Bayard Rustin ~ the Gay Socialist Pacifist Who Planned the 1963 March on Washington

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During February we honor National Black History month.  Often the remarks focus on Dr. King.  Marco’s mom Adrian suggested to the worship team that we create an assembly on Bayard Rustin.  None of us knew the name, the man, nor anything about his life. We agreed that looking at this fascinating character is worth a morning.  On Sunday we remember the man behind the March on Washington who hasn’t been given his due because of decades of prejudice.

 

Photo by Warren K Leffler

Hanging onto Hope

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What can we hope for even in times that seem hopeless?  What are the ways we can express hope that will cultivate positive transformation in ourselves and in our communities?  Are there still reasons to hope in our world today?  These questions and others will be explored as we look for hope in a time of crisis.

Mark Davies is the Oklahoma State Humanities Scholar for the Smithsonian Institute Museum on Main Street Water/Ways exhibit.  He is also the Wimberly Professor of Social and Ecological Ethics; Director of the World House Institute for Social and Ecological Responsibility; and Executive Director of the Leadership. Education, and Development Hub North America for the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry at Oklahoma City University where he has worked in both teaching and administration for 22 years.  He is a United Methodist minister and holds a Ph.D. in Social Ethics, from Boston University.  He lives in Oklahoma City with his wife and two teen age daughters.

An All Music Sunday: Finnish Singing Duo “Vellamo”

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FINNISH SINGING DUO “VELLAMO” IN CONCERT

Vellamo is led by the performing and songwriting team of Pia Leinonen and Joni Tiala.  Their eight visit to the US will include a Sunday morning concert will be in our chapel.  Their music features ethereal Finnish folk with gorgeous vocals and memorable melodic hooks, “baptized by trolls and Norse elves.”  In Finnish mythology, Vellamo is the goddess of the sea. Based in Kokkola, on the western coast of Finland, Vellamo combines the rich tradition of Finnish folksong with an appealing “retro” sensibility, creating a modern folk music experience.

Pia Leinonen, originally from the arctic region of Lapland, is Vellamo’s lead singer. Her exquisite voice combines her love and vast knowledge of Finnish folk music with the western singer–songwriter tradition in a unique and beautiful way.

Joni Tiala, originally from the Finnish port of Kokkola, began playing guitar at the age of 11. His eclectic musical background includes writing and performing for theater, progressive and alternative rock and Finnish and western folk. In addition to his work in Vellamo, Joni is an accomplished theater and session musician, and is founding member of the renowned Finnish progressive rock band, Moon Wagon.

In addition to shows in their homeland, Vellamo spends half of each year touring abroad; their adventures have led them throughout the United States, Europe and New Zealand.

Photo by Sami Koski-Vähälä

Good Fruit, Affluenza and The Good Samaritan

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Those with “affluenza” are said to have an inability to understand the consequences of their actions because of financial privilege. How we evaluate others’ actions and what consequences are appropriate seem to be more and more related to what degree we identify with them and their political leanings. How do these things inform our covenants and principles as UUs?

Scott is doing a year-long Chaplaincy Residency at Parkland Hospital in Dallas and is a UU minister in preliminary fellowship. He served as Sabbatical Minister at his home church, the First Unitarian Church of Dallas and completed his Ministerial Internship at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento. Scott received his M Div (Master of Divinity)  degree from Brite Divinity School in 2016. 

Scott and his husband Conrad share a nearly-hundred-year-old home in the Oak Cliff borough of Dallas with Conrad’s father Rudy. Conrad is a psychologist, and his son and daughter attend college.

 

Universalism: Past, Present and Powerful

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The teaching of eternal damnation is not merely a harmless untruth that we might appropriately ignore and allow to stand, but it has serious consequences. It leads to the possibility, perhaps even the inevitability, of wars, bigotry, oppression, and abuse. On the other hand, the teaching of universalism leads to equality, respect, love, and dignity for all.

Rev. Kalen Fristad has been a United Methodist minister for more than 39 years, is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship, and is President of the Christian Universalist Association. He and his wife, Darlene have traveled extensively, speaking at churches, proclaiming the hopeful message of Universalism and countering the teaching that many people will suffer for eternity in hell.

Kalen has written a book on Universalism, entitled Destined for Salvation: God’s Promise to Save Everyone, and a Study Book with the same title. His books, CDs and DVDs are available for purchase after the morning assembly..

 

Wade in the Water

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We all know that without water there is no life. Sadly, there are many water challenges that are facing our communities.  These challenges impact our region, and even the world. How can we care for this most precious part of our ecological community?  On Sunday, Dr. Davies will explore these challenges and look at what experts are telling us about the future of water here on earth.

Mark Davies is the Oklahoma State Humanities Scholar for the Smithsonian Institute Museum on Main Street Water/Ways exhibit.  He is also the Wimberly Professor of Social and Ecological Ethics; Director of the World House Institute for Social and Ecological Responsibility; and Executive Director of the Leadership. Education, and Development Hub North America for the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry at Oklahoma City University where he has worked in both teaching and administration for 22 years.  He is a United Methodist minister and holds a Ph.D. in Social Ethics, from Boston University.

Mark engages in advocacy and activism in the areas of peace, social justice, and ecological sustainability. Locally this is expressed through his work with the Human Community Network, which works to create non-violent systemic change for a just and flourishing human and ecological community through collaboration, education, innovation, and action.

He and his wife Kristin live in Edmond, OK and they have two teenage daughters.

 

 

Walt Whitman, ALIVE AND IN PERSON!

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Walt Whitman, the American poet, essayist and humanist, will celebrate his 200th birthday in 2019. And to commemorate the event, he will make a rare appearance at Red River UU church!  Come hear Walt reminisce about his life, and journey with us as we wander through Leaves of Grass.

NOTE: In the event the trains and boats conveying Mr. Whitman are delayed, poet and writer Don Mathis of San Antonio will speak in his stead.

Awakening the Senses

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Start the first Sunday of 2019 by awakening your senses.  This special assembly of letting go, cleansing, intention, and hope is a perfect way to begin the new year and is becoming one of our annual rituals.  You will also be treated to special music from our own ad hoc choir.  Please join us for this wonderful celebration.

 

What the Seven Principles Mean to You

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This year’s annual winter sharing service is taking a bit of a twist by giving us a theme to work from as we each select something to share.

In our search for truth, we have seven principles that serve as moral guides.  On Sunday, if you would, bring a favorite reading, poem or anecdote that reflects one of our principles.

Remember to limit your selection to 5-7 minutes so others have opportunities to participate as well.

NOTE:  Fifth Sunday In4Lunch all-church potluck follows today’s assembly.

 

Winter Solstice and Christmas – Let’s Call it Sharing

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What do the two have in common? What rituals or images do they share? Why is this important? What does all this have to do with our UU principle of “The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all”