Worship Topics   Fall 2007 Services September Sept 9 The Spiritual Nature of Hospitality Reverend Janet Newman In this first sermon as your Interim Minister, I want to say a few words about how we can be in ministry together. My views on transition were stimulated by a book titled Radical Hospitality. I want to take time for us to acknowledge what you are going through and to look at some goals for our year. This is a service of ingathering in which all generations will find a chance to reconnect with the community. We will have a brief installation ceremony that recognizes our relationship as Interim Minister and Congregation. Sept 16 We Are the Promises We Make Reverend Janet Newman This Sunday falls during the Jewish High Holy Days. A key subject for Jews and for us during this period is promise—what do we promise and to whom or what? As Unitarian Universalists in a time of transition, it is appropriate to make promises about how we treat one another. In addition, there will be an opportunity to recognize the wonderful volunteers in the Lifespan Religious Education Program and to covenant with them for this program year. Sept 23 Finding Your Place in the Middle Mary Bennett, CUC Executive Director There‘s lots of good advice about change, but a lot of it isn‘t so helpful when you‘re in the middle of it. Transition expert, William Bridges, and your Interim Minister both know that the "middle" part of change has particular challenges and dynamics. Mary Bennett, Executive Director of the Canadian Unitarian Council, will share with us some of her reflections on change and transition—organizational, congregational and personal. Sept 30 Moses and the Trapeze Artist Reverend Janet Newman As we continue on the first phase of our ministry together, I want to reflect with you where we are during our transition period. The "Moses" in my title refers to me as I accompany you through the wilderness of change. You are the "Trapeze Artist" in this process as you learn the hard lessons of holding on to security and then letting go; the trapeze is merely a metaphor for something deeper. October 7 Harvest and Thanksgiving Sunday Rev. Janet Newman Janet Newman and others. In preparation for Thanksgiving, let us look at how we live in our consumer-driven society. Can voluntary simplicity help? All ages are invited to this service, and everyone is asked to bring some bread and/or fruit to share in a feast afterwards. October 14 As Fire Exists by Burning Rev. Janet Newman I want to talk with you about the urgency of mission in this congregation and in our lives. What does the mission statement of the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa say about you? About congregational identity, especially in this time of transition? How do we live in mission? After the service, please stay for the Annual Congregational Meeting. October 21 Social Justice is a Matter for All Ages Rev. Janet Newman, Members of the Youth Group, Adults involved in Social Responsibility In this service, members of the Youth Group who attended last spring’s workshop at the Unitarian Universalist – United Nations Office in New York will speak about how the sessions affected their lives. Adults will respond to the youth’s values and actions. After the service, the youth will present a dramatic production illustrating what they learned, which they will take to the Eastern Regional Gathering in Newfoundland in November. October 28 I Do! I Do! The Joy of Volunteering Rev. Janet Newman Research shows that persons who are involved in something outside themselves live happier and longer lives. How can volunteering benefit you? And the congregation? After the service, all are invited to the “Getting Connected” Fair in Fellowship Hall. Find your place(s)! Summer 2007 Services July July 1 Mythologies and Nations Rod Solano-Quesnel Holidays like Canada Day and Cinco de Mayo show how mythology is prevalent far beyond theological realms? we're constantly immersed in it in secular settings. The histories of nations conjure up images and symbols that shape our actions, attitudes, and expectations within the countries we call home. July 8 Ottawa's Erratic Driving on the Information Highway Reuel Amdur July 15 The One Sermon for Our Time Rev. Howard Box Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all come from a base where there is a final judgement as a guide for our times, it is not working. July 22 Faith Journey, Conviction and Theological