by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Gerry Meader
Worship Associate
What is the work of joy in our lives? Erin Gyomber, who won this service in the 2018 Auction, wonders if joy shows up to remind us to look up from the tedium and disappointment that surround us, and find beauty again--and hope.
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Gerry Meader
Worship Associate
What is the work of joy in our lives? Erin Gyomber, who won this service in the 2018 Auction, wonders if joy shows up to remind us to look up from the tedium and disappointment that surround us, and find beauty again--and hope.
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Michael Miller
Worship Associate
Being afraid (cautious, terrified, wary, uncomfortable) is a common condition in life. We human beings spend remarkable amounts of time, energy and money trying to avoid fear, with limited success. Perhaps our fears have something to teach us. The Free Spirit Band will play, and Caprice Wright, West Shore Child Care Center Director, will talk about the Center and the “Week of the Young Child.”
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Michael Miller
Worship Associate
Being afraid (cautious, terrified, wary, uncomfortable) is a common condition in life. We human beings spend remarkable amounts of time, energy and money trying to avoid fear, with limited success. Perhaps our fears have something to teach us. The Free Spirit Band will play, and Caprice Wright, West Shore Child Care Center Director, will talk about the Center and the “Week of the Young Child.”
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
Reflections on the lessons and gifts of interim ministry.
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
Reflections on the lessons and gifts of interim ministry.
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Christine Salontay
Worship Associate
Thoughts about where we are—as a nation, culture, religious tradition, congregation—not to mention as citizens of the world. What part are you playing in this journey we’re all on, together?
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Christine Salontay
Worship Associate
Thoughts about where we are—as a nation, culture, religious tradition, congregation—not to mention as citizens of the world. What part are you playing in this journey we’re all on, together?
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Layne Richard-Hammock
Director of Lifespan Faith Development
We will mark the “graduation” of eight of our 2nd and 3rd-grade children who are completing the Age of Reason program, who will share their credos from the pulpit. Parents will be witnesses for their children, offering words of appreciation and hopes for the future.
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Michael Miller
Worship Associate
Spring is (almost) here—hearts and imaginations dare, again, to believe in growth and new life. How can we plant seeds of possibility, in our own lives and those around us? What do you need to un-become in order to begin your journey?
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Michael Miller
Worship Associate
Spring is (almost) here—hearts and imaginations dare, again, to believe in growth and new life. How can we plant seeds of possibility, in our own lives and those around us? What do you need to un-become in order to begin your journey?
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
West Shore has made a commitment to be a force for racial justice in the life and communities of its people. But before anyone can change the world (or themselves), they must understand how things came to be the way they are. Some thoughts on being a white person, and telling the whole truth.
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Gerry Meader
Worship Associate
What lessons did you learn about money as a child? Was it the key to security, or happiness – or was money’s power a temptation to guard against, a pathway to immorality? We tend to carry such early lessons into adulthood, where they can exert more influence than we know. What money lessons do you hope to demonstrate in your life? What money stories do you hope your church will teach?
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Gerry Meader
Worship Associate
What lessons did you learn about money as a child? Was it the key to security, or happiness – or was money’s power a temptation to guard against, a pathway to immorality? We tend to carry such early lessons into adulthood, where they can exert more influence than we know. What money lessons do you hope to demonstrate in your life? What money stories do you hope your church will teach?
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
"Remember Those Who Forget," an article written by a Presbyterian elder, asks us to imagine how congregations might become more dementia-friendly. Why is this important to Unitarian Universalists? How might our own experiences with those who suffer from cognitive memory loss—those in our congregation, families and larger communities—transform us and move us to act on our values?
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Maura Garin
Worship Associate
The third and final year of this interim period has reached the halfway point, and it’s time to pause and take stock. How many of the goals set for this transitional time have been met, and which ones are still out of reach? What opportunities and challenges have shown up along the way, and how have they changed the West Shore story? Reflections on what has happened so far, and what comes next. The Free Spirit Band will play.
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Martha Boesel
Worship Associate
All are welcome as we retell Truman Capote’s timeless story “A Christmas Memory.” The largely autobiographical story, which takes place in the 1930s, describes a period in the lives of the seven-year-old narrator and an elderly woman who is his distant cousin and best friend. The evocative narrative focuses on country life, friendship, and the joy of giving—and gently yet poignantly touches on themes of loneliness and loss. Is it fruitcake weather yet?
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Gerry Meader
Worship Associate
Advent as a spiritual practice: pondering the mystery of waiting expectantly, when we don’t quite know what we’re waiting for. The Free Spirit Band will play; come early to hear the Junior Choir sing in the sanctuary!
