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UNITARIAN FELLOWSHIP OF HOUSTON 1504 Wirt Road Houston, Texas 77055 • Telephone: 713.686.5876 • E-mail: ufhouston@comcast.net • Fax:713.686.7664 |
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Past Programs
Our Fellowgrams (available here) have more extensive write-ups of past programs
Hagar's Prayer - Laura Emerson
The story of Hagar and her son, Ishmael, abandoned to the desert by Abraham, is one of the most poignant in the Bible. It is evocative for anyone who has felt similarly abandoned by family or trusted allies, to a vulnerable future. But the story is fascinating for two other reasons as well. Literally, it marks a first in the Bible and perhaps in ancient literature. Sociologically, because the story is so different in Biblical and Koranic accounts, it explains some of the antipathy between Jews and Arabs for thousands of years. Perhaps this service will offer something for both your heart and your mind.
Impermanance - Kim Willis
This Buddhist concept is made tangible in the sand paintings completed painstakingly by monks that are then swept away. One thing we can be sure of is things will always change yet we often find it uncomfortable to deal with the change in our lives. Opportunities present themselves with every change we encounter.
How Secret is the Brain? - Dwight Raulston
“If the conscious mind - the part you consider to be you - is just the tip of the iceberg, what is the rest doing?” Dwight Raulston will comment on the work of David Eagleman, a noted neuroscientist who heads a research center at Baylor University. His new book, Incognito, is currently a best seller.
The Necessity of Virtue: Courage - Sam Pratt
In this, the fourth in the series, Dr. Galen Guengerich asserts that the inner experience of courage - the courage to be - leads to the outer experience - the courage to do. Sam Pratt will help us explore definitions, examples and the importance of this value in our lives.
Let Go of Your Stress for the New York - Sue Needle
As we embark upon 2012, let us be selfish and self-serving. Sue Needle will share strategies for bringing order out of chaos so that we find peace and harmony in our lives and have time left over to feed our souls. This service will also mark our Changing of the Guard. We will thank retiring Board members and greet new Board members. Come and participate in an upbeat program heralding a bright New Year.
Christmas Day
On this Christmas Day we will have our traditional Carols and Cheer. Come join us in Fellowship. Punch and light refreshments will be served.
Christmas Eve - Katy Haberman
Christmas Eve is one of the very special times at the Fellowship. Old friends and children who grew up at the Fellowship and are back for the holidays and years melt away like a Houston snow. This year on Christmas Eve, Katy Haberman will lead us in a service entitled, "It Starts With The Birth Of A Child" which will explore the beginnings of not only the Christian religion, but also the beginnings of Judaism, Buddahism and Islam. The legend of birth of a child is at the start of every major world religion.
Life is a Miracle - Rev. John Pepper
This is the season for celebrating a miraculous birth. It may not have been miraculous according to some traditional claims, but it and all births are miraculous nonetheless. Please join me as I celebrate the fact that all of life IS A MIRACLE!
Our Modern Faith (Long, Strange Trip Part 4 of 4) - David Garver
Observation suggests that every trend eventually comes to an end. What happens then depends on a variety of factors but can range from disappearing without a trace through being reinvigorated and moving upward to an entirely new level. We'll try to do a little crystal ball gazing in hopes of viewing the future of Unitarian Universalism "through a glass, darkly."
Searching for Peace - Katy Haberman
In 1863, during the US Civil War, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the words, “And in despair I bowed my head: There is no peace on Earth, I said, for hate is strong, and mocks the song of Peace on earth, goodwill to man.” Where are we now on the road to peace? Can there be any peace when there is such a wide disparity in prosperity?
Sustainability and the Middle Class - John Haberman
The U.S. middle class is making a voluntary transition from an unsustainable standard of living to a more sustainable level with decreased consumption and debt and increased savings. This change is motivated more by the loss of confidence in the economy than by rational planning, so it could reverse rapidly, but a new reality is in the offing.
Reflecting on Our Harvest - Rev. John Pepper
Historically, Thanksgiving was a time to celebrate the bounty of the harvest which ensured getting through the winter ahead. For this pre-Thanksgiving worship service, please join me as we collectively celebrate our own individual blessings, which help us to deal with the times ahead. In lieu of our normal “Milestones” sharing, where anyone can come forward and share a notable milestone, please be prepared to come forward and in a few seconds or minutes share with your Fellowship your own personal blessings. I will start the “sharing” and conclude it as well. And if you have a need, we want to hear that as well. We are a community and only through truly KNOWING each other can we be a real community, one that nurtures and supports one another. Namaste!
Musical Communion - Musicians of the Fellowship
Our service will be a celebration of music in our spiritual lives. Come ready to share a meaningful memory of music!
Be the Miracle - Elizabeth Christian
What is a miracle? Some believe a miracle to be “divine intervention” – a perceptible interruption of the laws of nature. Others believe a miracle to be a statistically unlikely but beneficial event. Many rely on a deity or fate to create miracles in the world. However, I believe miracles to be much more profound than this. Through human kindness, compassion, generosity, and unconditional love, we have the power to be the miracle in the lives of others. “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Day of the Dead: The Afterlife - Jan LaRocque
In his book, Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlife, David Eagleman offers vignettes that consider the age-old question: "What happens when we die." During our commemoration of Day of the Dead, we will also take time to remember people who have "passed over" and celebrate our cherished memories of them.
The Choices We Make: Money - Laura Emerson
Money causes a lot of conflicts for families, businesses, institutions like congregations because it represents different things to different groups (like safety, opportunity, power). Each meaning has, I think, a spiritual challenge associated with it. If we recognize what money means to us and to others, we might not only reduce the conflicts but actually strengthen our decision making.
The Choices We Make: Stewardship - Rev. John Pepper
The story of Hagar and her son, Ishmael, abandoned to the desert by Abraham, is one of the most poignant in the Bible. It is evocative for anyone who has felt similarly abandoned by family or trusted allies, to a vulnerable future. But the story is fascinating for two other reasons as well. Literally, it marks a first in the Bible and perhaps in ancient literature. Sociologically, because the story is so different in Biblical and Koranic accounts, it explains some of the antipathy between Jews and Arabs for thousands of years. Perhaps this service will offer something for both your heart and your mind.
