Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Greater Cumberland

May 4, 10:45 – “Living Our Values”

This service, coordinated by our Social Action Committee, incorporates music and readings which focus on pursuing social justice through individual and collective efforts. Two women who are very involved in such efforts in Western Maryland will be our speakers. Judy Carbone will discuss the Equal Rights Amendment. Ellen McDaniel Weissler, who organized two recent rallies in Allegany County, will discuss her work.

May 11, 10:45 – Rev. Paul Britner: “Secret Sorrows”

In To Kill a Mockingbird Atticus Finch famously advised Scout that we can’t really know others until we are able to walk a mile in their shoes. The opposite is true, too: there is wisdom in acknowledging that we never can walk in another’s shoes.

May 18, 10:45 – JD Stillwater: “Bædlings, Two-Spirits, & the Science of Sex”

The biology and physiology of sex and gender have come a long way from what you learned in high school science classes. So have the psychology, sociology, and theology of gender, accordingly. JD Stillwater reviews some surprising truths about how you got to be the gender you are, why you probably don’t know what sex chromosomes you have, and how a spirituality based in truth and integrity (ie: the inherent worth and dignity of every person) requires a new approach to people, pronouns, and private parts. 

May 25, 10:45 – Rev. Mike Franch: “Why Are You Here on Sunday Morning?”

Surveys reveal surprising things about Americans’ religious affiliation. A large group defines themselves as “nones.” They describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious.” Another large group describes themselves as “religious but not spiritual.” The first group doesn’t feel the need to attend religious services; the second group loves to attend, although they are not necessary “believers.” The second group likes the community, the ritual, the music but not necessarily the theology. I suspect we have both types in this congregation. I’m not sure it matters which group you’re in, but I think it does matter that you know what’s important to you. 

Rev. Mike Franch is Affiliate Minister with First Unitarian Church of Baltimore.