As we celebrate the beginning of our 170th year, it’s an auspicious time to reflect on what have been the threads running through all these years.

Today is the annual Water Ceremony that begins our new church year.

The issue of gay marriage has dominated our cultural dialogue as never before with the endorsement of both the President and Vice President. Pundits and religious leaders are weighing in. The African American community is particularly divided. What does our Unitarian Universalist tradition have to say about this hot button issue of our time? Special Music: Ballet — The faculty of the Cornerstone Academy for Performing Arts perform: Rebekah von Rathonyi, Artistic Director; Jennifer Reiter, Academy Director; and Rhea Keller, Instructor; accompanied by Pete Driscoll

On this Mother’s Day let us celebrate our mothers and all they have done for us. Let us also remember the first Mother’s Day — an anti-war demonstration organized by Unitarian Julia Ward Howe. From heroines to goddesses to our moms, we honor the mothers of our lives.

Today our dynamic Youth Group will present a multigenerational Sunday service on the topic of homelessness. Come and enjoy their choices of music, readings and message. The youth will be spending the night before the service here at the church in their Cardboard City to raise awareness and funds to help the homeless. Be sure to offer them your support. Our annual Salad Lunch will take place after the service.

Today we welcome new members into our church. How fortunate we are to have friends who want to share this journey with us. But what kind of church is this? Is church the right word for what we do here? What do we do here? These questions may have some interesting answers. The choir also sings today.

Easter is one of the great celebrations of Spring. Easter is a particular story that has meaning within a tradition but it is also a universal story that shares a common message with countless other legends and myths. What are these stories trying to tell us? Something very uplifting, I think.

Our church has a new set of goals. If we did the things we have named as goals, our already lively church would be unbelievably energized. Join us today as we consider what we could become and how we can get there. The choir will sing a beautiful Paul McCartney song.

This multi-generational service will include Native American drums, singers, flutes, stories, and a pipe ceremony. A full explanation of the ceremonies, instruments, and regalia will enrich the experience of the service. A short talk will clarify how the American Indian culture can be honored, respected and appreciated.