Impermanance - Kim Willis
This Buddhist concept is made tangible in the sand paintings completed painstakingly by monks that are then swept away. One thing we can be sure of is things will always change yet we often find it uncomfortable to deal with the change in our lives. Opportunities present themselves with every change we encounter.
How Secret is the Brain? - Dwight Raulston
“If the conscious mind - the part you consider to be you - is just the tip of the iceberg, what is the rest doing?” Dwight Raulston will comment on the work of David Eagleman, a noted neuroscientist who heads a research center at Baylor University. His new book, Incognito, is currently a best seller.
The Necessity of Virtue: Courage - Sam Pratt
In this, the fourth in the series, Dr. Galen Guengerich asserts that the inner experience of courage - the courage to be - leads to the outer experience - the courage to do. Sam Pratt will help us explore definitions, examples and the importance of this value in our lives.
Let Go of Your Stress for the New York - Sue Needle
As we embark upon 2012, let us be selfish and self-serving. Sue Needle will share strategies for bringing order out of chaos so that we find peace and harmony in our lives and have time left over to feed our souls. This service will also mark our Changing of the Guard. We will thank retiring Board members and greet new Board members. Come and participate in an upbeat program heralding a bright New Year.
Christmas Day
On this Christmas Day we will have our traditional Carols and Cheer. Come join us in Fellowship. Punch and light refreshments will be served.
Christmas Eve - Katy Haberman
Christmas Eve is one of the very special times at the Fellowship. Old friends and children who grew up at the Fellowship and are back for the holidays and years melt away like a Houston snow. This year on Christmas Eve, Katy Haberman will lead us in a service entitled, "It Starts With The Birth Of A Child" which will explore the beginnings of not only the Christian religion, but also the beginnings of Judaism, Buddahism and Islam. The legend of birth of a child is at the start of every major world religion.
Life is a Miracle - Rev. John Pepper
This is the season for celebrating a miraculous birth. It may not have been miraculous according to some traditional claims, but it and all births are miraculous nonetheless. Please join me as I celebrate the fact that all of life IS A MIRACLE!
Our Modern Faith (Long, Strange Trip Part 4 of 4) - David Garver
Observation suggests that every trend eventually comes to an end. What happens then depends on a variety of factors but can range from disappearing without a trace through being reinvigorated and moving upward to an entirely new level. We'll try to do a little crystal ball gazing in hopes of viewing the future of Unitarian Universalism "through a glass, darkly."
Searching for Peace - Katy Haberman
In 1863, during the US Civil War, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the words, “And in despair I bowed my head: There is no peace on Earth, I said, for hate is strong, and mocks the song of Peace on earth, goodwill to man.” Where are we now on the road to peace? Can there be any peace when there is such a wide disparity in prosperity?
Sustainability and the Middle Class - John Haberman
The U.S. middle class is making a voluntary transition from an unsustainable standard of living to a more sustainable level with decreased consumption and debt and increased savings. This change is motivated more by the loss of confidence in the economy than by rational planning, so it could reverse rapidly, but a new reality is in the offing.
Reflecting on Our Harvest - Rev. John Pepper
Historically, Thanksgiving was a time to celebrate the bounty of the harvest which ensured getting through the winter ahead. For this pre-Thanksgiving worship service, please join me as we collectively celebrate our own individual blessings, which help us to deal with the times ahead. In lieu of our normal “Milestones” sharing, where anyone can come forward and share a notable milestone, please be prepared to come forward and in a few seconds or minutes share with your Fellowship your own personal blessings. I will start the “sharing” and conclude it as well. And if you have a need, we want to hear that as well. We are a community and only through truly KNOWING each other can we be a real community, one that nurtures and supports one another. Namaste!
Musical Communion - Musicians of the Fellowship
Our service will be a celebration of music in our spiritual lives. Come ready to share a meaningful memory of music!
Be the Miracle - Elizabeth Christian
What is a miracle? Some believe a miracle to be “divine intervention” – a perceptible interruption of the laws of nature. Others believe a miracle to be a statistically unlikely but beneficial event. Many rely on a deity or fate to create miracles in the world. However, I believe miracles to be much more profound than this. Through human kindness, compassion, generosity, and unconditional love, we have the power to be the miracle in the lives of others. “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Day of the Dead: The Afterlife - Jan LaRocque
In his book, Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlife, David Eagleman offers vignettes that consider the age-old question: "What happens when we die." During our commemoration of Day of the Dead, we will also take time to remember people who have "passed over" and celebrate our cherished memories of them.
The Choices We Make: Money - Laura Emerson
Money causes a lot of conflicts for families, businesses, institutions like congregations because it represents different things to different groups (like safety, opportunity, power). Each meaning has, I think, a spiritual challenge associated with it. If we recognize what money means to us and to others, we might not only reduce the conflicts but actually strengthen our decision making.
The Choices We Make: Stewardship - Rev. John Pepper
Freedom is a double-edged sword. When one is truly free, one is free to do something or do nothing and with either action, there are outcomes. There are no guarantees what those outcomes will be but when we limit our actions, the ultimate outcomes almost become preordained.
The Necessity of Virtue: Compassion - David Garver
According to Rev. Galen Guengerich in this third in the series The Necessity of Virtue, Compassion is the outward expression of an inner awareness of our own vulnerability. Compassion recognizes that other people are dependent and needy as well. Compassion champions the kind of world we want to inhabit and is a leading indicator of moral strength. David Garver will explore with us this virtue.
The Illimitable Mind - Joanna Fontaine Crawford (Intern Minister at Church of the Larger Fellowship)
With his metaphor of the Cathedral of the World, the Rev. Forrest Church drew a picture of the treasure we inherited as Unitarian Universalists ¨C unlimited ways of understanding and experiencing divine reality. As UUs, it is our theological privilege and responsibility to ¡°go deep,¡± not merely picking and choosing concepts that appeal to us, but to develop a fully examined faith. Joanna Fontaine Crawford is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist. She graduates from the Houston Graduate School of Theology this December, and is the Intern Minister for the Church of the Larger Fellowship.
The Necessity of Virtue: Wisdom - Joan Golding
Wisdom is the second in the "Necessity of Virtue" series as suggested by Rev Galen Guengerich. The root of wisdom, he says comes from "wit"--to think and to reason. Both together and in small groups lets explore wisdom, how we have acquired wisdom--yes, we do have wisdom--and how it relates to Virtue, which Aristotle says is the key to happiness.
