The Board and the Finance Committee will be hosting two Town Hall Sessions to provide the congregation with an overview of our transitional ministry options and related FY25 budget implications, and to begin to collect your feedback as to our future priorities. These Town Hall sessions are aligned with the Pledge Campaign Kickoff and will provide important context as you consider your pledge level for the next fiscal year.
March 3rd, in person in the Sanctuary, after second service
Monday, March 4th at 7PM via Zoom
The Board of Trustees encourages everyone to read the March Town Hall Preread prior to the sessions on March 3th and 4th.
An in-person all-ages service led by Director of Religious Education Colleen Thoele, Affiliated Community Minister Rev. Renée Ruchotzke, Music Director Emily Hall. Reflection by Ellen McWilliams-Woods.
The work of dismantling racism and oppression is everyone’s to do. How can we work together for a better world when the systems in place are broken? How do we build a better way?
10:00 AM Lifespan Religious Exploration
Religious exploration for our children and youth in classrooms.
A multi-platform service (both in-person and on Zoom) led by Affiliated Community Minister Rev. Christie Anderson with Worship Associate Heidi Shaffer Bish.
On the fringe of Kent’s vibrant, bustling city, exists a population of chronically unhoused individuals who have been homeless for most of their adult lives. Frequently dismissed due to uninformed stereotyping, these folks have needs… but they might not be what we traditionally assume. Let us peer into the shadows to reveal a hidden world inhabited by fellow community members.
CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service.
An in-person all-ages service led by Director of Religious Exploration Colleen Thoele and Affiliated Community Minister Renée Ruchotzke with a reflection by Benny Hovancsek.
Chief Seattle of the Duwamish tribe said, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children.”. This morning we will center justice for our beloved Earth and all of her children.
10:00 AM Lifespan Religious Exploration
Religious exploration for our children and youth in classrooms.
Guiding Quote: “Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.” ― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Have you ever had a special spot somewhere in nature? Briefly describe it. What feelings did/do you have when you spend time there?
What if ― you knew in your bones ― that nature loved you back. What would be different?
10:00 – 11:15 AM Community Café
Our social hour in Hobbs Hall is open to all. Connect with others, learn about the church, find out about programs and other opportunities to connect.
A multi-platform service (both in-person and on Zoom) guest led by CLM Deb Kotte (UU Congregation of Greater Canton), Worship Associate Lori Mirkin-McGee, and Musician Brad Bolton.
During this time of transition, it may be helpful for folks to know who our official leaders are, and what areas they cover.
We have a Board of Trustees, led by Moderator Kara Kramer. The board members are our elected leaders and have been given the authority by us to make decisions about the future (with opportunities for members to give input).
We also have a Ministry Executive Team (MET) which includes our Administrator MaryBeth Hannan, our volunteer treasurer Lois Weir, and two other former board members, Diana D. Watt and Kathie Slater. The MET oversees our day-to-day operations and collaborates with our ministry teams.
Our Committee on Shared Ministry, led by Commissioned Lay Minister Lori Mirkin-McGee, helps us to live into our covenant by practicing faithful communication and gentleness with one another.
Our Worship Arts team plans the 11:00am traditional service and is led by Commissioned Lay Minister Kathy Kerns. Our Director of Religious Exploration Colleen Haines Thoele oversees the 9:15 all ages service and Sunday morning religious exploration, with assistance from Affiliated Community Minister Rev. Renée Ruchotzke.
Our parish minister serves as a member of all of the above leadership groups and provides a lot of the communication/coordination. In times when we don’t have a minister, the various groups make adjustments so that communication is maintained. Please give them all extra grace during the next several weeks as they make those adjustments.
Rev. Christie Anderson and Rev. Renée Ruchotzke are affiliated community ministers, and fill in as volunteers in partnership with–and are accountable to–the above leaders.
We are saddened to share the news that our beloved minister, Reverend Steven, died Monday evening in the hospital following an unrelated complication, after surgery. We know this is shocking news and we are all processing it and holding each other in love and care as we face this time of difficulty and uncertainty. Please take a few moments to care for yourself as you receive this news.
We have scheduled a time for members and friends to come together on Friday night at 7PM in the sanctuary for anyone who wants to be in community as we hold each other in love and grief. Music for gathering will begin at 6:45pm.
We know that news like this takes a long time to feel real. We currently have plans for ministerial coverage for the short term, but also know that your staff, Board, and ministry teams are in alignment and will be ready for the next steps when that time comes. What we do know for sure is that we are a strong and resilient community that has made it through tough times in the past.
We love you.
There is a love holding us. There is a love holding all that we love. There is a love holding all. We rest in this love.
If you are feeling the need to talk with someone for some personal pastoral care, please reach out to the church office, 330-673-4247 or [email protected] and we’ll connect you with someone.
In peace and love, Kara Kramer, Board Moderator MaryBeth, Colleen, and Emily, UUCK Staff Rev. Renee and Rev. Christie, UUCK Affliated Community Ministers
An in-person all-ages service led by Director of Religious Exploration Colleen Thoele, Affiliated Community Minister Rev. Renée Ruchotzke, and Transitional Music Director Emily Hall.
Before we can have Peace in the world, we must have Peace in our hearts. How might our kindness start with ourselves? Reflection by Kyotē Youst.
10:00 AM Lifespan Religious Exploration
Religious exploration for our children and youth in classrooms.
A multi-platform service (both in-person and on Zoom) led by Affiliated Community Minister Rev. Renée Ruchotzke, Worship Associate David Weaver, and Transitional Music Director Emily Hall.
