The Value of Pluralism

the Rev. Dr. Mark Y.A. Davies, leading

Download the morning program here OR read it below without downloading the file

In a society with deep divisions, some may see pluralism as a problem rather than a strength of our society. In this discourse, I will explore ways that embracing and celebrating pluralism is an important part of bringing healing and regeneration to our communities.

About our visiting minister:

Mark Davies is the Wimberly Professor of Social and Ecological Ethics and Director of the World House Institute for Social and Ecological Responsibility at Oklahoma City University. He is the Executive Director of the Leadership, Education, and Development (LEaD) Hub North America of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church and an Oklahoma Humanities State Scholar. Mark has published in the areas of Boston personalism, process philosophy and ethics, and ecological ethics. Dr. Davies serves on the United Methodist University Senate, which is “an elected body of professionals in higher education created by the General Conference to determine which schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools meet the criteria for listing as institutions affiliated with The United Methodist Church.” He and his wife Kristin live in Edmond, OK in the United States, and they have two daughters. The views expressed by the author in this blog do not necessarily represent the views of Oklahoma City University or the United Methodist Church.

THE MORNING PROGRAM

TMP - Apr 14 - v3

Beloved Community in the Midst of Chaos

Sunday, April 7, 2024 – 11:15 am

Beloved Community in the Midst of Chaos
the Rev. Dr. Mark Y.A. Davies, leading

Download the morning program here (later in the week or read it below without downloading.)

Of his discourse, Mark writes …

It is when times are chaotic that we need to commitment to building the beloved community the most.The purveyors of chaos in our world count on the forces of beloved community in the world to be weak and to lack persistence, but love and justice have the power to be resilient and regenerative.

About our visiting minister:

Mark Davies is the Wimberly Professor of Social and Ecological Ethics and Director of the World House Institute for Social and Ecological Responsibility at Oklahoma City University. He is the Executive Director of the Leadership, Education, and Development (LEaD) Hub North America of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church and an Oklahoma Humanities State Scholar. Mark has published in the areas of Boston personalism, process philosophy and ethics, and ecological ethics. Dr. Davies serves on the United Methodist University Senate, which is “an elected body of professionals in higher education created by the General Conference to determine which schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools meet the criteria for listing as institutions affiliated with The United Methodist Church.” He and his wife Kristin live in Edmond, OK in the United States, and they have two daughters. The views expressed by the author in this blog do not necessarily represent the views of Oklahoma City University or the United Methodist Church.

THE MORNING PROGRAM

TMP - Apr 7 - v1

Voices from the Trans Community – the Welcoming Committee, leading

Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024 – 11:15 am

Voices from the Trans Community
The Welcoming Committee, leading

DOWNLOAD the morning program here

This Trans Day of Visibility, join us in hearing what it means to be visibly trans, directly from some of our transgender community members and their family, as well as a special musical guest, Jo Rodriquez. Jo is a nonbinary trans woman, singer songwriter, adjacent to both folk and punk, who sings songs about mental illness, love, loss, and transition.

Reflections on the Eight Principles – The 8th Principle: Journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.

Reflections on the Eight Principles – The 8th Principle: Journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.

the Rev Dr. Mark Y.A. Davies, leading

DOWNLOAD The Morning Program here – or read it below without having to download it

Of his discourse, Mark writes …

The 8th principle of Unitarian Universalism affirms that racism and oppression are the antithesis of Beloved Community, and any serious attempt at cultivating beloved community for all life must be proactively anti-racist and work for the liberation of all who are oppressed in our world.

