Into the Unknown

Embracing a spirituality of uncertainty.

Facilitator: Marsha Mitchiner
Musician: Jean Heinrich

Endless Summer

Just past July 4, some say we are midway through summer. In reality, this season is not over until late September. A look at the prospect of an endless summer and the notion of an endless life.

Facilitator: Sara Drew
Musician: Charli Vogt

The Importance of Pride

Facilitator: Wade Marbaugh
Musician: Bill Chelton

The Fading of the Light: Musings on the Summer Solstice

​​​​June 21 this year marks the summer solstice or midsummer, the longest day of the year, as well as the time when the days will gradually begin to get shorter.  Kathy will discuss world traditions and ways of celebrating the summer solstice, as well as ways we can be mindful of accepting the transition from light to darkness in our own lives.

Facilitator: Libby Ware
Musician: Kathy McGuire

Lessons from my Father

​​Now a woman of a certain age, I understand more how my father thought to help my mother raise a daughter during the days of segregation, those days of Jim Crow laws. It would be seen as psychological abuse these days, but I became strong, able to face many challenges, and able to look at potential harm heading towards me, to see how I can keep my feet firm on the ground. I wonder how many other Black girls, especially in the South, had to be tempered the way I was, to bear up and to never let the monster win.

Facilitator: Charlene Ball
Musician: Mick Kinney

What is an End of Life Doula?

The speaker will describe the definition and roles of an End of Life Doula, and how they differ from hospice services. The discussion will include general services provided and personal and professional impact for the speaker as she has focused on this aspect of her career.

Facilitator: Cindy Lou Who
Musician: Kristen Hampton

Grandpa’s Imaginary Chapel in the Woods: A Talk at First Existentialist Congregation

On June 1 at the First Existentialist Congregation, I’ll be telling some stories about my grandpa, and offer my thoughts at the intersection of wonder, imagination, and critical thinking. Opportunities for fellowship to follow.

Facilitator: D. Patton White
Musician: Craig Rafuse & Jean Heinrich

Dedicated to Human Liberation: Thoughts on Our Collective Existence in this Moment

Facilitator: Wade Marbaugh
Musician: Jean Heinrich

Thinking About the Unthinkable: Contemplating End of Life

This is difficult stuff. We’re asked to consider practical matters and emotional matters all in the setting of having no idea how it will happen or when we’ll have to be ready. Perhaps the best way to prepare is to think deeply about the kind of end of life we most want for ourselves. Sara will introduce Advanced Directives, thoughts about attending a recent Final Exit Network workshop, and the concept of a “good death.” There will be opportunity for discussion.

Facilitator: D. Patton White
Musician: Mick Kinney

The Mothers We Claim Made Us For These Times

As we live through these perilous times, we have access to the wisdom of the ages. In honor of Mother’s Day, I am going to focus on just a few of the many ‘mothers’ who have informed how I live in this world, how I engage with its challenges, and how their work inspires me to live more fully, more aligned with my integrity and commitment to core values that sustain and encourage me. Simone de Beauvoir, Audre Lorde, bell hooks, Loretta Ross, and Pema Chodron are the ones that will be the focus this time. This might spawn multiple sermons on the topic of “The Mothers We Claim Made Us For These Times.” 

Facilitator: Rev. Marsha Mitchiner
Musicians: Janna Nelson, Scott Hooker, Jeff Crompton and David Nelson-Hooker