Sunday Service Archive & Recordings
When available, recordings from virtual (Zoom) and/or hybrid services will be posted here. Please report errors to [email protected].
NOTICE: CURRENTLY (AS OF 8/7/23) RECORDING ARE BY DEFAULT SET TO PRIVATE UNTIL PERMISSIONS ARE SECURED FROM SPEAKERS.
Are you a speaker needing to submit your permissions? Please use this form.
NOTICE: CURRENTLY (AS OF 8/7/23) RECORDING ARE BY DEFAULT SET TO PRIVATE UNTIL PERMISSIONS ARE SECURED FROM SPEAKERS.
Are you a speaker needing to submit your permissions? Please use this form.
Date: Sunday, March 24, 2024 "Traversing In Between Times"
Watching and feeling winter morph into spring can awaken and renew our own vitality. Julie will share not only some of these subtle recurring details but some juxtapositions between the changing environment of this region and the rituals of spring that she sees shifting during this annual in-between time. Julie is a seasonal interpretive park ranger about to start her 12th season on the Blue Ridge Parkway. She has also worked seasons at W. Kerr Scott Lake, Grandfather Mountain, and Tongass National Forest at the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska. Sandwiched in between park seasons, she taught English and humanities at Wilkes Community College for 20 years. She loves to slow travel both through walking and driving to new destinations.
Playback Link (YouTube) - Permission pending
Watching and feeling winter morph into spring can awaken and renew our own vitality. Julie will share not only some of these subtle recurring details but some juxtapositions between the changing environment of this region and the rituals of spring that she sees shifting during this annual in-between time. Julie is a seasonal interpretive park ranger about to start her 12th season on the Blue Ridge Parkway. She has also worked seasons at W. Kerr Scott Lake, Grandfather Mountain, and Tongass National Forest at the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, Alaska. Sandwiched in between park seasons, she taught English and humanities at Wilkes Community College for 20 years. She loves to slow travel both through walking and driving to new destinations.
Playback Link (YouTube) - Permission pending
Date: Sunday, March 17, 2024 "Conserving Natural Places For Us & Our Communities"
Land conservancies play a pivotal role in the environmental protection matrix, preserving habitat for natural ecosystems to flourish, supporting community-focused initiatives to expose residents to the full range of environmental experiences, and enabling individuals to connect spiritually with their "mother". Blue Ridge Conservancy Executive Director Charlie Brady will provide an update on BRC's preservation and engagement initiatives; explain how these initiatives can be transformative by feeding the minds, bodies, and souls of high country residents and visitors; and provide some personal context about how this work helps sustain him and his team psychologically.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Land conservancies play a pivotal role in the environmental protection matrix, preserving habitat for natural ecosystems to flourish, supporting community-focused initiatives to expose residents to the full range of environmental experiences, and enabling individuals to connect spiritually with their "mother". Blue Ridge Conservancy Executive Director Charlie Brady will provide an update on BRC's preservation and engagement initiatives; explain how these initiatives can be transformative by feeding the minds, bodies, and souls of high country residents and visitors; and provide some personal context about how this work helps sustain him and his team psychologically.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, March 10, 2024 "What Do UU Believe? An Anthology Service"
Do you believe in God? Some of us do, some don't, and many of us find that a binary approach to the question just doesn't work (as in so many things in life). As UUs, we agree that each of us is free to ask our own questions, form our own opinions, and establish our own vocabularies about whether there are gods, goddesses, higher powers, great mysteries, or not. Talking about these questions can be difficult and triggering, but hearing the beautiful variety in each others’ points of view can also encourage a deeper spiritual practice as well as deeper connections within our congregation. For this anthology service (inspired by a recent service by member Bill McClane, “A UU looks for God”), several members of our community will discuss their own perspectives on God. We will hear from our Zoom coordinator Preston Riegel, long-time member Catherine Fountain, and new friends Emily Carpenter and Parkes Carpenter. There will also be time for discussion.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Do you believe in God? Some of us do, some don't, and many of us find that a binary approach to the question just doesn't work (as in so many things in life). As UUs, we agree that each of us is free to ask our own questions, form our own opinions, and establish our own vocabularies about whether there are gods, goddesses, higher powers, great mysteries, or not. Talking about these questions can be difficult and triggering, but hearing the beautiful variety in each others’ points of view can also encourage a deeper spiritual practice as well as deeper connections within our congregation. For this anthology service (inspired by a recent service by member Bill McClane, “A UU looks for God”), several members of our community will discuss their own perspectives on God. We will hear from our Zoom coordinator Preston Riegel, long-time member Catherine Fountain, and new friends Emily Carpenter and Parkes Carpenter. There will also be time for discussion.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, March 3, 2024 "Observations from the Bridge"
Writer Ashleigh Bryant Phillips is from Woodland, North Carolina. Her collection Sleepovers (2020) won the C. Michael Curtis Short Story Book Prize. Lauren Groff says Sleepovers is “fully committed to the truth no matter how dark or difficult or complicated it may be,” & written with “incantatory crispness.” Ashleigh's stories have been published in the Paris Review and the Oxford American. She's a Visiting Assistant Professor in English at Appalachian State University. In “Observations from the Bridge,” Ashleigh will share her experience oscillating between her rural hometown and academia, and how it fuels her work as a writer.
Playback Link (YouTube) - Permission Pending
Writer Ashleigh Bryant Phillips is from Woodland, North Carolina. Her collection Sleepovers (2020) won the C. Michael Curtis Short Story Book Prize. Lauren Groff says Sleepovers is “fully committed to the truth no matter how dark or difficult or complicated it may be,” & written with “incantatory crispness.” Ashleigh's stories have been published in the Paris Review and the Oxford American. She's a Visiting Assistant Professor in English at Appalachian State University. In “Observations from the Bridge,” Ashleigh will share her experience oscillating between her rural hometown and academia, and how it fuels her work as a writer.
Playback Link (YouTube) - Permission Pending
Date: Sunday, February 25, 2024 "Inside the Mind of a Magician: A Guide to Imagining a New Reality"
How much of our reality is based on imagination? How can our imagination influence what we perceive to be real or possible? Join us as magician, Shane Hillman, shares some secrets from the world of magic.
Playback Link (YouTube)
How much of our reality is based on imagination? How can our imagination influence what we perceive to be real or possible? Join us as magician, Shane Hillman, shares some secrets from the world of magic.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, February 18, 2024 "An Invitation… with Rev. Shakeisha Holton Gray”
Being a grown-up is often a very serious gig. We're under lots of pressure and time constraints. Some of us are pretty good at remembering to have fun, but some of us are not. May we consider this worship service to be an invitation to play, to laugh, to imagine, and to not be so serious for the short time we'll share together this week.
Not recorded.
Being a grown-up is often a very serious gig. We're under lots of pressure and time constraints. Some of us are pretty good at remembering to have fun, but some of us are not. May we consider this worship service to be an invitation to play, to laugh, to imagine, and to not be so serious for the short time we'll share together this week.
Not recorded.
Date: Sunday, February 11, 2024 "Welcoming in the Year of the Dragon”
Lunar New Year is Feb. 10 and marks the beginning of a significant spring-welcoming celebration observed by cultures around the world. The celebration, known by many as Chinese New Year, offers Unitarian Universalists a chance to look ahead and consider avenues for personal transformation and renewal in the coming year. Peyton Sturges and Catherine Fountain will explore the roots of this celebration and look at what opportunities and challenges the upcoming “year of the dragon“ could present.
Not recorded.
Lunar New Year is Feb. 10 and marks the beginning of a significant spring-welcoming celebration observed by cultures around the world. The celebration, known by many as Chinese New Year, offers Unitarian Universalists a chance to look ahead and consider avenues for personal transformation and renewal in the coming year. Peyton Sturges and Catherine Fountain will explore the roots of this celebration and look at what opportunities and challenges the upcoming “year of the dragon“ could present.
Not recorded.
Date: Sunday, February 4, 2024 "A UU Looks for God”
While Unitarian Universalists don’t insist on a single notion of God, God continues to be important and meaningful for many today. For us as UUs, the question isn't whether or not you believe in God. That’s a point of religious doctrine. The real question is, “How has your life changed by your encounter with whatever is your concept of the all-encompassing”? About Dr. Bill McClane: A friend of Boone UU, Bill started as a chemical engineer, then went on to teach in the MBA program at Loyola University, & subsequently work at IBM as a business consultant, with a focus on organization restructuring. He has a Ph.D. in Industrial/ Organizational Psychology. Bill found his way to UUism as part of SMU’s Master of Theology program.
Playback Link (YouTube)
While Unitarian Universalists don’t insist on a single notion of God, God continues to be important and meaningful for many today. For us as UUs, the question isn't whether or not you believe in God. That’s a point of religious doctrine. The real question is, “How has your life changed by your encounter with whatever is your concept of the all-encompassing”? About Dr. Bill McClane: A friend of Boone UU, Bill started as a chemical engineer, then went on to teach in the MBA program at Loyola University, & subsequently work at IBM as a business consultant, with a focus on organization restructuring. He has a Ph.D. in Industrial/ Organizational Psychology. Bill found his way to UUism as part of SMU’s Master of Theology program.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, January 28, 2024 "Apprehension and Imagination”
Addressing our month's theme of Imagination, returning story teller and teaching artist, David Novak, explores how our apprehensions engage imagination and how our imaginations animate our sense of the world. As always, he will share several stories, including a story for people of all-ages. There will be time for discussion as well.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Addressing our month's theme of Imagination, returning story teller and teaching artist, David Novak, explores how our apprehensions engage imagination and how our imaginations animate our sense of the world. As always, he will share several stories, including a story for people of all-ages. There will be time for discussion as well.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, January 21, 2024 "Bringing Words to Life”
Authors create new worlds, shaping our perceptions with their words. Whether you’re actively writing, thinking about it, avoiding it, or just like to experience others’ words and worlds, join us for this anthology service that will include some of the writers in our Fellowship. Judy Geary will act as service leader; Ree Strawser, Sara Pedroni, Stuart Kaplan and Evelyn Asher are scheduled to speak.
Not recorded.
Authors create new worlds, shaping our perceptions with their words. Whether you’re actively writing, thinking about it, avoiding it, or just like to experience others’ words and worlds, join us for this anthology service that will include some of the writers in our Fellowship. Judy Geary will act as service leader; Ree Strawser, Sara Pedroni, Stuart Kaplan and Evelyn Asher are scheduled to speak.
Not recorded.
Date: Sunday, January 14, 2024 "Service is Our Prayer: A Forum Sunday”
What do we mean when we say "service is our prayer"? In this service just before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Catherine Fountain will play a sermon from UU minister Libby Smith to reflect on the history and meaning of this phrase from our covenant, and on the connections between service and spirituality.
Not recorded.
What do we mean when we say "service is our prayer"? In this service just before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Catherine Fountain will play a sermon from UU minister Libby Smith to reflect on the history and meaning of this phrase from our covenant, and on the connections between service and spirituality.
Not recorded.
Date: Sunday, January 7, 2024 "Imagination and Other Spiritual Practices”
Relegating imagination to childhood robs humanity of a richer engagement with life. We need imagination to heal, to develop empathy, to increase our sense of wonder, and to find better solutions to overwhelming personal and global challenges. Rev. Melanie Childers reflects on the importance of imagination and shares ideas for reclaiming it as a spiritual practice.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Relegating imagination to childhood robs humanity of a richer engagement with life. We need imagination to heal, to develop empathy, to increase our sense of wonder, and to find better solutions to overwhelming personal and global challenges. Rev. Melanie Childers reflects on the importance of imagination and shares ideas for reclaiming it as a spiritual practice.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, December 31, 2023 "Your Party Invitation”
For New Year’s Eve 2023, Boone UU is throwing a party! Join us for mimosas, mocktails, and a short service, immediately followed by the film LOVERS ROCK (Steve McQueen, 2020), a short fiction film about a reggae house party in West London in 1980. Stephanie Zacharek of TIME magazine called LOVERS ROCK’s hypnotic beauty “immeasurable,” while THE NEW YORK TIMES’ Jeannette Catsoulis declared that the film’s “sensuality and flares of pure joy lingered with me long after it was over.” Welcome 2024 with a mix of in-person & cinematic celebrations! (LOVERS ROCK is 65 minutes long, so our service will be longer than usual.)
Not recorded.
