Sunday, September 9th, 10:00 a.m. - Water Siblings
-- Rev. Darrell Berger
Sunday, September 9th, 10:00 a.m. - Water Siblings
-- Rev. Darrell Berger
Our church year begins again with lemonade and cookies outside and a processional, with worship following at 10:30. Worship will include the Water Ceremony, so bring a bit of water from a place you have visited this summer.
The title of the sermon is based on the concept of "water brothers," from the science fiction novel, "Stranger in a Strange Land." An important spiritual text for many baby boomers, it seems almost forgotten now. How do we live as adults with the values formed in adolescence? How ought the values evolve as we age? Can we pick and choose what values are passed to the next generation?
Sunday, September 16th, 10:30 a.m. -- Strong Walls and Open Doors: on Membership Growth
-- Rev. Darrell Berger
We began this discussion in the spring and want to continue it today, both in worship and in a special, informal meeting following coffee hour. The Board hopes this discussion will deepen a conversation that will inform their decision-making in the coming months and years.
Wednesday, September 19th, 7:30 PM, -- Board of Trustees meeting, Sonen Room
Sunday,
September 23rd, 10:30 a.m. -- Begin Close In -- Rev. Allen Wells
Today we are required to consider drastic decisions and make momentous changes as persons and institutions if we are to create a habitable planet and create a compassionate world. Should we focus more on the world or on ourselves? H ow shall we tackle issues so large? And where do we begin?
Rev. Allen Wells is currently Director of Allen Wells Counseling in Morristown, N.J. a holistic mind/body, spirit counseling center that specializes in Contemplative or Mindfulness Psychotherapy. He has served as minister of UU congregations in Weymouth, Mass., Hollis Queens and at The First Unitarian Church of Brooklyn as well as Director of Religious Education for the UU Congregation of Monmouth County and the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship. He graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in counseling, and earned a postgraduate degree in counseling from the Institute of Religion and Health in NYC. Formerly a therapist of the DiMele Center for Counseling & Psychotherapy in Manhattan, Allen's life long interest has been in unifying the internal, personal, psychological world, commonly called "spiritual", and the external political, social, economic, environmental world, -- the material world. He defines himself as an earthcentered, Buddhist, UU.
Sunday, September 30th, 10:30 a.m. -- Unity: The Key To Loving
-- Peter Rogen
"I am so small. How can this great Love be inside me?" asks Jalaluddin Rumi, the great 13th century Sufi mystic (and America's top selling poet). Love evolves and projects from a unity within oneself that expands to include our fellow human beings, the world around us, and finally the sacred, the Divine, God. Rumi is recognized as one of the world’s great mystical poet-saint-geniuses. With love and compassion, wit and humor, he speaks poetically to the challenge of living a more spiritual life in a world that tends to impede the spiritual quest.
Peter Rogen, a resident of Woodstock NY and a well-known interpreter of the poetry of Rumi, and editor of "Rumi's Holistic Humanism", will give us the poet’s answer through dramatically reciting a half-dozen of Rumi’s verses, along with a brief introduction to the poems to provide context.
As a young man, Peter was awarded a Rockefeller Grant to Study in the American Theater, and performed Shakespeare at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. He then founded an international communications consultancy which he led for more than twenty five years. In 2007, Peter discovered the mystical love poetry of the Sufis, and in particular the poetry of Rumi. He has toured with the "Whirling Dervishes from Konya (Turkey)" and presented Rumi's poetry at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The National Cathedral in Washington DC, and more than a hundred churches, synagogues, colleges, universities and cultural centers.
Sunday, October 7th, 10:30 a.m. -- On "The New Jim Crow"
-- Rev. Darrell Berger
The sermon will be based on the book The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. Please see this month's From Darrell’s Desk for the motivation to speak on this important book.
Sunday, October 14th, 10:30 a.m
-- Report From GA -- Georgiana Hart
Church member Georgiana Hart will bring us highlights from several workshops at the Phoenix 2012 General Assembly, in immigration, an update on Josseline, leadership in reading The New Jim Crow and more! The vigil outside the detention camp made a sharp contrast to the actual city of Phoenix!
