October 9, 2011: “A Healing Faith”
Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz

Unitarian Universalists pride ourselves on being a faith of the free, of exploration and inquiry. We are also a healing faith, both in our individual journeys and in our approach to the world.

MUSIC NOTES

"The Coolin" (Samuel Barber): Margaret Lea, piano
"Blessed Spirit of My Life" (SLT* #86) (Shelley Jackson Denham)
"Remembrance" (Robert Schumann)
"Comfort Me" (STJ* #1002) (Mimi Bornstein-Doble): John Hook, solo
"Precious Lord, Take My Hand" (Thomas A. Dorsey): John Hook - solo, BuxMont Choir
"Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire" (SLT* #34) (Hal Hopson)
"German Dance and Trio" (Franz Joseph Haydn)

*SLT: UU hymnal "Singing the Living Tradition"
*STJ: UU hymnal "Singing the Journey"
Hymnals and other materials available at
www.uuabookstore.org

September 4, 2011: "Menu For The Future"

Speakers: Jeanne Kane and Jack Schieber

What does it mean to eat and farm sustainably? Does your food come from healthy sources? What is a GMO? What is “food justice?” What is the difference between conventional and organic produce? The Ethical Eating and Environmental Justice Task Force explored these questions and more last Spring during a six-week Adult RE discussion course from the Northwest Earth Institute entitled Menu for The Future. Join us this Sunday for a presentation from BuxMont members who participated in the discussion course. What did they learn? How has this knowledge affected their food choices? What can we learn from them?

MUSIC NOTES

"We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise" (Kirk Dearman, arr. Mark Hayes): M.Carol Cotton, piano
"Mother Earth, Beloved Garden" (STJ* #1067) (Amanda Udis Kessler)
"Oh How He Loves You and Me" (Kurt Kaiser, arr. Mark Hayes): M.Carol Cotton, piano
"The Bread Song" (Frente Music Collective): Harry Rothwell - vocal, autoharp; Kathy Johnson - vocal
"Pastures of Plenty" (Woody Guthrie): Harry Rothwell - vocal, autoharp
"Give Thanks" (SLT* #69) (anon - Union Harmony)

*SLT: UU hymnal "Singing the Living Tradition"
*STJ: UU hymnal "Singing the Journey"
Hymnals and other materials available at
www.uuabookstore.org

August 21, 2011: Unitarian Universalism - Our Story
Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz

As we approach BuxMont’s 50th anniversary, it is worth remembering that Unitarian Universalism is celebrating its own 50th anniversary. In this service we tell some of the continuing story of our liberal religious faith.

MUSIC NOTES
"The Oneness of Everything" Jim Scott
"Faith of the Larger Liberty" (SLT* 287) Vincent B. Silliman - Bohemian Brethren, Kirchengesang
"Color and Fragrance" (SLT* 78) Norbert F. Capek
"Forward through the Ages" (SLT* 114) Frederick Lucian Hosmer - Arthur Seymour Sullivan
"Spirit of Life" (SLT* 123) Carolyn McDade, harm. Grace Lewis-McLaren
"As Tranquil Streams" (SLT* 145) Marion Franklin Ham - Musicalisches Hand-buch
"Wonders Still the World Shall Witness" (SLT* 139) Jacob Trapp - Oude en nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlities en Contradanseu

*SLT: UU hymnal "Singing the Living Tradition"
Hymnals and other materials available at
www.uuabookstore.org

OUR PRINCIPLES

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:

- The inherent worth and dignity of every person

- Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations

- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations

- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning

- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large

- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all

- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part

August 6, 2011: Hiroshima Memorial Service
Speakers: Rev. Jerry Johnson and others.

This annual Service commemorates the Hiroshima and Nagasaki tragedies of August 6 and 9, 1945. Participants continue the poignant tradition of folding 1,000 paper cranes before and after the Service.
Co-sponsored by the BuxMont UU Fellowship's Peace & Justice Committee, and the BuxMont Coalition for Peace Action.

Every year, the BuxMont Coalition for Peace Action marks Hiroshima/Peace Day with an event on or near August 6. Last year, following the tradition started by the novel, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, we collected over a thousand origami cranes to use during the event.  MyPeaceCrane.org is a website where people from around the world can post pictures of paper cranes.

MUSIC NOTES:
"When We Dare Be Free" (Drew Calvin): Harry Rothwell - vocal, autoharp
"Amazing Grace" (Virginia Harmony, arr. Rob Deckhart): Rob Deckhart - guitar

July 24, 2011: Kindness - The Essence of Religion
Speaker: Mark DeCourval

Having a particular faith or religious tradition is good, but we can survive without it as long as we possess love, compassion, and tolerance, and practice kindness in our relationships with other human beings.
Mark DeCourval is currently pursuing a lifelong dream to be an ordained Community Unitarian Universalist minister. He is a Sponsored UU Candidate, completing his final year in the Master of Divinity program at the Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He is a member since 1962 of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia where his ministry focus is on providing hospice and geriatric chaplaincy.

MUSIC NOTES:
"We Gather Together" (SLT* 349): Dorothy Caiger Senghas & Robert E. Senghas - Nederlandtsch Gedenckclanck, arr. Edward Kremser
"Love Will Guide Us" (SLT* 131): Sally Rogers - Trad., arr. Betty A. Wylder
"We Would Be One" (SLT* 318): Samuel Anthony Wright - Jean Sibelius
"Filled with Loving Kindness" (STJ* 1031): Ian W. Riddell

*SLT: UU hymnal "Singing the Living Tradition"
*STJ: UU hymnal "Singing the Journey"
Hymnals and other materials available at
www.uuabookstore.org

August 14, 2011: A Christianity for Unitarian Universalists
Speaker: Rev. Jerry Johnson

While many of us know what's wrong with Christianity, there are many important spiritual understandings that agree with our UU principles. Jerry will talk about his spiritual journey from being a born again Christian to a UU Christian, freely following Jesus.