About our visiting minister:

Mark Davies is the Wimberly Professor of Social and Ecological Ethics and Director of the World House Institute for Social and Ecological Responsibility at Oklahoma City University. He is the Executive Director of the Leadership, Education, and Development (LEaD) Hub North America of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church and an Oklahoma Humanities State Scholar. Mark has published in the areas of Boston personalism, process philosophy and ethics, and ecological ethics. Dr. Davies serves on the United Methodist University Senate, which is “an elected body of professionals in higher education created by the General Conference to determine which schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools meet the criteria for listing as institutions affiliated with The United Methodist Church.” He and his wife Kristin live in Edmond, OK in the United States, and they have two daughters. The views expressed by the author in this blog do not necessarily represent the views of Oklahoma City University or the United Methodist Church.

TMP - Mar 24 - v2

Reflections on the Eight Principles: 7th Principle: The Seventh Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Sunday, March 17, 2024 – 11:15 am

Reflections on the Eight Principles: 7th Principle: The Seventh Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

DOWNLOAD the morning program here – or read it below without having to download it.

the Rev Dr. Mark Y.A. Davies, leading

The 7th principle of Unitarian Universalism affirms the truth that we as persons are part of the ecological community of all life and our flourishing as humans is dependent on the flourishing of the entire biotic community.

About our visiting minister:

Mark Davies is the Wimberly Professor of Social and Ecological Ethics and Director of the World House Institute for Social and Ecological Responsibility at Oklahoma City University. He is the Executive Director of the Leadership, Education, and Development (LEaD) Hub North America of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church and an Oklahoma Humanities State Scholar. Mark has published in the areas of Boston personalism, process philosophy and ethics, and ecological ethics. Dr. Davies serves on the United Methodist University Senate, which is “an elected body of professionals in higher education created by the General Conference to determine which schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools meet the criteria for listing as institutions affiliated with The United Methodist Church.” He and his wife Kristin live in Edmond, OK in the United States, and they have two daughters. The views expressed by the author in this blog do not necessarily represent the views of Oklahoma City University or the United Methodist Church.

TMP - Mar 17 - v1

UU Women of Power

UU Women of Power
Jana Norris, leading

You can download the morning program here – or read it below without having to download it😏

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Worship Team invites you to meet two UU Women of Power – graduates of North Texas’ own First Unitarian Church of Dallas: Attorney Louise Raggio, the first female prosecutor in Dallas County and the second female governor of Texas, Ann Richards. Then sprinkled on selected Sundays through the year, the worship team will share stories from the abundant resources to lift UU women’s historic contributions to our faith.

About our guest speaker

Jana Norris is a member of Red River UU Church. She earned her law degree from U of California Davis, practiced family law mostly in Dallas and Rockwall Counties, and retired to Grayson County, with a stint in MidCoast Maine.

She grew up Methodist, tried the Episcopal Church for a few years, then found a spiritual home in the California neopagan community. Since returning to Texas, she has found fellowship and delight in the UU Church. She serves on the Worship Team and was elected to the minister search committee in 2022.

TMP - Mar 10 - v.4

Existentialism for Today

Existentialism for Today.

Dr. Elbert Hill, speaking

Download the morning program here

Of his discourse, Elbert writes:

Many people have the idea that Existentialism is a philosophy of doom and gloom–partly because newspeople and others in the media often say we are living in existential times, citing the political turmoil in our country and around the world. They are only partly right. All times are existential. Today, Elbert Hill will emphasize the positive aspects.

About our speaker:

Dr. Elbert Hill is Professor Emeritus in Philosophy and Literature from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he taught from 1966 to 2006. He has served the church in many positions: board member and one term as President, a leader of the Adult Forum, and a Good Times Team member. He and his wife, Marion, are charter members of Red River UU, and they jointly facilitate Moveable Feast. Elbert is currently a member of the Committee on Ministry.

What Is C.A.S.A. and How Can You Help

Maureen Kane Stevenson & Marla Shaver, guest speakers
Jan Fletcher, worship associate

You can download the Morning Program here

We welcome this morning Maureen Kane Stevenson and Marla Shaver, two devoted leaders with the Grayson County Court Appointed Special Advocates, CASA, a nonprofit organization of volunteer advocates who speak up on behalf of abused and neglected children. CASA provides a valuable service to many and we’re proud to learn more of their efforts.

