Past Programs
Our Fellowgrams (available here) have more extensive write-ups of past programs

The Spirit of Story - Dan Gordon
Dan Gordon, also known as Dante, a teller of tales, will share uplifting and inspirational stories from Jewish tradition. He will show how the seeds of stories can withstand the test of time, and how they evolve to inspire new lessons. Many Jewish tales originate with biblical
characters, but are then embellished by the imagination of both ancient and modern scholars. Come let your imagination swim along in a sea of stories!
Let Me In - Constant Billy
Every song has a story...and Constant Billy will be sharing their songs and stories with us. Primarily a vocal duo, Constant Billy brings to life the old songs of the British Isles with a sprinkling of new songs destined to become traditional. The stories are universal, whether told by the lyrics themselves or in Bill's entertaining introductions. Love, death, drinking and general nonsense all get the Constant Billy treatment with voice, guitar, bouzouki, whistles and a very special rice shaker.
The Gnostics - Ed Jamail
The term "Gnostic" derives from "gnosis," which means "knowledge" in Greek. The Gnostics believed that they were privy to a secret knowledge about the divine, and their religion differentiated between the evil god of this world keep and a more abstract God revealed by Jesus. Come join Ed Jamail in exploring the mysteries of Gnosticism.
Reverend Wright's Firestorm - Bill Boydstun Pulpiteering
"The firestorm that has erupted over Barack Obama’s pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., due to some sound-bites from his sermons, taken out of context, is more than a political ploy, it’s a character assassination of a man whose 36-year ministry has been, on the whole, prolific and profound. To understand Rev. Wright’s preaching we need to understand the prophets of the Bible and the role of the black church in America." (Marlin Lavanhar, All Souls, Tulsa) Join us as we look at this issue.
Saving the Males - Patti Henry
We have done a great job of empowering women in this country. However, in the process, we seemed to have “de-powered” men. We now know that empowering women is necessary but not sufficient if we are going to heal the world. We must also empower men. But how? Come hear psychotherapist Patti Henry, who is the author of “The Emotionally Unavailable Man: A Blueprint for Healing,” and a relationship specialist, share her insights into the changes we MUST make in order to heal the world. She is a dynamic and engaging speaker you won’t want to miss!
The Easiest Thing in the World! - John Pepper
Exactly what is the easiest thing in the world? Maybe not what you would expect. From two very different world religions, the Buddhist and Jewish traditions, come two thought provoking and amazing theologies. Both of these theologies seem to come together creating one unifying idea, an idea that is beautiful and easy to comprehend. Please join me as I explore both of these trains of thought and the need for their purposeful application in the world we live in and love.
Freedom in Story and Song - Gary Yokie
July Fourth celebrates our nation's birthday. We will join that celebration by looking at freedom in story and song.
The Essenes - Ed Jamail
From about the second century BC into the first century AD, many separate, but related religious groups shared similar mystic, eschatological, messianic, and ascetic beliefs. These groups are collectively referred to by various scholars as the "Essenes". Many believe the Essenes to be the authors of the famous Dead Sea Scrolls.
Existentialism: Still Relevant? - Dwight Raulston, PhD
Existentialism, a philosophy based on the idea of how should people behave in the absence of God, flowered in France after World War II. In this very different world, one where religious fundamentalism is resurgent, is such a philosophy still relevant? And does it lead to a society compatible with today's religious--and religiously influenced--world?
The Evolution of Fatherhood - Rev. David Oxman
As we celebrate Father’s Day, we will look at the greater roles fathers now have in raising their children and planning their futures.
What Unitarian Universalists Believe - Katy Carpman
Some people say that ours is not a religion. Others claim that UUs can believe whatever they like. Neither of these comments takes into account the rich history and underlying framework of our liberal faith. Join Katy Carpman, our Director of Children's Religious Education, as we examine what Rebecca Parker (President of Starr King School for the Ministry) calls our theological house.
Darwin's Influence - Krishna Dronamraju
One hundred fifty years ago, Charles Darwin was writing the book that is still controversial today--On The Origin of Species. For all the fireworks, Darwin's theory of evolution continues to influence work in a variety of scientific fields. Our speaker, Krishna R. Dronamraju is a genetic researcher here in Houston. He has authored or edited 16 books and has authored over 200 research papers in the field of genetics and biotechnology.
Come, Sing a Song with Me - Peggy Tennyson and Julie Wilson
Julie and Peggy will lead a newly formed Fellowship choir in hymns we have always wanted to learn (but needed some direction) and some interesting choral pieces. This is a music program, but we will also be welcoming and presenting to the congregation our first scholarship recipient. THIS IS AN INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE!
Is Critical Thinking the End of Faith? - James Garson, PhD
Praise for critical thinking is a current fad in education research. But what is this marvelous thing and why should we value it? Garson will describe some of the techniques he uses in a college class that are designed to help "teach" or evoke critical thinking, and will then explore the widespread feeling that critical thinking is the enemy of faith, or religion or a spiritual life.
What Happened to the Goddess? - Peter Durkin
Reflections on the Evolution of Women in our Sex-Saturated Society by Peter J. Durkin, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Houston and SE Texas.
What's Up With Rights? - David Garver
From life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness through a guaranteed minimum number of paid holidays, people everywhere have gotten used to the idea that they have, or at least ought to have,rights. Meanwhile, philosophers and politicians have engaged in pitched battles over whether they really exist, what they are and where the heck they come from. Who's right about rights?