MUSIC NOTES:
"In My Heart There Rings a Melody", (traditional Gospel hymn)
"Siyahamba" (STJ* 1030), from South Africa (Zulu)
"There Is a Balm in Gilead" (STJ* 1045), African-American spiritual, arr. Nolan Williams Jr.
"Amazing Grace", by John Newton & John P. Rees (from Virginia Harmony), arr. Edwin O. Excell
"Bonse Aba", Zambian folk song, arr. Victor C. Johnson
"Shall We Gather at the River" (STJ* 1046), by Robert Lowry
"When We All Get To Heaven", (traditional Gospel hymn)

*STJ: UU hymnal "Singing the Journey".
Hymnals and other materials available at
www.uuabookstore.org

August 7, 2011: “Why I Believe in Dog”
Speaker: Jim Vokoun-Robinson

Yes... Dog. That is not a typo. People like to ruminate and blather on about how we should all try to be more Godlike. That is not a great idea, necessarily. Instead, let’s all try to be more Doglike. The reasons are many and obvious. Some of our greatest philosophers have agreed. It’s not just because some dogs are cute, cuddly and obedient. It’s not because dogs continually show what would appear to be unconditional love. It’s the Dog Days of Summer. This is the time to explore the many reasons why our furry animals with speech impediments actually may be some of our very best spiritual advisors.
Rabies shots are not mandatory for attendance (unless, of course, you plan to bite somebody.)

MUSIC NOTES:
"Danza del Basenji Misti" (for piano, four paws), by Jim Vokoun-Robinson; dedicated to Billie Dawg and Opie Dawg
"Where My Free Spirit Onward Leads", from the UU hymnal "Singing the Living Tradition", hymn # 324
"Bless the Beasts and the Children", by Barry DeVorzon and Perry Botkin, Jr.
"Oh Saviour!", from “The Stoned Guest” (a Half-Act Opera) by P. D. Q. Bach (1807–1742)
"Danza del Basenji Misti" (reprise)

UU hymnals and other materials available at
www.uuabookstore.org

July 31, 2011: “Keeping Up with the Future Ethically”

Speaker: Mike Treder

Mike Treder is Managing Director of the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies. Rapidly accelerating progress in technology will bring transformative and potentially disruptive change during the next few decades. Can our understanding of ethics and humanism keep pace to minimize risks and maximize benefits?

Speaker: Cynthia Snavely

Immigration as a moral issue is a Unitarian Universalist Association study action issue. Many agree that our current system is broken. To advocate for a fair and just reform we need to become informed about the problems and the issues.

Cynthia Snavely is the minister of Goodloe Memorial Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bowie, MD and the administrator of Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice for the Baltimore Washington Northern Virginia Region. She served as the minister of BuxMont for two years when BuxMont called its first settled minister.

May 1, 2011
Topic: “Catholicism and Unitarian Universalism”
Speaker: Laurence Mullins
Larry Mullins is a former Catholic Priest who lives at Ann's Choice. He served as a parish priest in Southeastern Iowa and left the ministry in 1971. Beneath the surface of the Roman Catholic Church there is a dynamism that reflects a multifaceted and universal concern for life as a follower of Jesus. As we pass from the "Age of Belief" into the "Age of Spirit," an emphasis on the Social Gospel of Jesus can give impetus to similar actions for peace, healing, forgiving and the practical love of neighbor and the planet that can be found in both Catholicism and Unitarian Universalism.

April 24, 6:30 a.m., Easter: “Daylight”
Intergenerational Sunrise Service
BuxMonters of all ages are invited to bring a seed or a flower to this Earth Centered sunrise service.

April 24, 10:15 a.m., Easter: “Saying Yes to Life”
Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz

In the season of nature’s rebirth, we celebrate spiritual rebirth in its many forms.

April 17: "LGTB Equality Rights in Pennsylvania"
Speaker: Steve Glassman
Steve Glassman is Chairman of The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and Vice Chairperson of the Governor's Cabinet on Disability Rights. He will discuss the political climate with regard to LGBT equality at the local, state, and federal levels and cover issues related to: basic civil rights protections; relationship recognition, including same sex marriage laws; immigration reform; the implementation of the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell;" adoption and foster care issues; bullying and harassment; and hate crimes directed at LGBT individuals and communities.

Speaker: Rev. Libby Smith
Our lives are complex, filled with many different pieces and different facets. Some thrive on that complexity and others find it disorienting. When life feels fragmented, how can we find peace among all those pieces? The Rev. Libby Smith grew up in the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York, PA. She received her Master of Divinity from Harvard in 1992 and was ordained the same year. After a one-year interim ministry in Rockport, MA, she came to Bucks County and enjoyed eight rich and rewarding years as the minister at BuxMont. Now, after five years as a nursing home chaplain, she is back in the parish, serving the UU Fellowship of Lower Bucks.

Speakers: The Southampton Small Group Ministry

For their service project this year, the Southampton SGM has chosen to present a Sunday service that engages the congregation in a respectful discussion of an important social issue. The multifaceted issue being used this morning is immigration. The Southampton SGM hopes those who join in the discussion will frame their responses to the issue in terms of a UU Principle that informs their thinking.

Speaker: Laurie Brooks
Most people think of a greater deity as a “he,” yet this was not always true. Early civilizations across the world had strong, thriving Goddess religions. Does it make a difference what pronoun a deity is referred to? Maybe more than you would think. Come and learn how it happened and how it affects you

 

Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz
Unitarian Universalists often speak of “the inherent worth and dignity of every person.” This is easy to embrace in theory, but sometimes difficult in practice. How does assuming goodwill enrich our lives and relationships?

March 6: “The Fellowship of the Possible”
Speakers: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz and other BuxMont members

Fifty years ago, our fellowship began with a few dozen members in rented space. Today, we stand as a beacon for our values and a haven for spiritual growth, community, and love. When we come together in the spirit of possibility, we can achieve anything!

Speaker: Ted Schick
There's a view abroad in the land, propagated by thinkers as diverse as Dostoevsky and Sartre, that if God is dead, everything is permitted. Is that true? Is God the source and ground of morality? Do we need God to author or enforce the moral law? Dr. Ted Schick, Head of the Philosophy Department at Muhlenberg College, will address these questions at this Service.

Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz, Dawn Star Sarahs-Borchelt, John Hook
Adults and children of all ages are invited to join us for a very special intergenerational Valentine service, featuring the Mi’kmaq story of Turtle Elder and the beauty within each of us.

Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz
Our values define us as we walk and act in the world. Our religious community can be a powerful force for those values. How can we learn to live our convictions, both individually and as a fellowship?

January 30: Love and Service Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz
In the eyes of the world we are defined not only by the service we perform for humanity, but also by the love we bring to that service and to one another.

Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz
2011 is BuxMont’s 50th year! To celebrate, we will be telling stories about BuxMont’s past and present throughout the year, beginning with this special service of celebration and sharing.

2011 January 2, UU and World Religions Part 2

Lance Robards

2010 December 12: UU and World Religions Part 1

Lance Roberds

November 14, 2010 - "Music of the Spheres"

Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz

Human beings are intensely musical creatures. Whether we notice it or not, music surrounds us in everything we are and do.

 

Speakers: Melissa Mantz and Joy Weatherill

Melissa Mantz of the Bucks County Housing Group (BCHG) and Joy Weatherill of BuxMont will tell us of the work they do bringing hope and help to people who are homeless in Bucks County. Melissa is Development Officer for the Housing Group, and for many years Joy has been the BuxMont person most involved in our sponsorship of an apartment at the Housing Group’s shelter in Doylestown. BCHG is dedicated to the premise that basic housing and access to food for everyone is necessary for the community as a whole to be healthy. We also believe that lack of affordable housing and food insecurity are concerns of the community at large and as such need to be addressed by the wider community. Partnerships with organizations such as BuxMont are essential for BCHG to meet the needs of the client families we serve. Although it seems a lofty goal, it would be great if Bucks County could be a beautiful place for everyone.

July 25: “The Other Six Days”
Speakers: BuxMont Members and Friends
Coordinator: Tom Thomas
We will explore how we live our Unitarian Universalist principles the other six days of the week. A few BuxMont people will talk about how they live their lives as UUs away from BuxMont. How do YOU act on our faith?

July 18: “A Leaner, More democratic General Assembly?”

Speakers: BuxMont’s General Assembly Delegates

Being a member of BuxMont means you are connected to a wider community of UUs. Four thousand of those UUs gathered in Minneapolis the last week in June to vote on changes to our Purposes and Principles, approve new ways to elect the UUA President and Moderator, select a new Congregational Study Action Issue and vote on the wording of the Peace Making Statement of Conscience. The delegates also voted on shrinking General Assembly from five days to two and a half and significantly reducing the number of delegates. Join our delegates this morning as they bring the experience of GA home to BuxMont. Learn what the UUA is doing to remake itself into a more democratic institution.

July 11: “Our Great Task” Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz In an age of disastrous oil spills and international terrorism, it is easy to become discouraged. As Unitarian Universalists, what is our great task in this age, and what are the challenges that await?

July 4: “Independence of the Spirit” Speaker: Jim Phynn We hold these truths to be self-evident: that freedom of thought and independence of spirit are UU virtues along with respect for the interdependent web of existence and the inherent worth and dignity of all humans. Join us on Independence Day for an open discussion of the way we, as UUs, approach and embrace our freedoms.

June 20: “Ask the Minister” Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz During the past month BuxMont members and friends have contributed numerous questions to this “question box” service. This Sunday, Dan will open the box and address the questions on our minds.

June 27: “The Soul’s Own Speech” Speaker: Dena Condron, MMT, MT-BC, LPC Music has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, serving important cultural and spiritual functions. In recent centuries, songs have served to rally, comfort, and encourage both cultures and individuals. BuxMont member Dena Condron, a board-certified music therapist and lifelong musician, will explore some of these songs and their impact on both a societal and personal level.

June 13: “Flowers of the Soul” Speakers: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz, Jansen Wendell, and John Hook Our annual intergenerational flower service will celebrate the beauty in diversity, with stories, special music, and ritual. Please bring a cut flower with you to the service for this uniquely Unitarian Universalist celebration.

June 6: “Exploring Death: From Stonehenge to Avatar” Speaker: Laurie Brooks It’s the only guarantee in everyone’s life and yet no one really knows what happens. Spiritual practices have been dedicated to death since humans have existed. What is the same over the millennia? What is different? What are the commonalties throughout religions and time? Come and see how your theories compare with history. While the subject matter is deep, it won’t be grim—there are even some laughs!

May 30: “May is Mental Health Month; Let’s Talk about It” Speaker: Barbara French The mentally ill not only need appropriate services and other assistance, but especially deserve our respect, understanding, and advocacy. Those whose families are deeply touched by such illnesses find themselves in a unique position to address these needs. Mrs. French, a retired missionary, Methodist churchwoman, and grade school teacher, will share her experiences with mental illness in her family and in the public arena. As an advocate and activist, she has brought services for the mentally ill to her hometown of Corry, Pa., and continues to serve on the boards of local, county, and state agencies including NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Erie County and Warren State Hospital (as a trustee). Myths about mental illness abound. Mrs. French will address both myths and facts and discuss effective coping strategies for the mentally ill and their families and friends.

May 23: “Candide and Happiness” Speakers: John Hook and the BuxMont Choir What is happiness? In our annual choral music service we will explore this question using Leonard Bernstein’s musical adaptation of Voltaire’s classic satire, Candide. Much of the “sermon” will be sung as we go from learning of “The Best of All Possible Worlds” to concluding that we must “Make Our Garden Grow.”

May 16, 2010

Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz

The ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism emphasizes unity with
the natural flow of the universe. In its many forms, Taoism has
much to teach Unitarian Universalists today.

April 18, 2010

Sohaib Sultan, through his books and public lectures on Islam and
on Muslim-Western relations, is committed to promoting mutual
understanding and dialogue between Christian and Muslim faith
communities. Sultan studied at Hartford Theological Seminary,
pursuing a master’s degree in Islamic studies and Christian-Muslim
relations. He is Princeton University’s Muslim life coordinator
/chaplain and author of The Koran for Dummies and The Quran
and Sayings of Prophet Muhammad.

