The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia

Last week, the agenda for UUCC’s upcoming annual meeting scheduled for June 6 was published, and you may have noticed this “New Business” item: a congregational vote on the ordination of Jen Raffensperger. What does this mean? Why is Jen’s ordination dependent on our congregational vote? Well, it’s all part of the intense and involved process for becoming a minister in the Unitarian Universalist tradition, and you can learn more about it in today’s conversation with Karyn Marsh.

Karyn is a friend of UUCC, and the spouse of UUCC member Barry Marsh. Karyn was recently granted preliminary fellowship by the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Ministerial Fellowship Committee — that’s a lot of words to say that Karyn is so close to becoming a UU minister! Karyn graciously sat down with Rooted & Reaching for a conversation about the process for becoming a minister, her ministerial internship at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, and her own theology.

In keeping with this month’s Soul Matters’ theme (“Story”), Rev. Paige Getty explores how we shape—and are shaped by—the stories of our lives.

 

Speakers:

• Amy Brooks, John Harris, Lowell Sunderland, Margaret Hegmann, Nicole Guimarães, Rev. Paige Getty, Robin Gray, Robin Slaw, Sara Davidson, Tom Monroe, Valerie Hsu

Today's episode of Rooted & Reaching is a special message from members of the UUCC congregation. Enjoy!

Speakers:

• Carla Gates, Jen Hayashi, Jeremy Rea, Sarah Baseheart, Sunanda Apte-Kakade, Valerie Hsu

UUCC’s One World Coffeehouse music series was founded by Lauren Haywood in 1999 and operated continuously for 20 years as a showcase of regional talent in the community—until the pandemic put a pause on the 2020-2021 season. Today, Sara chats with Ross Martin, a member of the One World Coffeehouse planning team, about plans for the return of the One World Coffeehouse this fall. Ross also shares about his own creative practice and inspiration as a musician and songwriter, and grants a peak behind the curtain on those Stay-at-Home Choir recording sessions. And as a special treat, Ross closes the episode with a brand new song!

Returning to our occasionally annual Question Box tradition, Rev. Paige Getty will extemporaneously answer questions that are submitted during the worship service. Bring your curiosity, your questions, and your open mind!

 

Speakers:

• Kathy Parker, Kristin Parrish, Paige Getty, Robin Slaw

Kelli Danaker is UUCC’s Religious Education Assistant, and this past Sunday, she designed, led, and performed in our spring music service titled “Essential Labor.” In the days leading up to the service, Kelli spoke with Sara about the inspiration behind the service and why it was important for UUCC to dedicate a service to considering the rights of blue collar workers to live and work in dignity. Kelli also chats with Sara about the process and experience of leading a worship service and her journey in singing.

Perhaps one of the most poignant lessons we learned during the pandemic was gaining an understanding of who the essential workers in our communities are: grocery store workers, warehouse workers, factory workers, healthcare workers, teachers, those who are too often minimized and undervalued were seen in a new light. Our spring music service will honor their essential labor as well as highlight the essential work that is left to be done to ensure justice in our places of work.

 

Speakers:

• Carla Gates, Colette Gelwicks, Jay Paul, Kelli Danaker, Nick Evangelista, Paige Getty, Robin Slaw, Samantha Yakaitis, Stephen Evangelista, Tom Monroe, Valerie Hsu

Cradlerock Children’s Center located in the Owen Brown Interfaith Center is one of UUCC’s closest community partners. The non-profit preschool and daycare began many years ago as a ministry of UUCC, and Amanda Ayoola-Morton, Cradlerock’s Executive Director, continues to view the center as an extension of UUCC’s vision and an expression of the congregation’s values. Cradlerock Children’s Center is founded on a commitment to developing the social and emotional well-being of children and making quality childcare affordable for all families. Today, Amanda talks with Sara about her journey to Cradlerock, her love for the center, and the culture she strives to cultivate among the parents and teachers of Cradlerock. 

Content warning: domestic violence

COVID-19, environmental disasters, and climate change reveal underlying inequities and injustices that typically hit marginalized communities first and worst.  As April 22’s Earth Day culminates “Climate Justice Month,” UUCC’s Climate Crisis Team leads a service to explore what’s happening in Howard County and how our UU principles can inspire us to get involved in the environmental, social, and spiritual renewal needed to overcome these interrelated crises.

 

Speakers:

• Ann Wing, Brooke Abercrombie, Chiara D’Amore, Chris Crandell, Janssen Evelyn, Jen Hayashi, Sebastian Bonilla, Tim Lattimer, Valerie Hsu