2010 Sunday Services

JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC

January

2010 January 03
"When I Grow Up I Want to Be.."

This week's service will be a congregation participation service where all are invited to share their hopes, plans, and resolutions for the new year. We will share the ways we would like to grow in two important ways – as individuals and in community at church

Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 January 10
Chimamanda Adichie (video)
"The Danger of a Single Story"


Our lives and cultures are composed of many overlapping stories, but too often our hopes and fears (and what we believe about "others") are based on a single story. This poses a risk of critical misunderstanding. Ms. Adichie is a Nigerian novelist and story-teller whose way with words is at once hilarious, crystal clear, and grounded in trusting innocence. Since she is traveling, she can not join us in person. We will be seeing and hearing her on Mountain Light's "big screen".

(Service Leader: Gary Kaupman)

2010 January 17
Rev. Scott Dillard
"Compassionate Communication"


Dr. Dillard's sermon reflects on and outlines Marshall Rosenberg's concept of nonviolent communication. As we settle into the new year, it is a good time to reflect on the way we treat one another, interact with one another, and come together as a community. Nonviolent Communication is one of the ways in which we might make the world a more harmonious place to live.

2010 January 24
Dr. David Center
"The World According to Goswami, Part 2"


What are the implications for how we view the nature of reality? Amit Goswami, emeritus professor of physics at the University of Oregon, offers some thoughts on this question. According to the interpretation of Goswami, Consciousness is the ground of all being, and matter exists only as a possibility within consciousness; or, as some might say, God is all that is.

David will discuss Goswami's interpretation of quantum mechanics as it relates to our understanding of the soul, immortality, karma, and reincarnation. A very brief review of David's previous service (Goswami, Part One) will be included. A more detailed presentation of Part One can be found on the Religion page of David's own website at www.davidcenter.com.

(Service Leader: Shirley Center)

2010 January 31
Rev. Heather Collins
"EvolUUtion"


We all know that there are UUs in other parts of the world. We are not purely U.S. American or North American. In honor of "Evolution Sunday" in early February in which Christian congregations across the nation will be attempting to reconcile the idea of "evolution" to Biblical perceptions, let us reconcile our place in the world both now and in the beginning when the ideas of our movement were new and radical.

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February

2010 February 07
Chimananda Adichie (video)
"The Danger of a Single Story"


Since Sunday, January 10, was a snowy day and attendance at the presentation of The Danger of a Single Story was sparse, Gary Kaupman has agreed to do a repeat performance of the video. Chimananda Adichie, a Nigerian novelist and story-teller, addresses the risks inherent in basing one's beliefs and opinions on a "single story". The hardy souls who did make it to church on that snowy Sunday enjoyed the video, and it prompted good discussion.

Service Leader: Gary Kaupman. Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 February 14, Valentines Day
Rev. Dr. Edward Frost
"What's Love Got to do With It?"


How could I not speak about love? Easily, actually. There are a multitude of options. Speaking about love is for very young preachers or poets who speak of it at their own peril. Nevertheless, I will delve into it, just to see what love has to do with… well, anything.

Service Leader: Kathy Romanick; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 February 21
Rev. Dr. Harold Doster
"Brotherhood/Sisterhood – Ambassadors of Reconciliation"


How does one achieve reconciliation? What do we envision reconciliation to be? When have we experienced reconciliation? The first question implies both an issue and a method; the second a vision and a purpose; the third a definition and an outcome. Think through these questions and you will be way ahead of me by the time we get to MLUUC's "Message" and the "Discussion" this coming Sunday.

As you come to answers in your own mind, consider the origin of these answers. Is the how addressed from yours or another's perspective on conflict? Is the what more a product of your faith or of your reason? Is the when derived from your observation of others or your own personal experience? Sunday, as we take a comprehensive look at reconciliation, the who, how, what, and when will hopefully be understandable and realizable as we consider the Where and the Why.

