BUUF Sundays Archive

January 1, 9:30 & 11:15am

"The Creation of God" John Munson

Quite a number of Christians eagerly await the second coming of Christ. A much more interesting (and certainly more probable) event is the impending arrival of God. Many futurists now accept the fact that in the relatively near future we will create an intelligence that has the capability of recursive self-enhancement. This event is called the Singularity. At this point, the new intelligence will immediately have access to all of our knowledge in that all of this is stored in machinable form now. This new intelligence will have no restrictions on the rate that it can create new knowledge. Its ability to understand and control events in the universe will be unlimited. Very soon, then, we will unleash this new unbounded intelligence on the universe. We will have created God. The time has come to anticipate this event and to explore and understand our role with our new God. Mary Hester, service coordinator. Nancy Harms, Celebrant

January 8, 9:30 & 11:15am

"Celebrating Our Pioneers" Elton Hall & Rev. Elizabeth Greene

What does it mean to be a pioneer? Do we appreciate those "whose shoulders we stand on"? In what ways are we pioneers: historically, spiritually, socially? Bev Harley, service coordinator; BUUF Choir, music.

January 15, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Deserving & Undeserving" John Pevy, Aleta Sprague, Gary Wyke, Rick Groff

On this Martin Luther King Sunday, we welcome Emerson Hunger Fellows. John Pevy will be talking about giving individuals power and control over their lives and livelihood and Aleta Sprague will talk about how public discourse about recipients of government assistance tends to focus on drawing a line between those who are "deserving" and "undeserving," instead of being guided by love and forgiveness. Gary Wyke and Rick Groff will talk about hunger related social justice work our congregation is doing. We will welcome social justice community partners during and after the second service. Susie Hardy/Val Duffy, service coordinators. Rev. Elizabeth Greene, Celebrant.

January 22, 9:30 & 11:15am

"Musical Pilgrimage" Jeanette Ross & Tom von Alten

Last summer Tom von Alten and Jeanette Ross participated in a choir that sang through Transylvania and Hungary. Peace pilgrim advised "A pilgrim is a wanderer with purpose." Jeanette and Tom will share stories and insights from their purposeful wanderings. Nancy Harms, service coordinator. Gwyn Reid, Celebrant.

January 29, 9:30 & 11:15am

"'Yearning to Breathe Free': the Immigration Issue" Rev. Elizabeth Greene

This June, the Unitarian Universalist Association is holding a Justice General Assembly (GA) in Phoenix, Arizona, hotbed of immigration abuses. Elizabeth will reflect on "the immigration issue," and will have information available on this potentially life-changing GA. Robyn Broyles, service coordinator.

February 5, 9:30 & 11:15am

"Stories of Change and Transition,"Rev. Elizabeth Greene

Life is just one darned change after another, some more "successful" than others, each similar to others and also unique. How do we roll with the taps and punches of seemingly-continual transition? Cathy Sherman, service coordinator.

February 12, 9:30 & 11:15am

"Ubi Caritas: Charity and Love," Rev. Elizabeth Greene

The Christian tradition is full of references to love: for friends (philia), for God (caritas and agape), with not a lot about eros, or body-and-soul, lover-ly love. What does it all mean, anyhow? Wanda Jennings, service coordinator.

February 19, 9:30 & 11:15am

"Rescuing St. Paul," Elton Hall

Spiritual seekers leave the religions of their childhoods for complex reasons, but one reason some of us left the Christian tradition was the severe attitudes of St. Paul which seem focused on sin, are harsh in respect to women, and have no sense of joy. Scholars have shown that St. Paul did not write all the epistles assigned to him. When we look at his authentic writings, a radically different St. Paul emerges, one UUs can respect and perhaps even embrace. Rev. Elizabeth Greene, Celebrant. Nancy Harms, service coordinator

February 26, 9:30 & 11:15am

"How Big is the Sky?" Rev. Sean Parker Dennison

"A frog in a well does not know the great ocean and cannot imagine the vastness of the sky." (Japanese proverb)
What keeps our vision small? What limits our aspirations? Should we seek to change the world? Should we seek to truly make a difference in our communities? What might happen if we let our vision of ourselves and our congregations grow? Robyn Broyles, service coordinator.

March 4, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"No One Can Whistle a Symphony"

There is much work to do in this world. When we work together towards a common goal, the hard work becomes a thing of joy and a blessed act of community. Come explore the joy of heart work with Emmie Schlobohm, our Director of Religious Exploration. Mary Hester, service coordinator.

