Sunday Worship

Upcoming Services

Services begin at 11:00 AM.
Hearing assistance receivers are available.

Laughter Yoga!
Sue Ann Ansari
Laughter Yoga combines Unconditional Laughter with Yogic Breathing (Pranayama). Anyone can Laugh for No Reason.

Learning to Love
Reverend Roger Mohr
In response to Rev. Mohr's messages on spiritual virtues and the philosophy of
non-violence expressed by Martin Luther King Jr., members are asking for a course on the doctrine of love. This message will speak to the doctrine of love and how it can provide the basis of spiritual growth in our personal and religious lives. An adult RE course on this
subject may be offered this spring.

Previous Services

Note: Audio recordings of many recent services are available here.

Break On Through
Reverend Roger Mohr
As we pass the halfway mark in the winter, we know that spring is just down the path. This is the season of waiting, of stirring. Indeed, Imbolc the pagan holiday celebrated this week, means "in the belly," a time of gestation. What new life grows within you this year?
Order of Service

The State of the Church
Reverend Roger Mohr
With the annual meeting following the service, there is good reason to be excited about First UU and its future. We are poised for success!

The Church That Laughs
Reverend Roger Mohr
Our Cantor, Gwen Foss, has collected a book of UU jokes that will form the be the basis of the service. UUs are fond of laughing at ourselves. why is that a spiritual virtue?

The Spiritual Teachings of Martin Luther King Jr.
Reverend Roger Mohr
Dr. King made a significant difference advancing race relations in the US. However, he founded his work on a body of spiritual principles which continue to have merit.

Immigration Reform in America 2012
Ryan Bates
Ryan Bates is currently the Director of the Alliance for Immigrants Rights & Reform – Michigan. A native of Metro-Detroit, Ryan is a graduate from the University of Michigan Residential College and has worked in politics and community organizing throughout the state. He has worked as a community organizer from the east side of Detroit to the upper penninsula, as a canvass manager working to stop urban sprawl and raise the minimum wage, and as a campaign manager of five successful competitive bids for state house. In 2009, he led the Reform Immigration FOR America Campaign in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, and became the founding director of the Alliance for Immigrants Rights in 2010.

Reclaiming the Light
Reverend Roger Mohr
A message of hope on the increasing light through the winter, our desire for social and self improvement, and the mission of Unitarian Universalism.

A UU Christmas
Reverend Roger Mohr
Join the 1st Church family for our annual Christmas Eve service featuring carols, special music, and a UU Christmas message.

The UU Spiritual Path
Reverend Roger Mohr
UUs have the option of choosing from a wide variety of spiritual traditions, so there is really no singular UU path. But there are some signs that one is growing in our faith that allow us to pursue our growth more intentionally.

The UU Principles: What the heck are they about?
Robert Johnson
Unitarian Universalism is a positive religion, with seven principles. It seems miraculous that our discursive denomination was able to agree on these bold statements.

Why Are We Gathered Here?
Reverend Roger Mohr
People often ask why we go to church, or say that they feel much more spiritually fulfilled doing other things. But the reason we gather in community is to remember and express the values of our UU faith, to celebrate our connections to one another, and to re-affirm our place and role in the wider community.

Tears, Cheers, and Jeers in Music
Todd Ballou and Gwen Foss
Music for a wide spectrum of human tastes and emotions. Featuring organ, cello, and hymn parody.

Environmental Justice
Reverend Roger Mohr
Mohr and Ahmina Maxey will share the pulpit, talking about the values of the Environmental Justice Movement, the Eastern Michigan Environmental Action Council, and how it relates to Unitarian Universalist values.

Love is the Doctrine of this Church, and Service is its Prayer
Mary Lou Malone

Money, Meaning, and Message
Reverend Roger Mohr
We'll discuss Occupy Detroit, with a dramatic reading from Death of a Salesman.

Viva Los Muertos!
Lencha Acker
The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration takes place on November 1st and 2nd, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2). Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts. Scholars trace the origins of the modern Mexican holiday to indigenous observances dating back hundreds of years and to an Aztec festival dedicated to a goddess called Mictecacihuatl.

Race, Class, Gender, and...Plato?
Reverend Roger Mohr
Many of the structural biases we struggle with in our society reach back well before the advent of Christianity, into our foundational philosophies. Real change requires deep awareness, contemplation, and transformation.

