This Sunday: Today we celebrate water, which connects and nourishes us all. Bring a small amount of water (actual or symbolic) gathered from your summer activities for our annual Water Communion ceremony. Many of us travel or adventure at home during summer; all have new experiences to share. Lay Leader, Laurie Walton. Accompanist, Marsha Sousa.

This Sunday: The death of Muhammad sparked a schism in Islam between Sunni and Shia that has lasted for over 1350 years, and defined many of the divisions within Islam today. Islamic history is defined by various revival movements of these two great divisions in Islam, and the theological, philosophical and political tensions between the two groups. Many Shia point to the Iranian Islamic Revolution as a touchstone for a modern Shia Revival, which affects not only the Shia, but also the Sunni and non-Islamic people of the world. This program will attempt to provide historical and philosophical context to the modern Shia Revival and our understanding of its effect on us. Speaker: Mike Walleri. Lay Leader: TBA; Accompanist: Laurel Holmes.

This Sunday: Findhorn, Idealism in Action, a report of Phil and Suzanne Osborn’s trip to visit Findhorn, Scotland to a spiritual, ecovillage. Findhorn educates visitors worldwide about the practical application of how to live richly, creatively, compassionately and ecologically. This remarkable town has the lowest recorded ecological footprint for any community in the industrialized world, just half the UK national average. Findhorn’s over 45 years experience offers many lessons to both developing and overdeveloped countries. Speaker: Suzanne Osborne. Lay Leader: Phil Osborne. Accompanist: Vera Alexander.

Mr. Blankensop will discuss the experience of Zen Buddhism during the militarization of Japan and explore the question of whether Zen and War are an oxymoron. Speaker, Doug Blankensop. Lay Leader, Susan Kessler. Accompanist, Marsha Sousa.

This Sunday: Where does our energy come from the in Interior? What is our energy future? What role can we play as ratepayers? We have special needs because of our extreme climate, we’re on the front lines of climate change, and we need energy to be affordable to everyone. Alaska is at an energy crossroads. We have the option of staying with the past, relying heavily on fossil fuels, or being innovative leaders who are ready to transition to a sustainable energy future. Get a bigger picture of our energy landscape: Where have we been? Where are we headed? What options do we have? And how can we make a difference when it comes to climate change? Speakers: Amy Snider & Siri Simons. Lay Leader: Laenne Thompson. Music: Laurel Holmes.

This Sunday: There are many literay works that can guide spiritual seekers; Dante’s Inferno, Pilgrim’s Progress, Autobiography of Malcom X and….the Wizard of Oz. Yes, the Wizard of Oz contains almost all we need to know to follow the yellow brick road of our own spiritual journey. Scarecrow, Tin Man, the Lion, Dorothy and even Toto show us the way to self understanding and awe. There is even a place for the witches–the Wicked Witch of the West, Glinda the Good Witch and the one laying under the house. See how Oz can guide you through this journey we call life. Speaker: Murray Richmond, Lay Leader: TBA, Accompanist: Vera Alexander.

This Sunday: Walking meditation is a form of meditation in action. Most people find it easier to be keep their awareness focused while doing walking meditation than in sitting forms of practice. This service provides an opportunity to practice mindfulness while walking as we go out of doors and enjoy the use our labyrinth and tree-lined driveway in a contemplative walking meditation. Indoor or outdoor sitting meditation is an alternative for those not able to participate in the walking meditation practice. Lay leader, Julia Stewart. Accompanist, Marsha Sousa.

This Sunday: In January of this year, an earthquake struck Haiti causing massive damage in a country that was experiencing 70% unemployment prior to the earthquake.  Peter Wallis is a retired Public Health Service Officer who is involved in the International Relief effort for Haiti.  Mr. Wallis will discuss what is going right, what is going wrong, and identify the most promising opportunities for Haitian Relief that we might support. Speaker, Peter Wallis. Lay Leader,  Mike Walleri. Accompanist, Marsha Sousa.

On July 4th, Mary E Walker, Project Director of Alaska Interfaith Power & Light, will present Stewards of Creation. This 25-minute presentation, explores environmental stewardship theology, climate change and ways both individuals and congregations can serve as stewards of Creation. Speaker: Mary Walker, Lay Leader: Suzanne Osborn, Accompanist: Vera Alexander. Read More »

This Sunday: This July marks the 20th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Who cares? And why do you still call us handicapped? Speaker: Doug Toelle, Lay Leader: Jana Peirce.