People's Church Of Kalamazoo

A new year begins – marked by the Jewish holidays Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It’s an opportunity to let go burdens / resentments, and to begin anew. What might unfold in the year ahead? G.K. Chesterton writes: “Good News: but if you ask me what it is, I know not; It is a track of feet in the snow, It is a lantern showing a path, It is a door set open.” How might we welcome and creatively engage the doorways that will open to us?

In the daily news and the impending election, the language of “us versus them” is all around us. Aside from turning off the TV (highly recommended), can we turn this annoying verbal barrage to good account by using it to inspire us to be mindful about the ways we speak and think about ourselves and others? What are the perils and benefits of us/them categorizations? When do “they” become “we”? We’ll reflect on themes of Us versus Them in relation to personal identity, world religions, and collaborative forest management. And, of course, there will be time for at least one Hindu folk tale.

“Never talk to strangers.” Thus reads the moral of “Little Red Riding Hood” and other children’s stories. Is this a moral lesson that you would wish to pass along to your children and grandchildren? In the years since the horrific traumas of 09/11, what have we learned about being genuinely open to strangers — including those with whom we may profoundly disagree? The politicized rhetoric is already intensifying as Election Day 2014 approaches. Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” will be a focal point.

A century ago, L. Frank Baum wrote of Dorothy’s journey from her flat-land Kansas home to the enchanting Land of Oz. While there she and her dog Toto encounter an intriguing cast of characters – including witches, a tin man and scarecrow, and the mighty Wizard who, upon closer examination, proves to be a humbug. What does this myth of journeying, and the longing for home, suggest about our own journeys: personally, and in those relationships that matter most?

Homecoming / In-Gathering: Water Ceremony. Inter-Generational Service All are invited to bring water samples from places of special significance, and to contribute your waters to our common bowl, symbolizing the converging of the streams of our lives into this remarkable community at People’s Church. During the service the Ministerial Search Committee will be introduced, and we will read together a portion of the Search Committee Charter which the Committee developed during their start-up retreat in August.

It has been a custom at People’s Church to engage in a ritual to remember those among us who have died in the past year. In addition, Bob Friedel will reflect on his Vietnam days and Reverend Pam will bring a homily and her farewell to People’s Church. You’ll especially enjoy the music.

Please join us for this unique service, blending our beloved rituals of inspirational words and music with the annual gathering of our congregation to conduct the business of the Church. We will celebrate the vitality of People’s Church and—in keeping with our democratic, free-faith tradition—cast votes and make decisions for our dynamic future. We combine the service and annual meeting this year so that all may participate in the celebration luncheon hosted by the Combined Campaign Committee and attend the important presentation afterwards by The Reverend Barbara Child, our Ministerial Settlement Representative, who will inform the congregation about significant matters in the search for the next settled minister of People’s Church.

The first two principles of the UU Association are affirming and promoting, “The inherent dignity and worth of every person” and “Justice, equity and compassion in human relations.” Allen Webb will use these as themes in talking about his connections with Guatemala (a food exporting country where half of the children are malnourished) and other very poor countries, and how these connections have influenced his view on his responsibility as a teacher and as a world citizen.

Faith statement from Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth: Our UU faith compels us to promote policies that build sustainable and just responses to the effects of climate change. We honor the sacredness of all of creation, recognizing our place within—not separate from— the web of life. Come join us for a call to renewed commitment to Mother Earth and Father Time. During this service, we’ll pledge our commitment to the Annual Operating Fund and the Keep Feeding Our Flame capital campaign.

Please join us for our annual Earth Day Intergenerational service designed to engage all ages of wisdom seekers. This service is based on a story entitled, “A Little Jar Labeled Freedom.” You are invited to journey with us into the “Creator’s Workshop” as we explore how humans are living on the earth with “free choice.” Enjoy beautiful music and sharing while receiving inspiration for your spirit.

Great Friend of Man, Lamb of God, Carpenter's Son, Man of Sorrows—there are many images of Jesus. During a trip to Egypt, Rev. Fran began to reflect on the different place Jesus occupies in Muslim scripture and thought. This morning, she wants to introduce you to a remarkable Muslim. The Reverend Fran Dew began her UU life as a member of People's Church of Kalamazoo in the 1960s, in the "old" church downtown. She is a retired Accredited Interim Minister. During her ministry she served congregations from coast to coast, returning to her home state for her last two churches. She now lives in her family's Ann Arbor area 19th century farmhouse where she is impatiently awaiting to get into her garden.

Our children’s Religious Education program, led by Diane Melvin, is seen by many here as one of our most successful and meaningful accomplishments. A very large number of teachers, parents, and assistants contribute to this dynamic endeavor. This Sunday we will hear from two of the directors of religious education who laid the groundwork for this thriving accomplishment—Deb Wickman and Marj Lightner.

At this intergenerational service, our 9th graders will read their belief statements.

At this service we will hear different perspectives on the great work People's Church has recently done, and why it's important to keep going in support of our future.

This service is about trying to balance both work and fun in shared ministry.

Many in our UU history have made sacrifices to preserve their religious ideals. What is the cost of free religion today?

Lillie Wolff has been actively involved with ERAC/Ce (Eliminating Racism and Claiming/Celebrating Equality) since 2011 and began serving as a Co-Executive Director in 2014. She is currently apprenticing to become a core trainer with ERAC/Ce’s national partner organization, Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training. Lillie is bilingual in English and Spanish and prior to working for ERAC/Ce spent seven years organizing around farmworker and immigrant rights. She is passionate about the intersections of social and ecological justice and has served on the Board of Directors of the Institute for Sustainable Living, Art, and Natural Design (ISLAND) since 2009. Lillie earned a BA in Human Development and Social Relations from Kalamazoo College in 2004. This service is sponsored by the Anti-Racism Anti-Oppression Multicultural (ARAOMC) Committee.

The second in a two-Sunday series about our church history, this service will focus on the ministries and lessons learned from the Loehr ministry, the Campbell interim ministry, and the McAllister ministry. Voices from these periods will share perspective and insights that can inform and provide wisdom as we move into the next phase of our church life.

Longtime church members will talk about People's Church's history, and share some of their thoughts and experiences with the congregation.

The struggle is not over. What can we draw from the vision and power of trailblazers to protect civil rights today?