posted May 2, 2012 2:16 PM by Catharine Dixon
May 6—Walter Brooks Presents topics from his book Trust No Shadows After Dark: African American Genocide in the United States and explains how the recent financial crisis has affected the African American community. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: Patricia Will, piano; The First Unitarian Choir led by Bob McMeen, accompanist Patricia Allender.
May 13—Coming of Age—Intergenerational Service
Come and celebrate Mother's Day with us. In the spirit of Mother figures of all kinds, the Sunday School students will be focusing on all of the wonderful things that we do to nurture each other. Don't miss this year's Coming of Age youth participants give their "I believe" speeches. This annual service has become a fan favorite and this year promises to continue that tradition! See you there! Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: Patricia Will, piano.
One service at 10:30am
starting Sunday, May 20th!
May 20—Choir Concert— One service at 10:30am
At this service the choir will present the Annual Choir Service. Favorites from the past nine months will be performed. Do you like gospel? We've got it. How about more traditional music? We've got it. A Broadway tune? Right, we've got it. Please come and enjoy the service! This service will be performed and organized by Choir Director, Bob McMeen and accompanist Patricia Allender and the First Unitarian Church of Omaha Choir.
May 27—One Fish Story and a Few Religious Thoughts About Fair Complaining—One service at 10:30am
Rev. Sarah Voss
This sermon, presented by Rev. Dr. Sarah Voss, may sound a little fishy, but it promises some new (and old) thoughts about the value of complaining. Music: Patricia Will, piano.
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posted Mar 27, 2012 10:52 AM by Catharine Dixon
April 1—Spiritual Fools
Rev. Dr. Sarah Voss
A brief exploration of the role of the “fool” (e.g., “heyoka,” “the uninitiated man,” the “clown,” the “dreamer,” “prophet”) in various spiritual traditions, and what we might take from this exploration into our own personal faith. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: Patricia Will, organist; The First Unitarian Choir led by Bob McMeen, accompanist Patricia Allender.
April 8—Kairos Rev. Frank Rivas
Most people believe that each of the Gospels ends with the same resurrection story, but in fact the conclusions are quite different. Luke’s story of the road to Emmaus rings true. It hints at a cosmology that makes sense for the 21st century. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers with special guest pianist Reuline Nightingale; 11:15am: Patricia Will, organist.
April 15—Letting Go of God
Rev. Frank Rivas
Spiritual formation may not require that we add something to our lives, but rather that we challenge assumptions that keep us from reality. Notes toward a religion of reality. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers and special guest Harpist Kim Meyer; 11:15am: Patricia Will, organist.
April 22—Sharing History Saburo & Marion Masada of Fresno, Calif. will share their experience of life in the Japanese American internment camps as youth. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers and Native American flautist and guitarist, Michael Murphy; 11:15am: organist, Patricia Will.
April 29—Simple Gifts Rev. Frank Rivas
The 18th-century Shaker song not only reminds us that we seek to “find ourselves in the place just right”; it also reminds us that we get there by constantly turning. A sermon on change.
Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: organist, Patricia Will and the First Unitarian Choir led by Bob McMeen, accompanist Patricia Allender, and special guest, Camille Metoyer Moten.
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posted Feb 29, 2012 10:50 AM by Catharine Dixon
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updated Mar 8, 2012 11:27 AM
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March 4—Back to the Future Rev. Frank Rivas From our past—from our affirmation of life, from our commitment to free inquiry, from our work in the community, and, yes, from our struggles—together we shape a vision for First Unitarian Church. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers with special musical guest Celia (see page 9) ; 11:15am: Patricia Will, organist; First Unitarian Choir led by Bob McMeen, accompanist Patricia Allender. March 11—Guest Speaker: Sister Maryann Stevens. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: Patricia Will, organist.
March 18—Fear and Prayer
Rev. Dr. Sarah Voss will draw from her own journey with the hope of opening up a larger conversation about the use of prayer to tend to those fragile, innermost needs of ourselves, of those we love, and of those we fear. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: Patricia Will, organist; First Unitarian Choir led by Bob McMeen, accompanist Patricia Allender.
March 25—From Delight to Wisdom: Reflections on the Poetry of Robert Frost Rev. Ronald Knapp, Minister Emeritus Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: guest organist, Reuline Nightingale and the First Unitarian Choir led by Bob McMeen, accompanist Patricia Allender.
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posted Jan 25, 2012 11:53 AM by Catharine Dixon
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updated Jan 25, 2012 11:59 AM
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February 5—Rev. Cari Frus, staff chaplain at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville, IL will give a sermon. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: Patricia Will, pianist; First Unitarian Choir led by Bob McMeen, accompanist Patricia Allender.
February 12—Sentimental Service—Maria Wilson will be coordinating the Second Annual Sentimental Service of Songs, Sonnets, and Sweetness. What do you love? If you would like to perform an original ode to your mother's cooking, haiku for your favorite tree, or share an existing work by your favorite songwriter or poet, please contact Maria at kb9oib@yahoo.com. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: Patricia Will, pianist.
