First Existentialist Congregation
An independent member of the Unitarian Universalist Association
Sanjay will discuss issues with thinking of political resistance only as a reaction to what others have done.
Facilitator: Rev. Marsha Mitchiner
Musicians: Caroline and George Pond (of Snake Oil Medicine Show Band) with Craig Rafuse
My heart is filled with so much sorrow for the suffering we are witnessing, even more so with the war so recklessly started by Empire against Iran. The practice of joy is a counterbalance that helps me carry the weight, levity helps gravity from pulling me down where I am not able to help myself or others. Learning to embrace rather than fear our own deep sorrow, letting it open our heart to our interconnection with all of life, is a path to joy. Practicing joy and connection is an act of defiance when living in a system that wants, needs us to be afraid, alienated, and angry. For some of us, simply being our full self with a healthy sense of pride, holding our heads high, is an act of defiant joy, for we didn’t let shame keep us in the shadows.
Facilitator: D. Patton White
Musician: Scott Hooker and Janna Nelson
Franklin Abbott will share a few words about a few poems for National Poetry Month.
Facilitator: Sara Drew
Musician: Allen Cook
Chaplain Olga Westfall will share her story of coming from Ukraine and becoming a US military and Veterans Affairs chaplain. She will also share about chaplaincy and what it is all about.
Facilitator: Rev. Marsha Mitchiner
Musician: Craig Rafuse
In troubled times there is a clarion call to stay connected with our sources of strength, resolve, hope, and purpose in our lives. Simple acts of bliss help us sustain humanity and endure crisis. Let’s renew musical congregation with urgent joy!
Enjoy an artistic Celebration of Life Service with the ambient variety of piano, guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, and vocals by the Pair o’ Dice Duet. With their wide ranging collection of Roots, Swing, International, and original flavors, it’s a roll of the dice!
Composer lyricist Mick Kinney is known for traditional styles like New Orleans ragtime, Cuban Habenera, as well as Appalachian fiddle and banjo.
He will be joined by the amazing Michael Opitz on woodwinds, who has performed often with the Joe Grandson Big Band, Atlanta Latin Jazz Orchestra, & vintage entertainer Tray Dahl’s Jugtime Ragband.
Facilitator: Wade Marbaugh
Musician: Mick Kinney and Michael Opitz, accompanist Jean Heinrich
Unitarians in Prague found spiritual sustenance in the midst of the threat of war in this annual Flower Celebration. It is a ritual service still common in Unitarian Universalist congregations, and especially powerful in these times.
Facilitator: Sara Drew
Musician: Kristen Hampton
“Existentialism highlights the importance of
..acknowledging what is,
..making choices about how to respond,
..experiencing the full range of emotion without getting stuck in any one,
..nurturing the human spirit.
“To bring the light, one must endure the burning.” — Viktor Frankl
Dr. Jean Heinrich is a licensed clinical psychologist (Existential psychotherapist), founding member of our First Existentialist Congregation, currently our Music Minister, and dancer.
Facilitator: Libby Ware
Musician: The Owls Band
Facilitator: Cindy Lou Who
Musician: Kathy McGuire
Rev. Megan Lloyd Joiner reflects on the legacy of early 20th century Western Unitarianism and the wisdom offered by the women and men who sought to put their faith into action to respond to the needs of their changing society. We will explore the lessons their lives and work hold for us during these challenging times.
Facilitator: Rev. Marsha Mitchiner
Musician: Bill Chelton
Abby Tighe helped start the National Public Health Coalition after being fired from the Centers for Disease Control last year.. She will highlight the current state of public health, discussing the turmoil of 2025 at the CDC and how public health professionals are fighting back for the American public.
Facilitator: D. Patton White
Musician: Craig Rafuse