Inspired by Mary Oliver's "The Summer Day", we learn from the particular grasshopper that is eating sugar from the poet's hand, and are inspired to marvel at the particular beings around us.  This service is focused on the art of connecting with others, whether forging new relationships or deepening the ones already in our lives.  If we bring added intentionality and wonder to those we share our time with, might we learn to behold them in new ways and deepen our own sense of belonging?

Many spiritual paths have used water to help us recognize our connection and our resilience – always changing, always the same.  We begin our new church year with a homecoming celebration where we mingle waters we have carried from wherever we have found meaning this past year (virtual water works, too).  

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. teaches us that, “Forgiveness does not mean ignoring what has been done or putting a false label on an evil act.”  On National Forgiveness Day, let’s talk about what forgiveness actually is as well as how the definition of forgiveness can sometimes be twisted.  Let’s lean into considering this spiritual muscle that we can develop with discernment and care.

Join us as we are inspired by stories of the unexpected, from serendipitous experiences to unforeseen answers to extraordinary changes.  You just never know what will happen.

Sometimes we need to take time to reflect on our gratitude for being alive on this planet together.  We will remember to find moments of joy, even as we navigate difficulties and uncertain times.  Please join us in laughing, crying, and singing!

Sometimes life takes us to a place, a pain and we resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms.  While many may find temporary relief, for some the unexpected happens and what was once helpful turns into an addiction that they can no longer control.  Today there are well over 50 kinds of 12-step programs that have brought serenity to countless people.  What is in12-step spirituality that heals so many and what can we draw from it to enhance our own spiritual growth?

It can feel like major decisions require a “Good Reason.”  So then, what makes a reason good?  And what happens when reasons are difficult, or even impossible to find?  Kaylee Hutchinson shares her quest for the elusive “Good Reason” after her surprise at finding...herself!

We need more than names to make a community, or just keeping a church directory nearby would be enough. What and when we call others is how we build a sustaining community. Come meet our neighbor Ms. Nomer, who will learn about names, imagination, community, and connection from our youth. 

When you think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration, you open up your mind to a whole new way of looking at the world. Einstein said: "Everything in life is vibration."

Kevin Bruce and Kay Demlow will hold a friendly debate on the merits of a happy ending. We'll draw from some of our own favorite books and stories to examine whether we are ready for the unexpected.