The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia

Restorative Practices in a Broken World | Rev. Jessica James

Conflict is a human condition, unfortunately. Or fortunately? Some days the entire world feels embroiled in conflict and the last thing we’re seeking is another growth opportunity. How can I hope to connect across ideological divides, interrupt violence and end wars when my coworker won’t stop microwaving fish? What are restorative practices and conflict transformation, and how are they relevant to our lives? Where do they intersect with UU values? And why can’t we all just get along?

Economies of Care | Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper

Our current economic system is centered around the necessary management of limited resources. As we weather the very real impact of late-stage capitalism and the government shutdown, our faith calls us to continually shift our thinking and our actions to community care and a focus on abundance. 

Crafting Community | Rev. Lisa Bovee Kempler

Building community is one aspect of UUCC’s mission. We seem to know “community” when we feel it, but it’s hard to describe. Let’s consider together the skills we need to intentionally build and maintain community.

Action/Reflection/Action | Rev Lisa Bovee Kempler

In this time of continuous trauma and ongoing crisis, the role of spiritual community is to support life and wholeness. During the service we’ll talk about the book Deep Survival, which explores trauma and survival through sharing stories of people who have experienced life-threatening events. What can we learn from the science of survival, and how does it dovetail with our spiritual lives? Worship to be led by Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper and Worship Associate Kathy Leonard.

The Congregation is the Curriculum | Kelli Danaker and Rev. Lisa Bovee Kempler

“Faith Formation is all we do. Unitarian Universalism is all we teach. The congregation is the curriculum.” This quote from Connie Goodbread informs current understandings of faith formation for all ages. Kelli Danaker and Rev. Lisa will reflect on some of these ideas.

Equip and Empower | Rev Lisa Bovee Kemper

If a congregation is to be a truly mission-centered organization, what tools are needed to accomplish that goal? Let’s talk about how we can work together to equip and empower each other to live our values in our hearts and in our communities. Worship to be led by Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper.

Examining Our Faith | Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper

Join us for our annual Ingathering worship service featuring a sermon from Rev. Lisa about James Luther Adams. 

YRUU Goes to War | Worship Service led by the Youth of UUCC

In July, our UUCC youth traveled to McDowell County, West Virginia to support the work of Big Creek People in Action (BCPIA). Join them for a worship service hear about the meaning of their experiences there.

Water Ceremony and Blessing of the Backpacks

Rev. Amy Williams Clark leads us in this year’s water ceremony. We invite all to bring a small amount of water from a sacred source, your summer travels, or your kitchen sink for the water ceremony. And bring your backpack and work bags to be blessed for our annual Blessing of the Backpacks! 

Speakers: Alex Cauthen-Zach, Kelli Danaker, Michael Adcock, Regina Verow and Affiliated Minister Rev. Amy Williams Clark

• Alex Cauthen-Zach, Kelli Danaker, Michael Adcock, Regina Verow, Rev. Amy Williams Clark, Affiliated Minister

Choosing Courage over Comfort

It is common for human beings to seek out safety – safe places can be essential to our development and healing. At the same time, not all spaces can or should be designated as safe. We’ll consider the differences between safe and brave spaces as well as tools and strategies for inhabiting them. Religious education will be available for children ages 4-12 during worship as usual following our Time for All Ages.

Speakers: Kelli Danaker, Linda Adcox-Kimmel, Lorien Haavick, Michael Adcock, Interim Minister Rev. Lisa Bove Kemper, Tom Benjamin and the UUCC Chalice Choir

• Kelli Danaker, Linda Adcox-Kimmel, Lorien Haavik, Michael Adcock, Interim Minister Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper , Tom Benjamin, UUCC Chalice Choir