Join Dan Harper and Castor Fu as they investigate why we do what we do in our Sunday services. Why do we sing hymns? Why do we have announcements? Why is there usually (but not always) a sermon? Castor and Dan will talk about the historic roots of different parts of the service, and explore the contemporary pragmatic realities of why we do what we do.
For this intergenerational service, please bring a flower to exchange in our annual ritual. Dan will tell the story of how the Flower Celebration came to be, and we will take home a flower brought by someone else, like the inspiration and strength we receive from others. (Forgot a flower? Don’t worry, there are always more than enough–bring yourself!) — Worship Associate: Autumn Vandiver
In our intergenerational Easter service, Dan tells the Easter story as his Unitarian mother relayed it to him, and Amy suggests some practices that may make resurrection a reality in our daily lives. Our pianist, Veronika Agranov-Dafoe, provides special music along with the By Your Side Singers, our new group that offers pastoral care through song. Join us for the Easter Egg Hunt after the first service.
In our annual service about the chalice, we mark the holidays of Candlemas, St. Brigid’s Day and Imbolc. Why do we light a chalice at the beginning of our services anyway? What did this flame mean in the past and what does it mean today? Child care is provided at both services; other children remain in the Main Hall for this intergenerational service.
Gather by the fire in the Fireside Room for a cozy Christmas morning service. We’ll hear the Christmas story from the classic book “The Wind in the Willows,” sing lots of carols, and hear some special music.
Worship Leader: Rev. Dan Harper, Music: Florence Haas, soprano; Lewis Santer, guitar
We welcome Christmas with stories, carols and special music, and candles. Come sing the familiar songs that are always powerful, and experience the magic of candlelight in the darkness.
Worship Leaders: Rev. Dan Harper and Rev. Mary McKinnen Ganz
Music: Veronika Agranov-Dafoe, piano
We rejoice in the everyday miracles of the season, marking winter solstice, telling the story of Hanukah, and inviting all who wish to play a part in our No-Rehearsal Christmas Pageant.
Worship Leader: Rev. Dan Harper and Rev. Mary McKinnen Ganz
Music: Veronika Agranov-Dafoe, piano
The challenge of getting right with yourself while being a champion of those who are oppressed by our society is not easy. Come explore insights fro those who walk the path of privileged and not-so-privileged at the same time. What can we learn from our ancestors?
Worship Leader: Mark Hicks
Worship Associate: Rev. Dan Harper
Reflecting on the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, one of the obvious questions to ask is this: Is it possible to have peace in our time? Since human beings have been asking this same question for millennia, it seems obvious that the answer is no. But great religious leaders like Confucius, Guru Nanak, and Jesus of Nazareth offer some hope that the answer might be yes. In this sermon, I’ll look at why we might hope for
peace in our time.
Worship Leader: Rev. Dan Harper
Worship Associate: Joe Bailey
Music: Kevin Ayers, classical guitar; Pam Parke, violin
It’s Labor Day, so let’s talk about work. How can we find work that we love, and also pays the bills? Is it even possible to find work that you truly love any more? And if you’re retired, what does it mean to have work that you love?
Worship Leader: Dan Harper
Music: Lewis Santer, labor songs for Labor Day