BUUF 2007 Sunday Services Archive
January
Sunday, January 7, one service at 10 am
"A Fresh Start," The Rev. Elizabeth Greene
The beginning of the new year always brings resolutions about diets,
exercise, relationships, old habits. Is this the way to make fresh
starts happen? Bruce Dowlin, service coordinator. Cees Hoefnagels,
music.
Sunday, January 14, two services at 9 and 11 am
"Racism, Classism: Who, Us?" The Rev. Elizabeth Greene
On this Martin Luther King weekend, Elizabeth will share last June's
General Assembly Responsive Resolution on Racism and Classism, and
explore how these sensitive subjects relate to us. Jo Wilsdorf, service
coordinator. Bruce Dowlin, music.
Sunday, January 21, two services
"There and Back Again," Tom von Alten
We visit the literal and metaphorical waystations of a spiritual
journey, in progress. Carol Wechselberger, service coordinator, Coston
Frederick and Charlotte Tompkins, music.
Sunday, January 28, two services at 9 and 11 am
"BOT, GA and Other Mysteries," The Rev. Elizabeth Greene
Our minister is a member of the national Unitarian Universalist
Board, and some of you may have wondered what goes on during those 3-day
meetings in Boston. Come and be enlightened! Desiree Swain and Christine
Hanzlik, service coordinators. Bruce McAllister and Charlotte Tompkins,
music.
February
Sunday, February 4 one service at 10 am
"Filling the Void," The Rev. Elizabeth L. Greene
So many of us configure our lives so that we are full all the time:
of activities, relationship, expectations. Are we trying to avoid
looking at the empty spaces honored by some religious
traditions? David Ward, service coordinator. Choir, directed by
Carrie Bastian, music.
Sunday February 11, 2007, 9 am and 11 am
"Come, Come," The Rev. Elizabeth L. Greene
One of an irregular series of "reprise"
sermons, Elizabeth will revisit a sermon about communication, community and
forgiving ourselves and others. Gail Haldeman, service coordinator. Jo Douglas,
Patti Raino, Charlotte Tompkins, music.
Sunday February 18, 2007, 9:30 am at Grove Hotel
"Affirming Faith: When Opposites Fall Away," the Rev. Alex Holt
Join UUs from around the Pacific NW District at the Grove Hotel for
the closing worship of AGM. Open to all; see article inside for details
of children and youth participation and Rev. Holt's sermon. Music from
the AGM choir, led by Carrie Bastian and accompanied by Nuralima.
(NOTE: No Service at BUUF this Sunday!)
Sunday February 25, 2007 9 am and 11 am
"And on the Seventh Day..." The Rev. Elizabeth L. Greene
Do you know that the longest of the Ten Commandments
is the one about honoring the Sabbath and keeping it holy? However we feel
about that fact, what would it be like to honor a Sabbath every week? Jay and
Carol Wechselberger, service coordinators. Amy Tompkins, McKenzie Bauer,
Charlotte Tompkins, music.
March
March 2007 Sunday Services
Sunday, March 4 ONE SERVICE AT 10 AM, POTLUCK FOLLOWING
"Reverent Doubt," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
We Unitarian Universalists are known for our questioning,
doubting, even skepticism. Is it possible to bring reverence to such attitudes?
Bruce Dowlin, service coordinator. BUUF Choir, music. (Don't forget the
One-Hour Choir!)
Sunday, March 11, 9 and 11am DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME!
"The Life and Times of Educating Our Children (Religiously)"
Jennifer Thrall-Thomas, DRE and Rev. Elizabeth Greene
Jennifer and Elizabeth will reflect on significant
developments in UU religious education, that foundationally important area so
often relegated to the "lesser spheres" inhabited by women and
children. CHILDREN'S DEDICATION—CONTACT JENNIFER IF YOU HAVE
QUESTIONS. Don Schutte, service coordinator. Nuralima, music.
Sunday, March 18, 9 am and 11 am
"The Delicate Subject of Classism," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
Unitarian Universalists tend to be more highly educated than
"average Americans" and also have a higher-than-average income. Are
there ways we can include more people in the saving message of UUism? Gail
Haldeman, service coordinator. Janelle Brown and Cees Hoefnagels, music.
Sunday, March 25, 9 am and 11 am
"Drumbeat for Darfur - Stop the Genocide, Rhonda Schaff"
UUSC Justice Sunday
Our congregation will stand together with UUSC and UU
congregations across the country to speak out against the genocide in Darfur.
The principles of Unitarian Universalism call upon us to work for justice in
the face of this devastating crisis.
Christine Hanzlik, service coordinator. Bruce Dowlin, Joe Wechselberger,
Tom von Alten music.
April
Sunday, April 1, ONE SERVICE AT 10 AM, FOLLOWED BY POTLUCK
"A Merry Heart Doeth Good Like a Medicine," Rev. Elizabeth
Greene
Elizabeth shares her take on the serious subject of humor.
