By Joseph Plummer
December is a month of religious observances. The Christian observance of the season of Advent culminates in the celebration of Christmas and the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. In the earliest civilizations and to the present day, many people celebrate the Winter Solstice, and many African Americans observe the modern holiday of Kwanzaa.
These celebrations are different from each other. Yet, according to The Reverend Tom Rosiello, who will lead this Sunday’s worship and deliver this morning’s message, «A common thread runs through them all. Each embraces expectation and unwavering hope for a better time.»
The so-called «Gospel (good news) of Hope» is fundamental to Unitarian Universalist theology, as John Murray, the founder of Universalism, preached to his followers: «You may possess only a small light, but uncover it and let it shine. Use it to bring more understanding to the hearts and minds of men and women. Give them not hell but hope and courage.»
Bringing hope to others and embracing it in our lives are central tenets of Unitarian Universalism and for a good reason. Unitarian Universalist writer Norman Cousins describes it in this way, “The capacity for hope is the most significant fact in life. It provides human beings with a sense of destination and the energy to get started.”
This Sunday’s service will include beautiful music of the Season of Advent. Many aspects and the changing nature of hope during life’s journey as taught in the Unitarian Universalist tradition by sources defining our UU faith will be explored. Chamber music by violinist Felicia Moye and pianist Paula Peace will be enjoyed.
This Sunday’s «Young Explorers” – our free, bilingual program for children – ages seven to 13 – will also meet. As always, all children are welcome to join the group as it investigates the fourth Principle of Unitarian Universalism, the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. For more information, contact anne.geyer@comcast.net or chris.chase1955@gmail.com.
Unitarian Universalism is a liberal faith inviting its community to gather around a set of harmonizing values and principles for living. Our UU Fellowship welcomes people of all ages, races, religions, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Belief in a divinity is not the central issue around which we gather for worship and generous action. Rather, we come together with a belief in community, love, compassion, social justice, reverence for nature, and the spirituality of music, all within the interconnected web of existence.
UUFSMA donates generously to support nonprofit organizations that provide health, educational, and environmental services for underserved communities in the San Miguel region. Please support this work by clicking on the website home page Donate button.
To participate in our online Sunday Service, visit www.uufsma.org and click on the Zoom Service button on the home page. If requested, enter password: 294513. Sign-in from anywhere Sunday mornings between 10:15-10:25am CST. Enjoy previous services at https://www.youtube.com/UUFSMA.
In addition to continuing live Zoom services, UUFSMA has returned to in-person Sunday services. Reservations are no longer necessary.
* Joseph Plummer is the UUFSMA Board Secretary
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Sunday Service
“A Season of Hope and Courage”
Speaker: Reverend Tom Rosiello
Sun., Dec. 11, 10:30am
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/414604040
Password: 294513
