“Reconceiving Resistance”

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

“The Transformative Power of Heartache and Defiant Joy”

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

“Poetry”

Franklin Abbott will share a few words about a few poems for National Poetry Month.

Facilitator: Sara Drew
Musician: Allen Cook

“Chaplains’ Ministry”

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

“Exigence of Joy”

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

“Flower Celebration”

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

“The Way We Were (Are and Can Be)”

Facilitator: Cindy Lou Who
Musician: Kathy McGuire

“Freedom, Fellowship and Character: Jenkin Lloyd Jones and the Quest for Unity”

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