Sermon Topics

Oct 31, 2004

The Rev. Alicia Folberth - Wicca and Paganism: The Old Religions

Come learn about the old religions in a new age with High Priestess Rev. Folberth, who founded the Panthean Temple, the first Pagan church in CT, in 1995. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the lecture.

Oct 17, 2004

The Rev. Ron Sala " Religion and State: How High The Wall"

Our fellow Unitarian Thomas Jefferson described a "wall of separation between church and state." What does this mean? What is the condition of the wall today?

Oct 10, 2004

The Rev. Ron Sala " Religion and State: Gods and Goddesses, Kings and Queens"

In the first of a three-part series on the relationship between religion and government/politics, Rev. Sala will reflect on the long history of sacred and secular authority and how it has influenced the present. There will be a discussion following each sermon.

Oct 3, 2004

The Rev. Ron Sala - Mind Your Business!

Sometimes we can just be minding our business when the Universe throws us for a loop. (This sermon received the Unitarian Universalists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' Albert Schweitzer Award.) There will also be a ceremony honoring inductees to the Clara Barton Sisterhood.

Sep 26th, 2004

High Holy Days of Judaism

Come learn about Jewish customs and commemorate the most important time of the Jewish year. Our service will follow Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and preceed Sukkot.

Sep 19, 2004

The Rev. Ron Sala and the Social Responsibility Committee- "The Green Sanctuary"

Come celebrate the green sanctuary that is our earth. Learn how our congregation could join others in being recognised as a Green Sanctuary by our association of congregations.

Sep 12, 2004

The Rev. Ron Sala– " Homecoming Sunday"

Join us for our official welcome back service after a fine summer season. Please bring a friend or relative if you can. If you can't, please bring yourself. Weather permitting we'll gather on the lawn at 9:45 to greet each other.

