Appleton (FVUUF) Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Fox Valley Wisconsin
Summary: Sermons from the Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Appleton, Wisconsin. We celebrate unity (of humanity, of all things) and we celebrate diversity. We pledge to nurture each other's search for life's meaning. In voluntary groups, we give voice to the ideas of liberal religion in the wider community. There is no dogma, no single interpretation of theology to which FVUUF members must subscribe. Yet this isn't "Religion Light." Services are a time to think and feel deeply -- aided by well-chosen words, remarkable music, and contemplation.
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- Artist: Rev. Roger Bertschausen
- Copyright: © 2008 by Roger B. Bertschausen.
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The practice of keeping the Sabbath (sometimes referred to as a "time without time") is so ancient that one might wonder whether it has any relevance at all in modern life. Is there any point in receding from the world one day every week, despite the obvious inconvenience? Who has time for a day of rest anyway? And what's so appealing about a day set aside to not do anything? In this first of a two-part sermon series on delight, join us to explore whether a regular "time out" can spark joy and gladness.
As Unitarians we believe in the inherit worth and dignity of each individual. I have been taken by the work of Donna Hicks who explores the concept of dignity. I believe that her work and recognition of how essential our own dignity is to the core of our being is important and central to how we can better relate to ourselves and others in our world. I have been recognizing the importance of dignity at end of life and in my work. We will explore her work and how we can restore dignity in our own lives and relationships.
Around forty Fellowship members ranging from 10 years old to 89 have made pilgrimages to our partner churches in Transylvania and the Philippines. For most of them, the pilgrimages have been life-changing. Several pilgrims will share about their experiences and the ways their lives have been impacted and enriched.
Around forty Fellowship members ranging from 10 years old to 89 have made pilgrimages to our partner churches in Transylvania and the Philippines. For most of them, the pilgrimages have been life-changing. Several pilgrims will share about their experiences and the ways their lives have been impacted and enriched.
All the noise of contemporary life can be overwhelming. Many of us are wired to folks we know and to an almost infinite amount of information most of the time. All of this can stifle the imagination. How can we find silence in the midst of the cacophony of sound and information?
Songs of praise for our Beloved, for Nature, and for the Divine… are often indistinguishable. Today we'll engage with the yearning expressed in Solomon's Song of Songs.
What role does hope play in mental and physical illness, health and recovery? Can hope contribute to recovery by changing physical well being? Join us to explore the science and art of holding hope, especially related to our mental health. Karen Iverson Schiller grew up in Appleton, graduated from the University of Minnesota, began her fundraising career, got married and had her son Nicholas. Just as things seemed to all be falling in to place, everything fell apart. After her diagnosis of bipolar disorder in 2004, she began a long search for hope and healing. Today, she is the Program & Development Director for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Fox Valley, mom to two beautiful boys, partner of Eric Riggers and a community and state advocate for breaking the stigma of mental illness and providing hope for recovery.
How do we balance these two?
Yearning for a better world is one of the most important ways we find motivation to do the work of social justice.
Unitarian Universalism is often appreciated for being a safe haven for questioners to wonder and explore without being boxed in by dogma. But is the point of questioning to endlessly seek? Or can non-oppressive answers be discovered?
Whenever Unitarian Universalists are asked to name their beliefs, skepticism always seems to surface as a popular answer. What is skepticism? What are its positive features? What is its shadow side?
It is important as individuals and as a congregation to step out of our comfort zone at least on occasion. Can inquiry help us do this?
As Unitarian Universalists, and friends of this beloved faith community, we have a long history of using the intellect and reason as sources that support our spiritual and religious endeavors. Additionally, we have a rich tradition of being pioneers, advocates and activists for many social justice causes. We will explore our sources of inquiry that inform our Unitarian Universalist faith. Will you join me by being ready to briefly share the sources of inquiry you utilize to inform your faith practice? Specifically, what sources of inquiry inform your community building and social justice activities in the world and what are your aspirations to enhance this critical part of growing our "living tradition?" The Reverend Chris Long graduated from Starr King School for the Ministry (where he was classmates with Leah!) and was ordained by the First Unitarian Church of Oakland. He makes his home in Madison, WI, where he does his work in the community to build sustainable inclusive relationships through individual, organizational and leadership development consultant training.
The New York Times bestseller "The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible" chronicles popular author A.J. Jacobs' exploration of what it means--and the effort it takes--to live a life of devotion. Predictably, experiences of tragedy, hilarity and poignancy ensue. What can his story tell us about devotion in our own lives?
Last year I did sermons on Love's Comings and Love's Goings. I received a lot of requests for a sermon on Love's Stayings--on how to keep love present in long-term relationships.