For New Year’s Eve 2023, Boone UU is throwing a party! Join us for mimosas, mocktails, and a short service, immediately followed by the film LOVERS ROCK (Steve McQueen, 2020), a short fiction film about a reggae house party in West London in 1980. Stephanie Zacharek of TIME magazine called LOVERS ROCK’s hypnotic beauty “immeasurable,” while THE NEW YORK TIMES’ Jeannette Catsoulis declared that the film’s “sensuality and flares of pure joy lingered with me long after it was over.” Welcome 2024 with a mix of in-person & cinematic celebrations! (LOVERS ROCK is 65 minutes long, so our service will be longer than usual.)
Not recorded.
Date: Sunday, December 24, 2023 "Coping with Christmas”
Many people who do not share a Christian faith find Christmas, and the nearly two months the celebration dominates, a difficult time of year. Inundated with fundamental religious & marketing pressure, many - even those raised in a Christian tradition - struggle to maintain spiritual balance in the face of the annual Christmas - and consumer-focused onslaught. Focusing primarily on Christmas music, fellowship member Peyton Sturges, with musical accompaniment provided by his daughter Samantha, will lead a service & forum discussion on how members who may feel like outsiders navigate this challenging holiday season.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Many people who do not share a Christian faith find Christmas, and the nearly two months the celebration dominates, a difficult time of year. Inundated with fundamental religious & marketing pressure, many - even those raised in a Christian tradition - struggle to maintain spiritual balance in the face of the annual Christmas - and consumer-focused onslaught. Focusing primarily on Christmas music, fellowship member Peyton Sturges, with musical accompaniment provided by his daughter Samantha, will lead a service & forum discussion on how members who may feel like outsiders navigate this challenging holiday season.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, December 17, 2023 "Anthology Service on Imagination and Childhood”
How did your childhood imagination shape you to be the person you are today? Come hear stories from Boone UU members including Bill Pelto and Craig Fischer about the role of imagination in their formative years. Kathy Parham will begin the service with a reading of the picture book, Roxaboxen by Alice McLerren and reflect on how imagination and play still shapes her daily work at The Children's Playhouse. There will also be time to share your own anecdotes.
Playback Link (YouTube)
How did your childhood imagination shape you to be the person you are today? Come hear stories from Boone UU members including Bill Pelto and Craig Fischer about the role of imagination in their formative years. Kathy Parham will begin the service with a reading of the picture book, Roxaboxen by Alice McLerren and reflect on how imagination and play still shapes her daily work at The Children's Playhouse. There will also be time to share your own anecdotes.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, December 10, 2023 "How the Unitarians Stole Christmas”
"Imagine" not a Christmas sermon, but a sermon about Christmas. On Sunday the 10th, we will again be joined by Reverend Nathan Hollister ("Nato") to talk about the historic role of Unitarianism with regard to Christmas. From fistfights in the 300's to class warfare in the 1600s, and ending with a discussion of the "culture of reciprocity." See you on Sunday with bells on!
Playback Link (YouTube)
"Imagine" not a Christmas sermon, but a sermon about Christmas. On Sunday the 10th, we will again be joined by Reverend Nathan Hollister ("Nato") to talk about the historic role of Unitarianism with regard to Christmas. From fistfights in the 300's to class warfare in the 1600s, and ending with a discussion of the "culture of reciprocity." See you on Sunday with bells on!
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, December 3, 2023 "Thinking, Feeling, Doing and Being”
Buddhism, Christianity, Daoism, some forms of Hinduism, Islam, and Jainism are sometimes described as salvation religions. They are distinctly salvific in that each recommends a path of radical inner transformation. Despite vast differences in claims about the nature of ultimate reality, they share similarities in the structure of the path of inner transformation, which Dr. Mai will explore. The quarterly theme is Healing - perhaps salvation is an ultimate healing.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Buddhism, Christianity, Daoism, some forms of Hinduism, Islam, and Jainism are sometimes described as salvation religions. They are distinctly salvific in that each recommends a path of radical inner transformation. Despite vast differences in claims about the nature of ultimate reality, they share similarities in the structure of the path of inner transformation, which Dr. Mai will explore. The quarterly theme is Healing - perhaps salvation is an ultimate healing.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, November 26, 2023 "Awareness of Abundance: A Potluck, Service of Gratitude, and Food Drive”
Join with us as we acknowledge both Native American Heritage Day and Thanksgiving, and come together with food, music, and community. Bring a dish to share (leftovers are fine, but bring something totally different if you’re tired of Thanksgiving food!) and/or help set up or clean up. If you are able, please bring shelf-stable food or other items to donate to Hospitality House so that we can share our abundance with our neighbors.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Join with us as we acknowledge both Native American Heritage Day and Thanksgiving, and come together with food, music, and community. Bring a dish to share (leftovers are fine, but bring something totally different if you’re tired of Thanksgiving food!) and/or help set up or clean up. If you are able, please bring shelf-stable food or other items to donate to Hospitality House so that we can share our abundance with our neighbors.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, November 19, 2023 "The Early Days of Boone UU - 1959-1970”
When Sophie Willliams discovered the original charter for Boone Unitarian Fellowship among her mother’s cookbooks, along with early records of the fellowship, she knew she had to share it. In 1958, when the Fellowship was founded, Sophie was five years old, so these are not her first-person memories, but her mother took notes of these meetings like a secretary and these paint a vivid picture of what these early meeting were like.
Playback Link (YouTube)
When Sophie Willliams discovered the original charter for Boone Unitarian Fellowship among her mother’s cookbooks, along with early records of the fellowship, she knew she had to share it. In 1958, when the Fellowship was founded, Sophie was five years old, so these are not her first-person memories, but her mother took notes of these meetings like a secretary and these paint a vivid picture of what these early meeting were like.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, November 12, 2023 "Healing Through Love and Acceptance: A Free Mom Hugs Story”
Emily Potts Beach is a long time resident of the High Country and is a Small Business Owner. She began volunteering with Free Mom Hugs in late 2019, and founded the High Country Area Group in 2020. The mission of Free Mom Hugs is "To empower the world to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community through Visibility, Education and Conversation." Emily will share how her experiences with the organization have taught her the healing power of affirmations and human contact and will describe the profound connections she's experienced with complete strangers while giving a hug. FMH- High Country averages 2 events per month.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Emily Potts Beach is a long time resident of the High Country and is a Small Business Owner. She began volunteering with Free Mom Hugs in late 2019, and founded the High Country Area Group in 2020. The mission of Free Mom Hugs is "To empower the world to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community through Visibility, Education and Conversation." Emily will share how her experiences with the organization have taught her the healing power of affirmations and human contact and will describe the profound connections she's experienced with complete strangers while giving a hug. FMH- High Country averages 2 events per month.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, November 5, 2023 "Ritual: Transforming the Inner through the Outer”
Popular BUUF speaker Dr. Cuong Mai returns to talk with us about ritual. How is our inner sense of ourselves transformed by outer rituals? Do we live in a sea of recognized and unrecognized rituals. In a world often felt as random and unpredictable, our embrace of ritual offers a sense of control, a reduction of anxiety. Group ritual creates social formation and cohesion. In the face of the supernatural, ritual allows participation with and connection to the Divine. Social and religious truth is formed in ritual and ritual seems to lie deep in our brain. Ritual allows us to recognize in-group members by their acts and utterances. Ritual brings inclusion and exclusion. Who are we without ritual? Joseph Campbell quipped, “If you want to find out what it means to have a society without rituals, read The New York Times.” Join us in our UU ritual on Nov. 5, as we again give Dr. Mai a small sliver of time to bring to our awareness a vast topic enveloping our lives. He welcomes questions afterwards.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Popular BUUF speaker Dr. Cuong Mai returns to talk with us about ritual. How is our inner sense of ourselves transformed by outer rituals? Do we live in a sea of recognized and unrecognized rituals. In a world often felt as random and unpredictable, our embrace of ritual offers a sense of control, a reduction of anxiety. Group ritual creates social formation and cohesion. In the face of the supernatural, ritual allows participation with and connection to the Divine. Social and religious truth is formed in ritual and ritual seems to lie deep in our brain. Ritual allows us to recognize in-group members by their acts and utterances. Ritual brings inclusion and exclusion. Who are we without ritual? Joseph Campbell quipped, “If you want to find out what it means to have a society without rituals, read The New York Times.” Join us in our UU ritual on Nov. 5, as we again give Dr. Mai a small sliver of time to bring to our awareness a vast topic enveloping our lives. He welcomes questions afterwards.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, October 29, 2023 "Trying to Find a Father and Uncomfortable Lessons”
Discovering that a parent was part of a murdering organization became a life-long quest and a difficult resolution for Peter Petschauer, a professor emeritus of ASU and a prolific author. His personal quest led to extensive study of authoritarian regimes and how they operate on the national and local levels.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Discovering that a parent was part of a murdering organization became a life-long quest and a difficult resolution for Peter Petschauer, a professor emeritus of ASU and a prolific author. His personal quest led to extensive study of authoritarian regimes and how they operate on the national and local levels.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, October 22, 2023 "History and Significance of Halloween”
Cultures around the northern hemisphere have recognized the turn of the seasons and the relationship of the living and the dead. How have elements of these rituals come together in our celebration of Halloween? Judith Geary presents.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Cultures around the northern hemisphere have recognized the turn of the seasons and the relationship of the living and the dead. How have elements of these rituals come together in our celebration of Halloween? Judith Geary presents.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, October 15, 2023 "We Drop Everything and Go: A Rural Community Builds a Good Death Culture”
Why might we want to give our hands to caring for our own dead and dying? It used to be that communities made a place for death and knew what to do. A collective remembering is currently underway to open the possibility that we can strengthen our community bonds by showing up for death and grief with courage and skills. Join us for stories of how a tiny community is doing just this. Katherine Savage presents.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Why might we want to give our hands to caring for our own dead and dying? It used to be that communities made a place for death and knew what to do. A collective remembering is currently underway to open the possibility that we can strengthen our community bonds by showing up for death and grief with courage and skills. Join us for stories of how a tiny community is doing just this. Katherine Savage presents.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, October 8, 2023 "Misconceptions about Karma”
Dr. Cuong Mai (ASU Dept of Philosophy & Religion), a favorite BUUF speaker on Eastern philosophy, joins us to expand and challenge our understanding of karma. The presence of the word in books doubled in almost every decade from the 1940s into the present (a 1000 percent increase per Ngram). In our everyday speech the increase may be even greater. In daily life we drive by the Karma Nail Salon, hear a song about the Karma Chameleon, or say another person’s outcomes are their bad or good karma. But what is the ancient Hindu and Buddhist concept of Karma? Is karma fate or destiny? Is “Instant Karma gonna get you”? Is karma punishment or reward? Do we suffer because of our or our parent's bad karma? How is karma different from our contemporary usage? Will hearing this talk benefit your karma? Come and find out.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Dr. Cuong Mai (ASU Dept of Philosophy & Religion), a favorite BUUF speaker on Eastern philosophy, joins us to expand and challenge our understanding of karma. The presence of the word in books doubled in almost every decade from the 1940s into the present (a 1000 percent increase per Ngram). In our everyday speech the increase may be even greater. In daily life we drive by the Karma Nail Salon, hear a song about the Karma Chameleon, or say another person’s outcomes are their bad or good karma. But what is the ancient Hindu and Buddhist concept of Karma? Is karma fate or destiny? Is “Instant Karma gonna get you”? Is karma punishment or reward? Do we suffer because of our or our parent's bad karma? How is karma different from our contemporary usage? Will hearing this talk benefit your karma? Come and find out.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, October 1, 2023 "An Unnamed Woman's Revolt and Resistance: Anti-racism Sermon Series”
Rev. Sharon Bowers presents the Biblical lesson of Jesus’s interaction with an unnamed woman teaches us something about power and prejudice. All humans have the propensity to get caught up in a worldview that includes prejudice and ethnocentrism. We must revolt and resist these interlocking systems of oppression and exclusion, especially when we consider the example Jesus provides. Our Christian duty is to dismantle, deconstruct and disrupt these systems each time we encounter them. Jesus hears a woman’s heart cry, heals her daughter from a distance, and models a world of inclusivity. We can join in the woman’s faith and make a difference by our willingness to take action to make a transformative “kingdom for all.”
Playback Link (YouTube)
Rev. Sharon Bowers presents the Biblical lesson of Jesus’s interaction with an unnamed woman teaches us something about power and prejudice. All humans have the propensity to get caught up in a worldview that includes prejudice and ethnocentrism. We must revolt and resist these interlocking systems of oppression and exclusion, especially when we consider the example Jesus provides. Our Christian duty is to dismantle, deconstruct and disrupt these systems each time we encounter them. Jesus hears a woman’s heart cry, heals her daughter from a distance, and models a world of inclusivity. We can join in the woman’s faith and make a difference by our willingness to take action to make a transformative “kingdom for all.”
