"Happy Birthday to You!"— led by Dana N. Moore, minister UUCM worship leader. This service is a celebration of individuals, of life, of YOU! Journey with me as we trace the ritual of birthday celebrations, observances, and their influence on those who do and do not acknowledge them. A Universalist application.
"Lead Us" — led by Ghana Hylton, UUCM member, "Who is leading our congregation Who is leading our world?"
“The Cynic Was Right” - led by the Rev. Lee Barker, former UUCM minister. As part of our "125 Years of Relentless Love" Anniversary Year, we welcome back Rev. Dr. Lee Barker, who served here from 1983 to1994. Barker brings a service titled "The Cynic Was Right!" - which he describes like this: "A chance encounter helped me to articulate the deepest purposes of congregational life. This Sunday I will tell you all about it."
"Narrative Freedom"- led by the Rev. Andrée Cornelia Mol, guest minister. Author Thomas King writes: “The truth about stories is that’s all we are.” Yet, not all of us have the freedom to tell our own stories. If we are to honor each other and our interdependence, if we are to allow for a responsible search for truth and meaning, we need to create space for each person to own their own narrative. Using examples from popular culture as well as recent events, specifically events related to the continued fight for trans rights, we’ll explore the power of personal narrative, and the power-struggle behind narrative that exists for those of us on the margins.
In a culture fixated on perfectionism and a never-ending pursuit of greatness, how might a good enough life – one that embraces both goodness and enoughness – lead to mutual flourishing? A long-time member of the UU Congregation at Montclair, Loflin is a graduate of Meadville Lombard Theological School. He serves as an executive director of UU FaithAction NJ, a statewide organization committed to confronting systemic injustice and building a more compassionate New Jersey through education, mobilization and advocacy. Loflin will be ordained by UUCM on Oct. 23.
“Writing as an Act of Faith” — led by the UUCM Writing as a Spiritual Practice Covenant Group. Members will share short personal essays reflecting on the monthly congregational themes and how writing supports their spiritual growth and connection.
