Sunday, May 1 - Bring a Friend Sunday
11 a.m. Worship: “The Largest Thought the World Has Ever Known,” Rev. Morn preaching. This quotation comes from Universalist minister Clarence Skinner as he describes Universalism. On this Neighborhood Open House Sunday our service will provide an introduction to Universalist faith for old and new friends alike. Please invite a friend to join you at church this Sunday.
Noon-2 p.m. UNMC Neighborhood Open House -- Snacks, music, and church tours, including the Tower with its wonderful view of the neighborhood. All are welcome!
Wednesday-Thursday, May 4-5
6:30-9 p.m. UNMC leadership retreat with consultant Dan Hotchkiss
May 6-8, Friday-Sunday
Mayhem 2005: A Riotous Social Justice Journey. The annual spring retreat of the JPD UU Young Adult Network focusing on faith-based social justice, at the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail at the Ironmaster's Mansion, Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
Sunday, May 8
11 a.m. Worship: "Recoloration," Sue Mosher preaching. Genesis 2:8-17. The struggle over the symbols of faith is nothing new. When one group claims exclusive meaning for a symbol, others may lose the ability to have their story honored as well. Can a fresh look at the cross give us the will and clarity to more boldly proclaim God's love for all?
Monday, May 9
7 p.m. Monthly Board of Trustees meeting, including discussion of the 2005-6 church budget. All are welcome to attend.
Saturday, May 14
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Regional Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship Revival in Charlottesville
Sunday, May 15
11:00 a.m. Worship: The Rev. Shana Goodwin, All Souls, preaching.
Sunday, May 15
12:30 p.m. UNMC Annual Congregational Meeting
Election of officers, approval of annual budget, approval of the community covenant, and other business of the congregation. Members should plan to attend. All others are also welcome.
Wednesday, May 18
7:00 p.m. Third Wednesday Theology Discussion: a discussion of the Universalist Declaration of Faith of 1899 and the Seven Principles and Purposes of the UUA in the context of a desire to find unity in diversity while maintaining the spirit of Rev. Morn's challenge to us in her sermon, "Glad and Generous Hearts." The group will also discuss the history of the two statements and their applicability to our practice and worship today.
Sunday, May 22
11:00 a.m. Worship: “Professions & Declarations in Universalist History” In this service we will survey and explore various statements adopted by Universalists through the modern era and consider the role of such statements in congregational life today.
Sunday, May 29
11:00 a.m. Worship: “Marriage: A Holy Sacrament for All God’s Children” How might we, as people of liberal faith, respond to the current struggle over marriage? Who will decide? Is marriage a civil or a religious state? And why are we so confused over this?