Sunday Morning Worship
Sunday morning worship begins at 10:30 a.m. at UUFA and online on the zoom platform.
Find links to join the service, submit a Joy, Sorrow or Milestone, fill out a visitor’s card, and access past services on the View Services Page.
December 1 “For Such a Time as This” with Rev. Misha Sanders
How can we about find joy in the midst of fighting oppression, rest when we’re tired, and be fully present with the people we love, no matter what’s going on around us?
December 8 “Triaging Presence” with Rev. Dr. Pippin Whitaker
What should you focus your attention on? Amid the hurry of the holidays and a never-ending fear-inducing news cycle, knowing what to pay attention to is hard. Let us join in worship as we expand our capacity to be present to what is most important.
December 15 “I’m Gonna Lift My Neighbor Up” with Rev. Dr. Pippin Whitaker
The hymn says that no one is too heavy for us to lift, and that if we don’t, we will fall. Deep and ancient meaning underneath these lyrics was declared three thousand years ago. What do these ancient words offer to guide us today?
December 24, 6:30 p.m. “Evening Holiday Service” with Rev. Dr. Pippin Whitaker
Many holiday traditions visit us this time of year. Join in this all-ages service, delighting in joyful music, wise teachings, and a holiday cookie exchange afterwards. All are invited to bring holiday treats to share–the more the merrier! Please label cookies for allergens or list ingredients.
Reflection Ideas and Questions
Are you seeking more ways to explore the practice of presence?
Consider reflecting on these quotes:
At the end of the day: do others feel loved in your presence? This is the spiritual bottom line. – Masin Kipp
Presence is removing judgment, walls and masks so as to create a true and deep connection with people or experiences. – Amy Cuddy
You could ask what would be a good use of my life, thinking the answer is going to be a career choice or something, but I would say the most important thing is using your life to train in being present—in being here with an open heart. – Pema Chödrön
Stop measuring days by degree of productivity and start experiencing them by degree of presence. – Alan Watts
Some questions you may use as a prompt for conversation or for a journal entry follow:
- How do others most often feel in your presence? Loved? Accepted? Heard? Held? Judged? Unimportant? Understood? And how do you want others to feel in your presence?
- Do you long to be more comfortable with solitude and with being in the presence of just yourself?
- Are your efforts to ensure future security costing you the richness of your current days?
- Would you be more present to your life if you weren’t trying to perfect it or win at it?
