Services

April 2008:

• April 6: Cookie, Matzoh, Golem, Bench, Rev. Craig Moro
  A meditation on secret ingredients and the question of the "life" in things. This sermon is delivered in support of the annual Stewardship campaign. It also speaks favorably of cookies, matzohs, and benches! (Folems are another matter.)
• April 13: An Historical Look at Franklin County, Guest Speaker, Sherel Well
  Our church is in Franklin County now! Today we'll examine the history of our new home.
• April 20: Time to Make a Good Thing Better, Rev. Craig Moro
  Our series on the "sources" of UU tradition continues today as I propose a change that may help us open our doors to people who may not yet be certain if they are welcome. They are--and we will be enriched by their presence.
• April 27: The Value of Open Space, Our Guest Speakers will be Members from BFOSC
  Today we will explore personal perspectives about the value of open space and the actions taken in our community to promote and preserve open space. Members of the Benton-Franklin Open Space Coalition will be speaking.

March 2008:

• March 2: Year of the Elephant, Rev. Craig Moro [Listen Now, 6.9Mb]
  It was 570 A.D. when the army of a great empire attempted a "surgical strike" in order to remove a source of annoyance and a challenge to its power. What happened, and why does it matter today?
• March 9: Pastoral Care Ministry in the Hospital Setting, Guest Speaker, Rev. Garcia
  Currently the Chaplain at Kennewick General Hospital, Rev. Garcia believes that we are all spiritual beings, transcending Christianity and certainly all denominations. He will share some of his experiences with people from different religious perspectives.
• March 16: Loaves, Fishes, and Barabbas, Rev. Craig Moro
  The Gospel of Matthew sets one crowd scene shortly after another. In the first, Jesus and his disciples feed 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. In the second scene, a crowd is asked to choose only one of three prisoners to save from public execution. Were any from the first crowd also present in the second? What does it mean, if there were?
• March 23: Easter: An Intergenerational Celebration, CUUC Members
  The season of Easter is a great time to ponder Jesus the Questioner. The inquiry approach to spiritual meaning is right "at home" with Unitarian Universalists, as we know that lively questions enrich the community! Join the Children, Youth, and Young Adults in a Springtime celebration through music, poetry, story, and sharing.
• March 30: Now is the Time!, Guest Speaker, Rev. Dr. Richard Erhardt
  We live in dark times of fear and uncertainty. Our situation is precarious. Our liberal religious heritage has a saving message that that we do matters. In times of darkness the light of liberal religion is a beacon of hope. How do we support our liberal faith so that we may be supported by it?

February 2008:

• February 3: More Than a Mouthful, Rev. Craig Moro [Listen Now, 7.4Mb]
  Cilappatikaram is quite a mouthful to say. But it's also much more than that. The book called by that name is one of a very few religious epics from the ancient world that has a woman as its hero. We are fortunate to share a religious tradition in which no single religious scripture is placed on top of all others, so we can give this powerful story the attention it deserves! A word of caution: like the Old and New Testaments, this story contains some strong and disturbing imagery!
• February 10: Self-Knowledge, Guest Speaker, Chris Turner
  
• February 17: Bridges Full of Holes, Rev. Craig Moro [Listen Now, 7Mb]
  Some members of a UU congregation once told me that I had better throw certain other members of the church I was serving, or risk getting tossed myself. They weren't kidding. But what could I do? And what were those "certain others" doing that made some folks so angry? Find out this Sunday.
• February 24: The Criminal Justice Situation in the Tri-Cities, Guest Speaker, Richard Nordgren
  

January 2008:

• January 6: I am a Lie, Rev. Craig Moro [Listen Now, 6.4Mb]
  Our statement of UU Principles and Purposes tells us that "The living tradition we share draws from many sources," then goes on to say that the very first of these sources is "Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life." That's quite a mouthful! Over a thousand years ago, one poet in India seems to have had his own mouthful of such "direct experience." Let's share its flavor, and address the role of mystical experience in our religious lives.
• January 13: Planned Parenthood, Guest Speaker, Timara Shindehite
  
