The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia

Culturally and religiously, the theme of joy abounds in this season’s celebrations. Rev. Paige Getty explores what it means to open ourselves to that joy, despite the worries and fear and injustice that threaten to overwhelm us.

 

Speakers:

Kelli Danaker, Kristin Parrish, Laura Solomon, Michael Adcock, Rev. Paige Getty

On this holiday weekend, Rev. Paige Getty leads us in a service of reflection—we celebrate small gratitudes, ordinary moments, seasonal blessings.

 

Speakers:

Gregory Seidman, Kelli Danaker, Michael Adcock, Rev. Paige Getty, Samantha Yakaitis, Sarah Baseheart

During the past 18 months, 24 new members have signed the UUCC Virtual Membership Book. Today we celebrate those new members and explore the month’s Soul Matters theme—Holding History—as our community draws its circle ever wider, honoring its past, its present, and its future. This service will be multigenerational, so children and youth are invited to stay the entire service.

 

Speakers:

Rev. Paige Getty, Robin Slaw, Sara Davidson, Ted Nolan, Tom Monroe, UUCC Chalice Choir, UUCC Stay-at-Home Choir

In today’s episode, we hear from Alex Cauthen-Zach, UUCC member and a coordinator with Turning Circle, an eclectic Pagan community within the UUCC congregation. Two Sundays ago, Alex and other leaders from Turning Circle led UUCC’s Sunday morning worship service, sharing reflections and rituals for Samhain. For Alex, the service was a chance to connect Turning Circle to the larger UUCC community, and to introduce UUCC congregants to what Turning Circle is all about. 

“People flip out when I tell them I am Pagan,” Alex says. That’s why she sees herself as an envoy for Paganism in the world, challenging preconceived notions, stereotypes, and assumptions about what it means to be Pagan. According to Alex, the Neopaganism of Turning Circle draws from ancient roots, but it’s a modern religion that is about peace, the earth, and making things better for all of us. Today, she and Sara chat about Alex’s favorite season, the challenges of walking a Pagan path, and why she identifies as both Pagan and Unitarian Universalist.

“Dare to Love Again” by the Rev. Dr. Robert M. Hardies. Do I dare to love again? Many of us have asked that question at one time or another. I know I have. Whether after death, disappointment or betrayal, life is always asking us to give love another chance. But do we dare? And how?

Rev. Hardies currently serves as Consulting Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Martha’s Vineyard. From 2001 to 2020 he was Senior Minister of All Souls Church, Unitarian, in Washington, DC. He lives in Washington with his husband and son.

 

Speakers:

Michael Adcock, Rev. Dr. Rob Hardies, Rev. Paige Getty, Robin Slaw, Steve Buckingham

In our annual Remembrance Service, through music, story, poetry, and ritual we honor the memories of those in our lives who have died. We will show images of those you are remembering—please send images of deceased loved ones to Paige by Thursday, November 4 ([email protected]). If you attend in person, you may bring memorial photos or mementos to place on the altar.

 

Speakers:

Michael Adcock, Rev. Paige Getty, Robin Slaw, Sarah Baseheart, UUCC Chalice Choir

Turning Circle—UUCC’s earth-centered spirituality group—will lead a celebration of Samhain, a Celtic holiday, to honor our beloved dead, both those recently lost, and our ancestors from long ago.

 

Speakers:

Alex Cauthen-Zach, Colette Gelwicks, Doug Beatty, Dylan Zach, Indigo Halo, Paul Duffy, Tara & Cameron Zach

Lauren Haywood is a longtime UUCC member who has made an indelible mark on the community. Twenty-two years ago, Lauren had an idea: what if UUCC hosted a coffeehouse concert series to support local musicians and to bring people together from the congregation and beyond? Since then, the series has been going strong, with a team of faithful stewards who manage the entire thing: from setup to social media, from contracts to concessions, this team of volunteers does it all.

Today, Lauren chats with Sara about what it takes to run the UUCC One World Coffeehouse, ways you can plug into the volunteer team, and how UUCC's program offerings like the series are always evolving. Lauren also shares about her upcoming move to Albuquerque, a move that will fulfill her husband Carlton's lifelong dream to retire in the Southwest.

We will miss Lauren and Carlton here at UUCC, but as she says in today's podcast, they are only a phone call or email away! The volunteer team model that she developed through the One World Coffeehouse is an example for all of our ministries, a legacy left by Lauren for our congregation.

In honor of United Nations Day, Rev. Paige Getty, members of the UUCC Climate Crisis (2U4C) Team, and others will explore the effort to to further the cause of Climate & Food Justice.

 

Speakers:

Gail Thompson Guy, Katja Fort Rhoden, Kirstin Nelson, Krista Rand, Rev. Paige Getty, Robin Slaw, Tom Monroe, Trish Steinhilber

Rev Anthony Jenkins, UUCC’s beloved former assistant minister, will invite us to shine some contemplative light on the shadows of some of our deepest inner struggles—which can often turn out to be our deepest strengths (and saving graces).

 

Speakers:

Aaron Hill, Colette Gelwicks, Rev. Anthony Jenkins, Rev. Paige Getty, Roger Stewart, Tom Monroe, Vicki Golding