In anticipation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, let us consider whose version of his story we know. Widening the lens, let us consider what versions of someone else’s story we are willing to hear. If we truly live our inclusive values, what discomfort comes with accepting a person’s whole story?
Rev. Alex McGee will preach
Leadership often begins with a call and not a plan; we feel a nudge – or push! – inside of us to step forward. The stories from our Council Chairs provided much food for thought on what fuels our own willingness to contribute and get involved in this community. Today’s piano music all led back to what it means to say yes and pitch in, as we each considered how we are being called to participate.
There was a touch of the traditional Scottish song Auld Lang Syne to acknowledge the new year, but the heart of this morning’s prelude was Carole King’s You’ve Got a Friend. The lyrics (“When you’re down and troubled, and you need a helping hand…you just call out my name”) remind us of the power of showing up for others and offering steady support. In the same spirit, contributing time, lending a hand, and joining a committee are ways to be a friend to the Fellowship, helping where it’s needed so the community can thrive.
I played We’ll Build a Land (121 in Singing the Living Tradition) for the offertory…I originally had a different song in mind, but as I listened to Nick, Carl, Scott, and Kathy speak, We’ll Build a Land kept popping in my head instead. This hymn’s message of hope and justice created by shared effort, and its dream of how together we can “build a land where all can dwell in peace” and “make a world of love and truth” were all reflected in the stories we heard. The care, support, and participation from today’s speakers and from every volunteer and congregational leader help shape this “land”, the Fellowship.
The decision to use Heroes by David Bowie for today’s postlude may have been influenced by its inclusion in the finale of Netflix’s sci-fi/coming-of-age series Stranger Things, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful when it comes to the theme of the day. Heroism doesn’t always have to be grandiose or on a large scale – heroes can be people who step forward and give their time, energy, and passion. Even if it simply appears to be everyday participation in congregational life, volunteering, trying something new, and being an active member of this church makes for a better, richer Fellowship for us all.
Each of us has a spiritual autobiography. When we stand back and look at the arc, what seasons do we see? What narrative do you want to claim today to carry you forward?
Rev. Alex McGee will preach
Join Jaya Lakshmi and her band for an uplifting evening of mantra, kirtan and original sacred music.
Friday, January 16, 2026, 7:00 – 8:30 PM at the Fellowship.
Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Buy tickets online using this link: https://jayalakshmimusic.com/event/6393721/748516126/jaya-lakshmi-kirtan-and-sacred-music-concert.
Free childcare can usually be arranged for any Fellowship event by using this link 1-2 weeks prior to the event.
Come hear our Council Chairs share their story of leadership at UUFC. Each of us can reflect on what motivates and informs our roles in the congregation. What puts fuel in your tank for leadership? Many people find that in congregational leadership, they live out their values in new ways and grow spiritually. Looking ahead to the Spring, some leadership roles will turn over, so now is a time to listen for seeds in your soul waiting to sprout.
Carl English-Young (Connections Council), Kathy Kopczynski (Justice Council), Scott Bruslind (Financial Oversight Council), and Nick Houtman (Facilities Council) will speak. Rev. Alex McGee will lead.
Come enjoy inspiration from poetry as we acknowledge the end of a calendar year and anticipate the beginning of a new year.
Thea Hart is coordinating this service and many members and friends will be readers. Rev. Alex McGee will help lead.
Today marks a moment in time of stillness and reflection, the longest night of the year before the gradual return of light. There is a wealth of music about winter, night, darkness, and light, and I tried to select pieces that captured the ideas of cold December nights, the knowledge that the sun and warmth will return, and the small lights that both sustain us in the meantime, as well as the small lights that we put forth to try to sustain others.
The prelude opened with “Once Upon a December”, which comes from the 1997 movie Anastasia, a beautiful animated fairy tale loosely based upon the legend of Russia’s Grand Duchess Anastasia. Written by Broadway veterans Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (who also penned “Ragtime” and “Once on this Island”), the protagonist’s words are full of wistful nostalgia:
Far away, long ago
Glowing dim as an ember
Things my heart used to know
Things it yearns to remember
And a song someone sings
Once upon a December
The well-known and beloved Clair de lune followed, by French Impressionist composer Claude Debussy. Clair de lune – which translates to “the light of the moon” – is a luminous musical portrait of moonlight spilling over a quiet landscape. In the context of a Winter Solstice service, Debussy’s shimmering harmonies suggest the reflection of the winter moon on snow or ice, as well as a sense of calm, wonder, and the peaceful magic of a winter night.
I was originally planning to play Don McLean’s “Vincent“, which is so wonderful and a personal favorite…or Eric Whitacre’s less-known but exquisite “Glow“. But after the youth performance and the activities that Skyla King-Christison had planned, it felt like the service called for the quiet warmth and intimacy of Jim Brickman’s arrangement of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” instead. The gentle piano lines and soothing childhood melody evoke the comforting glow of starlight on a dark, quiet evening. Even in the depths of winter, small points of light – hope, love, and connection – persist and guide us forward.
For today’s postlude, I played Charles Murphy’s “Light Is Returning”, a song we’ve sung at past solstice services. This musical celebration of the light’s return couldn’t be more fitting for the longest night of the year, and the lyrics serve as a promise of new beginnings:
Light is returning
Even though this is the darkest hour.
No one can hold back the dawn.
Let’s keep it burning;
Let’s keep the light of hope alive!
Make safe our journey through the storm.
One planet is turning
Circle on her path around the Sun.
Earth Mother is calling her children home.
Invite friends and family to this gentle, reflective service in which we honor the gifts in the age-old message of people travelling with hope. We will enjoy the lighting of candles, with appropriate candle options for all ages!
Rev. Alex McGee will preach
This service will be broadcast on Zoom using the same link as the Sunday Worship Services.
Invite friends and family to this gentle, reflective service in which we honor the gifts in the age-old message of people travelling with hope. We will enjoy the lighting of candles, with appropriate candle options for all ages!
Rev. Alex McGee will preach
This service will be broadcast on Zoom using the same link as the Sunday Worship Services.
In this all-ages Sunday service, the gifts of children and youth in our congregation will shine as we reflect on Solstice together. Be ready for deep reflection and getting to know your neighbor a little better.
Skyla King-Christison, Director of Religious Exploration, has designed this service and will lead along with children, youth, and Rev. Alex McGee