Service Leader: Carol Johnson; Music: standard

2010 February 28
James E. Walker
"The Wilderness Within"


Is the wilderness more spiritual than civilization? Were man and woman closer to God before or after they ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil? These are hard questions not amenable to clear answers, but poetry may offer some insights.

Service Leader: Geri Zimmerman; Music: standard

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March

2010 March 07
Dr. David Center
"The Nature of Evil"


The Nature of Evil is an exploration of the implications of panentheism first articulated in 1828 by the German philosopher Karl Krause. Panentheism views God as the eternal animating force behind the universe, while the universe is nothing more than a manifest part of God. Those familiar with the services of Goswami's Quantum Philosophy will probably recognize that the two philosophies are parallel. Both philosophies take as their basic premise the primacy of consciousness as do those of several other contemporary writers such as Franklin Merrell-Wolf, Lynnne McTaggart, and Robert Lanza. This Sunday's service can be viewed as an extension of my two previous services based on Goswami, but it is not directly derived from his work. The starting point for the discussion will be the proposition that evil arises from a deficit of empathy; and, thus, evil is not an absolute but rather a relative concept describing human actions in the material world.

Service Leader: Geraldine Barker; Music: standard

2010 March 14
Myra Kibler
"Where Is Your Home?"


As a child of migrants, that question has always thrown me into turmoil. Where am I from? Where is my home? Is home the place I was born? Or where my family now resides? (All over). Is home even a relevant concept in the 21st century when family structures are more various and when people are so mobile? Is there a place that you feel is home? What makes it home for you? There will be time for sharing in this service.

Service Leader: Geraldine Barker: Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 March 21
Rev. Heather Collins
"Ostara Meets Buddha"


Rev. Collins wonders: "Am I too late to talk about yesterday? The Vernal Equinox is a big day for Wiccans (and other Earth-Centered folks) and Buddhists alike, though for different reasons since each group has a different focus. The Vernal Equinox also dictates the dates when Passover and Easter are observed. It's a big day, as I said, and I find myself imagining what it might be like if the representatives of these faith systems were to meet and share a meal. What do you imagine? I hope to see you at MLUUC on March 21, the day after the Vernal Equinox."

Service Leader: Shirley Center; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 March 28
Rev. Dr. Edward Frost
"The Primary Principle"


We gather to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person. That is the First Principle of the seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism. Those seven principles are just that, principles, guidelines. They are not a creed. However, it is my firm belief that this first principle is a powerful theological statement affirming, as it does, that human beings are not born in sin, needing to be saved, but are born of infinite worth. If anything sets our religion apart, it is this statement.

Service Leader: Carol Johnson; Music: Richard Wilosn (piano)

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April

2010 April 04
Rev. Scott Dillard
"Flower Communion Service"


Please bring a flower for this Flower Communion. Mountain Light will celebrate its traditional Flower Communion under the direction of Dr. Scott Dillard. The Flower Communion Service was introduced to the Unitarian Church in Czechoslovakia in 1923 and brought to the United States during WWII in 1940. Traditionally, each person attending the Service brings a flower to church from their own garden, a field, or roadside. All flowers are put into a common vase and become an integral part of the Service. The significance of the flowers is that every one, flowers and people, are different and each has a contribution to make. As Service participants leave the church, they each take home a flower brought by someone else – thus, symbolizing the congregation's shared celebration of community.

Service Leader: Kathy Romanick; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 April 11
Karen Armstrong (video)
"Compassion"


Gary Kaupman presents a video of Karen Armstrong speaking on her Charter for Compassion which aims to bring the Golden Rule back into global focus. Karen is an original thinker on the role of religion in the modern world and is actively working with other religious leaders crafting the Charter of Compassion with the aim of promoting peace.