Ingathering/Water Communion - Val Harrop
Because we tend to scatter during the summer, we have an Ingathering service in early September to mark the beginning of the fall and winter seasons and a return to the community of our Fellowship. Most of us do not realize that this service originated with angry women who wanted to create a political and liberating theology. To commemorate that activist spirit, we will stand in solidarity with all those activists who are working for equitable access to safe and affordable water, and we will incorporate the human right to water into our water ceremony.
9/11 Remembered - Rev. John Pepper
On this the 10th anniversary of the tragic events in New York, Washington, DC and in a field in Pennsylvania, please join me as we reflect on these events and attempt to focus on the positive ways many individuals attempted to put these events behind them.
Labor Day and the Race to the Bottom - Gary Yokie
A tough economy and official policy are eroding workers' rights and make more workplaces a hostile environment. How can we bring dignity and worth to working people and create prosperity for all?
A Long, Strange Journey - Part 3 of 4 - David Garver
Unitarians and Universalists had been at the forefront of liberal thought in the American church through the 18th and early 19th centuries. By the mid-1800s, many of their liberal ideas had been so effectively spread that they were now mainstream thought at least in the northeast. Then Ralph Waldo Emerson brought his ideas on Transcendentalism to the party and set off the Great Unitarian Controversy. In part III of this series on how we got to where we are today, learn how everything changed for liberal religion. Again.
Timeless Tales - Rabbi Dan Gordon
Enjoy an uplifting morning as we welcome back Rabbi Dan Gordon to share universal stories from Jewish folklore. Many traditions share the same tales, and each listener has the opportunity to receive the message in a personal, individual way. Rabbi Dan has served as spiritual leader of Temple Beth Torah of Humble since 1998. He has taken his tales around the world to entertain, educate and inspire. He regularly presents performances and workshops for Young Audiences of Houston, is a founding committee member of Compassionate Houston and a volunteer prison chaplain. He has presented several times at Unitarian Fellowship of Houston over the years. Come enjoy some old favorites, and perhaps find a new lesson.
Celebration of the Life of David Herman Oxman - Rev. John Pepper
A Memorial Service will be held for David Oxman after our regular Sunday service. It will be followed at David's request by a spaghetti luncheon to honor his work at Turning Point.
Fasting: Much More Than Not Eating - Elizabeth Christian
Beginning August 1, Muslims around the world will observe 30 days of fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan. During the daylight hours of this month, practicing Muslims will abstain from food and drink according to Islamic tradition. Together, we will explore deeper into this tradition and look at its history, meaning, and application today. We will also discuss fasting rituals found in other religious traditions as well as the themes and principles that we as Unitarian Universalists can apply to our own lives (fasting optional).
The Philosophy of Charles Hartshorne - Dwight Raulston, PhD
Theology and philosophy don't seem like they have much in common any more. But by stating clearly what we mean by "God", Charles Hartshorne shows there doesn't have to be any conflict. Charles Hartshorne is considered by many to be one of the most important philosophers of the 20th Century. Connected to the University of Texas in Austin from 1962 - to his death in 2000, he was also considered an interesting and colorful character.
The Evolution of Marriage - Rev. John Pepper
Marriage has changed over the years and it will continue to change in the future. Please join me as I share some of the history of marriage.
The Key to Happiness
The key to happiness, Aristotle insists, is virtue: the state of character in which we fulfill our potential, by living as humans ought to live. This is the first in a series of programs entitled The Necessity of Virtue by Rev. Dr. Galen Guengrich.
The Sunday Morning Good News with John Pepper - Rev. John Pepper
There is a lot of good news out there and from time to time we need to focus on the positive. This sermon will celebrate the ongoing Good News in the World and our own Freedom of Religion. Please join us.
Is Paddling Child Abuse? - Jimmy Dunne
What about slapping, spanking, hitting or smacking children at home by parents? Jimmy Dunne, Pres. of People Opposed to Paddling Students attended the Global Summit on Ending Corporal Punishment and Promoting Positive Discipline in Dallas June 2-4, 2011. Your feedback is important. Please go to this website: www.nospankingzone.org
Celebrating July 4th - The Blue Notes
On the birthday of our Republic we investigate in song and readings who we are as a nation and where we are going, where we could go, where we want to go, what we have to do to get there; who wins and who loses. If anybody in the congregation feels so inclined, we plan to invite audience participation so come prepared to speak for two or three minutes as a current or historical figure on the nature and destiny of the United States. Step into the shoes of and speak to us as; Tupac Shakur, Angela Merkel, Osama bin Laden, President Obama, Sarah Palin, George Washington, Alan Ginsberg, etc. (John, Tim, Rory, Gary)
Liberal Religion Past and Present: Part 2 of 4 - David Garver
Long strange trip part 2 of 4. Development of Unitarianism and Universalism in the USA from late 1600s to mid 1800s.
Father's Day - Gary Putnam, Jimmy Dunne, Bob Wiener, et al
Our program for Father's Day will feature five men from the Fellowship, speaking about their experiences and memories related to their fathers or their own fatherhood. The relationship between fathers and children can blossom or sour depending on how they treat each other and the expectations that are fulfilled or dashed.
As A Matter of Fact - Jan LaRocque
In June 2000, I was challenged to present a program about what I believe and I wrestled with the idea for six months before putting pen to paper. A lot of things have happened since that presentation and I¡®m still thinking about what I believe. It¡®s easy for us UUs to express what we don¡®t believe, and it takes a lot of introspection to articulate what we do believe. In this second program, I will make an attempt at presenting my thoughts on separating Fact from Faith.
Lessons from Harry Potter - Katy Carpman, DRE
Next month the final Harry Potter movie comes out, completing the story on the big screen. With a total of 4178 pages, the books are longer than the Bible, Quran, and Talmud combined - surely there is some wisdom to be found within. And unicorns.
You Gotta Have Hope! - Dwight Raulston
As the world becomes more and more complex, nearly impossible to describe, how do we find order and purpose in it? How do we live a good life amid all the uncertainty around us? Dwight will present Richard Rorty‟s system to tie together philosophy and social hope.