Remembering Gandhi - Patti Henry
January 30 of this year marked the 60th anniversary of the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. This man, said to be "the conscience of the world," left us a remarkable legacy. To come to our best selves and to be a healing force in the world, let us be reminded of his teachings and his light.
Beyond Ourselves - Betty Oertel and Peggy Tennyson
Peggy Tennyson will comment on the inner workings of non-profit organizations;how they are set up and managed day-to-day. Betty Oertel will share her extensive experience of working as a volunteer and inspire us to take advantage of volunteer opportunities in our community. We will celebrate our annual Seder Dinner immediately after the this service. ALL ARE WELCOME!
The Turning Point - Gordan Quan
In 2003, Housing and Urban Development mandated that each community in America must develop a plan for ending chronic homelessness. As chair of the City Council's Housing Committee, Gordon Quan has chaired a Blue Ribbon Commission to develop such a plan. Gordon will share the Commission's findings and what is being done to address this societal concern.
Voices and Choices - UUSC Justice Sunday Sermon by Carmen Emerson pulipteered by Guy Harrison)
Justice is not blind. For over 5 years we have seen, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, the enormous cost of America’s war on Iraq. We have seen the tragic cost in human life and welfare; we have seen the financial costs which will be borne by our children and represent opportunities lost to do good. In this service we will explore the relative justice of this war, guided by the wisdom and legacy of Martin Luther King.
Stepping Out of the Parlor - Orson Cook, PhD
Much of Houston's written history is the story of how men made economic history in an oil boom town. The Houston careers of such businessmen as Joseph Cullinan, Jesse Jones, and John Henry Kirby are among the best known of these stories. Less well known--but no less important--are
the contributions of women to Houston's past. While their husbands and brothers were making (and losing fortunes) many middle and upper class women were helping soften the city's rough-and-tumble image and, at the same time, providing city services that their male counterparts overlooked and ignored.
The Solar Tug-of-War and the Enlightenment - John Pepper
The current time of year has inspired many religions and their religious leaders. I’ll be looking at some of the leaders and the connections. Please join me on this Easter Sunday as we reflect on the potential within us all. OUR ANNUAL FLOWER COMMUNION WILL CLOSE THIS SERVICE. PLEASE BRING YOUR FLOWERS TO SHARE!
Executing the Mentally Ill - Kristin Houlé
‘Is This the Best Our Society Can Do?’ Kristin is a 2007-2008 Soros Justice Fellow; she is based in Austin and is working through the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP) to conduct public education around the intersection of mental illness and the death penalty in Texas. Prior to moving to Austin, Kristin served for five years as the Program Associate for Amnesty International USA’s Program to Abolish the Death Penalty in Washington DC (where she attended All Souls Unitarian Church). You can learn more about her work at http://preventionnotpunishment.blogspot.com/.
Divisions Made Whole - Dwight Raulston, PhD
For a long time, there's been a progressive separation between various aspects of our lives. C.P. Snow made the division between the sciences and humanities most famous in his work on "The Two Cultures." Today,under the influence of similar, though independent, movements in science and the humanities, the two cultures--as well as religion--are coming back together again. We are on the way to a reunion of cultures and mindsets that have kept people too long apart."
Born Again...and Again...and Again - Guy Harrison Pulipteering a Rob Hardies sermon
We’ve all heard the expression "born again." It is one way religious people describe the experience of transformation. Evangelical Christians frequently describe their conversion to Christ as being born again. It is now very popular to be born again. However, many religious liberals we say that we were born right the first time. Alternatively, Unitarian poet, e. e. cummings, who once wrote: "We can never be born enough." Join Guy Harrison as he pulpiteers the Rob Hardies sermon: "Born Again," and helps us understand how UU’s can also be “born again.” (Rob Hardies is the senior minister at All Souls in Washington, D.C.)
Common Threads - UUA General Assembly - Dodie McKellar, et al
General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. It’s where our delegates vote to make overall policy for carrying out the purposes of the Association and direct and control its affairs. It’s where our congregation’s voice is heard. This year we will be meeting in Ft. Lauderdale from June 25 through June 29. Join us as we recount past highlights and hopes for the future of our denomination. Perhaps, this year, you may be inspired to make the magical journey that is GA.
The Harlem Renaissance - Orson Cook, PhD
Although often overshadowed by the modern Civil Rights Movement of the mid-twentieth century, the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s was the most spectacular explosion of black culture in American history. The Harlem Renaissance produced a remarkable outpouring of literature, painting, music, dance, and even film. It also marked an important transition in the locus of black political leadership from the rural South to the urban north.
I Believe in You, My Soul - Rev. Jennifer Crow (pulpiteered by June Knight Godwin)
"Rev. Jennifer Crow, 2007 winner of the UU Interweave Mark DeWolf Award, "This sermon is not only about vandalism.., not only about equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people, and not just me & my experiences - it is about the journey each of us can make from shattered self to regathered whole, from doubt to confidence, from silence to speech -- it is about a journey of the soul as we learn to sing ourselves and create an environment where everyone feels safe."
Compassion - Katy Haberman
We are, by nature, compassionate beings. Our need to show compassion is inborn and impossible to escape. It is our joy, and sometimes our curse. Compassion is, according to the definition, “sympathetic concern for the suffering of another, together with the inclination to give aid or support or to show mercy.” One of the great commonalities of the religions of the world is the recognition of the necessity of compassion for one another.

