Minister: Rev. Leslie Ahuvah Fails    Music: Vera Alexander

Unitarian Universalists treasure our belief in free will and our commitment to rational thought. But what if — and just bear with me here for a second — what if free will doesn’t exist? In such a world, what would it mean to be moral? What would it mean to have faith? What it would it mean to … well … do anything at all? This sermon topic was purchased by friend of the fellowship Derek Sikes at the church auction, and it’s possible that whether or not you will choose to attend this Sunday was predetermined long before you were born.

Minister: Rev. Leslie Ahuvah Fails  Lay Leader: Holly Blood Music: Marsha Sousa

Rest. Renewal. New possibilities. Saying a “holy no” to your responsibility to work and other commitments and a “holy yes” to the needs of your spirit. In a society that determines the value of a life based on productivity and how busy you are (or at least how busy you appear) it can feel impossible, even irresponsible to partake in intentional Sabbath time. This morning we expore the promise and potential of the lost art of Sabbath keeping.

Speakers: Vera Alexander, Cameron Leonard, and Lisa Sporleder  Lay Leader: Jana Peirce Music: Marsha Sousa

Blaise Pascal’s wager goes something like this: “Bet on the toss of a coin that God is. If we win, we win eternity. If we lose, we lose nothing.” Yet it can be hard to believe in something — a dream, a goal, our own abilities, or faith in something we cannot see — even when it’s something we want to believe. This seems especially true for Unitarian Universalists. Doubt seems our constant companion, but is it our friend? As part of our intermittent worship series, This UU Life, three members of the fellowship will speak briefly about their relationship with doubt.

Coordinator: Rev. Leslie Ahuvah Fails  Music: Vera Alexander

“That dream shall have a name after all, and it will not be vengeful but wealthy with love and compassion and knowledge.And it will rise in this heart which is our America.” —Simon Ortiz

This morning we will enjoy a worship experience from the UUA’s 2019 General Assembly in Spokane, featuring Rev. Marta Valentin, Rev. Jason Shelton, and Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, among others. After exploring el poder de nosotros/the power of we, what are we ready to do/¿que estamos listo para hacer? Let’s not be servants of the past in new cups. Let’s all get free by planting faithful seeds of change and together turn to free the faith we love.

Minister: Rev. Leslie Ahuvah Fails  Lay Leader: Molly Lemen Music: Marsha Sousa

Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, Unitarian Universalists gather once a year to celebrate the creatures who accompany us through life. Whether they walk, swim, hop, crawl, scamper, or fly, your animal friends are welcome to join us in “paw-son” for a special service of blessing (as long as they play well with others). You can also bring a photograph of your animal friend, or of beloved pets who have passed on. This service will honor them all.

Come, come, whoever you are — and bring a dish to share! Rain or shine, we’ll gather together at 10:30 for a picnic to celebrate the joy we find in our beloved community. We will also be honoring the volunteers who make UUFF a welcoming, wonderful place through their dedication to shared ministry.

Leader: Rev. Leslie Ahuvah Fails

Minister: Rev. Leslie Ahuvah Fails Lay Leader: Laura Volmert  Music: Will Schendel

“They say that every snowflake is different. If that were true, how could the world go on? How could we ever get up off our knees? How could we ever recover from the wonder of it?” —Jeanette Winterson

This sacred hour will be dedicated to the rushing, heart-filling experience of wonderment. What fills you with wonder and awe? How do you explain or share that feeling with others? We will draw from science, the arts, and the words of the mystics as we celebrate that which is breathtaking and numinous in our world. (Multigenerational service)

Speaker: Eric Muehling     Lay Leader:  Laurie Walton   Music:  Marsha Sousa

What motivates you to volunteer or help others in need? Why serve our community? Why work for social justice and equality? Can service somehow be a selfish act, a duty, or pure altruism? What core UU values explain “Why we do what we do?” These ideas will be explored.

Minister: Rev. Leslie Ahuvah Fails Lay Leader: Jana Peirce Music: Laurel Holmes

In this era of resurgent nationalism and white supremacy, of division and dissolution of norms, what does our Unitarian Universalist faith require of us? What does it mean to be a UU in these times? What strength can our faith offer us in this struggle — and how can we be of support to one another, even and especially to our siblings and faith in other parts of the country and the world? Join us in welcoming our guests from all over the lower 48 for our second Whale Coast tour of the year to this special service.

Coordinator of various UUFF Fashionistas: Eric Muehling   Music: Marsha Sousa

For our Whale Coast visitors, UUs will showcase distinctive outfits worn in all seasons. Warmth vs. style? Or both? Gliding down the catwalk, our UU runway models will wear magnificent parkas rated to 60-below, kuspuks, Carhartts, snowsuits, Bunny boots, goose-down dresses, mosquito hoods, face masks and whatever. See how Alaskans dress for work, play, and Sunday service.