Underpinnings Behind Martin Luther King Jr's Commitment to Non-Violence Alex Campbell Shortly after the 1955 boycott of city buses by blacks in Montgomery, Alabama, Martin Luther King Jr. told journalist and award-winning documentary film producer, William Peters, that the spirit of passive resistance came to him from the Bible, from the teachings of Jesus, and the techniques came from Gandhi. Today we'll consider the Faith Journey, Conviction, and Theological Underpinnings behind Martin Luther King Jr's Commitment to Non Violence. July 29 Potlucks for Peace Dan Morrison, Jonathan Wouk and Monzer Zimmo http://www.potlucksforpeace.ca August 5 Time for Action! Mike Kaulbars, Peace and Environment Resource Centre The science has been done, the reports written, the discussions held? now it's time for real, practical, effective actions to mitigate climate change and leave a viable world to our children and grandchildren. August 12 The Noble Bird The Noble Birds Young Adult Group What is that statue in our Meditation Garden? Where did it come from? Who created it? What are some of the meanings behind it? August 19 Welcoming Congregation - PRIDE Meg Gourlay, Ellen Bell, Joanne Law August 26 The Future of the CUC Elizabeth Bowen September 2 Building Beloved Community Valerie Cousins Rev. J.E. Abernathy Jr., minister of the UU church of Rockville, MD says that our covenant is to 'come to understand that life is lived with others, that our future is created and determined by how we treat one another'. Valerie Cousins, former Lay Chaplain, will explore what it is to build a 'Beloved Community' within our own congregation and also within the many communities that we experience as part of our day-to-day lives.   June June 3 Dissolving the Covenant in Love Rev. Brian Kopke This special day we bid Rev. Kopke adios (God be with you) and hasta luego (until later) and we wish him both. There will be special speakers, a wonderful dance prepared by Suren and Geeta, professional Nepali dancers, and a farewell address by Rev. Kopke. We will then enter into a covenant of decommissioning which lays out the path forward between us as Members and Rev. Kopke, soon to be Minister Emeritus. June 10 Our Democracy in Question: Continental Integration and Canada's Future George Samuels June 17 L'Abri En Ville: a New Concept in Housing for the Mentally Ill? Kathie Elliott June 24 Science, Community and Global Justice Bob Stevenson & Pat Mooney Spring 2007 Services May May 6 Enough Water for Tears Rev. Brian Kopke With a planned meeting between US, Canadian and Mexican leaders essentially to look at a long term agenda for the continent‘s water, it is time to take stock, look at the water wars in the American US, and wonder . . . . May 13 Trust Yourself and the Community Rev. Brian Kopke When all seems to be falling apart and you no longer have the wayside markers you have relied on, what is the best path forward? We will also welcome new Members this Sunday as well as two grandmothers from Kenya on tour with the Stephen Lewis Foundation. May 20 Peace and War Special Service with Many Guests Yuck! Don‘t you just hate war! Today we will hear about peace and war, ways to avoid war, ways to get out of war, and ways to live differently so that peace might be necessary. May 27 TEMBO means HOPE Alex Campbell, Worship Associate We are told in Tikki Tikki Tembo (Arlene Mosel) that the boy‘s name means —the most wonderful thing in the world.? In Swahili, —tembo? means —elephant.? This morning it means —Tanzanian Education and Micro-Business Opportunity.? Founder Jo Marchant and director Arlene McKechnie will talk about empowerment of Tanzanian Women—a high spot of hope in Africa. April April 1 Building Responsible Social Action Projects Rev. Brian Kopke Let's take a look at what the Women's Foundation of Nepal (WFN) has done to make itself a social force. Today‘s collection will be sent to WFN. Bring your cheque books, you‘re going to be challenged more than you want to. April 8 Easter Intergenerational Service Beyond Bunnies and Eggs Reverend Brian Kopke, Susan McEwen, Director of Religious Exploration April 15 Many Singular Rooms Reverend Emeritus Liz Benjamin As the hymn says, we arrive out of many singular rooms,? bringing our own issues, baggage, and theological perspectives. The challenge is to honour that diversity while creating a strong, loving community. April 22 Rev. Brian Kopke Diana Beresford-Kroeger Internationally known environmentalist