Service Leader: Gary Kaupman; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 April 18
Rev. Terry Davis
"A Green Mind and a Heart for Justice"


"Environmentalism is all of America and all of its problems," wrote Earth Day Founder, Gaylord Nelson. While environmentalism is about protecting our wildlife and natural resources, environmental justice recognizes that degradation of the planet disproportionately harms those who are poor and marginalized. As we approach the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Terry will explore what it means to live out our Seventh Principle in a way that calls us to have a green mind and a passion for justice.

2010 April 25
Myra Kibler
"Mediation"


Four Mountain Light members attended a three-part workshop on mediation for church based conflict with a view to forming a mediation service for member churches in north Georgia. We will share some of the insights we gained and do a bit of role playing to exhibit what we learned.

Service Leader: Myra Kibler; Music: standard

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May

2010 May 02
Tuly Fodo
"Piercing the Veil, Life Beyond God"


We are eternal souls who are experiencing the world of duality, polar opposites, love-hate, right-wrong, good-evil during our Earthly journey. Why would God, consciousness, and we create such an experience? What can we retrieve from it on the soul level? Are we here to experience separation in order to make our journey to wholeness and join the Greater Consciousness? Earth was created energetically with equal amounts of positive and negative charges. The question becomes: "What influences have these energies had on our life?" Take a walk with me to "Pierce the Veil" and experience how energy impacts us on the individual, family, and collective level.

Service Leader: Geraldine Barker; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 May 09
Rev. Dr. Edward Frost
"Mothers"


I have dreamlike memories of wailing sirens and of my mother lifting me from my bed and carrying me to the back of my grandmother's garden and down into the dark damp of the air-raid shelter. I don't know if it ever occurred to her that she might not make it from the house to the shelter. I know it would have been a pointless thought for her. She taught me, long before Nike was ever thought of, to "just do it".

Service Leader: Geri Zimmermann; Music: standard

2010 May 16
Dr. David Center
"Free Will and the Perfection of Consciousness"


This service will examine three views on the nature of free will and will discuss complex determinism as the most suitable view. Complex determinism is consistent with the concept of statistical determinism adopted by quantum mechanics, which underlies the panentheistic conception of reality discussed in the three previous services. Complex determinism also allows the exercise of choice necessary for the perfection of consciousness, which was identified as a principle goal in earlier services.

Service Leader: Shirley Center; Music: standard

2010 May 23
President Myra Kibler presiding
Annual Congregational Meeting


This Sunday will begin with an abbreviated service without a sermon and then move on to MLUUC's Annual Membership Meeting. Please read the article in this Newsletter entitled "Mountain Light Annual Meeting on May 23" for all the details.

2010 May 30
Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor (video)
"Stroke of Insight"


Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained and published neuroanatomist. In addition to her many academic publication credits and her 2008 bestselling memoir referenced below, Dr. Taylor was chosen as one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2008.

Service Leader: Gary Kaupman; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

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June

2010 June 06
Rev. Heather Collins
"My Heart Soars"


As you contemplate your life, are there moments when you felt so grand and glorious it seemed possible to take flight? This particular sensation of soaring, and the memories generated at such wonderful moments, will be the topic of our service on June 06. Further, I will ask this question: does what we do here on Sunday morning more augment or more diminish our ability to soar, both individually and collectively? What do you think? These are the topics I will invite you to explore with me.

Service Leader: Carol Johnson; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 June 13
Donna Waddell
"How to Be Saved Without Being Born Again"


How to be "saved" without being a Christian? What are the Christian "steps to salvation?" How does following these steps lead to salvation? What does it mean to be saved? Saved from what? If you have ever contemplated any of these questions, here is an opportunity to get answers and explore these concepts.

We live in the North Georgia Mountains where being saved is very important. Is there a way for Unitarian Universalists to find common ground with Christians who want us to be saved? Even if you have never considered this topic, please come and join in a lively discussion that is relevant to those of us living in rural Georgia.