No Child Left Behind - Gary Putnam
No Child Behind. Every Child Left Behind: The realities and the promises for American K-12 Public School Education. Speaker: Gary Putnam The brainchild of Houston Superintendent, Rod Paige, it became the mandated national model for American K-12 Public School Education. After seven years educators,parents, and politicians are seriously questioning the wisdom and effectiveness of this legislation. Is NCLB worth saving?
Why Can't They Just... - Margaret Anderson
Just… be more logical? ...prevent the problem now instead of waiting to repair its effects? ...see that there’s a pattern here? When people frustrate us, when we can’t fathom their decisions and actions, temperament differences often play a role. Groups can have temperaments too. Our speaker, a professional persuasion and communication skills trainer, explores the group temperament of religious liberals, what it says about our role in society, and how we can communicate better with others.
Prejudices: the Everyday and the Malignant - The Reverend Tom Capo
We all have prejudices. We develop these as we have experiences in the world. Some of these prejudices we are aware of and some we are not aware of. The more aware we are of them the better we can manage them. But sometimes prejudice can be-come malignant and destructive—this can happen on a personal, community or even a so-cietal level.
Changing of the Guard - Board Members
As we start the New Year we thank our out-going Board members and welcome those newly serving in 2008. We pride ourselves on the diversity of our programming and activities. But what resonates with you most strongly? What would you like to see more of, or less? In other words, what floats your boat? Join us as we welcome the New Year by looking at what brings you to us and keeps you coming back? Help us discover ways we can make our community more meaningful in your life.

Seeking Spinoza - Dodie McKellar
Three hundred fifty years ago Spinoza was ex-communicated from the Jewish community in Amsterdam. Who was this contrary spirit, at once courageous and cautious, arrogant and modest who left a legacy of new religious thought and radical political architecture?
Christmas Eve Service for All - Tim McGregor et al
Break out your favorite cookie recipe and bring them (the cookies) to the Christmas Eve Sing-a-thon at the Fellowship on the 24th starting at 7 PM! The Congregation will sing, the Choir will sing, Julie will sing, Jan and Peggy will play and Annette will do her usual magical thing!
Natural Religion - Emily Untermeyer (a pulpiteer sermon)
Frank Lloyd Wright once said: I believe in God, only I spell it Nature.” Natural religion looks to reason and human experience rather than revelation. Is there some sort of natural, spontaneous religious apprehension of the world common to all human beings? Horace Mann, Unitarian, abolitionist, and educator, taught courses in Natural Theology during his tenure as president of Antioch College, and his legacy of egalitarian and humanitarian values inspires us to this day. This is the darkest time of the year. But this darkness gives birth to new light. Christians, Jews, Pagans and scores of others celebrate this rebirth. Let us celebrate our communality as we look at Natural Religion and how it has influenced numerous traditions including our own.
What Is This Thing Called Love? - The Reverend Robert Tucker
Love is casually bandied about in regards to luscious strawberries, a recent movie seen, one's child or a Mozart opera. Yet, if, as the song states, "It's love that makes the world go round," then the word 'love' points to something trikingly profound in human existence. Being the Sunday we light the Advent candle of Love, we will explore the early Christian community's experience of Jesus that led them to a provocative and penetrating view of love.
Build Your Own Theology - Harold Rud and the BYOT Group
This Sunday’s presentation will be presented from a layperson’s point of view, emphasizing how with the guidance of Building Your Own Theology by Richard S.Gilbert and a lively discussion group, we can all organize our life influences and thoughts on what we hold to be true.
H.O.P.E. (How Other People Exist) in the age of HIV - Steven Vargas
On the heels of World AIDS Day, we will be hearing about local efforts to educate and raise awareness about HIV in various communities. In spite of the medical innovations in treating this disease, its advance into diverse groups continues unabated. Steven Vargas is a Program Coordinator for a transitional housing program serving homeless HIV+ individuals and is also a volunteer for a variety of local HIV advocacy programs. Is there hope in the HIV/AIDS world? Please join us for an eye-opening discussion about one of the world's worst scourges.