The Drum Knows Your Heart
Reverend Roger Mohr
The emotional power of music, what your music says about you, and the ways that we create community through music. Featuring a musical emphasis combining organ, drums and vocals!

The Welfare of Women
Kathleen Jacobs Johnson
Kathleen will speak about women in poverty and how US welfare reform affects them.
UN support for the rights of women began with the Organization's founding Charter. The UU-UNO recommends that congregations schedule a UN Sunday service in recognition of the birth of the United Nations on October 24th, 1945.

A Renewed Community
Reverend Roger Mohr
Our concept of our community needs to change to accommodate and embrace different times and circumstances. We celebrate change as an opportunity to engage an exciting new future.

How the Mind Works
Dan Secrest
A holistic and completely natural look at the mind and spirituality.

Mountain High, Valley Low
Reverend Roger Mohr
A message about spiritual discipline, from a zen perspective.

Peace for Lands Afar and Mine
Elayne Sikeleanos, Lencha Acker, Robert Johnson
Remembering 9/11, from Vietnam to Iraq, from Martin Luther King to the Arab Spring, we take stock of our place in the world.

Whose Idea Was This?
Reverend Roger Mohr
A message about the current state of UU theology and organization, and the way that the past brings us to the present.

Cassandra's Gambit
Reverend Roger Mohr
A message about the challenge of embracing the future.

Try it- You’ll Like it!
Todd Ballou & Gwen Foss
A musical feast, with a menu to match.

The Journey
Julie Brock

Sustainable Agriculture
Mary Lou Malone

Everyday Miracles
Kathleen Jacobs Johnson

From the Letter Box
Katherine Maurer

De Re Humanism
Robert Johnson

It's OK to Pray
Julie Brock

Choosing to be UU
Lencha Acker

A Parting Blessing
Reverend Bill Neely
Our planned year of Interim ministry comes to a close, meaning that it is time to say good-bye. On this, our final Sunday together, Rev. Neely will reflect on what he sees as the power and promise of First Church and offer his own blessing for our future.

Still Waiting for Freedom
Reverend Bill Neely
Juneteenth acknowledges former slaves in Texas being informed of their freedom more than two years after it was granted. Freedom is always to be celebrated, but more broadly, how is freedom still delayed for so many in this country? How can our faith be a more effective agent of freedom?

The Church of Love
Reverend Bill Neely
Love has been the commitment of our faith and this congregation since both began, and yet as times change both have periodically needed to reinvent themselves to remain prophetic. As the congregation considers major changes, we'll consider both the stability and creativity of the Love that guides us in caring for each other and transforming the world.

The Story of Ruth
Reverend Bill Neely and Katherine Maurer
Full of tenderness and struggle, the Book of Ruth in the Hebrew Scriptures beautifully speaks to the complexities of family, commitment, and community. Join Rev. Neely and Katherine Maurer for a re-telling of this traditional story.

Memories of Love
Reverend Bill Neely
On Memorial Day weekend, we'll honor those who died in battle as well as all of those who are gone but not forgotten in our lives. Join the First Church family for a service of memory, love, and peace.

Ayn Rand vs Altruism … the final showdown?
Robert Johnson

Down and Dirty in the D
Lencha Acker, Mary Lou Malone, and the Worship Committee
Wear your overalls and roll up your sleeves. It's time to join the sower and plant some seeds.

Heaven
Reverend Bill Neely
What did our ancient ancestors think of heaven and how did their thinking shift over time? Flying through thousands of years, we'll see heaven as the ancient ones did and consider how those images inform us today.

Stewardship
Julie Brock

Easter Sunday
Reverend Bill Neely
Unitarian Universalist Christians try to “worship God, and follow Jesus.” This classic sentiment of Unitarianism challenges us to model life after a prophet of tremendous justice, compassion, and service. Without needing to worship him, what would “following Jesus” look like today? How would it inform our political structures, our corporate entities, and our own unique lives?

A House of Spirit and Service
Reverend Bill Neely
Come celebrate the 95th Anniversary of the church’s life in its beautiful, current building. Special music, several reflections, and some thoughts about the future will center our gratitude for the church’s home for nearly a century. Stay after the service for a special potluck celebration.

