: “Out of Darkness,” by Rev. Jane Esbensen
The service will be a lovely liturgical celebration in words and music of the light we call forth in the midst of this deep winter season. Come and be with us as we greet the darkness and bring in the light!

Dec. 20: “Lo! It Shall Be Given,” by Rev. Jane Esbensen
In this intergenerational Christmas service, we will ring in the season with story and song, poetry and prayer. Christmas is more than the birth of a baby named Jesus. It is also the birth of hope and goodwill for all and to all. A celebration is afoot!

Dec. 27: “Hooray for Failure!” originally written by Rev. Judith A. Walker-Riggs, presented by Paul Fackler
On the edge of a new year, we often take a look back to get a measure of what we have done – how far we have come. Too often, we count only our successes. But what about our failures, the things we haven’t managed to do? As Rev. Judith Walker-Riggs writes, “This is a sermon about how it is perfectly all right to be incompetent for hours on end.” Yes, it is okay to fail. In fact, our failures may be what we are best at.

This page was last updated January 3, 2010