Service Leader: Kathy Romanick; Music: standard

2010 June 20
Bill Fargo
"Memories of My Father"


Members and visitors are invited to share memories of their fathers as we recognize Father's Day this week. Think about how your relationship with your dad shaped your life and the person you are today. How has your father's wisdom influenced your life? Have there been conflicts with your father that you've had to struggle with? How do you think you are like your dad or different from him? Parents have a profound influence on us, and we will explore this at the Father's Day service.

Service Leader: David Johnson; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 June 27
Myra Kibler
"Unitarian Universalist? What's That?"


A look at where we came from, who we are now, and what challenges we face as a denomination in the next twenty years. Some ideas presented at this service come fresh from a seminar on 'The Future of the Faith' offered at the MidSouth District Annual Meeting in May.

Service Leader: Myra Kibler; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

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July

2010 July 04, Independence Day
Gary Kaupman
"The Independence Conundrum"


It's likely that folks who are Unitarian Universalists prize their independence as much or more than members of any other faith. But, there are costs related to this independence, both in our faith and how we live our lives, that deserve consideration. This is true especially if we really believe that all persons have "inherent worth and dignity", if we encourage "justice, equality, and compassion", and we really do have "respect for the interdependent web of all existence".

American flags and John Phillip Sousa music will not be served.

Service Leader: Gary Kaupman; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 July 11
Tom Blue Wolf
"Earthkeepers, One Planet, One People, One Love"


A perspective on the current "snap shot" of where we are on earth at this pivotal moment in our history. A brief look at how we arrived at this place and how and where we choose to go from here.

Service Leader: Kathy Romanick; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 July 18
Rev. Terry A. Davis
"Lions and Spiders and Bears – Oh My!"


The childhood tales we remember and cherish often shed a revealing light on our core theology and values. What clues do your favorite stories provide about your religious beliefs and life priorities?" Unitarian Universalist Minister Terry Davis revisits three beloved children's literary classics and some of their memorable characters, exploring the deeper messages that perhaps contribute to their longevity and popularity.

Service Leader: Carol Johnson; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 July 25
Jim Walker
"Rubaiyat 2"


Last year we perused the first half of Edward Fitzgerald's Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, learning that Omar believes that life is all we have, all we are likely to get, and is very short. He recommends that the best way to use this brief time allotted to us is to "Fill the cup!" The second half of the Rubaiyat begins on a decidedly nihilistic note. Can Omar break out of his grand funk? Can he kick his drinking habit and find peace of mind? Join us for the discussion.

Service Leader: Geraldine Barker; Music: standard

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August

2010 August 01
Dr. David Center
"Spiritual Practice and the Perfection of Consciousness"


This presentation continues the thread spun through the previous four talks. The focus of this talk will be on the importance of developing a spiritual practice for anyone who wishes to work toward the perfection of his or her consciousness. The importance of personal ideals, four traditional approaches to spiritual practice and the defining characteristics of a spiritual approach to life will be covered.

Service Leader: Myra Kibler; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 August 08
Rev. Dr. Edward Frost
"Be Careful What You Worship"


Theologian Henry Nelson Wieman asked, "What operates in human life with such character and power that it will transform us as we cannot transform ourselves, to save us from the depths of evil, and endow us with the greatest good, provided that we give ourselves over to it with whatever completeness of self-giving is possible." Which is to ask, "To what shall we shape our worship?" Worship? UUs?

Well, Joy to the World in spite of it all, and to you, friends, in particular.

Service Leader: Carol Johnson; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 August 15
Bill Fargo
"Change"


The Korean Zen Master, Seung Sanh, once said "change, change, change, everything changes." The Buddha taught that there is nothing substantial and everything is impermanent. As we age we get in touch with this idea of insubstantiality and realize that time is short. This is not a negative message, it's just fact. What we do with our brief stay here is the difference in meaning and the lack thereof. How do we deal with old age, sickness, and death? How can we deal with our fragility and make something good out of our short stay? We'll explore this question within the framework of empathy and compassion and look at how our minds are the creative power behind the short life we live.