Frontiers of Faith
Jeff Liebmann
We all travel unique religious paths. Some common landmarks exist -- points at which we achieve some measure of spiritual balance -- that many of us can identify in our journeys. Today we discuss one framework you can use to share the stories of your travels, and perhaps better understand your own odyssey.
    Jeff Liebmann is the Consulting Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Smithton, Pennsylvania. He is a recent graduate of Meadville Lombard Theological School and received his preliminary fellowship in ministry in September.

April 3, 1968
Reverend Bill Neely
Martin Luther King Jr.’s life was cut short by an assassin’s bullet on April 4, 1968, one day after he delivered his famous “Mountaintop” speech in support of striking Sanitation workers in Memphis. This service will explore that speech using the thoughts of social commentators Michael Eric Dyson, bell hooks, and audio clips of Dr. King himself.

Spiritual Humanism
Reverend Bill Neely
Humanism is a central theology within Unitarian Universalism and is reflected deeply in our principles, polity, and religious witness. A new form of humanism, one that is more open, spiritual, and embracing, is emerging from our congregations and transforming the world. This sermon will explore why, and how, humanism is changing with the times.

A UU Gone Wrong
Reverend Bill Neely
In a sermon I delivered earlier this year, I mentioned that there is a fundamentalist strain within Unitarian Universalism that harms us and the world. Several of you found this surprising. This is what I meant …

Sacred Atheism
Reverend Bill Neely
The recent resurgence of fundamentalist Christianity in mainstream politics opened up space for renewed interest in atheism. Several vocal authors filled that space with angry atheistic books that sold well, but haven’t led to positive change. What does sacred atheism look like? How is it a valuable piece of Unitarian Universalism?

Progress and Process
Reverend Bill Neely
We’re over the half-way point of our year of Interim Ministry together, and it’s been wonderful and faith-filled time for me. It’s time for reflection on our accomplishments, strengths, and the work we’re still called to do, together.

Shabbat!
Reverend Shelley Page
    What is the meaning of Sabbath in our lives today? Discover more about this ancient practice and how it has the power to transform your life.
    Shelley is the Interim Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Flint, MI. She and Reverend Bill have become fast friends this year.

Disintegration
Reverend Bill Neely
The African American community is often portrayed as one body with common dreams, experiences, and leaders, but is there really a singular "Black America"? Eugene Robinson, in his book, Disintegration, defines four specific African American communities that represent, in his words, "the Splintering of Black America". If true, what are the implications for racial equality movements in America?

Love and Beloved
Reverend Bill Neely
Love is that which transforms even the harshest of realities into something bearable, and sometimes even enchanting. Using Toni Morrison's Beloved and some writings of Christopher Hedges, this service will celebrate the grace of love in a sinful world.

The Human Darwin
Reverend Bill Neely
Darwin has gained near rock star status in our faith as religious liberals have used his teachings of evolution to counter a surge in creationist political activity. No problem there, but have we moved past appreciation of scientific contributions to the deification of his life? How can the very human Darwin better inform our days?

Why Bother?
Reverend Steven Protzman
    The Hebrew prophet Joel wrote: "The Spirit will be poured out on all people; your sons and daughters shall prophesy; the old shall dream dreams, and the young shall see visions." Unitarian Universalism challenges us to be modern day prophets who will respond to the voice of the Spirt that calls us to wake up and live out our faith in the world.
    Steven is a UU minister who lives in Minneapolis and is a 2009 graduate of the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. He was ordained last year and enjoys serving as a guest minister.

Why Anti-Racism has Failed
Reverend Bill Neely
In 1992, Unitarian Universalists attending our annual General Assembly passed a racial and cultural diversity resolution that eventually fueled the development of a UUA anti-racism program. After becoming familiar with the program, two prominent UU theologians predicted its failure. It now seems that they were more right than wrong. Why?

A Dream Deferred
Reverend Bill Neely
On Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, we’ll hold Dr. King’s famous dream of racial equality up next to the timeless Langston Hughes poem, A Dream Deferred. How has Dr. King’s dream, which is our dream, been deferred? How has it been realized?

True Colors
Julie Brock

Love Beyond Belief
Reverend Bill Neely
The Unitarian Universalist theologian Thandeka writes of a “love beyond belief” that pulses at the center of our faith. What does this love look like, and how does it shape us and the world?