Why are so many of us soooo tired? We’ll explore how Tricia Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry, invites us to examine how “grind culture” steals our life energy, and explore ways to take back our birthright of dreamtime.
CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service.
For those joining via Zoom, our meeting room opens 15 minutes prior to the start of the service (at 10:45 AM) for weekly announcements. We request that everyone joining the service please display your first and last name. Thank you!
On February 4, we return to two services offered at 9:15 AM and 11:00 AM in the Sanctuary. Additionally, all-ages religious exploration opportunities will be offered at 10:00 AM. Our Children and Youth will participate in their RE classes while facilitated discussions in small groups will be offered for adults in Hobbs Hall. Social hour will also be available from 10:00 -11:15 AM in Hobbs Hll. Click here to learn more about our “new” Sunday morning format.
Our services and schedule for this Sunday are below:
9:15 AM Do Unto Others. . . An in-person all-ages service led by DRE Colleen Thoele. Some are taught as children to treat others the way we’d like to be treated ourselves. What would it look like if we treated others the way that they wanted to be treated? Reflection by Josephine Brannan
10:00 AMLifespan Learning Opportunity Religious Education for our children and youth Facilitated small reflection groups for adults in Hobbs Hall using our wondering questions:
Think of a time when someone treated you in a way that was good for them, but not for you. How did it feel? How did you respond? How might you have responded differently?
Think of another time when you treated someone else in a way that was good for you, but not for them. How might you act differently in the future?
10:00 – 11:15 AM Community Café (social hour) in Hobbs Hall open to all
11:00 AM Joy and Woe are Woven Fine A multi-platform service, offered both in-person and on Zoom, led by CLM Lori Mirkin-McGee and Worship Associate Randy Bish. “Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.” –bell hooks
“This special service brings a sermon and other worship elements from our Unitarian Universalist Association staff. It asks the question, what seeds are you planting for the new year? How are you weaving your magic into your relationships with others? How can we center beauty and goodness and love in all that’s ahead?” ~Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt ,President, UUA
CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service.
A multi-platform service led by Rev. Steven Protzman.
As Rev. Steven prepares to be away for sick leave, we will have a conversation about continuing to be the community we are- a people of care, support, kindness, and inclusiveness- and we will reflect on this mystery that is life, the unexpected things that can happen, and the importance of a spiritual life that invites us to lean into the Love that holds us and will not let us go, no matter what.
CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service.
Starting on February 4, 2024 we will be piloting a new Sunday morning schedule and format that includes a return to two services, but with different formats meeting different needs.
Our “traditional” hour-long worship service format, with readings, hymns, special music, and a sermon/homily will be offered at 11:00am (late sleepers, rejoice!).
We are adding an “all ages” 45-minute service starting at 9:15am, followed at 10:00 am by a 45-minute “all ages” time for religious exploration, with children and youth in age-appropriate classes, and adults in facilitated small discussion groups in Hobbs Hall (with coffee/tea). Occasionally, we will offer opportunities for multi-generational activities during this time.
At 10:00am, we will also have our “Community Café” in Hobbs Hall, a time to meet and greet others and with other opportunities for connection.
Our nursery will be staffed during the all ages religious exploration (10:00-10:45am in the Hobbs Hall building) and the during the traditional service (11:00am-12:00pm in the church building). The nursery room in the church building will also be open during the all ages service for parents/guardians who need a quieter spot during the all ages service.
What Is The Difference Between The Two Services?
The 9:15am “all ages” service might be described as both “scruffy and wiggly.” We welcome babies and anyone who is neuro-divergent. It is shorter, followed by an opportunity for discussion and reflection. The “all ages” service is only offered in person — there is no Zoom option. It provides many opportunities for lay involvement (in leading service elements as worship host or offering a short lay reflection), several consistent ritual elements, and music that leans toward participation rather than performance. We hope that, over time, those who worship with us regularly at the early service will have a repertoire of songs, poems, and prayers that they can access “in their pocket” from memory when needed in daily life.
The 11:00am service is “multi-platform,” i.e. there is a Zoom option. It includes more varied elements, including readings and a sermon or homily. It also includes offerings from our robust music ministry, including choral pieces, special musical guests, small group ensembles, and performances by our tone chime choir.
Tell Me More About All Ages Religious Exploration
We have been using a monthly “theme-based” ministry model for worship and religious exploration for our children and youth for several years using the Soul Matters curriculum. As part of this transition to two services and adding a Sunday morning option for adults, we will be leaning more deeply into our monthly themes:
Our children and youth have already been using the Soul Matters themes and their teachers will continue to use materials and activities to compliment the monthly theme.
Adults
Religious exploration is an important part of our ministry, which often happens in small-group theological and ethical discussions on our monthly themes It is a wonderful opportunity for our members and friends to have deep, pragmatic conversations about how we can live into our Unitarian Universalist values. Trained facilitators help keep the group focused and the sharing equitable. Learn more…
A multi-platform service led by Rev. Steven Protzman and Director of Religious Education Colleen Theole.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said that “Love is the greatest force in the Universe”. As we honor the life of the Rev. Dr. King, we will reflect on his legacy of love, a love that called him to reject violence as a solution to conflict and to devote his life to justice, peace, and equality, and ask how his legacy challenges and inspires us to continue his work.
CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the Order of Service.
At 10:00am, we will also have our “Community Café” in Hobbs Hall, a time to meet and greet others and with other opportunities for connection.