Wednesday, October 17th, 7:30 PM -- Board of Trustees Meeting, Sonen Room
Sunday, October 21st, 10:30 a.m
-- Heart of the Matter -- Rev. Jeffrey Gamblee
Rev. Jeffrey Gamblee takes the idea of forgiveness, as put forth by poets Henley, Souther and Campbell and weaves it into the challenges of facing situations where contrition and atonement aren't happening.
Rev. Jeff Gamblee fills the half time pulpit at the Fourth Unitarian Society of Westchester in Mohegan Lake, NY as their interim minister. Previously he served as interim minister at the First Unitarian Society of Westchester, Hastings on Hudson, NY. He also serves a part time post as chaplain for Life Source Services Hospice of Paramus, NJ. He was ordained by the Community Unitarian Church At White Plains in 2009 after a 25 year career in corporate and commercial television. Pastor Jef and his wife, Patricia Wallendjack live in Staten Island; they have two children, two grandchildren and one cat.
Sunday, October 28th, 10:30 a.m --
Siddhartha and the Wounded Swan -- Rev. Darrell Berger
This story, from the Buddha's boyhood, describes how he healed a wounded swan and by his example, teaches compassion for all sentient beings. At this worship, we invite you to bring photos or mementos of animals who have been important in your life.
Sunday, November 4th, 10:30 a.m. Race and Global Warming
-- Rev. Darrell Berger.
One the eve of the election, I thought I would raise two topics that have been conspicuous in their absence in this presidential campaign.
Thursday, November 8th, 7:30 PM in our Parish Hall, Rev. Darrell Berger and Rev.
Charles Ortman, senior minister in Montclair, invite all our members to attend a
special meeting with some members of the
UU Congregation at Montclair to discuss
the possibilities of our developing a collaborative partnership to strengthen and
enhance the Unitarian Universalist ministry and presence in our community.
This discussion, wherever it leads, is intended to be a creative and open conversation. No institutional decisions or commitments will be made at this meeting. Please set aside this date and join us in this important investment in our future. Light refreshments will be served.
Sunday, November 11th, 10:30 a.m --
Albert Schweitzer, An Unlikely Unitarian -- Arthur R. Aldrich
Albert Schweitzer, one of the 20th century's most renown thinker, musicologist, philosopher, medical missionary and humanist, came from a background of traditional Lutheranism, but one which also recognized the common human elements on Catholicism and other religions. Torn between advanced study in philosophy or theology, he pursued both, publishing his dissertation at the Sorbonne on "The Religious Philosophy of Kant." Kant's philosophy, with its rejection of dogma, doctrine and ritual in Christianity, is seen as one of the foundations for liberalizing humanistic thought. From this combination of study, as well as his experience growing up in multi-cultural Alsace, Schweitzer devoted his life to discover a universal ethical philosophy, anchored in a universal reality, and make it directly available to all of humanity.
This service explores the ways in which Schweitzer evolved from traditional religion into humanism, articulating ideas such as reverence for life and a nuclear disarmament that made him a major philosopher of the twentieth century with global influence. Because of these ideas, Schweitzer was offered and accepted membership into the Unitarian Church of the Larger Fellowship.
In an age of increasing sectarian conflict, Schweitzer's elemental humanism offers a lesson for today as valuable as it was in the last century.
Arthur R. Aldrich completed undergraduate studies at New York University, the New School for Social Research and Empire State College of the SUNY system. He holds an M.A. degree in Culture and Policy Studies from Empire State. Aldrich taught at Rockland Community College in Suffern, NY, as an adjunct professor for 20 years, while publishing a weekly newspaper, which he founded in 1973. He broadcasts a local news commentary every Wednesday on WRCR radio and has produced programs for his congregation for broadcast on public access television. In addition, Aldrich has presented more than 60 adult education and professional development courses over the past six years, including teaching visiting Chinese delegations and coordinating professional and cultural exchanges for them. He has been a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockland County since 1968, serving as president of the Board of Trustees for two terms (six years) and chair of the Board of Worship for two terms (also six years). He currently is a member of the Board of Trustees.
