Sunday Morning Worship
Sunday morning worship begins at 10:30 a.m. at UUFA.
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This theme for November is Nurturing Gratitude.
The Fellowship offers many opportunities and invitations to explore and practice the theme. We will be exploring the theme through out the month in worship and Religious Exploration.
November 2 “The Making & Keeping of Friends” with Sara Drew
There does happen to be a lot of research and scientific evidence on friendship. Much of the news is not good: As a society we’re getting lonelier and more isolated, which has a huge impact on overall health and wellness, particularly as we age. Beyond the headlines though, how can we cultivate important connections in our lives and how can we keep those feelings close?
November 9 “What’s the Point?” with Rev. Dr. Pippin Whitaker Annual Bulb Service
Each of us, in all our years, has learned lessons about the meaning of life and death–lessons from experience, lessons from nature, lessons from loss. What have you learned, and how do you bring that deep knowing into your everyday life? Join in worship exploring these deep questions as we observe the annual bulb service, a service of remembrance for loved ones who have died this past year.
November 16 “Together in the Solution: Together We Are Stronger!” with Anunnaki Marquez
Nowadays, we can become utterly overwhelmed by what is happening to our country. During this worship service, we will receive ideas and ways to be part of the solution, which will help us feel less powerless. We can find gratitude in working together in solidarity.
November 23 “Amazed by Amazement” with Rev. Dr. Pippin Whitaker
Fall leaves dancing through the sky, a child’s eyes widening with wonder at a magic trick, the magician’s dedication and skill, and an ecosystem in bountiful balance…. What amazes you, filling you with wonder and gratitude? Naming and celebrating what we cherish is sacred.
November 30 “Hope in Troubled Times” with David Jarrett
Reflection Ideas and Questions
Are you seeking more ways to explore the theme of nurturing gratitude?
Consider reflecting on these quotes:
It’s not what we have that constitutes our abundance, but what we appreciate – Jean Antoine Petit-Senn
When eating a fruit, think of the person who planted the tree. – Vietnamese Proverb
Don’t misuse your mind. Don’t say there isn’t anything extraordinary here. – The Blue Cliff Record
While we cry ourselves to sleep, gratitude waits patiently to console and reassure us that there is a landscape larger than the one we can see. – Sarah Ban Breathnach
You wander from room to room, hunting for the diamond necklace that is already around your neck! – Rumi
Some questions you may use as a prompt for conversation or for a journal entry follow:
- When was the last time you were grateful for yourself?
- Is there something you used to be grateful for that you now take for granted? What would it take to view it with fresh eyes?
- How good are you at receiving thanks?
- Autumn leaves burn bright with color, but if you blink, they are gone. So, what temporary blaze of beauty do you need to give your gratitude and attention to before time runs out?
- Have you mistaken gratitude for a “feeling” rather than a practice?
