Despair can be tempting, but it doesn’t reduce carbon emissions — so when hope is labor, we labor for hope.
Sermon Category: Guest Minister
Sermons
Election
Join us for Worship: “Election” – Dr. Elias Ortega, President of our Unitarian Universalist seminary, Meadville Lombard Theological School will share worship:
Election, as it is known in political terms, is the work of a democracy. Election theologically is something quite different. It is the idea that God predestined some to receive the divine grace of salvation while relegating others to sin and punishment. Our worship service, in the wake of a challenging political election, will inspire hope in the Unitarian and Universalist theologies that, counter to the doctrine of election, see potential, grace, and salvation as inherent for every soul. Glen Rombough, Markus Grae Hauck, Rev Scott, Susie Roan Luna, Laurice Grae Hauck, Brian Crooks, Michael Gilch provide music.
Rev Anya prays and Jill Beckman Gaynes is liturgist.
Sermons
Mental Wellness and Inherent Worth and Dignity
Today’s service: “Mental Wellness and Inherent Worth and Dignity,” led by Mark Williams. Mark is a member of First Unitarian New Jersey (formerly known as the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield), and he serves on the Board of "Unitarian Universalist Faith Action New Jersey." Mark is a retired Adult Psychiatric Nurse, and a devoted advocate for the rights of persons diagnosed with a mental illness. As President of the Board of the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield, Mark championed the establishment of a mental health ministry in the congregation.
Sermons
We’re All Right
Today’s service is led by our member and congregational leader, Ghana Hylton. Ghana has held many leadership positions in our congregation including co-chair of our Religious Education Team, and Ghana has led many previous worship services. She has a powerful, direct, and visionary voice. We are grateful for her contributions. Ghana is join by Michael Gilch on piano and vocals, Glenn Rombough on Guitar, Rev Scott on Drums, and her husband Wil Hylton singing lead. Dana Moore is our Pastoral Associate and Rev Anya serves as liturgist.
Sermons
Do What Must Be Done
Winston Churchill is quoted as saying "It's not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what's required." But how does a covenantal faith community discern that which must be done? This service is led by UUCM member Charles Loflin, a candidate for the UU ministry. Charles is supported by Rev Anya, Dan Silver as Liturgist, Malinda Loflin as Song Leader, Juliana Carr as guest vocalist, and Director of Music Ministries Markus Grae Hauck. Rev Scott makes a special appearance on drums at the end.
Sermons
Showing Up Today for the Community of Tomorrow
In the last 16 months, showing up has taken on new meaning as we connected virtually. Some of us are even deepening and renewing our commitments in community. There are always ample reasons to show up....or not! As life shifts again, how do we discern as UUs when to show up and for whom?" This edition of the 2021 North Jersey Summer Swap Worship Series features the staff of Beacon, the UU Congregation in Summit. Musicians and lay leaders from Beacon are led by Rev Emilie Boggis. Tuli Patel and Rev Robin Tanner.