Sunday, November 18th, 10:30 a.m. Homecoming: You Can Go Home Again
But Not Forever.
-- Rev. Darrell Berger.
Whether we are relating to "home" as being our family of origin or our state or nation, our home changes. Sometimes it changes very slowly, sometimes with disorienting speed.
Wednesday, November 21st, 7:30 PM, Board of Trustees meeting, Sonen Room
Sunday, November 25th, 10:30 a.m -- Our scheduled speaker
Rev. Edward Frost
being unable to attend, we had a discussion on the topic he had been
planning to address.
Mary Oliver writes: "I don't believe only to the edge of what my eyes actually see." and then she asks, "Do you?" wanting your answer "of course." The negative in the statement followed by the positive question is confusing--deliberately so, I think. It takes a moment to understand that she is asking if you, like she, believe there is more than what you see. She wants you to say, expects you to say, "Well of course, of course I believe that there is more beyond the edge of what I can see." Can you, would you, say that?
Sunday, December 2nd, 10:30 a.m --
The Where and Why of Worship -- Rev. Darrell Berger
The Three Wise Men set a precedent that worship didn't have to take place on a particular day, at a particular place. Rather, their example says worship might better be held in the community, mindful of those events that demand a sacred response. As we move to the holiday season, we will reflect on what worship really is.
Sunday, December 9th, 10:30 a.m --
JAZZ CHRISTMAS: What's Hanging from Your Tree? -- Rev. Darrell Berger, with music by Dave Braham, Raymond Johnston,
Bob Funesti and Diego Lopez.
Our musicians will present a medley of Christmas traditionals with a jazz twist. The sermon will be a literal and metaphorical look at what we choose to honor during this season. Of course this is a great Sunday to invite friends and family.
Sunday, December 16th, 10:30 a.m -- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
-- Melanie and Paul Axel-Lute
The service will feature a reading of an abridged version of the book by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Wednesday, December 19th, 7:30 p.m. Board of Trustees meeting,
Sonen Room.
Sunday, December 23rd, 10:30 a.m --
"More Light" -- Rev. Darrell Berger
These are traditionally considered the last words of the poet Goethe. It is also what we are both experiencing and celebrating at this time of year. This sermon gets to the fundamental physical and metaphysical reality that motivates all Winter Solstice celebrations.
Sunday,
January 6th, 2013, 10:30 a.m. -- "They Call that Man 'The Gasser.'"
-- Rev. Darrell Berger
In 1528 a small number of Conquistadores survived a shipwreck, landing on the Gulf Coast. In their extremely deprived condition, they wandered at the mercy of the elements and the natives. Their leader, Cabeza de Vaca, survived. His report to the King of Spain is a masterpiece of spiritual writing, as it chronicles his having touched the deepest wells of healing and compassion. This is his story.
The Social & Earth Action Committee will meet after this service, at 12 Noon, in the Parish Hall
Thursday, January 10th, 7:00 p.m. -- Redlining and Recovery -- University of Orange
program co-led by Dr. Mindy Fullilive and Rev. Darrell Berger.
This session (in the Parish Hall) will explain how intentional government policies going back to the 1930's caused underinvestment in Orange, with consequences still felt. Darrell will also share parts of a denominational field study from 1938 that stresses that Orange is a dubious setting for a progressive church.
The University of Orange attracts a number of new residents of Orange, many from the Valley, who share our desire for Orange to become the just and beautiful city of its potential. We hope a number of our members can attend either this program or that on January 17th, or both.
Sunday,
January 13th, 10:30 a.m. -- Making Change -- Rev. Darrell Berger
We are planning major changes in our Sunday morning worship on those dates when I am not preaching. The potential for major political and social changes are all around us, both nationally and locally. Yet change doesn't just happen. There are rules and guidelines, lessons that we need to remember if we are to be the change we want to happen.