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Gerry Meader
Worship Associate
Advent as a spiritual practice: pondering the mystery of waiting expectantly, when we don’t quite know what we’re waiting for. The Free Spirit Band will play; come early to hear the Junior Choir sing in the sanctuary!
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Maura Garin
Worship Associate
Memories of all kinds tend to grow from the rich soil of family gatherings for the holidays. Come explore together the nature of memories, and some wise magic for transforming the “grungy” ones into joyful, appreciative ones. We'll worship together as a congregation: PreK-K class and older children will stay in the Sanctuary for the whole service and sit with their families.
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by Reverend Susan Frederick-Gray, UUA President and
Reverend Tricia Hart
Unitarian Universalists are being called at this moment to live more powerfully and boldly into a vision of a Beloved Community. What does this look like and how do we answer “Yes” to this calling in our lives and in our congregations? Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray was elected President of the Unitarian Universalist Association on June 24, 2017. Prior to her election, she served as Lead Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix, Arizona. Susan played a critical role in the long-term campaign to end the constitutional violations of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Susan received a Masters of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School and a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She is a lifelong UU who grew up at in the St. Louis area. She lives now in Cam-bridge, MA with her husband, Brian and their son.
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by Reverend Patricia Hart
Layne Richard-Hammock
Director of Lifespan Faith Development
Dana Morgan
Worship Associate
West Shore has made a commitment to be a “multi-generational” community: a place where persons of all ages are not only welcome but where opportunities abound for those of different generations to interact and learn from one another. Some reflection and history about child dedications, and a celebration of legacy gifts from several elders who have gone before us.
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Michael Miller
Worship Associate
Churches often highlight growth as part of their vision— when things are going well, and when they're not. How does growth actually happen in a congregation, and why does it stall? What is the connection between money and growth? Observations about opportunities and obstacles before West Shore UU Church in this pivotal chapter of its history. The Free Spirit Band will play!
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
In Unitarian Universalism, everything important is rooted in the covenant that members make with one another. Everyone is free to believe and practice their own faith—but even in that freedom, there is the mutual commitment to a vision and way of being together. (How does that work?)
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Layne Richard-Hammock
Director of Lifespan Faith Development
In this creedless faith, we need to know what lessons we can teach our children that might serve as their moral or spiritual grounding in life. How does teaching others help us learn about ourselves? Everyone is invited to help launch a new year of Religious Education for children, youth, and teachers.
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Gerry Meader
Worship Associate
A new church year begins with a multigenerational celebration of all that is West Shore now, and everything it may be in years to come. The service will include a story told by the members of the Board of Trustees, with a glimpse of the challenges and opportunities of this important time. Remember to bring a small amount of water from a special place in your life for Water Communion. Children (1st grade and older) and youth are invited to stay for the entire service. The Free Spirit Band will play, and the Choir will sing!
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by Reverend Patricia Hart with
The Ministerial Search Committee and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
West Shore has begun the search for the next Senior Minister who will be “called” to serve this church. How does that search happen, and what (who) is it for? What's the tradition and theology behind this long involved process? How is it changing in our time? How will West Shore approach this process? And, how can you get involved? Bring your questions and thoughts as Rev. Tricia and the Search Committee reflect together.
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Martha Boesel
Worship Associate
Nations create borders to separate “our people” from everybody else. Wars and political alliances move borders, people uproot their lives to move to a different part of the world… and suddenly who “we” are isn’t so clear. Moral and spiritual reflections on the power of crossing borders, and growing minds and hearts.
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
Every one of us starts out in a particular home and family that teaches us what life is and how people behave; who is powerful, and who is not. When we move—because of school, work, necessity or opportunity—our lessons about life change, too. Rev. Tricia will reflect on what the churches and places she has served have taught her about being a Unitarian Universalist.
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Gerry Meader
Worship Associate
In this season of graduation and commencement, we will reflect on the significance of moving from one chapter of life to the next—known, and unknown. When have you crossed a threshold in your life? What transitions are you facing now? We will celebrate the “bridging” of West Shore’s graduates from high school into young adulthood.
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Layne Richard-Hammock
Director of Lifespan Faith Development
Worship Associate
PRIDE SUNDAY Unitarian Universalism’s third principle calls us to accept one another (as we are) and encourage one another to grow (into what we might become). Sounds simple—and of course, it’s not easy. Come celebrate with West Shore today: as we welcome new members, share Flower Communion, and learn what Pride can teach us all.