The Struggle for Human Rights: Moving Beyond the Pragmatic - Christina Branum Martin, UU Seminarian
¡°Robert Frost once observed that poems begin with a lump in the throat, and I think human rights do too.¡± William F. Schultz We recognize our common humanity to be the grounds for defending human rights yet we are confronted on a daily basis with overwhelming evidence of human cruelty. This Sunday we explore the moral underpinnings of the struggle for human rights moving beyond the pragmatic. When we feel that we are ¡°swimming upstream¡± and we are losing our strength, what do we do?
With his metaphor of the Cathedral of the World, the Rev. Forrest Church drew a picture of the treasure we inherited as Unitarian Universalists ¨C unlimited ways of understanding and experiencing divine reality. As UUs, it is our theological privilege and responsibility to ¡°go deep,¡± not merely picking and choosing concepts that appeal to us, but to develop a fully examined faith. Joanna Fontaine Crawford is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist. She graduates from the Houston Graduate School of Theology this December, and is the Intern Minister for the Church of the Larger Fellowship.
The Necessity of Virtue: Wisdom - Joan Golding
Wisdom is the second in the "Necessity of Virtue" series as suggested by Rev Galen Guengerich. The root of wisdom, he says comes from "wit"--to think and to reason. Both together and in small groups lets explore wisdom, how we have acquired wisdom--yes, we do have wisdom--and how it relates to Virtue, which Aristotle says is the key to happiness.
Ingathering/Water Communion - Val Harrop
Because we tend to scatter during the summer, we have an Ingathering service in early September to mark the beginning of the fall and winter seasons and a return to the community of our Fellowship. Most of us do not realize that this service originated with angry women who wanted to create a political and liberating theology. To commemorate that activist spirit, we will stand in solidarity with all those activists who are working for equitable access to safe and affordable water, and we will incorporate the human right to water into our water ceremony.
9/11 Remembered - Rev. John Pepper
On this the 10th anniversary of the tragic events in New York, Washington, DC and in a field in Pennsylvania, please join me as we reflect on these events and attempt to focus on the positive ways many individuals attempted to put these events behind them.
Labor Day and the Race to the Bottom - Gary Yokie
A tough economy and official policy are eroding workers' rights and make more workplaces a hostile environment. How can we bring dignity and worth to working people and create prosperity for all?
A Long, Strange Journey - Part 3 of 4 - David Garver
Unitarians and Universalists had been at the forefront of liberal thought in the American church through the 18th and early 19th centuries. By the mid-1800s, many of their liberal ideas had been so effectively spread that they were now mainstream thought at least in the northeast. Then Ralph Waldo Emerson brought his ideas on Transcendentalism to the party and set off the Great Unitarian Controversy. In part III of this series on how we got to where we are today, learn how everything changed for liberal religion. Again.
Timeless Tales - Rabbi Dan Gordon
Enjoy an uplifting morning as we welcome back Rabbi Dan Gordon to share universal stories from Jewish folklore. Many traditions share the same tales, and each listener has the opportunity to receive the message in a personal, individual way. Rabbi Dan has served as spiritual leader of Temple Beth Torah of Humble since 1998. He has taken his tales around the world to entertain, educate and inspire. He regularly presents performances and workshops for Young Audiences of Houston, is a founding committee member of Compassionate Houston and a volunteer prison chaplain. He has presented several times at Unitarian Fellowship of Houston over the years. Come enjoy some old favorites, and perhaps find a new lesson.
Celebration of the Life of David Herman Oxman - Rev. John Pepper
A Memorial Service will be held for David Oxman after our regular Sunday service. It will be followed at David's request by a spaghetti luncheon to honor his work at Turning Point.
Fasting: Much More Than Not Eating - Elizabeth Christian
Beginning August 1, Muslims around the world will observe 30 days of fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan. During the daylight hours of this month, practicing Muslims will abstain from food and drink according to Islamic tradition. Together, we will explore deeper into this tradition and look at its history, meaning, and application today. We will also discuss fasting rituals found in other religious traditions as well as the themes and principles that we as Unitarian Universalists can apply to our own lives (fasting optional).
The Philosophy of Charles Hartshorne - Dwight Raulston, PhD
Theology and philosophy don't seem like they have much in common any more. But by stating clearly what we mean by "God", Charles Hartshorne shows there doesn't have to be any conflict. Charles Hartshorne is considered by many to be one of the most important philosophers of the 20th Century. Connected to the University of Texas in Austin from 1962 - to his death in 2000, he was also considered an interesting and colorful character.
The Evolution of Marriage - Rev. John Pepper
Marriage has changed over the years and it will continue to change in the future. Please join me as I share some of the history of marriage.
The Key to Happiness
The key to happiness, Aristotle insists, is virtue: the state of character in which we fulfill our potential, by living as humans ought to live. This is the first in a series of programs entitled The Necessity of Virtue by Rev. Dr. Galen Guengrich.
The Sunday Morning Good News with John Pepper - Rev. John Pepper
There is a lot of good news out there and from time to time we need to focus on the positive. This sermon will celebrate the ongoing Good News in the World and our own Freedom of Religion. Please join us.
Is Paddling Child Abuse? - Jimmy Dunne
What about slapping, spanking, hitting or smacking children at home by parents? Jimmy Dunne, Pres. of People Opposed to Paddling Students attended the Global Summit on Ending Corporal Punishment and Promoting Positive Discipline in Dallas June 2-4, 2011. Your feedback is important. Please go to this website: www.nospankingzone.org
Celebrating July 4th - The Blue Notes
On the birthday of our Republic we investigate in song and readings who we are as a nation and where we are going, where we could go, where we want to go, what we have to do to get there; who wins and who loses. If anybody in the congregation feels so inclined, we plan to invite audience participation so come prepared to speak for two or three minutes as a current or historical figure on the nature and destiny of the United States. Step into the shoes of and speak to us as; Tupac Shakur, Angela Merkel, Osama bin Laden, President Obama, Sarah Palin, George Washington, Alan Ginsberg, etc. (John, Tim, Rory, Gary)
Liberal Religion Past and Present: Part 2 of 4 - David Garver
Long strange trip part 2 of 4. Development of Unitarianism and Universalism in the USA from late 1600s to mid 1800s.
Father's Day - Gary Putnam, Jimmy Dunne, Bob Wiener, et al
Our program for Father's Day will feature five men from the Fellowship, speaking about their experiences and memories related to their fathers or their own fatherhood. The relationship between fathers and children can blossom or sour depending on how they treat each other and the expectations that are fulfilled or dashed.