Wednesday, January 16th, 7:30 PM, Board of Trustees meeting, Sonen Room.
Thursday, January 17th, 7:30 p.m. -- What Happened to Jackson Avenue? --
a University of Orange program
(In the Parish Hall) Please join with the University of Orange to view a film, "What Happened to Jackson Avenue?" made by students from Jersey City about the changes in their main street.
Sunday, January 20th, 10:30 a.m. -- Community service field trip to ORNG Ink
(no worship service at the church)
We will take a "Do-Good Field Trip" to ORNG Ink, a non-profit organization that supports young people working in the arts. ORNG Ink is located at 406 Tompkins Street, Orange, NJ in The Ironworks Building.
Church members are asked to go directly to ORNG Ink at the regular time of Sunday Service,10.30. There will be a member of the congregation who will stay at the church "just in case" any unexpected visitors arrive (or church members who may be unsure of where to go). There will be NO regular service at the church.
At ORNG Ink, our members will learn about this organization and do some fundraising work. The church is funding a breakfast to be shared by all.
Church members who have questions are encouraged to call Darcy Hall at 973-763-5552
Sunday,January 27th, 10:30 a.m. --
Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness -- Rev. Darrell Berger
The small Asian nation of Bhutan has suggested to the United Nations that measuring happiness is a more useful gauge of national health than measuring product. I attended a UN conference about this and discovered that Bhutan is right. Now, the question remains, how to convince the rest of us? [Links added Jan.27th after service:]
Thursday, January 31st, 7:30 PM -- UU’s United for the Valley at Luna Stage
Members of our congregation and the UU congregation in Montclair have been invited to a special preview of the new Luna Stage production, "Carnival." Tickets are $20 with wine and cheese get together to follow. Please tell Darrell if you plan to attend by Jan. 24.
Sunday, February 3rd, 10:30 a.m. - Violence Control -- Rev. Darrell Berger
When Gov. Chris Christie announced a panel to study "Violence Control," he gave us a wonderful concept. While "gun control" elicits insane responses from across the political spectrum, "violence control" is virtually impossible to be against. This sermon outlines a program of violence control.
Sunday, February 10th, 10:30 a.m. -- The Moment of Truth --
Rev. Beth Putnam
Sojourner Truth was an early abolitionist and feminist who is often overlooked. Amazingly enough, Harriet Beecher Stowe (author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin") and Sojourner Truth once met, and Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote down her memories of that meeting. Sojourner Truth and her search for justice, can teach us much about seeking justice in our world. The meeting of these two women can also teach us about the demands of relationship inherent in anti-racism work, which we can all undertake.
Rev. Beth Putnam is an Endorsed Community Minister of the Fourth Universalist Society in New York and a full-time Chaplain at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System. She and her husband, Alex, reside on the Upper West Side in NY.
Sunday, February 17th, 10:30 a.m. -- First UU is in the Heart of Orange --
Dr. Mindy Fullilove, MD
This coffee house will be a fun exploration of the Heart of Orange, a site of history, hospitality and hope. We will look at the economic, social and physical parts of the area where our church has been a vital part of the community for more than a hundred years. THIS WILL BE A SEMI-FORMAL SERVICE & WILL BE HELD IN THE PARISH HALL.
Mindy Thompson Fullilove, MD, is a research psychiatrist at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and a professor of clinical psychiatry and public health at Columbia University. Educated at Bryn Mawr College (AB, 1971) and Columbia University (MS 1971, MD 1978), she is a board-certified psychiatrist, having received her training at New York Hospital Westchester Division (1978-1981) and Montefiore Hospital (1981-1982). She has conducted research on AIDS and other epidemics Of poor communities, with a special interest in the relationship between the collapse of communities and decline in health. From her research, she has published Root Shock (2004), and The House of Joshua (1999), and is a co-author with Rodrick Wallace on Collective Consciousness and It's Discontents (2008). She has published numerous articles, book chapters and monographs, and received many awards, including being listed on "Best Doctors" and receiving two honorary doctorates (Chatham College, 1999, and Bank Street College of Education, 2002). Her work in AIDS is featured in Jacob Levenson's The Secret Epidemic: The Story of AIDS in Black America. Her current work focuses on the connection between urban function and mental health.
