Author Archives: Hopedale

Special Workshop June 12, at 12:30pm “Democracy Works”

Join us first at 11:30 a.m. for a lunch which we will provide followed by the workshop from 12:30-2:30 pm .  We will welcome Busi Diamini, a cofounding member of Democracy Works in South Africa.  She is currently a research fellow at the Kettering Foundation in Dayton.  Busi will facilitate an alliance-building workshop, focused on … Continued

Sunday Service, May 29: “Flower Communion.”

Please join us for this colorful and joyous celebration of our first UU principle, the worth and dignity of all human beings. A favorite ritual of our denomination, it is a ceremony in which we exchange flowers as a concrete expression of hope and love. We will use the original words of worship inaugurated by … Continued

Sunday Service, May 22: “Lessons from the Storm.”

Five years ago, on May 22, 2011, an F5 tornado ripped through Joplin.  Since that time, many of the residents who survived the storm have shared their stories, and the lessons they learned when many of them lost everything they owned.  Come join Diane Wright for a special morning as we consider the phrase, “The … Continued

Sunday Service, May 15: “The Game of Life.”

In the “game of life,” people have certain assumptions about “the rules” and certain expectations of the outcomes (though some believe in a theistic God who “controls the board”). But we all encounter game-changers that surprise, frustrate, and challenge us. This message explores game-changers/changes as the best possibilities for spiritual growth. Guest: Donne Hayden. Service … Continued

Sunday Service May 1: “Beltane.”

Join us for May Day!  Lori O’Malley, a third generation out of the wagon Romany, will lead us in a Beltane ritual of abundance.  We’ll Call the Quarters, plant seeds, and welcome spring.  This will be an interactive, intergenerational service.  Music provided by the extended O’Malley family.  Service Leader:  Genevieve O’Malley Knight.

Sunday Service – April 24: “A Rose for Love and a Book Forever.”

It’s the day after St. George’s Day, when people in northern Spain give flowers and books. Turns out this is also the day a group of science fiction writers has dubbed, “International  Pixel-Stained Peasant Day.” Come join Diane Wright as we reflect on writing, giving, and the value of our words.

Sunday Service – April 17: “Earth Day: a Vocation.”

Liz Woedl will describe becoming a full-time advocate for conservation and how the strategies of Three Valley Conservation Trust bring Earth Day all the way home, protecting farmland, woods and streams from development. Service leader:  Peter Carels.  Join us after service for the Spring Congregational Meeting and potluck.  Please bring a dish or beverage to … Continued

Sunday Service April 10

“The Lives of Campus Custodians,” studied by Peter Magolda, focuses on invisible service workers and is an echo of Ehrenreich’s work,  “Nickel and Dimed.”  Whose interests are being ignored by higher education’s push to become “more corporate”?  Does the academy believe wisdom is exclusive to  particular professions and classes?  How difficult is it for the … Continued