Upcoming Services
September 6, 2026: Putting the 'Labor' Back in Labor Day
Michael Wallace
As we commemorate Labor Day, this talk will provide a brief overview of the tumultuous history of the U.S. labor movement and its relevance for our lives today. We will explore the meaning and scope of labor unions, the legislative context of union formation and survival, and the current strength of U.S. unions in historical and comparative perspective. Along the way, we will discuss the true origins of “Labor Day”.
Michael Wallace is a recently retired sociologist who received his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in in sociology at Indiana University. He previously taught at Yale University, Ohio State University, Indiana University, and the University of Connecticut. He has conducted extensive research on the political economy of U.S. capitalism, work and labor markets, the historical and contemporary status of the U.S. labor movement, and the causes and consequences of income inequality. He has mentored and collaborated with over 50 graduate students who have launched successful careers in academic and non-academic settings.
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September 13, 2026: Turning Toward Active Hope
Let’s explore Joanna Macy’s teaching on the “Spiral of the Work that Reconnects” and how it offers a practice that can help us nurture active hope. Macy says this is the work that can help us “face the mess we’re in without going crazy.”
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September 20, 2026: A Sermon from Maria Renner
On this Sunday, Maria Renner, our Ministerial Intern will offer her first sermon with our congregation. Come learn more about Maria and support her as we take on this new role as a teaching congregation, helping her continued formation for ministry.
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September 22, 2026 at 6 pm: Autumnal Equinox Service
As the days grow shorter, we pause to honor the changing season and to seek balance in our lives. We acknowledge the value of light and growth, and the value of the increasing darkness and rest.
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September 27, 2026: Active Hope for All Ages
Hope is something that we need at all ages and stages of life. This all ages service will deepen our engagement of active hope no matter how old or young we are.
Past Services
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August 30, 2026: There Are Groups, and Then There Are Groups…
You just never know about groups.
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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 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 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 2, 2026: The Call of Kindness
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.
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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?
