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

You Are Loved! - Joanna Fontaine Crawford

C.S. Peirce:  An Original American Thinker - Dwight Raulston

Snapshots:  A Creative Journey - Julie Wilson

Embracing Diversity - Kim Willis

Is the U.S. a Christian or a Secular Nation? - Wayne Derrick

Hope for the New Year - John Pepper

Kwanzaa - Julie Wilson, Val Harrop, Judy Emerson, Fellowship Youth, & Fellowship Drummers

Christmas Eve Service - Annette Rybiski

The Journey from Fear to Peace - Katy Haberman

Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Power of Faith - John Pepper

Each year on December 9th, many of our Catholic friends celebrate the appearance of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego in the year 1531 in what is now Mexico City. This beautiful story and its relevance to those who hold her dear are a special part of the Catholic holiday season. How does this inform us as Unitarian Universalists? How can we open ourselves to mystery?

Embracing Hanukkah - Katy Carpman, DRE

Second Week of Advent: Joy-- Katy Carpman We will celebrate Hannukah, the feast of lights. Many Unitarian Universalists embrace this holiday - come find out why it is such a natural fit! (Katy Carpman with the Fellowship Children and Youth)

Our Evolving Theologies - John Pepper and Eric Huckabay

As UUs, most of us are constantly filtering both old and new information and our individual theologies often evolve as we grow and develop and gain new experience and insights. In fact those theologies won't stop changing until we die. Join us as we explore where we have been and where we might be headed from a theological perspective. On this first Sunday of Advent come, and join us in celebrating our faith.