• January 20: Why Does Two Come After One?, Rev. Craig Moro
  The second amendment to the U.S. Constitution (the one with the weapons) is beloved by many who call themselves "conservatives" while the first amendment (the one with the freedoms) is the darling of so-called "liberals." Why do these amendments come in the order that they do, and how does this relate to our second source: "Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love"?
• January 27: An Historical Look at Franklin County, Guest Speaker, Sherel Webb
  

December 2007:

• December 2: Can't You Wave Your Hand?, Rev. Craig Moro [Listen Now, 6.3Mb]
  When Jesus played to the crowd in his hometown synagogue, they responded by trying to throw him off of a cliff! I wonder, would he get the same response if he showed up today at many churches where the almost droning use of his name is confused with discipleship to his teachings? The audience wanted him to wave his hand and do some magic. He offered something else, much more rare than magic and much fuller than faith. What?
• December 9: To Gift or Not to Gift?, Member-Led Service
  That is the question among many. What do I gift? How many do I gift? How much do I gift? Why should I gift? Gift us your presence at this Sunday's worship service, and let us explore the many answers together.
• December 16: Ugly Face, Rev. Craig Moro [Listen Now, 5.6Mb; Reading, 1Mb]
  Some time ago, nationally syndicated writer Kathleen Parker responded in a column to a computer-generated reconstruction of what Jesus' face might have looked like. She wasn't happy with the dark, unfamiliar results. Her comments reveal a certain ugly mindset about the "Other." Let's hear a response in turn.
• December 23: Winter Solstice Celebration, Member-Led Service
  One of our Unitarian Universalist sources of inspiration encourages us to be aware of the sacred circle of life and the rythms of natures. Today we celebrate the turning of the seasons at the Winter Solstice.
• December 24: A Gathering Time: Christmas Eve Service at 4:00 p.m., Member-Led Service
  Carols and stories of Christmas will be shared as we gather on this winter's evening. Cookies always make for good cheer, so please bring some to share.
• December 30: Stories From the Years, Member-Led Service
  A variation on "Where were you on..." -- What was important to you this year, 10 years ago, 20 years ago...

November 2007:

• November 4: Doodle-Deedle, Up and Down, Rev. Craig Moro [Listen Now, 6.1Mb]
  One of the most comical scenes in the Bible is found in the book of Exodus, and occurs as the people are moving from one location to another. Cecil B. DeMille never filmed it, but let's not miss it! The goofy things that happen in transition can bring insight to guide us on our way--and shed some light on who we are.
• November 11: Veteran's Day, Member-Led Service
  We all have the experience of living during war. We'll honor veterans today and share about how war has personally affected us.
• November 18: Say Shibboleth, Rev. Craig Moro [Listen Now, 6.8Mb]
  If you can't say it correctly, woe unto you! Shibboleths are words we use to help us determine who is "one of us" and who is not: whom we are with or against. How are shibboleths used today, and do they really mean? This sermon will pay special attention to the religious "problem" of the Other--perhaps the definitive problem of our times today. Let's see what we can offer the world about how to meet this challenge!
• November 25: The Most Dangerous Church in America, Pulpit Guest Speaker, Rev. Dr. Richard Erhardt
  There was a conversation between a Unitarian Universalist minister and a Mormon missionary where the missionary said that, if we were to grow as our numbers suggest, we would be the most dangerous church in America. The most dangerous church in America? What does that mean? Let's unpack it.