March 11, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Namaste: the Light That Shines in All," Rev. Elizabeth Greene

How often do we recognize the light in others? Does it reflect (or not reflect) what we are putting forth? What community results shine forth (or don't), when our lights mingle?

March 18, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Celebration Sunday: Rejoicing in our Roots and Our Vision," Rev. Joan Montagnes

Today, we bring our smiles, vision and commitment, as we are inspired by one of our favorite preachers. The lively Rev. Montagnes serves as associate minister to the Eastshore UU congregation, in Bellevue WA.

March 25, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"The Places That Scare You," Rev. Elizabeth Greene

Pema Chodron is a well-known Buddhist nun. She writes with compassion about facing our fears, becoming greater-hearted people. Elizabeth will reflect on how we approach this.

April 1, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Fooling Around" Rev. Elizabeth Greene

The mytho-poetic implications of the Fool are legion, as are the philosophical and religious undercurrents of why we laugh. Or maybe Elizabeth just likes to tell jokes from the pulpit? Beverly Harley, service coordinator. Michael Stevenson and Susan Langley, Music

April 8, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Rejoice and Bloom" Rev. Elizabeth Greene

On Easter, diverse faith traditions celebrate the way that life arises from literal and metaphorical death. This Easter, we rejoice at how all creation can bloom, even in the face of despair. Mary Hester, service coordinator. BUUF Choir, Music

April 15, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Prayer?" Rev. Elizabeth Greene

In a revisiting of one of those "wounded words" we UUs can find problematical, Elizabeth reflects on the larger meaning of the word "prayer." Wanda Jennings, service coordinator.

April 22, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"The Power of Yes" Miriam Woito

Organic Growth - Change, Passion, Action. Some thoughts on becoming a thriving community. Susie Hardy, service coordinator

April 29, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Senior High Bridging" BUUF High School Seniors, Emmie Schlobohm, Director of Religious Exploration, and Rev. Elizabeth Greene

Do you need an infusion of hope for the future and to know that the world will be in good hands after we're gone? Our senior high youth who are taking that monumental next step forward into their future will share their journeys and visions. Come celebrate their bridging from youth to young adulthood during these vibrant alternative services! Bill Hoffman, service coordinator

May 6, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Song of the Soul: the Power of Music," Rev. Elizabeth Greene & BUUF Choir

What is the song of your soul? What music, your own and others, inspires you to follow your passion? Elizabeth and church musicians explore music's power. Beverly Harley, service coordinator

May 13, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Our Unitarian Universalist Stories" by Children and Youth of Religious Exploration

Come celebrate our children on this second annual Religious Exploration Celebration Sunday! Find out what our children and youth have explored this year in their classes. Unitarian Universalist faith traditions, our BUUF religious community, and intangible gifts have been the over-arching themes this year, so join us for stories galore for all ages! Mike Lemieux, music; Bill Hoffman, service coordinator

May 20, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"The Second Fifty," Debra Smith

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Pacific Northwest District of the Unitarian Universalist Association. As a UUA National Trustee, Elizabeth is performing her duties at the District Assembly in Anchorage this weekend. In her stead, Board President Debra Smith will engage us in thinking about the spiritual health of our Fellowship today, and about how we stand in preparation for our next fifty years. Nancy Harms, service coordinator

May 27, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Complain or Not to Complain," Mary Hester

We all have complaints in life. We don't like this about one person, or don't like that about another. Why do we complain? Does it cost us anything to complain? Does it accomplish anything? In this service we will examine ways we can approach life without complaints and yet still address our concerns. Will Smith, Music; David Clopton, Celebrant; Wanda Jennings, service coordinator

June 3, 10:00am

Flower Communion, Rev. Greene

On this first-Sunday-of –summer-schedule, we have a briefer-than-usual service, starring Flower Communion: everyone brings a flower to put in the community vases, then, at a certain point in the service, we each take a flower back. If you forget your flower, Providence always steps in— in the form of other people! BUUF Choir, Music. Nancy Harms, service coordinator

June 10, 10:00am

What I know For Sure: My Spiritual Journey, Janette Young

Midlife is traditionally a time of great transition. Many changes occur naturally at this time of life. Your children grow up and move away from home. Your aging parents may become more in need of care. Your relationship focus may change as you contemplate retirement or a change in location. Or your marital status may even change due to divorce or death, causing you to be alone at just the time when you were expecting to enjoy your lives together. Career changes may occur as you begin to realize that you have met your major career goals-or that you haven't really met them. Viewing these transitions from the spiritual perspective brings acceptance, strength and serenity to live our best lives now. Liza Long, Music Mary Hester, Celebrant Susie Hardy, service coordinator

