What could be more Halloween than witches, wizards, scarecrows, and the like? With special music and theater, this week’s all ages service will follow the yellow brick road of Unitarian Universalism, as we learn what it is to grow, love, and serve together.
On All Souls Day we honor our ancestors, name loved ones we have lost, and remember the dead. This special service will include a ritual of remembrance. All who come are invited to bring a photograph or a memento of someone you are remembering for the altar. (Remember to set your clocks back one hour for Daylight Savings!)
Rev. Dr. Gabi Parks joins us to focus on the question of whether it is acceptable to use humor in church. Be ready for a lot of "LOL".
The Reverend Dr. Gabriele Parks came to the United States as a (legal) immigrant from Germany in 1991, with her husband Roger and her then six-year-old twins. Well, the kids are 39 now, and obviously a lot has happened.
Reverend Gabi discovered Unitarian Universalism in Columbia Maryland, where she joined UUCC in 1996. After serving in many volunteer roles at the church, she felt the call to UU ministry, and went to Lancaster Theological Seminary in 2001, where she received her Masters of Divinity after three years. Since then, she has served five congregations all over the United States, as an intentional interim minister; now called transition minister. In 2015, she went back to seminary, this time to Wesley in Washington DC, where she graduated with the Doctor of Ministry in the field of Narrative Theology.
She has served our congregation in York, Pennsylvania, until her retirement in February of 2019. She now serves four cats, her husband, and one rambunctious dog.
Unitarian Universalist History and Theologies - November 18 6:30-8:30 pm on Zoom
What's the difference between a Unitarian and a Universalist? Who were the Socinians? What does Count Dracula have in common with the Unitarianism? Who was Pete Seeger's favorite circuit riding Universalist preacher? What does it mean to be a religious liberal? Could it be that UUs actually have a theological tradition of our own?
We'll cover this and more in Rev. Dan Schatz's Zoom class and slideshow on Unitarian Universalist History and Theologies on Monday, November 18 from 6:30-8:30. There will be stories, new perspectives, and some mind blowing theology. Bring your questions, and invite a friend if you know someone who is interested in learning more about our “Faith of the Free.” The class is open to all - newcomers as well as those who would like to grow in their understanding of Unitarian Universalism. “Walk-ins” are welcome, but it is extra helpful to RSVP in advance to minister@ucwc.org.
“The Great UU Bread Service” - Rev. Dan Schatz and Cassie Lengel
Ready. Set. Bake! There’s no competition as we gather for one of our favorite services of the year. For this all ages service, we invite all members and friends of our congregation to bring a kind of bread that represents your background or in some way describes you or your family. (Store bought, homemade, and bakery are all fine.) Together we will share the bread and the stories that come with it. Gluten free bread is especially welcome so that everyone can participate in the bread communion.
This special service will be followed by a soup and bread lunch.