About our Guest Speakers

Maureen Kane Stevenson is a mother, wife, volunteer in Texoma for 17 years and loves serving this community. As Recruitment/Outreach Coordinator for CASA of Grayson County She stands up for those whose voices are unheard, and her goal is to make a positive impact on the world and show that love is greater than hate.

Marla Shaver began her CASA journey in 2017 as an advocate volunteer. She joined the staff as an Advocate Supervisor in 2022 and in 2023 accepted the position of Advocate Training Specialist

“Seeds for the New Year”

Seeds for the New Year
the Rev Dr. Sofia Betancourt, video message

Download the morning program here or read it below without having to download it.

What seeds are you planting for the new year? How are you weaving your magic into your relationships with others? How can we center beauty and goodness and love in all that’s ahead? These questions are at the heart of this special morning that will also include a charming children’s story Bridge of Flowers by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha.

Our morning assembly today was designed by the UUA and features a video message by UUA President Rev. Sofía Betancourt, Ph.D.

Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt

The Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt is a minister, educator, scholar, vocalist, poet, fiber artist, and change-maker. Her work in the world and her practice of Unitarian Universalism are informed by the belief that building mutual, accountable relationships with one another allows us to live our values more fully every day. Raised in New York City as the child of immigrants from Panamá and Chile, and the grandchild of a seventh-generation Unitarian, she knows the strength that comes from building lasting community at the meeting point of difference. She is an unabashed Universalist. The teachings of unearned grace, an all-embracing love, relational accountability, and dignity that surpasses all violent forms of oppression lie at the core of her understanding of life, living, and service in faithful community.

The Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt has served Unitarian Universalism for more than twenty years as a religious educator, minister, scholar, member of the UUA national staff and many volunteer committees at regional and denominational levels, and as interim co-president of the UUA in the spring of 2017. She holds a Ph.D. in Religious Ethics and African American Studies from Yale University as well as an M.Div. from Starr King School for the Ministry.

Betancourt has served congregations in Stockton, California; Norwich, Connecticut; Storrs, Connecticut; and Fresno, California; and has served on the faculty of Starr King School for the Ministry. She most recently served as Resident Scholar and Special Advisor on Justice and Equity at our Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. She is the author of Ecowomanism at the Panamá Canal: Black Women, Labor, and Environmental Ethics  (2022).

NOTE: In case the announcement sounds really familiar … This morning assembly was originally scheduled for January 14, 2024 but weather caused the church to be closed that day.’

TMP -1feb 18 - v.1

Reflections on the Eight Principles: 6th Principle: The Goal of World Community with Peace, Liberty, and Justice for All.

Reflections on the Eight Principles: 6th Principle: The Goal of World Community with Peace, Liberty, and Justice for All
The Rev. Dr. Mark Y.A. Davies, leading

Download the morning program here or read it below without having to download it.

How can humanity more fully see ourselves as part of a world community of persons of equal inherent worth and more effectively work together to address the global challenges we face and create a more peaceful, free, and just existence for all?

About our visiting minister:

Mark Davies is the Wimberly Professor of Social and Ecological Ethics and Director of the World House Institute for Social and Ecological Responsibility at Oklahoma City University. He is the Executive Director of the Leadership, Education, and Development (LEaD) Hub North America of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church and an Oklahoma Humanities State Scholar. Mark has published in the areas of Boston personalism, process philosophy and ethics, and ecological ethics. Dr. Davies serves on the United Methodist University Senate, which is “an elected body of professionals in higher education created by the General Conference to determine which schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools meet the criteria for listing as institutions affiliated with The United Methodist Church.” He and his wife Kristin live in Edmond, OK in the United States, and they have two daughters. The views expressed by the author in this blog do not necessarily represent the views of Oklahoma City University or the United Methodist Church.

TMP - Feb 11 - v.3