Diverse Voices: Perspectives on Spirituality - Bill Boydstun
We hear the voice of spirituality in William Ellery Channing: "I call that mind free which discovers everywhere the radiant signatures of the infinite spirit, and in them finds help to its own spiritual enlargement." We hear it in the Transcendentalists. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Within us is the soul of the whole; the wise silence, the universal beauty, to which every part and particle is equally related, the eternal One." We will cast our nets outside the UU circle for additional perspectives on spirituality.
The Pace of Life - the Reverend Leonora Montgomery
Americans live in an “adrenaline-draining” society. Our youth speed through their days, parents multi-task, retired people struggle to keep apace. When our bodies ask for mercy we turn to meditation, yoga, exercise and pills. These are band-aids on problem more profound. What does our faith have to offer?
When Our Perils Are Past - Orson Cook, PhD
Although we are often implored these days “to support our troops in war”, we are seldom encouraged to care for our veterans when they return home. But the support of veterans has frequently been a topic of congressional debate and public policy over the last two centuries. Not surprisingly, there have been compelling and even moving moments of public gratitude in the history of veterans’ affairs, but there have also been some regrettable lapses and even downright neglect of those who have served our country in peace and war.
An Ever-Widening Circle of Love - Sarah Berel-Harrop
November 20, 2007 is the ninth annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. This day is set aside to remember those who have died by violence based on anti-transgender bias. Trans-gender persons encounter violence of all types - physical, emotional, spiritual – simply be-cause they live their lives with authenticity. Today, we pause to remember those who have been lost and to consider what we, as allies, can do to create a more affirming and loving cul-ture for people of all gender identification and expression.

Six Powerful Words - the Constitution and Federal Law Making - David Garver
We were all taught in school that the federal government has limited and enumerated powers. So how is it that Congress is able to pass laws letting the government do all sorts of things that the founding fathers never envisioned. Come and see what the Supreme Court says the Constitution really means.
Maria Montessori - Her Method and Her Legacy - Sherry Herron
The first Montessori school was founded in Italy in 1907, and Montessori’s ideas about children and the way children learn have had a dramatic impact on educational methods throughout the world. Sherry Herron is the long-time Head of School at the School of the Woods.
Association Sunday - Sarah Berel-Harrop
Religare, the Latin root of the word religion, means to bring together for greater strength. Join us as we affirm our common bonds and purposes as Unitarian Universalists,expanding our influence to grow our faith.
Liberal Bible 201 - Laura Emerson
Do you feel frustrated that, as a religious liberal, you don’t know the Bible well enough to respond to “because the Bible tells me so” or “what would Jesus do?” Speaker: Laura Emerson. We marginalize our spiritual perspective when we can’t engage in contemporary discourse because we lack the references. In “Liberal Bible 201: the New Testament”, we’ll review four points that religious liberals should know and might like to share in some upcoming discussion.

What Will You Sacrifice - Dodie McKellar, Katy Carpman, and Sarah Berel-Harrop
Michael Durall, a Unitarian church consultant, came to Houston recently for a wonderful workshop--Building the 21st Century Church. Dodie McKellar, Sarah Berel-Harrop and Katy Carpman will share his revolutionary ideas from you can't please everybody to overcoming attitudes of poverty.
The Grandparent Connection - Katy Carpman - DRE
Two generations ago, many of us grew up near our grandparents--some even lived under the same roof. Grandparents gave the children both special treats and a strong moral background. As the world grows faster, how does this relationship change? And can have a child ever have too many grandparents?
Humanist Themes in Star Trek - Susan Sackett
Susan Sackett is an author and served as a screenwriter for Star Trek: the Next Generation. She also served for 17 years as executive assistant to Trek creator and Humanist, Gene Roddenberry. Susan Sackett's website is www.insidetrek.com. Ms. Sackett gives talks on Humanist themes in Star Trek and HOH (www.humanistsofhouston.org) will be bringing her to Houston to speak. Humanists, freethinkers, Unitarians, Star Trek fans, and Science Fiction fans are welcome to come by to hear Ms. Sackett's presentation!
Homecoming/Water Ceremony - Kim Willis
Join us as we celebrate the renewal of our community and recount our summer adventures. Please bring water, either actual or symbolic, from your journeys to share in our communal fountain.
The Evolving Work Ethic: How the workplace is changing our lives - Gary Yokie
Join us as we celebrate Labor Day by looking at how new perceptions and policies in the workplace have had a profound impact on our lives in the workplace and even beyond it.

Season of Life - Patti Henty
Psychotherapist and author Patti Henry will speak of the life lessons found in Jeffrey Marx’ book, “Season of Life.” As Unitarian Universalists, we welcome lessons from many great books. This is one of them. Full of wisdom and love, this sermon promises to be uplifting as well as thought-provoking.
Global Warming: A Scary History - Tim Mock
"Strangling heat and gases emanating from the earth and sea, not asteroids, most likely caused several ancient mass extinctions. Could the same killer-greenhouse conditions build once again?" -- Scientific American, October '06. The article's author, Peter Ward, also appeared with other experts on PBS's NOVA Science NOW program broadcast November 21 '06. We will use material from these two sources in discussing where human-caused global warming might lead.
Political Apocalypse - Glenn Shuck, PhD
To what extent can the feeling of apocalypse further political goals? Is this a fortuitous (for politicians in a narrow sense), or can apocalyptic feelings be manipulated to support a larger set of policies? Glenn Shuck received his PhD from Rice University and is an Assistant Professor of Religion at Williams College in Massachusetts.
The Miracle of Fellowship - John Pepper
The act of fellowship is a regular component of life. However, in order to transcend routine everyday fellowship and move into the seemingly miraculous, something more is required. I’ll explore what that ‘something’ might be. Don’t worry, it’s not magic. John Pepper is a UU from Houston. He is in the process of completing his Masters of Divinity at the Houston Graduate School of Theology while working full time as an engineer with the federal government.
On this Journey We Call Life - James Hollis, PhD
James Hollis is a Zurich-trained Jungian analyst in private practice in Houston, Texas. He is executive director of The Jung Educational Center of Houston and the author of 10 books, among them is “On This Journey We Call Our Life."