June 20, 2004: Rev. Ron Sala, "Father's Day/New Member Sunday(Intergenerational)"
Come celebrate Dad’s Day with us! We’ll be sharing favorite stories about our fathers. (Please bring yours). We’ll also welcome new members. If you’re interested in membership, please see Jackie Striano or Rev. Ron.
June 13, 2004: Rev. Ron Sala, "The Jesus and Mary Chain"
There’s been much excitement recently over Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code, which proposes a romantic relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Such an idea isn’t new. It dates at least to the writings of some groups in the early Christian Church called “gnostic” who stressed the importance of an intimate relationship with God. Why have Gnostics reemerged in our time?
June 6, 2004: Rev. Ron Sala, "The Past and Future of the 'Death of God'"
Some 40 years ago, theologian William Hamilton wrote, “My Protestantism has no God … the neighbor [is] the bearer of the worldly Jesus.” What was the “Death of God” movement? How is it relevant today?
May 30, 2004: Catherine Torpey, "Tongues of Fire"
In addition to being the secular holiday of Memorial Day, this day is the Christian holiday of Pentecost that celebrates God's gift of the Holy Spirit--which is itself a re-definition of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, the celebration of the gift of the law, or Torah. All three seek to renew our gratitude for the gifts we have been given to further our freedom. Celebrating the gifts we've received as a people doesn't always translate into recognizing gifts when they come afresh.
May 23, 2004: Rev. Ron Sala and Norris Wakefield, "Success"/ Annual Meeting
This Sunday is dedicated to celebrating our congregation and ensuring its future health. We'll have a short service, including recognition of volunteers, and a sermon requested by Robin Stein on an inspirational poem attributed to Emerson called "Success" ("To laugh often and much...") After the service, we'll have our annual meeting. All are encouraged to attend the meeting, but only members may vote.
May 16, 2004: "In Celebration of Malvina Reynolds"
Malvina Reynolds (1900-1978) was a political activist, singer-songwriter, and UU. Some of her best-known songs include "Little Boxes" and "Turn Around." This service, written and performed by members of the UU Fellowship of Poughkeepsie, NY, is a celebration of her songs, her writings, and her life. Come and be prepared to sing along. Those who remember this service from two summers ago will want to return and hear it again; those who did not get to hear it last time are in for a treat. In addition, Cindy Neschis will lead a short recognition of the RE volunteers for the 2003-04 year.
May 9, 2004: Rev. Ron Sala, "Nurturing Mothers"
Our mothers nutured us. How do we nurture our mothers? Mothers in society at large? Mothers in our congregation? How should we?
May 2, 2004: Rev. Ron Sala, Lisa Streitfeld, and the Religious Education Program, "The Courtship of Inanna and May Day"
Perhaps the world’s first civilization, Sumer, had its beginnings some 7,000 years ago. Among their pantheon was the goddess Inanna, patron of the morning and evening star, queen of heaven and earth. We will learn about and celebrate Inanna, the sacred feminine, and the eternal ways of love. Honoring more recent earth-centered traditions, those who wish may dance the maypole and conjure summer in!
April 25, 2004: Reverand Ron Sala, "What's it Worth Ya?"; Why do we do what we do as a Society? How are we different from a social club? Why are so many of us willing to give our hard-earned money for the work of this congregation? How does giving (or not giving) affect each of us and all of us?
April 18, 2004: Tahira Naqvi, "Deconstructing Pakistan"
Tahira Naqvi, writer and Professor of English at Westchester Community College and Professor of Urdu at New York University, will be clearly remembered by those who heard her discussion of the Muslim faith during one of our Summer Sundays in 2001. Her Pakistani roots provide political, religious, and literary background for a new novel as well as two earlier volumes of short stories. She has just returned from several weeks in Pakistan, and her topic will be drawn from her insights into this background and our post-9/11 world.
April 11, 2004: Reverand Ron Sala, "A Different Jesus Movie"
Discussion, Special Collection
Over the last several weeks the controversy over Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ has been ubiquitous. On Easter Sunday, Reverend Sala will comment on that film but will mostly speak about the movie about Jesus he would like to direct, as a Unitarian Universalist minister, if someone handed him several million dollars. There's no need to have seen The Passion, just bring your imagination. After the sermon, there will be time for you to propose your own scene for our hypothetical film.
April 4, 2004: Reverend Ron Sala, "Religion Lite"
Time for All Ages
On the Sunday nearest the HO-ly HAH-liday of April Fools we’ll experience the HEE-ling LAUGH-ects of the LITEr side of religious light through hUUmor.
March 28, 2004: Reverend Ron Sala, "Sexism and the Sacred"
From the Bible's account of the Garden of Eden to Islamic Sharia law to gender requirements for Buddhist monasticism, the world's major religions have often restricted women's roles and voices. Why is this? What should we do about it?
March 21, 2004: Patricia Kane, "A Service in Honor of Women"
At this service we honor the lives and achievements of women from all walks of life, with many stories to tell.
March 14, 2004: Reverend Ron Sala,"Class"
We Americans tell ourselves we're a society where anyone can "make it." How real is that? Where do we, as a nation, fit into the world's class structure? How does the idea of class affect people's "worth and dignity?" How welcoming are we to persons of different backgrounds? There will be a collection for Chalice Lighters at this service.
March 7, 2004: Eleanor Dennis, Religious Education, and Rev. Sala, "Purimspiel"
Purim is the most festive of Jewish holidays, a time of noisemakers, costumes, and merrymaking. The Festival of Purim commemorates a victory over oppresion and is recounted in the Megillah, the scroll of the story of Esther. It tells the story of Queen Esther, King Ahasuerus, Mordechai, Queen Vashti, and Haman. Our UUSIS Purimspiel will be set in Middle Earth, and narrated by "Bubbala Baggins." Hamantaschen will be served at coffee hour.
February 29, 2004: Rev. Richard Trudeau, "The Other U"
We have tried for months to arrange a Sunday on our Universalist heritage and finally, here it is. The Rev. Richard Trudeau is minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Weymouth, MA. A member of the New Massachusetts Universalist Convention, he also edits their newsletter. During the rest of his time, he teaches mathematics and astronomy at Stonehill College in Easton, MA.
February 22, 2004: Rev. Ron Sala, "Humanism and Spirituality: The Unitarian Universalism of the Future"
Time for All Ages, Discussion
We live in a time of ever-increasing change. How can our faith best adapt to serve humanity in the years to come?
February 15, 2004: Tahira Naqvi, "Before and After, There and Here"
Tahira Naqvi, writer and Professor of English at Westchester Community College and Professor of Urdu at New York University, will be clearly remembered by those who heard her discussion of the Muslim faith during one of our Summer Sundays in 2001. Her Pakistani roots provide political, religious, and literary background for a new novel as well as two earlier volumes of short stories. She has just returned from several weeks in Pakistan, and her topic will be drawn from her insights into this background and our post-9/11 world.
February 8, 2004: Rev. Ron Sala
"Humanism and Spirituality: My Mind Is My Church"
Discussion
Religion has often been a source of bigotry and dogmatism. How can we liberate our minds from superstition and chauvinism?
February 1, 2004: Rev. Ron Sala
"Humanism and Spirituality: God’s a Good Man?"
In Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” Dogberry of the watch informs us, “God’s a good man.” I use the Bard’s very funny scene as a metaphor for our “search of truth and meaning” in the first of a three-part series on Humanism and Spirituality.
January 25, 2004: The Religious Services Committee
"UUSIS and General Assembly: Issues of Justice"
Talkback time will be provided.
January 18, 2004: Rev. Ron Sala
"Kings of the Underground"
As important as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King was to the Civil Rights Movement, he was hardly alone as an inspiring leader in the struggle. Who were some of the men and women that worked and fought with King to make life in this country more fair?