Earth, Flesh, and Theology
Reverend Bill Neely

The Weary World Rejoices
Reverend Bill Neely
Join the 1st Church family for our annual Christmas Eve service featuring carols, special music, and a UU Christmas message.

A Dark and Brilliant Faith
Reverend Bill Neely
Winter Solstice reminds us that life begins in the dark, ends with the dark, and yet the light of life still shines.

That Time I Saw God
Reverend Bill Neely
Some hints: it was at worship, not here, and no one looked like George Burns.

Lights of Hope
Reverend Bill Neely
A Hanukkah-themed reflection on community, resilience, and the lights that will not die.

Worth the Wait
Reverend Bill Neely
With today’ s beginning of Advent and the upcoming celebration of Bodhi Day on Dec. 8,
both Christians and Buddhists turn toward the spirituality of waiting at this time of the year. In such a fast-paced world where busyness defines many lives, how might the practice of waiting deepen and soothe us? What might be worth the wait?

Spider Woman
Reverend Bill Neely
The Native American story of Spider Woman weaves together themes of beauty, vocation, obsession, and love. As part of Native American Heritage Month, this service will reflect on this timeless and provocative tale.

Scarcity Thinking vs. Abundance Thinking
Jim Moir

The Transience and the Permanence of First Church
Reverend Bill Neely
Serving as your Interim Minister means that our ministry together is rooted in transition.
First Church today is unlike First Church yesterday, and probably First Church tomorrow, too. Amidst all this change, what abides about First Church’ s ministry in Detroit?

We Wear the Mask
Reverend Bill Neely
The title of a Paul Laurence Dunbar poem, “We wear the mask” speaks of the oppressed wearing masks of happiness and complacency to shield deep personal pain. More broadly, we all wear masks, every day, and they’re all shielding something. As the ghouls and goblins take over Halloween, we’ll explore some of the masks we most often wear and consider the common humanity underneath them.

The Question Box
Reverend Bill Neely
This is your chance to have the topic of your choosing receive the attention of the preacher from the pulpit during the Sunday service. Write down a question on a note card, submit it during the service, and in place of a sermon, Rev. Bill will read and respond to as many questions as possible. What are you wondering about - theology? Social Justice? My favorite flavor of pie? Write it down and see what happens! Questions can also be emailed to Rev. Bill ahead of the service.

How to Save the World
Reverend Bill Neely
Our faith and our consciences call us to work for justice and equality, but how we best do that often isn’t clear. Sometimes those on the same side of a movement spend more energy arguing strategy among each other than working toward the common goal. How do we work together to create the world of which we dream?

Money Matters
Reverend Bill Neely
As the First Church Board of Trustees begins a fall focus on congregational stewardship, we’ll explore generosity and giving from a spiritual perspective. How do our gifts reflect our deepest held values? How does our relationship with money change and form us?

Membership Matters
Reverend Bill Neely
Our faith stresses individual autonomy and personal freedom so much that we sometimes lose sight of the importance of formal church membership. What does membership in a congregation mean? How does membership change and form us?

Searching
Mary Lou Malone and Friends

Leading Spiritually
Reverend Bill Neely
Leading in churches, either professionally or as a volunteer, requires not simply leadership skills, but skills in spiritual leadership. How does one lead spiritually? How is spiritual leadership different from other types?

A Mosque in America
Reverend Bill Neely
The plan to build a mosque in New York City near the site of one of the 9-11 attacks has garnered considerable attention. What does this controversy say about the religious climate of America, and how can our faith help shape the discussion?

Many Rivers, One Water
Reverend Bill Neely
While taking many different forms, Water Communion is a common Unitarian Universalist ritual that honors the diversity and unity of our religious communities. For this service, all are encouraged to bring a small sample of water representative of your home or travels to merge in our common bowl. As many, and as one, we’ll join together in the spirit of our faith.

The Good News
Reverend Bill Neely
As we begin our year of transition ministry together, let's recall and envision the good news of our faith. What does First Church bring to life in Detroit? How is our faith a blessing in this world?

