Services for November 2020
theme: Healing
Unless otherwise noted, services include sermons preached by the Rev. Andrew Clive Millard and take place on Sundays at 11am via Zoom: https://uuma.zoom.us/j/920676087
November 1st: “Hope for the Best; Prepare for the Worst”
We are poised on the threshold of what many are calling the most consequential election in generations. Indeed, with massive get-out-the-vote efforts like UU the Vote underway for months, many of us have already voted! Taking stock on this All Saints’ Day, what can we say about our struggles and our hopes that will see us through this crucial time of national decision-making? What can we do to help one another through this portentous week?
November 8th: “Now What?”
None of us know what the future will bring, but, writing this service description a week ahead of election day, that seems more true than ever! Will the election results be known by November 8th? Will there be recounts? Will there be court cases? Will there be, worse, riots or violence? One thing, though, is for sure: democracy is not merely about voting in one election; rather democracy requires us to continue to be engaged, to strive always for the Beloved Community.
November 15th: “Survival and Healing in the Red-Black Tradition”
Native Americans and African Americans have suffered through many generations of racism and oppression. The Weyanoke Association was created by Red-Black people who are the descendents of both groups. The members of the Association honor their spiritual heritage through rituals and ceremonies, many of them focusing on healing. Both the Red and the Black cultures included strong traditions of medicine men and the use of natural medicinal herbs. Today we will learn about healing from people who are survivors.
Beginning in the early 1990s, the founders of the non-profit Weyanoke Association have been promoting research in, and the sharing of, Black (African and American African) and Red (Native American or Indian) history and culture and the places where they intersect.
November 22nd: “Healing and Gratitude”
As we look toward Thanksgiving this week, in a year for which it might seem we have so few reasons to be thankful, let’s talk about why practicing gratitude can be an important part of healing from the collective trauma we have endured.
November 29th: “Healing Our Personal Environments”
Advent begins today, and we’ll light the Candle of Hope on our Advent Wreath. These weeks before Christmas are a time of preparation, not only making practical plans for the holidays (in whatever form we shall celebrate them this year), but getting ourselves spiritually ready to once again receive the good news of the season.