January 11, 2004: Rev. Ron Sala
"Epiphanies", Guest at Your Table Collection
In our “free and responsible search for truth and meaning,” we sometimes experience moments that change us. On the Sunday after Epiphany, those who care to will share with us their significant moments of insight, joy, loss, understanding, peace….
January 4, 2004: Rev. Ron Sala
"Whose Rights are They, Anyway?"
Are our civil rights and liberties disappearing? What kind of life will we have if, as many fear, they are stripped away? What can we do? We will also welcome new members into our congregation. If you are interested in membership with us, please contact Rev. Ron.
December 28, 2003: Dot Sonn
"A Christmas Memory"
Our own Dot Sonn will again lead the annual reading of Truman Capote's “A Christmas Memory.” This will be the 11th year that this very special service will be held on the Sunday between Christmas and New Year's Day. Copies of this poignant story will be distributed to those assembled. Read or listen as you wish.
December 24, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala and Maureen Ferrara Higle
"Christmas Eve Service"
Our beloved holiday celebration, featuring our choir, candlelight, and old familiar faces….
December 21, 2003: Cynthia Neschis, The RE Program, and Rev. Sala
"Pastorela"
December 14, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala
"Peace On Earth"
One of U2’s recent albums features a haunting song called “Peace on Earth.” One lyric tells us, “Peace on earth/Hear it every Christmas time/But hope and history won't rhyme.” Is there still hope for peace on earth?
December 7, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala
"UU Q&A"/New Member Sunday
Back by popular demand is Rev. Ron’s “question box sermon,” in which he will respond to the congregation’s queries about theology, religious history, ethics, social issues, etc. Start thinking about what you’d like to ask now! We will also officially welcome persons joining the congregation.
November 30, 2003: Marc Adams
"From Fundamentalism to Freedom"
Award winning author Marc Adams shares 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 also of coming out of fundamentalism, and how he became a Unitarian Universalist. Marc Adams is from Seattle and is an award winning author of six books. His autobiography, The Preacher's Son, garnered him much critical acclaim, and is currently being made into a film. All of Marc's books and resources will be available at the service.
November 23, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala
"Thanksgiving and Thanks Living"
Thanksgiving can be more than turkey and football. It can be an attitude that enriches our lives all year round.
November 16, 2003: "Heroes, Sung and Unsung"
Last year for Veteran's Day, John Gagnon led a program honoring the members of our congregation who had participated in the armed services or allied services connected to public safety and security. This year we want to include other heroes as well; some well known names, perhaps, and others famous only to a few close friends or relatives. These heroes may not have fought in military battles but with their courage, honor, and sacrifice, they inspired others in less public struggles. Share with us the story of a hero you would like to honor and let us pay tribute to them.
November 9, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala
"200 Years of Emerson"
Herman Melville disparaged him as “the confidence man.” The religious establishment decried his Divinity School Address heresy. Nevertheless, R.W. Emerson has elevated the minds and spirits of generations of readers and remains one of the most influential Unitarians of all time.
November 2, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala
"Samhain and All Souls"
In both Christian and pre-Christian Europe, many cultures devoted this time of year to remembering those who have passed beyond this life. Vestiges of this tradition have survived in the US as Halloween and in Latin America as El Dia de los Muertos. Join us for a time of memory and reflection. Following the service, the children will have their annual costume parade.
October 26, 2003: Jerry Muntz
"Thoughts from the Road"
In the prequel to his "Bumps in the Road" sermon that we heard in June, Jerry Muntz will share some of his experiences as an AIDS Rider and relate them to the concept of shared ministry. A graduate of Harvard law school who spent over 20 years practicing corporate and business law in New York City, Jerry is past President of the Unitarian Church in Summit, NJ, and is now with New York City’s ACLU.
October 19, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala
"Bring-A-Friend Sunday"
There are no strangers here, only friends we haven’t met. Please invite a friend to join you. Rev. Ron will speak on our first Unitarian Universalist Principle, “the inherent worth and dignity of every person.”
October 12, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala
"The High Holy Days of Judaism"
Whether we were raised Jewish or not, the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur can teach us, among other things, to begin again in love.
October 5, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala
"Blessing of the Animals"
Animal companions (a.k.a. “pets”) are important in many of our lives. They give us love and remind us that there’s more to life than our human preoccupations. In honor of St. Francis of Assisi’s Day, you may bring an animal or animals with you. If your pet can’t come, you may bring a picture.
September 21, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala
"New Forbidden Fudge Brownie For a Limited Time"
Our observant minister saw this gnostic inscription in one of a chain of largely identical “restaurants” along one of our nation’s highways. Rev. Ron will take this as a text for meditation on “the epistemology and ontology of deception in everyday life.”
September 14, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala
"Patriot Day"
September Eleventh has been designated “Patriot Day.” We will remember those whose lives were taken that September day two years ago. But even as we mourn, we must try to understand frankly what happened to them that day and why. To do less dishonors their memory. What should patriotism mean this September Eleventh?
September 11, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala
"September Eleventh Remembrance"
The sanctuary will be open for your quiet meditation and prayer from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm.
September 7, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala
"Homecoming Sunday 2003: By Their Groups You Shall Know Them"
The late Unitarian scholar James Luther Adams suggested the biblical text “By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20) should be changed to “By their groups you shall know them.” Why do we come together as groups? as a congregation? What can we be and do together this year?
June 22, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala and Cynthia Neschis
"End of Year Celebration" (Intergenerational)
Come celebrate another successful society year at the last of our “regular” services before the summer session. There will be a special emphasis on thanking everyone involved in the tough but richly rewarding work of educating our young people.
June 15, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala
"Father-Love"/ New Member Sunday
We will celebrate Fathers Day and consider how ideas about fatherhood have changed over time from Adam, “the father of us all,” to a Boot Camp for New Dads. We will also welcome new members into our congregational family. If you are interested in joining, please contact Membership Chair Bonnie Currie.
June 8, 2003: David Schafer
"Humanism – Past, Present, and Future"
David Schafer, from the Humanist Association of Central Connecticut and the Unitarian Society of New Haven, hopes to arouse discussion on the topic of humanism. Humanism, he says, is a dynamic movement, constantly changing as it needs, in order to fit with the times. Dr. Schafer, a Ph.D. in physiology, retired three years ago from Westhaven VA Hospital, and now devotes himself full time to Humanism. He is scheduled to speak at the UU General Assembly in June also, and we are very lucky to have him with us this now. He brings also some of his own music and hymns to share with us – another side of himself offered for our enjoyment on this Sunday.
June 1, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala and Cynthia Neschis
"Flower Communion"
