Sunday Morning Worship Services for September

Sunday Morning Worship will return to a 10:30 am start time begining September 9th.

September 2 at 9:30 a.m.
Being a UU in Today’s Working World
Speaker: Pam Garn Nunn
There are many ways in which we can “live” our faith, and one is in our daily lives with our fellow workers and colleagues. It’s not necessarily what we do for a living but how we do it that can make a powerful statement. Join us as we explore the possibilities and celebrate this unique holiday created to honor work and working people.

Please note the service time change as summer ends and the 135th church year begins! There will be a potluck following the service – please bring a dish to share!

September 9 at 10:30 a.m.
A “Moving” Ingathering
Service Leaders:
Rev. Mary Moore, Interim Minister and Rich Roberts, Director of Religious Education
On this festive morning, we’ll all gather briefly in the Memorial Garden area before joyfully proceeding into the sanctuary for the service. Expect some of the old, some of the new – lots of music, some time for readings and reflection – and maybe even a few surprises! A time for all ages to reconnect with familiar faces and to welcome the new folks among us. See you at church!

September 16 at 10:30 a.m.
Gifts from Youth
Service Leader: Rev. Mary Moore
On this, the opening Sunday for UUCA’s Religious Education program, when we’ll be “dedicating” the already very-dedicated teachers in our RE program and affirming all the people in our church “village” who take part in raising our children, we’ll be lifting up the gifts young people offer that enrich our congregation, the larger community, and the world.


September 23 at 10:30 a.m.
Gifts from Elders
Service Leader: Rev. Mary Moore
Assistant: Pam Gar-Nunn
This will be a special morning as we recognize those who have been newly included in the UUCA Circle of Elders this year. What a good time to celebrate the gifts elders give to church, community and world – and together we shall celebrate on this day!


September 30 at 10:30 a.m.
Why I am a Unitarian Universalist Christian
Speaker: Al Lasher
Find out why and how someone who is essentially a Deist and a skeptic regards himself as Christian and enthusiastically participates in the activities of the UU Christian Fellowship.

Sunday Midday Worship Services for September

In the spirit of the Midday Service and its emphasis on offering a variety of worship experiences, some new options for worship will be offered during the 12:30 pm hour this fall. An open Small Group Ministry session, a Healing Service, and a UU Christian Communion service will start this month. In addition, a Music Worship involving guest musicians and some theatrical presentations will begin in October. Please check the website, the Reporter, or Memoranduum (in our weekly Order of Service) for future service descriptions.

All Midday Worship Services take place on Sundays at 12:30 pm.

Also consider coming early for Fellowship Hour which takes place in our Fellowship Hall between the Morning and Midday Services!

September 16
Sample Small Group Ministry Session
The Purpose of Small Group Ministries, which has been revised for the coming year, is to provide an opportunity for members and committed friends of the UUCA to connect more deeply with themselves and others through reflection, conversation, and service. Groups led by trained facilitators meet regularly throughout the year. If you are uncertain about committing to a full year, this is the perfect opportunity to explore what SGM is all about!


September 23
Healing Gathering: Group Meditation, Prayer and Healing
Group prayer and meditation will be followed by a time when individuals may receive the loving touch of Reiki practitioners and other energy workers for the healing of body, mind and spirit. If you are not able to attend, please feel free to stop by and leave the name of any people you might wish to receive such energy or contact Frances Pake.
(You may also leave names with me at uuakron@hotmail.com and I will assure they are passed on)


September 30
Unitarian Universalist Christian Communion Service
On this Sunday, we’ll be celebrating the first of our once-a-month brief UU Christian Communion Services. Everyone is welcome!

Don't miss songwriter Jim Scott, Sept. 15th 7:30pm

Acclaimed acoustical guitarist, Jim Scott will perform an evening of his songs of peace and the environment.

With insight and more than a little humor, Jim makes his case for harmony in the world with jazz, world folk music styling and some great guitar technique in accompaniment.