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, September 24, 2023 "Resistance to Change: Ways We “Play Small”
What is it that sometimes contributes to “playing small?” What factors forestall the emergence of one’s greater potentials? What “alibis” do I offer in an attempt to justify my resistance to change? What steps can we take to encourage our growth as individuals and as a community? The service will be led by Dr. Maurice Hartley, Professor and Associate Dean Emeritus from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Dr Hartley holds a B.A. from Carson-Newman University and a M.A. from Appalachian State. A native of Lenoir, NC, he has served since his retirement in 2006 as a lay minister in the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Caldwell County. He is a Past President of the Caldwell County Habitat for Humanity and is currently helping build his 115th house. He and Beverly, his wife, have four children, eight grandchildren, and multiple great grandchildren.
Playback Link (YouTube)
What is it that sometimes contributes to “playing small?” What factors forestall the emergence of one’s greater potentials? What “alibis” do I offer in an attempt to justify my resistance to change? What steps can we take to encourage our growth as individuals and as a community? The service will be led by Dr. Maurice Hartley, Professor and Associate Dean Emeritus from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Dr Hartley holds a B.A. from Carson-Newman University and a M.A. from Appalachian State. A native of Lenoir, NC, he has served since his retirement in 2006 as a lay minister in the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Caldwell County. He is a Past President of the Caldwell County Habitat for Humanity and is currently helping build his 115th house. He and Beverly, his wife, have four children, eight grandchildren, and multiple great grandchildren.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, September 17, 2023 "Ways that Men Heal and Thrive”
Keeping it mostly light and fun, Richard Tidyman will be sharing his path to healing childhood wounds. Richard is the baby of seven kids in a dysfunctional family where alcohol and codependency were pervasive. Recovering, which is still in progress, has included individual and group therapy, Al-Anon, support groups, books and self help audio recordings. His presentation is guaranteed to provoke thoughtful introspection, some laughs and maybe even a few hints increasing the amount of joy in your life.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Keeping it mostly light and fun, Richard Tidyman will be sharing his path to healing childhood wounds. Richard is the baby of seven kids in a dysfunctional family where alcohol and codependency were pervasive. Recovering, which is still in progress, has included individual and group therapy, Al-Anon, support groups, books and self help audio recordings. His presentation is guaranteed to provoke thoughtful introspection, some laughs and maybe even a few hints increasing the amount of joy in your life.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, September 10, 2023 "Water Communion”
In this annual tradition, we typically ask congregants to pour water from a place they visited during the summer into a communal bowl, to symbolize what we each add to the BUUF community. ,Please come with some water from your home or away and your favorite bowl to pour into. We will share what we've found this year that we want to carry forward in our lives. We will also discuss the importance of water in our lives.
Not recorded.
In this annual tradition, we typically ask congregants to pour water from a place they visited during the summer into a communal bowl, to symbolize what we each add to the BUUF community. ,Please come with some water from your home or away and your favorite bowl to pour into. We will share what we've found this year that we want to carry forward in our lives. We will also discuss the importance of water in our lives.
Not recorded.
Date: Sunday, September 3, 2023 "Evolving Beyond Ancient Fear”
Boone UU member Glenn Wing shares his doctoral research on Emotional intelligence and how the brain functions.
Not recorded.
Boone UU member Glenn Wing shares his doctoral research on Emotional intelligence and how the brain functions.
Not recorded.
Date: Sunday, August 27, 2023 "A Healing Welcome: Sanctuary or Sacrilege? The Church’s Role After Spiritual Abuse”
Religion in America desperately needs places of healing welcome. Too often, religious leaders and institutions have used their power in harmful ways rather than to lift others up. People who have been wounded in matters of Ultimate concern experience a unique kind of trauma. This wounding is unfortunately pervasive. Melanie Childers has researched and published on the topic of spiritual abuse and on Aug. 27 will share about the phenomenon, as well as the important role of places like the Boone UU in offering a sanctuary for those who need to heal from religious trauma and who still hope for a nurturing spiritual community.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Religion in America desperately needs places of healing welcome. Too often, religious leaders and institutions have used their power in harmful ways rather than to lift others up. People who have been wounded in matters of Ultimate concern experience a unique kind of trauma. This wounding is unfortunately pervasive. Melanie Childers has researched and published on the topic of spiritual abuse and on Aug. 27 will share about the phenomenon, as well as the important role of places like the Boone UU in offering a sanctuary for those who need to heal from religious trauma and who still hope for a nurturing spiritual community.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, August 20, 2023 "Welcoming the New (with Plant Adoption Event)”
As a new academic year begins, as our children return to school and Boone welcomes students to Appalachian State, we will reflect on how such life passages can nurture growth within our families, ourselves, our students, and our BUUF community. How do these new directions transform us? What if these opportunities come at unexpected times? How can they guide us to contemplation? Or make us want to run and hide? As we explore the possibility of positive change inherent in these passages, we will host a plant adoption after the service; come “adopt” a spiky succulent!
Not recorded.
As a new academic year begins, as our children return to school and Boone welcomes students to Appalachian State, we will reflect on how such life passages can nurture growth within our families, ourselves, our students, and our BUUF community. How do these new directions transform us? What if these opportunities come at unexpected times? How can they guide us to contemplation? Or make us want to run and hide? As we explore the possibility of positive change inherent in these passages, we will host a plant adoption after the service; come “adopt” a spiky succulent!
Not recorded.
Date: Sunday, August 13, 2023 "Passin' Through: Larto Life Adventures”
BUUF Members Bill Pelto and Linda Larson spent most of this past year away from Boone, traveling, adventuring, skiing, making music, visiting family and friends, and marking some of the passages of life. Bill and Linda will share some of their experiences and thoughts through stories and music.
Playback Link (YouTube)
BUUF Members Bill Pelto and Linda Larson spent most of this past year away from Boone, traveling, adventuring, skiing, making music, visiting family and friends, and marking some of the passages of life. Bill and Linda will share some of their experiences and thoughts through stories and music.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, August 6, 2023 "What Brings Us Delight? (A Celebration of Joy with Waffles!)"
Just eatin' waffles and enjoying each other's company.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Just eatin' waffles and enjoying each other's company.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, July 30, 2023 "Finding the Joy in Social Justice”
Rev. Hollister is a third generation Unitarian Universalist engaged in community ministry nationwide. He has served on the board of the UUSC and as part of UUA staff. Nathan, or “Nato,” leads the ministry of Sacred Fire Unitarian Universalist, which helps to plant and grow covenanted communities that practice interdependence and solidarity. He is a member of the faculty at our UU divinity school Meadville Lombard, and also teaches and consults with many of our congregations on how to be more impactful in their social justice work. He lives in Carrboro, NC, where he plays in punk bands and competes in the Scottish Highland Games.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Rev. Hollister is a third generation Unitarian Universalist engaged in community ministry nationwide. He has served on the board of the UUSC and as part of UUA staff. Nathan, or “Nato,” leads the ministry of Sacred Fire Unitarian Universalist, which helps to plant and grow covenanted communities that practice interdependence and solidarity. He is a member of the faculty at our UU divinity school Meadville Lombard, and also teaches and consults with many of our congregations on how to be more impactful in their social justice work. He lives in Carrboro, NC, where he plays in punk bands and competes in the Scottish Highland Games.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, July 23, 2023 "Forum Service: Art and Delight”
Our seasonal theme is “Delight and Renewal,” and one profound source of both is our experience with art, with the prose, poetry, music, portraiture, and TV shows that amuse, challenge, and change us. What art do you love? Will you tell us about it? After Craig Fischer shares brief stories about his mother’s enthusiasm for Halloween, and one or two of his own epiphanies, others in the service will have the opportunity (but no obligation) to share your own memories and thoughts about art. Craig will “lead” the service, but all will be invited and encouraged to participate.
Not recorded.
Our seasonal theme is “Delight and Renewal,” and one profound source of both is our experience with art, with the prose, poetry, music, portraiture, and TV shows that amuse, challenge, and change us. What art do you love? Will you tell us about it? After Craig Fischer shares brief stories about his mother’s enthusiasm for Halloween, and one or two of his own epiphanies, others in the service will have the opportunity (but no obligation) to share your own memories and thoughts about art. Craig will “lead” the service, but all will be invited and encouraged to participate.
Not recorded.
Date: Sunday, July 16, 2023 "Delights of Local Soccer Fandom”
What makes someone a "fan" - of a sports team or another cultural phenomenon - and what are the benefits of fandom to the individual and the community? In this presentation, members of the "Squatch Guard," the official supporters' group for the High Country's own soccer team, Appalachian Football Club, talk about what drew them to the organization, and what motivates them to stay involved in local soccer fandom.
Playback Link (YouTube)
What makes someone a "fan" - of a sports team or another cultural phenomenon - and what are the benefits of fandom to the individual and the community? In this presentation, members of the "Squatch Guard," the official supporters' group for the High Country's own soccer team, Appalachian Football Club, talk about what drew them to the organization, and what motivates them to stay involved in local soccer fandom.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, July 9, 2023 "Faithfully Becoming: Report from UUA General Assembly”
Matt Wasson, new Board Trustee and Sandra Diaz, Office Administrator, went to the UUA General Assembly this year. They will share a bit of their experience and insight from the gathering, including plans to re-write Article 2 from the UUA bylaws, which is where the 7 Principles and 6 sources live.
Not recorded.
Matt Wasson, new Board Trustee and Sandra Diaz, Office Administrator, went to the UUA General Assembly this year. They will share a bit of their experience and insight from the gathering, including plans to re-write Article 2 from the UUA bylaws, which is where the 7 Principles and 6 sources live.
Not recorded.
Date: Sunday, July 2, 2023 "Freedom”
As our country marks its 245th year anniversary, Stuart Kaplan will share some of what he has learned over the last three years researching and writing about the quest for freedom that was also begun 245 years ago by a freed slave Ottobah Cugoano, also known as John Stuart. Stuart feels a deep connection & admiration to Ottobah, who was the servant of Maria Cosway (who was lovers for a brief time with Thomas Jefferson), and published a book on the horrors of slavery. He was also one of the founding fathers of The Sons of Africa, an effective abolishment movement based in Britain. Bring an open mind and your thoughts on True Freedom to this service.
Playback Link (YouTube)
As our country marks its 245th year anniversary, Stuart Kaplan will share some of what he has learned over the last three years researching and writing about the quest for freedom that was also begun 245 years ago by a freed slave Ottobah Cugoano, also known as John Stuart. Stuart feels a deep connection & admiration to Ottobah, who was the servant of Maria Cosway (who was lovers for a brief time with Thomas Jefferson), and published a book on the horrors of slavery. He was also one of the founding fathers of The Sons of Africa, an effective abolishment movement based in Britain. Bring an open mind and your thoughts on True Freedom to this service.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, June 25, 2023 "From Instinct to Action”
Hear from a Baha'i game-developer and interfaith community member, an agnostic podcast creator, and a Latter Day Saint mother on the internal states that prompt them to take action. They share stories that represent their relationships with intuition, internal promptings and guidance, and taking steps or leaps of faith that resulted in positive change. They also share their unique vocabularies, words, texts, and how they test their promptings. Finally, they share their practices for getting in touch with and following their intuition.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Hear from a Baha'i game-developer and interfaith community member, an agnostic podcast creator, and a Latter Day Saint mother on the internal states that prompt them to take action. They share stories that represent their relationships with intuition, internal promptings and guidance, and taking steps or leaps of faith that resulted in positive change. They also share their unique vocabularies, words, texts, and how they test their promptings. Finally, they share their practices for getting in touch with and following their intuition.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, May 28, 2023 "We All Need Sex Ed"
Sex is a natural part of the human experience, but it’s often cordoned away as “inappropriate.” This part of our lives is therefore often suppressed, unacknowledged, and poorly understood. We’ll discuss how acknowledging sex as part of life affirms the humanity in us all. We all need sex ed. Dr. Laura Wolford is an AASECT*-certified sex educator, speech therapist, and disability justice activist. She runs a private practice that helps people with communication impairments address their effects on sexual health and intimacy - The SPICE Institute, PLLC.s.
*American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
Playback Link (YouTube)
Sex is a natural part of the human experience, but it’s often cordoned away as “inappropriate.” This part of our lives is therefore often suppressed, unacknowledged, and poorly understood. We’ll discuss how acknowledging sex as part of life affirms the humanity in us all. We all need sex ed. Dr. Laura Wolford is an AASECT*-certified sex educator, speech therapist, and disability justice activist. She runs a private practice that helps people with communication impairments address their effects on sexual health and intimacy - The SPICE Institute, PLLC.s.