The flower communion was an invention of Norbert Capek, minister during the 1920s and ’30s of what was then the world’s largest Unitarian congregation, in Prague. The flowers represent the variety of people, ideas, and beliefs we have in our congregations. Please bring a flower to share. There will also be a child dedication. If you would like to dedicate your child, please contact Rev. Sala.
May 25, 2003: Rev. John Magisano
"Our Wounds/Our Gifts"
The sermon’s theme comes from John 20: 19-31. The key point in this passage that will be discussed is the fact that when Jesus was appeared to the apostles locked in the upper room, he showed them his wounds to prove that it was him. The Rev. John Magisano will talk about how in our own lives we build relationships and community by letting people know who we really are with wounds, flaws and all.
May 18, 2003: Maureen Ferrara Higle and the Rev. Ron Sala
Music Service/Annual Meeting
Come enjoy a brief service in music, followed by our annual meeting. The UU Women will make a special presentation before the meeting in honor of ReBecca Ames Sala, who will graduate from seminary later that day.
May 11, 2003: Rev. Harry Green and Dot Sonn
"A Letter to Mother"
For Mother’s Day, Rev. Green will share with us a reflection on the “truth” of a relationship between mother and son. Rev. Green was our interim minister the year before Rev. Ron came to UUSIS, and has since joined the Metropolitan District as a consultant. Welcome back, Harry!
May 4, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala
"From the Question Box"
Rev. Ron will preach a “question-box” sermon responding to questions previously submitted by members and friends. The questions may be on any subject, e.g., religious history, theology, ethics, and current events. If you’d like to ask Ron a question, please fill out the form that will be included in the order of service on the two preceding Sundays or email it to ron.sala@uusis.org by May 1st.
April 27, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala
"People, Purposes, and Programs"/Canvass Sunday
Once every year, we focus on the ways UUSIS serves its members and friends, the community, and the world. We also consider the part each of us plays in keeping our beloved Society strong and vital.
April 20, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala
"Jesus Who?"
There have been few people as widely known as Jesus of Nazareth. Yet with the all the portraits that have been presented by history and religion, we might do well to consider which Jesus we’re talking about. Rev. Ron will examine some sides of Jesus that might surprise you.
April 17, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala
"Maundy Thursday Communion Service"
The rite of communion is an adaptation of the Jewish Passover Seder, celebrating the freedom early Christians experienced in the life and teachings of Jesus. A year 2000 survey revealed that over a third of UUSIS members and friends described themselves as in some way Christian. Our service will be open-table and open-interpretation, meaning everyone is welcome, regardless of how they choose to describe themselves, and everyone may draw whatever meaning they feel from the ritual. Children may participate or go to childcare. Please sign up during coffee hour.
April 13, 2003: Leslie Weinberg
UU Service Committee Sunday
UU Service Committee members help address many concerns around the world. This Sunday, membership in the UUSC will be recognized. An informational table about current issues will be available at coffee hour.
April 6, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala "History"
and Dot Sonn "Herstory" of The UU Society in Stamford/New Member Sunday
Learn about the men and women of UUSIS, all eight-plus generations of us! Rev. Ron and UUSIS historian Dot Sonn (a member of a three-generation UUSIS family) will trace the often exciting and turbulent path of our Society since its founding in 1841. There will also be a time for welcoming new members. If you wish to join, please see Rev. Ron.
March 30, 2003: Religious Services Committee, "Joining Hands Around the World: Women Making Peace"
In celebration of National Women's Month, we will recreate a worship service from the Unitarian Universalist Women's Heritage Society, originally presented to the UU General Assembly on June 24, 2002 in Quebec City. Come hear the words of UU women such as Julia Ward Howe, Mary Ashton Rice Livermore, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, May Wright Sewall, Emily Greene Balch, Olympia Brown, and others. This beautiful service will remain in our memories as we witness the once-again timely topic of peace in the news.
March 23, 2003: Religious Education Program, "Intergenerational Mayan Equinox Celebration"
Join the children and their teachers for a Spring fiesta inspired by Silvia Fernandez-Stein.
March 16, 2003: The Rev. Ron Sala, "Evil"
"Evil" is a word we often hear in debates over contemporary issues. What is evil? How do our attitudes about it and reactions to it shape us and our world?
March 9, 2003: The Rev. Dr. Joel Baehr, "Loving Kindness"
Dr. Baehr's service will focus on loving kindness in Buddhism. In addition to being the Minister of UUSIS from 1970 to 1976, Dr. Baehr remains a presence in the Stamford area with a psychotherapy practice in Old Greenwich. Dr. Baehr has served on the boards of the UUA, the UUSC, and the Unitarian Universalist Buddhist Fellowship. He is a student of Lama Surya Das, who will lead a workshop at this year's UUA General Assembly in Boston.
March 2, 2003: The Rev. Ron Sala and Maureen Ferrara Higle, "Singing the Living Tradition/Chalice Lighters"
Rev. Sala and our Music Consultant, Maureen Ferrara Higle, will lead an old-fashioned hymnsing. There will be a mix of classic and contemporary hymns chosen for their beauty and accessibility. Rev. Sala will also provide some "behind the music" information about who wrote each hymn. In addition, a special collection will be taken to benefit UUSIS through the Chalice Lighters program.
February 23, 2003: ReBecca Ames Sala, "Even Books Need Raincoats"
ReBecca Sala’s topic will explore how we use words and whether we follow through with action. Yes, this is Rev. Ron's wife, who is also pursuing divinity studies.
February 16, 2003: The Rev. Ron Sala, "Hajj"
Each year, two million Moslems make a Hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca, while over a billion celebrate at home. What can the idea of Hajj teach us about this faith and about the nature of spirituality?
February 9, 2003: PoemAlley, "Troubled Times"
The Rev. Ron Sala will introduce the service with Stamford poets, writers, artists, and other members of PoemAlley. The poetry will be selected from the work of both major and local poets. Presenters are Bill Buschel, Ralph Nazareth, Tony Correale, Sebastian Lazar, Silvia Fernandez Stein, Eleni Begetis, Al Rader, David Burt, Mary van de Weerd, Rolf Maurer, Kathleen Magill, Jim Janke, and Ann Yarmal. The children of the Religious Education Program will present a choral reading of Rabindranath Tagore’s "Paper Boats." Maureen Ferrara Higle will provide the music.
February 2, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala, "The Death of Faith: Emerson’s Divinity School Address"
In 1838, Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered a bombshell of a speech to the graduating class at Harvard’s Divinity School. His words called for a revolution in religion as practiced by the churches of his day, which he declared almost dead. What does Emerson say to our own time and faith?
January 26, 2003: Reverend Marion Visel, "Honoring Our Ancestors"
How we remember those who have gone before says something about us. How do we honor our ancestors?
January 19, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala, "Martin Luther King: Uncensored"
The debate over the King holiday resurfaced recently in the controversy around statements by Senator Trent Lott. What does it mean to honor this outspoken civil rights leader? How has his message been lost in his installation in the national pantheon?
January 12, 2003: Bill Meyer of the Hemlock Society of CT
Bill Meyer, a representative of the Connecticut Hemlock Society, will speak to us about his father's last illness and his own experience with the controversy over the right to die with dignity. He will also discuss recent legislation on this matter in Oregon and comment on the new laws permitting more personal control over one's death in the Netherlands. There will be a "talkback" period after the service.
January 5, 2003: Rev. Ron Sala, "Community: What's In It For Me?"
Author Robert Putnam has written that America today is a nation of people "bowling alone." Community life suffers under a pervasive attitude of individualism. Why is community important?