October 2007:

• October 7: A Palette for Columbus Day, Rev. Craig Moro [Listen Now, 7.4Mb]
  "In fourteen-hundred ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue..." What other colors do we need to paint a portrait of the Admiral of the Ocean Seas and his actions in the New World? I'll suggest a few this Sunday, including green, blood-red, gold, and bone-white.
• October 14: Association Sunday, Member-Led Service
  We will be joining other UU congregations throughout our denomination to celebrate the first UU "Association Sunday." We will celebrate being part of the Unitarian Universalist Association and strengthen our connection and combine our resources to enable us to have more of an influence on our country.
• October 21: It's Too Early for Halloween, Rev. Craig Moro
  Yes, there are still ten days to go, but it's not too early to contemplate the meanings we find hidden in what is many people's favorite holiday. Its costumes and customs invite us to embrace diversity, decay, and even death. Let's take a walk in the dark together!
• October 28: Set the Welcome Table, Guest Speaker, Carmen McDowell
  Religious community is a place where we practice growing our souls. In particular, Unitarian Universalism offers a positive vision of humanity and a message of reason, love, and hope for all. How do we authentically share that message and lift up our treasured heritage of invitation?

September 2007:

• September 2: In Style, Member-Led Service
  Words of wisdom have been offered in many ways. Poetry can share wisdom with style. This Labor Day weekend, the service will be filled with poetry and song.
• September 9: Mingling of the Waters, Member-Led Service
  We gather for our traditional start of the formal church year. Rev. Craig Moro is back from Thailand with much to tell, and many of us have had interesting journies to share. Don't forget to bring any water you've collected in your travels. As always, "generic" water will be available for those who do not have water. Come, reconnect with your church community!
• September 16: Embracing Balance -- An Autumn Equinox Celebration, Member-Led Service
  Days are growing shorter and nights longer, and colder. As, once again, we slowly slip from summer towards winter it is important to remember the principle of 'Balance' within ourselves, within our lives, within our community. We will gather together for a participatory Pagan ceremony to celebrate and welcome this time of change and balance.
• September 23: The Thing About the Newest Buddhist "Bling" (and other reflections from a trip to Thailand), Rev. Craig Moro
  Thailand is going through a difficult period, much as we are in the U.S. One manifestation is an amulet craze that has been sweeping the nation for about one year now. Let's reflect on this and lessons we can learn from the Thai experience.
• September 30: Who Made This Mess?, Guest Speaker, Rev. Bo Bryan
  This was a question often asked by my mother when my brothers and I were young. This sermon deals with the topic of personal responsibility--what it means, where it originates, and the ways people try to avoid it. Oftentimes, there are reasons (or are they excuses) mitigating our responsibility. For how much of the "mess", whether it be a bridge collapsing in Minnesota or toys strewn about the living room, should we (or someone) be held responsible?

August 2007:

• August 5: A Poetry Service, Member-Led Service
  Let's share a few favorite poems and spend some time talking about why poetry matters. A poem can be an opening into one's life--into grief, joy, loss, the ordinary. It can bring us out of ourselves and into a larger way of thinking. To quote Sam Hamill, "poetry is the heart by way of the ear."
• August 12: Can You Feel It?, Member-Led Service
  The ultimate value of any church community is probably determined by how much we allow ourselves to actually FEEL while experiencing church functions. Attendance, the act of showing up, is the first step; opening ourselves to the message is another step. The speaker will share how democracy can truly manifest through spiritual quest as we allow ourselves and each other to truly feel while functioning.
• August 19: Potpourri, Member-Led Service (special service held at 10:30 a.m. 2819 W. Sylvester in Pasco, south of the Nissan auto dealership and near the Blue Bridge). Join us after the service for coffee and conversation!
  A potpourri does not have to be something smelly. It is a collection, an assortment, or a hodgepodge. Many thoughts have been tumbling and mumbling through the misty mush in the mind lately. Good versus evil? How do we define them, do they exist, why should/would we care? Can a true Unitarian Universalist be judgmental, and is there anything wrong with that? Is Hell real--exothemic or endothermic--and what about Heaven, anyway (a darm funny answer has already been presented to this question, and I'll share it)? Let's try to peer through the mist and nail a few thoughts down. Let's share a potpourri today!
• August 26: What's Behind A.A. Milne's 'Ivory Door', Guest Speaker, Homer Wilkins
  today, we'll explore the regrettable cohesive poser of superstitions based on a much-neglected drama by the author of the Pooh books. Problems and possibilities were faced by a young royal couple who defied superstitions and were then forced to go out into the world and face "real life." What is "real life?" Is mythology necessary for a sense of community? Can there be mythology without superstition?