Sunday, February 24th, 10:30 a.m. -- Jazz Worship -- Your Emotional Reserve Fund --
Rev. Darrell Berger
This Sunday we welcome back the musical offerings of Raymond Johnston, David Braham, Greg Bufford and J.J. Shakur. The sermon will address the need for individuals to set up their own emotional reserve fund, that they can draw on in times of excessive stress, just as a household needs a reserve fund if the roof caves in. Listening to music is an important part of an emotional reserve fund.
Tuesday, February 26th, 7:30 p.m. - Board of Trustees meeting,
Sonen Room.
Sunday, March 3rd, 10:30 a.m. - Community service field trip to ORNG Ink
(no worship service at the church)
We will take a second "Do-Good Field Trip" to ORNG Ink, a non-profit organization that supports young people working in the arts. ORNG Ink is located at 406 Tompkins Street, Orange, NJ in The Ironworks Building. Church members are asked to go directly to ORNG Ink at the regular time of Sunday Service,10.30. There will be NO regular service at the church.
Sunday, March 10th, 10:30 a.m. -Round Table Discussion with
Martial Bonhomme, in the Parish Hall.
Martial Bonhomme is Executive Direct of Lanbi, the Haitian Community Center that meets in our building during the week, offering ESL and citizenship classes. It has been a few years since Martial has filled us in on Lanbi's progress, which has been considerable.
The March 10th service will be followed at 11:45 a.m. by a special congregational meeting to consider proposed bylaws revisions concerning the basis for establishing a quorum at Congregational meetings.
Sunday, March 17th, 10:30 a.m. -- From Yeats to CUUPS - Rev. Darrell Berger
William Butler Yeats was the Irish poet who re-introduced the themes of pre-Christian paganism to Western poetry. CUUPS, the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans, is the organization that helped earth-centered spiritual traditions be included among our official sources. There is a direct line from Yeats through CUUPS to the way Unitarian Universalist congregations do everything today from worship to pastoral care to social justice.
The March 17th service will be followed at noon by a special congregational meeting to vote on renewal of Minister's contract.
Wednesday, March 20th, 7:30 p.m. - Board of Trustees meeting,
Sonen Room.
Saturday, March 23rd, 8:00 p.m. -- Black Maria Film & Video Festival
The International Thomas Edison Black Maria Film Festival has been re-scheduled for Saturday evening, March 23, 2013. Director and Founder, John Columbus will present a selection of spirited and provocative award films from last year's 31st Annual Festival, as well as the upcoming 32nd Annual Festival. The Black Maria's name is taken from the world's first motion picture studio built in 1893 by Thomas Edison in West Orange, NJ. Award winning documentaries, animation, experimental and mixed genre shorts will be included in the screening. Local filmmakers' work will also be seen. Akintola Hanif , filmmaker of "Moral Panic", a Director's Choice Selection, will be on hand. For more information on Black Maria or this showing, contact Frank Barszcz at 973-324-9351 or John Columbus at 201-200-2043. Refreshments are included in the admission, which is $10.
Sunday, March 24th, 10:30 a.m. -- "I'm a Stranger Here Myself" --
Rev. Charles Ortman
Rev. Charles Ortman is minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair. Charlie and Darrell are swapping pulpits for Palm Sunday. Both will be using the same title, which refers not only to the way Jesus entered Jerusalem, but also to the way many people feel a lot of the time. This is particularly relevant for us today, as we connect with members of the Montclair congregation and reach out to the larger community, which, in our case, has been composed of a large immigrant population for at least the last ninety years.
