sermon summaries

As we near the end of a year filled with threshold moments, cultural upheaval, and deep transformation, we gather to reflect on the journeys we’ve taken. Through brief stories offered by members of our community, we’ll explore what has challenged us, what has grounded us, and what has brought joy amid uncertainty. Together, we’ll honor the resilience, practices, and wisdom that have helped us navigate these shifting tides.

The world has gotten smaller and we’re affected more strongly than we have been before. The truth is we have always been connected and change has been a constant. It seems so accelerated now. What can make it easier? Come and find out!

Hosted by Rev. Leslie Chartier

We come to the end of a chapter in the life of the Fellowship – a chapter covering twelve years of ministry shared between us. Twelve years of immense change in the world, twelve years of leaning into it all together.  I have so much gratitude – it would be impossible to thank you enough, but I will aim in that direction.  Now we move toward the future  – two new chapters: the ongoing life and health of the Fellowship, and my transition into retirement.  We will move in different directions, but the connections we’ve made and the love we’ve shared will remain.  Let’s share blessings for each other as we take these new steps.   

With Rev. Jill McAllister

After the service, stay to dance! Adriel Molk will lead several easy folk dances. Room TBD, depending on temperatures….

In the end, all the elements of a religious and spiritual life – the practices and beliefs, the things we learn, the ways in which we change, what we yearn for and need, and more – lead into how we exist in relation to ourselves, others and Life.  What we do, think and feel, affect what occurs between us.   For thirteen years this has been my framework, shared in writing and preaching.  This morning let’s think about interdependence, and I’ll aim to summarize what I’ve learned with you and from you.    

We’ll also take time to reflect on the huge project of renovation of our classroom wing, now almost finished.  We’ll extend our thanks and appreciation to the volunteers who made it possible, and invite all to have a tour of the renewed spaces after the service. 

With Rev. Jill McAllister

As we get closer to a ministerial transition – a major event in the life of the Fellowship – let’s consider what ministry is in the UU tradition, what roles a minister plays in congregational life, and what that means for the lives of members and friends of the Fellowship.   

 With Rev. Jill McAllister, and special music from Johanna Beekman

When we’re afraid, when we’re angry, when we are confused and wonder what to do, here’s a possibility.  Return to love.  Return to love again, and again and again.  The more we are willing to return to this starting point, the more we learn about it.  Love can mean courage.  It can mean kindness and concern.  It can mean justice and perseverance and compassion.   When I began (again) at the Fellowship in 2013, our first theme was Love.  Let’s start there again and consider what we’ve learned.  With Rev. Jill McAllister

UUFC’s Queerly Beloved group and Sexuality and Gender Diversity Justice Team host this Pride Month Sunday Service, and welcome guest preacher Rev. Lazarus Justice Jameson.  The service will include remembering some Fellowship history around LGBTQIA+ welcoming and justice work, and embodying our commitments to LBGTQIA+ welcoming and justice in these days of increased danger.  It will also include a blessing of chosen names and families.  Please join us!

The ‘regular’ church year – or the church year as it corresponds to the school year –  is drawing to a close.  Once again it is time to reflect on and celebrate the gifts and responsibilities of being this beautiful multi-generational congregation.

We will honor and share blessings with children and youth who are moving into new areas of religious exploration.  We’ll honor and share blessing with our bridging high school senior on her way to becoming a young adult.  We’ll renew our commitments to support one another at every bend in the river of life.   Please join us! With Skyla King-Christison and all.

Join us to welcome to the Fellowship Peter Betjemann, the Executive Director of PRAx at OSU. The new Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts aims to spotlight intersections between the arts and all other disciplines at the university.  It focuses on connections, both classical and innovative.  Patricia Reser herself understands it this way: “The arts invite us to see, to think, to listen, to feel, and to reflect. I can’t imagine a more urgent path for humans and for humanity.”  Peter Betjemann will reflect with us on this first year of PRAx and the vital role of the creative arts in these times in the world.