July 2007:

• July 1: Heroes, Member-Led Service
  What purposes does your hero/heroine hold for you? What role do heroes play in elevating our collective consciousness? Is it random choice that creates a hero, just being at the right place at the right time; or are heroes more often made by conscious choices we make in responding to life during defining moments?
• July 8: Choices That Matter Revisited, Member-Led Service
  Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Come get your UU General Assembly news straight from those that attended the event held at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, OR. The theme for the 46th annual conference was "Choices That Matter."
• July 15: Faith, Hope, and Love: The Secular Path of Christianity's Future, Member-Led Service
  Philosophers deeply immersed in the Christian tradition were the pioneers of our secular culture. The diversity within Christianity's past provided cultural and spiritual roots that can illuminate the present without restricting the future. Our growing knowledge about Jesus and the history of human spiritual development provides insights into our secular future. Paul spoke wisdom, "Faith, hope, and love...and the greatest of these is love." 
• July 22: Have You Heard the One About the Unitarian Universalist, or How Many UUs Does It Take to Change a Lightbulb?, Member-Led Service
  One of the hallmarks of our free faith is that we generally don't take ourselves too seriously. This service will feature UU humor from a number of sources. You are invited to share your favorite UU humor as well, so bring your favorite joke or funny story. How many UUs does it take to change a light bulb anyway?
• July 29: History, Mystery, and Building Community, Guest Speaker, Christopher Turner
   

June 2007:

• June 3: Are we the Center of the Universe?, Member-Led Service
  The seventh UU principle is "Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part." This sounds like a worthy principle, but what does it really mean to us? When we hear about "nature's fury", do we really believe that Mother Earth has a grudge against us? Are we more important than the animals of the field or the birds in the sky? How can we live the seventh principle in our faith and in our everyday lives? How can we become better stewards of the earth by giving up our own sense of importance and finding our co-equal place in the interdependent web. 
• June 10: The Bible and Holy War, David McCreery, Guest Speaker
  The sermon will reflect upon the Biblical concept of Holy War and how this tradition is impacting current events.
• June 17: Great Dads, Member-Led Service
  “What would you like your fathering legacy to be?” This Father’s Day service is based on the book Great Dads: Building Lasting Relationships With Your Kids written by Robert Hamrin. Through letters from children used to illustrate his points, Hamrin asks men some thought-provoking questions that explore the value of fathering which is often diminished and downplayed in today’s society. He also provides a chapter-by-chapter guide based upon 12 principles he developed to build and improve his own fathering (parenting) legacy. No one is perfect at the parenting game, but this is an excellent resource for parenting by parents of any gender. This book was an eye-opener for me (a mother!) in my relationship with my kids, and it was comforting to realize their father was already a pretty great dad! Immediately following this (purposefully) expedited service, let’s all meet at Jefferson Park and help our “Great Dads” celebrate their day with tons of great food, great folks, and great fun!
• June 24: Summer Solstice Service, Ralph Wiebe, Guest Speaker
  We acknowledge with our Sunday service this day our Seventh Principle, “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part", and the Sixth Source of our Living Tradition, "Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature." In the spirit and celebration of the religious freedom and diversity our nation was built upon we welcome today a High Priest of an Indo-European Wiccan tradition. A tri-Cities resident since 1983, he has been a follower of this particular spiritual path since 1990 and a student of many Magical philosophies for over 30 years. With his help, we will be guided through a traditional celebration of the Summer Solstice. As a special part of this service, our celebrant invites you to bring items you wish to have blessed as part of this seasonal pagan rite.

