UUFNRV Calendar
Sunday Services: 1999

September 5, Reverend Christine Brownlie: “If You're Not a Church, What Are You?” When I was in seminary, my classmates were generally baffled by the UU approach. One of the ongoing questions was our understanding of ourselves as a religious body. Are we religious, are we a “body”?

September 12, Reverend Christine Brownlie: “The Days of Awe.” Our Jewish brothers and sisters are in the midst of their sacred time of reflection and repentance. Today we will touch our religious roots through the writings of Rabbi Abraham Heschel.
The UUFNRV Choir will sing "Simple Gifts" at the 10:30 a.m. service.

September 19, 9:00 a.m., Michele James-Deramo, Director, Service-Learning Center at Tech will define service learning and address the question “How do we engage the youth of today so they will become good citizens tomorrow?”
10:30 a.m., Reverend Christine Brownlie: “Living with Joy and a Broken Heart.” She'll be talking about how grief affects us throughout our lives.

September 26, Morton Nadler, Fellowship member and Minister, Humanist Society of Friends: “The greatest creation story ever told.” Nothing can equal the sweep and drama of the still unfolding story that modern cosmology can tell. As a bonus, the 10:30 service children's time will feature a little known creation story from a remote corner of the world.

October 3, Reverend Christine Brownlie: “Hands to Work, Hearts to God.” The Shakers attempt to live so that every element of their lives is an expression of their connection to the holy. As this unique community comes to an end, how might their values of simplicity and self giving live on in a time of self focus and complexity?
The UUFNRV Choir will sing at the 10:30 a.m. service.

October 3, Reverend Christine Brownlie: “Hands to Work, Hearts to God.” The Shakers attempt to live so that every element of their lives is an expression of their connection to the holy. As this unique community comes to an end, how might their values of simplicity and self giving live on in a time of self focus and complexity?
The UUFNRV Choir will sing at the 10:30 a.m. service.
Our Teacher Dedication will be held during the children's time at the 10:30 a.m. service. We hope you will attend -- you will be showing your support for the generous commitment our teachers are making for our children.

November 7, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Zen Sayings of Jesus.” Author Kenneth Leong says that Jesus was as much a Zen Master as he was a Jewish Rabbi. Many of his sayings have the same paradoxical qualities as a koan. I find that this approach has given me some new insights into some of Jesus' more impenetrable sayings. Was Jesus another enlightened teacher?
Garrett McAuliffe will sing during the 10:30 a.m. service.
Informational Meeting (on the year 2000 budget) after the second service. Child care provided.

November 14, 9:00 a.m., “Discussion of the future focus of this time slot in our Sunday worship.” (See “Revisiting our Two-Service Format” in the November UUFNRV newsletter.)
10:30 a.m., Rev. Christine Brownlie: “A House Divided?” If you've been reading some of the messages about anti-racism that have been sent out by the various UUA organizations and affiliates, you may be feeling confused. Will anti-racism training work, or is it a mistake? I will try to clarify the positions set out by both sides so that we can have a more informed discussion about our approach to the problem of racism and what we can do about it.
The UUFNRV Choir will sing at the 10:30 a.m. service.
Congregational Meeting (on the year 2000 budget) after the second service. Child care provided.

November 21, Rev. Christine Brownlie will preside at both services,.
9:00 a.m., “As She Lives and Breathes.’ The Gaia Hypothesis says that the earth and it's inhabitants are in a mutual relationship of evolution and accommodation. What might this mean about choices we make and how we understand our relationship to our Mother?
10:30 a.m., “How to Make Stone Soup.” What!! You've never tasted stone soup? The children invite you to taste this rare and delightful treat this Sunday after they show you how to make it. It's cheap, easy, and it builds community! We will also dedicate Kiera Anne Rosette Eriksen-McAuliffe, daughter of Karen Eriksen and Garrett McAuliffe. This is an Intergenerational Service -- no RE classes.
Member Suzana Muller and her friend Laura Pole will provide Special Music during the 10:30 a.m. service..

November 28 (10:30 service only!) “Thanksgiving: The Legacy and the Leftovers” A short service which will include seasonal hymns, poetry and readings will be followed by a potluck brunch. Bring a favorite brunch dish to share buffet-style. RE classes will meet during the service.

December 5 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “I'm Not Religious, but I'm Very Spiritual.” People often say this to me and I always wonder what they mean. What's the difference between religion and spirituality and where do you fit?
Welcoming New Members: at the 10:30 a.m. service.

December 12 (both services), Irene Lamb, Fellowship member and NCBI facilitator: “Walking the Walk: stories from my work with NCBI (National Coalition Building Institute).” Irene Lamb will share stories from her training that will help form an understanding of guilt-free prejudice reduction work and why it's needed everywhere.

December 19 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Why Not a Star? Is the Christmas story true?” It all depends on what kind of truth you you're after.

UUFNRV Calendar
Sunday Services: 2000

March 5 (both services), “Christiansburg Institute: Voices from the Community.” Marcy Schnitzer, Virginia Tech's Asst. Director of Tech's Service Learning Center, which has a partnership with the CI, and Elaine Carter, doctoral student and Christiansburg Institute alumnus (class of 1948), who talked at a 9:00 a.m. service in October about the history of the Christiansburg Institute, are returning. This program will emphasize “our desire to involve citizens in the redevelopment of the Institute. We will discuss projects and needs in which people can become involved.” They have agreed to stay and continue this discussion over lunch.

March 12 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “UU Women of the Wild, Wild West.” When the West was being settled, Unitarian congregations sprung up in wild and wooly towns of Ohio and Wisconsin. It was the women ministers who braved the rigors of western life and carried the message of liberal religion to the frontier. Rev. Brownlie will tell their story.

March 19 (both services), Karen Eriksen, member and a professor of counseling at Radford University, “Accountability and Interdependence over Independence in the Church.” Karen goes on to say about herself that she is “a recovered fundamentalist, a committed Christian with experiences in a socially active and interpersonally and spiritually accountable church.”
At the 10:30 service, Karen and Garrett Mcauliffe will perform “River” by Bill Staines and one Irish song.

March 26 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Religion in an Age of Disbelief.” We live in interesting times. The discoveries of science and the developments of technology are challenging the foundations of traditional religion. Yet all over the world, fundamentalism and new religions are both on the rise. What is the place of religion in our scientific, post-modern time?

April 2 (both services -- Times are Daylight Savings Time!), Rev. Robert Hughes: “Meditation and Movement.” Drawing on Tai Chi as an “embodiment” of Taoism, this sermon explores intentionality and awareness as essential to ongoing spiritual growth. Rev. Hughes is the minister of the UU Church of the Shenandoah Valley, near Winchester, Virginia. He is a student of Tai Chi and authored a chapter on movement and meditation in Everyday Spiritual Practice, edited by Rev. Scott Alexander.

April 9 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Fools and Money.” April 15th is drawing close and money is on our minds. For many of us, the topic of money is painfully difficult. For me, this difficulty keeps me from utilizing this resource as effectively as I might for my own life and to benefit others. I'd like to talk about our challenges and some ways we might get a handle on this topic.
Special Music: Liz Austin (cello) and Goldie Terrell (flute) will play Bach at the 10:30 service.

April 16 (both services), Morton Nadler, member and Minister, Humanist Society of Friends, “The Evolutionary War.” Stephen Gould is almost as well known a science popularizer as was Carl Sagan. His theories of evolution are under attack from the right and from the left. What is the scoop on this? As usual, Morton tells all. Rev. Brownlie will lead us in a Child Dedication during the 10:30 a.m. service.

April 23 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: Easter Sunday “Being Born Again” Jesus often said that to enter the kingdom of God, we must be born again. To me, this is the essence of the Easter story. On this holy day, let's explore what it means.
The UUFNRV Choir will perform during the 10:30 a.m. service.

April 30, 9:00 service: Delegate Benny Keister (Radford, Pulaski County and part of Giles County), will share his impressions of successes and failures in the recently ended session of the General Assembly. Mixing healthy doses of determination, realism and humor, Delegate Keister will share anecdotes which characterized his experience as a freshman in Richmond.
10:30 a.m. service: YRUU Sunday. “Diversity: a tapestry of tangents.” This presentation will explore their own experiences having a different orientation to life than many of their peers. The service will include music, story, poetry, and the famous rainstorm.
Congregational Meeting will start at 11:45 a.m. (see story below)

Rev. Dr. Barry Whittemore is a former member
of the UUFNRV and adjunct instructor at New River Community College. In his earlier life he earned degrees from both Virginia Tech and Radford, and more recently from Carnegie Mellon and M.Div., Duke. Currently, he is the minister of the Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Gray, Tennessee, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Catawba Valley in Hickory, North Carolina.

Rev. Kirk Ballin (May 28) was ordained into the Unitarian Universalist ministry in 1983. He has served in the Unitarian Church in Meadville, PA and most recently for 12 years at the UUCR in Roanoke. Presently he is the quarter-time minister for the Lynchburg, VA, church.

Kirk Ballin was unable to speak because of a family emergency. Fellowship member MK Johnson filled in for him giving a talk in the spirit of Memorial Day about vererans, war, peace, etc.

June 11: Bob Richards: “Growing up is hard to do. Is it worth it?” A reflection on the value of the child in all of us and the value of regression. Bob is a transition resource specialist with the Department of Rehabilitation Services working with students with disabilities and their preparation for the world of work. In his former life, he was a Lutheran minister for 20 years.

June 18: Korey Mercier and Jennifer Ramey, Fellowship members: “Summer Solstice.” Come experience a taste of the past! We will be performing a ritual to celebrate the Summer Solstice, based on the religions found in pre-christian Western Europe. Your participation would be greatly appreciated, but not required. Note: The service will be outside, which is just as well as the Elarth Hall floor will be drying from having been refinished June 12-14.

June 25: Erik Leveille, member of the UUFNRV and a violinist and violin teacher: “Where love is deep, much can be accomplished” -- the vision of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki.

July 2: Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Right to Hate.” Over the last few years our society has become less tolerant of people who hate people of other races, religions, nationalities, ethnic groups, or sexual orientation. Some of these groups complain that they have the right to hate and this claim has been supported in the courts. Like most liberals, I find it very difficult to support this "right." I'll present a few ideas and I hope to have a lively discussion on this prickly topic.

July 9: Rev. David Herndon: “To Serve or to Discuss.” Uninformed efforts to make things better can sometimes actually make things worse. One the other hand, a person (or a congregation) can exhibit “paralysis by analysis.” Have you ever felt that you had to attend so many meetings that you couldn't get anything done? Some say that any strength overdone becomes a weakness. Can discussion ever become an impediment to a religiously guided life? If adequate discussion left no time or energy left for service, for example, would we say that there might be sometimes be such a thing as too much discussion? Rev. Herndon grew up here at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the New River Valley in the late 1960's and early 1970's. He attended the College of William and Mary, majoring in physics. After attending graduate school in physics, he switched over to preparation for Unitarian Universalist ministry, attending Meadville/Lombard Theological School and the University of Chicago. Since 1990, he has been serving as minister with the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh, PA. He is married and has two small daughters. Over the last three years, he has been pursuing a graduate degree in non-profit management at Carnegie-Mellon University.


July 16: Dr. Reginald Fuller, has a long career including appointments at Seabury Western, Union Theological, and Virginia Theological seminaries, and being a member of several commissions for translation of the New Testament, foremost Christologist. His topic will be “Current Ethical issues.”

July 23: Bo Chagnon, experienced speaker, workshop leader, writer and musician: “For Whom the Economy Tolls.” To hear the major media tell it, our economy is booming, good jobs are plentiful, and poverty is a personal option willfully chosen by lazy and irresponsible freeloaders. This dominant paradigm is promoted to justify economic trends which in the past few decades have produced obscene wealth for a few and impoverishment for many. Today, over 20% of America children are growing up in poverty - clearly an affront to UU principles of justice, equity, compassion, and inherent worth. In the service, a clarion call for action, Bo exposes the propaganda supporting oppression, challenges us to take an honest look at the deadly consequences of classism, and reminds us that the bell tolls for us all.

July 30: Patricia Lynn Reilly, a feminist theologian, author, and member of the First Unitarian Church of Oakland, California: “Love of Self/Love of Other: The Essential Connection.” Her Virginia itinerary includes a July 21 appearance at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Roanoke, SUSSI, and our Fellowship.

September 3 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: "Work is Love Made Visible." In The Prophet, author and mystic Kahlil Gibran says that work is love made visible. Is that true and if so, what does our work say about our loves?

September 10 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: "Our Trinity." Historian Earl Morse Wilbur says that we Unitarian Universalists do indeed have a Trinity that provides a firm foundation for our beliefs, our worship, and our actions. Today I will reveal our UU trinity and examine how our trinity guides us.

September 17 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: "Will God Make a Difference in the Voting Booth?" Religion and Politics have been bedfellows for most of human history. The current race for president is heating up this love-hate relationship. It seems that no matter who is elected, God will be a player in American politics and our common life for the next few years. What might this mean for America and for Unitarian Universalists?

September 24 (both services), Tom Sherman,, Professor and Chair, Teaching and Learning Department, Virginia Tech and member of the Blacksburg Town Council: "Why public education in the United States is so terrible and will never get any better."

October 1 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “A religious response to the religious right.” Rev. Fred Phelps and his family had said they would come from Kansas to picket the funeral of Danny Overstreet. I want to speak to this abuse of religion.

October 8 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Solidarity Sunday.” On Friday, September 22, a man named Ronald Gay went to a Roanoke cafe, known to be a “safe” place for gay and straight people, with murder on his mind. He shot seven people, killing one man (Danny Overstreet). Today I want to examine the issue of hate in our society and invite you to stand in solidarity with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people as we affirm and promote the right of all people to live in peace and security.

October 15 (both services), Andy Morikawa, executive director for the Board of Community Foundation of the New River Valley, will talk about community building and reconciliation, about gardening and grandchildren. It will be about the teachers among us, about listening, and about prophetic voices speaking now in our community.

October 22 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Joy of God.” Many of us are familiar with the Sufi poet, Rumi, and we love his ecstatic verses. Recently I was introduced to another poet of the same tradition, Hafiz, who is even more popular in Persia. I'd like to share some of his verse with you today.

October 29 (both services), Russell Gregory, Professor of Religious Studies at Radford University and many time visitor to our pulpit: “When Scripture Is Taken Seriously: The Dao De Jing's Resurrection.” Recently the Dao De Jing was (re-)fitted for parents. Why is this laudable?

November 5 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Spiritual Recovery.” Many of us like to describe ourselves as “recovering” Methodists, Lutherans, Catholics, or whatever our faith tradition was earlier in our lives. Even those of us who have never been involved in organized religion seem to operate under certain assumptions about religions based on what we've seen in movies or read in the paper. I hope that this sermon will help you on your path to total recovery.

December 3 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “He Comes to Us As One Unknown.” Who was Jesus and what did he teach? This question has been asked by Christian and non-Christians for two thousand years. The most famous effort to search for the historic Jesus in our time is the work of the Jesus Seminar. This morning I'd like to share with you some of their insights about Jesus and his words.
Child Dedication: Halle and Lucas Keighton will be dedicated at the second service.

December 10 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself.” While you're wondering what to get for all your friends, relatives, colleagues, neighbors, the kid's teachers, and even the dog, let me encourage you to give some thought to the best gift you can give yourself this holiday season.

December 17 9:00 Service, Our seafaring lawyer member, Richard Thomas, will speak on the Moral/Ethical problems posed by our archaic law system that is in discord with our evolving society.
10:30 Service, “Celebration of Light.” Through words and music, the Fellowship Youth Group invites you to join with them in an ecumenical celebration of the season.
During Children’s Time at the 10:30 service, we will have the Mitten Tree celebration.

December 24 (10:30 service only!), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Festivals of Light and Love.” This morning we'll share favorite stories, poems, and family traditions from Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule and Christmas. (No RE classes)

UUFNRV Calendar
Sunday Services: 2001

August 5: Rev. Christine Brownlie: Never Call Them Jerks--learning to love difficult people. Can we really love alike when we don't all think alike? This morning we'll consider some ways that we can deepen our relationships without giving up our differences.

August 12: Prayer and Healing, a Scientific Validation of Religion? Fellowship member Glen Augustine will speak on recent scientific studies, and his own clinical experience regarding prayer and healing. Dr. Augustine is a chiropractor practicing in Blacksburg.

August 19: This morning's service is presented by your minister, delegates, and other members of the Fellowship who attended the Unitarian Universalist Association's General Assembly in Cleveland, Ohio at the end of June. More than a report, we hope to impart energy and enthusiasm to the challenge of translating what we learned into action at the local level. Presented by Rev. Chris Brownlie, Larry Landrum, Bob and Ethel Marie Underhill, Marilyn and Frank DuPont.

Sept. 2nd (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Passionate listening.” Listening seems to be a passive activity when in reality it calls for passion! What is passionate listening and what difference would it make in your life and relationships if you became a passionate listener?
Special Music: At the 11 a.m. service, Bob Underhill will sing "Sabbath Prayer" from Fiddler on the Roof.

Sept. 9th (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Eight Themes that Unite Us.” Many UUs are proud to say that we are a free, non-creedal faith. But it can be hard for us to name what it is that holds us together. Over the next few weeks, I'll present a series of sermons based on the themes that have been our foundation from the very beginning of our history as a religious movement.
Special Music: At the 11 a.m. service, Garrett McAullife will perform.

Sept. 16th (both services), Montgomery County Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Fred Morton, will speak on “Spiritual Dimensions of Leadership.” How can one balance ethics, spirituality, and leadership in a diverse community? Who do we support? How can we listen and hear each other effectively? What are the needs of all children? What is the TLC necessary to meet these needs? Mr. Morton will share perspectives of one superintendent as he works daily to respond to these key questions.
Special Music: At the 11 a.m. service, Amy Lythgoe will sing.

Sept. 23rd (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “What Do You Say After You Shake Hands With a Terrorist?” NOTE! Topic has been changed from that which is in the newsletter.
Special Music: At the 11 a.m. service, Goldie Terrell will perform.

Sept. 30th 9:30 a.m., David M. Moore will make his presentation rescheduled from July, “Ethical Concerns Associated with the Use of Human Subjects in Research.” Dr. Moore is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia/Maryland Regional School of Veterinary Medicine, as well as the Chair of the Virginia Tech Institutional Review Board for projects involving human subjects. Our speaker will provide some historical examples of inappropriate uses of human subjects in medical/clinical research and other research areas, and current concerns related to protection of human subjects in research.
11:00 a.m. , “The Baha'i Faith.” Baha'i members Howard and Ruth Leeb, and Dr. Suzanne Ament will present a program describing the Baha'i Faith, the second most widespread of the world's independent religions, established in 235 countries and territories throughout the world. Baha'i come from more than 2100 ethnic, racial, and tribal groups, and number some seven million world wide. At the heart of the Baha'i belief is the conviction that humanity is a single people with a common destiny. Howard Leeb is a retired Foreign Service Officer, and Ruth Fair Leeb is also retired. Dr. Ament is a professor of Russian History at Radford University, and will bring Quinny, her service dog and companion.
Special Music: At the 11 a.m. service, the UUFNRV choir will perform, and the piece is "The Breath of All" words by Mary Grigolia

Oct. 7th (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Pink or Blue or Neither?” Today we will celebrate Solidarity Sunday, an opportunity for us to stand with those whose expression of gender identity is different from our own and possibly disturbing to us. The hope is that there be in all the churches of the land expressions of solidarity with our gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender brothers and sisters. One form of that expression is the simple wearing of rainbow ribbons. Our children will give you a ribbon during the service. Do wear it with pride!
Our Teacher Dedication: will be held during Children’s Time at both services.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: Angela Clevenger, will sing

Oct. 14th (both services), Russell Gregory, Professor of Religion at Radford University: “Life goes on: Stories and Songs.”
RE Open House: immediately after both services

Oct. 21st, (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Divine Seed in Every Person.” When I was in seminary, I was often challenged to explain our UU ideal of "the inherent worth and dignity of every person. For obvious reasons I'm revisiting this idea and I'd like to share my thoughts about this idea which I named in a previous sermon as one of the eight themes of our way of the spirit.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: The UUFNRV Choir will sing.

Oct. 28th (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Belonging.”. Today we’ll look at what it means to be a member of a voluntary organization and how belonging benefits us and the Fellowship
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: Laura Hernandez will sing
NOTE: First day of Eastern Standard Time — turn your clocks back one hour.

Nov. 4th (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “All Souls.” It seems fitting and right that we should set aside a time to reflect on the reality of death and to honor those we love who have died this past year. We will also honor those who lost their lives in the violence of September 11 and in the violence that continues. If you have someone you wish to remember, please bring a photo, a memento, or a candle to light in their memory.
New members will be formally welcomed during the 11 a.m. service.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: Garrett McAuliffe will sing.
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Nov. 11th (both services), Morton Nadler, Fellowship member and Minister, Humanist Society of Friends: “Twenty Years in Twenty Minutes.” My life as a communist, from start to finish.

Nov. 18th (9:30 a.m.), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Who Are You Calling Post Modern?.” In an earlier sermon I used the term "post modern" to describe our religious movement. What in the world was I talking about?
(11:00 a.m.), Intergenerational Service: The children from our Religious Education Program will present a new play written by Doug Pendergrass. It's charming, it's fun, and it has an important message. After the service we will have a meeting with our Long-Range Planning Committee and Bob Rogers of Architectural Alternatives to discuss ideas for expanding our building and other options. Please see the article on page 2 of the November newsletter for details about the meeting and lunch.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: James Miley, piano.

Nov. 25th (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Genuine Joy.” As I write these words nearly a month away from this service, I'm aware that it's been difficult recently for me to find joy in life. Uncertainty and sadness seem to have a grip on me that I can't quite shake off. So as we prepare for the holiday season in an anxious time, how may we find genuine joy again?
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: David Klemperer, violin..