Brazilian Orpheus - Julie Wilson
Antonio Carlos Jobim was one of the creators of the bossa nova which became wildly popular in the sixties and seventies throughout the world, including the US. Now songs such as the Girl From Ipanema, Desafinado, and One Note Samba are classics. What is not so well known is that Jobim was a prolific and sophisticated composer of sublime melodies set within richly textured voicings, and is considered by much of the music world as the "Brazilian George Gershwin." Jazz vocalist Julie Wilson will take a look at Jobim's life and perform some of her favorites with the help of jazz musicians Marsha Frazer on piano, Carol Morgan on trumpet and Will Cruz on percussion.
Practice Random Kindness - Patti Henry
When so much is going wrong in the world, it can feel overwhelming and hopeless. This sermon offers suggestions about what we, as individuals, can do to turn things around, and how necessary it is, in this random world, to share random kindness. Our speaker is Patti Henry, psychotherapist and author of "The Emotionally Unavailable Man: A Blueprint for Healing."
The Waters of Babylon - Henry Straw, PhD
Ancient Babylonian myths reveal a meditation on the nature of being. The Babylonian myths of creation and the flood have a very different meaning from their Biblical counterparts. The Bible borrowed these stories, but forgot their original ideas. This talk will bring these metaphysical ideas of Babylonian myth into conversation with the Western philosophical tradition.
What Does It Mean to Be an American in 2007 - Tim McGregor and Gary Yokie
What has changed in your lifetime and what has remained the same? 50 years ago we looked at the annual population figures and felt a sense of hope that we were growing as a country as the head count ticked ever upward. 50 years ago we heard bright and refreshing music on TV over images of bulldozers flattening forest areas to make way for shopping malls. 50 years ago we did duck and cover drills in classrooms in preparation for a nuclear holocaust that never came. Come and discuss these questions with your feedback and comments and we will sing some songs along the way.

My Secret Journey - Margaret Anderson
One can find a lot to question about Rhonda Byrne’s popular little book, The Secret. Is it “Prosperity Theology” disguised in sheep’s clothing? Does it “blame the victims” of poverty and other misfortune? And perhaps most damning to the intellectual, is it too simplistic to contain anything new, or even anything useful? Our speaker tackled these issues and concluded that there is indeed an important message for UUs in The Secret.
Patience - David Oxman
Our Father’s Day speaker, David Oxman AKA Reverend Dave, is a known son, father and grandfather. He will share his thoughts on this priceless virtue - next to love, what the world needs most.
Welcoming Religious Transformation - Christina Branum-Martin
Many UU's are uncomfortable with the notion of being "transformed" by religion. Yet, at our core, we have the notion of faith being a journey of change. Let's explore how reclaiming the power or transformation can bring us closer to living out the principles and purposes of our faith.
New Music from the Old World - Poor Man's Fortune
Polkas and congas, jigs with darbukas, gavottes and reels following contagious kwelas. A two-step in four time and a six-step in seven. Bagpipes, flutes, fiddles, pennywhistles, accordions, dulcitares, electric violins and bombardes… delicately combined to slap you in the face with a smile and knock you upside the head with happiness.

Thoughts of Kurt Vonnegut - Guy Harrison
We recently lost one of the most original writers of the our generation. We'll share some thoughts of how Vonnegut's writings affected us personally and also read some favorite selections from his books.
View from the Aquarium - Herb Rothschild
Might there be a "supernatural" that is utterly natural? The talk will offer a way to think about reality that may challenge both Humanists and traditional Theists to rethink their categories.
Happiness, A History- David Garver
Happiness - philosophers have discussed for millenia what it is and how to go about getting it. From the time of Plato and Aristotle, through centuries of Christian writers, to the Renaissance and beyond to modern conceptions that we have the power to be happy and that we're somehow failing if we're not, arguments have raged over how best to achieve it. In the meantime, most of us just go on finding it here and there, sometimes in the simplest things. Who's right? Does it matter?
Soul Work - Sarah Berel-Harrop, Val Harrop, and Peggy Tennyson
In 2001, the UUA convened a consultation on theology and racism. More than thirty ministers, theologians, seminarians, teachers, and activists participated. Nine papers with dialogue resulted that "address the complex and pressing issues of racism." At the 2006 General Assembly, our congregation's delegates committed to form a group to study Soul Work: anti-racist theologies in dialogue and report to the congregation on what we learned.

Hooked on a Feeling - Joanna Crawford
It comes when you're sitting in a cathedral, looking up at stained glass windows. Or when listening to a powerful gospel choir. Or watching your grandmother cross herself and pray. It's a feeling … and it's not about theology or philosophy. These powerful emotions aren't just for the most devout believers of specific creeds. Where's the place for these feelings in a Unitarian Universalist church?

Justice Sunday - Drumbeat for Darfur - Bruce Baskett
Each spring, Unitarian Universalist congregations nationwide stand together on one pressing human rights issue. By joining UUSC to celebrate Justice Sunday, the members of our congregation will be empowered to take action in support of critical human rights. UU congregations will stand together to end the genocide in Darfur.

