Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Greater Cumberland

Sept. 8th, 10:45 a.m. – Water Service

Following our summer break, we begin a new year together by honoring the role that water plays in our lives. You are invited to share your experience with water during the summer. How did water spiritually inspire you? How did the extreme drought effect your use of water? Bring a sample of water that you might have collected during your travels, or use water that will be available to add to a common bowl.

Sept. 15th, 10:45 a.m. – Rev. Paul Britner

“What is Ministry?”

Using a short-story format inspired by Garrison Keillor’s “Lake Wobegon” series, this message explores the many meanings of ministry. After the service and social time, plan to stay and continue the conversation about ministry in a session led by Rev. Paul using queries to guide the discussion in the manner of Quakers.

Sept. 22nd, 10:45 a.m. – JD Stillwater

“Awetheism Part 2: Awe, Science, and Meaningful Well-Being”

In this sequel to Part 1 we go deeper into the science of awe, including: the wonderful word “eudaemonia” the gifts of people who are pre-disposed to experience awe; and the relations between awe, wonder, spirituality, and ambiguity. We’ll also peer into the dark side of awe, and how it can be manipulated for political purposes. As in Part 1, there may be some feelings…

New research into the experience of awe reveals that feeling awe makes us better, happier, more generous people. With help from some well-timed lightning strikes (and none from Siri or Alexa), we’ll explore what’s known about awe, humility, and the wonderful word “eudaimonia.” We’ll also learn how science can help us get to them all, plugging us into a grander vision of our larger selves within our communities, world, and universe.

Sept. 29th, 10:45 a.m. – Rev. Mike Franch

“Patriotism and Pride: Affirmations of a Grateful American”

I put out my flag on national holidays, but that doesn’t mean I’m always proud to be an American. We’ve done and are doing some terrible things in our own country and around the world. We’ve done some great things, too, but I can’t take pride in what generations past have done because I didn’t do these things. Besides, pride is considered a deadly sin. However, for many reasons I am always grateful to be an American. I try to show that gratitude by active citizenship. Patriotism means to love one’s country, a love that we express by working to make our country a better place. We’ve got lots of opportunities to show that love and to create a culture that we can be proud to be part of because we helped make it.