Dec. 2nd (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Ah Mystery! ” Mystery is one of the eight themes of our way of the spirit. How does a “rational religion” like ours make a claim for that which is beyond reason?
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: a trio consisting of Mary Houska, Susie Fry and Wayne Neu.  They will sing Deck the Halls.

Dec. 9th (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Light One Candle, Hanukah is here!” We like to honor this festival of lights as a celebration of the right of freedom of religion. But there is much more to the story of the Maccabees and the King who didn't like them.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: a quartet consisting of Nancy Bodenhorn, Irene Lamb, Ethel-Marie Underhill, and Mike Lythgoe. Angels We Have Heard On High.

Dec. 16th (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Using Up the Leftovers.” My colleague, the Rev. Gordon B. McKeeman, says that making a life is akin to cooking with leftovers. Some of us cook with imagination, some with creativity, some merely resent the task. We all need a secret ingredient if the results are to be edible. I won't promise a surefire recipe for a gourmet life, but you might come away with a few ideas that will give your leftovers a new flavor.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: a quartet consisting of Nancy Simmons, Pat Traynor, Ethel-Marie Underhill, and Bob Underhill. My Master
Today, after the second service, we will decorate our tree, first with mittens, and then with ornaments we create. Please bring a dish to share for a potluck lunch.

Dec. 23rd (both services), “Celebrate the Season: Happy Solstice!” Winter is a time of going within; a time to hibernate; a time to nurture ideas, seeds, and spirit. Winter Solstice celebrates the hope of light returning to the earth. Our celebration will be led by Ethel-Marie, Angela, Amy, and Irene.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: a trio consisting of Nancy Simmons, Derry Hutt, and George Terrell. Silent Night

Dec. 30th (both services), Morton Nadler, Fellowship member and Minister, Humanist Society of Friends: “God's Fool: Mark Twain's dark side.” “If I'm a fool, I'm God's Fool,” wrote Mark Twain. The author of Tom Sawyer and The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County also wrote The Man Who Corrupted Hadleyburg. Less well known are The Mysterious Stranger and What is Man? Cynical and pessimistic, Samuel Clemens considered that the only way to be happy was to go mad.
There will be a combined RE class during the 11 a.m. service.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: Laura Hernandez will sing.

All Special Music is accompanied by pianist Maria Rott.

UUFNRV Calendar
Sunday Services: 2002

Jan. 6 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “What Do You Call Your Monkey?” Many of us have made resolutions for the new year, and some of those resolutions may require us to face our addictions. I hope to take some of the shame out of this word and to encourage some dialogue about the many forms of addiction that we struggle with in a society that encourages addictive behaviors and attitude.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: Bob Underhill will sing “Sunrise, Sunset” from Fiddler On the Roof. Maria Rott will accompany him.

Jan. 13 (both services), Committee on Ministry: “Walking Together: The shared journey of congregation and minister.” The development of a formal covenant between a UU congregation and its minister is a critical part of developing a healthy and fruitful relationship. Developing a covenant allows us to acknowledge the shared hopes, needs, and aspirations that bind us together as a people of free faith. We will share some of the work that was done at the Covenanting Workshop in November to help us begin to formulate a covenant. We will review where we are in the process and describe several ways that everyone can get involved in completing this important step.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: A recording of the 170 voice GA Choir in which the Underhills sang, “The Storm Is Passing Over.”

Jan. 20 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Why Unitarian Universalism Must Change or Die.” Several years ago, Bishop John Shelby Spong published a book titled “Why Christianity Must Change or Die.” I suggest we liberals are also courting our own demise. What is potentially going to kill us, and what can we do about it?
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: Maria Rott will play a selection of her choice.

Jan. 27 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Mutuality and Variety: How UUs walk together on different paths.” This is a continuation of the series Eight Themes That Bind Us. For the previous sermons in this series, see the web site or the rack outside the Minister’s Office.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: A quartet — Mary Houska, Nancy Norton, Nancy Simmons and Goldie Terrell — will sing Tell Me Why. Maria will accompany them.
Feb. 3 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “One Hundred Years of Langston.” This year is the centenary of Langston Hughes’ birth. Poet, short story writer, playwright and courageous voice for the rights of people who had no rights, Hughes speaks to us still.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service:

Feb. 10 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Is Love all It’s Cracked Up to Be?” We live in a society that’s in love with love. Does our infatuation with this emotion help us be more loving? Or does it make true love more illusive?
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: The UUFNRV Choir will sing.

Feb. 17 (both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Eight Themes that Unite Us: engagement and standing against the negative.” This is another in an ongoing series that answers the question: “What binds us together as Unitarian Universalists?” Today we’ll dip into our history as a religious movement and look at some of our prophets and heroes.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: Goldie Terrell and Maria Rott will play a flute/piano duet

Feb. 24 (both services), Larry Landrum: “Is Responsible Consumption Rational Economics?” At the last General Assembly, a “Statement of Conscience on Responsible Consumption” was adopted. Larry will present a modified version of his talk at one of the workshops prior to the vote. We are all for rational consumption, but are commonly advocated approaches really rational ways to fulfill our UU principle of “Respect for the interdependent web of existence.”
Larry Landrum is a long-time member of the Fellowship, and an economist with an almost worshipful attitude toward the power of well-designed market processes to promote human well-being and still protect the environment
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: Ethel-Marie and Bob Underhill will sing "Do, Lord." (No accompaniment)

Sunday-Service Cancellation Policy

May 5 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “What I Want to Know Before I Go.” Death is the greatest mystery of life. Most people hold some fear about death, even if they do not believe in heaven or hell. I don’t have many answers about death, but I do know that there are some things that we can do to prepare ourselves and those we love to face the inevitable.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: The UUFNRV Choir: an arrangement of Kumbaya.

May 12 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “What Kind of Mother Is This?” It’s said that the image of the ideal mother in Western society come from the stories and images that surround the Virgin Mary. On this Mother’s Day we’ll look at another divine image of the mother from Hinduism, the dark goddess Kali.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: Nancy Simmons, piano.

May 19 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Sacred Here and Now.” This is the last of the series on The Eight Themes that Unite Us. Unlike other religions that teach a dualistic understanding of life, we believe that the holy is found in everyday ordinary events and experiences of life — if only we have eyes to see and ears to hear.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: The children’s choir will sing. “All God’s Critters.” The choir will sing “Lord I Want to Be More Loving.”
Congregational Meeting: 12:15 p.m. to vote on the bylaws revision.

May 26 (Both services), Rev. Kirk Ballin: "Religion: Our Demise or Our Salvation?" As UUs we are probably more concerned about religion than any other religiously based community. But our reasons for this concern grow as much out of our distrust of religion as they do out of our cultivation of being religious. These same reasons for concern may determine the welfare of the unfolding world community. Rev. Ballin is a Unitarian Universalist minister who has served congregations in Meadville, Pennsylvania; Roanoke, Virginia; and Lynchburg, Virginia. Presently Rev. Ballin is the executive director of the Roanoke office of the National Conference for Community and Justice, a New York-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting understanding , tolerance and respect among communities.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: A quartet (Chris Brownlie, Rosemary Bazuzi, Goldie Terrell, Wayne Neu) will sing “Ave Verum” by W.A. Mozart.

June 2 & 9: Single Services at 9:30 a.m.
Intergenerational, so childcare, but no RE

June 2. Today we will celebrate our beloved community with our traditional ritual sometimes called “Flower Communion.” Please remember to bring a flower for each member of your family who will participate in the flower ceremony.

June 9. Teacher and Youth Advisor Recognition. During this annual tribute to those who have served the congregation during the past year in our children’s RE and youth programs, our children and youth will share their thoughts and feelings about their RE teachers and youth advisors

End-of-Year Picnic

The RE Committee is again sponsoring an End-of-Year Picnic.  As in the past this year's  picnic will be on Teacher and Youth Advisor Recognition Sunday — June 9th — after the service.  The committee will provide hot dogs, burgers (ham and veggie) and buns plus condiments.   The committee asks that others attending bring beverages (only lemonade will be provided), salads, vegetable dishes, desserts or whatever else they wish to bring

June 9. Teacher and Youth Advisor Recognition. During this annual tribute to those who have served the congregation during the past year in our children’s RE and youth programs, our children and youth will share their thoughts and feelings about their RE teachers and youth advisors.

End-of-Year Picnic

The RE Committee is again sponsoring an End-of-Year Picnic.  As in the past this year's  picnic will be held today (June 9) after the service. The committee will provide hot dogs, burgers (ham and veggie) and buns plus condiments.   The committee asks that others attending bring beverages (only lemonade will be provided), salads, vegetable dishes, desserts or whatever else they wish to bring

August 25: “Gathering of the Waters”

We continue our tradition to celebrate the end of summer and beginning of the “normal” year with the ritual of bringing water to this service representing the places we've been and sharing (briefly) some most memorable incident of our summer. What moved you or made you look at your life from a new angle?
Special Music: Jeff Wynne, guitar.
This is an intergenerational service, so only nursery care will be provided.

September 1 (Both services), Morton Nadler, Fellowship member and Minister, Humanist Society of Friends: “With Strings Attached.” My mother didn't understand what it meant to give a present. She always tried to dictate how it was to be used, even to the point of sometimes wanting it back. What has this to do with anything?
Special Music during both services: Bob Underhill will sing “Sunrise, Sunset” accompanied by Maria Rott.

September 8 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Building Castles in the Air.” Henry David Thoreau wrote that we shouldn’t be afraid to build castles in the air, as long as we set a firm foundation under them. There are a lot of dreams for new castles in our Fellowship and today we’ll begin laying the foundations to make these dreams come true.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: Goldie Terrell, instrumental
Everyone is invited to attend the Volunteer Fair that will be held between the services. First service folks should plan to stay a little late, second service folks should try to arrive by 10:40.

September 15 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “In the Beginning.” This is the first in a series about ways to think about the concept of God. Whether we believe in a supernatural being or not, all of us have thoughts and ideas about God and today we’ll talk about the God of the Judeao-Christian heritage. There will be a discussion group beginning at 12:30 p.m. for those who would like to pursue this topic further. Childcare will be provided.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: Maria Rott, piano

September 22 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Where Everybody Knows Your Name.” Covenant Groups and other forms of small group ministry are a hot topic in denominations and congregations all over the country. How do small group experiences enrich our lives and strengthen the congregation? Is there a small group in your future?
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: The UUFNRV choir will sing “Celebrate Diversity” by Grace Lewis-McLaren

September 29 (Both services): “From Fundamentalism to Freedom.” Guest speaker Marc Adams will share his journey from being a fundamentalist Baptist preacher's son to his time as a student and employee of Jerry Falwell's university. In his presentation he will share his story of coming out, and of coming out of fundamentalism and how he became a Unitarian Universalist. Marc is from Seattle and the author of several books which will be made available for sale after each service. He and his partner Todd founded the Heartstrong Organization (<www.heartstrong.org>) which is sponsored at General Assembly each year by the UU Office of Gay and Lesbian Concerns.
Special Music during the 11 a.m. service: Small group vocal ensemble
Town Meeting: following the second service led by the Long-Range Planning committee to review the common threads from the summer’s Values meetings.

October 6 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Our Favorite Saint.” Francis of Assisi is probably the number one saint for UUs who tend to see him as a sweet and gentle soul who loved animals and taught the idea of peace to a volatile society. I’d like to expand your ideas of this complex man and take his image beyond the garden statue that most of us know.
Special Music during both services: Emily Pfeiffer (piano).

October 13 (9:30 Service), “Living our UU Values the Rest of the Week.” Those of us who work in an environment where we may find possibilities for acting on our Unitarian Universalist values and principles can count ourselves among the fortunate. Join us to hear from several from among us who find these possibilities in their own workplace. In addition, entertain the likelihood that you do so without even being aware of it, and share your thoughts during the Discussion.
(11:00 Service), “Getting to Know Us.” Ever wonder who the YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists) are? Who advice them? What the youth do for the Fellowship and the community? What they do at their Sunday evening meetings? What they wish, hope, and dream? And, what is it like to stand beside them holding all that they are, as advisors? If so, join us and find out. Irene Lamb and John Imbur will introduce you to YRUU, and the youth will share themselves and a story for all ages during the service.
Special Music during both services: Maria Rott (piano).
A special collection will be received during both services to support the UUA initiative “Mind The Gap.” Money from this fund will provide grants for congregations that offer new and innovative programs for youth and young adults

October 20 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Thinking about God: the ‘A’ List.” Many of the traditional ideas about the nature of God come from men who lived during the first millennium after Jesus’s death. This Sunday we’ll take a quick tour of some of the most important theologians of that era with an emphasis on those whose names begin with the letter A: Anselm, Arius, Athanasius, and Augustine — we will get to Aquinas next month. (This is the second sermon in a year long series on ways of thinking about God.)
Special Music during both services: Bob Underhill will sing.

October 27 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “A Wilderness Called Fear. Has Life Become Too Spooky?” Are you feeling haunted by the endless scary news of kidnappings, random violence, and other bad things that go bump in your head? How do we deal with the anxiety we feel after an hour with Dan Rather and still keep in touch with the world?
Special Music during both services: The UUFNRV choir will sing.

November 3 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Precious Memories.” On this Sunday we will honor those beloved family members, friends, colleagues and companions who have died. If you wish, you may bring a photo or a small token to represent your loved one and we will display them at the front of the room.
Special Music during both services: Sextet (vocals): Mary Houska, Christina Mathai, Rosemary Bazuzi, Goldie Terrell, George Terrell, Wayne Neu.

November 10 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “You Know You’re a Unitarian Universalist If ...” We like to say that lots of people are UUs but they just don’t know it. How do you know if you or someone else is a UU?
Welcoming New Members at the 11 a.m. service.
Special Music: Laura Hernandez (vocal).
Fun & Frolic Lunch at the India Garden, following the second service.

November 17 (Both services), Russell Gregory, Professor of Religion at Radford University and many time visitor to our pulpit: “The Open Canon: Finding Truth in Texts and Contexts.”
Special Music during both services: provided by Russell Gregory.

November 24 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Fruits of a Grateful Heart.” Our busy lives and our troubled times can blind us to the bounty that we enjoy. Join us for an intergenerational service that will offer an opportunity to count our blessings. We will also take time to affirm the congregation’s long awaited covenant with our minister and rejoice with her in receiving Final Fellowship this past year.
Special Music during both services: UUFNRV Choir
Lunch with Russell: after the second service.

December 1 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Heart of Islam.” As the Islamic world prepares for the end of Ramadan, we will look as some of the teachings and beliefs of this growing and complex religion.
Special Music during both services: Sextet (Mary Houska, Chris Brownlie, Nancy Norton, Ethel-Marie Underhill, Wayne Neu, Bob Underhill) singing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

December 8 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Can Peace Come to Palestine?” The violence between the Palestinians and the Jews continues despite many efforts to find solutions to the many issues that divide these two peoples. As the attention of the world is focused on Middle East, Georgia Pfieffer and Rev. Brownlie will offer some thoughts about this tragic and complicated problem.
Special Music: Elaine Meyers will play her hammer dulcimer for us.

December 15 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Oh There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays!” It’s been my tradition to offer a look at some of the concepts from family systems theory as we all get ready to spend a few days with the folks we grew up with. This Sunday we’ll look at some of the buttons that get pushed and how to keep from pushing and getting pushed.
Special Music during both services:: UUFNRV Choir.
Please bring mittens and hats for our tree and plan to stay a while after the second service for a sandwich potluck and creating decorations for our holiday tree.

December 22 (Both services), “Sharing Our Holiday Treasures.” Some of the best gifts we receive during the holidays are the stories and memories that are created with the people we grew up with. Happy, bittersweet, or tinged with anger, these gems offer us wisdom and self-understanding. This morning members of our congregation will share some of their treasured stories, memories, and a song or two. If you don’t wish to share a memory, perhaps you’d like to bring some cookies.
Special Music during both services: Johanna Jones will play the piano and sing "Sun Carol."

December 29 (Both services), Morton Nadler, Fellowship member: “Eleven years behind the Iron Curtain.” Morton continues the presentation of his life story. In 1948 he fled the blacklist and went to Prague, where a communist putsch had just taken place. The story of how the United States government, on the one hand, and the Czechoslovak government, on the other, reacted to this would make a great movie.
Special Music during both services: Maria Rott will play the piano.

UUFNRV Calendar
Sunday Services: 2003

January 12 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “What Do I Mean When I Say ‘Liberal’?” We all know that words have power and the word “liberal” is one of the most powerful words in the American lexicon. Some see this it as a fence, dividing communities into groups that are inherently conflicted. Others see it as descriptive, a proud badge of identity. What does liberal mean to you and are we a “liberal” congregation?
Special Music during both services: Sextet (Mary Houska, Christina Mathai, Nancy Norton, Polly Stimson, Wayne Neu, and George Terrell).
Guest At Your Table contributions will be collected during the services. Please give checks, not cash.

January 19 (Both services), Martha Snidow, Volunteer Coordinator for Court Appointed Special Advocate s of the New River Valley: “Who Will Speak For This Child?” CASA is a non-profit organization that trains volunteers who are committed to advocating for abused and neglected children who are involved in Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court proceedings. Martha will share some of their stories and explain the role of this important community organization.
Special Music during both services: UUFNRV Choir.

January 26 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “World Religions Day.” The Bahai’s will celebrate World Religions Day today. Let's join in the fun and learn something about that faith and what we could do to honor the religions of the world more intentionally.
Special Music during both services: Jeff Wynn will play guitar and sing.

March 2 (Both services), Rem Stokes: "Spiritual Growth and Generosity." Rem Stokes is a member of the UUA President's Council, a member of the Board of Directors, Meadville Lombard Theological Seminary, and a financial consultant to the Central-Midwest District.
Special Music during both services: Emily Pfeiffer, piano

March 9 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “God Exists and I can Prove It!” Thomas of Aquinas offered five arguments for the existence of God and others have followed the path of reason and logic to prove the reality of the divine. How successful is this method? (This is the third sermon in a series about ways to think about the concept of God.)
Special Music during both services: UUFNRV Choir

March 16 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The ‘F’ Word: Some thoughts on Faith.” For UUs the word faith is often the opposite of reason. Is this an accurate understanding of this word, or does faith have a place in our way of the spirit?
Special Music during both services: Vocal Quartet  (Mary Houska, Ethel-Marie Underhill, Bob Underhill, Wayne Neu)

March 23 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: On Wednesday, March 29, Chris wrote, “Given the impending attack on Iraq, I've decided to change my sermon topic for this coming Sunday to Waging Peace in a Time of War.”
Special Music during both services: Dan Spitzner and Gene Bard, classical guitar duet.

March 30 (Both services), Carter Turner, Fellowship member and a doctoral candidate in Religious and Theological studies in the joint program at the Iliff School of Theology and the University of Denver: “God the Verb: Creativity and the Source of Human Good.” Creativity is the tendency within the world for separate events to come together in ways that are mutually enhancing and sustaining. This is the process that turns acquaintances into lifelong friends, or newlyweds into soul mates. Theologian and Unitarian Universalist Henry Nelson Wieman (1884-1975) uses the term “God” to refer to this process. Wieman's God is not supernatural — the process occurs within the natural world. But humans can never fully control the creative event nor guarantee its outcome. What drives the creation of value is utterly mysterious.
Special Music during both services: Drumming Circle
Town Meeting: beginning at 12:15 p.m.

April 6 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: "Canvass Celebration: Facing the Future, Growing Our Vision.” Today we will celebrate the end of our canvass and look forward to the future that we have funded for Fellowship.
Special Music during both services: Jim Kern, guitar
Canvass Celebration Lunch: after the second service (See below.)

April 13 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Creation Theology.” This radical (some say heretical) school of theology celebrates creation as the original blessing, refutes the doctrine of original sin, and explores the feminine aspect of God.
Special Music during both services: Elaine Myers, hammered dulcimer
Child dedication: for Isabel Augustine, during the second service
Death and Taxes Ice Cream Social: after the second service

April 20 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “And the Angel Passed Over.” Many of us have a vague idea of the story of Passover and how this holiday is celebrated. On this Sunday we’ll hear the story, about some of the customs of the holiday, and about how this story has influenced radical Christian theology.
Special Music during both services: Goldie Terrell, flute
Informational Meeting about the budget and proposed changes in our name and our mission statement: after the second service.

April 27 (Both services), Jo Evans: " ‘Render unto Caesar. . . the Face on the Coin.” The topics are those of a bad novel — abortion, death taxes, fear, greed, teenage sex, guns and liquor — and with the confounding dialogue and immature cast it imitates a movie sketch, but instead it's a report from the 2003 session of the Virginia legislature. Jo Evans will discuss the actions of the General Assembly against questions about moral leadership, minority responsibility, and our allegiance to government. Jo Evans is a UUFNRV member and a life-long Unitarian. She has worked with the Virginia legislature for 15 years.
Special Music during both services: UUFNRV Choir sings “Let There Be Peace On Earth”
Annual Congregational Meeting: after the second service

May 4 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Who Were the Universalists?” When we began our preliminary discussions about changing our name, someone suggested that we drop “Universalist” since that branch of our history seems to be invisible. This morning I hope to put the contributions of the Universalists in perspective and to celebrate the heritage we have received from them.
Bridging Ceremony: held by the YRUU at the second service to honor our graduating seniors.
Special Music during both services: UU Drumming Circle.
RE Open House: after both services.

May 11 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Divine Feminine.” Most of us were raised with the image of a male god, but there are many who see God as Mother instead of Father. This is another in our series about ways to know and understand God.
Award Sunday: The Trustees will honor some of our hard-working volunteers.
Special Music during both services: Goldie Terrell and her friend Mike Schafale will play Goldie's hammer dulcimer/flute composition and a guitar/flute piece.

May 18 (Both services), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Sing in the Morning, the Mist Will Hide You.” Gerry Anderson gave me a list of sermon titles and some hints about what he thought they meant. This one caught my fancy, because it seems to speak to our fear of allowing others to know us. I don’t know if that’s what Gerry had in mind, but it’s what I’d like to explore this morning.
We will welcome new members during the second service.
Special Music during both services: UUFNRV Choir sings “For the Beauty of the Earth.”