February 14: True Colors Speakers: BuxMont Interweave members

The Interweave organization of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and heterosexual allies at BuxMont welcome the congregation to a celebration of our lives as sexual and gender minorities and those who actively support us. We will share stories of triumph and struggle and through this expression, establish a more authentic relationship with the members of our congregation and our own Unitarian Universalist values.

February 2, 2010 Reflections on winter. A circle service, sharing and meditation.

TITLE: How To Cheat Death:  Getting the Most Out of This Terminal Condition Called Life

 

 

SPEAKER: Jeff Bredenberg

 

 

     Jeff shares his reflections on his battle with brain cancer and some of the truths he has learned along the way.  Despite the sobering subject matter, Jeff promises that his legendary sense of humor will shine through.  This service is designed for anyone who is coping with serious illness, the people who love them, and anyone who just plain cherishes what it means to be alive.

January 24: A Unitarian Universalist Theology of Liberation

Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz

Liberation theology grows out of a Christian tradition, which emphasizes the Bible’s message for the poor and the oppressed. What do Unitarian Universalists have to learn from this tradition? Could we create a liberation theology of our own?

January 17: Inward Springs

Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz

The path of truth seeking has always been basic to our Unitarian Universalist way of life. This is especially true in the way we teach our children.

January 3: Ring in the New Year

Speakers: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz, Jansen Wendell, and John Hook

This special intergenerational service will honor New Year’s traditions from across the world and through history, with special music, stories, and celebration!

December 13: “Against All Odds” Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz The story of Chanukah is far more than a tale of menorahs and oil. At its heart it tells how a small group with the courage of their faith struggled against impossible odds and prevailed.

December 6: “Getting Real” Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz The phrase “Get real” held meaning long before it was appropriated by the TV therapists. When applied to our own lives, “getting real” may be the highest, most difficult, and most rewarding of callings.

In recent years, Unitarian Universalists have placed a great deal of importance on our Principles and Purposes. These Principles, which are currently in the process of being revised, have become familiar to most of us. But what are they? Are they our “creedless creed”? Or are they something else entirely?

November 22: Guest at Your Table

Speakers and Participants: Peace and Justice, RE

The Peace and Justice Committee will join with RE to present an intergenerational family service that celebrates the seventh principle of Unitarian Universalism: our covenant to affirm and promote “respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part.” Learn how UUSC works worldwide to help defend and protect human rights and collect a Guest at your Table box.

November 15: The Practice of Buddhism in the Tibetan Tradition

Speaker: Lama Zopa

Lama Zopa is the Resident Lama at Karma Thegsum Choling in Albany, NY. Born in New Jersey, he was first attracted to Buddhism as a teenager. He has traveled to India and Nepal to study Buddhist philosophy as well as the Tibetan language. He has completed two three-year retreats under the guidance of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, director at the KTD Monastery in the Catskills.

November 8: The Quest for Immortality

Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz

People seek eternal life in many ways—through science, through beliefs about an afterlife, through monuments and memorials. But there are simpler, more subtle ways that legacy continues, even after life has ended.

November 1: The Spirituality/Science Continuum

Speakers: Martha Knox, Chuck Reisse, Tracy Franklin, and Howard Bennett

This is the second in a series of four panel discussions the Program Committee is planning for 2009–2010. A diverse panel with varying viewpoints on the spiritual/scientific space their minds inhabit will discuss where on a continuum they stand and whether in fact there exists such a continuum. This topic is anticipated to trigger an exciting and somewhat controversial discussion from which we may all gain insights into the space our own minds occupy. Aubrey McWatt will moderate the panel. (We will not take  questions during the service, but panelists will interact with interested congregants in the sanctuary at 11:45.)

As the leaves turn and the weather turns cold, our thoughts often turn to the change of season. What lessons can we glean from the season’s change and our human response?

On this special Sunday we will celebrate the message of Unitarian Universalism, support the Association that supports us, and raise energy as we move forward in our mission of becoming a beacon for Unitarian Universalist values in Bucks and Montgomery counties and a haven for all who would find a home here. This service will include a special collection to honor our commitment to the Joseph Priestley District and the Unitarian Universalist Association.

The Alternatives to Violence Program, with which Rev. Schatz worked during his sabbatical, emphasizes the idea of a Transforming Power within each of us. What is Transforming Power, and how can we use it for personal and social change?

Rev. Jerry Johnson, a retired American Baptist minister, will share his spiritual journey since he began attending BuxMont in 2008. He became a member that year and is now serving on several committees. Although his Christian faith was very liberal and far from orthodox, he still considers himself a Christian and has joined UU Christians. His reflections will include his modified Christian beliefs, current spiritual practice and hope for continued spiritual formation here at BuxMont.

In the season of turning, of the Jewish high holy days and of nature’s changes, how might we renew our spirits for the work before us?

October 18, 2009 Fair share request

October 18, 2009 Get ready to meet the multitude

September 20: “How We Believe”
Speakers: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz
As lifelong seekers, Unitarian Universalists often give a great deal of attention to what we believe. Equally important is the question “How do we believe?”

September 13: “Welcome Old and New”
Speakers: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz and Jansen Wendell
Our annual intergenerational ingathering service will celebrate the spirit of welcome, as we come together once again.

September 6: “Who Was Starr King, and Should We Care?”
Speaker: Nancy Bruce
Nancy will give a biographical sketch of this 19th- UU minister, lecturer, and writer with emphasis contributions to California Civil War politics.

TITLE:                        Wild Goose Chases and Other Theological Quandaries

SPEAKERS:               Rev. Daniel S. Schatz

At the heart of Unitarian Universalism is a questing spirit—a seeker’s path that all of us share, individually and collectively. How does the search for truth shape our religion?