Service Leader: Kathy Romanick; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 August 22
Rev. Scott Dillard
"The Spiritual Practice of Forgiveness"


Bryant H. McGill writes that "There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love." Forgiveness may be one of the most difficult of all spiritual practices to master. It requires of the practitioner a benevolent heart and a clarity of purpose that is not easy to attain. However, without forgiveness there can be no progress toward growth in relationships with others or even with the self. Let us contemplate the nature of forgiveness and some of the spiritual benefits that may be attained by engaging in this most sacred practice.

Service Leader: David Johnson; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 August 29
Thomas L. Are
"Better Understanding of Our Muslim Neighbors"


I believe that the twenty-first century will be defined by better understanding between the Christian west and the Muslim east, or we may well be facing a hundred years of war… a war which we will not win. Our relationship with Islam is strained, and our understanding needs buttressing. I also have a special interest in justice for the Palestinians.

Service Leader: Myra Kibler; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

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September

2010 September 05
David Center, Bill Fargo, Peg Griffith, David Johnson, and Jim Walker
"Poetry Readings and Discussions"


Introduction by Myra Kibler. Poetry is a special kind of language used to express what prose can not. Poetry heightens, expands, deepens, and resonates meaning. No wonder then, that it is used for expression of love, wit, and religious experience. In this service, we will share poetry that individuals in the congregation have written themselves or have found meaningful, moving, entertaining, or expressive of some thought or feeling of their own. Poetry, above all other language, is best when spoken and heard. During this service, we will share the experience of some chosen poems.

Service Leader: Carol Johnson; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 September 12
Rev. Heather Collins
"Be Like Water"


Welcoming new members, Ingathering, and Water Ceremony. On September 12 we will join in our annual Ingathering Service that we call The Mingling of Waters. We will use much of our time during the service sharing our stories of the adventures and journeys we have taken over the past year. Perhaps you have gathered water from some of the places you visited, but, if not, you are encouraged to share symbolically. My homily this year is based on chapter 8 of the Tao-te ching in which the qualities of water are praised, and we humans are encouraged by Lao Tze to adopt similar attributes. What attributes, may you wonder? Come and find out, welcome the new church year, and celebrate new members of the MLUUC community. Let us be like water together.

Service Leader: Myra Kibler; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 September 19
William Fargo
"A Wave, A Smile, and A Tip of the Hat"


We humans tend to see things in a big way, but the small stuff is so important. I'm speaking specifically about acts of kindness and concern. How many of us have been the recipients of a small action of compassion and had a better day because of it? Perhaps someone said a kind word or asked about our welfare, and you knew they really wanted to know. Maybe someone brought you a cup of coffee or sent a card or said Happy Birthday to you, and you were beside yourself with glee. Secretly, you wondered how in the world they remember these birthdays, but you were gleeful nonetheless.

Who are these compassionate folks, and from where do they come? How did they develop their altruistic nature and become gentle, caring fellow humans? We will explore these and other questions related to this topic this Sunday.

Service Leader: Kathy Romanick; Music: standard

2010 September 26,
Gary Kaupman
"Is Same-Sex Marriage a Spiritual Issue?"


Is Same-Sex Marriage a Spiritual Issue? It is for some. For others, it is not so much. We will take a look at both sides, and then get to what Gary sees as richer spiritual issues related to same-sex gender relationships and what non-gay folks may be able to learn from them.

Service Leader: Gary Kaupman; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

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October

2010 October 03
Geraldine Barker
"Mountain Light Memories"


A narrative and slide show of Mountain Light UUC pictures, fliers, and news clips from our early history through 2009. We have moved from a nomad existence to rented space courtesy of the Catholic Church, to a former clubhouse and catfish restaurant, to our present location at GAHA. Pictures say thousands of words, will bring back memories of those who were there "back then" and enlighten and edify those who have joined us more recently.