May 25 (Both services), M.K. Johnson: “Meaning and Suffering: making sense, making meaning, making life.” It is rare for us to get through life without experiencing adversity. Our perception of our suffering and its meaning in our life impacts the quality of our life and the lives of those with whom we are in relationships. Let's explore how we can maximize the potential for positive gain when life sometimes presents us with severe challenges. M.K. Johnson, Ph.D., is a UUFNRV member and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist.
Special Music during both services: Johanna Jones will play the piano and sing.

June 1 & 8: Single Services at 9:30 a.m.
Intergenerational, so childcare but no RE

June 1. Teacher and Youth-Advisor Recognition. This is our annual tribute to those who have served the congregation during the past year in our children’s RE and youth programs.
Special Music during the service: Jim Kern will play the guitar and sing.

The Religious Education Committee with the help of Hospitality is again sponsoring in conjunction with Teacher Recognition Day, the End-of-Year Picnic.

• When? After the service on June 1.
• Where? Right outside the front door.
• What to bring? Any vegetable, fruit, salad or dessert dish you wish. /li>
• If you have a shade shelter, the committee would appreciate your bringing it.
• What is provided? Drink, condiments, hot dogs, hamburgers, and veggie burgers.

June 8. Today we will celebrate our beloved community with our traditional ritual sometimes called “Flower Communion,” a beloved end of the year ritual in many UU congregations. Everyone is asked to bring a flower for each member of the family. We will use the flowers to create a large and beautiful bouquet symbolizing the beauty of our own congregation. At the end of the service, everyone will take home a flower other than the one they brought as a reminder that even when we are away from one another, the connections remain

June 15, Rev. Paul Boothby, Interim minister, Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley: “Reason and Emotion in Religion: What is the true touchstone of truth?”

June 22, Russell Gregory, Professor of Religion at Radford University and self-proclaimed ZenBuddhistDaoistJewishBaptistAgnosticStoryteller: “Losing Friends: Jiriki in Relationships.”

June 29, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Joy of Being a Cracked Pot.” There is an old story about a water carrier who owns two pots. One is sturdy and reliable; the other is cracked and leaky. As you might imagine, their lives are very different What kind of pot do you aspire to be?

(Starting July 1, our name will be
Unitarian Universalist Congregation.)

On July 20, the Rev. John A. Buehrens will be in our pulpit. Rev. Buehrens served as President, principal spokesman and minister-at-large of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations from 1993 to 2001. He was succeeded by Rev. William Sinkford, who was our pre-SUUSI guest speaker at this time last year.

Born in 1947, Rev. Buehrens was raised largely in the Midwest. He received his B.A. summa cum laude from Harvard College in 1968, and completed his ministerial studies at Harvard Divinity School. He served as parish minister in Knoxville Tennessee (1973–1987). At the present time he serves First Parish in Needham, Massachusetts.

He is co-author (with F. Forrester Church) of Our Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism (Beacon Press, 1989), and has recently written a book: Understanding the Bible, An Introduction for Skeptics, Seekers and Religious Liberals, also available through Beacon Press.

Rev. Buehrens has been married since 1972 to the Rev. Gwen Langdoc Buehrens, who is a parish priest in the Episcopal Church. They have two adult daughters, Erica and Mary.

Summer Special Music

In the past we have not had a pianist in the summer.  This year we will try something new.  We have several guitar players in our congregation.  Some of them have agreed to play in pairs for some congregational singing.  We will have some occasional special music and some support by one of our members who plays the piano, but, for the most part, we will give our other special music providers the summer off!

A Summer Invitation to all kids!

The Religious Education Committee will again offer a program during the Sunday Service of summer activities and lessons for those children who this past year were preschoolers through fifth graders. Classes will begin June 15 and will continue through August 24. It will be a great way for our children to interact with each other and get to know children of other ages.

We are looking for middle school through high school age kids to be Junior Assistants for the RE Summer Program. Contact Carol Kern if interested. We would like to have one or two Junior Assistants for each Sunday.<./p>

August 3, Ellen Birx, Ph.D., R.N., Radford University Nursing Professor and Zen Teacher: “Zen and the Art of Healing — Yourself and Others.”
Special Music: Bob and Ethel-Marie Underhill, piano and vocal

August 10, "A Message from Home: Report from the UUA General Assembly Session in Boston, historic birthplace of American Unitarianism and Universalism." Nancy Simmons and Bob Underhill, UUC Delegates to the 2003 General Assembly, will provide reflections on their experiences.
Special Music: Elaine Myers, hammered dulcimer

August 17, T’aiya Shiner, Director of the New River Valley Conflict Transformation Center and friend of the Congregation: “Raising Issues and Giving Personal Voice to Things That We Care About.” T’aiya will be the first in a series of guest presenters this year who will speak to the relationship and interaction of the individual with the larger group in our unique faith which not only values diverse voices but claims it as the cornerstone of its identity.
Special Music: Elaine Myers, piano

August 24, Rev. Christine Brownlie: In response to the recent election of an openly gay man as the Episcopal Bishop for New Hampshire and the questions some of you have asked about the Bible, I've decided to change my sermon topic for this Sunday to "What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?"

August 31, Ingathering Service. Please bring water to represent your travels, physical and spiritual this summer and give some thought to sharing an experience that brought you to a new place in your own heart and mind.

The Religious Education programs of summer activities and lessons during the Sunday Service will continue through August 24. These are for children who this past year were preschoolers through fifth graders. If there are any questions, please contact Carol K.

September 7, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Now!” Now, or the present moment, is all that we have, yet it’s the most difficult place to be. What’s the value of now and how can we learn to live in the moment when life is pulling us forwards and backwards all the time?
Special Music: Maria Rott, piano

September 14, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “It Deepens My Life and Restores My Soul.” These are the words that someone used to describe the value of her covenant group. What’s a covenant group and how you can get involved in this program? Come to the service and find out.
Special Music: Goldie Terrell, flute

September 21, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Isn’t It Enough to be Nice?” This morning is the kick-off service for the Welcoming Congregation program. This program asks us to do more than talk about our feelings and attitudes about those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. It opens us to ways that we can become true advocates in the effort to insure that these people are treated as equal citizens with equal rights. Find out how our congregation can become a truly Welcoming Congregation and how you can play a part in this important work
Special Music: Recording of 2001 GA Choir

September 28, Nancy Simmons, Emerson and Thoreau scholar and member of our UU Congregation: “Emerson Speaks to Theodore Parker's Congregation.”
Special Music: Bob Underhill, vocal
Open Meeting: (sponsored by the Vision Task Force) after second service (see below)

October 5, Rev. Christine Brownlie: 5 “Question Box Sermon.” This morning our minister will answer questions submitted to her by members and friends of the Congregation. The questions range from the personal to queries about spiritual trends within our Congregation and the larger movement to “big” questions about human freedom and God’s agency in our lives
Special Music: UUC Choir
Volunteer Fair: both between services and after the second service October 12, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Most Difficult Person to Forgive.” Many of us struggle to forgive people in our lives who have caused us pain. For some of us though, the most difficult person to forgive is ourselves.

October 19 (9:30 a.m.), Rev. Jeanne Finley, Regional Development Coordinator for the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy.  Rev. Finley does not have a specific title for her presentation, but she will speak about the organization and the work of bringing our beliefs into the public policy arena
(11:a.m.)  Congressman Frederick (Rick) Boucher, Representative from the 9th District, “Real Patriots Oppose the Patriot Act.”

October 26, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Becoming an Empowered Congregation.” Today’s service will be a reflection and a wrap-up of the Social Justice workshop sponsored by our own Social Justice Committee. Workshop leaders Rev Cynthia Prescott and Tom Esch will be our speakers.
NOTE: Standard time starts today: Don’t be an hour early.

November 2, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “I Cannot Think of Them as Dead.” Our lives are deeply touched by our loved ones who are no longer alive, but who live in our memories and our hearts. Today we will honor our loved ones and celebrate their memory.
Special Music: UUC Choir, Leon Kok

November 9, Russell Gregory, Professor of Religion at Radford University and self-proclaimed ZenBuddhistDaoistJewishBaptistAgnosticStoryteller: “Beyond the Hero: A Book and Life Review.”
Welcoming Congregation Session: 1–3 p.m. (preceded by a light lunch).

November 16, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “It’s OK to be an ‘Inie.’” No, I’m not going to talk about bellybuttons. Instead, I’ll share the good news about the wonders of being an introvert and how “Inies” can celebrate their unique strengths.
We will be welcoming New Members during both services.

November 23, Intergenerational Service and Guest At Your Table Kick-off. This will be a service for all ages!
Teacher Dedication: During the 11:00 service.

November 30, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Our Pilgrim Heritage,” Most UUs don’t realize that we are heirs to the traditions and practices of the Pilgrims. What do we owe these courageous dissenters and what issues do we still struggle with today?

December 7, Ethel-Marie Underhill, member of the Congregation, will present, "Your Daughter's a WHAT?!", her 1999 General Assembly award winner for the best GLBT issues sermon.  It focuses on what she has learned from her lesbian daughter about this world we all share.
Special Music: UUC Choir 

December 14,. SERVICE SNOWED OUT. Rev. Christine Brownlie: “A Unitarian Christmas.” You might think of Charles Dickens story, A Christmas Carol, as a slightly maudlin tale for the holiday. It can also be read as a Unitarian parable about salvation. During both services we’ll put our mittens and hats on the tree. After the second service we’ll have a potluck and make simple ornaments to decorate the tree in a more traditional fashion.

Bring a Friend Sunday (both services). Almost 800,000 people in the U.S. identify themselves as Unitarian Universalists, but UU congregations claim a membership of only 125,000. Where are the 675,000? They are probably your neighbors and friends. This Sunday is the perfect time to invite them to join you for a Sunday service.. It is also our mitten tree service, so bring a friend and join in the holiday spirit.

Please make all our visitors and guests feel especially welcome on this Sunday.

December 21, “Kwanzaa Celebration.” Tonya Smith-Jackson and Curtis Jackson will lead us through a traditional Kwanzaa ritual. You are asked to bring a small simple home-made gift to share during the service. Here is a list of suggestions:

Bookmarks; note cards; hair ribbons; decorated T-shirts; apples, oranges, or lemons; studded with cloves; potpourri; jelly or jam; candy; cookies,; breads or muffins; pickles; kitchen towels; hot pads; small dolls or stuffed animals, mittens, or other small knitted items; cloth napkins; decorated wood or plastic boxes.

Kwanzaa colors are green, black, and red. Use your imagination and have fun!

December 28, Morton Nadler, Congregation member: “Was I a double agent? They didn't want to let me go, but I escaped." After being blacklisted in his profession as the cold war opened, Morton went to Prague. He soon found himself in as deep water as 007 could ever dream of. But here he is to tell about it.

UUC Calendar
Sunday Services: 2004

January 4, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Be Ye Renewed.” St. Paul writes that we can only be transformed by a renewal of our minds. Dr. Phil, and others, tell us that sometimes we need an attitude adjustment. How might we renew our minds and what might happen to us if we did? This service will include a couple of experiential activities.
Special Music: Goldie Terrell 

January 11, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Treacherous Triangles.” This year our family systems theory sermon is a post-holiday discussion of triangulation and how it can trip up our work toward healthy relationships.
Special Music: UUC Choir

Guest-At-Your-Table contributions will be collected at both services. Your contributions should be brought to the Fellowship on that day in the form of a check written to the UU Service Committee. Remember that your gift of $25 or more will automatically enroll you as a UUSC member, which will enable you to receive their newsletter for the next year. Gifts of $60 or more are matched by the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock NY.

February 1, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Jubilee!” The idea of a Jubilee year is very old and, to most of us, very odd. It's also an idea that might bring more joy into our lives, and wouldn't that be wonderful?
Special Music: The UUC Choir will be joined by musicians from the Congregation.

February 8, Reverend Dr. Barry Whittemore, former member of the UUC and currently the minister of the Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Gray, Tennessee. The title of his talk is “Cold Mountain: A Novel Approach to Universalism.”

February 15, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “What is Marriage For?” Our society is engaged in a debate about the purpose of marriage as we consider the idea of same-gender unions. It might help to look at how ideas about the purpose of marriage have changed over time, and why a new understanding of marriage is evolving.

February 22, “Spirit of the seasons: a paradigm for living.” Victoria Taylor, licensed acupuncturist trained in the five elements of traditional Chinese acupuncture, will explore the benefits of linking nature's cycles to our own.

February 29, Rev. Christine Brownlie “Leapin’ Lizards! It’s leap-year day” (and member Bob Underhill celebrates his 16^th birthday). I'd like to celebrate some “great leaps forward” that have happened in our congregation and our world. We will also look at the issues around the “great leap forward” that we are contemplating for our congregation this coming year as we consider our space needs and how to address them.

March 7, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Let’s Talk About Sex, or Politics or Religion—Anything but Money!” Every organization, just like every family, must break the old taboos and talk about money! How can we make this a less painful and more productive conversation?
Special Music: The UUC Choir will sing.

March 14, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Why Would a UU Pray?” The topic of prayer has come up in conversations I’ve had with some of our members and friends. I’d like to spend some time considering what prayer might mean in our tradition and context.

March 21, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Human Condition: Finitude and Sinitude:” How I learned to be grateful for all those imperfect people I have to deal with every day — well, most days anyway.<-p>

March 28, Rev. Frank Benedetti and Gary Trowbridge of the UU Fellowship of Winston-Salem: “The Gospel According to Harry Potter.” The main thrust of this sermon is overcoming the problems with being “different” and how a Welcoming Congregation can empower its members and work for social change.

April 4 (FIRST DAY OF DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Singing in the Tavern: the path of the Sufi.” Thanks to Coleman Barks and others, Westerners have become intrigued by the mystical Islamic sect known as the Sufis. Today we’ll go beyond Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes and discover what grounds this way of the spirit.
During the 11 a.m. service we will have our Spring book-signing ceremony welcoming new members into the Congregation.
Special Music: The UUC Choir will sing.
Welcoming Congregation Session 9 will follow a light lunch after the second service.

April 11, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Mr. and Mrs. Jesus?” In his book The DaVinci Code, author Dan Brown postulates that Jesus took Mary Magdalene as his wife and that she bore his child. Could this be true? Is the Holy Grail really a woman’s body? Does the bloodline of the House of David continue to this day?

April 18, Rev. Christine Brownlie: This will be an intergenerational event with singing, poetry, drumming and FUN! Let’s honor our Mother and consider how we can protect her.
Informational Meeting immediately after the second service to review the items that we will be voting on at the Congregational Meeting.

April 25, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Can UUs talk about God?” A few weeks ago at the end of the second service, someone said to me, “I like coming here because you almost never talk about God.” That evening I had a phone conversation with another person who wanted to know why it is that I rarely mention God. Can UUs talk about God? If we can, how might we start the conversation?
Annual Congregational Meeting: after the second service

At this meeting the Congregation will:

• Vote on our budget for the next fiscal year, July 2004–June 2005;
• Elect Congregational officers and trustees;
• Vote on purchasing the Gross Property;
• Vote on becoming a Welcoming Congregation;
• Vote on amending our Preamble to include Welcoming-Congregation-specific language (if we vote to become a Welcoming Congregation); and
  
• Vote on the Social Action Backback Project allocation of $3,000.

May 2, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Ethics of Choice.” On April 25, thousands gathered in Washington DC to participate in the March for Women’s Lives, supporting reproductive freedom and access to safe abortions. What are the ethics of choice and how can we support those who must make the choice to continue or to terminate a pregnancy?
Special Music: The UUC Choir will sing.

May 9, Russell Gregory, Professor of Religion at Radford University and self-proclaimed ZenBuddhistDaoistJewishBaptistAgnosticStoryteller: “Carol Gilligan Moves On: How To Shift Your Paradigm Into Fifth and Throw Patriarchy Out the Window.”

May 16, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Why?” The news of the terrible treatment of Iraqi prisoners is disturbing and baffling. I find myself wondering what brought the people and the culture to such a point that “good” people would do such awful things. I’ll share my thoughts and I hope to hear yours.

May 23, Carter Turner, adjunct faculty in Religious Studies at Virginia Tech and Radford — as well as a member of the Congregation: “Requiem for a Dream: Remembering the Religious Left.” Who was the Religious Left, and when did she die?  Can UUs help in her resurrection?
Special Music: Goldie Terrell and Leon Kok, Tenor Recorders.

May 30, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Mothers of Our Country.” We hear all about the Founding Fathers, but the women who were their partners and supporters (and sometimes their critics) are seldom mentioned. Today I plan to remedy that omission.

June 6 & 13: Single Services at 9:30 a.m.
Intergenerational, so childcare but no RE

June 6, Teacher and Youth-Advisor Recognition. This is our annual tribute to those who have served the congregation during the past year in our children’s RE and youth programs.
Special Music: The UUC Choir will sing.
End-of-Year Picnic will follow the service. The end of the year potluck picnic, sponsored by the Fun and Frolic committee, will follow the service. Grill items, drinks, and ice cream will be provided; Please bring a side dish to share

June 13, Today we will celebrate our beloved community with our traditional ritual sometimes called “Flower Communion.” The Flower Communion is a beloved end of the year ritual in many UU congregations. Everyone is asked to bring a flower for each member of the family. We will use the flowers to create a large and beautiful bouquet symbolizing the beauty of our own Congregation. At the end of the service, everyone will take home a flower other than the one they brought as a reminder that even when we are away from one another, the connections remain.

June 20, Cathy Van Noy member of the Congregation: “My Architect.” This year, Nathaniel Kahn directed a compelling and poignant movie about his search for his lost father, internationally renowned architect Louis I. Kahn. I will be borrowing from Kahn's theme to direct an interactive tribute to fathers everywhere, and I will read some anecdotes about my father.

June 27, Susan Kwilecki, a professor of religious studies at Radford University: “What makes people religious?”  How does someone come to have a sense of the divine — forces that cannot be grasped by the senses or reason? I will discuss both some current theories that claim that all humans are born with an innate capacity to develop faith, and then introduce my own very different view.

July 4, “What America Means to Me” — a participatory service to awaken our thoughts about our 225- year-old experiment with a republican form of government. Bring and read a favorite patriot quote/statement that lifts up your ideals, write some personal thoughts about the America you know or the one you wish for, sing a song that invites us to remember why we celebrate this occasion. We will share and reflect on the spirit of a nation — past, present or future — be it the triumphs or its flaws. Glenn Skutt, inaugurating his year as President of the UUC, will facilitate during the service.

July 11, Second Annual Summer Sunday Poetry Slam. This “open pulpit” service will focus on poetry with a spiritual dimension. Members (and visitors) are invited to bring two selections to share that they find spiritually moving, inspirational, thought provoking or just plain fun. The poems can be original writing or already published; poets and poetry lovers of all ages are welcome. If you want further information, contact John Imbur.

A Congregational brunch will follow this service:
food and drink provided.

July 18, The Rev. Susan Karlson, minister at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wilmington, NC: “Neti, Neti, Neti: You are not This or That.” Discussion of the Hindu and Buddhist concepts of how we get to discover who we truly are, coupled with some reflections from our “Articulating Our UU Faith” curriculum.

July 25, The Rev. Barbara Wells ten Hove, co-minister at Paint Branch UU Church in Adelphi, MD: “Where the Awesome Meets the Familiar.” This service explores what some call the roots of religion: awe and humility. My sermon will portray how our particular faith, Unitarian Universalism, addresses these two foundational concepts. Can we relish the moments we need to say: “I don’t know!”? My husband, also a UU minister, and I will provide some special music.

Dr. Seuss is Coming
to Your RE Class this Summer.

Dr. Seuss would have turned 100 this year; it’s true!
And to honor Ted Geisel’s life, we bring his books to you.
Your child’s summer RE class is when we’ll be startin’.
Oh the things the kids will learn, oh the fun they’ll take part in!
June 20^th is the day the celebration begins.
Children preschool through fifth grade please come with your grins!
“Oh The Places You’ll Go” to meet “King Louie Katz”
“The Sneetches,” “Gertrude McFuzz,” and of course, “The Lorax.”
So call Debbie K or Carol K
With questions or perhaps if you have a concern.
And finally, please know, that we are still seeking
Anyone who wants to help out with the teaching.

August 1, Angela Kelso, UUC member who has gone through the TJ District Journey Towards Wholeness program. “Thomas Jefferson: Racist and Race-Activist?” Included in her will be a discussion of our district identity, antiracism and a beloved community, and thoughts on race relations.

August 8, “A Perspective on Modern Iraq.” Our speaker, Dr. William Ochsenwald, professor of history at Virginia Tech, has made the Middle East a primary focus of his academic research. He is the author of the textbook, The Middle East: A History and an earlier book titled Religion, Society and the State in Arabia: The Hijaz under Ottoman Control, 1840–1908.

August 15, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Doubt as a Spiritual Path.” Some of us are convinced believers — or non believers as the case may be. But what about those of us who doubt? Are we just wandering in the wilderness, or are we too on a path?

A Congregational potluck brunch will follow this service.

August 22, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Happy Birthday Lord Krishna!” Hindus are celebrating the birthday of the blue god, Krishna, this week. We will take a brief journey through some of the most important teachings of this ancient religion and consider the gifts it offers to us. /p>

August 29, Ingathering Service. Please bring water to represent your travels, physical and spiritual this summer. Our theme is “connections,” so take time to reflect on the connections you made or renewed in your travels, or just sitting in your yard or living room.

Dr. Seuss is Coming
to Your RE Class this Summer.

Dr. Seuss would have turned 100 this year; it’s true!
And to honor Ted Geisel’s life, we bring his books to you.
Your child’s summer RE class is when we’ll be startin’.
Oh the things the kids will learn, oh the fun they’ll take part in!
June 20^th is the day the celebration begins.
Children preschool through fifth grade please come with your grins!
“Oh The Places You’ll Go” to meet “King Louie Katz”
“The Sneetches,” “Gertrude McFuzz,” and of course, “The Lorax.”
So call Debbie K or Carol K
With questions or perhaps if you have a concern.