Guitarist, performer, educator and prolific writer of songs, Jim Scott first achieved notoriety as a member of the Paul Winter Consort and as co-composer of the celebrated “Missa Gaia” - Earth Mass and many other pieces, including his “A Song for the Earth,” recorded live at the United Nations.

Several of Jim Scott's hymns, most notably #347 Gather the Spirit, are included in the Singing the Living Tradition hymnal and Singing the Journey supplement.

A suggested $5 dollar donation will be accepted at the door.
Snacks and Beverages will be available in our Fellowship Hall after the concert.

Saturday September 15, 2007 7:30 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron
3300 Morewood Road
Akron, OH 44333
330-836-2206
http://www.uuakron.org/


Morewood Road is located off West Market street, directly across from Summit Mall.
Click here for location details

Worship Services in August

Sunday, August 5 at 9:30 a.m.
Remembering Hiroshima

Service Leader: Jamie Goodwin
Assistant: Elaine Young

On August 6, 1945, the nuclear weapon Little Boy was dropped on Hiroshima by the crew of the American Enola Gay, directly killing an estimated 70,000 people. To this day many Americans struggle with the guilt and sadness associated with this attack, while others see it as necessary and even life saving event that ended the war. Please join us this Sunday as we commemorate and remember the lives of the people of Hiroshima and explore the destruction we are all capable of leaving behind.

Emanuel Bells, a local bell choir, will perform today. Please join us for this amazing treat and experience sacred music in a whole new way.



Sunday, August 12 at 9:30 a.m.
It’s About the Going

Service Leader: Rev. Mary Moore
Assistant: Elizabeth Reilly

As we proceed along the path of transition, what can and should we expect – both of the interim ministry and of ourselves? How can we rise to the opportunities as we walk together on the path, making ours a holy pilgrimage in which we find our own “heroic way?”



Sunday, August 19 at 9:30 a.m.
The Lord's Prayer in Aramaic

Service Leader: Claire Tessier
Assistants: Warren Brown and Margaret McConnell

Jesus spoke in Aramaic. Connect to the deepest truth of Jesus’ teaching of the Lord’s Prayer by hearing the Aramaic words and learning the meaning of these words. Most of the English translations of the words from Jesus come from Greek, a language that differs greatly from Aramaic. As stated by scholar Neil Douglas-Klotz in the book Prayers of the Cosmos, “When Jesus refers to the “kingdom of heaven,” this kingdom is always both within and among us. Likewise, “neighbor” is both inside and outside, as is the “self” that we are to love to the same degree as our “neighbor.” Unlike Greek, Aramaic presents a fluid and holistic view of the cosmos. The arbitrary borders found in Greek between “mind,” “body,” and “spirit” fall away.”



Sunday, August 26 at 9:30 a.m.
Gaia People

Service Leader: Kevin Carr
Assistant: Lorie Lerner

Kevin will speak about taking care of earth as being essentially the same as taking care of ourselves and the rest of the planet. He’ll do this in conversation with Dr. James Lovelock's book, The Revenge of Gaia-Why the Earth is Fighting Back and How We Can Still Save Humanity. Women's Equality Day will be a part of the message and part of the service as well.

Emanuel Bells

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron is proud to welcome Emanuel Bells, who will perform at the upcoming morning service, August 5th, at 9:30 am. Emanuel Bells is a local bell choir, performing at many churches and events throughout the area.

Handbell Choir music is beautiful and unique. Please join us for this amazing treat and experience sacred music in a whole new way.

Once again that's August 5th at 9:30 am.

Come Celebrate With Us

FRIDAY, JULY 27 AT 6:00 P.M.
IN THE UUCA FELLOWSHIP HALL

Please join us in a celebration for Nancy Arnold to recognize the past 13 years of her ministry with the UUCA.

