In religious community to guide our time together we rely on Covenants not Contracts. Contracts are made for a limited period of time, involve the specific actions of offer and acceptance, and are intended to protect the interest of the parties. Covenants, however, are open-ended and are intended primarily to protect relationships by establishing processes for the peaceful resolution of differences or conflicts. Covenant manage, maintain and nurture relationships.
Today’s service, “The Beloved Divine: Women Mystic Justice Warriors”, invites us to explore women mystics through the ages, looking closely at what they wrote, what they did, and what people said about them. In this investigation we will discover how even the best work of female mystics was often co-opted by men for agendas that were often less than holy. We will also see that many of these women were warriors for a greater justice, singing songs the people of their age too seldom embraced, despite the championing of truth and service their lives embodied.
“Make a Joyful Noise.” Throughout this pandemic people the world round have been called to manifest hope and healing through impactful noise - whether by singing from their balconies or beeping their horns at 5pm to honor healthcare workers. Noise is too often seen as a negative, a hindrance, a warning. Our service invites us to counter these negatives with positive and vocal adulation!
This service is led by Rev Anya Sammler-Michael. Nina Cooke-John serves as Liturgist; Jill Wodnick introduces our Outreach Offering Recipient; UUCM Pres. Elect Shannon Gattens brings a message from the Board.
Music is provided by Dir of Music Ministries Markus Grae-Hauck on piano and vocals; Glenn Rombough on elec. guitar and vox; Rev Scott on drums; and featuring Kate Conroy as songleader, and lead vocals on today’s anthem.
The service starts with an Opening Loop that lasts ~4 1/2 minutes.
Today’s service: “Mental Wellness and Inherent Worth and Dignity,” led by Mark Williams. Mark is a member of First Unitarian New Jersey (formerly known as the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield), and he serves on the Board of "Unitarian Universalist Faith Action New Jersey." Mark is a retired Adult Psychiatric Nurse, and a devoted advocate for the rights of persons diagnosed with a mental illness. As President of the Board of the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield, Mark championed the establishment of a mental health ministry in the congregation.
Too often we get bogged down worrying about the way "things might have been." And even though we may have good reasons to regret, at some point we must live the life before us, assuring we do not add new regrets to our history. Join Rev. Scott on a reflection on how to be gentle and kind with ourselves, no matter what mistakes we have made.
