The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia

The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) has been working to advance human rights in troubled places around the globe for over 75 years. It grew out of the heroic efforts of Waitstill and Martha Sharp, who left their comfortable Unitarian parish and children in Wellesley, MA, to help refugees escape from Nazi occupation in Europe.  Its history is steeped in taking note of threats to human life and dignity, partnering with others to counter those threats, and advocating for government action that will protect and further advance rights for all people. Defending human rights can seem like abstract, distant, and remote business. UUSC Board Chair the Rev. Ned Wight joins us to remind us why it’s anything but abstract, distant, or remote.

 

Speakers:

Katja Fort Rhoden, Michael Adcock, Phil Webster, Rev. Ned Wight, Robin Slaw

In the Hindu family of faith traditions, the concept of “Lila” (pronounced “Leela”) refers to divine play.  For some Hindus, all of creation is the product of divine play; for others, all of the activities of God are play and the aim of spirituality is to make all of life play.  The dominant culture of the United States tends to separate out play from work and spirituality from everyday life.  In today’s service, Karyn Marsh, M.Div., will explore the spirituality of play and offer thoughts on integrating it into our lives.

 

Speakers:

Barry Marsh, David Hegmann, Karyn Marsh, Kelli Danaker, Kristin Parrish, Michael Adcock, Sarah Baseheart

Are we loving our neighbors as ourselves? Arguably, we are doing that. Arguably, we have no idea how to care for ourselves. Arguably, we are terrified that loving ourselves is only centered in ego and self-glorification. But if we learn to love our every lump and scar, if we start to forgive ourselves for all the things we get wrong (we get so many things wrong!), then our hearts may settle into a deeper understanding of what that love is. Join former UUCC staff member, current UUCC member, and new seminary graduate Jen Raffensperger for worship! 

 

Speakers:

Colette Gelwicks, Jen Raffensperger, Jenny Afkinich, Michael Adcock, Robin Slaw, Roy Appletree, Stephanie Rice, The Cutts Family

It is powerful to see oneself reflected in the world around us: to see our identities reflected in the natural world and in the language we use is a powerful affirmation of self.  Join Laura Solomon to explore the queerness inherent in nature, and how exploring this can support our collective liberation.

 

Speakers:

Jen Hayashi, Jim Johnston, Kelli Danaker, Laura Solomon, Michael Adcock

Ken Walsh, UUCC member and author of Bible Stories for All without the Dogma, A Part of Cultural Literacy, will discuss the big three characters of the Old Testament—Abraham, Moses, and David, with Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s commentary on their stories. Her commentary supplements Ken’s book and prior UUCC presentations. He hopes you will enjoy her wit and insights!

 

Speakers:

Kelli Danaker, Ken Walsh, Kevin Mercer, Melissa Affolter, Tom Monroe

The history of Unitarian Universalism shows a changing theology over time, yet commitments to service have always marked our work. Join UUCC member Kathy Parker for a sermon that will look at the evolution of that connection, showing that we were not always clear or of one mind.

 

Speakers:

Ashley Brizzo, Chase Farmer, Jen Siegal, Kathy Parker, Kelli Danaker, Sarah Baseheart, Tom Monroe

On a day when many are celebrating independence—such a popular value in the USA—Rev. Paige Getty leads a celebration of interdependence.

 

Speakers:

Jeremy Rea, Kristin Parrish, Rev. Paige Getty, Robin Slaw, UUCC Young Adults, Valerie Hsu

We honor Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the official emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States.

 

Speakers:

Brooke Abercrombie, Jen Hayashi, Pamela Henry, Reginald Nettles, Rev. Paige Getty, Robin Slaw, Sarah Baseheart, Tom Monroe

With joy and conviction and determination, we celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month!

 

Speakers:

Alex Norton, Bob Jackson, Jill Christianson, Rev. Paige Getty, Robin Slaw, Valerie Hsu

In this final episode of Rooted & Reaching before we take a summer break, Tim Lattimer reflects on his term as congregational president that concludes at the end of this month. Tim and Sara discuss the ways UUCC interacts with and reflects the political dynamics of its local and national contexts, the work of the Board this past year, and advice Tim has for future Board members. 

Thank you for listening to Rooted & Reaching week after week. We hope the stories and conversations you heard here made you feel more connected to the UUCC community, taught you something new, and inspired you to be curious about your fellow congregants.

With love,Hannah, Sara, and Valerie