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Dana Morgan
Worship Associate
On this Memorial Day Sunday, some reflections on the power of ritually remembering those who died in war— remembering individually, remembering as families, and especially remembering as a community. What does Memorial Day ask of us? Is it possible to imagine a world without war?
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Maura Garin
Worship Associate
What actually happens when one person cares for another? “Mothering” changes lives—of growing children, of caregivers and those around them. Not to mention how it changes the world! Honoring Mother’s Day beyond greeting cards and brunch.
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Christine Salontay
Worship Associate
Today—as the 2018 Stewardship Campaign ends and the Ministerial Search begins—the focus will be on the choices before West Shore in this extraordinary moment. How will this church bring more beauty, kindness, joy and affirmation into the world? After the service, please stay for the brief Special Congregational Meeting to elect the Ministerial Search Committee, followed at noon by an important program on West Shore’s finances: “Our Money and Our Values.” All members and friends are welcome to attend both programs.
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Martha Blanchly-Cross
Worship Associate
We will celebrate Earth Day with a charming and thought-provoking story service about this beautiful and fragile planet, and the role that human beings play in the great drama of life.
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Martha Boesel
Worship Associate
What do you love about West Shore? What are your wishes for its future, as the congregation gets ready to move into a new chapter, with a new minister? What are the two or three most important aspects of this church you believe must guide West Shore’s vision of its future? As STEWARDSHIP 2018 moves into full swing, come to church for an interactive service that celebrates all things West Shore. Watch Enews for more details about this fun day!
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Barbara Walker
Worship Associate
Easter is many things: a celebration of new life in Spring, a time for family gatherings, a timeless festival of the earth and fertility, and the holiest day in the Christian year. Join our Easter festivities at West Shore, as we celebrate the return of life in song and story!
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Maura Garin
Worship Associate
Do Unitarian Universalists pray? The answer, of course, is: “Yes, some of us pray. In lots of different ways…” On this Christian Holy Day of Palm Sunday, we will look at the role of prayer, centering, meditation and practice in this creed-less religion of ours. Who or what are we praying to?
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Martha Boesel
Worship Associate
It’s never been easy to know the Truth. In these days of “fake news,” disinformation and deep cultural and class divisions, it can be especially difficult to separate fundamental truth from instinct and intuition… much less be open to those who hold very different opinions. What does it mean to promote a free and responsible search for truth and meaning?
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Maura Garin
Worship Associate
On January 13, 2018, we marked the 450th anniversary of The Edict of Torda—one of the world’s first statements of religious freedom, issued by a religious gathering in eastern Europe presided over by the first Unitarian King. In recent decades, dozens of American Unitarian Universalist congregations have formed partnerships with the congregations that grew out of that tradition—including West Shore. What do we have to learn from this brave history, and the perseverance of our Transylvanian Unitarian cousins?
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Martha Boesel
Worship Associate
As Stewardship season begins here at West Shore, it is time to consider the biggest questions about money. How do the choices we make about spending and saving and debt and investment reflect our values? Are we managing our money, or is it managing us?
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and Rev. Chris Long with
Christine Salontay
Worship Associate
From an early age, each of us learns what matters most in this challenging and unpredictable adventure we call life. What did your family and community teach you about surviving, and even thriving as you grew? When did you learn to be wary, and how did you learn to dive into new experiences? Reflections on being members of a community that holds different ideas of perseverance.
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Maura Garin
Worship Associate
Intentions matter. Living out a commitment to be kind, thoughtful, or open-minded can make an enormous differ-ence in our relationships, and in what we teach our chil-dren. But what someone means to do or say is only part of the story—we have to learn the essential skill of paying attention to the impact our words or actions make. Essen-tial… and really difficult.
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Martha Boeselk
Worship Associate
On this anniversary of the birth of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we are called to consider the legacy each one of us is creating in the struggle for justice. Young Rev. King did not predict the role he would play when he accepted the call to his first church in Montgomery, Alabama. How have you been called? And how have you answered?
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by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Christine Salontay
Worship Associate
Have you had the sense that you are an imposter: pretending to be successful, or competent, or even happy, when it doesn’t seem quite true? “Imposter Syndrome” is to be a widespread condition (though it’s hard to know for sure, since people are pretty good at hiding it). What might happen if you worried less about your deficits and embraced your willingness to try?
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Layne Richard-Hammock
Director of Lifespan Faith Development
Dana Morgan
Barbara Walker
Worship Associates
Traditions and teachings about Hanukkah and Christmas come to life in this story about a Jewish boy and an African- American barber, who find ways to connect in this beautiful and difficult season of the year. All ages are welcome at this informal story-service.
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