SPECIAL GUEST (no joke): Mr. Jim Ogle will share his theology of giving. David
Ward, service coordinator. Michelle Coleman, Andy Pendley, Bob Wallace, music.
Sunday, April 8, 9am and 11am
"The Message of Hope," Rev. Elizabeth Greene and BUUF Choir,
directed by Carrie Bastian
Come celebrate Resurrection
and Spring! Elton Hall, service coordinator.
Sunday April 15, 9 am and 11 am
"More Than Nice," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
"Nice" is a controversial
word, causing some people to feel nauseated and others to feel warm and fuzzy.
What is it and how does it relate to spiritual matters? Gail Haldeman, service
coordinator. Coston Frederick and Bruce Dowlin, music.
Sunday, April 22, 9 am and 11 am
"Reweaving the Web, Renewing Our Commitment, and Restoring the
Balance," Sue Philley
Today's service will help us
renew our commitment to the Seventh Unitarian Universalist Principle "Respect
for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part." We will
explore ways of thinking about living beings that can help restore balance (and
perhaps mend) our endangered web. Carol and Jay Wechselberger, service
coordinators. Bob Wallace, Lance Pitman, Nuralima, and Charlotte Tompkins,
music.
Sunday, April 29, 9am and 11 am
"Bridging," Rev. Elizabeth Greene, our high school seniors,
Religious Education Director Jennifer Thrall-Thomas
Each year, we have the blessed
opportunity to hear what our high school seniors have to say to us, on the eve
of their "going forth." Christine Hanzlik, service coordinator. Sue Langley,
music.
May
Sunday, May 6, ONE SERVICE AT 10 AM
COMMITMENT SUNDAY, "Be the Beacon," Michael Durall
How might BUUF redefine the proverbial "good life" as
different from the cultural norms? What are we called to do in this place and
time, and what legacy do we leave our children? Mike calls generosity "one of
life's great privileges." Come be inspired! Bruce Dowlin, service coordinator.
BUUF Choir, directed by Carrie Bastian and accompanied by Nuralima, music.
Sunday, May 13, 9 am and 11 am
"Coming of Age," BUUF youth, Jennifer Thrall-Thomas, Rev. Elizabeth Greene
After eight months of reflecting together on theological and
ethical matters-with peers and adults-our Coming of Age youth share their faith
statements. Don Schutte, service coordinator. Charlotte Tompkins, music
Sunday, May 20, ONE SERVICE AT 10 am, ANNUAL MEETING FOLLOWING
(light lunch provided by the Board)
"Another Year!" Rev. Elizabeth Greene
Elizabeth reflects on the year just passed; Jade Duffy delivers her
Coming of Age talk; we reflect on passages of many sorts. Carol
Wechselberger, service coordinator. Cees Hoefnagels and Janelle Brown,
music.
Sunday, May 27, 9 am and 11 am
"My Path of Practice, " Wanda Jennings
Influenced by Edgar Cayce, Buddha, Richard Bach, Pollyanna, Bryan,
synchronicity, friends and family, Wanda brings a positive attitude to
life. Come learn of her spiritual path and her daily practice. Gail
Haldeman, service coordinator. Bruce Dowlin, music.
June
Sunday, June 3, ONE SERVICE AT 10 AM, POTLUCK PICNIC FOLLOWING
"Flower Communion," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
Bring a flower to share, in one of our beloved rituals. Children over nursery age participate in the service. Music, choir. David Ward, service coordinator.
Sunday, June 10; 10 AM ONLY
"What is it We UUs Rally Around?" Sharon Barlow Palm
Jay and Carol Wechselberger, service coordinators
Sunday, June 17; 10AM ONLY
"Father's Day," Roger Sherman
Christine Hanzlik, service coordinator
Sunday, June 24; 10AM ONLY
"Faith in your own Individuality" by Frank Lloyd Wright,
presentation and reflection by Dale Winke
Almost 50 years after his passing, Frank Lloyd Wright's shadow continues
to eclipse the world of architecture. Wright was an individual spirit in
the extreme. However, time and myth obscures the true nature of the
individual. Using one of Frank Lloyd Wright's "Sunday Morning Talks" to
his architectural apprentices at the Taliesin Fellowship in March 1953,
we shall see how Unitarianism informed his architecture to make the
world a better place. Jay and Carol Wechselberger, service
coordinators.
July
Sunday, July 1, 2007, 10 am
"The Love of God," E. Coston Fredericks
Coston will read a sermon that was originally presented by one of
BUUF's former ministers, J.W. Tompkins, on March 2, 1980. Christine
Hanzlik, service coordinator. Bruce Dowlin, music.
Sunday, July 8, 2007, 10 a.m.
