July 12, 2026 — D. Patton White

“Open Mic: Narrating our Own Experience with More Spaciousness”

The congregation is invited to share in this “open mic” service led  by D. Patton White on the theme of spaciousness.  What choices have you made and then subsequently changed your mind about?  In what ways have you moved away from something only to come back to it from a new perspective? Do you know of a poem about the theme of spaciousness and possibility that you find meaningful?  Have you created a piece of visual art that conveys an aspect of potentiality?  Do you know a song that is inspired by flow that you would like to share?  Have you written in your journal about your own personal transformations?

The open mic COL  is inspired by this recent opinion piece by Melissa Kirsch in the New York Times.

Facilitator: Re. Marsha Mitchiner
Musicians: Bill Chelton

July 5, 2026 — Wade Marbaugh

“250: On Freedom and Coming Home”

As we now celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation, we are submerged in an incredibly tumultuous and dangerous time. Sartre, who lived through an even more intense time, wrote, “Freedom is what you do with what has been done to you.” It is only proper for decent human beings to abhor the bad things in the American experience. But, it’s a yin-yang thing. Let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water.

Facilitator: D. Patton White
Musicians: Craig Rafuse

June 14, 2026 — Dr. Anthony Stringer

“Juneteenth: Looking Back on Our Journey to Freedom”

The history of African American Emancipation was explored and we were reminded that no one is free until all are free.

Facilitator: Rev. Marsha Mitchiner
Musicians: Jean Heinrich and Craig Rafuse

June 7, 2026 — Rev. Maureen Shelton

“Cultivating Sustainable Empathy”

We will explore the “third way of Compassion” as a way to explore sustainable empathy.  In this talk we will explore mindsets which are supportive of caring for ourselves as we care for others. 

Facilitator:
Musicians: Bill Chelton

May 17, 2026 — Sara Drew

“Exploring the Labyrinth”

Sara will discuss the mysterious history of the Labyrinth and how it might offer each of us an opportunity for growth. Anyone interested will be able to walk a temporary Labyrinth in the First E Sanctuary.

Facilitator: Sara Drew
Musicians: Jean Heinrich and Kathy McGuire