The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia

Resilience & Renewal | Rev. Paige Getty

Inspired by the September Soul Matters theme (renewal), the Rev. Paige Getty explores the concepts of resilience and renewal, especially as we continue to endure the dual pandemics of Covid-19 and systemic racism.

 

Speakers:

• Paige Getty, Robin Slaw

Returns | Rev. Paige Getty & Rev. Louise Green

The story of the prodigal son has stirred imaginations and prompted countless interpretations since its earliest tellings. In this service, we explore works of art inspired by the story through the generations. What do these various treatments of the timeless tale reveal about the artist? about the story? and about us as an audience? Join us as we consider what is lost and what is found in humanity’s collective obsession with this story.

 

Speakers:

• Jen Hayashi, Phil Webster, Rev. Louise Green, Rev. Paige Getty, Sara Davidson, Valerie Hsu

RACE and #RealTalk: Embrace the Tension, Sing the Truth | Michael Adcock, Director of Music

This service introduces a musical dialogue from the female vocal quartet HALO — one whose vision utilizes the barbershop singing (and listening) experience as a therapeutic tool to confront historic and contemporary issues of race in our country.

 

Speakers:

• Carla Gates, Jasmine Barnes, Michael Adcock, Niambi Powell, Portia Pitts, Shana Oshiro

Poetry Schmoetry | Rev. Karen Rasmussen & Rev. Laura Solomon

Guest Ministers: Rev. Kären Rasmussen & Laura Solomon

Think that poetry is all old, stuffy words that sort of go on and on and you really aren’t sure what it’s all about? Well, that’s what Rev. Kären thought until she met Laura Solomon. Laura writes poetry, especially slam poetry, that inspires, motivates and gets the heart and brain pumping. Come hear us both talk about how the spoken word in this form can be used for both spiritual practice and for resistance. Laura is a member of UUCC and a candidate for ministry.

 

Speakers: Laura Solomon, Melissa Affolter, Karen Rasmussen

Where Do We Go From Here | Jen Raffensperger

Guest Speaker: (the soon to be Rev.) Jen Raffensperger

Six months ago I was preaching about apocalypse – sorry, by the way – and now, here we are. What can nature and the power of human imagination show us about shaping the world to come? We’ll explore together our sacred tools and texts from Octavia Butler to the ground beneath our feet; Buffy the Vampire Slayer to the very air we breathe.

 

Speakers:

• Colette Gelwicks, Jen Raffensperger, Lily Bonilla, Phil Webster

Green Sanctuary: A Call to Action! | Rev. Cynthia Davidson

Starting a new kind of conversation and investigation, within our own building and beyond, Moving from our head to our hearts and hands.

 

Speakers:

• Kristin Parrish-Eaton, Rev. Cynthia Davidson, The Green Sanctuary Team

Nature in Hymns | Cynthia Marshall & Michael Adcock

Guest speakers: Cynthia Marshall and Michael Adcock 

Images of nature and theology are simultaneously used in many Christian hymns to evoke feelings of wonder, hope, and humility. Using hymns as our text, this service will explore the power of these themes in feeling both connection to and making a mark in the world.

 

Speakers:

• Cynthia Marshall, Julie Boughn, Laurie Coltri, Michael Adcock

There’s No Place Like Home | Rev. Louise Green

Guest minister:  Rev. Louise Green

The global pause during the first phases of the COVID pandemic created new awareness of habitat for many of us.  Our homes reside in a biosphere, a myriad of relationships between elements, flora, fauna, and elements.  A reflection on the intersections of home, the interdependent web, and experience.

 

Speakers:

• Ashley Brizzo, Corwin Cairns-Gallimore, Michael Phillips, Rev. Louise Green

Cultivating Compassion | Rev. Louise Green

Guest Minister: Rev. Louise Green

 

We live in challenging times of high passion and division, where sharp differences abound.  Co-existing with a range of peoples, in diverse communities, always has the potential to unite and divide.  What practices of compassion might we consciously cultivate, in order to increase wellbeing and thrive?

 

Speakers:

• Colette Gelwicks, Jenny Bonilla, Kelli Danaker, Rev. Louise Green, Sebastian Bonilla

Rooted, Inspired, and Ready | Rev. Paige Getty

Inspired by the theme of of last week’s General Assembly of the UUA, Rev. Paige Getty reflects on what it means to be ready, especially when we don’t know the specific details of what we are readying ourselves for.

 

Speakers:

• Colette Gelwicks, Michael Adcock, Michael Brown, Paige Getty, Teaghan Verow McLaughlin