June 17, 10:00am

Fathers' Day, Greg Duffy

Four years ago, Greg Duffy, went to the Midwest to take part in a writing workshop. His journey took him through a period in his family's life that was challenging to say the least. Greg tells his touching story, which explains his plan, which was to help someone, and how it played out in real life. Liza Long, Music Patricia Heeb, Celebrant Mary Hester, service coordinator

June 24, 10:00am

"It ain't unnecessarily so" John Connors

Zen is commonly thought to be some some blissful state where all is wonderful and serene. Zen Buddhism is not what you think. Rather, it is more about how you live. It is about paying attention. Join us, for a quick trip to another viewpoint. Mike Lemieux, Music Nancy Harms, Celebrant Beverly Harley, service coordinator

July 1, 10am

"Body and Spirit," Mark Zimmerer

Exploring the ways in which our body, mind and spirit influence each other. As Mary Oliver says:

The spirit likes to dress up like this:

ten fingers,

ten toes,

shoulders, and all the rest

Nancy Harms, Celebrant. Liza Long, Music. Val Duffy, service coordinator

July 8, 10am

"Finding Social Hope," Sue Philley

We are living in chaotic and challenging times. Why and how can we find the strength and courage to go forward? During her lifetime of non-profit work, Sue's thinking has evolved about self-improvement, work, and retirement. Joanna Macy (one of the wisdom voices of our time), a BUUF Dream group, a World Calling Women group, 4-H teens, and diverse community members starting a new non-profit are helping her to embrace the future. Nancy Harms, Celebrant. Liza Long, Music. Wanda Jennings, service coordinator.

July 15, 10am

"Exploring General Assembly," Rev. Greene, Wanda & Bryan Jennings

Immigration was the Big Topic of the Justice Unitarian Universalist General Assembly! Wanda and Bryan Jennings and Elizabeth Greene went to the Unitarian Universalist Association Justice General Assembly in Phoenix in June where the theme was Social Justice with a strong emphasis on Immigration. Come hear about our experiences. Rev. Greene, Celebrant. Liza Long & Ed Rush, Music. Mary Hester, service coordinator

July 22, 10am

Grand Adventure: Rafting the Colorado through the Grand Canyon," Cathy Carmen, Linnea, Megan & Linden Boice

A recipe for fun = 6 kids + 10 adults for 16 days on 6 rafts through the most beautiful canyon in North America! So begins the Boice, Carmen's family adventure in June 2011! How they did it and why they'd do it again (in a heartbeat!) along with stories of side canyon hikes, floating through rapids in life jackets and how to catch lizards with a noose included. Come along for an action-packed ride! Mary Hester, Celebrant. Liza Long, Music. Wanda Jennings, service coordinator.

July 29, 10am

"How to Worry: Recipes for the Disasters You Know are Coming!?" David Scott

David Scott will take a light-hearted look at worry and attempt to answer the following questions: What is worry? What behaviors do we engage in that allows worry to flourish? When is worry useful and when does it become non-productive? Security blankets are optional. Patricia Heeb, Celebrant. Music, Carrie Bastian. Nancy Harms, service coordinator.

August 5, 10am

"The Slow Read Movement"

This spring, 10 or so people read and discussed what many consider "the great American novel," F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Some were impressed with a theme that resonates today: how the concentration of wealth leads to corruption. Others were taken by the author's exquisitely precise, and yet poetic language. Still others were impressed with the author's steely self evaluation. What is it like, in this day of superficial and slap-dash writing, to read attentively, something written with deliberate attention? Fast food and page-turners have their places, but how about a "slow read" movement to complement the slow food movement? Come and hear what 4 slow readers learned about this novel, and about themselves. Debra Smith, Celebrant. Charlotte Tompkins & Will Smith, Music. Nancy Harms, service coordinator.

August 12, 10am

"'Come Healing'... a morning with Leonard Cohen," Patricia Heeb

A reviewer recently wrote "The old sage (Cohen) may not have any more answers than when he started, but he's still asking questions to the end, looking for the truth and the holiness." The metaphors and melodies of this venerable musician inspire our own look in this service for some truth and holiness. Thoughts from Patricia Heeb; images from Mark McGinnis; music from Leonard himself (alas, prerecorded). Patricia Heeb, Celebrant. Liza Long, Music. Mary Hester, service coordinator.