"Finding spirituality while changing diapers," David Ward
David recounts his three-year odyssey as a stay-at-home
father, while simultaneously plunging into religion for the first time as a
Unitarian Universalist. All of this while living in the most conservative state
in the union. An interesting journey, to say the least. Gail Haldeman, service
coordinator. Susan Langley, music.
Sunday , July 15, 2007, 10 am
"Are We There Yet?" Kit Brown
On the road trip of life, there are rough patches, scenic
overlooks, tourist traps, and sometimes, a few detours that lead to a
destination you didn't expect but are glad you found.
Sunday, July 22, 2007, 10am
"Blessings and Blunders in Indian Country." Bruce and Sheryl Dowlin
Bruce and Sheryl will share their stories about working with and
developing friendships with the Dakota, Hochunk and other tribal people
in Minnesota over the last 20 years.
Carol Wechselberger, service coordinator.
Sunday, July 29, 10 a.m.
"Judging a Book by Its Cover," Don Schutte
Is it really possible to be non-judgmental? A look at how we jump to
conclusions. David Ward, service coordinator. Susan Langley, music.
August
August 5, 2007, 10 am
"Taking it to the Next Level: Transformation, Growth and the Stages of Consciousness," Lynne Tolk
How have your ideas about the world and your relation to it changed
over the years? And how might those ideas continue to evolve? Is there
any pattern to it all? Let's explore the relevance of theories of
consciousness and developmental psychology to our own lives. Bruce
Dowlin, service coordinator.
August 12, 2007, 10 am
"Our Debt to Universalists," John Harms
Listen to long-time UU John Harms speak about our UU heritage
and what we can learn from it. Bruce Dowlin, service coordinator.
August 19, 2007, 10 am
"Humanist Voices"
A dramatic reading by several members of BUUF's humanist group will
highlight the contribution of humanist thinkers in our cultural (and
religious)heritage. David Ward, service coordinator.
August 26, 2007, 10 am
"The Gospels of Judas and Mary Magdalene—What Do They Mean?" Elton Hall.
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene gives a prophetic place to Mary, and the
recently discovered Gospel of Judas provides a radically different view
of the alleged betrayal of Jesus. What did these texts mean for early
Christians? Do they have a spiritual message for us today? Gail
Haldeman, service coordinator. Susan Langley, music.
September
September 2, 2007, 10 am
"Choices That Matter - UUA's General Assembly (GA) in Portland"
Several people from our Fellowship journeyed to Portland in June to take
part in GA, making choices that matter, living the democratic process,
attending workshops and plenary sessions. Come hear all about it.
Carol and Jay Wechselberger, service coordinators.
September 9, one service at 10 am, potluck following
"Traveling Souls," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
On this first Sunday of the program year—the year in which
Elizabeth takes a sabbatical starting in January—she will muse
about souls' care, whether traveling afar or at home. David Ward,
service coordinator. Janelle Brown, Cees Hoefnagels and Charlotte
Tompkins, music.
September 16, 9am & 11 am
"The Seasons' Turnings," Rev. Margaret Keip and Rev. Elizabeth Greene
Margaret Keip, a dear and valued colleague of Elizabeth's, will be
"our" minister one weekend a month while Elizabeth is on sabbatical.
She and Elizabeth will share a sermon about ministry, relationships,
traveling and staying at home. Bruce Dowlin, service coordinator. Susan
Langley, music.
September 23, 9 am & 11 am
"The Mindful Journey," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
Every so often, Elizabeth feels moved to remind herself and
the congregation of that basic spiritual practice, mindfulness. This service
will include some mindful practices, so come prepared for a little
interactivity! Carol and Jay Wechselberger, service coordinators. Charlotte
Tompkins, music.
September 30, 9 am & 11 am
"Boston Bound and Back," Boston trip participants, including youth, parents, chaperones and minister
Our junior high biennial summer "pilgrimage" to Boston always yields
insight and fascinating anecdotes. Come hear how our youth, parents and
minister got from this enriching experience. Gail Haldeman, service
coordinator. Amy Tompkins, McKenzie Bauer, Cees Hoefnagels, music.
October
October 7, 2007 One service at 10 am
"Using the Seven Principles on the Journey," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
A reminder of how our principles, often seeming very abstract, can
find themselves embodied in the passions and events of real life. David
Ward, service coordinator. Eric Wallace and Charlotte Tompkins, music.
(There will be a fire drill conducted during the service.
October 14, 2007 9 &11 am
"Collaboration on One of Life's Essential Tasks," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
What does the Congregational Care Team (formerly known as Pastoral
Care Team) do, anyhow? What's the balance between giving and receiving?
Mary Osterman, service coordinator. Bruce McAllister, Mary Schwartzman,
music.