September 5, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “How Work is Changing.” Work is changing in some amazing ways: what have we gained, what might we lost, and what difference does it make?
RE: There will be Progrmams for children during both services. Regular RE classes begin next week.

September 12, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Soul Virtues.” One of the most important and difficult questions we ask ourselves is “how shall I live knowing that I will die?” This sermon will be the first of a series that will examine some of the virtues we can cultivate and rely on to help us live well.
Special Music: The UUC Choir

September 19, “Connections, Caring, and Covenants.” Let’s be honest. It’s hard to get to know people in the Congregation if your only contact happens on Sunday morning. One way to connect with others is through our “covenant” groups. This morning, members of our covenant groups will share what these groups are, how to join a group, and how to start a new one.
Transition ritual: The congregation will recognize those beginning kindergarten, middle school, and high school with a brief transition ritual during the story-for-all-ages (at both services).
Potluck after the second service

September 26, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Asking for Forgiveness.” This is a time of reflection and repentance for Jews as they mark the High Holy Days. We’re told that it’s important to be forgiving of others. It’s also important to be forgiven, but sometimes pride, fear, and shame stand in the way. How can we overcome these obstacles, and ask for forgiveness?
Volunteer Fair: between services and after the second service

Sunday Circle

September 19 (9:30 a.m.): We will be discussing “Why “Unitarian Universalism’ is Dying” — the title of a speech that Davidson Loehr, minister from Austin Texas, presented at SUUSI, this summer. Rev. Loehr suggests that the movement of UUs away from a religious center toward a political center - or away from a focus on God and toward a focus on us has resulted in a decline in membership. What are your thoughts? Anyone is welcome to come to listen or to chime in! (The sermon is on the Web at here.

October 3, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Virtue of Discernment.” The virtue of discernment allows us to decide what is important and worthy of our time, energy, and other resources. In this second sermon of the series on Virtues, we’ll begin to explore how we can cultivate the virtues that feed the soul.

October 10 (9:30 service), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Immigration Quandary.” Our country’s policies on immigration are often criticized by Americans, immigrants, those who want to immigrate, and foreign governments. In an era of security worries and tight budgets, can anything be done to improve the situation?
(11:00 a.m. service), Dr. Charles Good, coordinator for the Somali-Bantu Refugee project in the New River Valley and emeritus professor of Geography at Virginia Tech: “Somali-Bantu Refugees Arrive: the New River Valley Communities Respond.” Who are the Somali-Bantu refugees now living in Blacksburg? Why and how are faith communities, social services, private voluntary organizations, and individuals across the NRV helping them enter American society?
Special Music: The UUC Choir will perform at both services.
RE Teacher/Advisor Dedication: during both services

October 17, Dr. Celia Hayhoe, member of the Congregation and Cooperative extension specialist, Department of Apparel, Housing and Resource Management (Virginia Tech): “Living with chaos.” Why do some people’s lives seem to go smoothly while others’ lives seem to be chaotic? How do we cope with the unexpected twists and turns of life, while trying to pursue our goals and dreams?
Potluck after the second service

October 24, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “I'm an introvert; I don’t do conflict.” Introverts often shun conflict because it’s so painful — until they just can’t stand it anymore. Is there a better way than becoming a ticking time bomb of rage? Dr. Marty Laney says there is, and today we’ll explore her ideas.
Special Music: Leon Kok & Tim Mauthe, violins; Emily Murer, cello
Prelude:  London Trio No.1 1st movement Allegro (F.J. Haydn)
Offertory:  Largo ma non tanto, 2nd movement from Concerto for 2 violins in D minor (J.S. Bach)
Postlude:  Trio No.1 for 2 violins and cello, 1st movement (W.A. Mozart)

October 31, TURN BACK YOUR CLOCKS! Rev. Christine Brownlie: “We Remember.” On this day of All Hallows Eve, we will honor our loved ones, who have departed this earth, but who live on in our memories.

Sunday Circle

October 3 (9:30 a.m.): UUC member Bobbie Littlefield will lead a discussion of the book, The Soul of Politics: Beyond The Religious Right and The Liberal Left, by Jim Wallis, a political activist and internationally recognized religious leader, who has been working hard to organize people of faith to counter effectively the hold on government of the “Radical Right.”

October 17 (9:30 a.m.): Carter Turner, UUC member and adjunct faculty in Religious Studies at Virginia Tech and Radford, tells us his views of the connections between religion and sports. Join us as we delve into the question: “Is there more to the arena rituals of sports fans than meets the eye?”

November 7, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Helping America Heal.” We have endured a vicious political season, and it appeared likely the results of the election would be contested again. Many of us fear we are becoming a nation divided against itself. Is there anything the ordinary citizen can do to help heal the wounds?
Special Music: Prelude — Trio Sonata in A Op. 5 Nr. 1, first movement Andante (Handel) performed by Leon Kok & Tim Mauthe, violins; Maria Rott, piano. Offertory — Aria: “Where'er You Walk” from Semele (Handel) performed by Michael Greening, baritone Maria Rott, piano; Leon Kok & Tim Mauthe, violins.

November 14, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Soul Virtues: Patience.” Robert Sardello, the author of The Power of Soul, describes “patience” as the virtue that deepens our receptive capacities so that we can see what is in front of us now and be in connection with our soul and spirit. (This is the third sermon in a series on Soul Virtues.)
We will welcome New Members during both services.
Special Music: The UUC Choir will perform at both services.
Informational Meeting (following the second service) for next week’s Congregational Meeting.

November 21, Our youth group, the YRUU, will lead an intergenerational service. The topic is hunger and some of the things we hunger for as human beings. They’ll be talking about justice, knowledge, freedom, a deeper spirituality.
Beginning of Guest at Your Table collections (continues through January 9)
Congregational Meeting (following the second service)
Potluck after the Congregational Meeting

November 28, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Over the River with Lydia.” Most of us learned the song “Over the River and Through the Woods” in grade school. Sadly, most of us learned nothing about Lydia Marie Child, the Unitarian woman who wrote it. Today we’ll remedy that omission.
We will dedicate Liam Fentress, the son of Nancy and Robert Fentress at the second service.

Sunday Circle

November 7 (9:30 a.m.): “Affirmative Action: Revive it? Throw It Out? Fix It?” Roger Lewis will lead this potentially controversial discussion. Might this possibly open our minds to a later discussion in our Congregation about race and privilege in America? How aware are we of our own complicity in making this culture we live in a racist one?

November 21 (9:30 a.m.): What is this mysterious “flash of intuition” that suddenly reveals to us the solution to that difficult problem that we were wrestling with for ages with no result? Morton Nadler has been studying the psychology of invention for nigh 60 years and will share his insights with us this morning.

December 5, “What Did You Learn in School Today?” Children learn so much in school; not all of it comes from books. What lesson is being taught if the teachers and principals of our school system don’t reflect the diversity of the community? Dr. , president of the local chapter of the NAACP, will speak to us about the hiring practices of Montgomery County School System and the effect they see it has on children.
Special Music: Prelude — Violin Sonata III in F, 1st movement Largo (G.F. Handel) Leon Kok, violin; Aliah Rosenthal, cello; Maria Rott, piano; Offertory —  “Ombra Mai Fu,” Largo from Xerxes/Serse (G.F. Handel) Michael Greening, baritone; Maria Rott, piano; Aliah Rosenthal, cello; Leon Kok, violin.

December 12, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Values I Live By.” Many people claim that their values are based on their religious beliefs. I know that this is true for me, and today I will share with you what one Unitarian Universalist believes and tries to live by.
Special Music: The UUC Choir will perform at both services.
This is “Bring a Friend” Sunday. (See the front-page letter from the minister in this newsletter.)
Tree trimming and a potluck for the tree trimmers will follow the 11 a.m. service.

December 19, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Gift of Darkness.” This is the darkest time of the year. While we wait for the light to return, let’s contemplate what darkness offers us.
Potluck (sponsored by the Caring Committee) after the 11 a.m. service.

December 26, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “What Does Santa Do the Rest of the Year?” If Santa only works one day a year, what does he do the rest of the time?

January 2, Morton Nadler, Congregation member: Last fall Chris told us “atheists deny the existence of God.” How do we do that? Morton will tell us about the life and times of a staunch atheist — and does he really “deny the existence of god”?

Sunday Circle

December 5 (9:30 a.m.): “Growing up with Minister-Parents.” Amy Mauldon and Sue Hankins, both preachers’ kids, will talk about what it’s like to grow up with a minister for a parent. They'll talk about growing up (religious traditions practiced at home, perceptions of school kids, and perceptions/expectations of the congregation), and breaking away from the religious traditions of the parent and how that has influenced their current relationships with the parent.

Christmas Eve Service

“Lessons and Carols.” This is a traditional family service that offers readings from the gospels and other sources — plus carols and poetry. All ages are welcome — no childcare is offered. The offering will be used to fund the Minister’s Discretionary Fund, which provides help to those in the Congregation and in the larger community.

January 2, Morton Nadler, Congregation member: Last fall Chris told us “atheists deny the existence of God.” How do we do that? Morton will tell us about the life and times of a staunch atheist — and does he really “deny the existence of god”?

January 16, Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream that people of all races would learn to live together as brothers and sisters. This Sunday, Dr. Randy Grayson will share his observations about how this dream is faring at Virginia Tech. Dr. Grayson, a retired professor at Virginia Tech, was the founder, and co-director of the university’s Minority Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP).
Potluck (sponsored by the Caring Committee) after the 11 a.m. service.

January 23, CANCELLED BECAUSE OF ICE AND COLD.

January 30, CANCELLED BECAUSE OF UNCERTAIN WEATHER

Sunday Circle

Sunday Circle in January will be a two-part discussion on “Understanding Science and Religion” based on six tapes of an 8 1/2 hour class taught by UU minister Rev. Davidson Loehr; What is science? What kinds of questions can it logically pursue?   What kinds of questions are not within the realm of scientific explanation?  What is religion?; What are the religious questions?  What questions can religion logically pursue, and what questions are out of its realm.  Linda Powers will lead the discussion to understand how science and religion fit together.

January 2 (9:30 a.m.): Understanding Science and Religio: Part 1.  We will look at Dr. Loehr's definitions and historical perspective on science and religion.

January 16 (9:30 a.m.): Understanding Science and Religion: Part 2.  We will look at the consequences when science and religion stray into each other's fields.

February 6, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Faith of Charles Darwin.” Since it was first brought to public awareness, Darwin’s theory of evolution has been denounced as godless and heretical. What were Darwin’s beliefs about God and God’s connection with creation? And how did he respond to questions about God and evolution?
Special Music: Tim Mauthe & Leon Kok (violins) and Maria Rott (piano).
Congregational Budget Brainstorming meeting after the second service (rescheduled from the 30^th).

February 13, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Give Yourself to Love.” In this intergenerational service we’ll explore the joy of giving ourselves to what we love and how we might come to love more of what we do.
Special Music: The UUC Choir will perform at both services.

February 20, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Preparing the Feast, Expanding the Table.” Despite the outcome of the last Presidential election and the rising power of the Evangelical Christian movement, I see the coming years as a time of great potential for our way of the spirit — if we are ready and willing to seize the opportunity. What must we do to prepare and to act?
Special Music: Christa Ferst-Honaker (oboe), Leon Kok (violin), and Maria Rott (piano)
Potluck (sponsored by the Caring Committee) after the 11 a.m. service.

February 27, The Rev. Kelly Sisson, Pastor of Glade Church and renowned local potter: “When All That's Left is the Worm.” When the intoxicating elixir of life runs dry and we are left looking at reality, what's our response?

Sunday Circle

February 6 (9:30 a.m.): “Genetic Engineering: Moral and Ethical Choices for Developing Countries,” led by  Pat Traynor, who travels the world (mostly Africa), working to increase peoples’ understanding about biotechnology.

February 20 (9:30 a.m.): “You Can Fool People Most of the Time.” Bill Clarkson will talk about how Presidents get elected, with a focus on media manipulation.

March 6, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Digging Up Our Religious Roots.” This month, Zoroastrians will celebrate Norooz, which marks the beginning of a new year. Today we’ll look at this ancient religion and some of the beliefs and practices that influenced Judaism and Christianity.
After the second service, there will be a light Canvass Stewardship Luncheon

March 13, Rev. Audette Fulbright, minister to the Roanoke UU congregation: “Radical of Spirit and Society: Yeshua bar Joseph.” Some people affect their time and place. A rare few alter the course of history. Join us this morning as we consider how and why the life of Yeshua bar Joseph has radically affected all political and spiritual history for more than 2000 years, and what difference this might make to UUs.
Special Music: The UUC Choir will perform at both services “O Come, You Longing Thirsty Souls” (Hymnal #209).

March 20, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “What To Do When the Dog Won’t Stop Barking.” Poet Billy Collins has a novel solution for an old and annoying problem that just might change your life.
We will welcome new members at both services.
After the second service, there will be a light Canvass Stewardship Luncheon

March 27, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Proverbs of Ashes: Is God a Child Abuser?” Christians claim that God sent his only son to a horrible death so that humankind might be saved. Two feminist theologians find this story a horrifying tale of abuse. This morning we’ll consider their alternative reading of the Easter story and consider its implications for the Christian myth.
Special Music: The UUC Choir will perform at both services, “Thanks be to Thee” (Handel).

Sunday Circle

March 6 (9:30 a.m.): “Comfortably Unitarian Universalist - All Are Welcome, Comfortable or Not.” How do we personally identify culturally — class, race, religion? Where are the roots of that identity? What is our congregational and district identity? How is it expressed in our Principles? How do others see us in the world? What's the future of our identity: How is it evolving?" Discussion facilitator will be Andrea Kelso, UUC member and member of the TJ District Antiracism Transformation Team.

March 20 (9:30 a.m.): “The Future of Blacksburg: Believe it or not, it’s almost time to begin work on Blacksburg’s next Comprehensive Plan.” Councilman Lancaster will discuss some of the issues that will be in the forefront as the plan is debated. Among the issues: affordable housing, redevelopment, and “smart growth.”

April 3 First day of Daylight Savings Time, Rev. Liza Fields and and Beth Obenshain: “Saving the Heart and Soul of our Valley.” Our community's landscape is being changed forever — too often by poorly planned and costly development. A new community nonprofit, the New River Land Trust, helps landowners save family farms, rivers, productive forests, and wildlife habitat. Hear how our community and others can unite to protect their defining landscapes and natural heritage. Award-winning journalist Beth Obenshain retired from a 30-year career as a newspaper editor so that she could devote herself to working on land issues in the New River Valley. She lives on and manages her family's farms in Blacksburg. Many of us know Liza Field from her columns in the Roanoke times. Raised as an Episcopalian, she has read widely in many spiritual traditions and sacred texts, and these have been the grounding for her sense of a reverence for life.
After the second service, there will be an informal discussion about the UUC budget for next year.

April 10, Professor Bob Benoit: “The Terry Schiavo End Game: Another American Tragedy.” For days we watched the drama unfold as the right to die was debated in the courts, the press, and the family. Bob, who teaches a class on medical ethics to pre-med students at Virginia Tech, will share with us his thoughts and concerns.
Special Music: The UUC Choir will perform at both services, “Morning, So Fair To See” (Hymnal #42). The choir will be accompanied by a string quartet (Leon Kok & Emily Reisinger, violins; Stefan Kolb, viola; Aliah Rosenthal, cello).
After the second service, there will be an informal discussion about the UUC budget for next year.

April 17, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Soul Virtues: Courage and Faithfulness.” This morning we will again turn to the thoughts of author Robert Sardello and explore two more of his soul virtues: courage and faithfulness..
Potluck (sponsored by the Caring Committee) after the 11 a.m. service.

April 24, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Faith of Thomas Jefferson.” Was Jefferson really a Unitarian? How was he able to proclaim the God-given rights of humanity, and yet hold slaves? Today we will consider Jefferson not as a political figure, but as a deeply complex and very human man.
Special Music: Leon Kok and Maria Rott
Prelude: Prelude from Suite #1 in G for unaccompanied viola (originally cello) by J.S. Bach
Offertory: Largo from Viola Concerto in G by G.Ph. Telemann
Postlude: Bourrees I & II from Suite #3 in C for unaccompanied viola (originally cello) by J.S. Bach

Sunday Circle

April 3 (9:30 a.m.): “Affluenza and the Tyranny of Choice or the Good Life vs. the Goods Life.” We live in a culture of consumption, but having access to so many choices may not be a good thing. Yet, the simple life may not be the simple answer to saving less and consuming more. Isabel Berney will lead a discussion based on the PBS program, Affluenza, and recent news items.

April 17 (9:30 a.m.): “Culture Shock and Awe.” Three of our members (Akiko Nakata, Mike Greening, and Leonore Nadler) grew up in very different cultures and came to Blacksburg as adults. Hear about the things they found interesting, what they found distressing and puzzling as they adjusted to life in NRV.

May 1, “Global Warming — is it real?” Dr. Richard Rich will share his research and thoughts on the evidence for climate change, possible causes, and what this may mean for our future. Dr. Rich is a professor of Political Science at Virginia Tech and the director of the Center for Environmental and Energy Studies.
Special Music: Goldie Terrell, flute

May 8, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Mothers and Myths.” This morning we'll meet some of the mothers of ancient myths and see what these old stories reveal about mothers and motherhood.
Special Music: The UUC Choir will perform at both services, “No Longer Forward nor Behind.”
After the second service, there will be an Informational Meeting in preparation for next week’s Congregational Meeting.

May 15, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “What To Do When Things Fall Apart.” Most of the time we live within an illusion of certainty. Then life happens and we find ourselves shaken and fearful. Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön offers practices and ideas that seem radical yet useful.
Congregational Meeting after the second service.

May 22, Terry Grimes and Marcus Planet: “The Joys, Opportunities, and Challenges of Living with Madness Now and Then.” Advances in human rights for individuals with psychiatric disabilities, available medications, and a greater focus on recovery and empowerment offer hope for well-being as never before. Shrinking resources for treatment services and supports affecting quality of life as well as continued unwarranted forced treatment require our active vigilance and speaking out. Terry and Marcus are residents of Blacksburg and co-founded Empowerment for Healthy Minds, a non-profit consumer advocacy and education organization. Both Terry and Marcus live with serious mental illnesses.

May 29, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Soul Virtues: Selflessness and Devotion.” In a world of extreme individualism and instant gratification, these virtues seem quaint and maybe even irrelevant. Or are they sorely needed?
Special Music: String Quartet: Leon Kok & Tim Mauthe, violins; Theresa Conti & Stefan Kolb, viola.

June 5 & 12: Single Services at 9:30 a.m. and no RE

June 5, Teacher and Youth-Advisor Recognition. This is our annual tribute to those who have served the Congregation during the past year in our children’s RE and youth programs. The children and youth will be participating in the service in a variety of ways, including a youth bridging ceremony.
End-of-Year Picnic will follow the service. Grilled hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, drinks, and ice cream will be provided; please bring a side dish to share.

June 12, Today we will celebrate our beloved community with our traditional ritual sometimes called the “Flower Ceremony.” Please remember to bring a flower for each member of your family who will participate. We will use the flowers to create a large and beautiful bouquet symbolizing the beauty of our own Congregation. At the end of the service, everyone will take home a flower other than the one they brought as a reminder that even when we are away from one another, the connections remain.
We will dedicate our new banner today.
Presentation of awards to Volunteer Honorees for 2004–2005 will be given during the service
Special Music: Leon Kok, recorder & Maria Rott, piano AND the UUC Choir will sing, “Flying Free.”

Sunday Circle (in May)

May 1 (9:30) “The Media: What Can We Believe?” Don Langrehr, Blacksburg Town Council member and Radford University Literacy Education professor, will discuss the topic of media literacy. We are confronted daily with a barrage of information that often is filled with a vast assortment of implied opinion rather than asserted facts. A higher level of media literacy can help us to evaluate the chatter and formulate more accurate inferences. (Everyone who attended Bill Clarkson’s presentation in February agreed that this topic deserved a second look.)

May 15 (9:30), “War is a Force That Gives Us Meaning.” Veteran war correspondent Chris Hedges writes, “War seduces...entire societies, corrupting politics, destroying culture, and perverting human desires.” Linda Powers will lead a discussion on whether war does give people a purpose and a reason for living.

June 5, Teacher and Youth-Advisor Recognition. This is our annual tribute to those who have served the Congregation during the past year in our children’s RE and youth programs. The children and youth will be participating in the service in a variety of ways, including a youth bridging ceremony.
End-of-Year Picnic will follow the service. Grilled hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, drinks, and ice cream will be provided; please bring a side dish to share.

June 12, “The Beauty of Our Garden.” Today we will celebrate our community by honoring those who have served us, dedicating our beautiful new banner, and participating in our own UU ritual called the Flower Ceremony. Please remember to bring a flower for each member of your family who will participate in the flower ceremony.
Presentation of awards to Volunteer Honorees for 2004’Äì2005 will be made during the service
Special Music: Leon Kok, recorder, Lesley Howard, flute, & Maria Rott, piano AND the UUC Choir will sing.
After the service, there will be an open meeting of the BET to discuss parking. (See other side of this page for further details.)

June 19, “A Voice from the Virginia General Assembly.” Delegate Jim Shuler will focus on the 2005 legislative session and address implications for the future.

June 26. Third Annual Summer Sunday Poetry Slam. This “open pulpit” service will focus on poetry with a spiritual dimension. Members (and visitors) are invited to bring one or two selections to share that they find spiritually moving, inspirational, thought provoking— or just plain fun. The poems can be original writing or already published; poets and poetry lovers of all ages are welcome. For further information, contact Jenny L.

