Sermon

Drum Circle #2Performed extemporaneously by the First UU Choir and other membersPermission granted

By Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman The opening words are Into the Circle, by Rev. Dr. David Breeden.We gather into this circle.We gather into this circle of careto dream,to envision,to embody and achievethe compassion we dream,the justice we envision,the dignity of eachin an ever-growingcircle of love and justice. Drum Circle #1Performed Extemporaneously Read more

Chalice Lighting: From Side With Love – Adrian Ballou The opening words are “intentions and trust”, by Amy Lloyd. Today I want to greet joyWithout a trace of suspicionI want to open my eyes to the lightWithout a blink of dreadI want to look at my pastWithout a whisper of Read more

Message by Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman Moment of Perspective – Introduction to Side With Love – AJ Fox The opening words are A Prayer of Good Intention, author unknown. Dear Lord, So far I’ve done all right.I haven’t gossiped, haven’t lost my temper,haven’t been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or overindulgent.I’m really Read more

Message by Colleen Appel and Susanne Bounds Moment of Perspective – “Take 5” (Deep Breaths) – AJ Fox The opening words are from the article “Racial Bias, Even When We Have Good Intentions,” by Sendhil Mullainathan:  “…Ugly pockets of conscious bigotry remain in this country, but most discrimination is more Read more

Homily by Rev Michelle Scott-Huffman The opening words are My High Resolve, by Howard Thurman. Keep fresh before me the moments of my high resolve. Despite the dullness and barrenness of the days that pass, if I search with due diligence, I can always find a deposit left by some Read more

The Joy that Finds Us, by Rev Elea Kemler, read by Jessica Wirges. This sermon was first delivered at First Parish Church, Groton MA. Moment of Perspective – AJ Fox – Behind the Scenes: Church Decisions, Values, and COVID-19 The opening words are Joy is Hard, by Rev Joe Cherry. Read more

Message by Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman The opening words are Still So Much Good, and Beauty, and Joy, by Rev. Gretchen Haley. Come in, all who long to knowhow to love this worldHow to keep eyes openhands unclenchedarms wideBreathing deeplyIn, and outThis is a time to practiceBecause there isstill so much Read more

Colleen Appel reads some heart wrenching messages from real homeless people in Springfield. View this video by clicking the link below. https://express.adobe.com/video/yVUsEwoyJJ9uj/embed The opening words, “Why Celebrate Christmas?” are from Robert Edward Green. Why Celebrate Christmas? To reflect upon the miraculousness of birth: For with the winter solstice, the sun Read more

The opening words are Come Into This Place, by Rev Margaret Weis. Come into this place with your whole self – the parts that are raw and exposed;the part that is beaming with joy;the part that is seeking the truth, the new, the possibility.Come into this place – open your Read more