*American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, April 23, 2023 "Weathering the Climate Crisis: Not up to YOU, Up to Us"
On this Earth Day weekend, let's explore, realistically, how we might face our current and looming climate crisis. Guest speaker Rev. Nathan Hollister will be coming down from Beech Mountain to engage in a dialogue about neoliberalism, climate refugees, and ways we can collectively create a way forward in our communities. Rev. Hollister is a third generation Unitarian Universalist engaged in community ministry nationwide. He has served on the board of the UUSC and as part of UUA staff. Nathan, or “Nato,” leads the ministry of Sacred Fire Unitarian Universalist, which helps to plant and grow covenanted communities that practice interdependence and solidarity.
Playback Link (YouTube)
On this Earth Day weekend, let's explore, realistically, how we might face our current and looming climate crisis. Guest speaker Rev. Nathan Hollister will be coming down from Beech Mountain to engage in a dialogue about neoliberalism, climate refugees, and ways we can collectively create a way forward in our communities. Rev. Hollister is a third generation Unitarian Universalist engaged in community ministry nationwide. He has served on the board of the UUSC and as part of UUA staff. Nathan, or “Nato,” leads the ministry of Sacred Fire Unitarian Universalist, which helps to plant and grow covenanted communities that practice interdependence and solidarity.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, April 9, 2023 "Play as an Approach to Organizational Change"
Jonathan Estes, an adult educator for 30 years and CEO of GamaVida, an EdTech firm. They use simulations, games, and models to inspire mindset change, strategic planning, and personal transformation. Gama Vida's serious games have been delivered in over a dozen countries in South America and Africa which have helped people understand other points of view, explore alternative pathways, and create common ground.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Jonathan Estes, an adult educator for 30 years and CEO of GamaVida, an EdTech firm. They use simulations, games, and models to inspire mindset change, strategic planning, and personal transformation. Gama Vida's serious games have been delivered in over a dozen countries in South America and Africa which have helped people understand other points of view, explore alternative pathways, and create common ground.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, April 2, 2023 "The Spirituality of 'Zines"
Zines are informal pamphlets typically photocopied by their creators and distributed to small but devoted audiences. Even in the Internet age, zines-on-paper thrive, and fall into different genres: amateur art, music and photography zines, self-published comic books, political broadsides, autobiographical narratives, etc. Boone UU member Craig Fischer discusses how reading (and on rare occasions, making) zines feeds his soul, reassuring him that creativity driven by purpose rather than profit can maybe, just maybe, make the world a better place.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Zines are informal pamphlets typically photocopied by their creators and distributed to small but devoted audiences. Even in the Internet age, zines-on-paper thrive, and fall into different genres: amateur art, music and photography zines, self-published comic books, political broadsides, autobiographical narratives, etc. Boone UU member Craig Fischer discusses how reading (and on rare occasions, making) zines feeds his soul, reassuring him that creativity driven by purpose rather than profit can maybe, just maybe, make the world a better place.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, March 26, 2023 "A Date with the Glitter Lady"
Yndiana Montes Fogelquist is a graduate student in Appalachian Studies, but she is also the Glitter Lady, a villain created to raise awareness about microplastics in our waters and other environmental issues. Yndiana reveals the Glitter Lady's origins in sustainable development, negative aesthetics, and Venezuelan punk music, and discuss the importance of raising awareness around microplastics.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Yndiana Montes Fogelquist is a graduate student in Appalachian Studies, but she is also the Glitter Lady, a villain created to raise awareness about microplastics in our waters and other environmental issues. Yndiana reveals the Glitter Lady's origins in sustainable development, negative aesthetics, and Venezuelan punk music, and discuss the importance of raising awareness around microplastics.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, February 5, 2023 "Learning to Love"
Katie Warner details her experience turning trauma into triumph, as she shares her personal story, demonstrating the complex interplay of privilege and hardship that affects many of us. Katie is a mother of two and has worn many hats in the 13.5 years she has lived in Boone. She found our faith tradition in spring of 2006 and signed the book at the Unitarian Church of Charleston later that year. She served on the Boone UU Board for 3 years. " Warning: This recording explores topics that might be challenging for some to hear."
Playback Link (YouTube)
Katie Warner details her experience turning trauma into triumph, as she shares her personal story, demonstrating the complex interplay of privilege and hardship that affects many of us. Katie is a mother of two and has worn many hats in the 13.5 years she has lived in Boone. She found our faith tradition in spring of 2006 and signed the book at the Unitarian Church of Charleston later that year. She served on the Boone UU Board for 3 years. " Warning: This recording explores topics that might be challenging for some to hear."
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, January 29, 2023 "Hunkering Down"
What does it mean to 'hunker down'? Rev. Shakeisha Holton Gray returns to the Boone UU to explore this common idiom, a literal term that has taken on a figurative meaning...or has it?
Playback Link (YouTube)
What does it mean to 'hunker down'? Rev. Shakeisha Holton Gray returns to the Boone UU to explore this common idiom, a literal term that has taken on a figurative meaning...or has it?
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, January 22, 2023 "Climate Change: The Big Picture"
David Harman is an unexpected mix of businessman, environmentalist, and self-taught science journalist. He has been co-author with Dr. Harvard Ayers of Arctic Gardens - Voices from an Abundant Land (2010), a non-fiction book and Train Wreck Earth (2017), a scientific novel. His environmental activism includes helping to establish environmental non-profits and is currently on the boards of Blue Ridge Conservancy and the Watauga County Community Foundation.
Playback Link (YouTube)
David Harman is an unexpected mix of businessman, environmentalist, and self-taught science journalist. He has been co-author with Dr. Harvard Ayers of Arctic Gardens - Voices from an Abundant Land (2010), a non-fiction book and Train Wreck Earth (2017), a scientific novel. His environmental activism includes helping to establish environmental non-profits and is currently on the boards of Blue Ridge Conservancy and the Watauga County Community Foundation.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, January 15, 2023 “Omnibus: Sacred Stories”
There are stories that change us, that remind us that the world might be bigger than we think. This Sunday, we will listen to the "good medicine" of others' sacred, transformative stories, letting them plant themselves like seeds in our fertile soil. Talk by several Boone UU members
Playback Link (YouTube)
There are stories that change us, that remind us that the world might be bigger than we think. This Sunday, we will listen to the "good medicine" of others' sacred, transformative stories, letting them plant themselves like seeds in our fertile soil. Talk by several Boone UU members
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, January 8, 2023 "Trust in a Time of Distrust"
We trust each other and our institutions in many ways unseen. But our trust can be and is often betrayed. How do we deal with that? As importantly, what must we do to build people and institutions that are truly worthy of trust? Talk by Bill McClane.
Playback Link (YouTube)
We trust each other and our institutions in many ways unseen. But our trust can be and is often betrayed. How do we deal with that? As importantly, what must we do to build people and institutions that are truly worthy of trust? Talk by Bill McClane.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, December 11, 2022 "Digital Jesus: An Experiment in Religious Artificial Intelligence"
Dr. Reed and his research team decided it would be interesting to see what A.I. would do if they asked it to imitate Jesus. Then they went further and taught it the sayings of Jesus in multiple English translations. Dr. Reed will share what they learned from this experiment about artificial intelligence and about Jesus.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Dr. Reed and his research team decided it would be interesting to see what A.I. would do if they asked it to imitate Jesus. Then they went further and taught it the sayings of Jesus in multiple English translations. Dr. Reed will share what they learned from this experiment about artificial intelligence and about Jesus.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, November 20, 2022 "My Journey to Buddhism"
Linda Hayward talks about her first encounter with Buddhism, some 20+ years ago, via beautiful traditional Tibetan paintings. Sometime after this fortuitous encounter, she explored other Buddhist traditions, finally returning to Tibetan Buddhism, which is where she resides today. Her Buddhist studies are ongoing; some say the Buddha delivered 84,000 teachings, so she jokes that she still has a lot of work to do!
Playback Link (YouTube)
Linda Hayward talks about her first encounter with Buddhism, some 20+ years ago, via beautiful traditional Tibetan paintings. Sometime after this fortuitous encounter, she explored other Buddhist traditions, finally returning to Tibetan Buddhism, which is where she resides today. Her Buddhist studies are ongoing; some say the Buddha delivered 84,000 teachings, so she jokes that she still has a lot of work to do!
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, November 13, 2022 "Embodied Social Justice: Connecting Science & Buddhism to Promote Belonging"
By bringing together spiritual wisdom from Buddhism and modern scientific discoveries in interpersonal neurobiology, we can more deeply understand who we are as human beings, what interconnection means, and how to cultivate it for a more inclusive and just world. Dr. Laura Gambrel is a long-time mindfulness practitioner & instructor. She recently transitioned out of a career in academia into private practice with a focus on couples therapy.
Playback Link (YouTube)
By bringing together spiritual wisdom from Buddhism and modern scientific discoveries in interpersonal neurobiology, we can more deeply understand who we are as human beings, what interconnection means, and how to cultivate it for a more inclusive and just world. Dr. Laura Gambrel is a long-time mindfulness practitioner & instructor. She recently transitioned out of a career in academia into private practice with a focus on couples therapy.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, October 30, 2022 "Being Mortal (Spoiler Alert: None of Us Are Getting Out of This Alive)"
Reverend Shakeisha Holton Gray of the Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church discusses what we should consider when making end-of-life decisions. Her talk will combine the observations of Dr. Atul Gawande, author and Good Death advocate Caitlin Doughty, and Rev. Gray’s own experiences as a certified end-of-life care coordinator and former hospital chaplain during Covid.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Reverend Shakeisha Holton Gray of the Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church discusses what we should consider when making end-of-life decisions. Her talk will combine the observations of Dr. Atul Gawande, author and Good Death advocate Caitlin Doughty, and Rev. Gray’s own experiences as a certified end-of-life care coordinator and former hospital chaplain during Covid.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, October 23, 2022 "H.P. Lovecraft and His Discontents"
Craig Fischer looks at the life and work of Howard Phillips Lovecraft. Perhaps the most horrible aspect of Lovecraft’s fiction is its rabid racism, misogyny, and anti-Semitism. Since Lovecraft’s death, some fans have “whitewashed” Lovecraft’s xenophobia. Recently, however, writers from diverse backgrounds have played in Lovecraft’s fictional universe even while crafting stories that challenge and debunk his inhuman beliefs. We’ll celebrate this triumph of creativity over hatred in our service today.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Craig Fischer looks at the life and work of Howard Phillips Lovecraft. Perhaps the most horrible aspect of Lovecraft’s fiction is its rabid racism, misogyny, and anti-Semitism. Since Lovecraft’s death, some fans have “whitewashed” Lovecraft’s xenophobia. Recently, however, writers from diverse backgrounds have played in Lovecraft’s fictional universe even while crafting stories that challenge and debunk his inhuman beliefs. We’ll celebrate this triumph of creativity over hatred in our service today.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, October 2, 2022 "Creation Care: Taking Care of Our Planet and All That Exist Within It"
There is a growing movement within the Christian tradition to take care of our planet and all the species and elements that exist within it, a form of discipleship more commonly now called Creation Care. Human beings use stories to convey our lives to others and to make sense of the world around us and our place within it. Rev. Anna Shine will explore the two creation narratives that exist within the tradition of Christianity, delving into the book called Genesis. Rev. Anna Shine (St. Luke's Episcopal, Boone) is a board member of the Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina (CCAWNC) and a graduate of Elon, Harvard Divinity School, and the Virginia Theological Seminary.