Come Sing a Song With Me
Todd Ballou, Gwen Foss

Appreciating Ambiguity
Cassandra Hartley

Expect Nothing, Live Frugally on Surprise
Kathleen Jacobs Johnson

Unitarian Universalism, What's It All About?
Robert Johnson, Katherine Maurer, Dan Secrest

Celebrating the Small Stuff
Julie Brock

Appreciate The Commons
Reverend Lynda Smith

Celebrating Uppity Women
Mary Lou Malone

Slender Threads: God's Will vs I Will
Brad Rutledge

Social Forum, UU's, & Connectivity
Robert Johnson, Linda Darga, and Danny Rebb

Who's Your Daddy?
Al Acker and Julie Brock

Another Threshold
Reverend Drew Johnston

Integrity, Hope, & Pride
Reverend Drew Johnston

The Beauty of Letting Go
Stephanie Chang, Dessa Cosma, Robert Johnson

Reclaiming Religion
Reverend Doug Gallager and Celia Thurston

To Tell the Truth
Reverend Drew Johnston

She Made Me
Reverend Drew Johnston

Point of Origin
Reverend Drew Johnston

Still In Orbit
Reverend Drew Johnston

Conundrum, Koan, Puzzle
Reverend Drew Johnston

The Question of Evil
Reverend Lynda Smith

Easter
Reverend Drew Johnston

Putting It In Order
Reverend Drew Johnston

To Be, . . . or not
Reverend Drew Johnston

An Examined Faith
Reverend Lynda Smith

Our Ancient Emotional Souls
Jim Moir

Greater Hope
Reverend Drew Johnston, with Robert Johnson

Public Transportation and Rosa Parks
Lee Gaddies and Dan Jones

Radical Hospitality
Written by Reverend Marilyn Sewell, Delivered by Mary Lou Malone

Labor of Love
Reverend Drew Johnston

Telling Church
Reverend Drew Johnston

Freefall
Reverend Drew Johnston

Ministers, Ministry, and Movin' On
Reverend Nana Kratochvil

It's Nothing Personal
Reverend Drew Johnston
(Congregational Meeting Following the Service)

Future Memories
Julie Brock and Robert Johnson

Embracing Change
Lencha Acker and Julie Brock

Christmas Eve
Reverends Drew Johnston and Lynda Smith

A Winter Solstice
Rev. Lynda Smith

Surprise Packages
Rev. Drew Johnston

Becoming Who We Are
Rev. Lynda Smith and Dessa Cosma

Bringing Hope Where Hope is Hard to Find
Worship Committee

Deep Gratitude
Reverend Drew Johnston & Reverend Lynda Smith

Fire of Thought
Reverend Drew Johnston

Gratuitous Good
Reverend Drew Johnston

A Family of Saints
Reverend Lynda Smith

Where Fear Lurks
Reverend Drew Johnston

Sit Down and Stand Up
Reverend Drew Johnston

Coming Out, Coming Home
Reverend Lynda Smith

Life Stages
Reverend Drew Johnston

Indirectly
Reverend Drew Johnston
with special music by Roy Zimmerman.