Energy: The Ultimate Resource - Dr. John Haberman
Energy is the ultimate resource. If we have enough of it, in the right form and at low cost, human civilization will be able to continue to develop at a rapid rate. Obtaining enough energy to continue this process is the greatest technical challenge of the twenty-first century.

Resurrection Redux - Rev. Bob Tucker
From earliest times, Easter was the first and the most important festival on the Christian calendar. Rejecting an empty tomb due to a body rising from death, we in the rational tradition have turned the day into an anemic event of eggs and rite of spring. Unfortunately, in doing that, we have lost a word that describes those unique death-defying and life-enhancing times of our lives. The sermon will be an attempt to resurrect the word resurrection.

April Fool's Day - The Joke's on UU - Jan LaRocque
Inspired by the Prairie Home Companion annual joke show, I've been assembling all the UU jokes I can find. We UU's take ourselves way too seriously... let's loosen up and poke a little fun at ourselves. Laughing is good for our health and it's good exercise. We'll tell some jokes, sing some songs and just have fun. We will have our annual Seder Dinner immediately after the service.

We Were Here - Vance Muse
Vance Muse, director of communications for the Menil Collection, reads from and discusses his book-in-progress, We Were Here. In the book, based on a set of mysterious early 20th century photograph albums that he and his partner, painter Carl Pallazzolo, found at an old curiosity shop in Maine. Muse searches for the people in the pictures, their stories, and their secrets – and discovers a surprisingly modern household of friends and lovers: gay and straight together.

The Grimke Sisters - Orson Cook, PhD
The Grimke Sisters are unknown to most in the 21 century. Angelina and Sarah Grimke were on the cutting edge of radical reform in the 19th century. Their reforming accomplishments are matched only by their peculiar backgrounds; they were from a slave-holding family, but were outspoken abolitionists. They were raised as good Victorian girls, but became America’s first feminists. Along the way their careers intersected virtually every major reform movement in the country including the Civil Rights Movement in the 20th century.

The Bright Side of Failure - Ryan Vaughan
Four people you’ve never heard of and what they have in common.

Toxic Religion - Bruce Baskett
Humankind has lived with religious doctrine and faith since the onset of wonder. Historically and now many of us have found, within religion, existential explanations... profound comfort... a needed sense of order out of chaos... or perhaps love through a connection with “the ground of our being.” But like a two edged sword, embracing religious doctrines can be seen as a toxin to the human spirit: even when that doctrine is guised in the wrappings of a benevolent figurehead. Religion as poison leads to suffering rather than succor, and lost opportunities for human betterment. Bruce will touch on these weighty matters with brief examples of religious philosophy and historical events, and suggest signposts for religion gone bad.

Responding with Compassion: A Declaration of Interdependence - Sarah Berel-Harrop
This Sunday’s program comes from the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. It is a slightly different version of a presentation to delegates of the 2004 Democratic and Republican Conventions entitled “An Invitation to Fulfill the Promise of Democracy.” Then, as now, the United States had a significant impact on conditions all over the world. Please join us as we consider our civic responsibilities from a Buddhist perspective.

Leadership, by George - James Hodges, PhD
George Washington comes alive with James Hodge’s personification. He demonstrates that Washington’s principles are as valid today as they were in 1700’s.

Freakonomics - David Garver
David will discuss Freakonomics, a book by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner, that the Focus Group is now reading. Freakonomics explores the hidden side of how people get what they want, or need, especially when other people want or need the same thing.

Septima Clark and the Forgotten Side of the Civil Rights Movement - Orson Cook, PhD
Septima Clark, known to many as the Queen Mother of the Civil Rights Movement, is largely unknown in the 21st century but her role in the Civil Rights Movement in the 20th century was vital. The story of what she did and how we have forgotten it, tells us much about the past and the present.

Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life - James Hollis, PhD
Finding meaning in the second half of life requires asking larger questions of ourselves and challenging our values. To ask these questions three things are requisite: that we recover a sense of personal authority, that we strike a better balance between obligations to others and obligation to self, and that we construct a more mature spirituality. How do we recover our lives, grow as persons, and become increasingly at home with the person we are becoming? Coordinator: Dodie McKellar.

What Did Jesus Mean? - Katy Haberman
Join us in exploring the disparity between the few recorded statements of Jesus Christ and the exploded versions promulgated by various Christian sects. According to Gary Wills, further examination reveals some startling differences.

Beyond Borders - Andrew McKnight
Andrew's first CD in the wake of the 9/11 tragedies is rich with themes of personal growth and challenging our individual "comfort zones" as we move through love and loss, life and death, evolution and metamorphosis. Several of these songs together lay out a compelling and provocative look at our footsteps and those awaiting the arrival of our feet, often leading us places we never imagined for ourselves.

Buddhism - Jill Carroll, PhD
Buddhism is a tradition whose deepest principles, when actualized, create calm abiding, wisdom, and compassion. How does this happen? And, how can we enrich our own lives by studying Buddhist practices.

Forget That Resolution! - Katy Carpman
On January 1st, millions of Americans will make their New Year's resolutions. By January 15th, many of them will have given up. They'll beat themselves up about it for about a week then push it all to the side until the cycle repeats in 2008. Why are we so driven to create these resolutions? Is there a better way? Katy doesn't claim to have all the answers, but she just might ask the right question.