TITLE:                        Piercing the Clouds

SPEAKERS:               Rev. Daniel S. Schatz

Unitarian Universalists are often uncomfortable with the idea of prayer because it suggests a theology that not all of us hold. However, there are ways of thinking about prayer that can include people of every theology, from Atheist to Theist and beyond.

 

TITLE:                        Standing on the Side of Love

 

SPEAKERS:               Buxmont's General Assembly

                                    Delegates and Attendees

 

Being a member of Buxmont means you are connected to a wider community of UUs.  Four Thousand of those UUs gathered in Salt Lake City the last week in June to select a new president and chart a course for our denomination for the coming year.  Join the delegates and attendees this morning as they bring the experience of GA home to Buxmont through stories and videos clips.  Learn what being connected to a larger liberal religious movement means to you and our fellowship.

 

TITLE:            Theopolitics: The Faltering but Ongoing War

                        on Equality and Knowledge

 

SPEAKERS:   Mel Seesholtz, Ph.D.

 

Mel Seesholtz holds a Ph.D. in literary and linguistic theory and is professor of English at Penn State Abington. He will present an informative and provocative lecture to address the issue of religion as a target for theopolitics via the use of religious beliefs to justify denying gay and lesbian Americans’ civil equality in relation to housing, employment and marriage. The other major target of theopolitics to be addressed is science, particularly the theory of evolution. There will be a round table discussion following the Service between Dr. Seesholtz and interested members of the congregation.

July 26: “NOLA: Four Years After Katrina”
Speakers: BuxMont Katrina project volunteers
This past winter, several BuxMonters spent a week at the First UU Church of New Orleans volunteering with the New Orleans Rebirth Center, a project started by the UUSC after Hurricane Katrina and run by the city’s three UU congregations. Ruth Aschmann, Elaine Barkan, Yvonne Marlier, Jeanne Phillips, Jane Turkel, and Linda Wisniewski will share their personal stories about the people who survived the storm, the social justice projects they worked on during the week, and how UUs can continue to help in the recovery.

July 12 and 19: “Some Thoughts on Self-Actualization from the Perspectives of Psychology and Religion”
Speaker: Lance Roberds
Lance has spoken at BuxMont several times in the past, last in May of 2008. He’s going to use two Sundays in a row to address a subject that could easily require a semester. Self actualization refers to the full realization of one’s potential. The term was popularized back in the 1960s by Abraham Maslow in a somewhat limited sense. Lance will be speaking more broadly. In the field of religious thought he is most influenced by Feuerbach, Tillich, and Hartshorne. In psychology his thought is most influenced by Rogers, Fromm, and Frankl. Lance is a psychotherapist by profession and also has a Master of Divinity.

July 12 and 19: “Some Thoughts on Self-Actualization from the Perspectives of Psychology and Religion” post Sermon Discussion.
Speaker: Lance Roberds
Lance has spoken at BuxMont several times in the past, last in May of 2008. He’s going to use two Sundays in a row to address a subject that could easily require a semester. Self actualization refers to the full realization of one’s potential. The term was popularized back in the 1960s by Abraham Maslow in a somewhat limited sense. Lance will be speaking more broadly. In the field of religious thought he is most influenced by Feuerbach, Tillich, and Hartshorne. In psychology his thought is most influenced by Rogers, Fromm, and Frankl. Lance is a psychotherapist by profession and also has a Master of Divinity.

July 12 and 19: “Some Thoughts on Self-Actualization from the Perspectives of Psychology and Religion”
Speaker: Lance Roberds
Lance has spoken at BuxMont several times in the past, last in May of 2008. He’s going to use two Sundays in a row to address a subject that could easily require a semester. Self actualization refers to the full realization of one’s potential. The term was popularized back in the 1960s by Abraham Maslow in a somewhat limited sense. Lance will be speaking more broadly. In the field of religious thought he is most influenced by Feuerbach, Tillich, and Hartshorne. In psychology his thought is most influenced by Rogers, Fromm, and Frankl. Lance is a psychotherapist by profession and also has a Master of Divinity.

July 12 and 19: “Some Thoughts on Self-Actualization from the Perspectives of Psychology and Religion”
Speaker: Lance Roberds
Lance has spoken at BuxMont several times in the past, last in May of 2008. He’s going to use two Sundays in a row to address a subject that could easily require a semester. Self actualization refers to the full realization of one’s potential. The term was popularized back in the 1960s by Abraham Maslow in a somewhat limited sense. Lance will be speaking more broadly. In the field of religious thought he is most influenced by Feuerbach, Tillich, and Hartshorne. In psychology his thought is most influenced by Rogers, Fromm, and Frankl. Lance is a psychotherapist by profession and also has a Master of Divinity.

July 12 and 19: “Some Thoughts on Self-Actualization from the Perspectives of Psychology and Religion”
Speaker: Lance Roberds
Lance has spoken at BuxMont several times in the past, last in May of 2008. He’s going to use two Sundays in a row to address a subject that could easily require a semester. Self actualization refers to the full realization of one’s potential. The term was popularized back in the 1960s by Abraham Maslow in a somewhat limited sense. Lance will be speaking more broadly. In the field of religious thought he is most influenced by Feuerbach, Tillich, and Hartshorne. In psychology his thought is most influenced by Rogers, Fromm, and Frankl. Lance is a psychotherapist by profession and also has a Master of Divinity.

Speakers: Program Committee
The June 28 Service is first in a series of panel discussions that the Program Committee is planning. The subject is “Spirituality,” a wonderful word that many BuxMonters want to see more of in our services, but a word that means different things to different people. Aubrey McWatt will moderate the panel discussion around questions geared to reveal individual interpretations of Spirituality among panel members who represent a balanced cross-section of viewpoints necessary for an enthusiastic discussion. Panelists are Rev. Jerry Johnson, Jen Kloss, John Hook and Carol Myers. We will not take questions during the Service but will invite panelists and congregants back into the Sanctuary after coffee for a half hour discussion of points of view that were not covered during the panel discussion.

Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz
During the past month BuxMont members and friends have contributed numerous questions to this “question box” service. This Sunday, Dan will open the box and address the questions on our minds.