Guest at Your Table - David Oxman
For more than thirty years, the Guest at Your Table tradition has helped Unitarian Universalists build lasting connections to UU principles and support the movement for universal human rights. It is a simple and meaningful way to incorporate "faith in action" into your life. Join us in bringing our season of thanksgiving to the world.  
Critical Elections - Orson Cook, PhD
American political history is punctuated by elections that many of us remember as critical turning points in our nation’s past. On November 15, Orson Cook will discuss his list of “critical elections” which have helped shape our political culture. Doubtless some of his choices will surprise no one, but others may offer some new and unexpected perspectives that are guaranteed to generate a spirited discussion.
Justice for All? - David Garver
There are many providers of legal services to the poor in Houston, but getting the right need matched with the right solution can be difficult. Come get an overview of the legal public service landscape in the metro area.
Dia de los Muertos - Katy Haberman
Celebrated on November 1 throughout Latin America and much of the United States, the Day of the Dead celebration is a very different type of celebration. It celebrates the lives and the memories of loved ones who have died. After the grieving is over, the culture that gave us this very special tradition realized that it was then time to celebrate and remember the lives of our loved ones together in community. One aspect of the celebration consists of creating an Ofrenda, which means altar, and decorating it in both traditional and personal ways. Join us for a Mexican themed pot luck luncheon after the service!
Wake Up to Life! - Patti Henry
This sermon is about learning how to live more fully alive. So many people walk through their lives half dead/half asleep. No! That's not for YOU! As Dr. Seuss says, "It's time to come down to where the boom bands are playing!" That is, it's time to WAKE UP to the richness of this lifetime and fully embrace it. You won't want to miss dynamic speaker Patti Henry on the 25th -- more importantly, you won't want to miss how to enjoy your short time on this planet more fully!
John Murray - A Universalist Dickens Character - Laura Emerson
John Murray, sometimes referred to as the “father of American Universalism” lead such a picaresque life that it reads like a Dickens novel: a stern Calvinist father, a runaway, a shipwreck, debtor’s prison, trumped up lawsuits, and serendipitous meetings with powerful friends and future relatives. Murray is important not only to UU history, but to US history, for an early and decisive battle separating church and state. More personal perhaps, are the lessons we can apply to ourselves: how do we handle what life throws at us – both the good and the bad, and never at a time when we are prepared for either?
Alternate Realities - Katy Carpman, DRE, and David Garver
Online games such as World of Warcraft (WoW) and a growing number of reality TV shows-- some call them a waste of time and others call them great fun. David Garver (WoW afficianado) and Katy Carpman (WoW widow and reality TV junkie) will talk about these new forms of entertainment and their place in our lives.
Association Sunday/General Assembly - Sarah Berel-Harrop and Val Harrop
Each summer, thousands of UU's gather at the annual meeting of congregations.  We work together to do things like elect our officers - this year, Peter Morales became our new President. It's an inspiring and uplifting time!  What did we do, what did we learn, and why should we support our Association as well as our own congregation?  On this third Association Sunday, our offering will be donated to the UUA to support the work of Growing Our Diversity.
Perfectly Small - Rev. Susan Smith, District Executive, SWUUC
Rev. Smith will be talking about the positive opportunities of being a small congregation, yet working towards excellence and a sound foundation. An extended Question and Answer session will follow the service.
The Limo - A Play written for UFH by Germaine Welch
SPECIAL EVENT, “THE LIMO”, a comedy written for the Unitarian Fellowship of Houston by playwright Germaine Welch, will be performed as part of this Sunday’s service. Performances will be by members of our own congregation. The “Green Luncheon” will follow.
Homecoming/Water Ceremony - John Pepper
Each year summer draws to an end, then we gather back together in joy and celebration. Most of us, at one time or another, have either gone away on brief vacations or for long extended reprieves from the summer heat. In any event, the first weeks of September mark the time of a new beginning for the Fellowship. September 13th marks our official return and we call it Homecoming. Together we will celebrate a Water Communion with water you bring representing your individual identity and your contributions to the Fellowship. Be prepared to share this water with a short recollection of your journeys and your hopes for the seasons ahead.
A Religion for All! - Katy Carpman, DRE and Val Harrop
There's a certain assumption that all Unitarian Universalists drive Priuses, have advanced degrees, and listen only to NPR. How much truth lies in this image and what can we do to make Unitarian Universalism a faith for all?
We Sing, and We Sing, and We Sing - Annette Rybiski and Peggy Tennyson
As Wendy Strothman of Houghton Mifflin has stated – “music is able to convey spiritual meaning that cannot be expressed in words alone.” Do you love hymns? Would you like to learn more about the origins of our hymns? And about the authors of the words and the composers of these hymns? Come, participate and learn some historical and literary facts on the hymns, tunes and readings in our hymnals. Remember Marilyn Doyle’s play on words in her writings for our own Intrepid Troupers - “We talk and we talk and we talk, we’re Unitarians”. Today we will make another version of that – We sing and we sing and we sing - we’re Unitarians. Come, participate, enjoy!