Playback Link (YouTube)
There is a growing movement within the Christian tradition to take care of our planet and all the species and elements that exist within it, a form of discipleship more commonly now called Creation Care. Human beings use stories to convey our lives to others and to make sense of the world around us and our place within it. Rev. Anna Shine will explore the two creation narratives that exist within the tradition of Christianity, delving into the book called Genesis. Rev. Anna Shine (St. Luke's Episcopal, Boone) is a board member of the Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina (CCAWNC) and a graduate of Elon, Harvard Divinity School, and the Virginia Theological Seminary.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, September 18, 2022 "Documentary Storytelling: The Privilege and Ethics of Telling Other People's Stories"
Dr. Beth Davison is a professor of sociology, co-director of Appalachian State University's Documentary Film Services and director of Appalachian’s Interdisciplinary Studies program. Her documentary projects have been screened internationally, in film festivals and shown on PBS stations. These include The Denim Dynasty, Eva & Moe, Dulatown, Saving the Big-Eared Bats, DocuAppalachia and A History of Moses H. Cone Estate.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Dr. Beth Davison is a professor of sociology, co-director of Appalachian State University's Documentary Film Services and director of Appalachian’s Interdisciplinary Studies program. Her documentary projects have been screened internationally, in film festivals and shown on PBS stations. These include The Denim Dynasty, Eva & Moe, Dulatown, Saving the Big-Eared Bats, DocuAppalachia and A History of Moses H. Cone Estate.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, August 28, 2022 "Life Changes"
Cinda Holsombach-Ebner recently turned 50; in her grandmother’s day, 50 was considered “old”. These milestone birthdays can still feel like a BIG jolt. In this talk, Cinda looks at both the culture and science around life stages and how we can draw from wisdom, both ancient and modern, to move through them a bit more gracefully. Finally, Cinda makes the case for the UU’s 1st, 3rd, and 7th principles - celebrating the worth and dignity of every person, encouraging spiritual growth, and the interconnectedness of all living things - and that no matter what life stage we are in, the UU has an important role to play in promoting spirituality to progress through life stages with positivity.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Cinda Holsombach-Ebner recently turned 50; in her grandmother’s day, 50 was considered “old”. These milestone birthdays can still feel like a BIG jolt. In this talk, Cinda looks at both the culture and science around life stages and how we can draw from wisdom, both ancient and modern, to move through them a bit more gracefully. Finally, Cinda makes the case for the UU’s 1st, 3rd, and 7th principles - celebrating the worth and dignity of every person, encouraging spiritual growth, and the interconnectedness of all living things - and that no matter what life stage we are in, the UU has an important role to play in promoting spirituality to progress through life stages with positivity.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, August 21, 2022 "Creating Hope in the Time of Climate Change"
With UU Minister Sally Beth Shore. These days, climate change weighs heavily on many of our minds, the pandemic continues in its third year, social fissures are deepening, and the economy isn’t doing so well. Some proclaim there is no hope. But at its best, religion offers light in darkness, an antidote for hopelessness. The threats we face from climate change and elsewhere may seem daunting, but Unitarian Universalism has responded constructively to threats of doom before. Can we offer hope in these times, and if so, how?
Playback Link (YouTube)
With UU Minister Sally Beth Shore. These days, climate change weighs heavily on many of our minds, the pandemic continues in its third year, social fissures are deepening, and the economy isn’t doing so well. Some proclaim there is no hope. But at its best, religion offers light in darkness, an antidote for hopelessness. The threats we face from climate change and elsewhere may seem daunting, but Unitarian Universalism has responded constructively to threats of doom before. Can we offer hope in these times, and if so, how?
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022 "The Story of The Playhouse: Creating a Compassionate Community Space"
The High Country’s only children’s museum, The Children’s Playhouse, was started 20 years ago with $5,000, a six-month lease from the Boone UU, and a dream of supporting families. In 2002, BUUF member and Playhouse co-founder Kathy Parham had two children under 5, had spent a decade in grad school without completing her Ph.D., and was feeling a little stuck. Come hear the story of the founding of The Children’s Playhouse, how it changed Kathy’s life, and the lessons it offers anyone interested in building something new. It is a story of transformation, shared experience, and spinning connections in all directions to create community.
Playback Link (YouTube)
The High Country’s only children’s museum, The Children’s Playhouse, was started 20 years ago with $5,000, a six-month lease from the Boone UU, and a dream of supporting families. In 2002, BUUF member and Playhouse co-founder Kathy Parham had two children under 5, had spent a decade in grad school without completing her Ph.D., and was feeling a little stuck. Come hear the story of the founding of The Children’s Playhouse, how it changed Kathy’s life, and the lessons it offers anyone interested in building something new. It is a story of transformation, shared experience, and spinning connections in all directions to create community.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, July 24, 2022 "When Montezuma met Cortés: How the Aztec shaped Spanish Catholicism"
Why is Latin American Catholicism seemingly more rich and sensual than other expressions of the faith? How did the Day of the Dead, veneration of the Lady of Guadalupe, and other practices of Mexican Catholicism arise? Dr. Laura Ammon (associate professor of religion at App State and previous speaker at Boone UU) will highlight the roles that the Afterlife and the veneration of Mary, relics, and the Saints played in the emergence of Mexican Catholicism following conquest. Your view of Día de los Muertos skulls may be different after this.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Why is Latin American Catholicism seemingly more rich and sensual than other expressions of the faith? How did the Day of the Dead, veneration of the Lady of Guadalupe, and other practices of Mexican Catholicism arise? Dr. Laura Ammon (associate professor of religion at App State and previous speaker at Boone UU) will highlight the roles that the Afterlife and the veneration of Mary, relics, and the Saints played in the emergence of Mexican Catholicism following conquest. Your view of Día de los Muertos skulls may be different after this.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, July 3, 2022 "Shattering Stigma about Mental Illness and Addiction"
As a mental health professional of 30 years, a person with PTSD, and one who loves several people with addiction and other mental illnesses, Mary McKinney is passionate about shattering stigmas. Stigma kills people. Knowing that honest storytelling is a powerful tool against stigma, Mary shares her own journey for wellness and support for her loved ones.
Playback Link (YouTube)
As a mental health professional of 30 years, a person with PTSD, and one who loves several people with addiction and other mental illnesses, Mary McKinney is passionate about shattering stigmas. Stigma kills people. Knowing that honest storytelling is a powerful tool against stigma, Mary shares her own journey for wellness and support for her loved ones.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, May 29, 2022 "Graduations and Other Milestones"
Our annual celebration of those members of community who are graduating from a milestone grade in school (pre-school, Kindergarten, eighth grade, high school, college) or who have recently experienced a meaningful transition in their lives.
Not recorded.
Our annual celebration of those members of community who are graduating from a milestone grade in school (pre-school, Kindergarten, eighth grade, high school, college) or who have recently experienced a meaningful transition in their lives.
Not recorded.
Date: Sunday, May 22, 2022 "Immigration from a Faith & Social Justice Perspective"
Immigration is a hot topic and a rather controversial one. However, as recently as 2020, 74% of Americans supported a plan to allow a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are already in the country. Perhaps even more interesting, research demonstrates that the religiously unaffiliated in the US are more accepting of immigrants. Why then does anti-immigrant sentiment persist in a country built by immigrants on a foundation of religious beliefs? Presentation and discussion with Sarah Donovan, Co-Chair of the Immigrant Justice Coalition and Senior Lecturer of Social Work at Appalachian State.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Immigration is a hot topic and a rather controversial one. However, as recently as 2020, 74% of Americans supported a plan to allow a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are already in the country. Perhaps even more interesting, research demonstrates that the religiously unaffiliated in the US are more accepting of immigrants. Why then does anti-immigrant sentiment persist in a country built by immigrants on a foundation of religious beliefs? Presentation and discussion with Sarah Donovan, Co-Chair of the Immigrant Justice Coalition and Senior Lecturer of Social Work at Appalachian State.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, May 15, 2022 "New Urbanism for Connected Communities"
Our towns are not built with us in mind. Over the course of the past century, American cities have transitioned from being designed for people to being designed for cars. Underneath the many unfortunate circumstances that car-centric cities create, there is an even greater impact on our quality of life. This will not be an introduction to more problems to bemoan, but a gathering of strength, and a recognition that in the right environment, our best selves come shining through. Presented by Amelia Shore.
Not recorded.
Our towns are not built with us in mind. Over the course of the past century, American cities have transitioned from being designed for people to being designed for cars. Underneath the many unfortunate circumstances that car-centric cities create, there is an even greater impact on our quality of life. This will not be an introduction to more problems to bemoan, but a gathering of strength, and a recognition that in the right environment, our best selves come shining through. Presented by Amelia Shore.
Not recorded.
Date: Sunday, May 8, 2022 "Journey of the Pilgrim"
Trek Reef completed a journey along the Appalachian Trail in 2016 to deepen his connection to the "more-than-human world". Now he is on a pilgrimage to renew & better integrate that connection into his life & to share it with others for the sake of our Earth. He grew up in a mixed religious household & discovered Unitarian Universalism at 13. In 2013, he was ordained as a rabbi. He is now in discernment about joining the Unitarian Universalist ministry.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Trek Reef completed a journey along the Appalachian Trail in 2016 to deepen his connection to the "more-than-human world". Now he is on a pilgrimage to renew & better integrate that connection into his life & to share it with others for the sake of our Earth. He grew up in a mixed religious household & discovered Unitarian Universalism at 13. In 2013, he was ordained as a rabbi. He is now in discernment about joining the Unitarian Universalist ministry.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, May 1, 2022 "We Celebrate the Web of Life"
Join with us in celebrating spring, May Day, and our return to in-person services at the fellowship. Linda Larson and Bill Pelto will lead us in a festive service of music (we will sing hymns together!), readings, and ritual, highlighting our joyous connections to each other and the earth.
Not recorded.
Join with us in celebrating spring, May Day, and our return to in-person services at the fellowship. Linda Larson and Bill Pelto will lead us in a festive service of music (we will sing hymns together!), readings, and ritual, highlighting our joyous connections to each other and the earth.
Not recorded.
Date: Sunday April 24, 2022 "Trans Talk From a Teen"
An informational Ted-Talk-like presentation from Mac, a young transgender boy living here in Boone. He will be talking about his transition, his past, legal obstacles & more.
Due to age of presenter, this talk is not publicly available.
An informational Ted-Talk-like presentation from Mac, a young transgender boy living here in Boone. He will be talking about his transition, his past, legal obstacles & more.
Due to age of presenter, this talk is not publicly available.
Date: Sunday, April 17, 2022 "The Promise of Renewal Through the Beloved Community"
Dr. Edward Simmons, author of "Values, Truth, & Spiritual Danger: Progressive Christianity & the Age of Trump," discusses renewal of the Golden Rule's message through the Beloved Community in forming an inclusive & environmentally sustainable form of society. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed the role of unconditional love in the struggle for the Beloved Community.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Dr. Edward Simmons, author of "Values, Truth, & Spiritual Danger: Progressive Christianity & the Age of Trump," discusses renewal of the Golden Rule's message through the Beloved Community in forming an inclusive & environmentally sustainable form of society. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed the role of unconditional love in the struggle for the Beloved Community.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: Sunday, April 10, 2022
"An Artist Enmeshed in the Web of Life": Andi Gelsthorpe is an Early Interventionist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, as well as a prolific artist who has created vibrant and inspiring block prints that can be seen throughout Boone. Her projects include the "Keep Boone Healthy" poster and the "Crooked Path of Grief" art installation at the downtown public library. Nature, creativity, and community are strong themes in her work. Andi shares how she uses her art to spin bonds of connections and community all around her.
Not Recorded.
"An Artist Enmeshed in the Web of Life": Andi Gelsthorpe is an Early Interventionist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, as well as a prolific artist who has created vibrant and inspiring block prints that can be seen throughout Boone. Her projects include the "Keep Boone Healthy" poster and the "Crooked Path of Grief" art installation at the downtown public library. Nature, creativity, and community are strong themes in her work. Andi shares how she uses her art to spin bonds of connections and community all around her.
Not Recorded.
Date: April 3, 2022
Topic: "My Path to Being Heart-Centered": Christine Davé is a local therapist and the founder of EDGE (EDucation for Girls Empowerment), a non-profit that aims to support the dreams and education of rural village girls in Odisha, India. Christine will share with us some of her background of trauma, the people and events that helped her create a thriving life, how she stays well, and more about EDGE. Warning: Please be aware that this service includes mentions possibly triggering topics of childhood abuse and sexual assault.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Topic: "My Path to Being Heart-Centered": Christine Davé is a local therapist and the founder of EDGE (EDucation for Girls Empowerment), a non-profit that aims to support the dreams and education of rural village girls in Odisha, India. Christine will share with us some of her background of trauma, the people and events that helped her create a thriving life, how she stays well, and more about EDGE. Warning: Please be aware that this service includes mentions possibly triggering topics of childhood abuse and sexual assault.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: March 27, 2022
Topic: "To Ukraine, with Love": Local Jason English is friends with a Ukrainian, Andre, who is aiding families out of danger from his homeland to safety into Poland, Germany, Amsterdam and Israel/Palestine. Even though Andre could be safely out of danger with his wife and child, he has committed to helping 500 families make safe passage. Jason has been helping with fundraising efforts here in the U.S. So far they have helped 74 families escape using rental vans, fuel, food and housing. Hear more about this story of love in action.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Topic: "To Ukraine, with Love": Local Jason English is friends with a Ukrainian, Andre, who is aiding families out of danger from his homeland to safety into Poland, Germany, Amsterdam and Israel/Palestine. Even though Andre could be safely out of danger with his wife and child, he has committed to helping 500 families make safe passage. Jason has been helping with fundraising efforts here in the U.S. So far they have helped 74 families escape using rental vans, fuel, food and housing. Hear more about this story of love in action.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: March 20, 2022
Topic: "Recovering from Hemorrhagic Stroke with Jeanne Mercer-Ballard": Jeanne Mercer-Ballard, Associate Professor of Interior Design at Appalachian State University, will speak to us about her journey of recovery from a triple brain hemorrhage and hemorrhagic stroke.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Topic: "Recovering from Hemorrhagic Stroke with Jeanne Mercer-Ballard": Jeanne Mercer-Ballard, Associate Professor of Interior Design at Appalachian State University, will speak to us about her journey of recovery from a triple brain hemorrhage and hemorrhagic stroke.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: March 13, 2022
Topic: "Justice, Equity, and Compassion: the UU 2nd Principle": led by Linda Larson. We affirm and promote justice, equity, and compassion in human relations: that sounds pretty straightforward—but is it? This service, the second in a planned 8 part series, will explore the Unitarian Universalist second principle through words and music.
