Most of us do not know much about Islam and how it developed. And yet Islam is a huge factor in our 21st-century world and in American society as well. Today we will learn something about the prophet Muhammad—where he came from, what he taught, and his relationship to three goddesses.

America is the place to come and be free. America defends freedom. This is the freedom land. Live free or die. Since our earliest days, our country has been entwined with the ideal of freedom. How does this myth continue to shape our lives? Is it true? Special Music: The L R Band with Craig Curtis, Mat Timm, and Steve Tippett will play some freedom songs for us.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. What does this sad story tell us about our cultural identity? What does it show us about our blind spots? And what is the good news, the positive side of the story? It does have one.

Every culture has its myths and we have them as well. To say a story is a myth is not a criticism. Myths are stories that shape the way we look at the world. Is America the promised land? In many ways that is our story, our myth. Join us for an exploration of how this story shapes our world. Special Music: East Peoria Community High School Chorale, Pete Driscoll, Director

Each year houses of worship all over the United States celebrate an Evolution Sunday to demonstrate that evolution and religion do not need to be enemies but can coexist and perhaps even have healthy dialogue. Today we join in that movement as we honor the wisdom of science and ask ourselves what it might mean to be religious in the age of evolution.

Sophia, the goddess of wisdom, appears not only in the Bible but in countless other legends as well. What does it mean to be wise, and what does Sophia have to teach us about wisdom? If wisdom is knowing what to do in life, then that is what we all need.

Theodore Parker is one of the most fascinating characters in Unitarian Universalist history. Transcendental, scholar, abolitionist, minister, and author of some of the most famous words ever written. Called a Unitarian heretic by some, he remains an inspiring figure. After the service we will have a birthday celebration for Jane Ising who turns 110 this week!

The old story of the stone soup provides us a window on religion. Can you make a soup out of nothing but a stone and water and still have a tasty treat? It sounds unlikely but it just might work!

We do not exist outside our relationships. So say some Buddhist philosophers and process theologians. Our UU 7th principle holds a similar message about the interdependent web of existence. What do these ideas mean for us today in our individualistic and self-centered culture? Annie Gonzalez, a Union Theological Seminary student in New York, grew up in our RE program. We welcome her back in a new role.

The solstice holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule, and Kwanzaa all speak of returning light and renewed hope. There is something about this time of year that invites a special kind of consciousness. The Peoria Accordion Club will play today to lift your holiday spirits.