August 19, 10am

"Spirituality Progression," Gail Haldeman

How has your spirituality progressed? Other than your outright experiences, who or what has helped you along? Come listen to Gail share with us some of her spiritual gurus, sayings, and practices that help her with her along this trek we call human life. Gwyn Reid, Celebrant, Susie Hardy, service coordinator. Liza Long, Ed Rush, Music.

August 26, 10am

"Spiritual Program Coming!" Quest Steering Committee

Please join the members of the newly formed BUUF Quest Steering Committee, Jackie Groves, Elizabeth Greene, Mike Philley, Jay Wechselberger, Lynne Tolk, Bill Renwick and Mark Zimmerer as we share our hopes, dreams and concrete plans to offer this curriculum developed by First Unitarian Society in Madison WI, to the BUUF community in 2013. Quest is an 18 month multi-faceted personal spiritual development curriculum in which participants learn how to honor their spirituals selves, awaken their own inherent wisdom and knowledge, and create intentional spiritual community in part through retreats, integration groups, interacting with a spiritual companion, spiritual practice and personal work. This recognition and affirmation of each individual allows an intentional spiritual community to unfold. Lynne Tolk, Celebrant. Patricia Heeb, service coordinator. Sue Langley, Music.

September 2, 10:00 am

"It's Not A Train" Don Schutte

Life is often not easy. So how do we survive when life becomes very difficult? What is it that we can use to go another week, or day, or even hour? This is a story of the survival of one person who had their share of difficulties and survived. Don Schutte, Celebrant. Mike Lemieux, Music. Mary Hester, service coordinator.

September 9, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Wanderer, Worshipper: Coming Home," Rev. Elizabeth Greene

Once again—for the last time while Elizabeth is our minister (she's retiring in June)—we join for "homecoming," the first Sunday in the program year. Bring water from your summer travels, for Water Communion. BUUF Choir, Nick Webster, Music. Nancy Harms, service coordinator

September 16, 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.

"Building Your Own Theology" Rev. Elizabeth Greene

What goes into creating one's personal theology/philosophy? Elizabeth will share experience, authors and people that have contributed to hers. Wanda Jennings, service coordinator.

September 23, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Saving Lives" Linda Laskowsky

Linda Laskowsky, Elizabeth's beloved roommate on the national Unitarian Universalist Board, is honoring us with a visit. She asks, "Why do we pay dues to our national and district organizations?" and comes up with surprising answers. Patricia Heeb, service coordinator.

September 30, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Relationships for a Reason, a Season, and a Lifetime" Sharene Gossen, Will Smith, Andrew Spencer.

Our speakers are members of BUUF Medians, the church's young adult group (about 20-40 years old), rising up to let us "oldsters" know something about their lives and values. Susie Hardy, service coordinator.

October 7, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Transforming: Creating Community," Rev. Elizabeth Greene

We are always creating, building, maintaining—and sometimes tearing down—community, each of us in different places all the time. How do we deal transformatively with this fact of existence? How do we cherish being together, respecting each other and the whole that is greater than the sum of our parts Stephanie Simon, vocalist, w/ Carrie Bastian & Will Smith accompanying. Susie Hardy, service coordinator

October 14, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"The Hunger Words", Rev. Greene and Members of the Hunger Task Force

How do we talk about hunger? What assumptions underlay the language we use in America when talking about hunger and poverty? "Public assistance," "entitlement," "welfare," "food insecurity," and "charity." Our word choice relates to a way of seeing the poor. It relates to a story, or a narrative—a way of telling about the facts. What ARE the facts about poverty and hunger? And what stories are being told to justify particular policies and actions, or lack of action? And what can you do about it? This is the first of what we are calling "Sermon to Service Sundays," a new initiative that is described in the October BUUF News. BUUF Choir, Music. Teresa Wood, service coordinator

October 21, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"BUUF: A Spiritual Co-op?" Elton Hall

BUUF is a remarkable spiritual community. What makes it so? Elton will reflect on how congregations like BUUF are meaningful and essential to individual transformation and collective growth and why they are vital to our democratic culture. Mary Schwartzman and Bob Wallace, Music. Mary Hester, service coordinator

October 28, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"My Own Country", Rev. Keith Kron, Unitarian Universalist Association Director of Transitions

I spent nearly three years living in Canada, and I loved it there. But it was not my country. My country was the United States, even when the changing times here was bad. When faced with change in the places we know, how do we adapt to the change and yet maintain connection to the groundedness on which we have relied? Where do we ultimately plant our stakes? Charlotte Tompkins, Music. Gayle Weatherby, service coordinator

