The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia

Lent is the season leading up to Easter in the Christian liturgical calendar, a time of austerity, penitence, and reflection on one’s mortality. Rev. Paige Getty considers what might be universally meaningful in this observance, even for us who are not Christians.

 

Speakers:

• Colette Gelwicks, Kelli Danaker, Michael Adcock, Rev. Paige Getty, Ted Nolan, Valerie Nolan

The youth of UUCC lead a worship service exploring themes of openness and vulnerability through music, readings, and reflections.

 

Speakers:

• Amadeo Bernasconi, Jonathan Ganel-Constant, Liam Estell, Lily Bonilla, Lucas Eaton, Rose Spezio, Teaghan Verow McLaughlin, The Siegal Family, Valerie Hsu

Rev. Paige Getty and her visiting colleague Rev. Jo VonRue honor International Women’s Day by sharing personal stories about the bodies in which they’ve lived. These experiences have compelled them to better understand others’ perspectives and to #BreakTheBias.

 

Speakers:

• Carla Gates, Colette Gelwicks, Jim Johnston, Jodi Brown, Kelli Danaker, Laurie Coltri, Marie Meakin, Melissa Affolter, Regina Verow, Rev. Jo VonRue, Rev. Paige Getty, Robin Slaw, Vickie Beck

Rooted & Reaching is back, this time to highlight the work of Karuna, UUCC's team of lay pastoral caregivers, through the memories and stories of longtime member Linda Linton. 

Years ago, Linda was one of the visionaries who saw the need for a team of trained UUCC congregants who could provide care, counsel, and presence for those who need it. That's how Karuna began. 

In today's episode, Linda shares her memories of the early days of Karuna, how Karuna found its name, and when she first began to see herself as a caregiver. Linda also reads a portion of the Karuna Prayer, a beautiful text that captures the essence of what UUCC's pastoral caregiving team strives to do and become:

May you shed the foolishness in myself,
Transforming me into a conduit of Love.
May I be a medicine for the sick and weary,
Nursing their afflictions until they are cured.
May I become food and drink during time of famine,
May I protect the helpless and the poor,
May I be a lamp for those who need your Light,
May I be a bed for those who need rest,
and guide all seekers to the Other Shore.
May all find happiness through my actions,
and let no one suffer because of me.

P.S. If you've ever wondered about the difference between Karuna and the Caring Committee, this conversation is for you. 

Looking both inward and beyond the walls of UUCC, we celebrate the myriad ways that this congregation matters in the lives of its members and the community and invite one another to make a meaningful investment in our shared future.

 

Speakers:

• Ace Sorensen, Amelia Sorenson, Jenny Afkinich, John Boyle, Michael Adcock, Nick Evangelista, Rev. Paige Getty, Robin Slaw, Stephen Evangelista, Tom Benjamin

The UU Legislative Ministry of Maryland is actively supporting passage of the Environmental Human Rights Amendment to the State Constitution, which is being considered by the Maryland General Assembly in the current session. In this service, we will explore why, as people of faith, we are called to proclaim that a healthful and sustainable environment is a fundamental and inalienable human right.

 

Speakers:

• Lily Bonilla, Mary Rodgers, Rev. Paige Getty, Robin Slaw, Tom Monroe

In solidarity with Unitarian Universalists around the world, we celebrate Side with Love Sunday and consider the question, “What If I Only Had 30 Days to Love?”

 

Speakers:

• Michael Adcock, Rev. Paige Getty, Robin Slaw, UUCC Chalice Choir, Valerie Hsu

Rev. Paige Getty reflects on the Principles and Purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), which provide the covenantal foundation for all of the work of our UUA and its member congregations and covenanted communities. (The Article II Study Commission is currently considering possible amendments to section of the UUA bylaws in which the Principles and Purposes are codified. If you’re interested, UUCC is holding two upcoming classes on Article 2 Reimagining, if you’d like to register.)

 

Speakers:

• Karla Pearce, Kevin Mercer, Michael Adcock, Rev. Paige Getty, Robin Slaw

Inspired by the poem “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon, Robin Slaw (Director of Religious Education) and UUCC reflection group participants will share their own “I’m from…” poems. 

 

Speakers:

• Becky Reese, Carol Zika, Charles Scott, Evelyn Griffin, Jan Stanton, Jim Johnston, Kay Baker, Kelli Danaker, Robin Slaw, Tom Monroe, Wendy Alberg

49 years ago (January 22, 1973), in its ruling in Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court gave people the right to access abortion legally all across the country. That right is now at risk. On this anniversary weekend, Rev. Paige Getty explores the religious commitment to protect and promote reproductive justice. 

 

Speakers:

• Jen Hayashi, Jodi Brown, Kelli Danaker, Michael Adcock, Rev. Paige Getty, Sarah Baseheart, Tina Horn