Rev. Bill Gupton.
Once a month, Rev. Bill has a “Conversation with the Children” as part of our Sunday worship. Today, we’ll all have a conversation – with Rev. Bill, and maybe even with each other. This morning’s open-ended, un-themed service will give us a chance to share thoughts, ask questions, and explore ideas in an informal format. Consider it part town-hall, part congregational dialogue. What would you like to discuss? Let’s talk!
Worship Associates: Bob Drake and Suzanne Horton.
2019.
Rev. Bill Gupton.
Recent viral internet incidents and sensational news headlines have highlighted the inconvenient and painful truth that each of us sees the world through our own unique filters. In this time of deep division and “culture wars,” political polarization and “fake news,” it is important that we be aware of our own preconceptions and prejudices, and that we strive to look beyond them. But it is equally imperative that we not allow ourselves to be drawn into the trap of false equivalency. What’s an open-hearted, open-minded truth-seeker to do?
Worship Associate: Chris Whittaker.
2019.
Revs. Bill Gupton and Leslie Woodward.
Each year, at the end of summer, members and friends of Heritage Church bring water from locations near and dear to us – locations far and near – to pour together into a common vessel, in our annual Ingathering Water Ceremony. That water is used, throughout the year, as we dedicate babies, honor lives lost, and on other ritual occasions. This Sunday, now half a cycle around the sun since our waters were gathered in, we will consecrate them again, to wash away pain and sorrow, to cleanse our spirits, and to shift our perspective in our annual Water Blessing. Today, our hands – and our hearts – will be touched by holy water. Come experience this simple but powerful ritual of healing and grace. We will also enjoy the beautiful music of our HUUC Choir.
Worship Associates: Bob Drake and Roger Miller.
2019.
Teresa Robinson
Teresa Robinson.
Heritage Church member Teresa Robinson writes: “My talk is ‘Facing Fears.’ I will explore challenging times in my life where my spirituality felt low and my fears felt high. As time went on, I realized those were the times where my spirituality grew. My inspiration has been fueled by author Brené Brown’s research and her Ted Talks. I hope you’ll come and share in the journey, about ‘Facing Fears.’”
In addition, we’ll have wonderful music this morning from our Heritage Youth Choir.
Worship Associate: Lou Kerr.
Rev. Bill Gupton.
What are your pronouns? Do you even know what that question means? Our language – and our grammar – are changing to adapt to new understandings. Can we keep up? What’s really important here? Do journalism, literature and English degrees help – or hurt – a person adapt? An admitted member of the “Grammar Police” will answer these and other pressing questions this morning. Oh, and our Heritage House Band will have a thing or two to say as well.
Worship Associate: Teresa Robinson.
2019.
Rev. Bill Gupton.
As we begin the shortest month of the year, it is perhaps a good time (pun intended) to reflect on that most precious commodity of all: time. Our lives are busy. Our schedules are overbooked. Many of us bemoan a lack of “free time” we have in our week, and yearn for a simpler time (again, pun intended) when things didn’t feel so hectic. This Sunday morning, let’s “unplug” for 75 minutes or so, and reflect on the meaning of time. With a little help from Mary Oliver.
Worship Associate: Chris Whittaker.
2019.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rev. Leslie Woodward.
Rev. Bill Gupton.
This morning, we celebrate both the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the return of Rev. Leslie Woodward from her sabbatical. This special multi-generational service will have something for everyone: inspiring music from our Choir; Rev. Leslie’s conversation with the kids; a message of love suitable for all ages from the great MLK; and of course the warmth of community you have come to expect at Heritage Church. After the service, join us for our monthly potluck lunch (please bring a dish to share).
Worship Associate: Suzanne Horton.
(Update: This worship service was cancelled due to snow.)
2019.
Heritage UU Church Benediction: Holding hands in a circle
Rev. Bill Gupton.
Today we officially welcome our Assistant Minister for Religious Education, Rev. Leslie Woodward, back from sabbatical with a service that will recap the first half of the “church year” (or the last half of the calendar year, if that is your preference). Each January, Rev. Bill offers a “State of the Church” reflection, but this year it will be with a twist – offering Rev. Leslie (and us) thoughts on all that’s happened since last we saw her. Please plan to stay after the service for a special reception for Rev. Leslie in the Great Hall.
Worship Associate: Lou Kerr.
2019
Roger Miller
Roger Miller.
Today, January 6th, is the day on the Christian calendar set aside for the celebration of Epiphany. Holy days such as Epiphany can be as ubiquitous as Christmas, Easter, Passover, Yom Kippur, and Ramadan, or completely personal in nature. Heritage member Roger Miller will explore the historical meaning of Epiphany and other holy days in a variety of faith traditions. We will also discuss the holy days that are observed in Unitarian Universalism and how they relate to those of other faiths.
Worship Associate: Chris Whittaker.
2019.
