From the minister:
Sustainability Goes On
Sustainable. That was our theme last month. But
how sustainable would it be if we ended our exploration after one
month? Not very. Sustainability is too important a concept to abandon
after one month’s perusal. During each program we discussed how to make
our lives, our community, and our Fellowship more sustainable. Now
begins the fun part: making it happen. I do mean this is the fun part.
This is the part that can move us out of our lethargy, open our eyes to
possibilities we’d never dreamed of, have fun in ways we’d not
imagined. It also means that we have to take some chances, go out on a
limb, get a bit uncomfortable. But the risks will be worth the rewards.
As the potluck that capped our series showed, true
to Linda Barnes’ words, eating seasonal, local foods can be an
indulgence. Our Iowa-foods potluck was just one example of how we can
be more sustainable and still have fun doing it. In this newsletter are
a number of opportunities to begin changing our habits. You will notice
the Friday Nights at the Fellowship, a series of programs to
help each of us strengthen our community and take back our ability to
create local entertainment (page 3). There are also the Sunday night
mindfulness classes (page 6). This process of creating opportunities
will go on throughout the year with new ideas cropping up as soon as
you think of them.
A big thank-you to all who contributed to the fund
to help purchase a reliable car for our partner church minister, the
Rev. Lajos Lörinczi. As the person who is called upon for
transportation during emergencies, who has a daily commute across
less-than-adequate roads, whose ministry extends beyond the churches to
the entire communities he serves, this car is a necessary part of his
work. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to meet our goal of
$5,500. I am in communication with Lajos to figure out how best to help
him make the purchase. With your help, this is all possible! Thank you!
Welcome to Lori Allen, our new Director of Youth
and Children’s Ministries. At the end of last month, Lori joined our
staff and began meeting with the Religious Education Committee, the
Youth-Adult Committee, and the staff. I am pleased that we were able to
hire such a highly qualified and experienced religious-education
professional. Lori comes with a wealth of ideas, as well as a great
deal of respect for our existing program. I am confident that, as we
work with her, our program will move from strength to strength.
Welcome, Lori – it’s great to have you with us.
-- Brian
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Sunday, September 2, 10 a.m. only
The Inquiring Mind of Galileo
Toby Ewing & Sam Wormley
Galileo was at the forefront of
what could be seen as an intellectual battle between faith and reason.
His unyielding insistence on intellectual rigor, physical
understanding, and the primacy of observation over philosophy aroused
the church’s anger, but he dragged science – and eventually the church
– to the firmer ground of a moving earth.
Transition from single 10 a.m. service to two
services
Sunday, September 9, 9 & 11 a.m.
Ingathering: Water Communion
the Rev. Brian Eslinger,
Lori Allen, and others
We gather to collect our community
and share our stories. Many of you have remembered to collect a sample
of water during your summer travels; please bring this to add to our
common cup of experiences. Whether our samples are from the heights of
the Himalayas or the depths of your wading pool, they are all sacred,
as are the stories that go with them.
All-congregational
Sunday, September 16, 9 & 11 a.m.
Was George Washington a Closet
Unitarian?
Fritz Franzen & Clair
Keller
An itinerant minister (portrayed by
Fritz Franzen) will interview George Washington (portrayed by Clair
Keller), at a rural tavern, in an effort to determine his religious
views. After the interview, the audience will discuss whether George
Washington reflected Unitarian values of that time.
Sunday, September 23, 9 & 11 a.m.
The Missing Story of Ourselves:
Poverty and the Promise of Higher Education
Penny Rice, Dr. Vivyan C.
Adair, & the Rev. Brian Eslinger
This program, which complements the
exhibit in the Gallery in the Round, explores the images and stories
created by students who are changing their lives through the pathway of
higher education. Join the discussion as we explore the realities,
challenges, and joys of The Missing Story of Ourselves. Visit www.hamilton.edu/college/access/index.html
for information about the project.
Sunday, September 30, 9 & 11 a.m.
Ships at Sea
the Rev. Brian Eslinger
We are all adrift – some with more
indirection than others – but for each of us, a place to call home, a
safe harbor, is a welcome sight. This morning, we’ll explore how we
extend our hospitality to our fellow travelers to create a safe harbor
here at the Fellowship.
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