First Existentialist Congregation
An independent member of the Unitarian Universalist Association
Inspired by Marian Wright Edelman, a longtime civil and children’s rights advocate, her book Lanterns: A Memoir of Mentors, and as we find ourselves in the darkest time of the year: we’ll focus on who and what has provided us light and guided our way through life. As we look forward, we will also consider how we might serve as lanterns to our communities – shining some hope where we find darkness.
Facilitator: D. Patton White
Musician: Mick Kinney
As the year winds down and we gather in the holiday season, we turn to the timeless gifts of hope, faith, and joy. But what do these words truly mean in our ever-changing world? Together, we will explore new and ancient ways to understand these qualities, inviting in both the warmth and the challenges they bring. How do hope, faith, and joy show up in our lives amid uncertainty? Can we hold space for joy while facing life’s struggles? Join us as we deepen our connection to these sacred principles and find new ways to let them light our way forward.
Facilitator: Cindy Lou Who
Musician: Jean Heinrich and the E-Chorus
Science and religion are two sides of the same coins, which are spent on figuring out the nature of reality and the human condition. America is in a big mess; can science and religion looked at this way get us moving forward better? I’ll tell a few stories to get you thinking on the answer.
Facilitator: Charlene Ball
Musician: Kristen Hampton
A post Thanksgiving look at the history of and contemporary practices of holiday gifting. From the absurd to the spiritually generous. Confession of the speaker: she once “observed” Black Friday and the lessons there from.
Facilitator: Stell Simonton
Musician: Jean Heinrich
To whom much is given, much is required.
Facilitator: Wade Marbaugh
Musician: Craig Rafuse
This time of year is always busy and full between holidays and life’s demands. The additional impacts of a major election, of which we may not know the results by this discussion, could potentially add distress or conflict. Let us gather together for support and to talk about our ways forward.
Facilitator: D. Patton White
Musician: Mick Kinney
Persistent, prolific survivors and thrivers. Awesomely diverse strategists. Inspiring or maddening, it all depends. Most of all, weeds endure.
Facilitator: Libby Ware
Musician: Bill Chelton
We celebrate the Day of the Dead as a time to recall and honor those who have died. We bring photographs and flowers to remember them on this occasion. This Mexican holiday is somewhat like a joyful family reunion — with dead ancestors the guests of honor.
Facilitator: Jan Lister
Musician: Charli Vogt
Between the time of writing this and speaking at the congregation, all of us will have been doing everything we can with the skills, abilities, resources, influence, and privilege we have to affect the direction of a critical election. While we all are working and wishing for the kind of positive outcome that we want, we do not know how it’s going to turn out. However it turns out, our work remains the same.
As Rainer Maria Rilke said, and as I believe, we are here to learn how to love. This world needs our love, we need our love, the people around us need our love and caring concern. Regardless of how the election turns out, many people are now more vulnerable to a kind of virulent hatred that some of us thought had died out. Those of us with privilege need to be prepared to support and stand with the vulnerable members of our communities. We need to continue to play and create joy, and share that joy with a hurting world. As existentialists, this is our time.
Facilitator: Sara Drew
Musician: Scott Hooker and Janna Nelson
Mitch Walking Elk will talk about his experiences, which include running away from BIA school, singing around the world with an Indian voice, preserving traditional ways and customs and continuing the long struggle for justice in indigenous communities.He is an enrolled member of the Southern Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma and is also part Hopi. He is the winner of the 2013 Best Blues Recording, UP FROM THE ASHES, Native American Music Award. He worked in Minneapolis teaching traditional ceremonial life ways to indigenous youth. He has been a sundancer and conducts sweat lodge ceremonies and healing ceremonies. Mitch has also been a member of the American Indian Movement (AIM) since 1974.
Facilitator: Wade Marbaugh
Musician: CJ Jones Spirit Bones Band