Services for April

Interdependence. Consider for a moment the way UU congregations work. They are designed as participatory democracies. No one is absolutely in charge. There are assigned responsibilities with checks and balances. Leadership changes based on written policies. And each UU congregation is interdependent with all the others—not because there's a big UUA telling us what to do, but because each congregation sends delegates annually to the UUA General Assembly where umbrella decisions are made for the whole body of Unitarian Universalism (without infringing on the self-governance of each congregation). We covenant together—first as human beings within a congregation, and then as congregations within an association. Covenant: the promises we make to one another, a way of expressing our interdependence even as we respect each person's individual spiritual path. Interdependence within covenant means, fundamentally, no disrespect. Yes. I can do that.

~ Rev. Jaye

Hope: Help or Hinderance?

Rev. Sarah Schurr
April 7

At this time of spring and renewal, Rev. Sarah Schurr looks at the idea of hope. Some say hope is a platitude that keeps us happy with the status quo. Others say hope is essential, not only for our wellbeing but to inspire our work to build a better world.

Sarah is part of the field staff of the Pacific Western Region of the UUA and is their specialist in small congregations.

Why Covenant?

Rev. Jaye Brooks
April 14

It has been about a year since the UU Fellowship of Harford County adopted a congregational covenant. Today we pause for a moment to consider why we did that. In this interim time, in a moment of transition from past to future, we can have a perspective that wasn’t possible a year ago and won’t be the same a year from now. So, why covenant?

No potluck luncheon today; it has moved to April 21.

A Prayer for Relief

Jenn Blosser and Rev. Jaye Brooks
April 21

In this service for all ages, Fellowship children and youth tell the story of a lawsuit brought by 21 American youth (including a UU) to compel the U.S. government to take action to save the earth from destruction caused by climate change. The lawsuit's prayer for relief cites the many ways these young people have already suffered harm from climate-related changes. Illuminating the 7th UU principle, respect for the interdependent web of existence, our youth use the moving words of the young plaintiffs to present the story. As we gather on the eve of Passover, this story is in the spirit of Rabbi Arthur Waskow's Seder Haggadah for Earth: It is our task to make from fire/ Not an all-consuming blaze/ But the light in which we see each other.

A potluck luncheon follows the service.
Stay for the Annual Meeting (quorum needed).

Musical Inspirations

Joe Jencks
April 28

Joe Jencks is an international touring musician, award-winning songwriter and celebrated vocalist, known for his performances of musical beauty, social consciousness and spiritual exploration. He will be leading our worship service. To learn more about Joe Jencks and his musical inspirations, visit www.joejencks.com