July 3, “The Soul is Here For Its Own Joy!” Our service will be a time of dancing for joy with Paula Markham who leads the group known as Dances of Universal Peace. This group meets in our building once a month and every once in a while someone will ask Chris about it — now’s your chance to experience what it is.

The dances are circle dances, not terribly complex, and as enjoyable to watch as they are to do. They are based on Sufi teachings and celebrate community and our relationship with the divine.

If the weather permits, we could dance outdoors, so wear comfortable clothing, shoes that allow you to move and that won’t mind a little dew and dirt. Older children are welcome to participate.

July 10, Carter Turner: "The Sacred Nation: why many Americans Believe God Likes Them Best.” The first white Europeans settlers arrived on the shores of New England believing they were on a Divine mission. The link between God’s purposes and the nation is now woven into our national myth. What is the American religious myth and how is it being exploited today? Carter is a member of the UUC and is working on his doctorate in religious studies.

July 17, The Rev. Steve J. Crump: “Speed Demons Are Us.” Jazz singer/songwriter and minister of the UU Congregation in Baton Rouge, Rev. Crump brings to us original music and reflections on the personal challenge of slowing down, doing nothing, and countering a culture that says, “There is never enough time.” Rev. Crump is also the keynote speaker at SUUSI on July 22.

July 24, The Rev. Suzanne Meyer: “Risky Business.” In this age of litigation, should we not warn people that when they join a Unitarian Universalist Congregation, they are in some danger — in danger of deepening their faith, opening their minds, re-examining their ethics, and increasing their awareness of the world around them. And if we are not putting people in this kind of “danger,” are we failing them as a faith community? How can our church move from a low risk, low commitment relationship to a meaningful— even life changing— encounter? Rev. Meyer is the minister of the First Unitarian Church of St. Louis, MO, and is the keynote speaker at SUUSI on July 20.

July 31, Dr. John Cairns: “Ecological Overshoot: Our Gift to Posterity.” Since 1980, human demand has exceeded nature’s supply. Data from 2001 put the overshoot at about 20%. How can we leave a habitable planet for posterity? John is a long-time UUC member and Virginia Tech University distinguished professor of Environmental Biology Emeritus.

August 7, Larry Bechtel: “’I Love Life!’ On the Corner with Carmen.” Larry will share his experience of meeting and learning from a mentor/teacher in an unlikely situation. These mentors expand for us the feeling of “the human family,” and often embody “living principles” which cross cultural and social boundaries. Larry is the Recycling Coordinator for VT as well as a sculptor and storyteller.
Special Music: Tony Ringold, Harpsichord; Leon Kok, Viola.

August 14, Dr. Ranes Chakravorty: “Hinduism is nonprophetic and is a way of life rather than a religion.” This talk will summarize the history of Hinduism and VERY briefly touch on the main tenets of a system that goes back at least 3000 years and involves a large proportion of the earth's population. Dr. Chakravorty is a medical graduate of the University of Kolkata, India. He has been involved in teaching Surgery and the history of medicine in 11 Academic institutions in 5 countries and 3 continents, before his retirement as Professor of Surgery, University of Virginia in 1999.

August 21, Robert Fentress: “I Am Not Resigned: A Meditation on the ‘Inevitability’ of Death.” The inevitability of death is an assumed fact of life. What if it was not? Recent advances in biogerontology suggest that life may be extended significantly within the near future, and strategies for extending life still further (perhaps indefinitely) have been proposed. UUC member Rob Fentress will explore these issues and their implications in his sermon. He will also incorporate songs he has written under the pseudonym, Hugh Bristi to accentuate the points he is making. See this URL.

After the service, the Congregational Meeting begun on May 15 will be reconvened. See August newsletter for details.

August 28 Ingathering Service . One element of this ceremony is known in some congregations as “mingling the waters.” Friends and members are invited to bring a small amount of water from their travels or water that represents the places they have visited (aka: tap water) Those of us who have spent the summer at home might bring tap water or rain water or water from a local river or stream. (Please no water from the Tech Duck Pond!)

There will be a large bowl near the pulpit and people are invited to pour their water into the bowl and briefly tell where this water came from. We invite you to also name something that you experienced or learned that awakened a feeling of gratitude in you.

After the ceremony our minister will take this water home and, following the instructions of a hydrologist, she will purify it. She will freeze the water and keep it to use in our child dedication services — or other occasions where “holy” water is required.

Many of us look forward to this celebration of community and the sharing of our experiences and insights. We hope your summer travels have been enriching— even if you go no further than your own backyard.

Please be aware that while these are the topics our minister plans to address, she has the prerogative to change a topic as current events or the sermon muse dictate. Sermons are posted on the Web site at the discretion of the minister, and not every sermon will be posted.

September 4, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Balancing Act.” Many of us wish that we could bring more balance to our lives. We feel overwhelmed and overburdened by our jobs ans well as the work of caring for family and home. Is the dream of a balanced life just that? Or could we come to a sense of balance by changing our understanding of what we do and why we do it? This is a continuation of the series on Soul Virtues.

September 11, “Points of Pride.” The Equity Team of the UUC Social Action Committee will offer a service to kick off Gay Pride Week, which culminates in the annual Pride in the Park celebration on September 18 in Elmwood Park.

Special Music: the UUC Choir will sing, accompanied on the hammered dulcimer by Elaine Myer and Chris Brownlie.

September 18, “Youth Empowerment: What Is It? Why should one care?” Glenn Skutt, former advisor, and current YAC and YRUU advisors. (YRUU stands for Young Religious Unitarian Universalists, and YAC stands for Youth Advisory Committee.)

September 25, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Why Are We Here?” Every once in a while on a Sunday morning, I look around the room at all the beautiful faces and I wonder “Why are we here?” I want to share some thoughts about our time together on Sunday morning, and I’d like to hear your thoughts as well.

Pulpit Editorial: On this Call for Justice Weekend, UUs across the nation will be speaking out on the topic, “Stop Torture Now.”  Members of our Social Action Committee will give a pulpit editorial:  Bobbie Littlefield (first service) and Polly Stimson (second service) .

Now Let Us Sing! Potluck and Hymn Sing: Many of you have said that you’d enjoy singing more during the Sunday Service if you had time and help learning the hymns. After the second service, you’ll have a chance to learn and sing the hymns that will be used in our services during the coming year. Some will be familiar; others might be new to you. We’ll have help from Sandy Toensing a UU with many years of helping congregations enjoy singing! Children are welcome to join us and childcare will be provided if requested by September 18^th.

Sunday Circle

Sunday Circle discussions begin again on September 18^th. All are welcome to join in one or more discussions with other UUs about a topic that is likely to be of interest to us all. This fluid group meets during the Early Sunday Service, at 9:30 a.m. on the first and the third Sundays of each month. There is usually a 20 to 30 minute presentation by a speaker on the topic for the week. Then anyone who wishes to do so chimes in with his or her ideas about the topic. The session ends at 10:30 so that the attendees can socialize with others during coffee time and can attend Second Sunday Service at 11:00 a.m. No long-term commitment required. Contact Bobbie Littlefield with questions and topic suggestions.

September 18 (9:30 a.m.) The first Sunday Circle meeting will take up the topic of gender specific classes at a university dedicated to principles of diversity and inclusion. Judy Snoke, UUC member and director of the English Language Institute of Virginia Tech, will facilitate the discussion.

October 2, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Quarrelsome Children of Abraham.” This week marks the beginning of the High Holy Days for those of the Jewish faith, and the month-long fast of Ramadan for those who follow the teachings of Islam. Both groups claim a common ancestor — why can’t they get along? Teacher and Youth Advisor dedication at both services.

Special Music: Sandy Toensing (vocalist), Tim Mauthe (violin), Leon Kok (violin), and Maria Rott (Piano)

October 9, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Mommy, Why Did God Make the Hurricane?” A child’s question, a mother’s answer, and what might we as Unitarian Universalists say to the age-old puzzle about suffering and evil?

October 16, “The Deep Roots of Mountain Music.” The folk music of our region has deep roots in the traditions of England, Ireland, and Scotland. Our guest, Katie Doman is a wonderful singer and a serious scholar of that tradition and she will share her talents and research with us.

Special Music: the UUC Choir will sing “My Life Flows On In Endless Song.”

October 23, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Life and Mystery of Dr. Michael Servetus.” Unitarians and other free thinkers hail Servetus as a theologian and a martyr. He made a puzzling decision that led to his execution at the hands of John Calvin, and scholars still wonder why.

October 30, TURN YOUR CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR! Rev. Christine Brownlie: “All Souls Celebration.” Today we will remember those who have died in the last year or so. You are invited to bring photos and other small mementoes of loved ones, two legged and four legged and other).

Special Music: VPI (Vocal Polyphonic Initiative) featuring Pat Casey, Mike Greening, Brian Vorees, & Jim Flowers

Sunday Circle.

October 2 (9:30 a.m.), “Unequal Protection: The Rise of Corporate Dominance and the Theft of Human Rights,” a book by Thom Hartmann, will be reviewed by Linda Powers and Bobbie Littlefield. Hartman explains how corporations came to rule America, and he proposes specific legal remedies that could save the world from the political, economic, and ecological disasters that are the result.

October 16 (9:30 a.m.), Relying on fossil fuels to power our society is a major contributor to war, pollution, and global climate change. Biodiesel is a fuel made from vegetable sources. It can be used in conventional diesel engines (e.g.: Volkswagen, Mercedes, and many pickups), burns far cleaner than petrol-diesel, and does not contribute to global warming. Moreover, it can be locally produced at costs comparable to petrol-diesel. Richard Rich, Professor of Political Science and Public and International Affairs and Director of the Center for Environmental and Energy Studies at Virginia Tech, will explore the interest of UU members in forming a biodiesel co-op in Blacksburg to allow those who want to escape the oil economy to do so.

November 6, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Human Need for Intelligent Design.” The battle over Intelligent Design seems to intensify with every election. What is the appeal and why are some people so determined to make ID part of school curricula?

Special Music: Quintet: Leon Kok & Tim Mauthe, violins; Theresa Conti & Stefan Kolb, violas; Maria Rott, piano

After the second service, there will be an Informational Meeting in preparation for next week’s Special Congregational Meeting

November 13, Question Box Sermon. Reverend Brownlie will answer your questions on our way of the spirit, our history and governance, and all other things UU.

During both services, we will welcome new members.

After the second service, there will be a Special Congregational Meeting on building options

November 20, Intergenerational Service. It’s Flu Season! Watch out for Affluenza! This nasty bug can infect your mind, your spirit and your home, leading you to accumulate stuff that will clog your closets and drain your financial resources. The whole family can be infected, so learn how to fight this dangerous bug together!

Special Music: The UUC Choir will sing “As the Rain Is Falling” by Pablo Fernandez-Badillo.

November 27, “Ending American Apartheid: the need for a new political majority,” presented by Edward J. McPherson, Director of the STARS youth development program at Virginia Tech. He will address renewal of the Voting Rights Act as part of an ongoing political effort to make the United States a more perfect union, by redress of flawed constitutional considerations.

Sunday Circle.

November 6 (9:30 a.m.), “Is free trade, fair trade?” Larry Landrum's answer is “Nearly always yes, if you keep government out of it.” The classic argument for free trade is as valid today as it was 200 years ago and in our modern era a unified global marketplace offers the best opportunity we have to end world poverty. Larry believes the various “fair trade” arguments are generally self-serving dodges by special interests or the specious claims of ideological foes of free markets. A lively discussion is expected.

November 20 (9:30 a.m.), “Virginia's Poor Record of Defending the Poor.” Victoria Huber Cochran, Deputy Public Defender, Pulaski, will enlighten us on the criminal justice system in our State. Where would you guess Virginia ranks in the U.S. with regard to funding indigent defendants? This topic for discussion fits in well with the “Statement of Conscience” on Criminal Justice that UUs voted on this year at General Assembly.

December 4, “Religious Scholarship, Spirituality, and Planetary Maturity” will be presented by Dr. Glen T. Martin, Professor of Religion, Radford University, who says, “This talk will link modern religious scholarship with the possibility of authentic spirituality, something, I believe, fundamental to the Unitarian-Universalist vision. It will then link authentic spirituality with ‘planetary maturity,’ the possibilities for a really new breakthrough for human beings on planet Earth.”

Special Music: Leon Kok & Stefan Kolb, violas.

December 11, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “How the Unitarians Saved Christmas.” In the early days of our nation’s history, Christmas had evolved into a rowdy affair that was so out of hand that the Puritans wanted to ban the holiday. The Unitarians, and their allies rallied to save the day for all. I’ll tell the story of their brave battle and we’ll decorate our tree with mittens during the service. Everyone is invited to the sandwich/finger food potluck after the second service.

Special Music: Sandy Toensing, Mezzo-Soprano; Leon Kok, Viola; Maria Rott, Piano

This is Bring-a Friend Sunday so be sure to invite someone to join in the fun.

Everyone is invited to the sandwich/finger food potluck after the second service. After our simple meal we’ll make simple ornaments for our tree.

December 18, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Ministry and Community.” Today we will honor and reaffirm the bond between our minister and our congregation as we celebrate the sixth anniversary of Chris’s installation as our minister. What is the role of the minister and what is the role of the people in our tradition? In honor of the occasion, we will have refreshments after both services.

December 25, Rev. Christine Brownlie: YES! We are holding two services this Sunday. These will be informal celebrations with stories, music, and time for sharing our own memories of the season. The service is for all ages (no RE classes) and we will not provide nursery care.

Sunday Circle.

December 4 (9:30 a.m.), “God and the Boy Scouts, or, Should we throw the baby out with the bath water?” Some history and context of the conflict between the UUA and the Boy Scouts; some opportunities for maintaining engagement; and why it is important to keep liberal religion at the table. Dan Brown has been a scout and scout leader since 1964 and a Unitarian since 1983.

December 18 (9:30 a.m.), “Being a Christian UU.” A panel including Margaret Bryant, Karen Grey, and Karen Turner will lead us in a discussion of what it means to be a Christian UU. How does the Unitarian fellowship fit better than a mainline Christian church? Must they compartmentalize any of their beliefs? How do Christian holidays figure in their households? Do we serve their children in our children’s groups? How can we make being Christian easier in our congregation?

Christmas Eve Service
Saturday, December 24, 6:30 p.m.

Why Not a Star? The story of Jesus’ birth as told in the Gospel of Matthew says that a star led the Magi to the stable in Bethlehem. Stars and other celestial bodies figure in the myths of other traditions. We will hear some of those myths as well as the traditional nativity story this evening. A special collection for the Minister’s Discretionary Fund will be received. All ages are welcome and nursery care will not be available

If you would like to be a reader for the Christmas Eve service, please contact Chris by phone or email. Children who can read at a third grade level are welcome to participate. We will be reading from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, some modern authors, and traditional poetry. Chris will send you your reading in plenty of time for you to become familiar with the material. Readers are asked to arrive for the service by 6:15 p.m.

January 1, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Gazing into the Crystal Ball.” As we face the New Year, let’s look ahead and share our hopes and fears and consider how we can be a part of creating the world we want to see. This is an intergenerational service for all ages.

No RE, and no nursery care will be provided

January 8, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Beginning Again.” Quick! What do you think of when you hear the words “New Year”? I’d be willing to bet that many of you said “resolutions.” How can we make changes in our attitudes and our daily lives that will help us become the people we’d like to be? (This sermon is in fulfillment of Pat Casey’s purchase of a sermon topic at our service auction in 2004.)

Special Music: Emily Reisinger & Leon Kok (violins). Prelude: Dolce from Sonata in D Op.2 No.3 by G.P. Telemann; Offertory: Appalachia Waltz by Mark O'Conner; Postlude: Spiritoso from Canonic Sonata in D No.2

Collection of Guest at your Table donations.

January 15, “Let Justice Roll.” In celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, the UUC Social Action Committee will discuss why POVERTY in the U.S. is a religious and ethical issue that threatens the very essence of the way we live. Ways in which our community is promoting a “living wage” for all of its citizens will be addressed.

January 22, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “What Is This Thing Called Spirituality?” What do we mean when we say spirituality? How is this different from religion? How can we speak to the hearts and souls of those who want more spirituality in worship services and still honor our humanist roots? These are the questions I'm thinking about as I ponder the topic I’ve chosen for today’s ermon.

January 29, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Beginning Again ... Again.” It isn’t often that we have New Years twice in the same month, but this year the Chinese Lunar New Year (also celebrated in Korea, Vietnam, and Japan) falls on the 29^th. This Sunday we’ll revisit the principles of The Art of Possibility and consider how they apply to our individual lives and the life of our beloved community.

Sunday Circle.

January 1 (9:30 a.m.), “Blink.” Blink is a book about how we think without thinking, about choices that seem to be made in an instant — in the blink of an eye — that actually aren’t as simple as they seem. Great decision makers aren’t those who process the most information or spend the most time deliberating, but those who have perfected the art of “thin-slicing” — filtering the very few factors that matter from an overwhelming number of variables. Linda Powers will lead a discussion on the ideas in the book.

January 15 (9:30 a.m.), “An Intellectual Template for Understanding the Disaster in Iraq.” Tom Jannuzi will provide a way of understanding why the war in Iraq is already lost; this is independent of who might be in power in the US. Tom is Professor Emeritus of Economics and Asian Studies at the University of Texas, and is currently an adjunct professor in UVA's South Asian Center.

February 5, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Joseph Priestley: A UU Hero.” Priestley is best known as the man who discovered oxygen. He was also a Unitarian minister who was persecuted in his native Britain and forced to flee to America. What did this UU hero contribute to the growth of American Unitarianism and how is his influence still felt today? . (This sermon topic was suggested by Bruce Turner.)

February 12 CANCELED (snow)

February 19, Members of Community Opportunities will present “Support for People with Disabilities — Enriching Lives through Personal Commitment.” This is a local group founded by Dr. Harry McCoy and others, which assists people with disabilities and their families in developing the supports they need to live and work in the community.

March 5, “So what is the big deal?” Dr. Mazen Arafeh, , a research associate at Virginia Tech and a member of the Muslim community, will speak on the recent cartoon controversy.

March 12, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “One True Faith or Many?” In an era of fundamentalism and fanatics, we hold that what matters most is the commonality between the various religions. Are we right?

Welcoming New Members (during both services)

Meeting on building options after the second service. (See article below.)

March 19, This morning we will be honoring two women whose lives and thoughts changed the role of women in America

9:30, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “A Woman Ahead of Her Time: Margaret Fuller. “ Margaret Fuller was a brilliant thinker, a friend of Ralph Waldo Emerson, and a woman who struggled to find a place in society. Her life story is inspiring and tragic.

11:00 , “Winter Wheat, the Betrayal of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and her Woman’s Bible,” a solo drama, will be presented by actress/author Laurie James.  Greeted by standing ovations at General Assembly 2005, it brings alive a fascinating story of betrayal and controversy surrounding Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and the committee of women scholars who contributed to the book that established these women as major foremothers of feminist theology.

Photo Op for new members/friends after both services The Membership Committee is sponsoring a photo opportunity after both services. This is for anyone who has been attending services or other events in the past year or who missed the photo op last year. You are encouraged to have a picture taken so that we can update our Congregational photo directory.

March 26, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Extending Our Welcome.” What steps might we take in order to become a more diverse congregation?

Special Music: Leon Kok (violin) and Maria Rott (piano). Cavatina from The Deer Hunter by Stanley Myers.

RE Open house after both services. The Open House will take place immediately following the 9:30 a.m. service and close shortly before the 11:00 a.m. service. It will reopen again immediately following the 11:00 a.m. service. This will be an opportunity for parents attending either service to be able to meet and talk with their child (ren)'s teachers, and also for members of the Congregation to visit the classrooms and learn more about our Religious Education program. Refreshments will be served, and the children in the RE program will be entertained by qualified caregivers during the Open House.

Sunday Circle

March 5 (9:30 a.m.), “Talk yourself up; Talk yourself down.” Marcia Bailey will talk about the psychological impact of self-talk on our feelings of anger. Marcia was a professional social worker who headed a domestic violence program in a United Way agency in Buffalo NY. She has retired to Blacksburg where she does art.

March 19 (9:30 a.m.), “Defining Moral Values: Which America Will We Bequeath?” A hot topic internationally, UUs voted at General Assembly that we begin a study of this topic to determine our stance as a denomination. Bob Stuart, a UU with dual membership at Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, has been co-leading a series of Sunday morning discussions there titled, “Religion and Democracy.” He will lead us as we consider our thoughts on the role of moral values in this society

Two upcoming Congregation-wide meetings at the UUC to review our building expansion designs and to solicit input: Sunday, March 12, after the second service, and Monday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m. These have been scheduled by the Building Expansion Taskforce (BET). The format and agenda will be the same for each session, so it is not necessary to attend both meetings. The alternative dates have been selected to accommodate differing schedules and commitments. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

In addition, architectural drawings are now available on the uucnrv.org website for viewing. The UUC's architect, Bob Rogers, has provided us with new drawings reflecting the current thinking of the BET.

April 2 (DAYLIGHT SAVINGS STARTS), Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Words to Open the Eyes and Ears of the Heart.” April is National Poetry month and we will celebrate by looking at works by some UU poets.

April 9, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Money Talks.” What does your money say about your life?

Annual Stewardship-Campaign questions and answers after the second service about the Fair Share Giving guide

April 16, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Faith Without Certainty.” Today many Christians will stand certain and secure in their faith in the bodily resurrection of Jesus while Jews remember their liberation from bondage in Egypt as Yahweh led them through the Red Sea. UU minister Paul Rasor says that liberal religion offers a different kind of faith -- a faith without certainty.

April 23, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Lo, The Earth Awakes Again.” Today we will celebrate Earth Day with an intergenerational service.