Not recorded.
Topic: "Justice, Equity, and Compassion: the UU 2nd Principle": led by Linda Larson. We affirm and promote justice, equity, and compassion in human relations: that sounds pretty straightforward—but is it? This service, the second in a planned 8 part series, will explore the Unitarian Universalist second principle through words and music.
Not recorded.
Date: March 6, 2022
Topic: "Collective Liberation: Spiritual Activism, Engaged Spirituality": "How can I be of service?" "Who do I want to be in the world?" "Are my actions in alignment with my values?" "Can I love myself (& others) when I (& they) get it wrong?" These are the some of the questions that yoga teacher, meditation practitioner and activist Sandra Diaz uses as her orientation to life. She will talk about how she connects her yoga and mindfulness practices and her activism.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Topic: "Collective Liberation: Spiritual Activism, Engaged Spirituality": "How can I be of service?" "Who do I want to be in the world?" "Are my actions in alignment with my values?" "Can I love myself (& others) when I (& they) get it wrong?" These are the some of the questions that yoga teacher, meditation practitioner and activist Sandra Diaz uses as her orientation to life. She will talk about how she connects her yoga and mindfulness practices and her activism.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: February 27, 2022
Topic: "A Conversation with the Watauga Riverkeeper": Watauga Riverkeeper Andy Hill has a passion for clean, cold, fishable, drinkable and swimmable water. As a long-time fly fisherman, educator, and guide, he thrives on using the outdoors as a source of learning and connecting people with our shared wild places. Andy is intimately familiar with our watershed from the headwaters to the tailwater and is passionate about protecting the places we love.
Not recorded.
Topic: "A Conversation with the Watauga Riverkeeper": Watauga Riverkeeper Andy Hill has a passion for clean, cold, fishable, drinkable and swimmable water. As a long-time fly fisherman, educator, and guide, he thrives on using the outdoors as a source of learning and connecting people with our shared wild places. Andy is intimately familiar with our watershed from the headwaters to the tailwater and is passionate about protecting the places we love.
Not recorded.
Date: February 20, 2022
Topic: "Ensuring Everyone Has Access to Local Food": Taylor Hochwarth is the Local Food Markets & Equitable Food Systems Designer through AmeriCorps VISTA for local non-profit, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (BRWIA). Taylor will share stories from BRWIA's innovative "Double Up Bucks," a healthy food incentive program that doubles value of federal nutrition benefits spent at farmers' markets, helping people access local food while supporting our local farmers and economy. This "One More Step" program is a combination of our first and seventh principles in action, affirming the worth and dignity of every person while recognizing that all of existence is an interdependent web.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Topic: "Ensuring Everyone Has Access to Local Food": Taylor Hochwarth is the Local Food Markets & Equitable Food Systems Designer through AmeriCorps VISTA for local non-profit, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (BRWIA). Taylor will share stories from BRWIA's innovative "Double Up Bucks," a healthy food incentive program that doubles value of federal nutrition benefits spent at farmers' markets, helping people access local food while supporting our local farmers and economy. This "One More Step" program is a combination of our first and seventh principles in action, affirming the worth and dignity of every person while recognizing that all of existence is an interdependent web.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: February 13, 2022
Topic: "Loving the Possibilities: Sexualities, Genders, and UU Principles": Sex and gender can be both deliciously and frustratingly complicated, and both are worthy of reflection on this Valentines weekend. Based in part on UU principles, this presentation will encourage us to open our hearts and minds, letting go of old binaries to gain new awareness of what the social and natural sciences tell us about human sexualities and gender expression. In their talk, Drs. Crane and Heasley, both with UU backgrounds, will invite you to “fall in love” with the possibilities and realities of human sexualities!
Playback Link (YouTube)
Topic: "Loving the Possibilities: Sexualities, Genders, and UU Principles": Sex and gender can be both deliciously and frustratingly complicated, and both are worthy of reflection on this Valentines weekend. Based in part on UU principles, this presentation will encourage us to open our hearts and minds, letting go of old binaries to gain new awareness of what the social and natural sciences tell us about human sexualities and gender expression. In their talk, Drs. Crane and Heasley, both with UU backgrounds, will invite you to “fall in love” with the possibilities and realities of human sexualities!
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: February 6, 2022
Topic: "Our Path to BUUF: Our Religious Past": What was your religious journey? Where did you come from and how far have you traveled away? Rev. Connie Simon from the First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati will set the stage in a short video to help us reflect on how we arrived at BUUF this morning. We will then break into small groups via Zoom to connect with one another about our own religious/spiritual journeys. There will be a few questions to help guide the conversation. Our intention is to arrive at the end of our time together knowing each other a little better.
This service was not recorded.
Topic: "Our Path to BUUF: Our Religious Past": What was your religious journey? Where did you come from and how far have you traveled away? Rev. Connie Simon from the First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati will set the stage in a short video to help us reflect on how we arrived at BUUF this morning. We will then break into small groups via Zoom to connect with one another about our own religious/spiritual journeys. There will be a few questions to help guide the conversation. Our intention is to arrive at the end of our time together knowing each other a little better.
This service was not recorded.
Date: January 30, 2022
Topic: "One More Step in the Middle East: U.S. Policy from Obama to Trump to Biden": Twice named a Peace Scholar by the United States Institute of Peace, Curt Ryan is a professor in the Appalachian State University Department of Government & Justice Studies. Ryan has spoken to BUUF many times in the past and we always appreciate his sharp wit and his ability to explain Middle East issues with insight.
This service was not recorded.
Topic: "One More Step in the Middle East: U.S. Policy from Obama to Trump to Biden": Twice named a Peace Scholar by the United States Institute of Peace, Curt Ryan is a professor in the Appalachian State University Department of Government & Justice Studies. Ryan has spoken to BUUF many times in the past and we always appreciate his sharp wit and his ability to explain Middle East issues with insight.
This service was not recorded.
Date: January 23, 2022
Topic: "A Journey from Technology to Humanity": Michael Goopta was born in New Delhi, India. After studying engineering in Varanasi, he came to sunny California in 1983 as a grad student. He worked various jobs as an engineer / hardware / software programmer in Sunnyvale, and London, and landed in Newark, NJ in 1992 with a wife and family. Disillusioned with life and society, and following a divorce, he became active in a number of spiritual organizations. He also learned Spanish and Portuguese, and travelled to South America, including to Brazil and Colombia. He worked as a “corporate nerd” until 2004 in India, CA, NJ and NYC. After 9/11, he felt his engineering career was meaningless. It took him a few years to figure out his next steps, during which he volunteered in a hospice. In 2004, he met Carole Bolini, his life partner, and she encouraged him to go to acupuncture school. Michael and Carole moved to Boone from Oakland, NJ in 2007, and Michael has been working as an independent acupuncturist since 2008. His journey has been challenging, but interesting and very rewarding. Michael will share with us his spiritual journey.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Topic: "A Journey from Technology to Humanity": Michael Goopta was born in New Delhi, India. After studying engineering in Varanasi, he came to sunny California in 1983 as a grad student. He worked various jobs as an engineer / hardware / software programmer in Sunnyvale, and London, and landed in Newark, NJ in 1992 with a wife and family. Disillusioned with life and society, and following a divorce, he became active in a number of spiritual organizations. He also learned Spanish and Portuguese, and travelled to South America, including to Brazil and Colombia. He worked as a “corporate nerd” until 2004 in India, CA, NJ and NYC. After 9/11, he felt his engineering career was meaningless. It took him a few years to figure out his next steps, during which he volunteered in a hospice. In 2004, he met Carole Bolini, his life partner, and she encouraged him to go to acupuncture school. Michael and Carole moved to Boone from Oakland, NJ in 2007, and Michael has been working as an independent acupuncturist since 2008. His journey has been challenging, but interesting and very rewarding. Michael will share with us his spiritual journey.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: January 16, 2022
Topic: "A Glimpse of a Dream": What if the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had been a Unitarian Universalist? The ways he might have shaped our movement are tantalizing to imagine. How might Unitarian Universalism shaped Dr. King? UU Rev. Lisa Romantum Schwartz, currently serving as an interim minister in Athens GA, is the guest speaker that will ponder these questions.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Topic: "A Glimpse of a Dream": What if the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had been a Unitarian Universalist? The ways he might have shaped our movement are tantalizing to imagine. How might Unitarian Universalism shaped Dr. King? UU Rev. Lisa Romantum Schwartz, currently serving as an interim minister in Athens GA, is the guest speaker that will ponder these questions.
Playback Link (YouTube)
Date: December 26, 2021
Topic: "Evolving Holidays and Festivals": In this service, we will reflected on how holidays evolve over time, with a focus on some of the celebrations common to this month. Our presenter, Sandie Gravett, is Professor of Religious Studies in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Appalachian State University, and has been one of BUUF's most popular guest presenters.
Playback not available.
Topic: "Evolving Holidays and Festivals": In this service, we will reflected on how holidays evolve over time, with a focus on some of the celebrations common to this month. Our presenter, Sandie Gravett, is Professor of Religious Studies in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Appalachian State University, and has been one of BUUF's most popular guest presenters.
Playback not available.
Date: December 12, 2021
Topic: "Disability Issues in Education" - As a senior Special Education, Adapted Curriculum major and first-year Masters student in Special Education at App State with concentrations in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Emotional Behavioral Disorders, Gray Cohen shares zir experience and expertise in both the history and value of including students with disabilities in public education.
Playback not available.
Topic: "Disability Issues in Education" - As a senior Special Education, Adapted Curriculum major and first-year Masters student in Special Education at App State with concentrations in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Emotional Behavioral Disorders, Gray Cohen shares zir experience and expertise in both the history and value of including students with disabilities in public education.
Playback not available.
Date: December 5, 2021
Topic: "UU First Principle: The Inherent Worth & Dignity of Every Person" - In the first of a planned series of services featuring words and music, we will highlight each of the UU's Seven Principles (and proposed Eighth Principle). Even though individual UUs don’t necessarily agree on theology, we have agreed to affirm and promote the Seven Principles which form the basis of our shared faith. In this service, Kathy Parham will present and discuss the First Principle, the "inherent worth and dignity of every person."
Playback not available.
Topic: "UU First Principle: The Inherent Worth & Dignity of Every Person" - In the first of a planned series of services featuring words and music, we will highlight each of the UU's Seven Principles (and proposed Eighth Principle). Even though individual UUs don’t necessarily agree on theology, we have agreed to affirm and promote the Seven Principles which form the basis of our shared faith. In this service, Kathy Parham will present and discuss the First Principle, the "inherent worth and dignity of every person."
Playback not available.
Date: November 28, 2021
Topic: "Reflections on Afghanistan: Friends and Friendship in Flight" - Rachel McKinney worked in Afghanistan from 2003-2005, and those were years of hope. Hope that the new government could be rapidly built and address the needs of a country devastated by decades of conflict, hope that the education system could accommodate the hopes and dreams of thousands and thousands of girls and boys, hope that women would regain and retain basic rights. The education program Rachel supported was built on the energy and dedication of women and men who placed great hope in every teacher training they held, in every textbook distribution, and every student who found space in front of the chalkboards. Within a few months, what little hope the women still held in 2021 was destroyed by the rapid takeover by the Taliban. These strong women now hope to leave their homeland so that their own children can find space in front a chalkboard again.
Playback not available.