As A Matter of Fact - Jan LaRocque
In June 2000, I was challenged to present a program about what I believe and I wrestled with the idea for six months before putting pen to paper. A lot of things have happened since that presentation and I¡®m still thinking about what I believe. It¡®s easy for us UUs to express what we don¡®t believe, and it takes a lot of introspection to articulate what we do believe. In this second program, I will make an attempt at presenting my thoughts on separating Fact from Faith.
Lessons from Harry Potter - Katy Carpman, DRE
Next month the final Harry Potter movie comes out, completing the story on the big screen. With a total of 4178 pages, the books are longer than the Bible, Quran, and Talmud combined - surely there is some wisdom to be found within. And unicorns.
You Gotta Have Hope! - Dwight Raulston
As the world becomes more and more complex, nearly impossible to describe, how do we find order and purpose in it? How do we live a good life amid all the uncertainty around us? Dwight will present Richard Rorty‟s system to tie together philosophy and social hope.
The Struggle for Human Rights: Moving Beyond the Pragmatic - Christina Branum Martin, UU Seminarian
¡°Robert Frost once observed that poems begin with a lump in the throat, and I think human rights do too.¡± William F. Schultz We recognize our common humanity to be the grounds for defending human rights yet we are confronted on a daily basis with overwhelming evidence of human cruelty. This Sunday we explore the moral underpinnings of the struggle for human rights moving beyond the pragmatic. When we feel that we are ¡°swimming upstream¡± and we are losing our strength, what do we do?
Bring a Friend! - Eric Huckabay
What makes a good friend? They're willing to indulge you when you drag
them to church! This service will focus on our relationships and
friendships outside the church; what makes them vital, fulfilling, and
even spiritual. The opposite of evangelism, this service will focus on
what you gain from non-members, and what people of other faiths can gain
from you! Yes, please bring a friend today!
Mother's Day - Katy Carpman, DRE & Val Harrop
A celebration of Mother's Day with poems and stories and delicious treats prepared by the children of the Fellowship!
Visioning for the 21st Century - Katy Carpman, DRE & Val Harrop
Our Mission/Vision/Covenant Taskforce has been working on creating our
Vision Statement. We have distilled the things that resonate with us.
Now we will work to incorporate those things into a vision.
Easter and the Flower Communion - Gretchen Weis
As the days grow longer and the weather grows warmer, we celebrate the return of Spring and the hope and promise we find in this season of growth and renewal. So, too, we find hope, renewal and promise gathering together in beloved community with one another. Bring a flower to symbolize the unique gifts you bring to share with the community at the Fellowship of Houston. Our worship leader this morning will be Gretchen Weis. Gretchen has been a long-time member of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston and is completing her first year of seminary at Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, on her path to becoming a Unitarian Universalist minister.
The Business of the Church - Rev. John Pepper
Now that tax season is behind us we can focus on the business of the church, but first, what is the "business" of our church? Are we a corporation in the strictest sense of the word or are we something more? And if we aren't a business, what can we learn and apply from the business world. What should we acknowledge and understand and at the same time choose to ignore or handle differently? Please join me as I reflect on the "business" questions of a church, I mean Fellowship.
Religious
Themes and the American Musical - Peggy Tennyson
& Melissa McEver
This
service will explore religious themes and social commentary found in the
American Musical.
Gathered and Sent - Joanna Fontaine Crawford
Does your church have a mission so strong it burns in your soul, a purpose so necessary you couldn't NOT do it? According to ministerial candidate Joanna Fontaine Crawford, ¡°We are gathered to strengthen our souls; we are sent out to strengthen the world.¡± Come ready to wade in the water as we discuss how to do each.
Remember, Your Life Belongs to You! - Patti Henry
A Long, Strange Trip (Part 1 of 4) - David Garver
Does your church have a mission so strong it burns in your soul, a purpose so necessary you couldn't NOT do it? According to ministerial candidate Joanna Fontaine Crawford, ¡°We are gathered to strengthen our souls; we are sent out to strengthen the world.¡± Come ready to wade in the water as we discuss how to do each.
Remember, Your Life Belongs to You! - Patti Henry
Inspired by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., psychotherapist and
author Patti Henry joins us with a message to take charge of our lives
-- so we can take charge of the world. Don't miss this dynamic speaker
and thought-provoking message.
This year marks the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the consolidation of the Unitarians and Universalists into the UUA. Part of where we are today is where we came from. Once per quarter we'll look at a significant period of our history. This part will cover the origins of liberal religion and humanism during the Reformation and the Enlightenment.
I recently responded to a UU World magazine article titled "Dinner with Monsanto." The article's premise was that we can reason with
corporations and they will change. My response argued for a different approach - use our own governmental processes to affect positive, ethical
changes. The problem is, I'm not sure the average person who is distant from the day-to-day operations of the government realizes how it works. Since I work in the government, I will attempt to share the little I understand. And my
response to the UU World article was a Theological Response. My sermon will be as well.
Remarkable Women - Fellowship WomenA group of our very remarkable women will honor remarkable women in the arts and sciences who have changed the world.
The American Civil Liberties Union - Jimmy Dunne
The only mandate for the ACLU is to protect us from government bodies who would violate The Bill of Rights as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. We will discuss the many issues and controversies that the ACLU has been involved in.
Malvina Reynolds - Celebration of a Life - Lu Mitchell and Catch-23
Celebration of a Life is a program which features the life and music of Malvina Reynolds, the Unitarian folksinger famous for her song Little Boxes Made of Ticky Tacky. Lu Mitchell and her band Catch/23 will present this program, which was written by Mitchell's husband, Gene, for
General Assembly back in the 60s. This Sunday we will also participate in Bring Your Gay Teen to Church Day!
Where's the Love? - Rev. John Pepper
This year if you happen to forget Valentine's Day you won't have an excuse. This sermon will be all about love and I'll remind you about Valentine's Day. And by the way, if a Church isn't about "Love" what is the point?
Quentin Mease - Ronnie Turner
The desegregation of Houston is a largely untold story, rarely taught in schools or even universities. But a lot of the story can be traced to the city¡¯s former South Central YMCA in the heart of the Third Ward, and Quentin Mease, the Y¡¯s executive director from 1950-1975. The South Central Y was the primary forum of groups working toward desegregation in Houston during the 1950s and 1960s, and Mease helped to orchestrate the events that made it all possible.