Highly Holy
Reverend Drew Johnston

Boundary Water
Reverends Drew Johnston and Lynda Smith

Water Ceremony
Reverend Drew Johnston

Playful and Determined
Reverend Drew Johnston

The Cool Congregation
Alicia Biggers

Having Plenty
Reverend Drew Johnston

The Labyrinth
Reverend Lynda Smith & Friends

Darwin
Len Zettel

Do No Harm
Randy Block

Do No Harm
Mary Lou Malone

OMG! An Atheist Evolves
Jim Moir

Fearless Change
Brad Rutledge

Fear and Choice
Reverend Lynda Smith

Seeds of Freedom
Reverends Drew Johnston & Lynda Smith

Oh, The Places You'll Go
Reverend Drew Johnston

What Have You Done Lately?
Reverend Drew Johnston

Evolving
Reverend Drew Johnston

Honoring Memories
Reverend Lynda Smith & Members of the Congregation

Why You Matter
Reverend Drew Johnston

What Momma Said
Reverend Drew Johnston

A Question of Normal
Reverend Lynda Smith

Collaborative Justice
Reverend Drew Johnston

Gifts of Gender - Male, Female, and the Rest of Us
Reverend Drew Johnston

Easter
Reverends Drew Johnston and Lynda Smith

Justice in Action
Reverend Lynda Smith

Church: The Musical
Todd Ballou

Metaphors Be With You
Reverend Drew Johnston

March Freely
Reverend Lynda Smith

The Next Knot
Reverend Drew Johnston

Marching On
Reverend Drew Johnston

Loving the Night
Reverend Lynda Smith

Loving Anyway
Reverend Drew Johnston

Love and the Other
Reverend Drew Johnston

Love, Learn, Repeat
Reverend Drew Johnston

On a Clear Day
Reverend Lynda Smith

A New View
Reverend Drew Johnston

Bright Ideas
Reverend Drew Johnston

Matters of Fact
Reverend Drew Johnston

Celebrating Kwanzaa
An Act of Self-Empowerment for African Americans
Dr. Amorie Robinson

Christmas Eve
Reverends Drew Johnston and Lynda Smith

Waiting for Love
Reverend Drew Johnston

Waiting for Kindness
Reverend Lynda Smith

Waiting for Truth
Reverend Drew Johnston

Comfort Food, Comfort Faith
Jim Moir

To Receive is to Give
Reverend Lynda Smith

Ready for Grace
Reverend Drew Johnston

New Prospects
Reverend Drew Johnston

Matters of Consequence
Reverend Drew Johnston

An Agent for Change
Guest Speaker: Dr James Robinson
with Reverend Drew Johnston

Our Liberal Tradition
Reverend Lynda Smith
Our enduring legacy has both religious and cultural lessons. From the great theologian, James Luther Adams, till today, liberalism affirms basic values of democracy.

What Could Be Better?
Reverend Drew Johnston

Ultimate Value
Reverend Drew Johnston

Gratitude: for the beautiful and the difficult.
Reverend Lynda Smith

Transcending Faith
Reverend Drew Johnston

New Rhythm
Reverend Drew Johnston

Next Steps
Reverend Drew Johnston

Mingling Waters
Reverend Drew Johnston

Age is Not A Disease
Averil Spence-Clarke, Windsor UU Church
We react to aging, perceive it as a loss of central core skills and thought patterning in our lives. What if we change how we think about aging and life? What would be the impacts?

Water Ceremony
Wherever You Go

Environmental Justice in Southeast Michigan
Reverend Lynda Smith
Global warming, sustainability, urban agriculture, buy local--the issues are compelling and contentious. Environmental justice calls for public policy that promotes environmentally safe livelihoods and neighborhoods for all people. It demands an economic and cultural liberation that will change us all.

Justice in the Middle East
Sarah Smith-Redmond
She reports on her trip last fall, with 9 other U.U.s, to Israel/Palestine to observe first-hand.

Candlelight Vigil in Solidarity with Knoxville UU Church
Rev. Drew Johnston
A candlelight vigil was held at 7pm on Wednesday, July 30, at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Detroit in solidarity with a community near Knoxville, Tenn. that was violently attacked in an apparent anti-gay shooting. The gunman opened fire during a youth service at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in part, police said, because he opposed the church's gay-friendly stance. FBI officials are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.

Say Nice!
S'eri U'elz
"Love thy neighbor as thyself,” a check-up and tips on how to do both better for a better community.

The Gospel of Thomas
Jim Moir
The Gospel of Thomas was unearthed in 1945 near Cairo. It is not a narrative like the established gospels; rather, it is a collection of sayings and quotations attributed to Jesus. There is controversy about the age and the reliability of this gospel, issues which Jim Moir will address. This book reinforced Jim's interest in the life and teachings of Jesus. He hopes to show how Thomas can give us a new perspective on Christian scriptures.

Enoch: The Green Prophet of the Abrahamic Religions and Vegetarianism
Felice Rizzo

Spiritual Politics
Reverend Olaf Lidums

Wired but Not Connected
Brad Rutledge
"Geeks" welcome. Is communication technology increasing or decreasing the distance between us?.

Juneteenth
Reverend Drew Johnston, with Dr. James Robinson
With the theme "Never Give Up" on ourselves and in working to build a more just society, we consider Julius Waites Waring (1880-1968) who was a distinguished American lawyer and jurist who played an important role in the early legal battles of the American Civil Rights Movement.