Special Music: Stefan Kolb (viola); Leon Kok & Emily Reisinger (violin). Prelude: Introduzione from Terzetto Op.74 (A. Dvorak); Offertory: Terzetto No.11 in g minor (J.S. Bach); Postlude: Allegro from Concerto Grosso Op.3 No.4 (G.F. Handel)

Photo -Taking for new members/friends between services (see article)

April 30, “Where we've come from and where we are going.” The YRUU (with assistance of YAC) will hold a special recognition service. YRUU invites the Congregation to enjoy great memories and to join in recognizing all the folks who have made this a wonderful YRUU/YAC year. Cake and punch after the second service!

May 7, “Who’s At the Door and Should We Let Them In?” As our nation wrestles with the dilemma of “illegal immigrants” many of us struggle to get a grasp of the issues involved. Barbara Kraft and Chris Brownlie will present arguments from opposing viewpoints.

May 14, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Life in the Slow Lane.” My next-door neighbor is moving to Charlotte NC. He says that after seven years in Blacksburg, he’s ready to move into the fast lane. As the long days of summer beckon, his comment and an essay by poet Ioanna Warwick have led me ponder what life in the slow lane has to offer.

Special Music: Maria Rott (piano); Leon Kok (violin). Prelude: Somewhere in Time (John Barry); Offertory: You Raise Me Up (Rolf Lovland); Postlude: The AshGrove (English Folksong).

The building expansion model will be presented at the second service. The model will then be put on display in the foyer along with the drawings.

Informational Meeting: after the second service (for the following week’s congregational meeting)

May 21, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “To Be Announced.” Did you ever do exactly what you were supposed to do and still found yourself in a mess-or worse? What’s up with that? What are some possible responses when Life laughs at us?

Congregational Meeting: after the second service.

May 28, Jim Klagge: “Conflict and Mediation.” Klagge, a Virginia Supreme Court-certified mediator for Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Courts, professor of philosophy at Virginia Tech, and former school board member, will offer his reflections on the (1) need for, (2) process of, and (3) religious significance of mediation.

Special Music: Aliah Rosenthal (cello), Selected movements of works for solo cello by J.S. Bach.

Sunday Circle

May 7 (9:30 a.m.), Ecumenical Environmental Effort (EEE) is an informal network of Blacksburg faith communities that have come together to combine efforts in “greening” our congregations and our community. The hope is that by thinking creatively, combining efforts and supporting each other's projects the EEE can accomplish more than each faith community would be able to do in isolation. Some questions the group is pondering are “What is the best way to educate and motivate our members to be environmentally conscious?” “What projects could we successfully tackle together?” Marquita Hill, a member of Blacksburg Presbyterian Church will lead us in discussion.

May 21 (9:30 a.m.), Bill Clarkson, M.D. and a member of the Congregation, will talk about the need for health care reform in this country. He states he is part of a minority group of physicians, (rapidly growing in numbers), that has decided that the different Band-Aids applied in an effort to cover our medical system's "sores" will never do the job. What is it going to take to fix the system? Come to hear Bill's ideas and to suggest your own remedies.

June 4 & 11: Single Services at 9:30 a.m.

Intergenerational: childcare but no RE

June 4, Teacher and Youth-Advisor Recognition. This is our annual tribute to those who have served the Congregation during the past year in our children’s RE and youth programs.

End-of-Year Picnic will follow the service

June 11, Today we will celebrate our beloved community with our traditional ritual sometimes called the “Flower Ceremony.” Everyone is asked to bring a flower for each member of the family. We will use the flowers to create a large and beautiful bouquet symbolizing the beauty of our own Congregation. At the end of the service, everyone will take home a flower other than the one they brought as a reminder that even when we are away from one another, the connections remain.

June 18, Stan Mathes, UUC member: “Living our values: Should we talk about it more?” In our sermons and other discussions at the UUC, we often hear discussions about our values and principles — as well as interesting lectures about other religions, the environment, and social issues. Many UUs work hard to live their lives by these values, but we don't hear as much about this kind of life as we might. I believe many would be more inspired to lead a value-oriented life if they learned more about how such people live their values.

June 25. The Rev. Don Johnson: “Poetry As Humanist Scripture” delineates how poetry serves as a common means for inspiration, guidance, and building community for humans today — just as specific religious scriptures served in the past. Rev. Johnson is a former Methodist minister, a former college chaplain, and Leader Emeritus of the Ethical Society of St. Louis.

July 2, The Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Can a Liberal Love America?” Those on the political right often accuse liberal of hating America. As we get ready for the 4^th of July, I’d like to share my thoughts about being liberal and loving my country.

July 9, Fourth Annual Summer Sunday Poetry Slam. This “open pulpit” service will focus on poetry with a spiritual dimension. Members (and visitors) are invited to bring one or two selections to share that they find spiritually moving, inspirational, thought provoking — or just plain fun. The poems can be original writing or already published; poets and poetry lovers of all ages are welcome.

July 16, The Rev. Bill Gupton: “An Elevator Speech.” We've all faced that question from a friend or family member, co-worker or casual acquaintance: “Where do you go to church?” Followed by, “Unitarian Universalism … What's that?” Come hear how one UU minister has decided to respond. And perhaps you can share some thoughts of your own as well. Rev. Gupton is the minister at Heritage UU Church in Cincinnati, Ohio and is leading Thursday’s Evening Worship Service at SUUSI. He also serves as the Vice-President of the SUUSI Board.

July 23, The Rev. Meg Barnhouse: “Say ‘Move Over’: songs and readings about being a UU in the South.” Rev. Barnhouse is the minister at the UU Church of Spartanburg, South Carolina and will be giving Friday's Morning Theme Talk at SUUSI.

July 30,The Rev. Christine Brownlie: Because several members of the Katrina Team will be out of town this Sunday and thus unable to participate in the service they planned to offer, I will be speaking in their place, You'll have a chance to hear about the Katrina experience later in August.

My sermon will attempt to address my concerns about the growing violence in the Middle East and offer, I hope, a bit of hope as I tell you about The Fellowship of Reconciliation, the oldest peace organization in the U.S. and Europe. I find this group and the work they do to be a source of hope — even in these most painful and frightening times.

August 6, The Rev. Karen Day: “River of Creativity.” We’ll explore the creativity that flows through all of the universe. Even if you think you’re not creative, come and maybe you'll be surprised. Rev. Day is a UU minister, formerly with the UU Congregation of Greenville (NC), now living in Floyd.

August 13. “Report from the Katrina team.” Members of our team who traveled to Ocean Springs, Mississippi to help the town rebuild after being devastated by the hurricane will tell us what their week was like, how it affected them, what work they accomplished … and more

August 20, The Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Imagination and Religious Experience.” A cynic might claim that all “religious” experiences are actually the result of the imagination. Scholars who study religious experience see the role of imagination quite differently. What is the role of imagination in human experience and particularly in religious experiences?

August 27, Ingathering Service . One element of this ceremony is known in some congregations as “mingling the waters.” Friends and members are invited to bring a small amount of water from their travels or water that represents the places they have visited (aka: tap water) Those of us who have spent the summer at home might bring tap water or rain water or water from a local river or stream. (Please no water from the Tech Duck Pond!)

There will be a large bowl near the pulpit and people are invited to pour their water into the bowl and briefly tell where this water came from. We invite you to also name something that you experienced or learned that awakened a feeling of gratitude in you.

After the ceremony our minister will take this water home and, following the instructions of a hydrologist, she will purify it. She will freeze the water and keep it to use in our child dedication services — or other occasions where “holy” water is required.

Many of us look forward to this celebration of community and the sharing of our experiences and insights. We hope your summer travels have been enriching— even if you go no further than your own backyard.

September 3, The Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Workaholism: The Virtuous Addiction.” Have you noticed the recent articles in the newspaper about people who check their e-mail when they’re on vacation? Some of us don’t take all of our allotted vacation time, while others don’t take vacation at all. Did you blush when you read this — are you a workaholic? How can we escape this addiction?

September 10. The Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Our Theological House: A Tour of the House.” The Beetles sang that we all live in a yellow submarine, but the truth is that we all live in a theological house. I’d like to take you on a tour of our historic UU theological home as described by the Rev. Rebecca Parker, President of Starr King School for the Ministry, one of our UU seminaries.

September 17, “What Will the ‘Marriage Amendment’ Mean to Your Family?” This November, voters in Virginia will be asked to consider an amendment to the Commonwealth’s Constitution. Many people think that this amendment will affect only same gender couples. They should think again. Steve Cochran will explain the implications for all of us should this amendment pass. Steve Cochran is a graduate of Virginia Tech and a resident of Blacksburg. Currently he is employed by HH Hunt where he is the Director of Human Resources. He is the the current Chair of the Montgomery County Democratic Committee as well as a member of the Montgomery County Planning Commission and a member of the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Association of the New River Valley.

Special Music: The UUC Choir will perform at both services, “Love is the Reason I Sing” by Boyd Bacon.

September 24, The Rev. Christine Brownlie: “What Are You Doing Here?” Now and then I ask myself this question. I’d invite you to do the same, and then consider your answer as we enter into a time of hope and anticipation for our future as a congregation.

Sunday Circle

September 17 (9:30 a.m.), Julia Lewis, member of the Congregation, will lead our discussion of: “Newspapers in a Changing Media World.” She will address the question, “Are newspapers, as we know them becoming extinct?”

Please be aware that while these are the topics our minister plans to address; she has the prerogative to change a topic as current events or the sermon muse dictate. Sermons are posted on the Web site at the discretion of the minister, and not every sermon will be posted.

October 1, The Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Raising the Roof.” Congregations, like people, move from one stage of life to another. Each stage has its own characteristics, needs, and tasks. Today we’ll look at where we are now as a congregation and the changes that are likely to occur as we open our doors and widen our circle.

Recognition of children and youth school transitions.

After the second service, Nancy Gardner, a clinical child psychologist (and a UUC member), will facilitate a meeting for parents and others who are concerned about how children and youth are dealing with the recent revelations of misconduct by John Utin, a former Blacksburg Middle School Teacher.

October 8. The Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Celebrating 50 Years of Free and Liberal Faith in the New River Valley.” Today we will hear the story of our early founders and how we came to be to congregation we are today.

A Macaroni and Cheese Social will follow the 11:00 o’clock service.

October 15, The Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Our Theological House: Human Nature.” Because of other things during the service (a pulpit editorial, a mother-daughter Capital Campaign testimonial, the teadher and youth advisor dedication, and a follow up of the previous week’s “expand the dot” exercise, the sermon was not delivered. However, both it and the first one in this series are on the UUC Web site.

Teacher and Youth Advisor dedication at both services.

Special Music: the UUC Choir will sing “This Delightful Day We Sing” by George F. Handel.

October 22, “Space.” The YRUU, the Congregation’s teen youth group, will be leading both services.

October 29 (FIRST DAY OF STANDARD TIME), The Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Service of Love and Remembrance.” On this special day we recall those loved ones who have died in the past few months. A table will be set up and you are invited to bring pictures or other mementos of people and animal companions who touched your life and heart.

Sunday Circle

October 1 (9:30 a.m.), Bruce Hull, Professor of the College of Natural Resources at VT, will speak about the need for reform within the environmental movement to balance sustainable human needs and respect for the natural world, using the framework of his book, Infinite Nature.

October 15 (9:30 a.m.), What are the success factors that make a millionaire? Are they lucky? Were they at the top of their class in school? Did they invest wisely in the stock market? Linda Powers, UUC member, will lead a discussion of the book The Millionaire Mind by Thomas Stanley to answer these questions and find some unexpected characteristics of self-made millionaires.

November 5, The Rev. Don Johnson: “On Self-Deception.” What is a problem for each individual is magnified immensely when we examine self-deception by groups and nations.

Rev. Johnson has agreed to serve as the “Resident Minister” during Chris Brownlie’s sabbatical from February 4 to July 4 2007. Don is a former Methodist minister, a former college chaplain, and Leader Emeritus of the Ethical Society of St. Louis. He and Beverly currently live in Patrick County, VA. The Sabbatical Committee and Committee on Ministries are co-hosting a potluck after the second service Sunday November 5 to give everyone a chance to meet and greet the Reverend Don Johnson and his wife Beverly. The two committees will provide the beverages and main course of tasty lasagnas (both vegetarian and meat). Members and friends of the Congregation who plan to attend are asked to bring a salad, bread or dessert. Not only is this a great opportunity to meet Don and his wife, but for them to get to know many of us and begin to learn our various roles in the congregation. We hope to see you there!

Potluck 12:15 p.m. sponsored by The Knitting covenant group. Bring a dish to share, and enjoy our community lunch.

May 18, The Rev. Christine Brownlie: “What We Want: the Ultimate and the Intimate.” The Rev. James Luther Adams, a twentieth century Unitarian theologian, claimed that people came to church because they were seeking a connection with the ultimate and the intimate. Is this your reason for showing up on Sundays?

May 25: Please join the Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) as they lead their annual Spring service and bridging ceremony. The two youth being bridged out will be Erika Reid and Alice Cennamo: long-term members of the group.

Fourth-Sunday Collections are one way UUs reach out to those needing our help. Our collection on May 25 will support Community Action’s “Virginia Cares” program. Community Action is an established local human services organization. This new (Virginia CARES) project helps those who have been incarcerated transition into their communities and prevent recidivism.  The program serves anyone who has been incarcerated for any time, long or short, and is totally voluntary. For example, Virginia Cares helps clients secure necessary items (such as a copy of their birth certificate for identification) and other items for a job search. Please make checks out to “Community Action of the New River Valley” and note “Virginia CARES Program” in the memo line. For more information, contact Jill Columbus 382-6186 at Community Action of the NRV.

June 1 & 8: Single Services at 10:00 a.m.

Intergenerational: childcare but no RE

June 1, The Teacher and Youth-Advisor Recognition. This is our annual tribute to the teachers and youth advisors who have served the Congregation so generously during the past year in our children’s RE and youth programs.

Informational meeting after the service

June 8, The Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Inch by Inch, Row by Row, Look How We’ve Grown.” The Flower Service is a beloved end of the year ritual in many UU congregations. Everyone is asked to bring a flower for each member of the family. We will use the flowers to create a large and beautiful bouquet symbolizing the beauty of our own Congregation. At the end of the service, everyone will take home a flower as a reminder that even when we are away from one another, the connections remain. This will be a shortened service due to the Congregational meeting that follows the service.

June 15 David Travis: “Valuing Our Differences.” David, President of our local NAACP chapter, will address how individual differences are valuable in work and business, our social lives and communities, and in religion.

June 22 Rev. Karen Day: "In Deep..." Think the world is in it up to its eyeballs? According to Bill McKibben in his new book, Deep Economy equals deep happiness. With local stories we'll explore what it takes, personally and together to tap the “wealth of communities for a durable future.”

Fourth Sunday collection will support New River Community Action (Children's Summer Food Program).  This program provides nutritious meals once a day for needy children.  During summer months, while school is not in session and subsidized lunches are unavailable, these meals fill the gap.

June 29 Ellen Birx: "Zen in America." Ellen, a Zen teacher and nurse will focus on Zen as it is practiced here in the United States with an emphasis on meditation, lay practice, and gender equality. The mutual influence of Zen and psychology will also be discussed. We will conclude with brief meditation instructions and a few minutes of Zen meditation.

July 6 Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Gifts from General Assembly”. This year’s General Assembly promises to be verrrrry interesting. There are big changes coming in youth programming, the campaign for President kicks off with two wonderful candidates having declared, and there are sure to be surprises to bring home and share. So come and help me unpack what I’ve learned and experienced!

July 13 Sixth Annual Poetry Slam. You are invited to share those words that have touched, moved, nurtured and inspired you. Readings may be original or the work of a favorite poet or writer. If you do not have a reading to share, come and listen to those readings that are so meaningful to others in the congregation. Contact John Imbur at 320–1985 or <john_imbur@hotmail.com> with any questions you may have. There will be a sign-up sheet at the service.

July 20 Rev. Chip Roush, senior minister of the UU Congregation of Grand Traverse (Michigan): “Ripple: the Religious Humanism of the Grateful Dead.”  The lyrics and lifestyle of the Grateful Dead rock band, have inspired three generations (so far).  The religious humanism of the band has a lot in common with Unitarian Universalism.

Jeff Wynn and Jim Kern, guitarists, will provide us with a selection of Grateful Dead songs throughout the service.

Services: July 20 – August 31, 2008
Services at 10 a.m. in Elarth Hall
Nursery care for children ages birth to 3
Religious Education for children ages 4 to 11
Coffee & conversation in the foyer after the service

July 20, Rev. Chip Roush, senior minister of the UU Congregation of Grand Traverse (Michigan): “Ripple: the Religious Humanism of the Grateful Dead.”  The lyrics and lifestyle of the Grateful Dead rock band, have inspired three generations (so far).  The religious humanism of the band has a lot in common with Unitarian Universalism.

Jeff Wynn and Jim Kern, guitarists, will provide us with a selection of Grateful Dead songs throughout the service.

July 27, Rev. Dr. Michael Tino, minister of the UU Fellowship of Northern Westchester, Mt. Kisco, NY: “The Faith of A Scientist.” In a faith that celebrates the use of reason in religion, it is no surprise that we have created a religious home for many scientists. Our understanding of science, though, is potentially incomplete. How can faith and science be seen as complementary? Or even interdependent?

Fourth Sunday collection will support the Children’s Summer Food Program.  See page 9 in the July-August newsletter for details.

August 3, Dave Lievsay, UUC member: “Why Do Many People Seem to Need Religion?” Religion has been a feature of human life since prehistory. Dave will discuss some ideas that have been put forward to explain why this has occurred, as well as ideas for future research.

August 10, Bob Rogers, a member of the Baha'i Faith for eight years: “The Baha’i Faith: All Peoples — One Common Faith.” Founded in 1844 in Iran, this second most wide-spread world religion (after Christianity) embraces the expression - "the earth is but one country and mankind its citizens". Bob and other members of the Blacksburg Baha'i community will discuss key aspects of the Baha'i Faith, such as oneness, Manifestations of God, equality, race unity, the importance of education, the harmony of science and religion, and building a world civilization. Bob’s firm has served as Architect for our building expansion.

August 17, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Making the Dream a Reality.” For years, we have dreamed about our new building and the opportunities that a larger, more beautiful space would offer us. That dream has been realized, and now we begin to turn our attention to becoming the Congregation we want to be. What does that look like? How should we begin this work?

August 24, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Like Sunshine!” You may have noticed that one of my favorite selections for closing words says that our religion should be “like sunshine.” Today I’ll introduce you to the author of these words: Theodore Parker, one of our most courageous and heretical Unitarian ministers.

The 4th Sunday collection for this month will be donated to the Blacksburg Head Start Program. The program just started its fall session this week and is in need of a variety of supplies for its students who are preschoolers from low-income families.

Music was provided uring the service by Jared Gibbs (piano) and recorder musicians (Goldie Terrell, Tony Shields, and Terry Rhodes).

August 31, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Ingathering: Gather the Spirit.” One element of this ceremony is known in some congregations as “mingling the waters.” Friends and members are invited to bring a small amount of water from their travels or water that represents the places they have visited (aka: tap water) Those of us who have spent the summer at home might bring tap water or rain water or water from a local river or stream. (Please no water from the Tech Duck Pond!)

There will be a large bowl near the pulpit and people are invited to pour their water into the bowl and briefly tell where this water came from. We invite you to also name something that you experienced or learned that awakened a feeling of gratitude in you. After the ceremony, our minister will take this water home and, following the instructions of a hydrologist, she will purify it. She will freeze the water and keep it to use in our child dedication services — or other occasions that require “holy” water.

Many of us look forward to this celebration of community and the sharing of our experiences and insights. We hope your summer travels have been enriching — even if you go no further than your own backyard.

The UUC Choir will sing during the service.

Services: September 2008
Services at 10 a.m. in the Meeting Hall
Children’s Religious Education and nursery care
Coffee & conversation following the service

Mfont size="+2">Sunday Circle (September 14 and 28) following the September Sunday services.

The UUC Choir will sing during the service.

September 7, “Enter, Rejoice and Come In!” We will dedicate our wonderful new space this morning with words, music, and memories. Annette Marquis, the District Executive for the Thomas Jefferson District of the UUA, will offer the sermon: “Love is the Spirit. Building or expanding a physical plant is not enough to assure that a congregation will fulfill its mission to open its doors and welcome in all who need liberal religion in its community. Growing our Unitarian Universalist congregations can only happen if we infuse them with love, fill them with spirit, and permeate them with an unconditional welcoming. In this dedication service, we'll explore what comes next now that the building project is completed. What must your Unitarian Universalist Congregation do to assure that the equity in its building is truly equity in its future?”

This is an intergenerational service: no RE classes.

Click here for a link to a Web page about this service.

September 14, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Price of Being Right.” There are times when being right and not backing down is necessary. However, there are also times when being right is really a matter of perception. There are times to let go of what we claim is right so that a relationship can heal. How do we decide when we’re willing to pay the price of being right?

September 21, Dr. Ken Nafziger: “The Spirituality of Singing.” Dr. Nafziger will lead us in a service that will bring us all to a greater understanding of singing as a spiritual discipline and a profound human expression.

September 28, Rev. Christine Brownlie “Thoreau’s Favorite Visitor.” Henry David Thoreau spent two years living alone in a cabin he built himself on Walden Pond. He often received visitors, but his favorite was a “guest” that we might be inclined to avoid: solitude. How might we welcome this visitor and be enriched by the experience of the encounter?

The 4th Sunday Collection this month will go to The New River Valley Agency on Aging. This organization provides a variety of advocacy and support services for individuals age 60 and above.  At this time, the agency has the following financial needs:  Meet expenses for a free workshop for caregivers (to be held on November 1, assist in paying for home repairs for disabled seniors, and provide fuel assistance for seniors.  Checks can be made out to NRV Agency on Aging.

Sunday Circle

The Sunday Circle will meet on the second and fourth Sunday of the month starting at 8:45.

September 14: How animism and magic influenced the development of religion. Dave Lievsay, member of UUC, will explore the ideas of Edward Tylor and James Frazer concerning the human experience that leads people to want or need religion.