Passages and Transitions - Laura Emerson
January is named for the god, Janus, who has two heads ¨C one looking forward and one looking back. In this service, we will focus on the passages and transitions that tend to occur in each adult decade of life. Which do you remember? Which do you have to look forward to? Each person will get a paper to help take notes that might be used to enhance our relationships in 2011 with those friends, relatives, and neighbors several decades older and younger than ourselves . Look around. These people can be your teachers and your students.
Pajama Day! - Katy Carpman, DRE
All ages are invited to wear their warm, comfy pajamas and slippers as we examine what gives our lives comfort and what we hold closest to our hearts.
The Spiritual Disciplines - Rev. John Pepper
If you want to learn to play the piano, you have to be disciplined with your practice. Similarly, down through the centuries religious practi-tioners have devised many creative ways to help in the attempt to connect with the divine, whatever they believe that to be. Please join me as I share a little about the different spiritual disciplines available to you. One might be just right for you. Namaste!
Beauty of the Buffet - Elizabeth Christian
When was the last time you were at a restaurant and ordered straight from the menu with no modifications or substitutions? And do you restrict your dining to only Mexican cuisine or only Italian cuisine? In all likelihood, no. However, if dining out were treated as mainstream religion is, one established menu card is all any of us would have. As Unitarian Universalists, we are free to explore various religious ¡°menus¡± and find that which holds truth and wisdom for us rather than being restricted to a single line of thought and tradition. Join us for an exploration of the beauty of the religious buffet.
A New Start to a New Year - UFH Board of Trustees
What pieces of 2010 do you need to leave behind? What gifts would you like to send out into the world? Our first service of 2011 will incorporate both a burning bowl rit-ual and a white elephant gift exchange -- and we will thank our outgoing board for their service while welcoming in the new officers and trustees!
The Church of Pinball - David Garver
Spirituality happens where you find it. In a lighthearted tour through the lyrics from The Who's late 1960's rock opera "Tommy" we'll discover how playing pinball can help you find out some new truths about yourself and maybe the universe. Fringed jackets and beaded headbands not required.
A Traditional Christmas Eve - Katy Haberman
There is, perhaps, no more special time at our Fellowship than Christmas Eve. Even though many are dubious about the Christ Child legend, still we feel that unique closeness that Christmas brings. Come and celebrate family, love, peace and hope with us on December 24th. Of course we will perform "The Twelve Days Of Christmas!!" If you are able, please bring some cookies to share. If you cannot bring cookies, come anyway; there will be plenty for all, and there'll even be some punch to wash them down.
The First Christmas - Rev. John Pepper
Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan wrote a fascinating book with the same title as this wor-ship service. Many of their ideas and conclusions are truly worth shar-ing. They may also help us refocus our energies on ideals still relevant for us today. Please join me as I reflect on the First Christmas during our own current Christmas Season. Namaste and Merry Christmas!
The Battle for Christmas - Joanna Crawford
There has been talk in the past few years about the ¨DWar on Christmas.¡¬ However, if you look at the history of Christmas in the United States, you¡¯ll discover that the reality is different than some would want you to believe. Make no mistake ¨C this is a subversive holiday, highly influenced by Unitarian Universalists. In fact, without Unitarians and Universalists, Christmas as we currently know it wouldn¡¯t even exist!
Nourishing the Soul - Patti Henry
Want some Greek salad with tomatoes from my garden? How about a big helping of Mama's lasagna? Anyone for homemade apple pie? Would you like ice cream with that? We nourish our bodies -- how about our souls? Our days have a built-in structure to nourish our bodies called breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but not many of us have that same spiritual structure in place. The Muslims pray 5 times a day -- how about you? Come hear psychotherapist and author Patti Henry this Sunday share some ideas of how to not only nourish your body each day, but how to nourish your soul as well. Come away refreshed and spiritually "full."
Giving Life Meaning - Dodie McKellar
Meaning is one of the big, scary words that we think about. What gives our lives meaning? What do we hope to leave behind? We will also recognize World AIDS Day this Sunday and kick off our participation in the annual fundraiser for the UUSC, Guest at Your Table.
Singing with Spirit! - Rev. John Pepper and Ken Gaines
Please join us as singer/songwriter Ken Gaines shares his music and his talent during this "mostly" musical Worship Service. Ken hopes to inspire us with something beyond the typical "feel good" songwriting which often uses dogmatic language that can be less than inspirational.
Houston, the Bayou City - Orson Cook
Houston has long been identified as a classic case of Sun Belt growth in the late twentieth century. In population it ranks fourth in the nation, and it is likely that the next census will show that it has replaced Chicago as the country's third largest city. With the exception of the oil patch crisis of the early 1980s, Houston's growth trajectory has been steadily and impressively upward in recent years. Less well known, however, is the near record boom of the Bayou City in the 1920s, which some historians are beginning to interpret as Houston's most dynamic decade. Join Orson Cook on November 14 as he discusses the significance of the roaring twenties in Houston's past. As usual, come prepared to offer your own opinions in a spirited "talk back" session at the end of the service.
Do Unitarian Universalists Pray? - Katy Carpman, DRE
Theists and atheists and questioners alike can all find reasons to pray, though they may call it other things. We will explore the purposes of prayer and try several different methods in this interactive worship service.
Day of the Dead and Halloween: Jan LaRocque
You know the joke; A UU goes to Heaven and finds 2 gates. One says "Heaven", the other says "Discussion About Heaven"; the UU will go to the Discussion. We're going to start that discussion about Heaven on Halloween Sunday. We will also have a "Day of the Dead" celebration. If you would like to celebrate the life of a loved one during the service, please contact Jan LaRocque.
Evolution Along with Religion - Wayne Derrick
There are many Americans who deny evolution, but we have at least 5,000,000 species on this 8.6 billion year-old planet, and we need to ra-tionalize how religion and evolution need to co-exist.