Intergenerational Service
Flowers are short lived, but carry with them the seeds of new and ongoing life. During our annual flower service this year, we will celebrate the dedication of new children and the bridging of youth. We will also bid farewell to Robin Pugh on her last Sunday at BuxMont. Please bring a cut flower with you to the service.

Speaker: Laurie Brooks
How do you reconcile these two issues? What role does belief play during this difficult time? Are there changes that occur in your beliefs when you most need comfort? Laurie gives a personal glimpse into her struggle to be spiritual during critical illness and its aftermath.

Speakers: Amber Bartol and Markus Fire
The Coming of Age Service is an opportunity for the adults in our Fellowship to explore the current thinking of our 14- and 15 year-olds regarding religion. The students have spent the year discussing religious ideas and refining their own spirituality. Each student will give a short presentation of the credo he or she developed with the aid of a mentor from the congregation. This is the opposite of confirmation in the traditional sense in that we ask teenagers to use their minds—not to memorize a set of criteria.

Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz
Religion is often couched in the language of service— whether to a divine entity or to other people. Unitarian Universalists, too, have ways of serving the values we hold most dear. In the process, we find ourselves deeply empowered.

Speaker: Adios Zhanymkanov
An exchange student from Kazakhstan currently attending Hatboro-Horsham High School and a visitor to our senior youth group, Mr. Zhanymkanov will share a closer look at his country, its culture, government and relations with the United States.

Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz
When we think of “home,” different images come to mind. Some might imagine a house, while others see a group of people, or some other vision. What makes a home? What makes BuxMont a spiritual home? There will be a ceremony recognizing new members as part of this service.

Speakers: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz and Sabbatical Committee
As congregation and minister come together again, we will share the stories of our spiritual adventures over the last six months.

April 26: Maasai Culture and Traditions
Speakers: Maasai guests
Maasai guests from Kenya, E. Africa will share their beautiful culture and ancient indigenous traditions. Sponsored by MCEP (Maasai Cultural Exchange Project), a Bucks County grassroots nonprofit, the Maasai tribe encourage global awareness regarding drought and famine and their desperate need for water and education for children and women. Maasai elders teach peace and conflict resolution, environmental and ecological practices, and family traditions and dynamics. The Maasai women will display and offer unique beadwork and handicrafts for sale to offset the high cost of education for their children. “Ashe Oleng”—Thank you very much.

April 19: Six Impossible Things
Speaker: Rev. Sandra Fees
Humans have the unique capability to glimpse the impossible. The White Queen in Alice in Wonderland tells Alice she can imagine “six impossible things before breakfast.” In this service, we will consider how we can push against the limits of science and imagination to allow the impossible to become possible.

April 12: The Light of the World
Speaker: Robin Pugh
Jesus is sometimes called “the light of the world” because he helped to bring the light of love into people’s hearts. We will revisit the events of Holy week in this inter generational service and reflect on what UUs can learn from Jesus.

April 5: Writing to Change the World
Speaker: Rev. Judy Welles
Whether we claim it or not, all of us are writers. What characteristics of being a writer will serve us in our development as human beings, helping us to become our unique selves and say the things that only we can say?

March 29: Health Care By Cynthia Jones
  A discussion of Health care by the Peace and Justice Committee.

March 22, 2008 Youthful UU's
   Our annual Youth service.

March 15: “Are We Actors or Authors?”
Speaker: Rev. Mark Hayes
Rev. Mark Hayes is minister of the UU Fellowship of Centre County, State College, PA. He will lead this service on the question of free will. “To what extent do we write the scripts of our own lives, and to what extent are we merely playing our prescribed roles?”

March 8: “A Sacred Journey”
Speaker: Rabbi Marcia Prager
We often think of the Jewish spiritual journey as beginning with the physical and spiritual liberation from slavery in Egypt, celebrated with the holiday of Pesach (Passover) and culminating with the revelation of Torah on Mt. Sinai, celebrated with the holiday of Shavuot (which in the Christian calendar became Pentecost). But there is another sacred journey that we can travel in between the late winter holiday of Purim and Pesach! Intrigued? Come learn! What is the spiritual journey from Pesach to Shavuot? And what is the journey from Purim to Pesach? How can walking each of these spiritual pilgrimages help us see our own lives in new ways and live into renewed possibilities for growth and selfawareness?

March 1: Presentation by Rev. Dr. Richard Speck
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Richard Speck
Rev. Dr. Richard Speck is the District Executive of the Joseph Priestley District. He works in a collaborative manner to lead the District in all aspects of operation. Rev. Speck is also available to consult with individual congregations on various topics such as stewardship, growth, healthy congregations, etc.

February 22: Fastnacht, MardiGras, and Lenten Traditions
Speakers: Intergenerational Service
Many Catholic and Protestant believers throughout the world have a period of celebration prior to the solemnity of Lent. Join us in an Intergenerational Service as we learn about, and participate in traditions of this period in the Christian Calendar.

February 15th 2009: Bending Toward Justice

February 8: Talking About Evolution with Young Children
Speaker: Professor Colin Purrington
Colin Purrington is Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Swarthmore College. He is associated with PA Citizens for Science, a group promoting the ideas he will discuss. Dr. Purrington will talk about how parents can homeschool their kids in evolution, even if their children attend a regular school. He’ll also talk about why it's important to do so, and also about why children are actually rather interested in the topic. He will talk about why various groups like to suppress the teaching of evolution and is especially keen on discussing why liberal, NPR-listening, Volvo-driving academics also like to suppress the topic for young children.

February 1: “Love Made Visible”
Speaker: Rev. Peter Friedrichs
Rev. Peter Friedrichs, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, will lead our worship with Ruth McDevitt. Rev. Friedrichs will reflect on what it takes to make a church, and how we are called to minister to each other in beloved community. As we embark on our annual Stewardship Campaign, we will ask ourselves how we might express our commitment to each other, to the church and to our larger faith. Rev. Peter Friedrichs has served as pastor of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County in Media, Pa., since August 2006. He is a 2006graduate of Andover Newton Theological School, where hewas awarded the James Luther Adams Prize for LiberalTheological Studies. Peter is a self-described “recovering attorney” who practiced law in Portland, Maine, for nearly20 years before entering the ministry. He is pleased to return to BuxMont, where he preached his pre-candidating sermon to the Search Committee from Media before being
called to serve that congregation.