PLEASE RSVP TO THE CHURCH OFFICE BY FRIDAY, JULY 13.
Babysitting will be provided, so indicate the number and ages of children.


Our own Blame Mama band will be performing!
Bring a side dish or salad to share for a potluck dinner.
In honor of Nancy’s favorite food, a Sundae Bar will be provided! YUM!

Sunday Midday Worship Services for July

Sunday Midday Services will be on hiatus for month of July.

Keep an eye out for The Reporter (our monthly newsletter) and online for future Midday Services.

Sunday Morning Worship Services for July

Morning Services during the Summer begin at 9:30 am, all services take place in the Sanctuary.


Sunday, July 8 at 9:30 a.m.

American Spirit
Service Leaders: Margaret McConnell and Sarah Culver

Terry Tempest Williams writes: “In the future, brave men
and women will write a Declaration of Interdependence that
will be read and honored along side the Declaration of
Independence….” In her Open Space of Democracy,
Williams urges us to engage in our democracy, take risks,
share ideas, and deeply listen. Today we will consider the
spirit that lies at the foundation of our country's democracy
and ask: Are we honoring that spirit now, and how do we
honor that spirit in years to come?


Sunday, July 15 at 9:30 a.m.

Connections to the Continent
Service Leader: Ellen Carvill

This morning’s service will be reflections on the business
and event of the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalist
congregations called General Assembly, which happened in
late June. Come hear what happened this year and how these
happenings affect UUCA.


Sunday, July 22 at 9:30 a.m.

Living the UU Life
Service Leader: Warren Brown

What can Unitarian Universalism bring to our lives? We
come to services on Sundays and get involved in church
activities, but how does Unitarian Universalism really
impact us on a daily basis? How does it improve our lives?


Sunday, July 29 at 9:30 a.m.

Miracles Happen
Speakers: Elaine Young & Frances Pake

Every day of our lives miracles happen. Miracles are
natural. Ordinary everyday miracles. If we pay attention
we’ll find them everywhere. It’s our choice to "Believe it or
not."

Morning Worship Services for June

Morning Services during the Summer begin at 9:30 am,
all services take place in the Sanctuary.


June 17
Summing It Up
Speaker: Rev. Nancy O. Arnold
Worship Assistant: Pam Nunn
In this, my last sermon with you as your minister, I’ll
reflect on some of this life we’ve shared together. Parent
and Child Dedication for the Horvath family will be part
of the service.


June 24
VIPs
Speakers: Barb Beller and Elaine Young
We all know people who touch others with their
generosity, their caring, their hard work. VIPs all; people
who live their lives doing good, expecting no fame,
fortune or even a simple thanks. People who carry in
themselves the spirit of god, and it shows. These people
are indeed Very Important People. They can also be Very
Invisible People.

Freedom Files Films

Join the ACLU of Ohio and the Social Action Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron for a screening of an episode from the TV series "The ACLU Freedom Files," followed by a discussion led by Carrie Davis, ACLU of Ohio staff attorney. Wednesday- 1.31.07 and 3.14.07 7:00PM.

Unitarian Universalist Church-3300 Morewood Ave., Akron
Off Market street across from Summit Mall.

Coffee and dessert provided. Child care is available. If needed, please call ahead at 330.836.2206.

ACLU Freedom Files: Racial Profiling
1.31.07 | wednesday
7:00 pm

Do you believe in equality? Are you concerned about the growing use of racial profiling to combat terrorism and everyday crime? Ready to hear the stories of those who have been profiled?


ACLU Freedom Files: Women's Rights
3.14.07 | wednesday
7:00 pm


The episode tells the stories of immigrant retail workers in New York who stood up to their abusive boss; women who stood up to receive equal funding for sports in their communities; and women whose health was endangered because Medicaid wouldn't cover their abortions.

Racial Harmony Group

The first mtg. of the Racial Harmony group will be on Feb, 19th, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, in room 405. At that time the group will decide on whether to meet once or twice a month. We will be affiliated with the Small Group Ministry program.

