Upcoming Services
August 2, 2026: The Call of Kindness
Scott Russell Sanders
To be kind toward others is to treat them as if they were kinfolk, as if they were family, deserving respect, compassion, and care. Kindness is an antidote to cruelty. While greed and strife make headlines, kindness makes community, easing suffering, mending divisions, fostering peace. A moral life is one that acknowledges our kinship with all people, indeed with all beings, all animals and plants, rivers and mountains, Earth and Sun. We gather this morning to experience how story and song can help us enlarge the realm of kindness.
Scott Russell Sanders is the author of two dozen books, the most recent of which are Small Marvels and The Way of Imagination. His first reader is his wife, Ruth, a level-headed scientist, with whom he will celebrate a 59th wedding anniversary later this month. Scott is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of English at IU, and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
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August 9, 2026: All Ages Ingathering Water Service
Everyone is invited to bring water from a place that is meaningful in your life to share in this service. As we mingle our water together, we remember the gift of belonging in a community where we can share our lives, including our joys and our sorrow, our growth and our changes.
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August 16, 2026: Learning to Embrace Change
Change is rarely easy, but it is also unavoidable. Learning to embrace change is an important skill in learning to navigate our lives with hope and courage.
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August 23, 2026: The Power and Promise of Change
Not all change is good, but there is a power in believing in the capacity of people to make change in our lives and our world. How do we harness the lessons of history and memory that remind us change is possible?
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August 30, 2026: There Are Groups, and Then There Are Groups…
You just never know about groups.
Past Services
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July 26, 2026: To Stand in Awe
Father Greg Boyle tells us, "Here is what we seek: a compassion that can stand in awe at what the poor have to carry rather than stand in judgement at how they carry it." People experiencing homelessness are some of the most vulnerable people in our society yet frequently are judged, blamed, and even attacked for things they have little to no control over. Today we will explore themes of judgement, fear, and even disgust and how we can turn those feelings into compassion.
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July 19, 2026: All Ages Service - Singing the Beloved Community Into Being
Singing together is our birthright and a joy-filed, joy-fueled way to cultivate the necessary qualities of the Beloved Community.
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July 12, 2026: The Possibility of America: 250 Years and Counting
Today we reflect on the lead-up to the Declaration of Independence made by 13 separate colonies. Over 250 years as a republic, its people have continued to shape this country in response to the varied values and longings among us. Our past is complicated and our present is filled with pain, but the future remains open.
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July 5, 2026: How Religious Was George Washington?
Rev. Dennis McCarty will observe the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding with: "How Religious Was George Washington?" How did Washington himself negotiate the complex religious tapestry of the new United States? Rev. McCarty will review a bit of the history and try to draw lessons for our 21st century journey.
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June 28, 2026: Nurturing Beloved Community
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
How do we create in the context of our communities the qualities of love, compassion, inclusion, dignity and justice that are necessary for the Beloved Community? -
June 21, 2026: Leadership in the Beloved Community
Revs. Susan Frederick-Gray and Mary Ann Macklin
Leadership matters in a community and society. What is the leadership that is needed to nurture beloved community? How do we cultivate and support the ethical and compassionate leadership we need? -
June 14, 2026: All Our Relations in the Beloved Community
Ryan T. Conway (Pakawi)
Join us, Sunday June 14th, as we braid together a vision of Alliance suitable for renewing our relationships and co-creating our Beloved Community.
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June 7, 2026: Dr. King's Vision of the Beloved Community
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
It was Dr. King who popularized the idea of the Beloved Community. What did he mean by this vision and how is it still relevant today? -
May 31, 2026 @ 10:30 am: Wisdom From Our Elders
UUCB Elders and Stephanie Kimball
In this service we hear from members who have embarked on the journey toward elderhood, honoring those who choose a path of inner work in the second half of life. -
May 30, 2026: Memorial Service for Duncan Searle
A Memorial Service for Duncan Searle will be held on Saturday, May 30, at 2 p.m. in the Meeting Room. A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall.