May 2007:

• May 6: Stars and Streetlamps, Rev. Craig Moro
  As Mother's and Father's Day approach, I always remember an old Family Circus cartoon in which one of its cute, ageless child characters asks: "There's a Mother's Day and a Father's Day, so how come there isn't a Kid's Day?" You'll hear a bit about my own kid today, but I won't bore you with too many stories! The Bible and other scriptures are filled with narratives of the pressures that can exist between generations of the human family. The literature of Islam also provides some interesting examples and our own UU principles may offer a window of insight to help us better understand the dynamics of how we get the world from each other, share it, and change it. Today's service will also include this year's bridging ceremony as members of our youth group prepare to transition one step further on the path to adulthood and engagement with the wider world. 
• May 13: The Great Turning, Kate Lore, Guest Speaker
  Business as usual is over. The era of cheap oil is ending, climate change is undeniably real, and the U.S. economy rests on an unsustainable foundation of financial and environmental debt. Yet there is a new conscience emerging around the globe that is gaining momentum, clearing our vision and giving us every reason to hope. What will it require of us to evoke The Great Turning?
• May 20: Breaking Confidence, Rev. Craig Moro
  Over the years I've had many confidential discussions with folks who are frustrated with their fellow Unitarian Universalists, and also with themselves. Why does she keep doing this; how could he have said that; how much longer can we put up with them before they leave, or else I will? The conversations take many turns but always end at the same place, where I share certain thoughts of mine in confidence. It's time to break that confidence and share them with you now.
• May 27: Looking Back for a Reason, Member-Led Service
  The past holds importance to us. It touches us in ways specific to each individual, but we share the common experience of having memories of those who have been on this earth before us and of past events that stay with us over time.

April 2007:

• April 1: Pledge or Die! (An April Fool's Day Sermon), Rev. Craig Moro
  A sermon that will kill you (just joking!) to help kick off a stewardship campaign that will give our church new life (no kidding!). How many UUs does it take to make a stewardship service? You'll have to come if you want to hear the punchline! 
• April 8: Good News! Liberal Religion is Alive and Well in the Pacific Northwest!, Member-Led Service
  A sizeable cadre of Unitarian Universalists attended our district Annual General Meeting in Boise, Idaho this past February. In between workshops and meals, we connected with many more fellow UUs. Today we take this opportunity to share a bit of our various perspectives, experiences, and learnings. Please come listen, ask, and be energized by news from the bigger picture.
• April 15: Faith, Hope, and Silly Little Songs, Rev. Craig Moro
  Most liberal and progressive thinkers are deeply troubled with the "Chritianism" of the religious right today, understanding how little it has to do with the core affirmations of the Christian message. What so-called "Christian" values and virtues do most of us affirm, whether we are Christian or not? Are there any other values we would add to this list? And what do silly songs have to do with any of this? Find out this afternoon, and share in our "renewal of vows" as a Welcoming Congregation!
• April 22: How to Save the Planet, CUUC UUth Group (Teens)
  It is easy to forget that in the not too distant future the youth of today will rule the world of tomorrow. It is our hope that they will rule with a gentle and responsible hand. As something of a practice run, the High School youth of CUUC will be in charge of our Earth Day service. Along with special guests, they will share music and stories and ideas of how YOU can make a difference....on Earth Day and into the world of tomorrow.
• April 29: Environmentalism and Evangelism, Rev. Stephen Erikson, Guest Speaker
  Disagreement exists within the Evangelical Christian community over envrionmentalism. What implications could this conflict have for religious progressives? Join our guest speaker for an absorbing foray into this timely stewardship topic. There will be a segment during the service hour after the sermon for a discussion among those gathered. You are also invited to continue the conversation during the fellowship time after the service!

March 2007:

