Month of Sundays

February 1

The Ethics of Power (Crosstalk)
Mike Walleri, Cam Leonard, Jana Peirce. Accompanist, Laurel Holmes

British historian, Lord Acton, earned himself an honorable mention in history when he coined the aphorism, "Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely." At the end of a week in which Barack Obama will arguably become the most powerful person on Earth (others may argue for Rupert Murdock or the chair of the Federal Reserve Bank), it is a good time to reflect on the ethics of power. What roles do we play in life in which we are in a position of power? How can we wield power ethically either as individuals (parents, employers, supervisors, professionals) or as a nation or even a superpower? After service there will be Crosstalk in the sanctuary—an opportunity to explore over coffee hour the varied and individual responses to the ideas raised during the service. This will be the third in this year's series on ethics, following services on the ethics of greed and the ethics of energy.

February 8

Zen and Everyday Life
Guest speaker, Zen Master Seung Sahn. Lay leader, TBA. Accompanist, Marsha Sousa.

This talk is inspired by the life of Zen Master Seung Sahn and will explore how Zen teachings can help move us toward greater authenticity. Zen Master Seung Sahn (Jeff Kitzes) is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice and a Zen Buddhist abbot and guiding teacher of the Empty Gate Zen Center in Berkeley, California. His specialty is the integration of Zen Buddhism and Western Psychotherapy. He has been practicing Zen since 1975, and began practicing with Zen Master Seung Sahn in 1979. He received transmission in April 2001. In addition to his work at the Empty Gate Zen Center in Berkeley, he is the guiding teacher of Cold Mountain Zen Center in Fairbanks.

February 15

Love is Like a Box of Chocolates
Invited speakers from the fellowship. Lay leader, Peter Pierson. Accompanist, Laurel Holmes.

Our fifth annual "Love is Like a Box of Chocolates" Valentine's celebration provides an opportunity to reflect on all the many things we mean when we use that overworked word, Love. As usual, we've asked an assortment of people to give us their thoughts on love -- in word, verse and song -- each in 1-3 minute bite-sized morsels. While not everyone may get a Valentine with their name on it this year, everyone who joins us this Sunday will get a piece of chocolate as part of the chocolate communion that concludes the program. As Lucy says in Peanuts, "All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!"

February 22

Just Peacemaking
Lay leaders, Sherry Modrow and Jana Peirce. Accompanist, Marsha Sousa.

How would you vote on a GA resolution on Peacemaking? Most of us have seen the draft statement of conscience that will likely be up for debate and a final vote at this summer's UUA General Assembly in Salt Lake City. Many of us voted to put it on the GA agenda last month. This is our chance to discuss the language and implications of the statement in full. Sherry Modrow and Jana Peirce will lead us in what promises to be a lively discussion of this broad statement of peaceful intent. The statement calls UUs to action in five areas of human interaction: international, societal, congregational, interpersonal and inner peacemaking. If adopted (as written or as revised by delegates at GA) we will be asked to examine ourselves and our institutions and figure out how we can integrate this commitment to peacemaking at all levels of our personal and congregational lives. Read the draft statement of conscience.

 

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