The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia

Have you ever sat in a chair that felt just right—only for someone else to say it didn’t work for their body? Next thing you know, all the chairs have been swapped for a style that’s comfortable for them, but not for you! As Dr. Jennifer Camota-Luebke reminds us, “the disabled community is not a monolith.” What’s accessible or comfortable for one person may not work for another. When we’re building an inclusive and diverse community together, meeting everyone’s needs can start to feel a bit like Goldilocks and the Three Bears—nothing ever seems “just right” for everyone. So, what tools can we use to navigate this and truly support one another’s needs?

Do we only live once? Do we return again to life after death? What (and where) is the afterlife? In that spirit, Chaplain Anthony Jenkins will lead a service exploring the connection between our personal understanding of the “hereafter” and our life experiences in the here-and-now. Michael Phillips will serve as Worship Associate.

In our annual tradition, we honor our ancestors by lifting up our memories of loved ones who have died. The service will feature poetry, special music, candle-lighting and the speaking of names. You are invited to bring photos, or small memorial objects to place on our community altar. This service is for all ages; children will stay with us during the entire service rather than go downstairs for Children’s Class.

Join us as we practice what it means to truly “struggle together in our spiritual journeys.” UUCC member and People Acting Together in Howard (PATH) Executive Director, Cynthia Marshall, will lead service with Rev. Lisa encouraging the entire congregation to listen to each other as we all answer the question “What do you need to meet this moment?” We’ll enjoy cello music from Gabriel Hightower.

Speakers: Cynthia Marshall, Gabriel Hightower, Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper, Interim Minister, Tom Monroe

Conflict is a human condition, unfortunately. Or fortunately? Some days the entire world feels embroiled in conflict and the last thing we’re seeking is another growth opportunity. How can I hope to connect across ideological divides, interrupt violence and end wars when my coworker won’t stop microwaving fish? What are restorative practices and conflict transformation, and how are they relevant to our lives? Where do they intersect with UU values? And why can’t we all just get along?

Our current economic system is centered around the necessary management of limited resources. As we weather the very real impact of late-stage capitalism and the government shutdown, our faith calls us to continually shift our thinking and our actions to community care and a focus on abundance. 

Building community is one aspect of UUCC’s mission. We seem to know “community” when we feel it, but it’s hard to describe. Let’s consider together the skills we need to intentionally build and maintain community.

In this time of continuous trauma and ongoing crisis, the role of spiritual community is to support life and wholeness. During the service we’ll talk about the book Deep Survival, which explores trauma and survival through sharing stories of people who have experienced life-threatening events. What can we learn from the science of survival, and how does it dovetail with our spiritual lives? Worship to be led by Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper and Worship Associate Kathy Leonard.

“Faith Formation is all we do. Unitarian Universalism is all we teach. The congregation is the curriculum.” This quote from Connie Goodbread informs current understandings of faith formation for all ages. Kelli Danaker and Rev. Lisa will reflect on some of these ideas.

If a congregation is to be a truly mission-centered organization, what tools are needed to accomplish that goal? Let’s talk about how we can work together to equip and empower each other to live our values in our hearts and in our communities. Worship to be led by Rev. Lisa Bovee Kemper.