• March 4: Pick One, Pick 'em All, Rev. Craig Moro
  A little girl's drawings lead us into some of the deep insights of Universalism, one of the two religious movements that led us to where we are today. Come meet the Blob Family! (This is the second in a series of three sermons on our Universalist heritage.)
• March 11: Home Is Where the Heart Is, Guest Speakers
  Most of us take having a roof over our heads and a place we can call our own for granted, even though there are times we remember to be grateful for this valuable aspect of our lives. Today we will learn just how precious "our home" can be and what loving touches we can help to put on one for someone else in our surrounding community. Our guest speaker, Wayne Underwood, is the Chair of Church Relations for the non-profit organization Habitat for Humanity here in the Tri-Cities. We will also welcome guests who will share their experience working with others to realize their dream of being in a home of their own. Many of our members and friends will be joining others on Saturday, March 24, in service for Habitat for Humanity in making another family's dream come true. You will be given an opportunity to join them.
• March 18: Poor Baby, Rev. Craig Moro
  If you were hiding in a closet last month, you may have missed the story of the astronaut who drove from Texas to Florida in a diaper. Late night comedians have had a field day with her, but does her story hold more for us than a few cheap laughs? Viewing the situation through the eyes of the classic Universalists, what else can we see?
• March 25: A Sense of Belonging, Member-Led Service
  What makes us want to belong to a relationship, to a family, to a church community, to something more or greater than ourselves? Why do we need each other? If we do need each other, then what does it take to stay together? Last but not least, how does this all relate to being a Unitarian Universalist? Let us take some time to explore these very important questions along with the many possible answers.

February 2007:

• February 4: Superman, Batman, Green Latern, and the Rest of Us, Rev. Craig Moro
  Mom was right -- I spent too much time reading comic books when I was a kid. But that time was hardly "wasted"! Superheroes, frail humanity, and our membership in a larger community will be the topics I explore on this Sunday when we welcome several new members to CUUC.
• February 11: Dark Night of the Soul, Guest Speaker, Rev. James Dyson
  We all have them -- those "Dark Nights of the Soul" when we struggle to know how to get back to a positive, constructive path. What are some appropriate approaches to possible outcomes? How do we get back in touch with our inner selves, and with the Divine? Join Reverend James Dyson in a journey from darkness to light!
• February 18: Jonathan Murray and the Buoyant Spirit, Rev. Craig Moro
  Jonathan Murray is considered to be the "Father" of Universalism in America. He overcame discouragement and even dispair as he discovered the joyful path that he would later share with all of us. Murray was also one of the first to introduce the concept of simple "child dedications" in place of the heavily-loaded "sacrament" of baptism. In Murray's honor, and in the honor of a certain tiny little sprite, we will celebrate such a dedication today!
• February 25: EleMentally, My Dear Watson, Member-Led Service
  What would Sherlock Holmes think of the prevalence of Occult and New Age concepts? Would he consider Alchemy, Astrology, and other Metaphysical philosophies to have any logical basis in reality? Let's find our together!

January 2007:

• January 7: Backtracking, Rev. Craig Moro
  When people come to your door distributing religious tracts, did you ever wish you had a tract of your own to hand back to them? I wrote one a long time ago, and got it out recently to see if it still had anything to say. I'll share some of the more (and less) worthwhile parts with you this morning. Maybe we'll all write a new one together in our UU Principles Class!
• January 14: Beyond Lightbulbs: A Greener Faith for a Brighter Future, Guest Speaker, Rev. Katherine Jesch
  When the litany of Earth's destruction is all around us, it's easy to sink into despair. But Earth's resilience is also all around us too, offering hope for the future. How can our Unitarian Universalist faith help us create a sustainable future for all of life on Earth? This sermon considers the possibilities.
• January 21: The Tyranny of the Single Thing, Rev. Craig Moro
  A Caddo Indian myth is our starting point for this meditation on tyranny, obsession, and the human power to dream of a new community.
• January 28: To be announced, Member-Led Service
  

December 2006:

• December 3: The Lightness of the Rake, Rev. Craig Moro
  A story of falling leaves, flying wings and a conversation between old and young. Through the chill of the wind comes the surprise of kindness!
• December 10: Focus on the Light, CUUC Member-Led Service
  Experience the solstice.
• December 17: Gifts and Offerings, Rev. Craig Moro
  Somehow, after all the Santas and sappiness, the sleaze, cheese, and advertising, the real thing is still there, alive, waiting to get through to us: Christmas. When it does, it can almost seem like a miracle. But not all miracles are "supernatural!" Due to a scheduling conflict, this service will be held at Jason Lee Elementary School at 1702 Van Giesen, Richland.
• December 24: Gifts of Love and Songs for the Season--A Candlelight Service, CUUC and Shalom UCC Member-Led Service
  A contemporary candlelight service filled with joy and love for each other and the miracle of all our births. Come join us in fellowship and lift up your voice in song as we sing some carols of the season.
• December 31: Power and Authenticity, CUUC Member-Led Service
  Explore the nature of different types of power, their impact on individuals and society and how, through a sincere approach to the choices we make, we may come closer to achieving a dynamic balance in our lives as a new year begins.