December 29, 2002

Dot Sonn, "A Christmas Memory"
Our own Dot Sonn will again lead the annual reading of Truman Capote's "A Christmas Memory." This will be the 10th year that this very special service will be held on the Sunday between Christmas and New Year's Day. Copies of this poignant story will be distributed to those assembled. Read or listen as you wish. Then join us for Danish Kringles from Wisconsin.

December 24, 2002

Rev. Ron Sala, "Adult Christmas Eve Service"
Our annual candlelit Christmas Eve service will feature the choir and a reading of the story of Jesus’ birth from one of our congregation’s 19th century Bibles. Rev. Ron will give a short homily. There will be a reception at 4 pm, between this and the earlier Family Christmas Eve Service.

December 24, 2002

Religious Education Committee, "Family Christmas Eve Service"
A reception will follow this service at 4 pm, just before the Adult Christmas Eve Service.

December 22, 2002

Lee Sullivan, "Waiting for the Light"
The world, like the season, grows darker and darker. Will we ever see light again? This Winter Solstice let us come together to mark the year's longest night and, if we are brave, perhaps we can hasten the coming of the light that heralds the beginning of another Spring. Several laypersons will assist in the ritual's leadership.

December 15, 2002

Rev. Ron Sala, "Why Hunger?"
On a planet that can feed all its people, why is there hunger? In the midst of this season of feasting, we will consider this problem and what we can do about it.

December 8, 2002

Rev. Ron Sala, "Arrival"
In the Christian calendar, the four Sundays before Christmas are called “Advent” from the Latin for “arrival.” Quite unlike the commercialism thrust upon us this time of year, Advent is to be a time of spiritual reflection and joyful expectation.