Father Knows What?
Reverend Drew Johnston

Wile E. Coyote, My Minor Deity
In describing Wile E.'s divine qualities, I will show why coyotes in nature are such attractive models as spiritual beings
Jim Moir
Jim has completed three years at Meadville Lombard Theological School and is preparing for his internship in UU ministry. He is a lifelong UU who attended 1st Unitarian in Detroit as a child. Jim recently lost his wife Robin to cancer. He is working as a Youth Librarian in Dearborn Heights until he can resume his education.

Embracing Change
Reverend Lynda Smith
Change is a process that does not depend on luck or willpower. Understanding the stages of change can help you make positive changes in your life.

The Challenge of Democracy
A Panel of Speakers

Life Tidings
Reverend Drew Johnston

Everyone's Mother Love
Reverend Drew Johnston

The Struggle for Peace and Social Justice in an Era of War and Inequality
Abayomi Azikiwe

A UU Community Ministry
Reverend Lynda Smith

Pray Without Apology
Reverend Drew Johnston

Being Useful
Reverend Drew Johnston

The Question of Race
Reverend Harold Beu

For Dear Life
Reverend Drew Johnston

Everday Ascension
Reverend Drew Johnston

On Healing Our isms
Reverend Olaf Lidums

Creativity: Living the Dream of the Universe
Brad Rutledge

Getting Close
Reverend Drew Johnston

Compassion
Reverend Lynda Smith

Loving Wildly
Reverend Drew Johnston

Return to Love
Reverend Drew Johnston

Loving Courageously
Reverend Drew Johnston

Greater Hope
Reverend Drew Johnston

Dreaming a World
Reverend Drew Johnston

Ever/Never New
Reverend Drew Johnston

We're All in the Same Boat
Bill Secrest -- Professor of World Religion, Environmentalist

KWANZAA -- Unity in Community
Dr. James Robinson

Christmas Eve
Reverend Drew Johnston

The Pause that Refreshes
Reverend Drew Johnston

Faith, Hope, & Love
Reverend Drew Johnston

Waiting and Faith
Reverend Drew Johnston

Waiting and Hope
Reverend Drew Johnston

To Be in Balance
Reverend Lynda Smith

To Be Grateful
Reverend Drew Johnston

To Be of Use
Reverend Drew Johnston

To Be Proud
Reverend Drew Johnston

Enough
Reverend Drew Johnston

Dismantling Fear
Reverend Drew Johnston

Somewhere Out Here
Reverend Drew Johnston

From Repression to Freedom: One Woman’s Journey
Cynthia Khan

Dawn of the Space Age
Reverend Drew Johnston with Len Zettel

Radiating Kindness
Reverend Drew Johnston

Being and Relatedness
Reverend Drew Johnston
We will explore Transcendentalism, the over-soul, and similar Emersonian ideas - and apply them to the ways we are in relationship, using a metaphor of islands.

Water Ceremony -- Reverend Drew Johnston
Worshipful Music -- Michael Krieger
Last Summer Service

Notes from Eagle Lake
Reverend Drew Johnston

Dialogue About Justice -- Call to Action
Randy Block, Michigan UU Social Justice Network

If I Dream Alone
Michael Ohlrogge

On Prophetic Consciousness
Reverend Olaf Lidums
What is this distinctive mode of thinking?
What are the key grounding and foundational components?
What are the implications for how one relates to the current cultural scene?
What are some challenging existential, emotional and spiritual dynamics?
What are the hoped for outcomes and effects for our human community?

A Declaration of Religious Freedom
Reverend Larry Hutchison, Minister Emeritus
Freeing us from Metaphysical Dogmatism
Freeing us to love life and care for others
Freeing Religion for dialogue

The Power of Imagination
Reverend Olaf Lidums
"Philosophy stirs the intellect; religion stirs imagination." [James Cone]
Imagination is fundamental to our human capacity to be creative, to project possibilities, to dream dreams, and to dare to venture forth, as Star Trek says, "where no human has gone before." In terms of personality development, the fostering of the child's imaginative capacity is fundamental to solid socialization, because imagination is the precursor of empathy and compassion.

Unitarian Universalist Buddhism: Relevant in This Moment
Rev. Lynda Channa Smith,
UU minister and Buddhist teacher ordained in the Zen tradition
Pacifism as a process and as a deep value will be explored. Comparing the Buddhist precepts with our UU principles, the sermon will propose similarities and differences between UU religious beliefs and Buddhist teachings.