November 2006:

• November 5: This I Believe, CUUC Member-Led Service
  It is our congregation's tradition to honor our diverse beliefs by listening to what is shared by some of our members and friends with respect to their personal theologies. Each of our religious and/or spiritual journeys is unique. Sharing our stories further enriches our journeys.
• November 12: The Shirt Off Your Back, Rev. Craig Moro
  A young man in a worn, thin shirt encounters a group of worn, thin men far off the beaten tourist track in a desperately poor country during a food shortage. What good could come--or did come--of such a meeting? Come hear a lesson in gratitude and thankfulness for the simplest things!
• November 19: Fundraising, Aggie Sweeney, Guest Speaker
  Aggie Sweeny is a congregational fundraising consultant from Seattle, and will speak on the topic of capital campaigning and/or a related subject.
• November 26: Spiritual Gratitude, CUUC Member-Led Service
  Is gratitude more than what we are thankful for? What does spiritual gratitude mean? What might it mean to some of our members? We will take a look at what Edwin Charles Lynn has to say about this topic in his award winning sermon entitled, "It Might Have Been Otherwise: Spiritual Gratitude." Edwin, a fellow UU, was given the UUA Richard Borden Excellence in Sermons award for his writings.

October 2006:

• October 1: Who Was Mrs. Cain?, Rev. Craig Moro
  An early Bible census would show the population of the world to be just four: Adam, Eve, Cain, and Abel. After Cain kills Abel there should only be three people left, but we're suddenly told that Cain has a wife. she seems to have appeared out of nowhere! Who was she, where did she come from, and why should it matter to us?
• October 8: What Really Matters to Jews?, Guest Speaker, Ronald Schwartz
  What do we know about Judaism and what do we have in common? In this service, Ronald Schwartz, President of the Congregation Beth Sholom, will focus on similarities and differences between Judaism and Christianity. Judaism as a race versus a religion, and the different types of Zionism.
• October 15: Both Chickens, Rev. Craig Moro
  This sermon has two of everything: two wise men named Solomon, two churches, two friends, and two chickens. That should be enough for everybody. But what happens when you are called upon to deliver what you only seem to have? (This is the first of a 3-part series set in the impoverished oceanside communities of south India, planned to coincide with the annual Guest At Your Table children's programs. How do we respond from our abundance to a world where so many lie in want?)
• October 22: A Sense of Place, CUUC Member-Led Service
  When we think of a sense of place, how do we know when it's the right place for us?
• October 29: Of Butterflies and Radios, Rev. Craig Moro
  Our fourth UU principle is to "affirm and promote a free and responsible search for truth and meaning." A free search sounds good, but what does it mean to also conduct your search responsibly? How can those who have wealth, power, and the freedom to travel conduct themselves responsibly among those who do not? Today I'll share some of my own successes and failures in this regard with you as we once again visit a beach village in India.

September 2006:

• September 3: The Same Old Story, Rev. Craig Moro
  It's the sotry of Adam, Eve, that tree, that snake, and that garden. Is there anything we've missed after hearing it for thousands of years? Heads up! (Note: this is the first of a 3-part series on the book of Genesis in the Christian Bible. Each sermon will stand on its own, but we hope that you can come for all of them.)
• September 10: Mingling of the Waters, Member-led Service
  Our traditional ingathering service welcomes us all back to our church family after many have returned from summer travels. We all have the opportunity to bring some water from our journeys and mingle it with that brought by others in our communal vessel as we speak of "something of worth" in our brief sharing. This is a time to hear many voices and feel the connections that can be made in our community of faith.
  
