Freedom Day or Juneteenth, as it is best known, is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of African Americans who had been enslaved in the United States. We are joined by Rev. Anthony Mtuaswa Johnson, Mississippi born, and Chicago bred, is an Ordained Unitarian Universalist Minister, speaker, writer, poet, producer, soldier, teacher, mentor and Elder. His sermon will share the history of this recognition of the date slavery was officially outlawed in the state of Texas and the meaning of freedom in the context of today’s time of racial reckoning and reconciliation.

[Recording opens with a reading of “In the midst of a world” By Rebecca Parker, followed by a hymn of the Coleman Banks translation of the Sufi poet, Rumi. “Come, Come, Whoever You Are”.]

Opens with a reading from A Drop in the Bucket by Gordan McKeeman, then our choir sings There is a Love, then Nancy speaks in honor of Volunteer Recognition Sunday. "Church is run by those who find meaning and community in volunteer association with others. This type of activity can create unexpected connection within and between ourselves. Today we will talk about why we volunteer, and then honor those who give themselves to the work of this church community."

Begins with a story by Margaret Rogers - Making Community Soup. Then Jaie leads a hymn by Lyndsey Watson. Then Rev. Nancy speaks: "There is a difference between inviting someone TO a dance, and inviting them to DANCE. How do we move from invitation to inclusion? From wanting to look good by having the right people coming to church, to being good by embracing people. As we talk about our doors and windows, we will explore how we invite folk into our beloved community." Ends with Maria playing Gentle Waltz by T. Maxim.

In honor of those who nurture others, you will hear a Call to Worship, hymn From You I Receive, a Blessing, the original “Mother's Day Proclamation” By Julia Ward Howe, then stories from three mothers/daughters, Janet, Heather, and Nancy. The recording ends with the hymn Let it be a dance we do.

Opens with a reading of “Thresholds” by Arlen Goff. Then Rev. Nancy reflects on: How do you move through doors? Have you ever pondered this question? Thresholds and doors are very symbolic about how we move through life and how we enter new times in our life. This week's sermon will focus on how we deal with the in-between moments of our lives that can offer the most insight and growth potential.

In the books we read, and movies we watch, we find mirrors - experiences that reflect our own, and windows - views into lives we can barely imagine. Representation is important - all people should be able to find mirrors and we should all be able to peek into all sorts of different lived experiences. If we actively seek out diverse stories, not only do we broaden our perspectives, we also cast an economic vote that helps to increase the chances those stories can be told. Opening Words adapted from "Let Us Worship” - Kenneth L. Patton. Reading “On Seeing Yourself in Literature” from the “Off the Beaten Shelf” blog by Mandy Shunnarah. Transcript with links to sources: https://janelledurham.com/2021/04/28/representation-in-media/. Resource list, including recommended books and movies, and criteria to evaluate the media you consume is available at: https://janelledurham.com/2021/04/24/seeking-out-diverse-media/

An Earth Day celebration developed by our Climate Action Team (CAT). John P reads “Earth” written By Rev. Mark L. Belletini. A video created by CAT members, sharing something they have committed to doing in light of the current climate crisis. Piano – For the Beauty of the Earth. Video on carbon footprint by Des. A Guided Meditation from Nancy. Greg Smith reads A Prayer of Healing, written by The United Nations Environmental Sabbath Program. Podcast ends with Blue Boat Home performed by our choir.

Opens with a reading of from The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist. Sermon by Nancy: "Society messages make us feel we never have enough- we need more things, better cars, bigger homes... and we are left with a sense of scarcity and that we ourselves are insufficient. We can change the framing to realize we have what we need, and we can make a difference by choosing what we invest or time and resources in."

The story of Jesus' resurrection from a UU perspective.

At the end of your life, will you be able to reflect back and know you have lived the life you wanted? Or are you urgently attending to one thing after another, without the time to take care of your basic needs? And what are those basic needs? These questions help give each of us clarity about whether we are doing the works that brings us alive and gives us meaning. We will explore how we prioritize our lives.