Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Greater Cumberland

February 2, 10:45 – Ilene Evans

“Coralie Franklin-Cook: Lifting As We Climb”

Ilene Evans will share a portrayal of Coralie Franklin-Cook (1861-1941), who was an outspoken and well-respected leader in the African American community – well known in both West Virginia and Washington D.C. in issues of women’s suffrage, temperance, and education. 

Ilene Evans is an inspired storyteller, performer and scholar who weaves music, poetry, dance, and drama, to bring history alive. Ms. Evans received her B.A. from Trinity College Deerfield and her M.A. (Storytelling) at East Tennessee State University. She portrays significant women of color who changed the world. She has toured extensively across the US and internationally with her historical and original works.

February 9, 10:45 – Rev. Paul Britner

“The Spirituality of Sexuality”

Most historical religions have traditions that both condemn the so-called “desires of the flesh” and that also celebrate truly spiritual love, including sexual intimacy. Though UUs tend to be “all in” when it comes to enjoying sex, we also acknowledge the need for setting sexual limitations grounded in our values of human worth and dignity and how difficult that can be. 

February 16, 10:45 – Rev. Kent Stone

“The Folk Singer Theology of John Prine”

In his song “Fish and Whistle,” one of my favorite folk singers, John Prine, sings:“Father forgive us/for what we must do/You forgive us/we’ll forgive you/We’ll forgive each other til we both turn blue/Then we’ll whistle and go fishing in heaven.” I have often thought about what John Prine may have meant by these words. He seems to be making a play on what Christ said on the cross “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do (Luke 23: 34).” In Desmond Tutu’s book, The Book of Forgiveness, that he co-wrote with his daughter, Bishop Tutu talks about decisions we make that affect others when we do not mean to hurt them. We all inevitably hurt each other whether we mean to or not. That’s why forgiveness is important. We all need it and til we all turn blue, too.

February 23, 10:45 – to be announced