Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Greater Cumberland

March 2, 10:45 – JD Stillwater
“Earthquakes Everywhere”

Earthquakes – the ground literally moving under our feet, or out from under us, shaking our world and crumbling edifices we thought strong and permanent. Earthquakes are an apt metaphor for … lots of things lately. In the right context, even a major earthquake can be harmless fun. Science Ambassador JD Stillwater shares some seismic science that may help ride out the seismic changes happening all around us. 

March 9, 10:45 – Rev. Paul Britner
“Conformity in a Non-Creedal Tradition”

St. Augustine once wrote, “If you ask me what time is, I know; but if you ask me to explain it, I do not know.” The same may be said of faith, especially among UUs. Since we cannot require members to adopt any particular statement of faith, how do we explain to others (and among ourselves) what we believe? This message is a follow-up to last spring’s message on the 8th principle and will describe and reflect on the newly adopted changes to the UUA bylaws.

March 16, 10:45 – Emily Parker “There and Back Again: One UU’s Journey”

As a raised-UU kid who stuck with it, my journey with Unitarian Universalism has been a story of distance and return. Unitarian Universalism has formed me, and has sometimes disappointed me. Join for a discussion of what I’ve learned along the way, and why I keep coming back. 

Emily Parker (she/her) earned her Master of Divinity, with a Specialization in Public Theology, at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. She completed her Clinical Pastoral Education at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD. Prior to seminary, Emily served with AmeriCorps VISTA, the UU College of Social Justice, and Fulbright Colombia. During college, Emily co-founded a UU campus ministry and studied religiosity among UU emerging adults, presenting her research at the 2018 UUA General Assembly. Emily currently serves as Intern Minister at the UU Congregation of Frederick.

March 23, 10:45 – Rev. Kimberley Debus
“What Wondrous Love”

What does it mean to put love at the center in Unitarian Universalism? We will try to answer this question through an exploration of a beloved hymn. 

Rev. Kimberley Debus is a minister based in Takoma Park, MD, inspiring an artful and art-filled faith. She consults with congregations and religious professionals throughout the denomination. In addition to her consulting ministry, she also serves the Cedarhurst UUs in the greater Baltimore area. She has previously served at the Church of the Larger Fellowship as well as congregations along the Eastern seaboard and Great Lakes region. Rev. Kimberley writes about congregational life, worship, and other shenanigans at HoldMyChalice.substack.com.

March 30, 10:45 – Rev. Dr. Scott Rieker
“Evangelical Unitarian Universalism: The World Needs the UUA’s Shared Values Now More Than Ever!”

Rev. Dr. Scott Rieker is Director of Choral Activities and Choral Music Education at Frostburg State University and Priest-Associate and Director of Music Ministry at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. He has a cherished connection with the UU community, having served as a music minister at Emerson UU Church in Canoga Park, CA, from 2015–2018. His sermon is inspired by what he experienced there and the current context of our national life.