UU thoughts, sermons, music
Solutions are difficult, but wounds must be healed and tomorrows ennobled by promises of the future, not scars of the past.
America’s no place for “supremacists” — their flags, guns, symbols of hate — their supporters.
Michael O’Kelly
Retired UU Minister
Clarksburg
“We met the enemy, and he is us. We met the friend, and he is us. That is the secret that will win the ultimate victory, if anything will. And this is our way. Looking inward, and reaching out a hand and acting. Heart with heart, and hand in hand, we will build a community of hope and possibility.”
Read the full text of James Ishmael Ford’s sermon, “A STATE OF EMERGENCY: Charlottesville, the Soul Sickness in America, and a Call to a Moral Vision”, at Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church, Costa Mesa, California:
As we read the reports and watch the news about Charlottesville, may we remember that we are not alone. As our hearts break and we are faced with the reality that we have not come nearly as far as we need to, may we speak out. As others defend or explain away the problems facing our nation and our world, may we continue to encourage them to wake up. As we wonder if our ideals and expectations are doomed to fail, may remember that none of us are free until all of us are free. May we continue to answer the call of love and fight for the lives that need us most. May our voices continue to rise until they are heard above the hate.
May it Be,
Amen
We Answer the Call of Love By Julia Corbett-Hemeyer
In the face of hate,
We answer the call of love.
In the face of exclusion,
We answer the call of inclusion.
In the face of homophobia,
We answer the call of LGBTQ rights.
In the face of racism,
We answer of justice for all races.
In the face of xenophobia,
We answer the call of pluralism.
In the face of misogyny,
We answer the call of women’s rights.
In the face of demagoguery,
We answer the call of reason.
In the face of religious intolerance,
We answer the call of diversity.
In the face of narrow nationalism,
We answer the call of global community.
In the face of bigotry,
We answer the call of open-mindedness.
In the face of despair,
We answer the call of hope.
As Unitarian Universalists, we answer the call of love —
now more than ever.
Dr. Mayim Bialik talks about her connection to religion even though she is a scientist in this thought provoking video.
Namaste,
Cricket
The longest day of the year has arrived. Summer is finally here. This is a major holiday for pagan communities all over the world.
Have a Blessed and wonderful day!
Namaste,
Cricket
Program 487: Scandinavian Solstice; Italy 2017
Release Date: 06-17-2017
Description
Hear how the summer solstice is celebrated in Scandinavia, where the official start of summer is a big deal. Then listen in as Italian friends discuss the effects of their country’s high unemployment rate — and how Italians are meeting the challenge — before taking listener calls to share tips for a “dolce vita” vacation. And come along as we visit with some Tuscan craftsmen keeping traditions alive in their hill town home.
Guests
Return of the Prodigal Son
Rembrandt
Forgiveness flounders because I exclude the enemy from the community of humans and myself from the community of sinners.
– Miroslav Volf, Exclusion & Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation
Edward Kim on Volf’s Exclusion & Embrace
“If you’ve looked ahead on your order service you know we’re going to be singing the song “Standing on the Side of Love” today, only we are going to be singing it as “answering the call of love” instead. The composer, Jason Shelton, has asked us to sing it that way from now on. The question is why?
Ramadan starts this evening. It is an important holiday for Muslims.
This article answers some questions about Ramadan. Enjoy.
Blessings,
Cricket
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”- Marcus Garvey
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman
Sunday our youth and children will tall about three UU ladies who changed history, Ysaye Barnwell, Laurel Clark, and Maurine Neuberger.
We would love to have you come worship with us.
Our services are Sundays at 11 a.m. at the Progressive Women’s Association Event Center, 305 Washington Ave. in downtown Clarksburg, behind the Courthouse. There are classes for children and adults 10 to 10:45 am, and a coffee gathering before the service. More about us.
Children are welcome. There is childcare and an activity for young children during the service.
The building is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible restroom.
The schedule for the current adult religious education class is here.
Email westforkuu@gmail.com or use our contact form for more information
or write to us at PO Box 523, Clarksburg WV 26302
West Fork Unitarian Universalists 