In his book, THE SOUL OF POLITICS, Jim Wallis asks, "What is racism?" He defines it as prejudice plus power. "The task for white Americans is to examine ourselves, our relationships, our institutions and our society for the ugly plague of racism. He states that the "Nation's original sin of racism must be faced in a way that we have never really done before. Only then can America be rediscovered. "

Please join us in this exciting task.

For questions or to register call Mary Kapper at (330) 836=4361

The other day I followed a link to a blog post by Rev. Sean Dennison titled, "Returning to the Table Again and Again" I won't try to summarize his post; you need to follow the link and read what he had to say. His post led me to a sermon by Martha Niebanck titled "Breaking the Rules" .

In his post Rev. Dennison talks about the difficultly of having conversations about topics like racism, discrimination and diversity. I have to admit that I have often found myself personally uncomfortable with these topics, and I've "left the table or avoided dinning" there at all. But several members of our Social Action Committee pushed for the formation of this group, and brought Bill and Jeannette Avery to talk with us about the Racial Harmony Group they formed at First Unitarian Church of Cleveland. Their enthusasm and willingness to come to the table encouraged us to form our own Racial Harmony Group starting with a small group ministry within our own church. Jeannette passed away last May, and I could not help but think of her when I read Martha Niebanck's tribute to Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley.

I hope that our newly formed Racial Harmony Group will grow and invite members of our congregation and others in our community to "Return to the Table Again and Again."

Upside Down Sunday is Coming to a Church Near You!

A very special thanks to Rev. Sean Parker the minister of South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society in Salt Lake City, Utah whose description of his own Upside-Down Day inspired me to present it as an idea to my own church.

On January 28th it is going to be a reality.

There is of course... some nervousness! The first time we do anything there is bound to be some nervousness. That doesn't mean that is not worth doing. I hope many people show up - we have a great service (although still in the planning stage) where Adults will get a sense of what Childrens worship feels like, and the children will hopefully get a better sense of what adult worship feels like.

I personally am very proud of the Religious Education Committee and Way Cool Sunday Volunteers for being brave enough to take on this challenge. It is scary right? I mean there is no curriculum for this, there is nothing on paper to follow, (except what we make for ourselves) and yet they have stepped up and took it on.

It is going to be a great and unique experience. Please come and take part!


Sunday, January 28 at 10:30 a.m.

Upside Down Sunday!
Worship Leaders: Nancy O. Arnold,
Rich Roberts, Jamie Goodwin, Rebekah Benner,
Becky Ensworth, and Liz Bright

We will gather in the sanctuary to begin our
worship together. Then – the adults will leave, and
the children will stay! What can we learn of the
religious life through the eyes of a child? “Building
Bridges” is the theme for today’s services.

Guest At Your Table

I have another church job, UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee)representative. I didn’t come looking for another volunteer opportunity, but it found me, and I took it because I believe in the work this organization does. This Sunday we will be collecting our yearly Guest At Your Table offering, or GAYT. When I joined our congregation, it was my first introduction to an organization like the UUSC. Coming from a Christian background, I was familiar with missions where social services were provided to people in conjunction with the message of Christianity. So, when the offering for the UUSC came up during the Thanksgiving service, I assumed that Universalists must have some missions somewhere in the world to provide aid to people and ……. ? What message were the UU’s giving people along with the aid, certainly not any particular religious doctrine.

Since that time, I have learned a bit more about the UUSC. It provides aid to people around the world, but not by establishing missions. Instead, it works through partnerships with local grassroots groups that are trying to bring about change. The UUSC is particularly concerned with marginalized populations that may be overlooked or excluded from traditional aid organizations, women, minorities etc. Besides providing money for direct aid through partnerships with local organizations, this group also advocates for social change. For example, the UUSC website has a link to express opposition to torture and to support fair wages. It is not enough to give aid to the victims; we need to change the social conditions that cause people to be victimized. Every year Unitarian Univeralists recognize the UUSC efforts during Justice Sunday. This year, the service will focus on the Crisis in Darfur.

