Week of April 12, 2021.

Open your hymnals to this wonderful hymn, #323. It reminds us to draw the circle ever wider, because – as Susan Frederick Gray has reminded us, “no one is outside the circle of love.”

As Kimberley Debus, author of the Blog Notes from the Far Fringe, farfringe.com, states: “This hymn is incredibly aspirational. Seemingly unattainable, in fact. Can there ever be this much love? And yet, the vision described by Fred Kahn is precisely what we need today.”

Debus also points out: “A side note about the tune, written by the delightful Tom Benjamin: do you ever wonder why a tune has a particular – and sometimes unusual name? I suppose there are any number of reasons, often tied to the original lyrics, although some tunes get a name to honor a person or a place. Such is the case with this one, called Yaddo. I learned from Tom that he once spent a summer at an artist’s retreat at Yaddo, this incredible place with a gorgeous mansion and lovely gardens, and it was there where he wrote this tune.”

We love this hymn at Heritage. It is exactly what we need to remember today as we show up for the side of good, the side of inclusion, the side of love.

A special thanks to Stephanie Tacy, who is the audio and video editor for all musical pieces performed by Les Tacy.

Enjoy the YouTube video: Break Not the Circle

Those of us who have been listening to the “UU Hymn of the Week” regularly have enjoyed and appreciated the enhanced video visuals and presentation of background information. If you’re in the middle of your week and need a UU boost, check out the Hymn of the Week on the Heritage UU Church homepage.

Wednesday, April 28, 2021, 7:00 p.m.

Our Vespers service is loosely patterned after vespers of the Taizé Monastic Community in France, which were created to build a sense of communion with the holy through singing, readings, reflection, and silence. As we move through this second spring of a pandemic, we will celebrate life, resiliency, hope, and connection to one another.

Weather permitting, we will gather outdoors on the patio or labyrinth to worship together. Following church policy, up to 10 family groups can gather on the grounds and all participants must wear masks fully covering nose and mouth. Please go to the SignUp Genius for Vespers to reserve your spot. And don’t forget to bring a chair to sit in. In the case of inclement conditions, the service will be held on Zoom.

If you have questions, please email Mimi and Steph at:

Wednesday, April 21, 2021, 7:00 p.m.

The April 21 Babes with Books (Heritage’s Women’s Book Club) Zoom meeting (7 – 9 p.m.) will consider aspects of merely surviving vs. living as they discuss Dear Edward, by Ann Napolitano. This New York Times bestseller novel and winner of numerous accolades follows a 12-year-old boy as he comes to terms with not only with being the only survivor of an airplane crash but what it means to live fully.

If you are a part of the BWB Google group, you will automatically receive a Zoom meeting invitation six to eight days in advance. If you would like to join the group, contact Denise in the office at:

If you want a one-time only invitation, contact Barb at least two days in advance at:

Our further meeting dates and read selections are currently as follows:

May 19 – The Ten Thousand Doors of January, by Alix E. Harrow

June 16 – The Vanishing Half, by Brit Bennett

July 21 – The Painted Girls, by Cathy Marie Buchanan

August 18 – The Water Dancer, by Ta-Nehisi Coates

All women members and friends are always welcome at any BWB meeting, whether you have attended previously or not.

Every Friday at 12 noon, via Zoom.

A new group is being offered for anyone interested in gathering on Zoom to connect and converse with others. This group is open to all Heritage members and friends. Hosted on Zoom by Heritage member Bernadene Zennie, the group will evolve as it meets. The intent is for the group to be cooperative, leaderless, discussion-oriented, and supportive—a group that encourages listening, acceptance, spiritual growth, and caring for one another.

If you wish to be included in the Zoom meeting, please email Bernadene at:

1/25/2021.

Second Tuesday of Each Month At 7:00 p.m.

Women Singing In Sacred Circle still meets the second Tuesday of every month via Zoom. Shelley leads the chants and we mute ourselves and sing along from home. It is surprisingly nourishing! SISC continues to be a source of deep friendship, support and healing for many women across the city. Watch the sisterhood email list for the zoom link or email:

Singing In Sacred Circle is a wonderful opportunity to share voice and spirit through song. While learning short, repetitive women-centered and earth-based songs/chants from a wide variety of traditions, all voices create an energy that is both empowering and healing. This opportunity is intended to allow women, regardless of singing experience, to share their voices in a noncompetitive, virtual safe space.

Shelley Graff, the facilitator, is a longtime teacher/healer/singer/songwriter who believes her sacred journey is guiding her to share the Singing In Sacred Circle experience with other women.

8/3/2020.

Les Tacy, music director, is featuring a UU hymn each week. After a short story about the background of the hymn, Les plays and sings the hymn. We invite you to sing along, listen, and meditate.

For the current hymn, look for the “UU Hymn of the Week” entry on the Heritage UU Church homepage. For past hymns of the week, visit Les Tacy on YouTube by searching “Les Tacy UU Hymn of the Week”, or by requesting a list from Les at:

If you have a favorite hymn you would like to hear, email Les and he will schedule your hymn for a future week. You can email Les at:

You’ve heard about Midweek Mindfulness. Maybe now is the time to recommit to this powerful, transformative, very easy and quick spiritual practice. Set a recurring reminder on your phone for 12:30 each Wednesday. Then join others in the Heritage community (and literally around the world) in five minutes – just five minutes – of mindfulness. Take a break, right in the middle of your busy and stressful week, from 12:30-12:35 p.m. each Wednesday, to breathe. To rest. To meditate. To be. Stop and smell the roses. Look at the clouds passing overhead, or a flower in the grass (or on your desk). And know, as you are doing it, that many others are doing the same. Join them in mindfulness and spiritual connection.

August 2018.