Rev. Bill Gupton.
We all know what it is like to feel disconnected – from what’s going on in our world, or at work; from community and loved ones. As the holidays approach, as we “plug in” the lights on our Christmas tree in the Heritage sanctuary and perhaps at home, let’s talk about how we can become more “plugged in” to those around us, and to the Source of Life and Light itself. Our Youth Choir will help warm our hearts this cold winter morning.
Worship Associate: Suzanne Horton.
2018.
Bill Lyon
Bill Lyon.
As members of a faith community and of the world-at-large, we share gifts of time, talent and treasure. Bill Lyon will explore the spiritual sources (especially for UUs) of this generosity. We will also consider how we can leave a lasting legacy to the causes and organizations most dear to us. Today we will also enjoy music from our choir.
Worship Associate: Roger Miller.
2018.
Tracey DuEst
Tracey DuEst.
“As a Unitarian Universalist I affirm and promote the Seven Principles, which I hold as strong values and ways of being in the world. Yet, is there an unstated component embedded in these principles that could help us all be more effective at spreading the message of love that is at the core of our faith?” Heritage Church member Tracey DuEst takes us on her journey from her prison of perfectionism to self-love and liberation.
Worship Associate: Lou Kerr.
2018.
Rev. Bill Gupton.
Each year, on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we gather in grateful community to give thanks for the many blessings that fill our lives. Today we will share in a bread communion, enjoy intergenerational thanksgiving, sing songs, receive the gift of song from our beloved Choir, and more. See you at church for our annual “Thanksgiving Sunday.” (Oh, and please bring a dish to share and plan to stick around after the service for our harvest potluck lunch!)
Worship Associate: Suzanne Horton.
2018.
Lou Kerr
Lou Kerr.
One hundred years ago this November 11, the guns fell silent as fighting ended on the Western Front of World War One. This morning, Heritage Church member Lou Kerr will share both an historical and personal reflection of those we honor this Remembrance Day.
Worship Associate: Regina Pugh.
2018.
Rev. Bill Gupton.
In our annual All Souls Sunday service, we honor those loved ones who have passed from this life in the previous twelve months. If there is someone you wish to have lifted up in our service of remembrance this morning, please send an email to Rev. Bill Gupton including their name (as you would like to see it printed in the program), their birth and death years if you know them, and a digital photo of them for display if you have one. You are also invited to bring a small picture of a departed loved one to place on one of the altars that will be set up around the sanctuary. Our Choir will offer us special music this morning.
Today is the first morning of Standard Time. We hope that you were able to enjoy an extra hour’s sleep as your clocks “fell back” last night. Otherwise, at least you’ll get to church on time!
Worship Associate: Suzanne Horton.
2018.
Rev. Bill Gupton.
Our nation is at a critical juncture in its history. Two years ago, a shocking election signaled a seismic shift in America’s priorities. As a result of that watershed event, many of the principles Unitarian Universalists hold dear have come under unprecedented assault. Some are left wondering what our country has become. And what will it become? This current election has the power to either cement our cultural shift in a direction that is directly contrary to UU values – or turn the tide, as we turn away from hatred, division, xenophobia, misogyny… the list goes on. History will judge us by what happens in the next 10 days. This is our Rubicon moment.
Worship Associate: Teresa Robinson.
2018.
Part of Edmund Hill Green Burial Ground in Glastonbury, UK.
Rev. Bill Gupton.
It has been nearly two years since our church Board created a new aspect of our congregational ministry to the world: Heritage Acres Memorial Sanctuary. Today our Senior Minister (and President of Heritage Acres), Rev. Bill Gupton, will update us on progress toward our goal of creating the Cincinnati area’s very first natural (“green”) burial sanctuary, where we can donate our bodies – to nature. His message will be supported by beautiful music from our church Choir. If the idea of “green burial” is new to you, this is the service to come to. If you’re already well-informed about the subject, or maybe even one of Heritage Acres’ founding members, this morning is the day to learn the latest about our project. You might even leave today with some new bling!
Worship Associate: Suzanne Horton.
2018.
“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens . . . .”
Rev. Bill Gupton.
To turn on the news is to become discouraged. Though we fight for our beliefs and values, it too often feels as if we are making little headway. To renew our energies and lift our spirits, we can call on the things in our lives that make us happy. Rev. Bill will share a few of those, from his life, with us today. We will also enjoy music from some of our teenagers, and a special story from Feriel Feldman.
Worship Associate: Jenn Hester.
2018.
Jim Scott, UU Musician
Jim Scott.
This Sunday we welcome touring Unitarian Universalist musician Jim Scott to lead our service with a very special musical worship. This celebration of our planet features Jim’s original songs and readings, as well as his personal reflections on the idea that Mother Earth (“Gaia”) is one, single, living organism. Our spiritual response to this belief is very timely in these days when, as Jim says, “the spirit of life on Earth is in crisis.” Jim’s uplifting songs provide a wakeup call, leaving us with the inspiration to take the planet’s healing into our hands. Our own Heritage Church Choir will have the honor of singing with Jim (and for us) today.
Jim Scott is world-renowned for his work with the Paul Winter Consort, where he was co-composer of their celebrated “Missa Gaia (Earth Mass).” He has long been an activist for peace and the planet, is former co-chair of the UU Ministry for the Earth, wrote “The Earth and Spirit Songbook,” and helped to create the UUA’s Green Sanctuary program (of which Heritage is a proud participant).
Worship Associate: Bill Gupton.
2018.