Topic: "Reflections on Afghanistan: Friends and Friendship in Flight" - Rachel McKinney worked in Afghanistan from 2003-2005, and those were years of hope. Hope that the new government could be rapidly built and address the needs of a country devastated by decades of conflict, hope that the education system could accommodate the hopes and dreams of thousands and thousands of girls and boys, hope that women would regain and retain basic rights. The education program Rachel supported was built on the energy and dedication of women and men who placed great hope in every teacher training they held, in every textbook distribution, and every student who found space in front of the chalkboards. Within a few months, what little hope the women still held in 2021 was destroyed by the rapid takeover by the Taliban. These strong women now hope to leave their homeland so that their own children can find space in front a chalkboard again.
Playback not available.
Date: November 21, 2021
Topic: "Giving Thanks" presented by Evelyn Asher - Evelyn Asher has lived and thrived in the Midwest, South Florida, Western North Carolina, and North Georgia. She has cruised down the Yangtze River and driven through the clouds of mountain ranges listening to Mozart Café. Her poems reflect her meaningful relationships wherever she is planted and styles of poetry that were introduced to her in the "Behind The Stacks" poetry group. As reading mentor for 13 years, she has a passion for literacy, finds utter fascination in strong mountain lives and storytelling and is currently crafting her second poetry collection.
She founded the Wisdom Collective that features ekphrastic art workshops during the pandemic with over 200 participants from twelve states, South Africa, and the U.K. She welcomes the opportunity to host these workshops for organizations and business groups.
Playback not available.
Topic: "Giving Thanks" presented by Evelyn Asher - Evelyn Asher has lived and thrived in the Midwest, South Florida, Western North Carolina, and North Georgia. She has cruised down the Yangtze River and driven through the clouds of mountain ranges listening to Mozart Café. Her poems reflect her meaningful relationships wherever she is planted and styles of poetry that were introduced to her in the "Behind The Stacks" poetry group. As reading mentor for 13 years, she has a passion for literacy, finds utter fascination in strong mountain lives and storytelling and is currently crafting her second poetry collection.
She founded the Wisdom Collective that features ekphrastic art workshops during the pandemic with over 200 participants from twelve states, South Africa, and the U.K. She welcomes the opportunity to host these workshops for organizations and business groups.
Playback not available.
Date: November 14, 2021 at 10:45 AM
Topic: "The Valor of a Woman: Fania Chapiro, a Life in Music" - Dutch - Jewish composer Fania Chapiro was a child prodigy pianist, survived World War II, moved to the U.S., and made a life back in the Netherlands as a pianist and teacher. This talk, presented by Deb Nemko, will focus on Chapiro's persistence and courage and will include a video performance by the presenter of some of her piano compositions. Dr. Nemko is Professor of Music at Bridgewater State University and instructor at New England Conservatory’s Piano Preparatory and School of Continuing Education. After her 2015 Fulbright Fellowship to the Netherlands for her project, “Suppressed and Forgotten Dutch Composers of World War II,” Nemko developed innovative recitals and workshops on Dutch composers of the Holocaust.
Playback not available.
Topic: "The Valor of a Woman: Fania Chapiro, a Life in Music" - Dutch - Jewish composer Fania Chapiro was a child prodigy pianist, survived World War II, moved to the U.S., and made a life back in the Netherlands as a pianist and teacher. This talk, presented by Deb Nemko, will focus on Chapiro's persistence and courage and will include a video performance by the presenter of some of her piano compositions. Dr. Nemko is Professor of Music at Bridgewater State University and instructor at New England Conservatory’s Piano Preparatory and School of Continuing Education. After her 2015 Fulbright Fellowship to the Netherlands for her project, “Suppressed and Forgotten Dutch Composers of World War II,” Nemko developed innovative recitals and workshops on Dutch composers of the Holocaust.
Playback not available.
Date: November 7, 2021
Topic: "A 40-year Spiritual Quest for Understanding" - Dr. Stuart Kaplan, current BUUF president, discusses his 40 year spiritual quest for a deeper understanding of life.In this program, he will share some of the lessons learned from many teachers, some well-known and others obscure, who inspire his practice of yoga and meditation. This journey continues with his commitment to Unitarian Universalism principles that proclaim the interdependent web of all existence.
Playback not available.
Topic: "A 40-year Spiritual Quest for Understanding" - Dr. Stuart Kaplan, current BUUF president, discusses his 40 year spiritual quest for a deeper understanding of life.In this program, he will share some of the lessons learned from many teachers, some well-known and others obscure, who inspire his practice of yoga and meditation. This journey continues with his commitment to Unitarian Universalism principles that proclaim the interdependent web of all existence.
Playback not available.
Date: October31, 2021
Topic: "On Turning & Time: Remembering & Reflecting on Day of the Dead" - Across human cultures and spiritual traditions, the remembering and honoring of the dead is a common theme. Many different celebrations of life, death and the intentional remembering of loved ones who have passed are observed at the end of October & beginning of November. BUUF past president and professor of Spanish Catherine Fountain will explore how Day of Dead and other mid-autumn holidays allow us to reflect on these passings and the turning of the seasons. As a part of the service, attendees will have the opportunity to share their own remembrances of friends and family who have passed, and as a community we will also create a space in which to remember and honor the more than five million people who have died worldwide of COVID-19.
Playback not available.
Topic: "On Turning & Time: Remembering & Reflecting on Day of the Dead" - Across human cultures and spiritual traditions, the remembering and honoring of the dead is a common theme. Many different celebrations of life, death and the intentional remembering of loved ones who have passed are observed at the end of October & beginning of November. BUUF past president and professor of Spanish Catherine Fountain will explore how Day of Dead and other mid-autumn holidays allow us to reflect on these passings and the turning of the seasons. As a part of the service, attendees will have the opportunity to share their own remembrances of friends and family who have passed, and as a community we will also create a space in which to remember and honor the more than five million people who have died worldwide of COVID-19.
Playback not available.
Date: October 24, 2021
Topic: "Trauma-Transformed" with Todd Carter, Chief Development Director of Hospitality House of Northwest N.C., shares with us his own story about how he came to this work with the region's homeless population after 15 years in corporate sales and marketing. One of Boone's most lively and engaging speakers, Todd is on a journey of becoming "trauma transformed" through his own life's struggles and how they intersect with his work at Hospitality House. Todd will share insights into the rewards and challenges of trauma fatigue and cultivating hope in the world today and will take questions about his journey and work at Hospitality House.
Playback not available.
Topic: "Trauma-Transformed" with Todd Carter, Chief Development Director of Hospitality House of Northwest N.C., shares with us his own story about how he came to this work with the region's homeless population after 15 years in corporate sales and marketing. One of Boone's most lively and engaging speakers, Todd is on a journey of becoming "trauma transformed" through his own life's struggles and how they intersect with his work at Hospitality House. Todd will share insights into the rewards and challenges of trauma fatigue and cultivating hope in the world today and will take questions about his journey and work at Hospitality House.
Playback not available.
Date: October 17, 2021
Topic: "Our Whole Lives" with Mike Walker - Mike Walker will talk with us about OWL (Our Whole Lives), the sexuality education program from the UUA and United Church of Christ. OWL's curriculum extends from childhood through adulthood- our whole lives, right? Mike, a trained OWL facilitator, talks with us about his work in the local 7-9 grade OWL classes, offered with the HCUUC. OWL models compassion, respect, and justice; a holistic program that goes beyond intellect and addresses the attitudes, values, and feelings that youth have about themselves and sexuality.
Playback not available.
Topic: "Our Whole Lives" with Mike Walker - Mike Walker will talk with us about OWL (Our Whole Lives), the sexuality education program from the UUA and United Church of Christ. OWL's curriculum extends from childhood through adulthood- our whole lives, right? Mike, a trained OWL facilitator, talks with us about his work in the local 7-9 grade OWL classes, offered with the HCUUC. OWL models compassion, respect, and justice; a holistic program that goes beyond intellect and addresses the attitudes, values, and feelings that youth have about themselves and sexuality.
Playback not available.
Date: October 10, 2021
Topic: "The 12 Steps & the Hero's Journey" - The Twelve Steps, originally introduced by Alcoholics Anonymous, have become widely utilized by over hundreds of organizations and millions of people as a path to a better life. Through the myth of the Hero's Journey, popularized by Joseph Campbell, people can imagine themselves overcoming great obstacles in their lives. Mike Gordon will share his own journey of discovering both of these powerful concepts, how he implemented them into his own life, and his realization that they are one journey in the same.
Playback not available.
Topic: "The 12 Steps & the Hero's Journey" - The Twelve Steps, originally introduced by Alcoholics Anonymous, have become widely utilized by over hundreds of organizations and millions of people as a path to a better life. Through the myth of the Hero's Journey, popularized by Joseph Campbell, people can imagine themselves overcoming great obstacles in their lives. Mike Gordon will share his own journey of discovering both of these powerful concepts, how he implemented them into his own life, and his realization that they are one journey in the same.
Playback not available.
Date: September 26, 2021
Topic: "Americans We"- Why is "Americans We," the title of a circus march composed in 1929, the subject of this Sunday's service? Because we will be virtually hosting Bernard H. Flythe, a professional tuba player from Atlanta, Georgia. He will share with us his unique experience and voice as a gay African American man living in a world dealing with the pandemic, racial dynamics, and political fervor. Bernard will discuss how he uses his life story to shape his voice of empathy during these challenging times, how a UU congregation can implement the congregational covenant and the seven principles to help enhance their lives, and why he believes our planet will someday become the true ideal of America’s cultural “melting pot.”
Playback not available.
Topic: "Americans We"- Why is "Americans We," the title of a circus march composed in 1929, the subject of this Sunday's service? Because we will be virtually hosting Bernard H. Flythe, a professional tuba player from Atlanta, Georgia. He will share with us his unique experience and voice as a gay African American man living in a world dealing with the pandemic, racial dynamics, and political fervor. Bernard will discuss how he uses his life story to shape his voice of empathy during these challenging times, how a UU congregation can implement the congregational covenant and the seven principles to help enhance their lives, and why he believes our planet will someday become the true ideal of America’s cultural “melting pot.”
Playback not available.
Date: August 22, 2021
Topic: "Ms. Marvel and the Millennials" - Craig Fischer will talk about how current trends in popular culture—particularly the rise in Marvel superhero movies—intersect with both our First UU Principle (“The inherent worth and dignity of every person”) and the political activism of Generation Y. We’ll focus specifically on Ms. Marvel, Kamala Khan, a Muslim teenage superhero introduced in her own Marvel comic book in 2014 and poised to enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2022. What can Kamala Khan’s popularity tell us about the state of the U.S. in the past and right now?
Playback not available.
Topic: "Ms. Marvel and the Millennials" - Craig Fischer will talk about how current trends in popular culture—particularly the rise in Marvel superhero movies—intersect with both our First UU Principle (“The inherent worth and dignity of every person”) and the political activism of Generation Y. We’ll focus specifically on Ms. Marvel, Kamala Khan, a Muslim teenage superhero introduced in her own Marvel comic book in 2014 and poised to enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2022. What can Kamala Khan’s popularity tell us about the state of the U.S. in the past and right now?
Playback not available.
Date: August 1, 2021
Topic: “The Loving Collective: Parenting Across Racial Differences” - This summer marked the 56th anniversary of the landmark Loving v. Virginia case that made intermarriage between white and non-white people legal in the United States. Corey Bennett Williams is part of the “Loving Generation,” born to a black mother and a white father. She writes, “ Growing up in a small racially divided town was a challenge – with me constantly trying to understand my identity.” Now as a parent, she recognizes that “parenting across racial differences comes with a unique set of challenges. It means that as a parent, your identity, your story, and your way of moving through the world is different than your child’s. It requires unique skills, proactive nurture and a lot of de-centered listening ability to raise a child of a different race.” Corey will share some of her story and describe her work as an antiracism educator and the founder of the Loving Collective, “A kind, supportive community for white parents of Black and Black biracial children to deepen knowledge, find proactive tools and support one another in loving community.”
Playback not available.
Topic: “The Loving Collective: Parenting Across Racial Differences” - This summer marked the 56th anniversary of the landmark Loving v. Virginia case that made intermarriage between white and non-white people legal in the United States. Corey Bennett Williams is part of the “Loving Generation,” born to a black mother and a white father. She writes, “ Growing up in a small racially divided town was a challenge – with me constantly trying to understand my identity.” Now as a parent, she recognizes that “parenting across racial differences comes with a unique set of challenges. It means that as a parent, your identity, your story, and your way of moving through the world is different than your child’s. It requires unique skills, proactive nurture and a lot of de-centered listening ability to raise a child of a different race.” Corey will share some of her story and describe her work as an antiracism educator and the founder of the Loving Collective, “A kind, supportive community for white parents of Black and Black biracial children to deepen knowledge, find proactive tools and support one another in loving community.”