Service Leader: Shirley Center; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 October 10
Rev. Dr. Edward Frost
"Playing With The Italians"


Graham Greene wrote in The Power and the Glory, "For every child there is a moment when a door opens, letting in the future." My moment came years and years ago when I had the temerity to defy my father's explicit order not to play with the Italians. I, and other children were playing winter games – sliding down the hill in the park across the street and perched on the shoulders of Italian prisoners of war. My father's stance was that they were the enemy, and we were to stay clear of them. My "moment" was the revelation that they were ordinary human beings, far from home, enjoying the companionship of children. And so I continued to play with the Italians, learning in the process to appreciate the essential humanness of "the foreigner in our country."

(Editor's note): In 2005, Dr. Frost's sermon, Playing With The Italians, was winner of the Richard Borden and Paul Holton Award for excellence in Unitarian Universalist sermon writing. "Award recipients effectively described ways in which Unitarian Universalists can apply the UU principles to better our world, country, communities, and the lives of family, friends, and others. Special consideration was given to sermons which demonstrated how UUs, individually or collectively, can take leadership roles in these efforts, and successful submissions focused on turning hope and good intentions into practical action, with the goal of making UU principles come alive to solve problems and move our world to a better place."

Service Leader: David Johnson; Music: standard

2010 October 17
Terry Woehr
"Changing Lives One Step At A Time: Commitment, Honesty, Trust, Faith, Hope"


I will offer a glimpse into the sadness, the struggles, and the triumphs of young people I meet at my job at the Willow Creek Life Skills Center. The juveniles' search for the most basic of human needs is never-ending as drugs become their salvation as well as their worst nightmare. With the elements of unconditional love and support missing from their lives, we see how this fractured existence circumvents the ability to see spirituality as a way to strengthen their foundation for a life of joy, hope, and celebration. We will explore their use of chemicals to escape from the hell they know as their lives.

Service Leader: Carol Johnson: Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 October 24
Rev. Terry A. Davis
"Skyline Drive, Grandma's Blue Galaxie, and Other Fall Rituals"


Terry Davis explores the power of rituals and their importance in shaping our identity. "My memories of fall include an annual drive through the Shenandoah National Forest with my family – usually piled into Grandma Gosnell's four-door Ford Galaxie with my father at the wheel and cold fried chicken in the trunk. Little did we know we were creating a powerful ritual of memory and meaning that informed who we were and what we valued. What roles do rituals play in our everyday lives? As Unitarian Universalists?"

Service Leader: Carol Johnson: Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 October 31
Dr. David Center
"The Role of Belief in the Perfection of Consciousness"


This is the sixth presentation in a loosely linked sequence of presentations (earlier pieces can be found at the bottom of the Religion page on www.davidcenter.com). The presentation will begin with a clarification of the phrase "perfection of consciousness." This will be followed by a discussion of the structure of belief systems, the power of beliefs, and how they affect our emotions and behaviors. The presentation will cover the role of rational thought in the modification of dysfunctional beliefs and improvements in emotional and behavioral functioning. The discussion will also address the importance of developing one's social perspective taking ability and its relation to the expansion of empathy, which reduces egotism and increases selflessness. One's belief system is the key to spiritual development and should be a major focus in personal efforts to perfect consciousness.

Service Leader: David Johnson: Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

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November

2010 November 07
Rev. Dr. Edward Frost
"Five Human Wounds"


It didn't come from the heavens. It didn't come from the clock radio. And I doubt very much if it was the voice of God (who is heard only infrequently by certain especially favored evangelical preachers). But, believe it or not, awhile ago I heard a voice. And the voice said, "There are five human wounds, the first of which is birth."