• September 17: Lamech's Numbers, Rev. Craig Moro
  After Adam and Eve, come Cain and Abel, and then the partial story of Lamech. Why do things go so wrong when we mean so well? Will taking vengeance help to make them better? Must we live our lives according to Lamech's numbers? This morning, let's consider the practice and the power of forgiveness--in a world where it's so sorely needed.
• September 24: War, Violence, Conflict and Prospects of Peace, Guest Speaker, Dr. Pritam Rohila
  Dr. Rohila will explore the nature of war, violence and conflict, and the role religion has played. He will also discuss how realistic it is to expect peace, if it means absence of war, violence and conflict. A more realistic goal for us to aim for will be proposed.
  

August 2006:

• August 6: Special Service, Member-led Service
  
• August 13: Do I Make You Proud? Saints, Sinners, and Folks In Between, Member-led Service
  It is said that pride is one of the "seven deadly sins." But what kind of pride is the sin? Surely it cannot be the pride born of acting upon the silent, and all too often untaught "3 Rs" of Respect, Restraint, and Responsibility. Do we as parents do our children a disservice by not requiring them to model these attributes? When did pride in one's hard-earned accomplishments become synonymous with sinful, and universal self-esteem in the name of no "hurt feelings" the Holy Grail? How's that working for us as a society? Come and explore the virtue of pride this afternoon. We'll have a short "talk-back" time after the sermon to share on the question(s): What have you done that makes you proud of yourself, or to make others proud of you? Stand up and show your pride!  
  
• August 20: Guest Speaker, Ravadi Quin, published poet
  
• August 27: Jesus as a Master of Consciousness, Member-led Service
  Today's discussion will be based on the writings of Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault, an Episcopal priest. 
  

July 2006:

• July 2: Aristotle for Everyone?, Member-led Service
  
• July 9: Affirmative!, Member-led Service
  Today's focus will be an interactive discussion of the concept of "The Positives and Negatives of the concept Positive." We intend to briefly explore the idea of affirmation and visualization in our lives and touch on the nature of willful consciousness changing and 'synchronized coincidence'.  
  
• July 16: Surprise Topic, Member-led Service
  
• July 23: The Long Way Home, Rev. Alicia Riedy
  Rev. Riedy will share her thoughts with us on the topic of immigration, perhaps from the perspective of those who make the journey into our country.  
  
• July 30: Surprise Topic, Member-led Service
  

June 2006:

• June 4: Enough Juha for One Morning, Rev. Craig Moro
  Juha is a wise fool, or perhaps a foolish wise man. He goes by many names, in stories told by Arabs, Berbers, Turks, Bulgarians, and even Italian-Americans. Does he have anything special to teach us, or does he just like to give people a hard time? Come hear a few of his many tales, and decide for yourself. You might find yourself asking in the future, WWJD? (What would Juha do, if he found himself in my situation?) 
  
• June 11: Our Living Tradition, Member-led Service
  The Living Tradition we share draws from many sources. What or who are these sources? We often talk about our seven UU principles, but could you share this aspect of our religious faith with someone else if you were asked to? A few of our congregation members will give it a try!
  
• June 18: Curse, Bless Me Now, Rev. Craig Moro
  This special Father's Day service will be held at the Academy of Children's Theater at 213 Wellsian Way in Richland.  This will be Rev. Moro's last service until September and he will share some memories of a handful of encounters of a boy with his dad--some funny, some sad, and some even just a bit raunchy. Religion begins at home, with those who are closest to us... 
  
• June 25: All-Music Service, Member-led Service
  Join us as we celebrate in a service of joyful noise--filled with music to feed the soul, to make you want to sing, dance, and shout! Whether you have musical talent or not, you CAN appreciate, so come on out and appreciate members and friends of CUUC as they share their talents with us. Since this service is on Memorial Day weekend, please bring a picture or memento for someone you hold dear in memory. A table will be set up in the coffee area where items can be placed and viewed. We will have a sharing time during our community coffee gathering.