Journey of Hope: From Violence to Healing - David Kaczinsky
This Sunday, our guest speaker will be David Kaczynski, the Executive Director of New Yorkers Against the Death Penalty. David Kaczynski is the brother of the 'Unabomber' Theodore (Ted) Kaczynski. After the anonymous Unabomber demanded in 1995 that his manifesto, titled "Industrial Society and Its Future," be published in a major newspaper David recognized Ted's writing style, and notified authorities. On April 3, 1996, police arrested Ted Kaczynski in his quiet rural shack in Lincoln, Montana. David had received assurance from the FBI that his identity as the informant would be kept secret, but his name was leaked to the media. In addition, he sought a guarantee from federal prosecutors that Ted would receive appropriate psychiatric evaluation and treatment. The Justice Department's subsequent active pursuit of the death penalty for Ted and attorney general Janet Reno's initial refusal to accept a plea bargain in exchange for a life sentence was seen as a betrayal by David and other Kaczynski family members, and motivated David to become an anti-death penalty activist. Please join us for what will surely be an interesting "Journey of Hope ... From Violence to Healing."
Voices - Rev. John Pepper and Others
In recognition of National Coming Out Day on October 11th, the Fellowship will present a program featuring the varied voices and experiences of what it means to be gay in Houston, Texas.
Celebrating 50 Years - UUA Association Sunday - Guy Harrison & Denominational Affairs Committee
Peter Morales, the president of the UUA --¡°We want congregations that are spiritually deep places where strong and enduring relationships can flourish, and that are engaged in their communities as sources of moral vision and effective action. We want our religious homes to be truly multi-generational and reflect the racial and cultural diversity of the wider world. And, we want professional religious leaders who are visionary, spiritual, innovative, and diverse.¡± Help us realize this shared vision by joining with fellow Unitarian Universalists across the country this Association Sunday.
If These Sanctuary Walls Could Speak - Christina Branum-Martin
These sanctuary walls have been witness to all of our inevitable imperfections and our collective search for a practice of forgiveness. Recent scientific research suggests that forgiveness isn¡¯t a rare transcendent quality or a cure for revenge: we are more instinctively equipped for forgiveness than we¡¯ve given ourselves credit for. Knowing this, we can work to calm the revenge instinct in ourselves and others and embolden the forgiveness intuition. In community, this becomes our covenant.
Stewards of the Earth, and More! - Rev. John Pepper
As UUs we often promote stewardship of the Earth but stewardship is necessary for much, much, more in our lives. Please join me as I broach this subject and this aspect of our lives that we need to be fully conscious of as we go about the ongoing process of building and creating our spiritual home at the Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. Our annual Green Luncheon will follow the service!
Hymn Sandwich, with Water - David Garver
This week we will have our annual Ingathering Water Ceremony, where we welcome back all who have traveled over the past year with our ritual merging of water from many destinations. This beloved annual service is an example of how ceremony and ritual are important to any fellowship, and is an opportunity to examine how our order of service and other traditions have evolved over time.
Labor Day - David Oxman and Gary Yokie
On Monday, September 6th, most of us celebrate Labor Day with a lazy morning and a cookout in the afternoon. Join us on Sunday for a Unitarian Universalist perspective on this holiday.
Philosopher Bernard Williams - Dwight Raulston
Bernard Williams was a philosopher who turned philosophy back into the investigation of what it means to live a good life. His last work was on truth and truthfulness, two ideas of great importance as we seek to live a good life. How can we find truth around us, and why should we value it when so many around us apparently do not?
Education: Religious and Secular - Katy Carpman, DRE
Join us for a participatory service- we will examine our Unitarian Universalist roots in education, honor teachers, and bless the backpacks (and laptop bags and paintbrush quivers and...) of our lifelong learners. A special offering of school supplies will be taken to benefit Treasure Forest Elementary school - see page two for more details.
Tradition with a Twist: Wit and Wisdom from a Wondering Jew - Dan Gordon
Jewish legends teach that the Torah (first five books of the bible) was written with black fire on white fire. The black letters are the text of what we are taught happened. The white part is what you might learn when you ¡°read between the lines¡± and imagine what might have happened. These are the stories handed down through the ages that the ancient rabbis called midrash. Come join a modern rabbi, Dan Gordon, as he shares sacred stories that help us look at ancient teachings from a new angle. Pot luck lunch and the showing of movie, "Oh My God" will follow the service.
Forever Forgiving - Rev. John Pepper
Forgiveness is a primary theme for most religions and the season seems to begin with August and September. In honor of International Forgiveness Day on August 1st, we'll reflect on some of the religious traditions surrounding forgiveness and the inherent power within the act of forgiveness.
The Linguistic Turn and Where it Has Taken Us: Moments in the History of 20th Century Philosophy - Jim Garson
The first half of the twentieth century was one of the most tumultuous periods in human history. Explosive advances in technology and science coupled with two disastrous world wars had profound effects on intellectual life and especially philosophy. An important influence among English and German speaking philosophers was a radical reconsideration of the foundations of language, the very medium of philosophical expression. These investigations prompted new questions about what philosophy is and what it could hope to accomplish. While virtually every conclusion of this linguistic school has now been rejected, the effects of the linguistic turn are strongly felt in philosophy today, and color everything from the analysis of science to theories of morality, religion and the meaning of life.
Reducing Violence in Our World - Jimmy Dunne
This June at General Assembly, delegates passed a Statement of Conscience on Creating Peace. Jimmy's talk focuses on these values and will range from raising children without spanking to abolishing nuclear weapons and settling conflicts between nations at the United Nations without war and whether you are safer with or without guns in the home. Your feedback is an important part of this two-way discussion.
Religious Genealogy and the Abrahamic Faiths - Rev. John Pepper
The three great monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, all have the same founding father, Abraham. Please join me as I review what unites these religions as opposed to what divides them.
Faith in UUism - Eric Huckabay
As contrasted with questioning, Eric will talk about assumptions, premises,faith in process, challenge and solace (as usual), pragmatism and predictive value.
Perspectives on Independence Day - Orson Cook
Independence Day celebrations have a long history, with countless speakers famous or not - attempting to capture the essence of the birth of the Republic, with eloquence, humor, and passion. Join Orson Cook on Sunday, July 4 as he sheds some light on the birth of our nation and our attempts to remember and understand it. It is a serious subject, but expect some humor, and come prepared to offer you own interpretation of this important holiday. (Hot Dogs and Ice Cream following the service.)