and author will leave you on the edge of your seat whenever you think about environmental issues. Collection to St. Mary‘s School for teenage mothers. April 29 Steinway Piano Dedication Reverend Brian Kopke, Jane Perry, Music Director   Fall 2006 Services September 10 - Ingathering Service Rev. Brian Kopke, Susan McEwen, D.R.E. Even though Dorothy was impressed with Oz, there was "No place like home." If you clicked the red shoes and said there is no place like home - which FAITH HOME would you end up in? This is an intergenerational service with a dedication of this year's teachers in the Church School. September 17 - Meaning More Than Anything Rev. Brian Kopke, Property Committee It is easy to do "things." It is much more difficult to do anything in such a way as to make it religious. Our first obligation in any act is to make it sacred! Learn how . . . September 24 - Your Transformation Rev. Brian Kopke, Worship Associates Karen Armstrong, in The Great Transformation: The Beginning of our Religious Traditions, wrote, " The Axial sages were not interested in providing their disciples with a little edifying uplift, after which they could return with renewed vigour to their ordinary self centered lives. Their objective was to create an entirely different kind of human being. All the sages preached a spirituality of empathy and compassion; they insisted that people must abandon their egotism and greed, their violence and unkindness." Would you be ready to accept such a call today? October 1 - Daring to be Religious Mary Bennett, CUC Executive Director The board of the Canadian Unitarian Council has unveiled a strategic planning framework: Go 4 It: Go on; Go deep; Go out; Go big. In a religion some call "Post-Christian" where we have challenges choosing or using "religious language", how can we go deep--individually and collectively--and in all that we do? October 8 - Thanksgiving Service Susan McEwen, R.E. Director, Rev. Brian Kopke and Worship Associates Giving “thanks” is an exercise in recognizing that we are not omnicient and all powerful.  Sometimes there is “grace” and we are taken care of.  We will give thanks and look at the theology of giving thanks in this INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE you will not want to miss!!! October 15 - What Drove Arthur Lismer? Rev. Brian Kopke Lismer, a Unitarian and a member of the Group of Seven, had a passion for teaching and was a leading pedagogue in Canada. His revolutionary (he claimed evolutionary) ideas can still challenge our daily lives as Unitarians. October 22 - The Non-Violence of the Mahatma Alex Campbell, Worship Associate Violent change invariably does not bring about serious change at all. To punish and destroy the oppressor is merely to initiate a new style of violence and opprerssion. Satyagraha, non-violent resistance even to the point of death, was the soul-force of Mohandas Ghandi. Does it have any meaning for us today, in the post 9/11 world? October 29 - Responsible Opposition to War Rev. Brian Kopke Yeah!  I hate war too . . . with a passion!   But there are some terrible groups and people in this world who need to be removed from leadership in order to lay a  foundation for peace.  Hating war is not enough when war is seen as a legitimate if repugnant alternative to the status quo . . . November 5 - The other U - Universalism for Today Rev. Liz Benjamin The roots of Unitarian Universalism include a belief in universal salvation, universal values from world religions, and a strong demand for justice for the unloved, the outcasts.  How do these apply to a 21st century UU? November 12 - Celebrating Being TRANS Rev. Brian Kopke, Joanne Law and Worship Associate, Paula Theege Transgender - the very word still befuddles many and holds the potential for prejudice. Today we learn, become familiar with, and support TRANS individuals while renewing our vows as a Welcoming Congregation. November 19 - What Goes on During Worship Rev. Brian Kopke, Worship Associate, Alex Campbell Worship differs from congregation to congregation in Unitarian Universalist circles. Every congregation has a history which has led to the forms it uses. What is the theory and history which has led to our service? What does the future hold? November 26 - Lismer II: Student Doris McCarthy Rev. Brian Kopke One of Canada's most well-known painters, McCarthy is the last surviving student of Group of Seven member Arthur Lismer. "He inspired me to