December 1, 2002

Rev. Ron Sala, "The Feast of Dedication"
"Hanukkah" is Hebrew for "dedication." It commemorates the rededication of the Temple after its defilement by the tyrant Antiochus IV. How can we stand against tyranny and hatred today?

November 24, 2002

Rev. Ron Sala, "Thanks!, Bring A Friend Sunday, New Member Sunday"
The Christian mystic Meister Eckhart said that if you only ever say one prayer, and it’s “Thank you!” it’s enough. On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we will consider living thankfully in troubled times. Please invite a friend to join you. There will also be a time during the service to welcome new members. If you have been visiting with us and are considering joining the Society, please contact Rev. Sala.

November 17, 2002

Rev. Carol Huston, "Religious Freedom Here and There"
Attendance at a meeting of the International Association for Religious Freedom reminded Rev. Huston of the importance of religious freedom and separation of church and state and that our American vision of these freedoms is unique in the world. In the current climate, we must talk about how we will preserve this vision. Rev.Carol Huston is in her second year of ministry in White Plains, after serving a congregation in Michigan for nine years.

November 10, 2002

Dr. John Gagnon, "Veteran's Day Service"
This service will honor all those who have served or presently serve in the Armed Forces of the United states. While Unitarian Universalists are generally opposed to war, we are NOT opposed to those who have risked or given their lives to preserve the freedom and safety of the citizens of this country. They deserve to be recognized and given our proper respect and thanks. Please bring a uniform or a photo of someone in uniform if you have one.

November 3, 2002

Cynthia Neschis and Rev. Ron Sala, "Youth and Young Adult Sunday"
Also known as “Mind the Gap Sunday,” our service will be part of a denomination-wide effort to consider why there are so few human beings aged 14-35 in our congregations and what to do about it. This campaign is an effort to raise two million dollars to generate grants, curriculum, trainings and other resources for youth, campus, and young adult ministries in congregations, in districts and on the continental level. In order to reach our goal, congregations are asking for an average donation of $50 per person—but please come regardless of what you can afford to give.

October 27, 2002

Catherine Torpey, Guest Speaker
Catherine Torpey will speak to the congregation today. She has been employed by Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York as thier Religious Director for several years and has spoken to our congregation twice before.

October 20, 2002

Cynthia Neschis and Rev. Sala, "Children’s Sabbath"
Each October, tens of thousands of congregations and over 200 denominations and religious organizations join together in a “Children’s Sabbath.” Its purpose is to promote a long-term commitment to justice for children and families. This year, there will be a special emphasis on tolerance and peace. Please join us in our own congregation’s commemoration of this important event.

October 13, 2002

Cliff Thornton
Cliff Thornton of Efficacy will address the congregation on his own experience in the "War on Drugs" being conducted by our government. Efficacy is a group based in Hartford that has been facilitating activities by congregations on the UUA's Drug War Statement of Conscience.

October 6, 2002

Rev. Ron Sala, "KEO"
If you could leave a message for future generations, what would it be? What would you want people living in the distant future to know about you and the times in which we live? At the end of 2003, the satellite KEO will be launched into space to return in 50,000 years. Onboard, it will carry messages from ordinary people from around the world. In his sermon, Rev. Sala will share his message to the future. There will also be a time for you to read a one-minute excerpt of your own message.

September 29, 2002

Dr. Ira Bloom, "Civil Liberties"
Dr. Ira Bloom, professor of Political Science at Lehman College, City University of New York, will speak on the timely topic of "Civil Liberties." Not only are politicians and commentators hotly discussing this issue in the news just now, but the recent UUA convocation in Quebec has selected this topic as our study guide issue for 2002.

September 22, 2002

Lay Led Service, "Autumnal Equinox"
What is the autumn of life? How do we know when we have reached it? What makes us feel that we have matured? Essays will be read about the journey to the autumn of one's life. The floor will then be opened for everyone to share their experiences about growing up and growing older.

September 15, 2002

Rev. Ron Sala, "Yahrzeit:A Service of Remembrance"
One of the most powerful traditions belonging to the Jewish source of our Unitarian Universalist faith is that of the Yahrzeit, or "year-time." On the anniversary of a loved one's death, a candle is lit and prayers are said. In the spirit of this practice, after the sermon we will have a time of sharing to mourn those who died and reflect on how the terrorist attacks and the tumultuous past year have affected each of us.

September 11, 2002

Rev. Ron Sala, "Memorial Observance"
Our sanctuary will be open from 8:30-11am for meditation and prayer in commemoration of last year's terrorist attacks. There will be a moment of silence at 8:46, the moment when the first of the twin towers was struck by a hijacked airplane. Our bell will be tolled at 10:29, the time when the second tower fell.

September 8, 2002

Rev. Ron Sala, "Homecoming Sunday"/Board Installation/Board Award Presentation"
A service to kick off another exciting year at UUSIS. The new Board will be sworn in. Also, the Board will present its award for exemplary volunteer serice by a member or members of the congregation.

