Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent
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228 Gougler Avenue |
Sunday Services
Services are at 9:30 am and 11:15 am.
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March Services
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March 3rd, 2010 7:00 pm Vespers |
Gratitude in the Doorway Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer will lead vespers Come join us for a vespers service designed to refresh and renew the grateful heart. |
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March 7th, 2010 |
The Enduring Wisdom of Dr. Seuss Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer, Director of Religious Education Karen Lapidus, and Worship Associate Kathy Kerns If he were still alive Theodore Geisel, more famously known as Dr. Seuss, would have been 106 years old this week. During this special service for all ages we will celebrate the wit and whimsy of Dr. Seuss and lift up the insight and inspiration contained in his work. |
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March 14th, 2010 |
UUSC Justice Sunday Vivien Sandlund and Susan and Mac Goekler will present this lay led service Justice Sunday is our annual Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's (UUSC) report of the service committee's work and membership drive. We will be presenting what the UUSC, our beloved Church, our members, and you can do for Environmental Justice. UUSC's efforts in Environmental Justice directly support our own efforts in becoming a Green Sanctuary. Our UUSC born out of humanitarian work during the Holocaust and most recently Haitian earthquake relief needs our help and we do that by becoming UUSC members. When we give money for a particular action -- all that money goes to that cause -- therefore our memberships help with logistical and staff support. Without members UUSC would not be here. The UUSC works closely with the UUA, but does not receive any funds from the UUA. |
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March 21st, 2010 |
The Challenge of Change Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Elaine Bowen Today as we mark the vernal equinox and rejoice in the changes brought by spring, we will reflect on the place of change in our lives. Even when change is welcome it can be accompanied by stress. How do we navigate the challenge of change? |
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March 28th, 2010 |
Keep an Empty Chair Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Lori McGee In many Jewish homes, there is an empty chair and place setting at the Seder table in memory of those who cannot be present to celebrate. The stories and traditions of Passover are filled with powerful themes of hospitality, remembrance and liberation. This morning we will delve into the wisdom of these important Jewish holy days. |
February Services
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February 7th, 2010 |
Inspiring Sources Congregation group members The UUA principles include the variety of sources from which we draw. This service will explore how our congregation has drawn from and benefitted from each of the various sources and will introduce the changes proposed at the UUA General Assembly. Members of some groups within the church will exemplify how they reflect those sources and bring a personal perspective of how UUism broadens our exposure to wisdom from a variety of sources. |
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February 14th, 2010 |
What Do You Know About Love? Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Dani Beale/p> It is common in Unitarian Universalist congregations (ours included) to liturgically reinterpret Valentine's Day. We look at the neurotheology of love and the music of love and the practice of loving our neighbors and more. This year we will turn our focus to the love that inspires the ubiquitous flowers and chocolate. Whether you are single or dating, divorced or widowed or married many years, I'd like to hear from you. What do you know about love? What do you know about how love changes over time? What do you know about making love last? I'd like to include some reflections from members and friends of the congregation (anonymously) in our worship service. Write to me by February 8 and I'll weave some of your words into the service. |
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February 21st, 2010 |
Music Sunday Hal Walker Join us for a service full of music from Hal, church members and friends. |
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February 28th, 2010 |
How to Help Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Marion Yeagler Lots of people these days say they are spiritual but not religious. What is the difference? I'd say one critical difference is the commitment religious people make to be a part of a gathered community. What does it mean to be a part of this gathered community? Why do we expend the effort to keep this community alive and vital? How can we ensure that the legacy of this community is one we can be proud to say we helped shape? |
January Services
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January 3rd, 2010 |
Colombia: Making the Dead Count Mark W. Weber and Worship Associate Kristofer Sperry Liberation theology provides us with the concept of "accompaniment" as a way to work with oppressed peoples. Mark explores how he came to embrace accompaniment on his recent trip to strife-torn Colombia. |
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January 10th, 2010 |
Finding Meaning in Mystical Experiences Worship Leader Christie Anderson and Worship Associate Marion Yeagler Unlike many UUs who search for life meaning through reason and evidence, some find unexpected insights following a mystical experience. This sermon examines studies of people reporting religious mystical experiences, three common theological interpretations, and the reason that UUs should pay close attention to this frequent phenomenon. |
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January 17th, 2010 |
Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday: Poverty Today The Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and Worship Associate Christie Anderson This year as we honor the memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. we will focus our attention on his work with and for poor people. How can the lessons of King's leadership inform the struggles for economic justice we face today? |
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January 24th, 2010 |
An Evolving Humanism The Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and Worship Associate Kristofer Sperry Humanism has long had an influence on the development of Unitarian, Universalist and Unitarian Universalist theology and practice. Come revisit the history of our humanist heritage and consider the ways in which humanism continues to evolve in our living tradition. |
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January 31st, 2010 |
Earth Ministry: A New Journey The Rev. Melissa Carvill Ziemer and Nancy King Smith Our congregation has chosen to begin the process of working toward certification as a green sanctuary. Come explore the foundations of a Unitarian Universalist theology of environmental justice. Come consider the ways in which this new journey has the potential to change us and our relationship to the earth. |
December Services
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December 2nd, 2009 7:00 pm Vespers |
Welcoming What Is Kathy Kerns, Worship Associate Welcoming What Is. Ah, December... time to relax with family, eat perfect meals, and spread peace and joy. Except when we don’t. This service will focus on letting go of expectations at a time when expectations are high. |
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December 6th, 2009 |
Time to Wonder, Time to Wait Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Ted Voneida There is something important about this season that cannot be sensed amidst bustle and haste. Sacred dark fills the hours now. Come sing a song today in praise of simple presence. |
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December 13th, 2009 |
Bitter Sweet Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Dani Beale "Joy and woe are woven fine" wrote the 18th century British poet William Blake. Our challenge is to be open to all of our experience. For this, we gather in worship. |
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December 16th, 2009 |
Traditions We Keep Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer Our lives are always changing. How do you celebrate these midwinter holidays at this point in your life? Young or old, single or partnered, with children or without, you are invited to this holiday vespers service. Come for the singing and the sharing. Stay for the special treats. |
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December 20th, 2009 |
Midwinter Green Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Eric Van Baars In the midst of dormant cold, we bring persistent green into our midst. In the midst of winter dark, we conjure fire and heat. People of all ages are welcome to this special service in celebration of the season. |
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December 24th, 2009 6:30 pm & 8:30pm |
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer, Director of Religious Education, Karen Lapidus, and Worship Associate Lori McGee 6:30 pm - A special family friendly service of lessons and carols to welcome the spirit of Christmas into the world. |
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December 27th, 2009 |
Remembering Those Who Have Died Susan Goekler and Lois Weir, with many contributors This is our annual service to remember some of those who have died in the past year and their influence on us, individually and collectively. We will acknowledge their contributions and see how it has raised awareness of how we are living our lives today. Who are we influencing? Toward what end? |
November Services
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November 1st, 2009 |
The Voices of the Elders The Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Ted Voneida What makes a person an elder? What do we lose and what do we gain as we age? What are the gifts of growing older? Ted and I are inviting those who might consider themselves elders to share their thoughts with us. (If you would like to participate, please contact Melissa.) Reflections from members and friends of our congregation will be incorporated into this service exploring elder wisdom. |
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November 4th, 2009 7:00 pm Vespers |
Worship Associate Eric Van Baars |
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November 8th, 2009 |
Prepare a Place The Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Marion Yeagler with special musical guest Galen DeVriendt Galen DeVriendt is a member of the First Unitarian Church of Toledo. Members of the congregation who had the opportunity to hear Galen perform his music at Summer Institute last year will agree that we are in for a treat. This service will combine Galen's original compositions with story and reflection in exploration of the fragile art of hospitality. |
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November 15th, 2009 |
Proud Army Dad Tom Beck and Worship Associate Lori McGee The U.S. Military is a popular topic for radio and TV talk shows and political debates, but all too often the topic is treated in a superficial and exploitive manner. What's it like to be a family member of a military service person who is on active duty? Tom Beck will share his experiences being an "Army Dad" and give some suggestions on how we can best approach the subject when we encounter family members of active duty personnel. |
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November 18th, 2009 7:00 pm Vespers |
Enlighten Up! Commissioned Lay Leader Christie Anderson Laughter is a universal gift to humanity. It not only enriches our life, but it improves our physical and mental wellbeing, enhances learning, bonds people together and is growing as a spiritual practice. Set aside your cares for a half hour and enlighten up. |