Playback not available.
Date: July 11, 2021
Topic: History of Unitarian Universalism (brief overview from Rev. Lee Paczulla)
Video Link (YouTube)
Topic: History of Unitarian Universalism (brief overview from Rev. Lee Paczulla)
Video Link (YouTube)
Date: June 27, 2021
Topic: Because of, not in spite of
Counselors and social workers Marissa Cornell, Mollie Furman, and Ashley Wurth will discuss their healing vision of restorative justice, a response to crime that strives to repair the "harm caused or revealed by unjust behavior through inclusive and cooperative practices that involve the victim, offender, and community members.” Furman and Wurth work with the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD), a partnership with the Watauga Police Department designed to channel non-violent offenders away from jail and into case management services that decrease recidivism. Ashley and Mollie will discuss some of their personal journeys and experiences into recovery, and how they work today to support and serve some of our communities most vulnerable populations through the Watauga LEAD and Watauga Detention Recovery on the Inside Programs. Service Leader: Linda Larson.
Playback not available.
Topic: Because of, not in spite of
Counselors and social workers Marissa Cornell, Mollie Furman, and Ashley Wurth will discuss their healing vision of restorative justice, a response to crime that strives to repair the "harm caused or revealed by unjust behavior through inclusive and cooperative practices that involve the victim, offender, and community members.” Furman and Wurth work with the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD), a partnership with the Watauga Police Department designed to channel non-violent offenders away from jail and into case management services that decrease recidivism. Ashley and Mollie will discuss some of their personal journeys and experiences into recovery, and how they work today to support and serve some of our communities most vulnerable populations through the Watauga LEAD and Watauga Detention Recovery on the Inside Programs. Service Leader: Linda Larson.
Playback not available.
Date: June 6, 2021
Topic: A Healthcare Professional’s Perspective on the Pandemic
No person is immune to the impact of living through a pandemic. Daily life, socializing, family connections, life rituals--not to mention health—everything that used to be taken for granted became a coveted treasure or a compounded loss throughout 2020-2021. Like many healthcare chaplains across the country, Melanie Childers showed up to a job that was barely recognizable even to herself. Sitting with the people who were most profoundly sickened by COVID-19, and sometimes died with no family around them, was excruciating and demoralizing. Typical methods of providing spiritual care were no longer possible, or sufficient—for patients/families, for staff, and even for herself. This session will provide a perspective of the pandemic from inside the hospital, along with some lessons learned and some lingering questions.
Melanie Childers is the system director of pastoral care for Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, where she has worked for 22 years. Ordained by the United Church of Christ, Melanie seeks to provided supportive care, crisis intervention, and grief support to people of any faith or of no faith.
Playback not available.
Topic: A Healthcare Professional’s Perspective on the Pandemic
No person is immune to the impact of living through a pandemic. Daily life, socializing, family connections, life rituals--not to mention health—everything that used to be taken for granted became a coveted treasure or a compounded loss throughout 2020-2021. Like many healthcare chaplains across the country, Melanie Childers showed up to a job that was barely recognizable even to herself. Sitting with the people who were most profoundly sickened by COVID-19, and sometimes died with no family around them, was excruciating and demoralizing. Typical methods of providing spiritual care were no longer possible, or sufficient—for patients/families, for staff, and even for herself. This session will provide a perspective of the pandemic from inside the hospital, along with some lessons learned and some lingering questions.
Melanie Childers is the system director of pastoral care for Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, where she has worked for 22 years. Ordained by the United Church of Christ, Melanie seeks to provided supportive care, crisis intervention, and grief support to people of any faith or of no faith.
Playback not available.
Date: May 30, 2021
Topic: Reinventing Yourself During the Pandemic
James Geary is the pharmacy outreach coordinator at the health and Hunger Coalition. Before the pandemic he was operating a small screen-printing business, specializing in eco-friendly and high-end screen-printing processes. When the pandemic hit, he lost all of his clients at once including his largest client which makes climbing equipment used in the Olympics. Once the Olympics were canceled and local business shut down, he knew it was time to explore other options. He’d already gathered the equipment for an event photography business, but all events were cancelled as well. He made his way doing handiwork, dog sitting and odd jobs but was financially in a tight spot. He’s from Boone and knew about the Hunger and Health Coalition and accepted food assistance while transitioning into other work. He was grateful to the organization and promised himself to return the favor if he could. That opportunity came when Hunger and Health Coalition lost all of their interns and volunteers at once due to ASU shutting down and volunteers mainly being senior citizens who had compromised immune systems. He volunteered for about six months and was eventually hired when a new position on the outreach staff became available. James says: “I was raised Quaker and I’ve always believed in public service and I’m very happy to have this opportunity to be involved in the front lines of what I believe is the largest crisis facing America which is access to healthcare and the price of medication which is criminal.”
Playback not available.
Topic: Reinventing Yourself During the Pandemic
James Geary is the pharmacy outreach coordinator at the health and Hunger Coalition. Before the pandemic he was operating a small screen-printing business, specializing in eco-friendly and high-end screen-printing processes. When the pandemic hit, he lost all of his clients at once including his largest client which makes climbing equipment used in the Olympics. Once the Olympics were canceled and local business shut down, he knew it was time to explore other options. He’d already gathered the equipment for an event photography business, but all events were cancelled as well. He made his way doing handiwork, dog sitting and odd jobs but was financially in a tight spot. He’s from Boone and knew about the Hunger and Health Coalition and accepted food assistance while transitioning into other work. He was grateful to the organization and promised himself to return the favor if he could. That opportunity came when Hunger and Health Coalition lost all of their interns and volunteers at once due to ASU shutting down and volunteers mainly being senior citizens who had compromised immune systems. He volunteered for about six months and was eventually hired when a new position on the outreach staff became available. James says: “I was raised Quaker and I’ve always believed in public service and I’m very happy to have this opportunity to be involved in the front lines of what I believe is the largest crisis facing America which is access to healthcare and the price of medication which is criminal.”
Playback not available.
Date: May 16, 2021
Topic: Healing Nature: Lessons from Buffalo Cove
The founder of the Buffalo Cove Outdoor Education Center, Nathan Roark has been providing opportunities for inner-city, foster children to experience the power of being immersed in the natural world since 1995. Buffalo Cove now serves youth from all walks of life from Atlanta, Miami, Baltimore, Washington DC, and well as many local kids from this Fellowship. Roark believes that getting kids outside, learning and playing in community, and away from their screens, is imperative in making a well-rounded person and will share stories of the impact of these powerful outdoor experiences on children’s lives. He explains, “We learn by doing, and we know others do too. We get dirty, we get wet, we get scratches, we get frustrated, we get excited, and we gain so much wisdom in the process.”
Playback not available.
Topic: Healing Nature: Lessons from Buffalo Cove
The founder of the Buffalo Cove Outdoor Education Center, Nathan Roark has been providing opportunities for inner-city, foster children to experience the power of being immersed in the natural world since 1995. Buffalo Cove now serves youth from all walks of life from Atlanta, Miami, Baltimore, Washington DC, and well as many local kids from this Fellowship. Roark believes that getting kids outside, learning and playing in community, and away from their screens, is imperative in making a well-rounded person and will share stories of the impact of these powerful outdoor experiences on children’s lives. He explains, “We learn by doing, and we know others do too. We get dirty, we get wet, we get scratches, we get frustrated, we get excited, and we gain so much wisdom in the process.”
Playback not available.
Date: April 25, 2021
Topic: Reawakening Awe in the Zoom Era
A state of awe can have profoundly positive effects on people. In its wake, people act more generously and ethically, think more critically when encountering persuasive stimuli, like arguments or advertisements, and often feel a deeper connection to others and the world in general. Awe prompts people to redirect concern away from the self and toward everything else. And about three-quarters of the time, it’s elicited by nature. How can we reawaken awe in the Zoom Era? In this presentation, Amy Renfranz will describe ways to observe the world around you – in hopes that you will be able to experience awe and the joy it brings in your daily life.
Playback not available.
Topic: Reawakening Awe in the Zoom Era
A state of awe can have profoundly positive effects on people. In its wake, people act more generously and ethically, think more critically when encountering persuasive stimuli, like arguments or advertisements, and often feel a deeper connection to others and the world in general. Awe prompts people to redirect concern away from the self and toward everything else. And about three-quarters of the time, it’s elicited by nature. How can we reawaken awe in the Zoom Era? In this presentation, Amy Renfranz will describe ways to observe the world around you – in hopes that you will be able to experience awe and the joy it brings in your daily life.
Playback not available.
Date: April 18, 2021
Topic: Reciprocity in Nature: Lessons from Braiding Sweetgrass
History, science and indigenous practices all teach us about how to be good stewards of our natural resources. Join us for an Earth Day service focused on relationship and sustainability. Rev. Kim Mason started as the minister of First Unitarian Church of St. Louis in the fall of 2019. Before that she was an intern minister at Jefferson Unitarian Church. Kim is a graduate of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Kim is a highly experienced leader, having served UU churches in various capacities for the past 18 years.
Playback not available.
Topic: Reciprocity in Nature: Lessons from Braiding Sweetgrass
History, science and indigenous practices all teach us about how to be good stewards of our natural resources. Join us for an Earth Day service focused on relationship and sustainability. Rev. Kim Mason started as the minister of First Unitarian Church of St. Louis in the fall of 2019. Before that she was an intern minister at Jefferson Unitarian Church. Kim is a graduate of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Kim is a highly experienced leader, having served UU churches in various capacities for the past 18 years.
Playback not available.
Date: March 28, 2021
Topic: "Courage is What Love Looks Like"
The poet David Whyte wrote, “To become human is to become visible.” With us now are the stirrings of a new season, another time of renewal and growth, a time of the earth awakening and the persistent flowers of spring blooming with unwavering strength. But what about us? What does it mean for us to awaken? In our present time of withdrawal in the face of Covid, what does it mean to see? To be seen? What does it mean to open one’s eyes to those around us? We did not choose Covid; it built its walls around us, and we have little choice but to stay behind our walls, remembering what seems lost. We long for a community we cannot quite have, and it seems strange and new to feel cut off, marginalized. But is it possible that the walls that divide us mirror a broader history we have never quite grasped? This sermon will take us back to a time when some people lived behind walls of their own making while excluding others. It will be a story of the invisible becoming visible, of the blind suddenly seeing, of the “inhuman” suddenly showing itself to be more human than many had imagined. It’s a story of race and renewal, of humanity growing and flowering, just a bit. It’s a tale of a small flower blooming its way through a thick hard wall; of the people who saw its beauty and of those who chose not to; and of the work that remains to be done.
Brian Griffin grew up in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, and is now a resident of Knoxville. He has taught English and creative writing at The University of Virginia, Pellissippi State Community College, and The University of Tennessee. He was Youth Programs Coordinator for Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church for several years before becoming Director of Lifespan Religious Education there. He is now a freelance writer and househusband for a very busy professional cellist, Stacy Nickell, who works full time with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.
Playback not available.
Topic: "Courage is What Love Looks Like"
The poet David Whyte wrote, “To become human is to become visible.” With us now are the stirrings of a new season, another time of renewal and growth, a time of the earth awakening and the persistent flowers of spring blooming with unwavering strength. But what about us? What does it mean for us to awaken? In our present time of withdrawal in the face of Covid, what does it mean to see? To be seen? What does it mean to open one’s eyes to those around us? We did not choose Covid; it built its walls around us, and we have little choice but to stay behind our walls, remembering what seems lost. We long for a community we cannot quite have, and it seems strange and new to feel cut off, marginalized. But is it possible that the walls that divide us mirror a broader history we have never quite grasped? This sermon will take us back to a time when some people lived behind walls of their own making while excluding others. It will be a story of the invisible becoming visible, of the blind suddenly seeing, of the “inhuman” suddenly showing itself to be more human than many had imagined. It’s a story of race and renewal, of humanity growing and flowering, just a bit. It’s a tale of a small flower blooming its way through a thick hard wall; of the people who saw its beauty and of those who chose not to; and of the work that remains to be done.
Brian Griffin grew up in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, and is now a resident of Knoxville. He has taught English and creative writing at The University of Virginia, Pellissippi State Community College, and The University of Tennessee. He was Youth Programs Coordinator for Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church for several years before becoming Director of Lifespan Religious Education there. He is now a freelance writer and househusband for a very busy professional cellist, Stacy Nickell, who works full time with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.
Playback not available.
Date: August 30, 2020
Topic: Gene Nichol, UNC School of Law, on COVID, Race, and Poverty
Playback not available.
Topic: Gene Nichol, UNC School of Law, on COVID, Race, and Poverty
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