THE FEAST OF ALL SAINTS & ALL SOULS.
Many Christian traditions celebrate the Feast of All Saints, on November 1st, honoring those who have been declared saints by the church. The Feast of All Souls, on November 2nd, is supposed to honor the memory of all those who have died. In the Universalist tradition, however, All Souls has a slightly different meaning, as our religious ancestors believed that all souls were saved, that all would be reconciled with God at the end of time. Our minister, who is originally from New Orleans, brings a new perspective to the two holidays from her cultural heritage.
IDOLATRIES OF THE MIND & SPIRIT:
          The Worship of the Status Quo, Part 4 of 4
Worship services in August formed a series on false religions or idolatries - what is valued in our culture instead of what has real worth. The inspiration for the series was a sentence in the Unitarian Universalist principles, the portion that reads, "Humanist teachings that counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit." Each sermon focused on a particular idol or false value, and offered the liberal religious alternative for a more meaningful life. Other sermons in the series looked at materialism, violence, and the pursuit of personal comfort. This sermon, on the worship of the status quo, was the last in the series.
EVER-CHANGING RIVER: A SPIRITUAL ODYSSEY
In the Unitarian Universalist tradition, prospective new ministers are introduced to the congregation during an 8-day period called Candidating Week. In that time, the minister preaches two sermons and meets with the Board and committees and individuals, in an effort to get to know the church and allow the voting members of the church get to know the minister. On the second Sunday, in a congregational meeting following the service, a vote is held to determine whether or not to call the minister. This sermon was the first of the two sermons of the Candidating Week last April that introduced Rev. Morel-Ensminger to the UUCCH congregation.

THE SPIRIT & CULTURE of GENEROSITY:
         A Mardi Gras & Canvass Kickoff Sermon.
What does the New Orleans celebration of Mardi Gras have in common with the UU practice of the annual pledge campaign? Stumped? We celebrated our first Mardi Gras, heard an authentic String Band play carnival music and listened to Melanie explain why Mardi Gras is a good metaphor for Canvass.

FROM PAST-MINISTER REV. RUDY NEMSER D.D.
(Rev. Rudy Nemser; 1928 - 2002;
Our minister, 1984 - 2000; Our minister emeritus, 2001 - 2002)

THOSE WHO DREAM
TOUCHING EARTH, TOUCHING SKY
THE FUNDAMENTALS
HOME NOTES
CRY YES!
OTHER STARS, OTHER STABLES (On the occasion of Rudy's retirement.)

EVERYTHING I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO TELL YOU!
This is Rudy's last sermon as minister of this church with the "rights" to the title bought by a parishioner at our Auction. Rudy, with humor and wit, summarizes his finding and his stay with us.

TRY RELIGION!
Having trouble raising money in your congregation?
Here's an approach that just might work......
WORSE THAN HUNGER
A Buddhist monk leaves the monastery each morning with an EMPTY begging bowl. What is the meaning of this custom?

HOW TO LIVE WITH AMBIGUITY
In many religions, one is forced to maintain two or more logically incompatible beliefs or attitudes. UUs, in contrast, do not require certainty at the price of logic but, indeed, find excitement in ambiguity.
AN APPRECIATION OF COMMUNITY
Written on the third anniversary of the fire in our original Fellowship Hall, Rudy describes what goes on in a meeting of Unitarian Universalist ministers "Fraters" society. He discusses the difference between an organization and a community. Want to find out? Read on......