Memorial Service for Marilyn Doyle
We are saddened to announce that our dear friend and member Marilyn Doyle passed away on November 20. Marilyn was an original member of the Fellowship, a founder of School of the Woods, and the founding director of the INTREPID TROUPERS. We will all miss Marilyn!

Christmas Eve -¡Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas with a Latin Flavor! - Julie Palmer
Please join us as we celebrate the holidays with our annual Christmas Eve service. It will start at 7PM. We will share cookies and good cheer after the service!

Solstice, Movie Day, and Other Holidays - Peggy Tennyson
Let's seriously delve into holidays - the what, when,why, and who decides!

Peacemaking - Sarah Berel-Harrop
“Issue: Should the Unitarian Universalist Association reject the use of any and all kinds of violence and war to resolve disputes between peoples and nations and adopt a principle of seeking just peace through non-violent means?” This is the Congregational Study/Action Issue for 2006-2010. To participate meaningfully in the development of the Statement of Conscience,we will review the study-action issue, study questions, and the resource guide in a townhall style meeting. The CSAI and the resource guide are available at the greeter’s desk and online at: www.uua.org/csw/. Please come ready to participate in a respectful exchange of views.

Forgiveness - David Oxman
Forgiveness is a process we tend to shy away from and continually postpone. It directly affects our life and our health. It is especially difficult when it comes to forgiving a member of our family or a loved one. Come to the service armed with a list of people you wish to forgive and let us take some action so you will feel better when you leave. We will hold our annual AIDS vigil during this service.

Dogmatism: Sacred and Secular - Reverend Robert Tucker
There has been an upswing in an assertive atheism with biologist Richard Dawkins's new book, The God Delusion, and Sam Harris' books, The End of Faith and now Letter to a Christian Nation. Also, my email correspondence contains a fourfold increase in both the number of people involved and in the intensity around topics. The debate is old, however we will see where the new twists and turns in the debate are taking us.

The Art of Being What One Is - Henry Straw, PhD
Ecce Homo is German philosopher Friedrich Nietszche's most intimate book because it is about himself. This talk will focus on what a human being is, and how we become what we are. Speaker Henry Straw, Ph D. Henry Straw is a Methodist Minister and Diplomate Jungian analyst who obtained his Jungian training at the C.G. Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. He is a practicing analyst in Houston, and he lectures at the Jung Center in Houston.

Why Read the Bible: - Laura Emerson
Why should religious liberals, atheists, humanists, and skeptics read the Bible? In case its status as a cornerstone of western culture and a linchpin of current social debate are not enough reasons, we'll explore some others, too
that might be less obvious.

The God Dialog - Judy Bunch and Benny Grezlik
An original live melodramatic comedy, written by Bennie Grezlik, The God Dialog investigates what happens when the God of the old testament meets a new, improved model? This dialog between the old God and a new God answers that question with humor, wit, and occasional Godly wrath. Don't miss The God Dialog playing on Sunday at the Fellowship.

Animal Injustice - Lisa Gilchrist
As part of the series of programs given this month celebrating Justice Month, Lisa Gilchrist will talk about the injustices that many, if not most, animals around the world suffer at the hands of humans. Whether strays or abandoned pets, farm animals or animals used for research / experimentation, the volume of animals killed every year is staggering and the atrocities committed against them is heartbreaking. Lisa will talk about how and why this occurs in our country, and what can and should be done differently so that all sentient beings are treated with compassion and respect. At the end of the program, anyone is welcome to light a candle in celebration of a departed companion animal or other animals they’ve known.

Amnesty International Weekend of Faith in Action Against the Death Penalty - Jimmy Dunne, Will Bolin, and Sarah Berel-Harrop
Our speakers will lead our observance of Amnesty International’s Weekend of Faith in Action against the death penalty. They will each provide a personal reflection of their view on the death penalty and why it should be abolished. Almost 500 congregations from various spiritual traditions participated in this event last year; we are proud to be participating this year.

Restorative Justice - Ray Hill
Ray Hill, former Texas inmate and host of The Prison Show on KPFT Pacifica Radio will be the featured speaker. After Gayland Randall and six others, who a assaulted gay banker Paul Broussard in Montrose, July 1991, went to prison, Ray began communicating with them and helping them and their families survive the Texas prison experience. Ray has worked with the families to secure the release of each inmate as he became eligible for parole. There is enough irony in this story to rust, and it is an example of what restorative justice means. The service will incorporate a Burning Bowl Ceremony.

Evil: Adjective, Noun, or? - Bruce Baskett
Most of the world’s population believes that some form of “evil” is the root cause of pain and death. In our own culture evil is a major theme, with phrases such as “the axis of evil” in common use. For those who deny the existence of evil... the question arises can you believe in “good” or “justice” without a perception of evil as well? Historical roots, concepts, and modern examples of what might, or might not, be considered evil will be explored in this service. Follow this link to this service.

Right Relations for You and for Me - Sarah Berel-Harrop and Val Harrop
The theme of the 2006 General Assembly of Congregations was Towards Right Relationships. Seeing what this means in our interpersonal relationships is the easy part. When we join a UU congregation, we make a covenant. What does this mean? What does each one of us bring to our congregation? What obligations does our congregation, as an institutional group, have to its members and the larger whole of our association? Join Sarah Berel-Harrop and Val Harrop in examining the covenantal process.

