Sunday Services

Sunday Service Times:
One service, at 10:00 am, May 30 - September 5, 2010.
Two services, at 9:30 and 11:00 am, starting September 12, 2010.

Traffic tips for one service and two services.

We leave some previous sermon topics here, to give you an idea of the things we talk about. We have the complete text of some sermons on-line, by our Minister, and our Guests.

A House for Hope
September 26, 2010 (9:30 and 11:00)
Rev. Grace Simons
A new book by the Revs John Buehrens and Rebecca Parker has already sold out its first printing. The writers remind us that liberal religion is founded on love rather than fear and explores our message of hope. They explain that we have a sound theological background and make the case that knowing more about that grounding would go a long way to help UUs be clearer and more confident in our faith tradition. This is the first sermon in a series inspired by the book.

We'll have an Orientation to Unitarian Universalism and to our Fellowship after the second service. We'll treat you to lunch and provide child care. Please call our administrator at (209) 545-1837 or send her an e-mail message: telling her you are planning to come, so we know how many sandwiches to buy, and if you will need child care, so we can make arrangements.
See the Orientation page for details.

Religion, Values and Politics, Oh My!
September 19, 2010 (9:30 and 11:00)
Rev. Grace Simons
We're of (at least) two minds on these topics. Can they fit together? Should they? If we don't live out our values, are they really values? On the other hand, we get pretty outraged when folks from some other faith traditions bring their religious positions into politics. Is that inconsistent? Are there some guiding ideas and principles in the values and politics mix? I'll argue that some key ideas which go back to the ancient Greeks can help us sort things out.

In-Gathering Sunday: Lives and Waters
September 12, 2010
Start of two services, at 9:30 am and 11:00 am
Rev. Grace Simons
This week is our time to mark the end of summer and the beginning of our full-program year. We return to having services at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. We'll continue our tradition of holding a Water Ceremony to symbolize our return to community after our summer wanderings. Bring some water that represents something memorable you did over the summer. (A pill vial or 35mm film container is ideal.)

In-gathering Potluck after the second service on the 12th
Dish assignments by surname:
A - F: Salad or Side dish
G - M: Main dish
N - R: Dessert
S - Z: Kid Friendly dish

Collectivism ands Individualism
September 5, 2010 (10:00 am only)
Lin Myers
Some musings about how our religious roots inform how we work together (or not) and how we honor collective individualism.

It’s a Dangerous Universe
August 29, 2010 (10:00 am only)
Dr. David Simons
We are daunted by the destructive forces of hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and tsunamis, but they pale in comparison to the hazards of other parts of our Universe. This morning David brings together some of the information about conditions and forces "off-earth." He reminds us that our Earth is indeed a uniquely wonderful location and speaks of the importance of being environmentally responsible. This planet is our only home.

The Moods of UU Music
August 22, 2010 (10:00 am only)
Rev. Grace Simons and Elizabeth Coard
This Sunday is our annual August hymn sing. This year we'll explore the varied moods and emotions expressed in UU music. Sometimes music carries excitement and celebration, sometimes reflection, sometimes lament or a cry for help. Let's explore some of the emotional range of our UU hymnbooks.

Deep and Connected
August 15, 2010 (10:00 am only)
Rev. Grace Simons
Our Sunday gatherings are the heart of our religious community, but they don't give us much time for deeper connections. One of our members describes our Sunday talk as "shotgun conversations" little bits in a lot of directions. One of our best opportunities for stronger, deeper connections is within our Fellowship Circles - groups of 6 - 10 members, who agree to meet together with a facilitator at least monthly from October through May. These are structured groups and follow a definite format for each meeting. James Luther Adams, the foremost UU theologian of the 20th century, talked a lot about our human needs for Intimacy and Ultimacy. Fellowship Circles offer both. Let's talk more about these special groups.

How to Achieve World Peace;
Or at least Have a Happy Marriage
August 8, 2010 (10:00 am only)
Pam Loyd
Achieving world peace has been a deeply-held wish for millions of people for thousands of years, with many complicated theories and ideas for achieving it advanced, tried, and ultimately failing. However, there are three basic principles for creating happy marriages which, if world leaders would apply them to their relationships with other nations, could lead to world peace.
A career counselor at MJC, Pam has served on UUFSC's Board of Directors and its Worship Committee. Her artistic flair has added greatly to many Fellowship events and her Annual Auction offerings are extremely popular.