June 16, 2002

Rev. Ron Sala, "Closing Celebration"
As this will be the last “regular” service until September, we will celebrate a wonderful year together with story and song.

June 9, 2002

Rev. Ron Sala, "UU Q&A"/Volunteer Recognition/Annual Meeting
There will be a short service in which Rev. Ron will preach a “question-box” sermon responding to questions previously submitted by members and friends. The questions may be on any subject, e.g. religious history, theology, ethics, current events, etc. If you’d like to ask Ron a question, please fill out the form that will be included in the order of service on the two preceding Sundays or email it to ronsala@uuma.org by June 2nd. In the service, volunteers will be thanked for their work this year. Afterwards will be our Annual Meeting.

June 2, 2002

Lay-led Service, "Flower Communion"
During this service we will commmemorate both our joy in our individual uniqueness as well as our joy in sharing with each other. Please bring a flower for the flower communion vase.

May 26, 2002

Lay-led Service, "Our Journies to Unitiarian Universalism"
Come and share your journey to UU with your church family. This service will include some readings – but will mostly be your stories how you got here, why you came.

May 19, 2002

Rev. Ron Sala, "A Unitarian Universalist Looks at the Mideast Crisis"
Half the banners in our sanctuary come from religions born on a tiny strip of ground that has known more than its share of bloodshed and sorrow over the centuries. What’s so holy about the Holy Land, anyway? How do religion, nationalism, and international relations combine into the toxic brew that fills our TV screens with daily images of horror? Can anything be done?

May 12, 2002

Renee-Noelle Felice
Renee-Noelle Felice, a story teller, will be with us. She sees herself as a channel for the stories that she tells and sings. “The message is what is important, and my message is always the same, though it takes myriad forms: every being on Earth has a valuable contribution to make, and deserves respect for being a co-weaver of the web of our lives. I feel immensely blessed to be the messenger” Renee-Noelle Felice was the director of religious education at the Unitarian Church of Staten Island from 1994-1999.

May 5, 2002

Mrs. Gulafshan K. Alavi, "Tolerance in Islam"
Our speaker will be Mrs. Gulafshan K. Alavi The program will consist of a short talk, readings and a chance for dialogue.
Mrs. Alavi has been very active in the Islam Community of Fairfield County. She founded the Islamic Women’s Group in response the needs of th growing Muslim population and more recently the Islamic family Services. Mrs. Alavi has worked as a Special Correspondent at the Untied Nations for a chain of newspapers in Pakistan, her native country. Currently she is free lancing and is responsible for initiating an informative program on Islam that runs on cable television’s Public Access twice a week. She and her family have resided in Stamford for 20 years.

April 28, 2002

Rev. Louis V. Schwebius, "A Garden of Interdependent Delights"
The multitude of theologies embraced by members of our Unitarian Universalist community can be compared to a large, enduring garden - crowded with plants of a wide variety of colors, sizes, shapes and textures. In the midst of all this jostling for individual space, how do we grow in our collective faith?

April 21, 2002

Rev. Ron Sala, "Dismal Science/Hopeful Art"
Economics has sometimes been called “the dismal science.” Perhaps this has something to do with the often-ugly competition for limited resources. But our economic lives can have a more hopeful side as well. By pooling our time, energy, and money we can find creative ways to work for the common good and those less fortunate. This service (and the dinner the previous evening) starts off the canvass season at UUSIS—a time for dreaming of what our congregation can be and making it so. There will also be opportunity for parents to have a service of dedication for their children.

Child Dedication April 21, 2002
As part of the service on April 21st, there will be the opportunity for parents and children to participate in a ceremony of child dedication. Sometimes also known within UUism as a “child welcoming,” “naming ceremony,” or “child blessing,” this rite takes a similar place in our tradition to baptism in many Christian denominations or a bris in Judaism. It is a welcoming of the child to the world and to the community of faith. It is a commitment by parents to raise children to the best of their ability, instilling them with a sense of the importance of ethical and spiritual/humanistic values. It is also a commitment on the part of the congregation to support parents in their task. Reverend Sala will perform the ceremony for children of any age who have not previously had a Unitarian Universalist dedication.
If your family would like to participate, please contact Reverend Sala by the 14th. Also contact Rev. Sala if you cannot participate on the 21st but would like a child dedication in the future.

April 14, 2002 4pm

"Celebration of Installation"
Rev. Bruce Southworth, "Exceedingly Good"
This service will officially welcome the Rev. Ronald Wayne Sala as the settled minister of the Society.

April 14, 2002

Rev. Ron Sala, "Dear God, Let Me Not Whine, Want to Shine, or Recline"
“Dear God, Let Me Not Whine, Want to Shine, or Recline.” Some unknown wit once coined this memorable line, which made its way via oral tradition to Rev. Ron. Where do faith and attitude meet? How do we keep our highest aspirations before us in the “dust and heat” of daily life?

April 7, 2002

Lay Led Service, "Exploring the Welcoming Congregation, Part Two"
On March 10, the Welcoming Congregation Committee conducted a meaningful service during which congregants shared their sorrows and joys concerningloss and hope. Today we continue with a guided discussion within a Service format.

