The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia

Join UUCC’s Chalice Choir for their annual Spring Music Service! This year’s music service will be an Earth-based worship experience, inspired by Earth Day on April 22. The Chalice Choir, Director of Music Ministries Michael Adcock, and Worship Associate Betsy Osterman in conjunction with the UUCC Climate Team, create a blended service of poems, readings, and music to honor our planet. Highlights include “Earth Song” by Frank Tichelli, an arrangement of “For the Beauty of the Earth” by John Rutter, and “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” by Dolly Parton – with Vickie Beck, soloist.

Michael Adcock, Chalice Choir, Chalice Singers, Vickie Beck, Tom Monroe, Betsy Osterman, Jill Cairns, Tim Lattimer, Trish Steinhilber, Chris Crandell

 

UUCC members Valerie and Ted Nolan, auction sermon raffle winners, offered Rev. Lisa the little-known musical version of “Faust” written and composed by Randy Newman (of Disney/Pixar fame) as her text for this Sunday’s sermon. Join in a conversation about the devil and much, much more.

Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper, Tom Monroe, Alex Cauthen-Zach, Jill Cairns, Jill Christianson

 

We’ll hear reflections from within our community as UUCC continues to partner with People Acting Together in Howard County (PATH). Together we’ll explore how this important work has inspired and impacted the people within the movement, especially as connections have expanded with Action in Montgomery (AIM), Anne Arundel, etc.

This Sunday, for the PATH Follow Up Service, your Chalice Choir offers a new work titled “Come and See” by the composer Karen Marolli. This moving anthem focuses on an ideal world, where we can all reside “free from judgement, pain, hatred, fear and hurt” — where “only love, compassion and grace remain“. Additionally, the piece has a beautiful cello obligato part, which will be rendered by guest cellist Pei Lu. Ms. Lu will also offer the well-known “Bach Arioso” for the offertory.

Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper, Michael Adcock, Pei Lu, The Chalice Choir, Alex Horn, Ken Rock, Kathy Leonard, Jen Siegal,

 

This Sunday, we’ll engage the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection from a Unitarian Universalist perspective. This is an all-ages worship service; children will stay with families in Sanctuary C during the entire service.

For this Sunday’s Easter Service, the Music Ministry is pleased to welcome guest musicians Zach Nelson and Hilary Dean to the chancel, for some special music to celebrate the Easter season. Zach Nelson will join me for some festive and brilliant fanfares for trombone and organ, by the wonderful composer/arranger Phil Lehenbauer. And we welcome back wonderful soprano Hilary Dean, who will offer the well-known and beloved Panis Angelicus by composer Cesar Franck. We are grateful that these talented musicians are willing to share their gifts with us in worship. Thank you, Hilary and Zach!

Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper, Kelli Danaker, Hannah Nelson, Michael Adcock, Hilary Dean, Zach Nelson, Lorien Haavik, Michael Phillips, Anita Long

 

As we continue to find ways to resist authoritarianism and cultivate resilience, the practice of making useful objects is one popular coping mechanism. Let’s talk about the history of crafting as resistance found in quilts, knitted objects, weaving, and more. During the service we will honor Transgender Day of Visibility.

For this Sunday’s service entitled “Making Meaning”, the Chalice Choir shares a favorite hymn-anthem usually sung during the harvest season — “Bringing in the Sheaves” — in a rhythmic and fun arrangement by John Coates. The offertory, “Weaving”, is a relatively new work by Native American composer Connor Chee. The meditation will be a familiar “Gnossienne” by the French composer Erik Satie.

Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper, Michael Adcock, The Chalice Choir, Becky Reese, Kathy Leonard, Miriam Pokharel-Wood, Tina Horn

 

At GA 2025, our delegates chose Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation as our denomination-wide study-action issue. In order to begin thinking about prison abolition, we need to be able to imagine the world in which it is possible. This Sunday guest minister, Rev. Dr. Michael Tino, will address questions like, “What needs to change in order to get everyone truly free?” It starts with theology, believe it or not.

Rev. Michael Tino, Tom Monroe, Becky Reese, Betsy Osterman, Ken Rock

 

When all the systems around us are in disarray, a community like this one is a center of resistance, community care, and spiritual depth. In the process of living the mission and vision that inspire this congregation, we find ourselves constantly on the edge of change. Let’s work together to make the most of the opportunities change brings.

Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper, Kelli Danaker, Michael Adcock, The Chalice Choir, Laura Cox (soloist), Lisa Marini, Steve Parr, Laurie Coltri

 

Rt. Rev. Bishop Mariann Budde has taught us all about courage multiple times in her actions with regard to President Trump.  Join guest minister, Rev. Alexa Fraser, as we study how Rt. Rev. Budde learned to be brave.

Rev. Alexa Fraser, Michael Adcock, Kelli Danaker, Jill Cairns, Alex Cauthen-Zach, April Lee

 

Families and other emotional systems develop patterns and habits that can confuse and/or enhance our relationships. The movie Encanto offers a window into these processes. Please note, there will be spoilers, you may want to watch the movie first!

Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper, Michael Adcock, Regina Verow, Betsy Osterman, and the Chalice Choir

 

In any diverse community, individual identities and needs overlap and sometimes are at odds. How do we support and make room for each other to bring our whole self to the table? Is “right relationship” just a buzzword, or can it be a path to deeper, more meaningful connections within and beyond the congregation?

Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper, Tom Monroe, Jen Siegal, Kathy Leonard