Service Leader: Kathy Romanick; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 November 14
Donna Waddell
"Is There Life After Death? A Definitive Answer"


It may seem presumptuous to say Donna Waddell has the definitive answer to this question. But she claims that she does! Birth and death are two experiences every human being will share. Examining our beliefs about the final experience and what lies ahead will help us lead our lives more intelligently. Come, and bring your open mind!

Service Leader: Terry Woehr; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 November 21
Barbara Burnham
"Immigration as a Moral Issue"


Unitarian Universalists affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person. At the UUA General Assembly in June 2010, UUs decided that Immigration as a Moral Issue will be the denomination's study/action issue for the next four years. Barbara Burnham, Co-Chair of Racial and Ethnic Concerns at the UU Congregation of Atlanta, will discuss what is currently happening to immigrants in Georgia, and what we can do about it.

Service Leader: Myra Kibler

2010 November 28
Rev. Scott Dillard
"A Thankful Mind"


"At the time of Thanksgiving, we pause to remember those things we are thankful of in our life and those things that we want to continue to be thankful of as we move through our lives. But, how does one move through the world with a thankful mind? What mental and spiritual practices can we use to help us keep this mindset every day? This sermon seeks answers to these questions and offers some suggestions for moving forward."

Service Leader: Carol Johnson; Music: standard

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December

2010 December 05
Rev. Dr. Edward Frost
"Black Elk's Vision"


"This Sunday I will honor just one of the Indians who followed after those Pilgrims whose myth we have celebrated in song and story – the people who came to desolation and near extinction out of the unbridled greed and ignorance of whites. He stands as one of the renowned men of the people, a chief and a prophet. One who saw visions of peace and harmony – which, sadly, never came to pass. His name was Black Elk."

Service Leader: Carol Johnson; Music: standard

2010 December 12
Rev. Heather Collins
"The Turn of One's Mind"


"With the turning of the year only weeks away, I have been thinking about turning in general, of songs about turning, or the longing to "return" to some original state of being. Turning, for instance, to a state of greater wholesomeness or integrity. I find myself tempted to join in lamenting the turning of an earlier and better time or era into that which we are currently experiencing in the 21st century, a time full of woes. It is easy to focus on those things "out there" which we can not change, as opposed to that which is within each of our own hearts and minds, congregations and communities which we can and do impact."

Service Leader: Shirley Center; Music: Richard Wilson (piano)

2010 December 19
"Moravian Lovefeast"

This year, Mountain Light's Christmas service is a Moravian Lovefeast, patterned after UUCA's tradition. It will include music, readings, food, and fellowship. The Moravian Lovefeast is a service started by the earliest Christians and dedicated to Christian brotherly love (Agape). It seeks to strengthen bonds and spirit of harmony, goodwill, and congeniality, as well as to promote forgiveness of past disputes. Since food is an integral part of a Moravian Lovefeast, warm Wassail and Christmas cake will be served during the service.

Music will be provided by Mickey Gillmor, playing alto recorder and a member of Lauda Musicam and Windsong; Myra Kibler, playing soprano recorder and a member of Lauda Musicam and the Cherry Log Recorder Ensemble; and Richard Wilson, playing tenor recorder and a member of the Cherry Log Recorder Ensemble where, in addition to recorder, he plays the harpsichord. Mountain Light's musical ensemble will perform English and French carols. Richard Wilson, MLUUC pianist, will also provide traditional piano Christmas music for the service. Christmas-related readings will be by Dave Noel and Ted Woehr.

Service Leader: David Johnson; Music: Mickey Gillmor, Myra Kibler, and Richard Wilson

2010 December 26
Myra Kibler
"What Is of Value?"


After the whew! of Christmas day has been sighed, the expectations of the most significant holiday in the western calendar faced or ducked, the indulgences indulged in, let's gather our thoughts about what of it all we found of value. And not of Christmas only, but of our days in general. What are the best of them? And what might we let go without regret? Let us minister to one another in true UU fashion through our shared stories.

Service Leader: Myra Kibler