The Old is New Again, and Again, and Again - John Pepper
Recently the concepts of Covenant Groups and Covenants in general have been very popular in the UU community. This fact relates to a very old concept and it resurfaces over and over again because of the power of the concept. What exactly are covenants and how could they relate to you? Please join me as I explore the broader idea and some of its implications.
Testify! - Joanna Crawford
Or “So What’s the Good News About Unitarian Universalism and Why/How Should I Spread It?” Joanna will testify, exhort you to evangelize, discuss Holy Spirit and even give some tips about getting through those “What do you believe?” conversations. Joanna Fontaine Crawford is a UU seminary student and member of Northwest Community Unitarian Universalist Church. She lives in Houston with her husband and four children.
Lost and Found: an unusual journey in the search for soul. - Dan Gordon
Storyteller and Jewish spiritual leader Dan Gordon returns to our Fellowship, sharing more of his amusing, powerful and uplifting tales of tradition.
Sustaining Our Future by Rebuilding the Past (Burning Bowl Ceremony) - David Oxman and Annette Rybiski
Today is International Forgiveness Day, a time to forgive and be forgiven. Whether we are talking about South Africa, American race relations, the treatment of Native American peoples, current United States international actions and responsibility, or our own personal relationships, the whole process of Truth and Reconciliation depends upon forgiveness. We will write out the things we hope to put behind us and release them symbolically as they are dropped into our burning bowl. At a time when there is so much political and social turmoil in the world, it is important to experience the healing power of forgiveness and begin again in love.
Standing Barefoot on the Earth - Christina Branum-Martin
Christina Branum-Martin is 3rd year seminary student at Meadville-Lombard Theological School in Chicago. She is in a non-resident student and lives here in Houston with her husband and 8 year old daughter. She grew up at 1st Unitarian Universalist Church in Houston and the Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church is her sponsoring congregation in her candidacy for ministry. Christina is a 7th generation Unitarian. Christina talked about finding the heart of her Unitarianism in Humanist Manifesto III.
Summertime, and the Living Is Easy! - Peggy Tennyson
It’s also a good time to renew body and spirit. We’ll join in song, poetry, and readings to find ways to recharge ourselves.
Living in Covenant - Rev. Eric Posa
As long as there have been Unitarians, we have used covenant to understand our shared religious life. How can the concept of covenant inform our current relationship as a community? Eric Posa is the minister of The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Brazos Valley in College Station.
Freedom and Cafeteria Unitarianism - Eric Huckabay
We will celebrate the meaning of our July 4th holiday in the context of our faith and look at the virtues of freedom and solace in our religious lives; how they reinforce our congregation and our faith, and where these virtues can prove dangerous or misleading. We will examine these virtues in the context of historical religious freedom, modern separation of church and state, evangelism and religious tolerance.
Ethical Eating and Animal Rights - Jan LaRocque, Kim Willis, and Lisa Gilchrist
We continue our explorations of the UUA study issue with a look at animal rights from a vegetarian point of view. We'll take a look at how animals raised as food are treated, how it affects the environment, our health and the workers in the industry.
Fathers and Family Traditions - David Oxman
David Oxman 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.
Forgotten Voices - John Pepper
Recently some people have claimed that the Holocaust never happened, which is often called “Holocaust Denial.” So that none of the victims’ collective voices will ever be forgotten or the causes of their deaths falsely denied, this service will be dedicated to some of the people who survived and were able to give firsthand accounts of the Holocaust.
Community Supported Agriculture - Brad Stufflebeam
Increasingly, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local and seasonal food directly from a farmer. CSAs are all about strengthening communities, eating healthy and fresh foods, ecology and supporting your local farmer. Join us and hear Farmer Brad talk about CSAs and his Home Sweet Farm in Washington County. This program coordinated by Mimi Lawrence.
Process Theology - David Garver
The matter based worldview of Plato and Aristotle permeates all of western civilization, but has made answering some important questions very difficult. In the last century, some philosophers and theologians have been exploring a different, process based, worldview,and have reached a number of surprising conclusions. Come find out how Process Thought may be particularly relevant to anyone who accepts the UU principles.
Emerson on Emerson - Laura Emerson
UU History is filled with interesting and inspiring figures (as the newsletter's history quizzes attest). Certainly Ralph Waldo Emerson is among the most recognized today. Interestingly, he quit UU Ministry after only three years, to become famous as a peripatetic writer of history, science, literature and - dare I say it - religious mysticism. Which of his views resonate most with UUs today and which now seem archaic?
