“Humbled by Gratitude”

To whom much is given, much is required.

Facilitator:  Wade Marbaugh
Musician: Craig Rafuse

“Reflections for November”

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

“In Limbo, Learning from Weeds”

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

“Day of the Dead”

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

“Our Work and Play Remains the Same”

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

“Look Behind the Buckskin Curtain: The Other America”

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

“Coming Out Stories”

Facilitator: Charlene Ball
Musician: Mick Kinney

“Say It To My Face”

Facilitator: Libby Ware
Musician: William Chelton