Our congregation has done a great job of supporting the UUSC in past. Last year we received UUSC’s Vision of Justice Banner Society honor for our 2006 (50-99% membership) and the James Luther Adams award (for giving $1 per church member through our budget. As we give this year’s GAYT offering, I am hoping for another banner year, and encouraging our congregation to support the UUSC, not only with contributions, but by using this voice of Unitarian Universalism to fight for peace and justice around the world.

Mitten Tree

Fairlawn Village Preschool, which operates here in our church, will be doing a mitten tree this year for the Battered Women’s Shelter.

Mittens, gloves, hats and scarves are needed for all ages, babies through 12 years old.

The deadline for donations in Wednesday, December 20.

The mitten tree will be outside the sanctuary doors. For more info, contact the Fairlawn Village Preschool teachers.

Socrates Returns

No, he isn't coming back from the dead, but the Socrates Café will return to our church starting January 23rd from 7-9PM. We will meet every 4th Tuesday of the month at the same time in the McKeeman room.

What is a Socrates Café? Socrates Café, technically, is a book written by Chris Phillips, author and co-founder of The Society for Philosophical Inquiry. Chris developed the idea of Socrates Café to do as Socrates did, bring philosophy to the every day individual. Since his book was published, Socrates Cafes have been appearing all over the United States and even in other countries.

Basically, a Socrates Café is a group of individuals, who like to talk. We get together and discuss what is on our minds, from something on the news that day to the age old questions. We want to learn how to think, not what to think.

The topic of conversation is chosen by the participants at each meeting, and those gathered are encouraged to explore it together in an atmosphere of mutual respect, and philosophical curiosity to gain a greater understanding.

So, Join us for coffee and discussion where good conversation is our main goal. Our tools will be listening & learning as we ask the big questions.

It's the Most Wonderful Time, of the Year

HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Saturday, December 9 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 10 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
(for church members)
Purchase many unique holiday gifts from a wide variety of
talented vendors! Please contact Vicki Brown with questions.

HOLIDAY POTLUCK DINNER
Saturday, December 16 at 5:00 p.m.
Be sure to sign up for our traditional Holiday Potluck
dinner gathering at 5:00 p.m.
Dinner will be served at
6:00 p.m.

CANDLELIGHT YULE SERVICE
Friday, December 22, at 7:00 p.m.
The Celtic Wheel of the Year turns to the Winter Solstice,
the shortest day of the year. Yule is the celebration of the
return of the Sun God and longer, brighter days to come.
If you are able, please bring a dessert or snack to share
for "wassailing" in the McKeeman Room after the service.
To help with the service, contact Rebekah Benner.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
Sunday, December 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Worship Leaders: Nancy O. Arnold and Rich Roberts
We will gather as families to celebrate the spirit of
Christmas with traditional readings and carols, concluding
with the singing of Silent Night and the lighting of candles.
Please bring a dozen cookies to share during our fellowship time.

A Sacred Circle Service

Join us for ritual and meditation honoring the turning of the Wheel into the dark time of the year. Samhain (sow-in), also meaning "summer's end", familiarly known as Hallowe'en and All Hallow's Mass, is the beginning of the new year for some who follow an Earth-Centered spiritual path. This is the time when the veil is thinnest between the world of the living and the realm of the ancient ones.

Beginning with this celebration of Samhain, we will be offering the Sacred Circle Service periodically as a gathering for ritual, meditation, drum and chant for those who are seeking a deeper connection to the Earth's changing seasons and the phases of the Moon.

Join us this Sunday, October 29th at 7:00 pm in the McKeeman room, and be on the look out for more Sacred Circle Services throughout the year.

Write to info@uuakron.org for more information.