September 28: “Freedom for the Thought We Hate.” Tom Jannuzi, Professor Emeritus of Economics and Asian Studies (University of Texas), will speak on observations derived from Anthony Lewis’s new book, A Biography of the First Amendment. American society is periodically gripped with fear — fear manipulated by politicians. On many occasions, fear has triumphed over reasoned thought, and these are powerful reminders of the manner in which fear can be used to undermine our freedoms.

Services: October 2008
Services at 10 a.m. in the Meeting Hall
Children’s Religious Education and nursery care
Coffee & conversation following the service

Mfont size="+2">Sunday Circle (October 12 and 26) following the SOctosber Sunday services.

October 5, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Ethical Eating.” Last June the delegates to the 2008 General Assembly of the UUA voted to make ethical eating our study-action issue for the next four years. This is an issue that can be addressed on so many levels of our lives. I’d like to begin a discussion on this topic with the idea that we’ll revisit it frequently.

The UUC Choir will sing The Storm is Passing Over; Goldie Terrell and Jared Gibbs will play Andalouse by Pessard

Our Teacher Dedication will take place during the Story Time. Please consider staying after the service to participate in the “AfterWord” discussion.

October 12, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Feast, Fast and Famine.” What does it mean for us to live in a culture that is so profoundly focused on food? What might we change in our own relationship with food that could truly help those who don’t have enough?

Everyone is invited to stay for the Community Lunch/Potluck following the service. We are trying a new system for potlucks this year. Instead of having the various small groups within the UUC be responsible in turn for hosting the potluck, everyone in the Congregation will be assigned a duty based on the first letter of their last name. The duties of setup, cleanup, main dishes, side dishes and desserts will be rotated through the alphabet from month to month. In October, the second Sunday is October 12. Plan to carry out the duties that day as follows:

• Last names A through C will be responsible for bringing a beverage and setting up the tables in Elarth Fellowship Hall, beginning by 9:40 AM so as to have setup complete before the service at 10. Members of the Membership Committee will be available to direct.

• Last names D through H will be responsible for bringing main dishes.

• Last names I through L will be responsible for bringing side dishes.

• Last names M through R will be responsible for bringing desserts.

• Last names S through Z will be responsible for cleanup.

Be sure as you plan your dishes to bring at least enough that, if you and your family ate an entire meal solely of your dish, there would be plenty for each of you. We don’t want anyone to go away hungry!

Some in the Congregation are allergic to various ingredients (some life-threateningly so), and they would appreciate it if you provided a list of the ingredients in your dish. However, we understand that it’s very easy for people to forget, or for newcomers to be unaware of this request. Because we cannot ensure that the foods at our potlucks will not contain nuts, peanuts, or other allergens, we must all assume individual responsibility for what we consume, and parents must assume responsibility for their children’s food choices.

October 19, Andy Sarjahani: “How Tech Supports Sustainable Eating.” Andy, the Sustainability Coordinator for Virginia Tech Student Programs, will bring us news of some exciting initiatives that are underway at Virginia Tech to support sustainable eating and more.

The UUC Choir will sing Sing Ev’ry Morning and Noon and Night

October 26, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “All Our Memories of Love.” This Sunday we will remember and honor our loved ones who have died in recent years. Please bring photos, mementos, and stories of your beloved friends and family (pets included).

The Fourth Sunday Collection will be donated to the New River Family Shelter. This agency has temporary shelters in Blacksburg and Christiansburg and provides case management, information and referral services for shelter residents. If there is no space available at any of the three facilities (two homes and an efficiency room), clients receive bus tickets or money for gas to get to the nearest shelter alternative. In these uncertain economic times, any family can experience a crisis resulting in homelessness. Let's be generous in our support of those who may encounter the pain of being displaced. Please make checks out to “New River Family Shelter.”

The UUC Choir will sing Flying Free.

Sunday Circle

The Sunday Circle meets on the second and fourth Sunday of the month starting at 8:45. All are welcome to join us for what is always a stimulating conversation.

October 12: Carl Hansen, UUC member, will present the first of two parts on The Politics of Agriculture. The history of civilization is essentially a history of agriculture. Agriculture has played a critical role in the evolution of society. Societies succeeded when food was in surplus and failed when insufficient. The purpose of this presentation is to consider some of the factors which influence the availability of food.

October 26: Carl Hansen will present part two on The Politics of Agriculture. This discussion will focus on a single commodity: Bananas. Bananas are so common that people rarely realize they have a fascinating history involving, politics, science, and business. Originating in New Guinea but now common in most tropical areas of the world, they also have become an important source of food for non-tropical areas as well. Their future has become problematical because of their susceptibility to bacterial infections. These infections have become resistant to the standard chemical treatments but breeding for disease resistance is difficult because of their patterns of reproduction.

Services: November 2008
Services at 10 a.m. in the Meeting Hall
Children’s Religious Education and nursery care
Coffee & conversation following the service

Mfont size="+2">Sunday Circle (November 16 and 30) following the November Sunday services.

November 2 (turn clocks back!) Youth Service We’ll hear from the members of our youth group, the Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) as they offer a service of music, lively thoughts, and the energy to inspire us. This is always an engaging and thought provoking service.

All are invited to stay after the service for our AfterWord discussion.

November 9 Rev. Christine Brownlie: A Faith for Tough Times The true test of our faith is how it helps us face the rough patches in life. What does our Unitarian Universalist faith offer in life’s tough times?

Today we will welcome new members into our Congregation.

Goldie Terrell, Jared Gibbs, Jeff Wynn, and Jim Kern will offer their musical talents.

Everyone is invited to stay for the Community Lunch/Potluck following the service. We have redistributed the duties so that there will be MORE FOOD than last month! If your last name begins with A through Kep, please bring a main dish; Ker through Laz, please arrive by 9:40 to set up before the service and bring a beverage; Leg through Mer, plan to stay for cleanup after the potluck; Mon through Z, bring a side dish or dessert. Please do your best to include a list of ingredients for your dish.

November 16 Rev. Christine Brownlie: Facing Mortality We live in a culture that turns away from the reality of death. The result is that many of us neglect the tasks that would assist our survivors, making a difficult time even more stressful. UUC member, Victor Bongard, an attorney who deals with estate planning, will discuss the legal issues that need to be considered, and Isabel Berney will discuss the plans for a future memorial garden and will present a survey prepared by the memorial garden committee for members and friends to share their thoughts on these topics.

The UUC Choir will sing The River Sleeps Beneath the Sky.

November 23 Rev. Christine Brownlie: Intergenerational Service Everyone Eats Bread! Whether you like corn bread, biscuits, whole wheat or rye, pita bread, monkey bread, or tortillas, almost everyone eats bread! You are invited to bring your favorite bread to share during the service as we celebrate the staff of life.

The Fourth Sunday Collection will be donated to Women's Resource Center of the NRV. This organization offers programs and services for adult and child victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as an extensive public education and prevention program. It serves residents of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, and Pulaski counties, as well as those in the City of Radford. Begun in 1977, it is the oldest shelter operation for battered women in Virginia. All services are offered free of charge. These include the 24-Hour Hotline and programs for Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Victim/Witness, Education, and Volunteers. Please give as generously as you can.

November 30 Seth Leonard De-Mystifying Energy, Work, Meditation, and “Energy Work” Explore the chakras, our deepest understanding of spirituality. But what is a chakra, how does it feel? We will explore a technique that gives you a visceral understanding of the palm chakra and a consequent language for exploration of “energy work”. This will help you understand your own inner wisdom.

Sunday Circle

The Sunday Circle meets on the second and fourth Sunday of the month starting at 8:45. All are welcome to join us for what is always a stimulating conversation.

November 9: Bill Clarkson, UUC member, will lead a discussion on the book "Bridge at the End of the World". Our world is being driven by capitalist multinationals with the mantra "more is better". But this process is rapidly depleting the world's resources and fouling the environment, a prescription for disaster. The author describes a viable way of evolving toward a more sustainable future.

November 23: How animism and magic influenced the development of religion. Dave Lievsay, UUC member, will explore the ideas of Edward Tylor and James Frazer concerning the human experience that leads people to want or need religion.

Services: December 2008
10:00 AM in the Meeting Hall
Children’s Religious Education and nursery care
Coffee & conversation following the service

Sunday Circle (December 14 at 8:45 AM) are listed after the Sunday services.

Christmas Eve Service

In case of bad weather ... check News Channel 10 to see if our service has been canceled. If cancelled, a message will be sent to the listserv by 8:30. You can also call Lisa Evanylo at 552–8050 or Chris Brownlie at 552–5286 after 8:30.

December 7,Rev. Christine Brownlie:AIDS-The Forgotten Epidemic: World AIDS Day is commonly marked on December 1^st. These days the AIDS epidemic that was such a concern in the 80s and 90s is largely forgotten. Yet this tragic disease still rages in much of the world. How might we respond to this devastating situation?

The UUC Choir: Sing Softly, World (Eugene Butler) accompanied by Jared Gibbs (piano) and Goldie Terrell (flute).

Please consider staying after the service to participate in the &ldquoAfterWord” discussion.

December 14, Rev. Christine Brownlie:The Myth of the Messiah Judaism and Christianity both proclaim the concept of a messiah, a person who is anointed and sent by God for a specific purpose. For those of the Jewish traditions, this title is complex and is used in many ways. For Christians, Jesus is that anointed person. Does this term have meaning for us? Perhaps.

Dick Kates will deliver a Pulpit Editorial during the service.

Members and friends of the Congregation are invited to bring in pairs of new mittens, hats, and gloves to decorate our Mitten Tree at the service. In addition to learning the Mitten Tree song, each RE class will be purchasing mittens with their offering money and will add them to the tree that Sunday. Afterwards, the mittens, hats, and gloves will be donated to New River Valley Community Services for distribution during the holidays to those in need.

Everyone is invited to stay for the Community Lunch/Potluck following the service. If your last name begins with Ker through Z, please bring a main dish; Bro through Kep, please bring a side dish or dessert; A through Ba, plan to arrive by 9:40 to set up for the potluck before the service and bring a beverage; Ben through Bra, plan to stay for cleanup after the potluck. Please include a list of ingredients for your dish for those who have allergies. Instructions are posted in the kitchen for set-up and clean-up, and volunteers from the Membership Committee will be available to direct set-up. Please be aware that those setting up for the potluck cannot put your dish in the oven or otherwise prepare it in any way — they have their hands full just setting up tables, etc. Fun & Frolics will host holiday cookie decorating in the old foyer during the Community Lunch. Cookies and decorations will be provided on a limited basis. All are welcome to participate! Richard Eisler invites all interested men in the Congregation to discuss the possibility of developing a Men's Forum. The group will meet at a table in Elarth Hall during the community lunch/potluck.

December 21, Come All Ye—- A Winter Solstice Celebration! An Intergenerational Service with no RE classes. The Blacksburg UU WomenSpirit Gathering will lead us in a Winter Solstice Celebration of the longest night of the year, the return of the sun, and longer days. At this time of deep contemplation and review of the past year, we also look with renewed energy and joy toward the coming spring. Our wish for the new year is that it will bring peace to our hearts, our community and to the larger world.

December 28, Holiday Memories (second annual). A participatory service in the spirit of our summer poetry slam. A congregation-led service in the spirit of the summer poetry slam. Please bring a story, memory, poem, or tradition that is related to your own connection to the holiday season. If you prefer to sit as an observer, this is fine as well. But if you'd like to come up in the collaborative holiday spirit and share a little something of yourself, this is the venue to do so. Due to the desire to accommodate as many of the Congregation as the spirit moves, please keep your sharing to 3 minutes, give or take. This was a great moment of sharing last year, and we look forward this year's offerings! Contact John Imbur at 320–1985 if you have any questions.

The Fourth-Sunday Collection will be donated to the Mental Health Association of the New River Valley for its Pro Bono Counseling Program. The holiday season is a difficult and emotional time for many people. Financial support for this agency in its efforts to provide counseling services for those who are unable to afford it is especially important this time of year. Checks can be made out to the Mental Health Association of the NRV.

The UUC Interweave Covenant Group, led by Pippa Chapman, will meet after the service, in the library. The group plans to meet the 4th Sunday of each month.

Services: January 2009
10:00 AM in the Meeting Hall
Children’s Religious Education and nursery care
Coffee & conversation following the service

Sunday Circle (January 11 and January 25 at 8:45 AM) are listed after the Sunday services.

Christmas Eve Service

January 4, Rev. Christine Brownlie Food Resolutions. I'd guess that if we took a poll of the top five New Year's Resolutions that food issues would be high on the list. Even though we're past New Year's Eve, I'd like to suggest some ideas for meaningful resolutions about food that you might add to your list.

Please consider staying after the service to participate in the “AfterWord” discussion.

January 11, Rev. Christine Brownlie: The Way of Humanism. One of the sources of our living tradition is Humanism. What is Humanism? How has this source nourished our way of the spirit?

Pulpit Editorial by Morton Nadler

UUC Choir will sing Be Still, Look Up and Listen

Guest at Your Table donations will be collected. Please convert your saved coins into a check made out to “UUSC.” Indicate on the memo line that the donation is for “GAYT” and also if you wish to be a member of UUSC. Levels of membership and their fees are as follows: $10 student/youth; $20 Senior (65+); $40 Regular; $75 Dual (2 adults). Include with your donation the name, email address, and snailmail address for each family member you wish to enroll in UUSC. There is a matching gift program from Shelter Rock Congregation (Long Island) that will match contributions of $100 or more. Please join us in this once-a-year collection for our UUSC’s efforts to advance human rights and social justice around the world. Thank you for your generosity.

Everyone is invited to stay for the Community Lunch/Potluck following the service. If your last name begins with Bro - through Cen, plan to arrive by 9:40 to set up for the potluck before the service, and to assist with moving items from the kitchen to the tables as the potluck occurs. People from the Membership Committee will be on hand to direct and assist with set-up and serving. Instructions are posted in the kitchen for set-up and clean-up. If your last name begins with Ch- through Cor-, plan to stay for cleanup after the potluck and bring a beverage. If your last name begins with O through Z, or A through Bra-, please bring a side dish. If your last name begins with Cou- through N, please bring a main dish. Please do your best to include a list of ingredients for your dish to assist those with food allergies.

January 18, CANCELLED

January 25, Rev. Christine Brownlie Dealing with Betrayal. Betrayal happens. Politician lie and cheat, trusted friends hurt us with words and deeds, our spouse or partner violates our trust, our children break the rules. How should we respond? How can we recover trust?<

Music during the service: Prelude: Bile Them Cabbage Down (trad, arr. Richard W. Mooney), Kelby Benson and Hank Skutt (cellos); and Offering: Hungarian Serenade (Victorin Joncieres), Jared Gibbs (piano) and Goldie Terrell (flute).

Because of the collection on January 11 for Guest at Your Table, there is no separate Fourth-Sunday collection this month.

The Sunday Circle meets on the second and fourth Sunday of the month starting at 8:45. All are welcome to join us for what is always a stimulating conversation.

January 11: CANCELLED.

January 25: John Randolph, former Congregation president and chair of Urban Affairs and Planning at VT, will lead a discussion on what we (VT and Blacksburg) are doing to address climate change, including the Virginia Tech Climate Action Commitment and Sustainability Plan and the Blacksburg Climate Action Plan

Services: February 2009
10:00 AM in the Meeting Hall
Children’s Religious Education and nursery care
Coffee & conversation following the service

Sunday Circle (February 8 and February 22 at 8:45 AM) are listed after the Sunday services.

In case of bad weather ... check News Channel 10 to see if our service has been canceled. If cancelled, a message will be sent to the listserv by 8:30. You can also call Lisa Evanylo at 552–8050 or Chris Brownlie at 552–5286 after 8:30.

February 1, Russell Gregory, emeritus professor of Religious Studies at Radford University: We Are What We Fear: Becoming Conscious to Save Our Soul. Russell will explore the Jungian connection to the truth which surrounds us. Note: Here is the poem Russell mentioned during the service.

The UUC Choir will sing You Are the New Day (John David, arr. Peter Knight).

February 8, Rev. Christine Brownlie: Evolution Sunday: Praise the Lord for Evolution? It seems that science and religion have been foes for centuries. How can we bring understanding and respect to this quarrel?

Special Music: Ed Wolfe and Goldie Terrell (recorders): for the prelude, Gigue (Boimortier); for the offering, Sonata IV Allegro (Loeillet) and Minuets I & II (Boismortier)

Everyone is invited to stay for the Community Lunch/Potluck following the service. Here are February's assignments: If your last name begins with Cou- through Fi, bring a beverage and plan to arrive by 9:40 to set up for the potluck before the service, and to assist with moving items from the kitchen to the tables as the potluck occurs. Plates and silverware will not be set out until all are ready to eat, so as to proceed in an orderly fashion. Instructions are posted in the kitchen for set-up and clean-up. People from the Membership Committee will be on hand to direct and assist with set-up and serving.

If your last name begins with Fl- through N, please bring a side dish. If your last name begins with O through Z or A through Cor-, please bring a main dish. A general announcement will be made asking for people to help with clean-up. Please do your best to include a list of ingredients for your dish to assist those with food allergies; and consider serving as a UUC Host to a newcomer.

February 15, Rev. Christine Brownlie: Intergenerational Service for All Ages: A Valentine’s Day Celebration of Love!

Parents please note that Rev. Brownlie will offer a ceremony of child dedication during the service.

February 22, Rev. Christine Brownlie and Laureen Blakemore: Volunteer Sunday. Our volunteers are our most valuable resource!  Today we'll celebrate all that they do for our Congregation and invite you to join this wonderful group. 

UUC Choir: Jubilee, with Helen Shafran singing descant, Lesley Howard (flute), Korey Mercier (drum), and Jared Gibbs (piano). Jim Kern will sing Supertramp's Give a Little Bit. Goldie Terrell and Mike Schafale will play a hammer-dulcimer and bass-flute duet.

The Fourth Sunday Collection will go to the New River Valley Chapter of the NAACP for its scholarship fund for local African-American students.

The Sunday Circle meets on the second and fourth Sunday of the month starting at 8:45. All are welcome to join us for what is always a stimulating conversation.

February 8: There are deep links between these two liberators, one of the body, the other of the mind, deeper than sharing the same birthday. After describing these links, UUC member, Morton Nadler, will discuss the dilemma of historians trying to decipher Lincoln's basic motivation and deepest convictions with respect to Emancipation and the Constitution. Morton has uncovered the most amazing aspects of Lincoln's life, aspects that have been buried in little known and long forgotten biographies. Here is a link to his presentation.

February 22: Charles Darwin, whose birthday is celebrated along with Lincoln's this month, continued the Copernican Revolution which established that we don't occupy the central position in the universe. UUC member, Alan Heath, will lead a discussion on why he is considered to be one of the greatest thinkers of all time and how his work raises numerous big questions dealing with such issues as race relations, one's purpose in the world, religion, etc.

Services: March 2009
10:00 AM in the Meeting Hall
Children’s Religious Education and nursery care
Coffee & conversation following the service

Sunday Circle (February 8 and February 22 at 8:45 AM) are listed after the Sunday services.

In case of bad weather ... check News Channel 10 to see if our service has been canceled. If cancelled, a message will be sent to the listserv by 8:30. You can also call Lisa Evanylo at 552–8050 or Chris Brownlie at 552–5286 after 8:30.

March 1, Rev. Christine Brownlie: The Pain of Betrayal. Whether we’ve been betrayed by a mortgage bank, a sports hero, a manufacturer of toys or food, or that person way back in high school who violated your trust and broke your heart, betrayal hurts. How do we cope, how can we recover?

The UUC Choir will sing Amani Utupe by Patsy Ford Simms.

March 8, FIRST DAY OF DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME, Rev. Christine Brownlie: Is UU a Faith or Philosophy? A member of the Congregation recently posed this question to Chris, and this sermon is her response.

We will welcome new members into the Congregation during the service.

Everyone is invited to stay for the Stewardship Potluck following the service.

To keep things running smoothly and ensure enough food for all, please note March's assignments as follows: If your last name begins with Fl- through Ha-, bring a beverage and plan to arrive by 9:30 to help set up for the potluck before the service, and to assist with moving items from the kitchen to the tables as the potluck occurs. Plates and silverware should not be set out until all are ready to eat to ensure that all proceeds in an orderly fashion. Instructions are posted in the kitchen for set-up and clean-up. People from the Membership Committee will be on hand to direct and assist with set-up and serving. If your last name begins with T through Z, or A through Fi-, please bring a side dish. If your last name begins with He- through S, please bring a main dish. A general announcement will be made asking for people to help with clean-up.

Please do your best to include a list of ingredients for your dish, to assist those with food allergies.

March 15, Rev. Christine Brownlie: UUC Justice Sunday: The Right to Safe Water. How many times a day do you turn on the tap in a sink and have instant access to safe clean water? When you flush the commode, do you give any thought to how this water is handled so it doesn’t spread disease? Not everyone enjoys what we take for granted. How can we address the justice issue of safe water and sanitation as a basic human right?

The UUC Choir will sing “There Must Be More Love Somewhere” (arranged by Clif Hardin) featuring Helen Shafran (soprano) and Jared Gibbs (piano).

March 22, Stewardship Sunday! Rev. Christine Brownlie: Stand by Your Faith! The Rev. Olympia Brown charged her congregations to be bold defenders of their faith. How might we be called to defend our free faith in these challenging times?

The Fourth Sunday Collection will benefit The Valley Interfaith Child Care Center. This center, located in Blacksburg, offers high-quality, affordable, fully state-licensed care for the children of low-income working families in the New River Valley. Its director, Katy Irene St. Marie, will be at our service on the 22nd and will share more information about this unique child care option available in our community.

March 29, Franke J. Neumann: In xochitl, in cuicatl: Aztec Lyrical Poetry. “I weave flowers into you. I put flowers around you. I lift you up to join us together. I awaken you. That is how I please you with whom I do it." (from Aquiauhtzin of Ayapanco) Dr. Neumann, an historian of religions and retired professor at VT will present some background about Aztec poets and their creations, together with a few translations that he has made.