January 25: “Crossing Borders”
Speaker: Rev. Charles J. Stephens
Rev. Stephens, minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church at Washington Crossing, will talk about his visit to Israel and Palestine. He writes, “My experience in Israel and Palestine confirms for me what Frost wrote: ‘Something there is that doesn’t love a wall.’ There are strongly differing opinions about walls. The Compassionate Listening Tour of Israel and Palestine that I participated in with an interfaith group of Rabbis, Imams, ministers and several lay leaders far exceeded my highest expectations.”

January 18: “Partners: Bound by Covenant”
Speaker: Rev. Kate Seitz Bortner
You may think the world of law enforcement and the world of church are as far apart as it is possible to get. In her 22 years of community ministry with the York City Police Department, Rev. Bortner learned lessons about how very similar they are. Join us this morning as she shares with us some of the amazing things she learned.

January 11: “Neighborhood Notes”
Speakers: Cindy Ruenes, Brian Pearson and the Neighborhood Notes teens

Cindy and Brian and a group of teen volunteers from the Community Conservatory in Doylestown will share with us their experiences with the Neighborhood Notes Program. Teen volunteers with the Neighborhood Notes program teach music, theater and visual art to those less fortunate in our area. The program is a wonderful artistic cultural exchange program right here in Bucks County. The teens involved in this program are all talented artists who benefit from teaching and learning from each other. Our service will include poetry and music as well as inspirational stories.

January 4: “The Two-Headed God”
Speaker: Rev. Deborah Mero
Rev. Mero comes to us from the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester. We are caught at this time of year in the conundrum of looking in both directions like the two-head Roman God Janus. While we spend most of our time looking forward to what lies ahead, the new year forces us into seeing the cycles of life and both our past and future at the same time.

December 28: Organ Donor Awareness: The Gift of Life

Speaker: Dick Johnston and Gift of Life Participants

“Don’t take your organs to heaven: Heaven knows we need

them down here!” The age-old question—“What gift can I

bring?”—can be answered in a uniquely profound way.

Thousands of persons are literally counting their remaining

days in despair because one critical organ is failing in their

otherwise healthy bodies. What a holy gift we could give, at

this or any season, by restoring someone’s health and hope!

We will hear from several persons who have donated or

received this Gift of Life as they share the excitement of

being part of this community of giving.

December 21: Deep in December

Speaker: Rev. Robert Throne

The Solstice has long been important to me, and this will be an encouragement to personal reflection on its significance, using the lovely song from the “Fantastics” as a starting place.

December 14: What Gifts Do We Bring?

Speaker: Jack Schieber and Kim Alegant

All can relate to the tough economic times we face. Two

speakers from BuxMont, Jack Schieber and Kim Alegant,

share their philosophies on giving and balancing priorities.

December 7:  At-one-ment

Speaker: Rev. Nate Walker

In honor of World AIDS Day, Rev. Nate Walker, of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, will explore how Jewish and Christian theologies on atonement teach us that suffering is redemptive. Rev. Nate challenges this belief system by using the traditional theology of atonement as a conceptual lens through which to view two cases: AIDS and agent Orange. He asks whether or not the “sins” of homosexuals were reconciled through the 3 million people who died last year from AIDS. He goes on to ask, does the theology of atonement apply to the 3 million people who currently suffer from diseases caused by Agent Orange, a chemical used by the Americans in Vietnam? OR could it be that god has no ego and no desire to avenge, leaving us to ask whether or not the biological and political views of suffering call us to be at-one with all who suffer?

November 30: Our Holy Journey

Speakers: Board of Trustees

Discover how we each play an important part in BuxMont’s journey to becoming a haven and beacon of UU values. Explore your inner and outer path to a spiritual community that you are proud to call “mine.”

November 23: “Green Nourishment: Food for OurBodies and the Earth Community”

Speaker: Robin Hoy

Robin Hoy has spent much of her life practicing and teaching the tenets that Green Sanctuary espouses. She will explore how our everyday food choices relate to our health and that of the other living beings on our planet. Sponsored by our Green Sanctuary Committee.

November 16: The Spirit of Compassion

Speaker: Kathy Ellis

Kathy Ellis is a ministerial candidate and Director of Leadership of Spiritual Development of the WellSprings UU congregation. Compassion lies at the heart of all our religious traditions, and it is a primary goal of spiritual practice. We can increase compassion in our own lives and in the world.

November 9: Exploring Paganism

Speaker: Buz and Linda Neeld

The word “Pagan” is often misunderstood. Join Buz and Linda Neeld, members of BuxMont UU and Gaia’s Rainbow, as they explore the diversity of the Pagan pathway from ancient times to the fast-growing neo-pagan movement.

November 2: Enlightenment and Enthusiasm

Speaker: Rev. Duane Fickeisen

How might UU’s find enlightenment and experience spiritual enthusiasm? What are the potential dangers and benefits of embracing mystery and welcoming a sense of unity with the cosmos, of non-separateness? What practices might we adopt to embrace the holy as a source of trransformation? Rev. Fickeisen is co-minister of Unitarian Universalists of Cumberland Valley in Boiling Springs, Pa.

October 26: Adventures of Spirit
Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz
The theme of our sabbatical is “A BuxMont Adventure—
Exploring, Discovering.” What does it mean to be on a
spiritual adventure? This will be Dan’s last sermon before
his sabbatical. He will return to BuxMont on May 1, 2009.

October 19: Service on Darfur
Speaker: Fatima M. Haroun
Fatima M. Haroun was born in Darfur and now lives in
Philadelphia. She will talk about her experiences in her
homeland and provide an update on the current status of
Darfur refugees and advice on how we can help them. A
video on Darfur will be shown after the service.