October 21, 9 am & 11 am
"The Divine Feminine in Buddhist Practice"—Tony DeAngelis
"Like the other great world axial religions, Buddhism has been
dominated by patriarchal belief structures. This talk will examine why
the study of the Divine Feminine in Buddhist practice is essential for a
deeper understanding of Buddhist practice. We will attempt to unite the
head of Buddhist practice with its heart." Carol and Jay Wechselberger,
service coordinators. Jo Douglas and Patti Raino, music.
October 28, 2007 9 &11 am
"Life After Epiphany," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
There's the old saying, "After enlightenment, the laundry." Does it
have any relevance to Unitarian Universalists, we who don't think much
about enlightenment? Gail Haldeman, service coordinator. Bruce Dowlin,
music.
November
Nov. 4, One service at 10 am, followed by Potluck
"Framing Our Cultural History," Drew Dellinger
Drew is a storyteller, musician and engaging interpreter of
culture. After attending his Saturday workshop, we will want to hear more in
this Sunday service. Bruce Dowlin, service coordinator. Choir, directed by
Carrie Bastian and accompanied by Susan Langley, music.
Nov. 11, 9am & 11am
"Comrades in Arms," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
In this time of our country's involvement in yet another
"little" war, Elizabeth will celebrate Veteran's Day by reflecting on what it
means to be comrades to one another. David Ward, service coordinator. Susan
Langley, music.
Nov. 18, 2007, 9am & 11am
"Deep and Abiding Connections" Partner Church Committee and Rev. Elizabeth Greene
An exploration of the challenges and rewards of partnership between
the BUUF and the Unitarian Congregation in Mészkõ, Transylvania. Come
learn how a journey to our partner village transforms the traveler. Jay
and Carol Wechselberger, service coordinator. Charlotte Tompkins and Bob
Wallace, music.
Nov. 25, 2007, 9 am & 11 am
"The Jesus Seminar: The Search for the Historical Jesus," Steve Scanlin.
He is a local attorney, member of the Veterans for Peace and a recent
participant (along with two members of our congregation) in the Jesus
Seminar in Oregon. He is also the Moderator of the Central Pacific
Conference of the United Church of Christ. Bruce Dowlin, service
coordinator.
December
Sunday, December 2, one service 10am, followed by potluck
"Deck the Halls," Children's Religious Education classes, assisted by teachers and adult volunteers
This year the theme of the festive annual intergenerational
service is "A Season of Lights." Come prepared to enjoy our children and youth
share their thoughts and voices. David Ward, service coordinator. Cees Hoefnagels, music.
Sunday, December 9, 9 and 11am
"Sabbatical Time," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
Our minister, Elizabeth Greene, will begin a six-month
sabbatical on January 14, 2008. This morning, she will speak of what an
"extended Sabbath" means, and tell us of her plans. Mark Zimmerman, service
coordinator. Amy Tompkins and McKenzie Bauer, music.
Sunday, December 16, 9 and 11am
"Peace, Darkness and Winter," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
As we approach the darkest night of the year, Elizabeth and
the choir will remind us that it is good to slow down, appreciate the necessary
darkness, and find the inner peace that can lead to greater harmony in the
world. Tony DeAngelis, service coordinator. Buuf Choir, music; Carrie Bastian,
director, Susan Langley, accompanist.
Friday, December 21, one service at 7 pm
"Winter Solstice Celebration," led by The Rev. Elizabeth Greene and the ever-faithful Solstice Team
This annual favorite is a reflective service celebrating light's return and
pondering what we want to leave in the darkness and what bring into the light.
About an hour long, it very appropriate for children who can sit relatively
quietly for that long. BRING HOLIDAY GOODIES FOR THE FESTIVE PARTY
AFTERWARD!
Sunday, December 23, 9 and 11 am
"The Blessed Sound of Silence," Rev. Elizabeth Greene
Elizabeth continues the tradition of a Quaker-style meeting on the Sunday
before Christmas. After a reading, chalice lighting, simple song and brief
explanation, we sit in silence for about 45 minutes, emulating the excellent
practice of our sisters and brothers in the Friends tradition. Carol and Jay
Wechselberger, service coordinators.
Monday, December 24, one service at 7 pm
Traditional Christmas Eve Service, Rev. Elizabeth Greene
Carols, traditional reading from the book of Luke plus contemporary
readings, a Christmas homily by Elizabeth—capped by the lovely tradition
of going outside, lighting candles, singing "Silent Night." Children under 10
who are comfortable behaving worshipfully are welcome to join us, as are all
children over 10 (comfortable behaving worshipfully, of course). There will a
program for children under 10 who choose not to attend the service.
Sunday, December 30, 9 and 11am
"Look Back, Look Forward," Nancy Harms
"Peace is not something you wish for it's something you make, something you
do, something you are, and something you give away."— Robert Fulghum.
David Ward, service coordinator.