Friday, March 29th, 6:30 p.m. -- Church Seder, Parish Hall.
All are welcome. Please let Melanie Axel-Lute (862-400-7227) know if you are planning to attend and what food you plan to bring.
Sunday, March 31st, 10:30 a.m. -- How We Handle our History - Rev. Darrell Berger
Easter and Passover are, among other things, ways in which people remember the most profound moments in their history. Are some ways of remembering better than others? Can memories be changed? Can the way we hold memories be changed? Ought they to be?
Sunday, April 7th, 10:30 a.m. --
Our Sabbatical Year -- Rev. Darrell Berger.
It is the beginning of my seventh year as your minister. It is time for us to take a year for reflection and reinvigoration, to help us define the path of our ministry for the next chapter. While this usually means the minister goes off somewhere and refuels while the congregations rediscovers itself and its priorities, I'm suggesting we take our sabbatical together, actively, and in doing so reappoint our sense of mission and ministry to the possibilities that lie before us. In other words, before our Canvass Kickoff I want to talk about what we are giving and why.
(The canvass kickoff will be this day and the canvass wrap-up on April 21st.)
Thursday, April 11th, 7:30 p.m.-- UU PREVIEW NIGHT
at
Luna Stage : "A Moon for the Misbegotten"
We will once again be meeting with members from the UU Congregation in Montclair to attend a preview of the latest offering from Luna Stage. Wine and cheese to follow. Contact Rev. Darrell Berger to make a reservation. Tickets are $15,
Sunday, April 14th, 10:30 a.m. -- Dedication of the Blodgett Room
-- Gregory Giacobe, Melanie Axel-Lute, & Darcy Hall
This Sunday, we will remember and honor two late members of our faith community who influenced many of us over the years, even the character of the church itself - Connie and Malcolm Blodgett. Joining in 1948, they both remained active members for over 50 years, and became leaders and respected elders. Malcolm was well-remembered as the long-standing director of the church choir, and Connie for her good humor and equally long-standing position as church secretary. Invitations have been extended to their surviving children, Elizabeth and Jonathan. As part of the service, a plaque will be unvailed that will formally dedicate the old church office as the Blodgett Room, a new common area when members and guests can socialize and relax before and after service.
Tuesday, April 16th,6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. --
Public Meeting No.2 on "Inner M & E [Morris & Essex]
Strategic Corridor Plan"
See flyer and fact sheet.
Wednesday, April 17th, 7:30 p.m.--Board of Trustees meeting,
Sonen Room.
Sunday, April 21st, 10:30 a.m.
ROUND TABLE: Luna Stage Past and Future -- Cheryl Katz
Cheryl Katz is Associate Artistic Director and Director Play Development at Luna Stage. For more about her and other Luna Stage staff, click here.
Sunday, April 28th, 10:30 a.m. --
ROUND TABLE: The Future of Sunday
This Sunday we will meet in our Parish Hall to discuss the future of Sunday. This year we have tried several new formats. What do we want to bring forward in September? Also, Harold Mills will have a short message about Earth Day.
Sunday, May 5th, 10:30 a.m. --
Transitions/May Day -- Darcy Hall/Melanie Axel-Lute
How have UU values affected you? In what way? Today we will hear some testimonials from those who have been through our doors over the years. Immediately after service we will have our traditional Maypole dance Lead by Melanie Axel-Lute.
Saturday, May 11th, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. -- Farewell Party for
Paul & Melanie Axel-Lute
Open mike! Bring a favorite song, piece of music or story to share. A $10 contribution to cover food and beverages is requested. R.S.V.P. to Anne Miller, 973-943-5406, or awmiller123 [at] verizon [dot] net.
Sunday, May 12th, 10:30 a.m. --
"My Time has Not Yet Come." -- Rev. Darrell Berger
At the wedding in Cana, Mary asked Jesus to turn water into wine. He said, "My time has not yet come." Yet, he turned the water into wine. This is a mother's influence. This is the sermon topic: the ongoing negotiation between mothers and their children about vocation, obligation and timing.