Mark Zeus: A Musical Experience - Mark Zeus
Mark Zeus is an award-winning songwriter, live performer and recording artist whose music features an eclectic mix of folk, country, rock and blues, often intertwined with various ethnic and indigenous rhythms. His lyrics tend to explore experiences within the human condition, while frequently addressing social and political issues and concerns with humor, as well as urgency.
Fathers and Traditions - David Oxman
David will take us on a journey of the roles of fathers through time. What are our traditions and how is the father-child relationship evolving? Bring an open mind and your own remembrances.
Guilty as Sin - Katy Carpman, DRE
Our Unitarian Universalist values (compassion, respect, justice for all) are easy enough to practice when we encounter victims, but the work is a lot harder when we're faced with a wrongdoer. How can we honor "the inherent worth and dignity" of those in prison, those who have wronged us personally, and those who are trying to make a new start?
You Say Tomayto, I Say Tomahto - John Pepper and Laura Emerson
Like many of us, John and Laura disagree on many points of theology and other beliefs. Yet they both feel strongly committed as UUs, despite those differences. What is that glue? Why is it so hard for many of us to describe what unites us except in expressions of what we don¡¯t believe? Can we really be a ¡°welcoming congregation¡± if we have such difficulty describing what we are welcoming anyone to? If not, what is the prognosis for our denomination?
They Also Serve - Military Families - Gary Yokie
Join us in celebrating Memorial Day by commemorating the families of our service men and women for "They Also Serve."
Fearless Fuller - Laura Emerson
In May, the UUA is celebrating the 200th birthday of a fascinating Unitarian,Margaret Fuller. She was so famous that the biography rushed to print after her tragic death was the best selling biography of the decade (and went through 13 printings by the end of the century). She died at age 40. Let¡¯s look at her life and then look in the mirror. What do we find? What do we learn, besides humility?
Some Days Are Diamonds, Some Days Are Stones - Don Levit
Some days are better than other days. Regardless of what may happen in our lives, we will discuss two ways of responding to life's challenges. Both responses can be effective in our pursuit of meaning and personal growth.
Don't Let Your Kitties (and Doggies) Grow Up To Be Mamas - Lisa Gilchrist and Kim Willis
We will forego the traditional Mother's Day type service this year and focus on the issue of pet overpopulation and the resulting outcomes. We will discuss the movement to No Kill sheltering and how the seeming paradox of too many and decreasing euthanasia can be successfully addressed. (The Children & Youth of the fellowship will offer a tea party for the caregivers of their families & congregation following the service.)
This I Believe! - John Pepper and others
National Public Radio has a program called This I Believe. It is often inspiring and hopefully we can be equally inspiring. We are really good at articulating what we don't believe, and this will be an opportunity for a few of our members to stake out their positions on what they do believe. Please join us as several of our courageous members step up to the podium and take on this very personal task.
Belief and Truth - David Garver
Sometimes we believe things that are untrue. Sometimes we disbelieve things that are true. How do we get to that sweet spot where belief and truth overlap to become knowledge, and why is it important to understand and recognize the differences between what we believe and what we know?
Biofuels and the Web of Life - John Haberman
The increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels is causing global concern about climate change. One of many areas of current research is to capture and sequester carbon dioxide from the combustion of coal in electric power plants. If this technology is applied to the combustion of biofuels, significant amounts of carbon dioxide might actually be removed from the atmosphere, accompanied by improved soil quality.
Universalism - Alive and Well in the 21st Century - John Pepper
Hosea Ballou was one of the founding fathers of Universalism. As part of the UUA Ministerial requirements, I had to read two of Ballou's primary theological documents. I hope to distill those readings into something relevant for today and share with you places in our denomination where Ballou's beliefs are still finding traction.
In addition we will also be celebrating Flower Communion. Please join us in these celebrations of our heritage.
Resurrection Sunday - Patti Henry
Come celebrate Easter with us! Easter is the Christian high holiday. What can we, as UU's of Christian persuasion or otherwise, glean from this miraculous story of death and resurrection? Come search with psychotherapist and author Patti Henry for the Holy in this holiday, and learn how Easter just might change how you live your life.
Our World Is Changing! Where Are You? - David Oxman
How do we find meaning in our lives.
The Flowers That Bloom in the Spring, the Rubaiyat, and Other Poetry: Katy Haberman
Celebrating the vernal equinox by looking at the world around us and our part in it.
Ethical Eating - Part 3 - Feeding the Hungry - Rebeca Barvin
Globally, 4.3 pounds of food are produced daily for every woman, man, and child on earth¡ªenough to make all of us fat. Yet every year, six million children across the globe die as a result of hunger and malnutrition The Houston Food Bank distributes food and other needed supplies to 400 southeast Texas hunger relief program. Learn about their programs as part of the UUA Ethical Eating Congregational Study/Action Issue.
Is Sexuality Education Religious Education? - Katy Carpman, DRE
From the day we are born to the day that we die, we are all sexual beings. Unitarian Universalists (partnered with the United Church of Christ) hold this to be true, and thus we provide fact-based, principle-based sexuality education for all ages. Come learn more about the Our Whole Lives program and see human sexuality as far more than plumbing lessons!
Four Spiritualities - Katy Carpman, DRE (Pulpiteer)
Over twenty percent of Americans claim to be "spiritual, but not religious" - but when pressed for more explanation, they often cannot describe what they mean by spiritual. This Sunday we will investigate four different spiritualities commonly found in Unitarian Universalist congregations - which matches your personal style? How can our loving community of faith balance the spiritual needs of all four types?
Taking on Our Values - John Pepper
In general, ours is a religion which places importance on articulating our values and then taking action against those values. Values, however, are often subjective. What is important to one person may not be to another and what is important for one UU congregation may not be important for another. Please join me as I reflect on our hoped for collective values. Hopefully this program will provide you with food for thought as our Fellowship seeks to better articulate and define our shared values in the coming days and weeks.
African Americans & the Presidency: The Road to the White House - Orson Cook, PhD
Attorney General Robert Kennedy in the early 1960s predicted that ¡°in the next forty years a Negro can achieve the same position my brother has.¡± From the perspective of Barack Obama¡¯s election in 2008, Kennedy¡¯s prediction seems almost prescient and shocking to many. But lost in all of excitement and punditry of 2008 was the fact that African Americans had been deeply involved in presidential elections for well over a century. Join us as Orson retraces the long and historic road to the White House that black candidates have traveled and which helped make the Obama victory a reality.