“We’re All in This Together.” Universalism teaches that we are interdependent creatures. The US Constitution states our commitment to “promote the general welfare.” Our culture has turned its back on the principle of sharing our abundance and replaced it with excessive capitalism which benefits some at the expense of others. How are we called, as religious people, to stand up for economic justice and fairness? Student Minister Bruce Beisner will lead the service.
“Lessons from the Struggle for Civil Rights: Movement and Change for Immigrant Rights in the 21st Century” Although there are definite parallels between these two movements for human rights, there are key differences that must be addressed if the immigrant right’s movement is to move forward. Guest Shelly Jarrett Bromberg is an associate professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies at Miami University. Her work with Latino immigrants stretches back 25 years first as a member of the Sanctuary movement in Denver, Colorado and then as the coordinator of a program for 500 immigrants seeking permanent residency under the 1986 IRCA (Immigration Reform and Control Act) in Austin, Texas. Her current research involves both public and traditional scholarship on Latino immigration and US/Latin American relations. Liz Woedl will be the service leader. The UU Council of Greater Cincinnati is planning a conference and other activities about Immigration on the March 3/4 weekend.
“Becoming Anti-Racist.” Theologian Thandeka has called racism “America’s birth defect.” Today, racial discrimination is often more camouflaged and subtle than in the past, but it is still present in our communities and affects all our lives. We’ll explore how naming oppression and acknowledging its destructive effects can help us continue the work of dismantling the structures of systematic racism around us. Student Minister Bruce Beisner will lead the service. Monthly potluck to follow service.
January 8 at 10:30am “Welcoming Congregation, Part two.” Several years ago, we worked hard to become a welcoming congregation. This service will allow us to look, once again, at what it means to be welcoming. Miami Student Kaeden Kass, Spectrum’s Education Chair, will speak to us about what it means to be welcomed, as well as tell his story about life as a transgender student at Miami University. Service Leader: Cindie Ulreich.
Pole participants have chosen “Iron Jawed Angels” for the New Year’s Day movie adventure at Hopedale Sunday, January 1, 2012, 2:30pm. See women fight for and win the right to vote! Since the film is all best for teens and grown ups, we will have something for the children downstairs. Popcorn will be served but participants may bring their own snacks.
* The organizers of this event deeply regret any scheduling conflict involving televised sports.
Saturday, December 24 at 5:00pm-“Christmas Eve with Our Hopedale Family.” We’ll gather together in community with friends and family to sing songs, to share stories, and to praise the great mysteries and miracles of life. May the magic of this special night renew our hopes for a more peaceful and compassionate world. This special service for all ages will be led by Student Minister Bruce Beisner.
December 25-The Hopedale community will not meet Christmas Day.
Correction! December 18-“Winter Solstice.” December 18 – “Winter Solstice” –Winter Solstice is a time of renewal, peace and interconnectedness. Join us as we explore the meaning of our darkest day of the year with an interactive service that will include a fun activity for our bird friends. Dress prepared to spend a just few minutes outside our sanctuary. Service Leader: Cindie Ulreich.
December 11-“Making Peace with the Prince of Peace.” As we contemplate this upcoming celebration of Christmas, is it possible to move beyond the age-old arguments of who Jesus was (God or human or both)? What might happen if we focused more on what he did and what his story calls us to do? We’ll explore how the teachings and life of Jesus of Nazareth might inspire us to live our lives today with more compassion, empathy and peace. Service leaders will be Student Minister Bruce Beisner and Patty Klingenberg.
December 4-“People Working for Peace in the Middle East.” Guest speaker Randy Wilson will discuss her recent trip as part of a delegation with Interfaith Peace-Builders to meet with Israelis and Palestinians working for peace. She will tell the stories of people she met with and how they are bridging the divide and what we can do as Americans to support their efforts. Service Leader: Genevieve O’Malley Knight.
November 27 “Creating Messages of Gratitude” In what do you place your trust? What sustains you in difficult times? What are you most thankful for in life? This experiential service, created by our Student Minister and based on a spiritual exercise by the Rev. Lisa Ward, will offer you the chance to compose a message of gratitude to the source of your spiritual inspiration and share it with others in the Hopedale Community. Service leader: Judi Hetrick
