This service centers around the darkest time of the year that comes before the return of light. Wy'east congregants will share poetry, words, and music with the hopes of a heartfelt connection around this time of reflection and renewal. Service led by various Wy’east Members and Friends.
Some years ago the final installment of Francis Ford Coppola’s Godfather trilogy arrived at movie theaters. It was a “hit”—pun intended, given its famous depictions of gangland murder. This film about a strong (crime) family was released near Christmas, at a time of year when families gather. It shows us one way for a family to use its strength. But what are some other ways in which families, including church families, can be strong? Rev. Craig Moro will ask us to ponder this question together
Our children will once again be presenting the Winter Pageant, which features them in adorable costumes acting out the solstice stories of eight different religious traditions. This Wy’east creation celebrates how we all find meaning in the darkness of winter, no matter which stories are told and which holidays we observe. This pageant coordinated by Anders Liljeholm and other religious educators.
“Shibboleths” are catch-words we use to help us determine who is "one of us" and who is not. How are shibboleths used today, and what do they really mean? This sermon will pay special attention to the religious challenge of the Other—perhaps the definitive problem of our times. Let's see what the story of Jephthah’s Daughter teaches us about how to meet this challenge. (We may also see an extraordinary dance by an extraordinary dancer!) Service by Rev. Craig Moro.
Each autumn, we pause to give thanks for the food we gather from the earth. In this service, we’ll hear stories from four of our members about a loaf of bread, how the bread connects to their personal history, and the meaning it holds for them. This is an intergenerational service and our children and youth have a contribution to this service as well. During our abbreviated social hour we will share the bread.
Surprise! According to the Bible the first hymn was not sung in praise of God. Rather, it was in praise of human connection, body to body, like so many songs that we sing today. Was it just a silly little song—popular now but soon to be forgotten—or something more profound, a real “keeper”? Come and decide for yourself! Service led by Rev. Craig Moro.
The second week of November is Transgender Awareness Week. In this service led by Wy'east Members and Friends we will work to develop our literacy of transgenderness and explore what it means to practice radical welcome and renew our commitment to be a Welcoming Congregation.
/files/20191104MOROBRIDGES.mp3An angry delegation of UU’s once told me that I had better throw certain other members out of the church I was serving, or risk getting tossed myself. They weren't kidding. But what could I do? And what were those "certain other members" doing that made some folks so angry? Find out this Sunday. Service led by Rev. Craig Moro.
We know that young people are resilient, dedicated and passionate. Let’s dive into the power of youth, the value of their vote, and how they are shaping our world. Isabela Villarreal serves as the Youth Leadership Coordinator at Next Up, a local nonprofit that amplifies the diverse voices of young people for a more accessible and equitable Oregon.
This service is the second in our Social Justice Speaker Series this church year and will feature a Special Collection for Next Up. Learn more about this organization at www.nextuporegon.org
A few years back, four Connecticut police officers were arrested by the FBI for repeatedly violating the civil rights of members of a local immigrant community. Most of us are descendants of immigrants from other lands. So how can some of us decide that newcomers today are no longer welcome? Service led by Rev. Craig Moro.