be a great landscape painter of Canada," she says of her mentor. McCarthy has "ignored the fences and barriers which threatened to cut her off, turn her into an island. She chose a freedom which is reflected in her work. Let us look at how Lismer's work and teaching blended with a life. December 3 - Oh God! It's Christmas Again! Rev. Brian Kopke Proverb, "It is never to late to become the person you want to be." So . . . you like getting presents at Christmas. You think giving to charity instead is noble. You still want to get presents. How do we reconcile the tugs of Christmas and enjoy the holiday in a Unitarian way? During story time, Fred Brown's Klezmer band, "A Touch of Klez", will regale us. Winter 2007 Services January 7 Opportunities When Cultures Fail Rev. Brian Kopke Paula Theetge, Worship Associate Both Thomas Homer-Dixon and Karen Armstrong have written powerful books about the failure of cultures and the opportunities which present themselves at such dynamic moments in history. Much of Western culture is failing. What are the opportunities? Can Unitarians be on the cutting edge? January 14 Romanticizing Universalism No Longer Rev. Brian Kopke Ann Nagy, Worship Associate Why do we insist on clipping quotes? Emerson said, “I like the silence of the church before the service begins.” At least that is the way we tell it. We clip the ending, “... better than any sermon.” We do the same to Universalist quotes. What does this tell us about ourselves? January 21 Susan Walsh, Unitarian Service Committee Canada with Rev. Brian Kopke and Isabeau Landry, Worship Associate Susan Walsh will discuss USC Canada’s support of farmers’ rights to save seed, nurture diversity, and grow their own food. The obstacles they face are considerable, the most ominous being a new push to reintroduce the Green Revolution in Africa, and the threat of Terminator Technology, genetically modified seeds that are sterile. Farmers are a hard working and determined bunch. With USC support, they play a leading role not only in their own community development but in establishing food systems that can bring our ever-fragile planet back to life. January 28 Rev. Heather Fraser Fawcett, Lakeshore Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Beaconsfield, Quebec and Mo Gabe, Worship Associate (Rev. Kopke is in Westport, Connecticut, taking part in the ordination of our former Intern Leela Sinha) February 4 Rev. Alicia Forde Namaqua Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Loveland, Colorado (Rev. Kopke is preaching at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ottawa) February 11 Tales of Love Susan McEwen, Director of Religious Exploration With stories and poetry, songs and several short homilies by Rev. Brian Kopke, we will take an intergenerational look at love as we approach St. Valentine’s Day. February 18 Welcoming and Stewardship Rev. Brian Kopke, Membership and Stewardship Committees We will welcome new members and kick off the Stewardship Drive in a service of testimonies and celebration. February 25 Youth Service In every generation there have existed sub-cultures which divide us; our generation of youth is no different. This service will be exploring issues facing youth today, specifically with regard to the diversity of groups within a youth community and the stereotypes that accompany those divisions. March 4 Rev. Fred Cappuccino Worship Associate, Mo Gabe March 11 Chalice Groups Small Group Ministry Council Chalice Groups, known in some places as covenant groups, offer members, friends, newcomers and skeptics a way to connect deeply with others in small groups and to grow spiritually. Is there something here for you that will help you be a better Unitarian? March 18 Cash, Crops, and Cocoa Beans The Noble Birds, Worship Associate, Rod ESQ Chocolate--and its seed, cacao--is at the heart of so many human relations and rituals. It has become a staple of major holidays and is a symbol of love and affection. But what lies behind its history? What is the real impact of chocolate and cacao on how we relate to each other? March 25 Who Am I, What Will I Be Rev. Brian Kopke The desert sojourn goes deeper, existentially deep, to search out who I really am and who I might be after life as the lead minister at First Unitarian Congregation. At our core there is a spirit, informed by our soul, perhaps the time has come to listen to them rather than what being a minister says... Archive of some past sermons.