February 19—Mistakes, Retakes, New Takes
Rev. Dr. Sarah Voss
Change yourself, change the world. This sermon will offer a brief look at how and why we deal with our errors. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: Patricia Will, pianist; First Unitarian Choir led by Bob McMeen, accompanist Patricia Allender.
February 26—Climbing on a Horse and Riding Off in All Four Directions at the Same Time Rev. Ron Knapp Some reflections on our obsession with diversity. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: pianist, Patricia Will.
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posted Dec 21, 2011 12:00 PM by Catharine Dixon
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updated Dec 23, 2011 7:51 AM
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January 1—Where To? What Next?—one service at 10:30am
Rev. Ron Knapp
The title comes from the last chapter of Carl Sandburg’s epic poem, “The People Yes!” The sermon will be some reflections on the year that has passed—in our world, our country, our church, and our individual lives—and the year, and years, that are to come. Music: Patricia Will, organ. Please note: There will no Sunday School. Children can stay in the nursery or sit with their parents.
January 8—Parental Theology (or Lies We Tell Our Children) Megan Gustafson As a new parent, the recent holiday season has raised many questions about how we address sticky questions with our kids. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: Patricia Will, organ.
January 15—We Have a Dream—Inspiring the Future We Want To Be A Part Of Ben Wallace This will be an inspirational service dealing with the topic of what we wish for our community both locally and globally. The service will even include some crowd participation. Don’t miss it! Special music: Maria Wilson. 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: Patricia Will pianist; First Unitarian Choir led by Bob McMeen, accompanist Patricia Allender.
January 22—Bonus Baby in a Basket Rev. Dr. Sarah Voss A new year, new challenges, new metaphors. In this sermon Rev. Dr. Sarah Voss will explore some new ways of thinking about our individual lives, the life of our church, and beyond. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: pianist, Patricia Will.
January 29—Rebuilding Haiti, Rebuilding Hope
Don Browers and Mary Lopez, two volunteers from Omaha who traveled to Haiti with Habitat for Humanity, share their story of resilience and triumph over adversity. Ultimately, though, it is a story about how we are all connected as citizens of the world. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: pianist Patricia Will; First Unitarian Choir led by Bob McMeen, accompanist Patricia Allender.
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posted Nov 29, 2011 7:59 AM by Catharine Dixon
December 4—The Penultimate Sermon Rev. Kate Rohde It is said that most ministers have one sermon and the rest is commentary. For this Sunday I will pick the sermon I think would be my one sermon, if I had to choose.
Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: The First Unitarian Choir under the direction of Bob McMeen with accompanist Patricia Allender; pianist, Patricia Will.
December 11—For Whom Do We Wait?
Rev. Kate Rohde In this season in which Christians are awaiting the birth of the Messiah and others celebrate the light that shines in the darkness, for whom do we wait?
9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: pianist Patricia Will.
December 18—Multi-Generational Holiday Pageant Come enjoy performances by church members and friends as they share their talents. The theme is winter holidays.
December 24—Christmas Eve Candlelight Service—7pm Rev. Kate Rohde with Pat Allender, Bob McMeen, and the First Unitarian Choir. Our choir will provide the music, you will sing carols and light candles, and there will be readings for the season.
December 25—10:30am—Holiday Fellowship
While we will not have a traditional Church service on Christmas Day, your church home and church family are still here to share the holiday. Please join us for fellowship in the Common Room. We will have a chalice lighting, sing-along and share holiday cheer. Coffee will be provided. Please bring treats or light breakfast items to share.
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posted Oct 26, 2011 1:23 PM by Catharine Dixon
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updated Nov 15, 2011 8:16 AM
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November 6—Stalled Out: A Gender Revolution Going Nowhere? Rev. Dr. Jean Heriot We made great strides in gender equality and in equity of pay for several decades, but now many observers indicate that progress has stalled. Why? What role does our denomination need to play in confronting the powers and structures of the world that maintain this gender imbalance? What role do we need to play in affirming the inherent worth and dignity of everyone—no matter what gender? Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: The First Unitarian Choir under the direction of Bob McMeen with accompanist Patricia Allender and pianist Patricia Will.
The Rev. Dr. Jean Heriot is a
community minister serving at the Center for Vocation, Faith and Service at
Hastings College, Hastings, Nebraska. She earned her doctorate in cultural
anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles which was followed
by a postdoctoral fellowship at Princeton University. Eventually, her faith led
her to a master of divinity at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley and
ordination in our denomination. She is working on a book about women and their
experiences of religion in liberal religious traditions.
November 13—The Good UU Rev. Kate Rohde
A youngster who was brought up in a church I served was described by her teacher as a “good Christian girl.” She indignantly corrected him as did one of her fellow UU’s in the same high school class. It is an interesting question though. How is being a Good UU different? 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: pianist Patricia Will.
November 20—An Attitude of Gratitude Rev. Kate Rohde
Are those of us blessed with the things we think we want happy? Grateful? Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: The First Unitarian Choir under the direction of Bob McMeen with accompanist Patricia Allender and pianist Patricia Will.