Social & Earth Action committee meeting, 12 noon, Parish Hall.
Wednesday, May 15th, 7:30 p.m. -- Board of Trustees meeting,
Sonen Room.
Sunday, May 19th, 10:30 a.m. --
Round Table: Stepping Back to Move Forward -
Envisioning How the Orange U-U Church Could Make a Difference in Spirituality,
Politics & Education --
-- Wayne Eastman
I'll begin the roundtable discussion with a 10-15 minute "asking the big questions" presentation on three topics. First, can we in the short term or the longer term become a host, and possibly a home, for younger people and families interested in spirituality but uninterested in committing to a specific form of organized religion, including ours? Second, can we be a host, and possibly a home, for activists who want to advance liberal values and liberal policies in Orange in areas such as positive inclusion for GLBTQ people, alternatives to enforcement-oriented policies on drugs and undocumented workers, and progressive education? Third, and related to the last point, can we become a host for a progressive education pre-school, and possibly at some point in the future a small progressive education school for older children? After the presentation, I look forward to listening to your reactions and ideas--given the dynamism if not the size and youth of our group, I expect we won't be shy.
Tuesday, May 21st, 7:30 p.m. -- Celebrations & Music Commitee meeting,
Sonen Room.
Sunday, May 26th, 10:30 a.m. --
Round Table: Justice for Haiti Now -- Georgiana Hart
First UU presents a woman who has worked in Haiti to combat the cholera epidemic. She will lead a discussion on how the UN brought cholera there in 2010 when infected troops began dumping waste into the Artibonite River. Thousands have died and hundreds of thousands have become infected, and the number rises daily. We will talk about how to put pressure on the international community, the UN, the World Health Organization and the World bank to make them take responsibility NOW!
Sunday, June 2nd, 10:30 a.m. -- What Lies Beyond Death? -- Rev. Darrell Berger
As we know, the Supreme Court has ruled that a corporation is a person. The best response I've heard is "I'll believe a corporation is a person when Texas executes one." In any case, our church is a corporation. The word itself derives from Latin, meaning "having a body." Our church's body seems to be dwindling. We fear that death may be approaching.
Let's take our Unitarian Universalist theology seriously and apply to the church what we may believe about death, and what lies beyond.
The June 2nd service will be followed by the Annual Congregational Meeting at 12 noon in the Parish Hall. Business will include approval of the annual budget and election of officers and trustees.
Friday, June 7th, 7:00 p.m. - Book Launching Party
for Urban Alchemy
by Dr. Mindy Thompson Fullilove.
This book party at our church is the concluding event of a day-long University of Orange session, "Placemaking V: Urban Alchemy," starting with a tour beginning 10 a.m. at the westbound side of the Orange train station.
Sunday, June 9th, 10:20 a.m. -- Flower Communion -- Almost Father's Day
Given the flow of Unitarian Universalist worship, I have preached dozens of Mother's Day sermons but very, very few for Father's Day. This Sunday is only one Sunday early, so I'm going to take this opportunity to preach my magnum opus of Father's Day sermons. This will also be our Flower Communion. Please bring a flower to add to our worship.
Our annual church picnic will be held in the Parish Hall following our Flower Communion service. We are asking those of you coming to bring a covered dish. In this case, normal picnic fare – a cold dish, salad or desert. We'll also take dishes that can be served cold or are easily re-heated. If you intend to attend and bring a dish or drinks, please contact Darcy Hall, darcylhall [at] aol.com or 973-763-5552.
[Sunday, June 16th, 10:00 a.m. -- Help Out @ Luna Stage event
has been CANCELLED]
Tuesday, June 25th, 7 p.m. -- Board of Trustees meeting,
at Suzie Q's.
Sunday,July 28th -- Board Retreat
Tuesday, August 30th, 7:30 p.m. -- Celebrations & Music Committee
meeting, Sonen Room.