Building a New Way

by Reverend Michelle Ma and

Gerry Meader, Worship Associate

Unitarian Universalists talk a lot about "living our values" and "building a beloved community.” West Shore strives to be a radically inclusive, multicultural, anti-oppressive community, and so does Denison UCC. We are two very different churches with different ministries and very similar goals. Affiliated Community Minister Michelle Ma will talk about her work with Denison UCC and how and why West Shore should get involved.

What Were You Thinking?

by Worship Associate Gerry Meader

We will explore mindfulness and some of the ways in which we accept ideas without the benefit of any serious intellectual rigor. How do we come to accept “truth” when real evidence doesn’t exist, or when the “evidence” is misleading? And how might these precarious beliefs affect our commitment to social justice or our world view?

CLICK HERE FOR SERMON ONLY

What Were You Thinking? - sermon only

by Worship Associate Gerry Meader

We will explore mindfulness and some of the ways in which we accept ideas without the benefit of any serious intellectual rigor. How do we come to accept “truth” when real evidence doesn’t exist, or when the “evidence” is misleading? And how might these precarious beliefs affect our commitment to social justice or our world view?

Keeping The Republic

by Reverend Patricia Hart and

Gerry Meader

Worship Associate

“Rebellion against tyrants is obedience to God.” These words, spoken by Benjamin Franklin, speak volumes about the political ideas that shaped our country and the religious convictions that would become Unitarianism. There are many points in history when those two movements converged. To some extent, they still do.

CLICK HERE FOR SERMON ONLY

Keeping The Republic - sermon only

by Reverend Patricia Hart and

Gerry Meader

Worship Associate

“Rebellion against tyrants is obedience to God.” These words, spoken by Benjamin Franklin, speak volumes about the political ideas that shaped our country and the religious convictions that would become Unitarianism. There are many points in history when those two movements converged. To some extent, they still do.

Joy

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.

CLICK HERE FOR SERMON ONLY

Joy - sermon only

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.

Growing Up with Money

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?

CLICK HERE FOR SERMON ONLY

Growing Up With Money
Sermon Only

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?

In the Stillness of These Moments - SERVICE

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!

CLICK HERE FOR SERMON ONLY

In the Stillness of These Moments - SERMON

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!

Ingathering

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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Lammas—First Harvest

by Dana Morgan and

Gerry Meader

Worship Associates

As the harvest season comes upon us, what seeds have you planted (started) in the spring? What projects have you tended through the summer? What fruits of love, joy, commitment do you harvest in this season? Best news of all, we still have time to plant for a second harvest, so think on what fruits of the spirit and community you would like to consider for your second planting.

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Crossing the Threshold

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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