November 4, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"My Afterlife" Rev. Elizabeth Greene

Elizabeth is retiring in June, after 25 years as our minister, and the most common question she hears these days is, "What are you going to do?" She will offer some sort of answers to that question. Carrie Bastian, Melinda Harper, Music. Mary Hester, service coordinator

November 11, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"The Greater Causes," Rev. Elizabeth Greene

Commemorating Veteran's Day, Elizabeth will reflect on patriotism and other commitments to causes larger than ourselves. What calls us to move "out of ourselves," to step from the ordinary into areas we might not have ever thought we would dwell in? BUUF Choir, Music Nancy Harms, service coordinator

November 18, 2012, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Transgendered Day of Remembering," Rev. Elizabeth Greene and guests.

You do not have to be transgendered or have transgendered friends, to find this issue moving and relevant. Who are we, as humans? What is it to find yourself "other" in our society? What are the ties that bind? Michael Stevenson, Music. Teresa Wood, service coordinator

November 25, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Thank God for Evolution" Loren Bergeson

Back in 2009 Loren read a book by Michael Dowd titled Thank God for Evolution, which really changed his perspective on the relationship between science and spirituality. In the book, it says that evolution is the greatest religious story ever told. Loren's belief is that if we can truly internalize the story, it will accelerate both personal spiritual growth and the improvement of the communities to which we belong. There's lots of good work being done on how to do this in practical terms, and Loren will be sharing his latest efforts. Mary Hester, Celebrant Patricia Heeb, service coordinator.

December 2, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Deck the Halls for the WinterGreene Holidays," Emmie Schlobohm and Religious Exploration for Children and Youth

It's time again for our annual tradition of Deck the Halls Sunday! On this year of celebrations for and with Elizabeth, this year's Deck the Halls is all about WinterGreene Holidays. Come explore worldwide and green traditions, the power of transitions and transformations, and much much more. Join us for singing, skits, cookies, and music with guest appearances from holiday celebrities. Music and more: Sue Langley, Cees Hoefnagels, Mary Schwartzman, and other special guest performers.

December 9, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Oh Come Let Us Adore," Rev. Elizabeth Greene & BUUF Choir

The gospels say there was "no room at the inn" for the birth of the infant king. Is there room in our hearts this holiday season to adore the holy and beloved, in all its many forms and traditions? Come explore this question through music and spoken word as the choir and BUUF musicians share our annual mostly-music Christmas and winter holiday service. BUUF Choir, Music. Nancy Harms, service coordinator.

December 16, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Amazing Grace"

We Unitarian Universalists often substitute "soul" for the original "wretch" in the beloved hymn "Amazing Grace." Elizabeth's position is that we're fooling ourselves when we do this, not to mention missing the possibility of real transformation, especially of suffering. Mary Hester, service coordinator.

Fri, December 21, 7 pm

Winter Solstice, Rev. Elizabeth Greene and the Ever Faithful Solstice Team

This annual favorite is a reflective service celebrating light's return and pondering what we want to leave in the darkness and what to bring into the light. About and hour long, it's very appropriate for children who can sit relatively quietly for that long. The nursery will be available for parents who find it necessary to be with their children somewhere besides the service itself.

BRING HOLIDAY GOODIES FOR THE FESTIVE PARTY AFTERWARD!

December 23, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Can an Atheist Worship?"

The question declares itself, bringing up questions like: what god does an atheist not believe in? what is the role of language in our lives, and is it static? are there words that fundamentally should be off-limits in a Unitarian Universalist congregation? Will Smith, music; Susie Hardy, service coordinator

Monday, December 24, 7 pm

"Come Celebrate the Light!"

Can you find the Christmas Eve star, one of the mainstays of Elizabeth's childhood? Can we feel the joy of a light blazing in the winter sky, announcing humanity's divine births? On Elizabeth's last Christmas Eve with us, can we join in the love that has always brought us together? Nancy Harms, service coordinator.

Sunday, December 30, 9:30 & 11:15 am

"Quaker Service"

The early Quakers considered silence to be a direct path to God. This was a radical idea in its time. Silence remains a radical idea today. In our culture of iPhones, cell phones, the Internet, high-definition TV and continual bombardment of advertising, cultivating silence—as opposed to consuming products—is a radical idea. But it can connect us to—and keep us on—the path we're supposed to be on. Join Nancy Harms for this simple service.