The UUC Choir will sing “All Ye Who Music Love.”

Sunday Circle

The Sunday Circle meets on the second and fourth Sundays of the month beginning at 8:45 AM. All are welcome to join us for stimulating conversation.

March 8: John Cairns, former UUC member, will lead a discussion on the profound biological and ecological changes we may face as our planet warms based on the book Six Degrees: Our Future on a Hotter Planet by Mark Lynas. Check out these articles at John's Web site: 1) The Mother of all positive feedback loops, 2) Homage to Garrett Hardin: Nobody ever died of global climate change, and 3) The end of contagious optimism and denial.

March 22: Low Carbon Diet discussion led by Shelley Fortier & the Green Team<. Whether you are an experienced conservationist or only just beginning to explore the impact your lifestyle has on our planet, please come share ideas, successes and failures in reducing the detrimental impact some of our behaviors have on the planet. We will review opportunities provided in the Low Carbon Diet workbook, compelling Web sites for lifestyle changes, and we will discuss future steps the Congregation could take.

Services: April 2009
10:00 AM in the Meeting Hall
Children’s Religious Education and nursery care
Coffee & conversation following the service

Sunday Circle (April 2 and April 26 at 8:45 AM) are listed after the Sunday services.

April 5, Rev. Christine Brownlie: It Would Have Been Enough. A section of the Passover Haggadah offers a list of what God did to liberate the Hebrew people from bondage in Egypt. As each act is named, the people respond with the word “dayenu” which means “It would have been enough.” When do we say “enough”-whether we are an individual, a corporation, or a nation?

Prelude: The UUC Choir will sing Ose Shalom (The One Who Makes Peace), trad. Hebrew text, music by John Leavitt (accompanied by Jared Gibbs (piano) and Chas Hill (tenor sax));
Offering: Jared Gibbs (piano) and Chas Hill (tenor sax): I'll Be Seeing You by Irving Kahal and Sammy Fain;
Postlude: Jared Gibbs (piano) and Chas Hill (tenor sax): Bye Bye Blackbir by Ray Henderson and Mort Dixon.

April 12, Rev. Christine Brownlie: Easter Sunday: The Gift of Forgiveness. An Intergenerational Service. For many Christians, the story of Easter is that Jesus’ death provided an acceptable atonement to God for the sins of humankind. For most Unitarian Universalists, atonement and forgiveness are found in human relationships. How do we forgive? What do we do if we cannot reach this ideal in our own hearts?

Prelude: The Swan by Camille Saint-Saëns performed by Kellby Benson (cello) and Jared Gibbs (piano)
Offertory: Allegro from Sonata V für Flöte und Basso Continuo by J.S. Bach, performed by Goldie Terrell (flute) and Jared Gibbs (piano)
Postlude: Impromptu in A♭ Major by Frederic Chopin

Everyone is invited to stay for the Potluck/Community Lunch< following the service. To keep things running smoothly and ensure enough food for all, please note April's assignments as follows:

• If your last name begins with He- through Kep, bring a beverage and plan to arrive by 9:30 to set up for the potluck before the service and to assist with moving items from the kitchen to the tables as the potluck occurs. Plates and silverware should not be set out until all are ready to eat, so as to proceed in an orderly way. Instructions are posted in the kitchen for set-up and clean-up. People from the Membership Committee will be on hand to direct and assist with set-up and serving.

• If your last name begins with Ker- through S, please bring a side dish. If your last name begins with T through Z, or A through Ha-, please bring a main dish. A general announcement will be made asking for people to help with cleanup. Please do your best to include a list of ingredients for your dish to assist those with food allergies.

April 19, Rev. Karen Day: Holding On and Letting Go. Mary Oliver suggests we must do both to be human. We'll consider her poem and what religious traditions teach us about how to manage these challenging tasks of living. Rev. Day is a UU minister living in Floyd and has been a guest speaker at the UUC many times.

The UUC Choir will sing Think on Me by Alicia Ann Scott.

April 26, Tod Whitehurst: Lifting the Spirit Through Laughter. As a congregation we will explore how intentional sustained laughter brings joy to yourself, your family and to the community at large. Tod, a newcomer to the UUC, is a Certified Laughing Yoga Instructor and the founder of the Laughter Club of the New River Valley.

Prelude: The Swan by Blück performed by Goldie Terrell (flute)Minuet of the Blessed Spirit and Jared Gibbs (piano)
Offertory: Sicilienne by Fauré, performed by Goldie Terrell (flute) and Jared Gibbs (piano)
Postlude: Mean to Me by Ahlert/Turk

The Fourth Sunday Collection< will benefit the Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry. It is important to continue our support of this local organization as it strives to provide individuals and families with one of the most basic of human needs. Checks can be made out to the “Interfaith Food Pantry.” Your contributions are greatly needed and appreciated

The UUC Executive Board voted to adopt an “Austerity Spending Program” for the remainder of the fiscal year in which there will be no spending on discretionary items. A Congregational Informational Meeting on the budget will follow the service to further discuss the situation.

Sunday Circle

The Sunday Circle meets on the second and fourth Sundays of the month beginning at 8:45 AM. All are welcome to join us for stimulating conversation.

April 12: Newspapers struggle to remain society's watchdog. Christian Trejbal, an editorial writer with The Roanoke Times, will lead the discussion on the role of newspapers today.

April 26: UUC member, Isabel Berney, will lead a discussion on The Origins of Morality based on Frans de Waal’s book, Primates and Philosophers. This is a look at how biology helps us understand the evolution of morality and why humans don’t think it is good to be bad.

Services: May 2009
10:00 AM in the Meeting Hall
Children’s Religious Education and nursery care
Everyone is invited to coffee & conversation following the service

Sunday Circle (May 10 and May 24 at 8:45 AM) are listed after the Sunday services.

May 3, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “The Path of Atheism.” What does it mean to be an Atheist? Why would someone choose this path, especially in a society that is so steeped in religion? Today we’ll explore some of the fundamentals of this path and some of the issues that atheists face.

The UUC Choir will sing Ale Brider, (traditional, arr. Joshua Jacobson). Soloists: Wayne Neu, Polly Stimson, Chris Brownlie.

May 10, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “Deepening the UU Spirit Together.” Many UU congregations have a small-group program that helps friends and members widen their circle of friends while exploring together topics of mutual interest. We have such a program, but it seems to me that it’s time for some new groups to be added. What kind of small groups would serve you? Let’s make it happen!

Prelude: Champagne Rag (by Joseph F. Lamb). Finn Roberts (piano).

Everyone is invited to stay for the Second Sunday Potluck following the service. To keep things running smoothly and ensure enough food for all, please note April's assignments as follows: If your last name begins with KER- through L, bring a beverage and plan to arrive by 9:30 to set up for the potluck before the service, and to assist with moving items from the kitchen to the tables as the potluck occurs. Plates and silverware should not be set out until all are ready to eat, so as to proceed in an orderly way. Instructions are posted in the kitchen for set-up and clean-up. People from the Membership Committee will be on hand to direct and assist with set-up and serving. If your name begins with M- through Z-, please bring a side dish. If your last name begins with A- through KEP-, please bring a main dish.

A general announcement will be made asking for people to help with cleanup. Don’t forget your list of the ingredients in your dish, to assist those with food allergies.

May 17: Please join the Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) as they lead their annual Spring service and bridging ceremony. Always a treat for those who attend, the youth are excited to share their adventures from their trip to Boston. The four youth being bridged out will be Brianna Wright, Devon Skinner, Alleyne Ross, and Jin Tiloganart — along with Carol Wolfe, as an outgoing advisor.

May 24, Rev. Christine Brownlie: “How Should We Remember Them?” For most of us, Memorial Day is the kick-off to summer. We’re aware that there is another reason for this holiday, but most of us might prefer to ignore it. This year, let’s take time to remember those who have served our nation.

The Fourth Sunday Collection will benefit the Christiansburg Institute. Founded in 1996, the mission of the Christiansburg Institute is “to promote and preserve its unique place in the history of African American education in ways which will exemplify its legacies of educational achievement and lifelong educational opportunity”. Central to the mission is to restore a portion of the original Christiansburg Institute campus and to continue to plan and develop an archive, museum, and an inter-generational learning center. Your contributions to this organization would be greatly appreciated.

May 31, Dennis Welch, member of the Congregation: “Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man: Secularizing the Fortunate Fall and Apocalypse.”This presentation — not sermon — has one main purpose, the success of which you alone will judge, and that is to encourage (perhaps even inspire) you to read one of America’s greatest novels. Published in 1952, this novel by one of our premiere African-American writers raises complex and significant issues of race through a page-turning narrative that draws from and secularizes deeply religious motifs of Western society — the fortunate fall and apocalypse.

Prelude: UUC Choir will sing Swing Down Low. (arr. Patsy Ford Simms)
Offertory: Andante by Molique, performed by Jared Gibbs (piano) &. Goldie Terrell (flute)

A Congregational Informational Meeting will follow the service. The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held at 11:15 AM on June 7. At that meeting, the Congregation will approve the budget and elect officers for next year. At this Informational Meeting, the Congregants will have an opportunity to discuss the budget and provide feedback.

Sunday Circle

The Sunday Circle meets on the second and fourth Sundays of the month beginning at 8:45 AM. All are welcome to join us for stimulating conversation.

May 10, Mollie McClintock and Irene Peterson will lead a discussion on gay marriage and civil unions. They will discuss partnership laws in the United States and around the world, and they will talk about their marriage in Canada and what it has meant to them.

May 24: Gloria Heath will lead a discussion on the book Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants by Douglas W. Tallamy. The author talks about the importance of planting natives in one’s personal landscape to create a healthy and interwoven web that supports the plants which feed the insects which feed the birds.

May 31: Extra Sunday Circle Session UU minister, Greta Brown, who is hiking along route 11 to raise awareness of climate change, will be passing through our way this Sunday,, and would be delighted to meet with anyone who is interested in her activities and her vision. She will be available for discussion and questions beginning at 9 AM in the library.

Services: June 2009
10:00 AM in the Meeting Hall
Children’s Summer Program and Nursery Care
Everyone is invited to coffee & conversation following the service

June 7, Recognition of Our Religious Education Teachers and Youth Advisors. This is our annual tribute to the teachers and youth advisors who have served the Congregation so generously during the past year in our Religious Education program. This will be an intergenerational service with the Congregation’s children participating in the service. Each class will be responsible for a part of the service including the Chalice Lighting Words, Offering, Reading, or Closing Words. Special music is also planned.

Offertory: Improvizations of Caprice (by Eugene Bozza), Tyler Flowers (sax0phone).
Postlude: Mr. PC (by John Coltrane), Tyler Flowers (saxophone) & Jared Gibbs (piano).

Our Annual Congregational Meeting will be held immediately following the service.

June 14, Rev. Christine Brownlie: Our Community Garden. Today we will celebrate the many ways in which our beloved community nourishes our minds, our spirits, and even our bodies! The service will include the traditional “Flower Ceremony” so please bring a flower for each member of your family attending the service. This is an intergenerational service.

Prelude: Sunflowers (by Linda Pfeiffer and Jared Gibbs). Vocals: Jane Mahone, Linda Pfeiffer, Di Ross, Polly Stimson, Pat Traynor; Piano: Jared Gibbs; Transcription: Goldie Terrell.

Everyone is invited to stay for the Second Sunday Potluck following the service. This is a wonderful opportunity to share food and fellowship.

To keep things running smoothly and ensure enough food for all, please note June’s assignments as follows:

If your last name begins with M or N, bring a beverage and plan to arrive by 9:30 to set up for the potluck before the service, and to assist with moving items from the kitchen to the tables as the potluck occurs. Plates and silverware should not be set out until all are ready to eat, so as to proceed in an orderly way. Instructions are posted in the kitchen for set-up and clean-up. People from the Membership Committee will be on hand to direct and assist with set-up and serving. If your name begins with COU through L, please bring a side dish. If your last name begins with O through Z or A through COR, please bring a main dish. A general announcement will be made asking for people to help with cleanup. Don’t forget your list of the ingredients in your dish to assist those with food allergies

June 21, Rev. Christine Brownlie: Fathering. Most of us have a pretty good idea of what is meant by the work “mothering,” but we seldom hear about “fathering.” What is fathering? How can we encourage more respect for fathers and their important role?

Prelude: D minor (Andersen), Goldie Terrell (flute)
Offering: #3, Zwölf Fantasien für Querflöte ohne Bass (Telemann), Goldie Terrell (flute)

The time capsule ceremony has been postponed until September.

June 28, Marianne Vakiener, a life-long UU and long-time Religious Education teacher: Our Whole Lives: Your Church Teaches What? In the early 1970s, the UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association) pioneered a controversial comprehensive sexuality curriculum for teens.  The UUA continues to offer sexuality curricula for all ages as well as Our Whole Lives (OWL).  Is sexuality education a religious education?  She believes the answer is yes.

Prelude: Kodachrome (Paul Simon), Jim Kern & Jeff Wynn (guitars)

The Fourth Sunday Collection will benefit the Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program. We have contributed funds to this organization several times in the past, with our donations going to the children's summer food program and emergency needs, such as rent, clothing, furniture, gasoline, etc. This agency is located in Christiansburg and is a primary resource for many individuals who have nowhere else to turn. Please make out checks to the organization

Services: July 2009
10:00 AM in the Meeting Hall
Children’s Summer Program and Nursery Care
Everyone is invited to coffee & conversation following the service

July 5, Rev. Christine Brownlie: America’s Religious Roots. You’ve heard the claim that America’s religious roots are in the Christian faith. What does this mean? And is this true?

Annual Volunteer Awards (presented by Pat Trayor)

Special Music: Goldie Terrell (flute); Prelude, Sonatina (Kuhlau) and offering, Summer Frolic (Terrell).

July 12, Rev. Dr. Norman Bakken, author of “A Sense of the Sacred” and a retired minister living in Blacksburg: A New Way to Listen. The language of the past, our ancient traditions, creeds, belief systems might have been applicable for their day and age, but pass us by as remnants of fairy stories and conceptions which, with the advance of culture and science, have no direct application to our situation.  That does not mean that those traditions have no value, but it does mean that adaptation and change are necessary to include present thought and science and to make the direction of past insights applicable to life today.

Special Music: Kellby Benson ad Kaily Schenker will play cello duets.

Everyone is invited to stay for the Second-Sunday Potluck following the service. This is a wonderful opportunity to share food and fellowship. Our June potluck was a little slim and there was not enough food for the number of people who attended. Whenever you are bringing a dish for the potluck, please remember that in a sense, we are all each other's hosts, and therefore it is our joint responsibility to see that enough food is present to feed all, including those who are new or who have forgotten to bring a dish. While we are grateful for all contributions, we would encourage you to bring sufficient food for yourself, your family or guests, and two additional adults. We would also encourage everyone to be mindful of the number of people who are following you in line. If you are among the first to fill your plate, it can be tempting to load up with food because the selection is abundant. But those at the end of the line would like to enjoy a reasonable meal as well. We would ask parents to monitor the amount of food that their children take so that there is as little waste as possible.

To keep things running smoothly, please note July’s assignments as follows: If your last name begins with O- through Pou-, please bring a beverage and plan to arrive by 9:30 to set up for the potluck before the service, and to assist with moving items from the kitchen to the tables as the potluck occurs. Plates and silverware should not be set out until all are ready to eat, so as to proceed in an orderly way. Instructions are posted in the kitchen for set-up and clean-up. People from the Membership Committee will be on hand to direct and assist with set-up and serving. If your name begins with Pow- through Z-, or A through Ce-, please bring a side dish. If your last name begins with Ch- through N-, please bring a main dish. A general announcement will be made asking for people to help with cleanup. Don’t forget your list of the ingredients in your dish to assist those with food allergies.

July 19, Rev. John Crestwell, Minister of the Davies Memorial UU Church in Camp Springs, MD: It Matters What We Believe. These are words Sophia Fahs spoke some years ago, and they are apropos today.  Some beliefs lift us and others up while others depress or diminish us and others. It truly matters what we accept, value and cherish in our lives.

Special Music: Elaine Myers (hammered dulcimer); Prelude, Wishing Well Waltz (Elaine Myers); Offering, The water is wide (traditional)

We will welcome new members into the Congregation during the service.  Please contact Rev. Christine Brownlie if you are interested in joining.

July 26, Rev. Alison Miller, Minister of the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship in Morristown, NJ: Ordinary Grace.  Some would say that humans are united by the common experience of suffering. While this is a dimension of life, our common experience is also one of continuous blessing. Let us celebrate the ordinary miracles of our lives.

Special Music: Tyler Flowers (saxophone): Prelude, Etude No. 12 (J.L. Small); Offering, Etude No. 23 (J.L. Small).

The Fourth-Sunday Collection will benefit the Free Clinic of the NRV. The clinic is committed to providing high quality health care and dental services to people who lack insurance and cannot afford healthcare.

Services: August 2009
10:00 AM in the Meeting Hall
Children’s Summer Program and Nursery Care
Everyone is invited to coffee & conversation following the service

August 2, Joshua Rich, professional pianist and composer: Do What You Love or Love What You Do. It’s been said that if you do what you love, the money will follow. But in the meantime, loving what you do can bring about the same kind of inner peace and balance that may help you find out what it is you actually love to do. Joshua will provide all the music along with his presentation.

August 9, Carter Turner, UUC member and Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Radford University: What Exactly is Religion? A friend of mine recently asked me, "How many religions are there in the world?"  He seemed a little dismayed that I didn't have an easy answer.  The problem with his question, I explained, is that scholars in my field can't even agree on the definition of "religion," not to mention what actually counts as one.  In my talk, I will explore different approaches to defining the term "religion," and show that no matter how hard we try, the term will always remain elusive.  

Everyone is invited to stay for the Second-Sunday Potluck following the service. This is a wonderful opportunity to share food and fellowship. To keep things running smoothly, please note August’s assignments as follows: If your last name begins with Pow- through Sca-, please bring a beverage and arrive by 9:30 to set up for the potluck before the service and assist with moving items from the kitchen to the tables as the potluck occurs. Plates and silverware should not be set out until all are ready to eat, so as to proceed in an orderly way. Instructions are posted in the kitchen for set-up and clean-up. People from the Membership Committee will be on hand to direct and assist with set-up and serving. If your name begins with Gla- through Pou-, please bring a side dish. If your last name begins with Sch- through Z-, or A- through Giv-, please bring a main dish. A general announcement will be made asking for people to help with cleanup. Don’t forget your list of the ingredients in your dish, to assist those with food allergies.

August 16, Rev. Christine Brownlie: Loving Difficult People. We all have people in our lives with whom it is difficult for us to get along. How can we deal with painful relationships in a way that helps create positive change? Or at least helps us keep hold of our sanity?

Special Music: Goldie Terrell (flute) and Jared Gibbs (piano) Sonata No. 2 for flute and piano III Allegro (J.S. Bach).

August 23, Rev. Christine Brownlie: Meeting Christianity Again For the First Time. Many UUs are refugees from Christianity. Some of us still hold on to the “best” of Christian teachings, while others cringe at the very mention of this faith because of a painful past. I’d like to explore an understanding of Jesus and his teachings that might give us a new window into this way of the spirit.

Special Music: Kellby Benson and Kaily Schenker will play cello duets.

The Fourth Sunday Collection will benefit Virginia Cares, Inc. This program assists ex-offenders in making a successful transition from prison or jail back into society. It provides these people with emergency resources and referrals to other agencies that can assist them, as well as assisting in restoration of their rights and obtaining identification cards. All of these benefits aid ex-offenders in becoming productive members of their communities. Please give as generously as you can. Checks should be made out to Virginia Cares, Inc.

August 30, Rev. Christine Brownlie: Ingathering. It is our tradition to bring water from our travels or our kitchen tap that symbolizes our summer travels whether they took us to someplace on the planet, or some spiritual destination. We will mingle these waters in a bowl, share our adventures, and rejoice at the gathering of our beloved community.

Prelude: The UUC Choir will sing Here We Have Gathered by Alicia Carpenter.
Offering: Jeff Wynn, Jim Kern, Chris Brownlie River (Eugene McDaniels). 

Sunday Circle (September 6 and September 20 at 8:45 AM) are listed after the Sunday services.

September 6, Annual Poetry Slam: A Congregation-led service centered around the spoken and written word we identify as poetry. Please bring a poem or two of your own or by your favorite poet(s) to share with the Congregation. If you prefer to just listen, please do so. Due to our desire to accommodate all who bring something to read, please keep your sharing to three minutes at most. As you enter the building, there will be a sign-up sheet for those wishing to participate actively. Please contact John Imbur at 540–320–1985 if you have any questions.

September 13, Rev. Christine Brownlie: Enter, Rejoice and Come In! As we begin a new adventure together, I’d like to talk about some dreams and aspirations that I and others have for our Congregation. I’m planning to keep my part fairly short so that you can share your thoughts and hopes too.

Love is the doctrine of our faith, the quest of truth is its sacrament, and service is its prayer. This is our great covenant: to gather in peace and acceptance, to seek knowledge in the light of freedom and reason, to serve the needs of others in community, that we may grow in wisdom and in spirit.

New affirmation

Prelude: Alleluia (by Jay Althouse), The UUC Choir.

Everyone is invited to stay for the Second Sunday Potluck following the service. To keep things running smoothly, please note September’s assignments as follows: If your last name begins with Sch through Su, bring a beverage and plan to arrive by 9:30 to set up for the potluck before the service, and to assist with moving items from the kitchen to the tables at the beginning of the potluck. Plates and silverware should not be set out until all are ready to eat, so as to proceed in an orderly way. Instructions are posted in the kitchen for set-up and clean-up. People from the Membership Committee will be on hand to direct and assist with set-up and serving. If your last name begins with T thru Z, or A thru Ha, please bring a side dish. If your last name begins with He thru Sca, please bring a main dish. A general announcement will be made asking for people to help with cleanup. Don’t forget your list of the ingredients in your dish to assist those with food allergies.