November 27—Partner Church Sunday: The Pilgrimage Rev. Kate Rohde I had never been on a real pilgrimage before last summer. It had far more meaning to me than I expected. I shouldn’t have been surprised, yet I was. Who would have known Transylvania would be so inspiring? 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: pianist Patricia Will, piano and a solo by Deanna Meyler.
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posted Sep 28, 2011 7:58 AM by Catharine Dixon
October 2—Founding Father Rev. Kate Rohde If there is one person most influential in American Unitarianism, it was William Ellery Channing, a man of great intellect and spiritual depth. This Sunday a bit about his life, his thoughts, and a few of the many things that speak to us today. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: The First Unitarian Choir under the direction of Bob McMeen with accompanist Patricia Allender and pianist Patricia Will.
October 9—Too Far From Reason?
Rev. Kate Rohde One of the most active members in a former church asked me to preach on the topic of whether modern Unitarianism is leaving reason too far behind. This Sunday an updated version of that sermon, on the place of reason in modern Unitarian Universalism. 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: pianist Patricia Will.
October 16—Walking a Dangerous Road—Lessons from the Good Samaritan Rev. Scott McNeill
What are the times you've helped someone in need or been helped yourself? This worship service will look at the importance of crossing borders in order to be deeply compassionate in our lives. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: The First Unitarian Choir under the direction of Bob McMeen with accompanist Patricia Allender and pianist Patricia Will. Pulpit Exchange with Rev. Scott McNeill—Rev. Kate will preach at Second Unitarian Church
October 23—Celebrating The Dead: An Intergenerational Service for Dia de Los Muertos Rev. Kate Rohde This Sunday we will celebrate our annual Dia de Los Muertos service in which we celebrate the lives whose gifts to us are with us always. Bring a photo of someone you would like to remember. Both services will feature a mariachi band. 9:30am: Donovan Johnson; 11:15am: pianist Patricia Will.
October 30—Lessons of Darkness Kevin Mark
As the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth descends into the Darkness of Winter, we contemplate Darkness from a perspective of non-dualism, and learn the value of Darkness as a part of the Cycles of Nature. We apply this understanding in appreciation of the mysterious Dark spaces within the soul, and the hidden treasures of the sub-conscious. Music: 9:30am: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15am: Patricia Will.
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posted Aug 30, 2011 6:24 AM by Catharine Dixon
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updated Sep 8, 2011 8:26 AM
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Sept. 4—Reclaiming Old Words: Charity
Rev. Kate Rohde
This is another in an occasional series on which I talk about words associated with traditional religious language and how they may relate to us as UU’s. You may all remember the New Testament trinity, “Faith, Hope, and Charity.” Charity was the translation of a Greek word, agape, also sometimes translated as Love. This is a revision of an old sermon, but, I hope timely.
Music: 9:30: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15: Patricia Will, piano.
Sept. 11—Anniversary Lessons
Rev. Kate Rohde
On the tenth anniversary of September 11th our perspective is different. We are no longer in national mourning, yet our present is very much shaped by our reactions to what happened in the past . This morning I would like to reflect with you on the meaning of that event and what we might draw from it today. Music: 9:30: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15: Patricia Will, piano.
Sept. 18— How the youth experiences of Malcolm X and Sharif Liwaru influenced their life choices and ignited their passion for Islam and their community: a testimonial given by Sharif Liwaru- President of the Malcolm X Foundation
Music: 9:30: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15: Patricia Will, piano, and the First Unitarian Choir with Choir Director Bob McMeen and accompanist, Patricia Allender.
Sept.25—To Be Reconciled
Rev. Kate Rohde
This is the week in which our Jewish neighbors celebrate the High Holidays, Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur. One of the pieces of wisdom they give us is that part of beginning again involves forgiveness and reconciliation. Forgiveness and reconciliation are an important part of our spiritual lives, and, for many, one of life’s most complex challenges. This week, a meditation on reconciliation. Music: 9:30: Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers; 11:15: Patricia Will, piano.
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posted Jul 26, 2011 8:00 AM by Catharine Dixon
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updated Aug 9, 2011 12:21 PM
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Join us for our Sunday Service at 10:30am August 7, 14, 21
August 7—Emerging Terrain
Anne Trumble, the founder of Emerging Terrain, will discuss the project Stored Potential, which is a large-scale installation covering the silos of a vacant grain elevator near interstate 80. For more information visit: www.emergingterrain.org. Musician: Donovan Johnson.
August 14—This service will feature a return visit from Rev. Cari Frus, board certified Hospital Chaplain from St. Elizabeth’s in Belleville, IL. Musician: John Bennett, organist.
August 21— UU Minister Mark Kiyimba from Uganda will join us. Musician: Donovan Johnson.
August 28—Return to two services at 9:30am and 11:15am
An Intergenerational Service for Many Ages
Rev. Kate Rohde and the Early Morning Risers
If you brought water from some special place this summer, you can bring it to this service. We will have a ritual for blending the waters and bringing our gifts, a story, and lots of music to open our church year.
Music at the 9:30am service is Donovan Johnson and the Early Morning Risers and at the 11:15am service, Donovan Johnson and the First Unitarian Choir with Bob McMeen as Choir Director and Pat Allender as accompanist.
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