Unitarian Universalist Buddhism: A Historic Meeting
Rev. Lynda Channa Smith,
UU minister and Buddhist teacher ordained in the Zen tradition
The shared history of our UU religious tradition and the teachings of Buddhism will be highlighted. What makes us different and keeps us separate and what connects us? What is the larger context of the meeting of Eastern and Western spiritual traditions?

Lebanon-A Multi-Cultural Country
Rima Abou Mrad, Rotary International Student from Lebanon
First Summer Service -- 10:00 AM.

Juneteenth Emancipation Celebration
Dr. James Robinson
Potluck Picnic on the Church Grounds Following the Service

Leap Forward into Mystery
Reverend Drew Johnston, Reverend Lynda Smith

Staring Back ~Reverend Laurie Thomas

New and Old Remembering ~Reverend Drew Johnston

What DO UU's Believe? ~Randy Magner
Intergenerational

Universal Mothers ~Reverend Drew Johnston

From Many Sources ~Reverend Drew Johnston
On Universalism

Out of the Waste Land ~Reverend Drew Johnston

Embracing Life - Fully, Deeply, Richly ~Reverend Olaf Lidums
Life within the framework of Earth-Human Community.

A Radical Yes! ~Reverend Drew Johnson
We have the chance to say yes or no to various parts of life and our answers can come from outside influences or a deeper, personal place. How can we risk a radical "Yes"?
Potluck Sunday

Rising Hope ~Reverend Drew Johnston
While we explore the meanings of Easter, we will be joined by the Singers of United Lands. Four professional singers from four different continents join us for the purpose of developing international and cultural relationships.
Easter breakfast at 9:00

Queer Thinking ~Reverend Drew Johnston
One of the opportunities (and obligations) offered by a non-dogmatic religion is the expectation that we are interested in thinking "outside the box." Cultural norms limit our thinking and we might benefit from understanding where these norms originate. Both queer theory and gender theory can aid our understanding.

The Once and Future Church ~Reverend Drew Johnston
Program of Russian Music ~Todd Ballou
Meeting After Church to Discuss Appreciative Inquiry Results

UUs as Truth Speakers to the Religious Right
Michael Whitty, Professor of International Management at the University of
Detroit Mercy College of Business Administration
Potluck Sunday

You Catch What You Catch
There are expectations in life and there are inevitabilities. Sometimes we confuse the two.
Reverend Drew Johnston

Responsibilities of Privilege
Reverend Drew Johnston

Love and the Soul
So much gets in the way of reaching the thing called soul! How do we allow ourselves to perceive the essence of our selves and each other? Is our soul really ours, or part of something larger?
Reverend Drew Johnston

Sticking with Love
It's not just about candy.
Reverend Drew Johnston

Love in Bloom--
What are the roots of love and how do they thrive? As Valentine’s Day approaches we will look deeper than gifts and candy for the origin of love.
Reverend Drew Johnston

Another World is Possible--
A Report from the 2007 World Social Forum in Nairobi, Kenya
Frank Joyce

How We Speak.
Reverend Drew Johnston

Dream Big.
Can we find a collective, collaborative dream for this congregation?
Reverend Drew Johnston

Thoughts on Morality and Justice
inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Reverend Drew Johnston

Five Christianities
Reverend John Weston
Unitarian Universalist Association
Discussion of Ministerial Search Process Following Service

Transitions
Reverend Olaf Lidums

We're All in This Together
Reverend Drew Johnston
Our Full Time Minister effective January 2007

Frank Joyce
Michigan Coalition for Human Rights

Affirmative Action Revisited

Plus

Lencha Acker
El Dia de Los Muertos

Rev. Harold Beu
Emerson UU Congregation of Troy
On Patriotism

Rev. Dr. Olaf Lidums
Adjunct Professor, Ecumenical Theological Seminary

On Our Earth-Human Community

Rev. Dan Krichbaum
CEO National Conference for Community and Justice

Forgiveness... the Greatest Gift

Potluck Sunday

Rev. Emmy Lou Belcher of the DuPage UU Church In Naperville, IL

Alex Darr, Outreach Minister for the Faithful Fools Street Ministry in San Francisco

The End of the Homeless Problem