The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia

Smashing Gender Staying Queer Feminine But Not Like That

Smashing Gender, Staying Queer

Don’t Miss the Message OR the Irony! It’s a Binary Sermon Series All About Destroying the Binary!

As attacks on basic rights and protections for queer and trans folks continue unabated, now more than ever we must understand the essential roles that gender expansiveness and queer culture play in making spaces for EVERYONE to get free. Gender shapes the spaces – social, conversational, professional, as well as literal – that we are given to occupy. Come into a place of curiosity and consider your own experience of self expression as we celebrate pride month.

On Sunday, June 8:  Feminine, But Not Like That

Misogyny and gender stereotyping are not just hetero things. Everyone deserves bodily autonomy and the ability to be who they are, but it is complicated and challenging to break out of the binary options we’ve been given. Femme erasure steals power and authenticity from women and softness and nurturing from men – while it leaves no space at all for folks who are genderqueer and nonbinary.

 

Speakers ~ Ariel Vitali, Kelly Danaker, Laurie Coltri, Lisa Marini, Rev. Lisa Bove Kemper and Tom Monroe.

Flowers in Our Garden

This Sunday, please bring a flower – from your garden, one you found growing wild, or store-bought 🌺 – to share as part of our communal bouquet. The Flower Communion was originally created by Rev. Norbert Čapek. On June 4, 1923, Rev. Čapek created this ritual and shared it with his burgeoning Unitarian congregation in what was then the brand-new country of Czechoslovakia as a reminder of the hope found in community after the devastation of war. We will also honor the service of UUCC’s many dedicated volunteers.

Speakers ~ Amy Williams Clark, Jaxon O'Mara, Jim Stivers, Kelli Danaker, Meagan Lopes, Rev Lisa Bove Kemper, Roxana Segovia-Beltran and Stacy Huh

 

The Ancestors Say So

Wisdom is more than just a cute quote to print on a t-shirt. If you listen carefully, you can benefit from the wisdom of your ancestors. Let us explore the wisdom of our UU spiritual ancestors and how their words and deeds can be a guiding force.

Speakers ~ Betsy Osterman, Kelli Danaker, Lorien Haavik, Michael Adcock and Rev. JeKaren Bell

 

Science is Real

Science has long been a source of inspiration and understanding for Unitarian Universalists, who hold that science and religion are not in opposition to one another, but compatible and complementary. What does it mean to “believe” in science in a time when propaganda and misinformation are a powerful force. This Sunday’s sermon is inspired by Alan Coltri, who won the sermon topic raffle at the 2024 auction.

Speakers: Alex Cauthen-Zach, Cynthia Marshall, Kelli Danaker, Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper and Steve Parr

• Alex Cauthen-Zach, Cynthia Marshall, Kelli Danaker, Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper, Steve Parr

Worship with CUMC - Ending Well

When we reach the end of our lives, deep emotions and physical suffering can combine to create a difficult time for both individuals and families. We tend to prefer to avoid talking about our potential end, and yet, no matter what our age, talking about it and making plans can be an important process in our spiritual lives. Join us for a joint service with Christ United Methodist Church (CUMC).

Speakers ~ Rev. Angela Wells, Rev. Lisa Bove Kemper and Steve Parr

 

Sharing Ministry

James Luther Adams advocated “radical laicism,” a term he coined to express the responsibility of all persons—not clerics only—for the religious community. This idea of the priesthood of all believers is central to who we are as Unitarian Universalists. Here at UUCC, we are gathered to enact and serve the mission of this community, created and voted on democratically by the congregation. Professional clergy, staff, and laypeople all have different skills and expertise to contribute. Ultimately, the mission of the congregation belongs to you. What might it look and feel like to share the work of this community in new and different ways?

Speakers ~ Linda Adcox-Kimmel, Michael Adcock, Regina Verow and Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper

A Celebration of French Choral Music

Join the music ministry and Chalice Choir for their annual Spring Music Service. This service will feature a wonderful assortment of choral music from French composers, spanning 6 centuries! The Chalice Choir will celebrate and perform pieces from a variety of French choral traditions — some traditionally religious, some spiritual and Earth-based, in addition to some delightfully fun (and sometimes even bawdy!) examples of classic Madrigals from the Renaissance period.

Speakers ~ Chalice Singers, Laurie Coltri, Michael Adcock, the Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper and the UUCC Chalice Choir. 

 

Stillness

One source of our UU faith is our direct experience with the awe and mystery of life. Join us for an exploration of stillness and its role in the experience of transcendence. UUCC’s Everyone Choir will sing this Sunday!

Speakers: Betsy Osterman, Dorothy Hutchins, Ed Gaddy, Everyone Choir, Jen Hayashi, Jenny Bonilla, Kelli Danaker, Lisa Marini, Melissa Affolter, Michael Adcock, Regina Verow and Sebastian Bonilla

 

Relentless and Gentle

As these “unprecedented times” continue and the news stories get weirder and worse, let’s consider together ways to deepen our connections and practices to keep us from burnout and despair.

Speakers: Kellie Danaker, Megan Lopes, Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper and Tom Monroe

Spring Equinox with Turning Circle

Turning Circle, UUCC’s Pagan spirituality group, will lead us in a service celebrating and honoring the spring equinox.

Speakers ~ Alex Cauthen-Zach, Christina Bird-Walker, Dylan Zach, Indigo Todd, Lorien Haavik, Melvin Zach, Michael Adcock, Mike Jadoo and Patti Kinlock.