The Land of Enough - Cecilia Kingman Miller (Pulpiteered by Guy Harrison)
Cecilia Kingman Miller writes: “I get these catalogues and magazines in the mail – I’m sure you do too. They are filled with pictures of things I must buy and bodies I will never have. Trips I ought to go on, and cars I should drive. We live in the Land of Not Enough, and these are the coins of the realm.” As we start our commitment campaign for 2007, let us join Cecilia on the journey to the Land of Enough. We will have our Casha Verde luncheon directly after the service.

Appalachian Treasures: A National Campaign to End Mountaintop Removal What is Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining? A radical and destructive form of coal mining Involves literally blowing up some of the oldest mountains in America Subjects some of the poorest people in our country to torrential flooding and other travesties For more information about Appalachian Voices visit www.appvoices.org.

Seventeenth century New England Puritans have been the victims of an unfavorable historical press. Perhaps H.L. Mencken, writing in the early twentieth century, did as much damage to them as any when he accused Puritans of being colorless kill joys who spent most of their time worrying that somewhere someone was happy. But the Puritans were a good deal more complex than iconoclasts like Mencken knew, and, among other things, they may have been in the vanguard of those who helped develop the concept of the separation of church and state in American culture. Join us as Orson Cook attempts to salvage the reputation of Puritanism by resurrecting the spirits of Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson, and John Winthrop to see what they might have to say to us about First Amendment rights in the twenty first century.

How We Judge Others - David Oxman
We make judgements every day. How do we do this? There are different ways to process information. If we can determine whether someone is a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner, our communications skills will improve and we will be able to evaluate people and situations more effectively.

Justice Sunday - Guy Harrison
We each have the power to help stop injustice in our world. In fact, our principles call upon us to do so. And the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee enables us to do so. On Sunday, April 2, our congregation will stand together with UUSC and UU congregations across the country in support of workers’ rights. Around the world and in the United States, we are seeing the erosion of labor rights and of people’s ability to earn a living wage with dignity. The principles of Unitarian Universalism call upon us to work for justice in the face of such inequities.

We Are Stardust. Speaker: Connie Barlow As Carl Sagan exulted 25 years ago, "We are star stuff!" In this guest sermon, science writer and evolutionary humanist Connie Barlow takes us on a spiritual tour of the science underpinning Sagan's statement, along the way revealing why the "cosmic creation story" offered by mainstream science can delight our kids, guide our youth, and give all of us a renewed and embodied relationship with our "kin" in the night sky. An article by Connie and her husband, Rev. Michael Dowd, is featured in the Spring 2006 issue of UU World.

Spirituality in Islam. Speaker: Berkan Kaya.
Getting specific with examples from his own life and from that of the Prophet Mohammed, Berkan Kaya will illustrate key concepts of Sufiism.

Today's Religious Revival: Present Realities and Future Prospects. Speaker: Dr. Robert Tucker.
It is more helpful to look on the current cultural situation as a religious revival instead of using the label, the Religious Right. As such, this is America's fifth religious revival, each occurring about a century apart. In that historical perspective, we find better understanding of our current situation and insight into what the future may hold.

Why Do We Pray? Speaker: Katy Haberman.
We will be exploring the human need to pray, meditate, promise, cajole, and entreat some power beyond ourselves. Mankind has sought help from (and blamed) superior powers in various forms since the dawn of time for the success or failure of our undertakings. Do we need this in our lives today? Can we as a human society get along without a deity?

An Elusive Prize: Civil Rights, History, and the American Character. Speaker: Dr. Orson Cook.
The literature of the Civil Rights Movement, once the province of journalists and activist participants, is now increasingly in the hands of professional historians. The result is that our understanding of the Movement is both richer and more nuanced than ever before.

We the Heirs of All the Ages. Speaker: Rev. Leonora Montgomery.
If ever there was a turning point in American history, affecting the whole world, it was in 1776. The heroes of the time could not foresee the distant impact of their actions; yet they were united in one vision. Will we lose sight of it?

Darwin and/or Intelligent Design. Speaker: Rev. Tom Capo.
You can't miss the many school board and state court battles over whether Intelligent Design is just a refurbished form of Creationism. We need to keep religion out of the classroom and in the church where it belongs. In our churches and fellowships, do we affirm the wonder, perhaps even the reflection of the divine, in creation?

The Second Fifty Years.
The UU Commission on Appraisal is charged to review any function or activity of the Association which in its judgment will benefit from an independent review and report its conclusions to a regular General Assembly. In 2005, the Commission reported on Engaging Our Theological Diversity. It asks: Why do UU congregations exist? Where are we going? What is the mission of Unitarian Universalists, individually and collectively? Should UU congregations be a presence in the community, and if so, how? Join us for an interactive service to look for answers to these questions as they relate to our own beloved community, and our second fifty years.

Finding Your Way. Speaker: Guy Harrison.
We each have our unique idea of the way the world functions and the way that it should work for the good of all. The turmoil in every part of the globe, from ideological differences to outright war, makes it painfully obvious just how subjective our views are. Our speaker today will explore his own understanding of this topic.