First Existentialist Congregation
An independent member of the Unitarian Universalist Association
In these distressing, chaotic times, it can be hard to maintain balance and a reasonable hope. A discussion of the challenges, various ways to cope, and how to rise to the occasion.
Facilitator: Cindy Lou Who
Musician: Charli Vogt
In a world that often feels overwhelming, where injustice and fear seem to hold power, how do we find the courage to resist? How do we cultivate the resilience to keep moving forward? This Sunday, join Rev. Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs for a powerful exploration of Resistance and Resilience—how we can face the challenges of our time with boldness, faith, and collective strength. Through reflection, storytelling, and a call to action, we will honor the spiritual practice of resistance and the sacred necessity of resilience.
Come ready to reflect, recharge, and remember that we are never alone in the struggle for justice and love. Together, we build a sanctuary of hope.
Facilitator: D. Patton White
Musician: Craig Rafuse
Inspired by Mother Teresa, adrienne maree brown, and her work as a hospital chaplain, Sara will talk about our most important duty and reward: to love our people. When despair seeps in it can get easier to lose our focus on what is right in front of us, but maybe what is right in front of us will sustain us through the hardest days – if we can keep those connections strong.
Facilitator: Jan Lister
Musician: Mick Kinney
Emil’ Keme is an Indigenous K’iche’ Maya scholar from Iximulew (Land of Corn, and the K’iche’ name for Guatemala), and professor of English and Indigenous studies at Emory University. He is a first-generation college graduate and professor. His teaching and research focus on contemporary Indigenous literatures and social movements, Central American-American literatures and cultures, and postcolonial and subaltern studies theory.
Facilitator: Rev. Marsha Mitchiner
Musician: Bill Chelton
What is possible is not always probable.
Facilitator: Wade Marbaugh
Musician: Alan Brown
Four First Existentialist members talk about the feminist movement, their role in it, and how it impacted their lives.
Facilitator: Charlene Ball
Musician: Charli Vogt
A relook at the rallying cry: Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History (past and present).. The speaker has done their share of being bad in the name of feminist social change.
Facilitator: D. Patton White
Musician: Jean Heinrich
Recently I was asked to talk about something that has gotten me through life. I realize that “touch” has been extremely vital, both receiving and giving. I think this could be the experience of many of us, so I want to explore this with you.
Facilitator: Libby Ware
Musician: Bill Chelton
This talk will consist of two parts: 1. Sanjay will reflect on insights by some of history’s greatest philosophers (concerning moral worth) who have helped me deal with the November election. 2. Shrey will talk about what, as a 9th grader, gives him hope about the world his generation will inherit.
Facilitator: Cindy Lou Who
Musician: Craig Rafuse
Sometimes it seems like the voices trying to tell us what to think, how to act, and how to live are only increasing and getting louder. Perhaps the scariest among them are the most covert, insidious, and dangerous. This current climate can be so disorienting, how can we be sure to stay connected to our own voice? Gratefully, Existentialism and spiritual practice can help us, with some attention and intention, get better acquainted and stay acquainted with ourselves.
Facilitator: Marti Keller
Musicians: Jean Heinrich and Shanti Price (Magic Flute)