October 12: The Choice
Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz
The holiest day of the Jewish year is a time for inward
reflection, confession, and turning. In rituals and writings,
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur present the people not
only with an opportunity to seek forgiveness for past
wrongs, but also with a choice for the future.

October 5: Love Your Enemies
Speaker: Rev. Jerry Johnson
Rev. Jerry Johnson is an ordained minister associated with
the American Baptist Church of USA. He will take a fresh
look at one of the more familiar quotations of Jesus. Jerry
and his wife, Kathy, are new members of BuxMont. They
are also son-in-law and daughter of Shirley Josephson, one
of the stalwarts at BuxMont over many years.

September 28:  Becoming Oneself

Speaker:  Rev. Daniel S. Schatz

The growth from childhood to adulthood is one of exploration and self-discovery.  When we open our mind and hearts, that process can continue throughout our lives.  This service included a ceremony of dedication for children. 

CHILD DEDICATION CEREMONY

September 21: Interfaith Delegates Report on Israel/Palestine 'Compassionate Listening' Trip

Members of the Delaware Valley Interfaith Delegation will report on their journey to Israel and Palestine as part of a 20-member delegation—which included Jews, Christians, Muslims, and others who went on a “Compassionate Listening” Tour at the end of March. They will discuss their conversations and insights after meeting with Israelis and Palestinians of all political and religious stripes and from all walks of life.

September 14:  So Much More

Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz

How can we care for one another when all we have to give isn’t enough?

Speakers:  Rev. Daniel S. Schatz and Robin Pugh  

Come celebrate the adventure that is the BuxMont UU Fellowship in our annual intergenerational ingathering servic

August 31: "Inside UUA General Assembly"
Speakers: Anna-Sara Fire, Rik Fire & Karen Reever
Attending GA is more than a learning opportunity -- it's a
pilgrimage. BuxMont's delegates to GA2008 will share
samplings of inspirational sermons and music, tools from
workshops, and the charge for action we selected at this
annual meeting of 1000+ UU congregations.

August 24: “Restorative Justice”
Coordinators: Tom Thomas and Larry Menkes
Laura Rush, MSW, Conferencing Program Coordinator for
the Community Service Foundation & Buxmont Academy,
will speak to us about the practice of Restorative Practices.
The restorative practices concept has its roots in "restorative
justice," a new way of looking at criminal justice that
focuses on repairing the harm done to people and
relationships rather than on punishing offenders. This is a
new approach to our first UU principle in the criminal
justice field. Plan to come and be inspired.

August 17: “This Little Light”
Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz
What does it mean to let our light shine? In a special
“musical sermon,” we will explore the spark of holiness
within each of us.

August 10: "Free and Responsible"
Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz
Unitarian Universalists often talk about the free and
responsible search for truth and meaning as being at the
center of our religion. Much of the "responsibility" that
makes this shared search possible takes place in our
religious community, as we find ways to love and nurture
the community which makes this collective journey a
possibility.

August 3: “Recovery International”
Speakers: Mike Gabriele & Friends
Recovery International is a self-help mental health program
which offers its members a free method to regain and
maintain their mental health. Members have a wide variety
of issues including depression, dysthymia and bi-polar
disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and
personality disorders. Mike Gabriele, an assistant leader of
the Flourtown Group, will lead a panel which will
demonstrate the Recovery method in action and what
happens in a typical group meeting.

July 27,2008: “What BuxMont Means to Me”
Speakers: Linda Wisniewski, Christine Letts, Allison
Letts, Harry Rothwell
Some of BuxMont members, recent and not so recent, will
bring diverse viewpoints on their personal journeys, their
deep insights to what they have found in the Fellowship,
and the importance of what their experiences here mean to
them.

July 20: “Hymn Sing”
Coordinators: M. Carol Cotton and John Hook

Our annual hymn sing is a wonderful opportunity to explore our hymnals.  The congregation will help select old favorites as well as less familiar hymns that look like they’d be fun to try.   Somehow in exploring these songs and hymns we learn more about each other and find a spiritual connection as the music flows through us.

July 13: “Cleaning Up”
Speaker: Rev. Daniel S. Schatz

At no time have people been more aware of our responsibility to the environment than today.  Yet the practice of ecological responsibility is one with an ancient history, closely tied in with the spirituality of many world religions.  How can environmental responsibility become a spiritual path for us?

July 6: “Friendship”
Speakers: BuxMont Members & Friends

A group of BuxMonters will facilitate an interactive program with the Congregation.  We will discuss Friendship---what does it mean to be a friend, what do we value in our friends, the qualities that make for a strong friendship, and the place of friendship in our lives. We will join in small groups and take turns giving our perspectives and listening attentively.

June 29: “Sponsoring a Child”
Speaker: Carol LeFevre

Carol LeFevre will speak about her forty-seven years of sponsoring children in countries around the world through Plan USA, what the program does, and what it means to her.

The June 22nd, 2008 Service Of original Poetry

During the past month, BuxMont members and friends have contributed numerous questions to this “question box” service.  This Sunday, Dan will open the box and address the questions on the minds of BuxMont folks.

The June 1st 2008 Service.  Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher and religious writer of the early 1800’s. He has been called the father of existentialism, a body of thought that became popular in the mid 1900’s and that continues to influence many  writers today in the fields of psychology and religion.

The May 25th 2008 Service entitled "All Souls)

The May 11th service on the Purpose of a pulpit.  Sorry for the late posting, some technical difficulties encountered.

The April 27th Service for our Coming of age youth.

The May 18th Music Service

May 4th Service on the meaning of Faithfulness: The Fundamentalist, Liberal conflict by Lance Roberds MDiv.

The April 20th 2008 service featuring The Lorax.

The April 14th Service on People

The March 10th Service on "Mystery"

The March 3rd Service By the Senior Youth Group on the Future

February 24th 2008 service on Being Called to service

February 10th 2008 Service on Peace

February 3rd Service Titled Come out and Greet the day

Janyary 27th 2008 service on Great Ideas

January 20th 2008 on Going On