March 31, 2002

Rev. Ron Sala, "Legacy"
This week includes both Easter and the latter part of Passover. What inspiration can we draw from these time-honored holidays?

March 24, 2002

Paul Sprecher, "John Haynes Holmes,World War I,and the Community Church"
Holmes, a consistent pacificist through his whole life, is an example from our Living Tradition of a willingness to stand firm for principles, whatever the odds. Of particular interest is the fact that Holmes' position was stridently denounced by the leadership of the American Unitarian Association of the time, led by William Howard Taft, former president of the United States. The example left by Holmes provides a glimpse of alternative possibilities at a time when our nation is once again gripped by a patriotic fever.

March 17, 2002

Rev. Ron Sala, "Holiness, Love, and Wholeness"/New Member Sunday
This St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish Lesbian and Gay Organization will, no doubt, fight to join New York’s parade, even as the Ancient Order of Hibernians, in the name of religion, fight just as hard to keep them out. Last month in Hartford, clergy lined up on both sides of the issue of same-gender marriage. How did religious attitudes about sexual orientation arise? How are they changing? How should we, as Unitarian Universalists, respond? Rev. Ron will ponder these questions while reflecting on his own journey. There will also be a ceremony recognizing new members.

March 10, 2002

Lay Led, "Exploring the Welcoming Congregation"
Reporting back from the workshops last fall, members of the Welcoming Congregation will reflect on our discusssion of sexual orientation and gender identity. We will also look towards why it is important for UUSIS to fully embrace gays and lesbians in all parts of our spiritual life.

March 3, 2002

Purim Intergenerational Service
This morning we will share the book of Esther through the PurimSpiel. Purim is a happy, festive holiday that is experienced on many different levels, but sure to engage all generations.

February 24, 2002

Reverend Ron Sala, "Worlds Apart"
The economics of recent years have made millionaires and even billionaires commonplace, yet a billion people in the world live on less than a dollar a day, and a billion more on less than two. High speed Internet and satellite TV have shrunk the world to the size of a village for many, yet two-thirds of the world’s people have never even used a telephone. Our sixth Principle calls us to affirm and promote “the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all,” yet this goal seems impossibly far away. Does the phenomenon called globalization help or hinder those who struggle economically here and abroad? Our denomination has decided to devote two years toward the study of economic globalization and what our response to it should be as concerned, religious people. At the service, there will be a period of congregational discussion and the opportunity to be a part of the study of this important issue. (More information can be found at www.uua.org/uuawo.)

February 17, 2002

Reverend Peggy Block

February 10, 2002

Reverend Ron Sala, "Loneliness, Love, and Legend"
One can hardly listen to the radio, watch TV, or enter a bookshop without realizing that romantic love is one of the most important aspects (obsessions?) of our culture. Love between two people can be amazingly fulfilling and healing. At the same time, many of us suffer, wishing we had a partner or mourning the separation from or loss of someone in our past. On the Sunday before Valentine’s Day, Rev. Ron will offer reflections on these life situations along with the ways Pagan customs and secret Christian marriages shaped the holiday we know and (perhaps) love.

February 3, 2002

Reverend Lyn Plumb, "Memory, Myth, & Meaning"
How do our stories become mythic? And why? These are two of the questions that Guest Minister,the Reverend Lyn Plumb, will explore by telling some mythic stories of her own.

January 27, 2002

Reverend Ron Sala, "A Busload of Faith"
In his classic album "New York," singer-songwriter Lou Reed proclaimed "You need a busload of faith to get by." Those words seem to apply now more than ever. What can faith mean to religious liberals? How do we find what we need to get by? To fly?

January 20, 2002

Reverend Ron Sala, Eleanor Dennis, et al,"Martin and Us" (A Service for All Ages)
On Martin Luther King weekend, we will come together to explore and celebrate the public ministry of the great human rights leader. How can we today live according to the high civic virtues he preached?

January 13, 2002

"Respect and Tolerance", Lay Led Service
What do these words really mean to us? Our UU beliefs state that "We believe in the toleration of religious ideas. All religions, in every age and culture, possess not only an intrinsic merit, but also a potential value for those who have learned the art of listening." We will explore these terms through readings and poetry.

January 6, 2002

Reverend Ron Sala, "Confessions of a Mennonite Menace"
Like 85-90% of Unitarian Universalists, Rev. Ron was not raised UU. Instead, he was brought up in the Mennonite tradition in the Dutch Country of southeastern Pennsylvania. Two of the questions he is asked most are, “Who are the Mennonites” and “How did you get from there to here?” Ron will reflect on the faith of his birth and the common UU experience of trying to make peace with our religious past.

December 16, 2001

Reverend Ron Sala, "Welcome, Yule!

December 2, 2001

Reverend Ron Sala, "2001: Spaces and Odysseys

October 28, 2001

Reverend Ron Sala, "Mourning

October 7, 2001

Reverend Ron Sala, "Tygers

September 30, 2001

Reverend Ron Sala, "Ecclesiastes

September 9, 2001

Reverend Ron Sala, "Doors

Reverend Ron Sala, "Friends