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November 22nd, 2009 |
A Feast of Blessings The Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer, Worship Associate Elaine Bowen and Director of Religious Education, Karen Lapidus Blessings abound! We have so many reasons to be grateful. The choir will sing and so will we. The puppets will tell a tale. We will share communion. Come and be inspired. Everyone is invited to this special multigenerational celebration of blessing and gratitude. |
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November 29th, 2009 |
Gratitude and Compassion Guest Speaker Mick Bates, Worship Associate Kristofer Sperry Mick Bates joins us this morning to speak about gratitude and compassion. |
October Services
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October 4th, 2009 |
Beyond Black and White Christie Anderson, Worship Leader, with Kathy Kerns, Worship Associate Contrary to what many of us think, being colorblind is not an acceptable goal according to people who are judged by their skin color everyday. This service is an opportunity to experience what it feels like to wear someone else's skin as we listen to stories of fear and hope shared by families from the congregation. |
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October 7th, 2009 7:00 pm Vespers |
The Necessity of Friendship Elaine Yehle Bowen In our busy lives, we may begin to pull away from friends and not tend to our friendships with the care they deserve. Friends are a necessity of life and we need to be mindful of holding them close. |
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October 11th, 2009 |
Seeking the Center Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Dani Beale Ours is a covenantal, not a creedal faith. We are bound by common promises rather than by common belief. And yet, we also share a theological grounding. This morning we will explore the philosophical and theological principles we hold in common. |
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October 18th, 2009 |
Healthy Humility Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Eric Van Baars What is humility? What does it mean to have a healthy sense of humility? Is this something we can practice and if so, how? This morning we will share a spiritual exploration of an oft misunderstood virtue. |
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October 21st, 2009 7:00 pm Vespers |
Sacred Songs Dani Beale Have you ever heard a song that makes your heart feel full, makes the colors around you brighter, and makes you feel more connected to all that is sacred? Tonight we will explore the commonalities in sacred music from different traditions and from our own Unitarian and Universalist traditions, and enjoy listening to and creating our own sacred songs. |
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October 25th, 2009 |
All Our Voices Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Kathy Kerns From the youngest to the oldest, all are invited to come share in our celebration of multi-generational community. Just like a choir, our sound inspires when our voices blend in harmony. Come sing with us and let your spirit be renewed. |
September Services
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September 6th, 2009 |
Seeking Peace Within Reverend Julie-Ann Silberman and Reverend Melissa Carvill-Ziemer From Julie-Ann: After 12 years living in Kent and Serving as minister to the UUCK, I have now been away from the congregation for a full five years. When the current minister Melissa called and asked if I would consider returning to offer a sermon she was astonished by the swirl of emotional waves that were washing over and through me. After consulting the calendar and my family and letting some of the emotions subside I accepted. This service will address my own process of seeking peace within. I look forward to sharing my process and seeing the results of yours as well. The Reverend Julie-Ann Silberman-Bunn is minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Bridgeport in Stratford Connecticut. In 1992 the then Reverend Silberman moved to Kent, Ohio to serve as the first full time minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent in over 20 years. During the 12 years of ministry the Reverend spent with the UUCK the church transitioned from a family sized and struggling group in an old and worn facility to a healthy, vital congregation in a much updated facility. |
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September 13th, 2009 |
Keeping Peace at Home Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Marion Yeagler Each of the sermons this month will explore one dimension of peace. Last week we focused on peace within; this week we focus on peace between us and the people in the nearest circles of our lives. What does it take to keep peace in our homes and with our families and friends? |
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September 20th, 2009 |
Making Peace in Community The Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Worship Associate Ted Voneida The combative quality of the recent town hall health care debates across the country demonstrates the need for this skill. Gather the citizens of any town or city together to discuss an important issue of common concern and you are sure to find divergent views about what it means to protect and preserve the common good. How do we practice peacemaking when we disagree? |
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September 27th, 2009 |
Waging Peace in the Holy Land The Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer and Joel Slater Joel and I have been engaged in occasional conversations about war and peace in Israel and Palestine for a couple of years now. This summer we decided to spend some focused time in dialogue and study of the conflict and the issues. In this service we will share with you some of what we have learned highlighting stories of ordinary people who are leading the way to peace. |