Orientalism - Dwight Raulston
In his book “Orientalism”, Edward Said says that Orientalism, which primarily viewed Eastern cultures through the lens of Western attitudes, actually created a divide between the East and the West, and facilitated Colonialism. Dwight Raulston will consider how this has shaped our own Middle-Eastern policies that continue to the present day.
Mother's Day - June Godwin, Pulpiteer
"Over 140 years ago, Unitarian foremother Julia Ward Howe wrote the Mother's Day Proclamation, calling for an international day of peace to honor mothers everywhere...The fact that the original Mother's Day was based on a hope for world peace has been almost entirely lost. But we Unitarian Universalists, heirs to her faith tradition, should not allow this omission to stand." Join us as we celebrate Mother's Day and reflect on our own hopes for peace. June Godwin will pulpiteer this sermon, originally given by Rev. Melanie Morel Ensminger of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of New Orleans. We will introduce Joanne Alvarado, the 2009 recipient of the UFH David Harrop Memorial Scholarship. And we will have a reception in her honor after the service.
Introducing Jainism - Andrea Jain
Jainism holds many beliefs in common with Unitarian Universalism, from every person having a divine soul to each of us being the architect of our own lives. Andrea Jain of the Boniuk Center for Religious Tolerance is a lecturer in the Religious Studies program at the University of Houston and a doctoral student in the Religious Studies Department at Rice University with majors in Hinduism and Jainism and psychology of Religion. Alongside her doctorate, she is earning a Graduate Certificate in the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality.
Gini Speaks - Gini Courter, UUA Moderator
And when Gini speaks, people listen!
Gini is UUA Moderator, the highest volunteer position in our denomination. As such she presides at the Board of Trustees meetings and at our General Assemblies. And there is no more authentic, heartfelt, and articulate voice today within our movement than Gini’s. Join us as this dynamic speaker honors our 50 years as a beacon of liberal religion in this community.  Gini also held a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) workshop from 1:30 until 3:00.
Gini will also offer a special workshop, Working and Growing in Faith, from 1:30 until 3:00.
Principles, Purposes, and Sources - Oh, My! - Katy Carpman, DRE
Many Unitarian Universalist materials mention the principles, purposes and sources. But what does it all mean? How does it fit together? Are these our version of the Ten Commandments or Robert's Rules of Order? Katy Carpman, our Director of Religious Education, will help us to understand what it all means and why these are important pieces to understanding our faith.
Sacred Memories and Reminders - John Pepper
On this Easter Sunday, please join us as we reflect on the sacred memories of events we deem holy and the rituals that remind us of those events. In that same spirit, we will also celebrate our own beautiful Flower Communion, a reminder of our diversity and the beauty each of our unique spirits brings to our Beloved Community – The Unitarian Fellowship of Houston.
GM Foods - Boon or Bane? - David Garver
What are the arguments that are being made for and against so-called “Frankenfoods”, and how do we know how much weight to give each argument?
What Are We? - Jim Lawrence
The program will be a followup of Jim’s March 15 presentation, "Where are we?". Jim will take us in a Socratic pursuit of what we are, through the lens of the universe from the first supernova to the present, using a question and answer format.
All About Women - The Miranda Project
The Fellowship is happy to welcome back the Miranda Project, the performing group from the University of Houston. Tanya Lunstroth and her troupe will present a selection of play readings and poetry celebrating Women’s History Month.
Where Are We? - Jim Lawrence
We all, at times, dwell on our existence. We ask questions such as Why? How? What? Where? When? Children, being young, have an innocent curiosity and are often heard to ask these questions. In my presentation I will ask the children the basic question: Where are we? ( In time and space) In doing so I will present them with demonstrations from my most popular college introductory courses. I hope all will benefit from the experience.
William Jennings Bryan - Orson Cook, PhD
Orson Cook will discuss the changing historical reputation of William Jennings Bryan, the thrice failed Democratic candidate for president at the turn of the last century. For several decades, Bryan's reputation has suffered, largely due to his association with creationism at the famous Scopes Trial in 1925. But recently some historians, including Dr. Cook, have begun to reevaluate the "Great Commoner" in a more favorable light. Behind all of Bryan's religious rhetoric and Christian symbolism, Professor Cook suggests, beat the heart of the founder of the progressive wing of Democratic Party thirty years before Franklin Roosevelt.
Is It Too Late to Make a Difference? - Patti Henry
Moving from simply looking on to simply changing the world, women have catapulted the healing process that's going on in the world today. Come hear psychotherapist and author Patti Henry tell some of their amazing stories -- stories that will inspire you to make a difference in this world, too.
Liberating Theologies - John Pepper
Liberating Theologies – The past few months have been historic and the current month is Black History Month.  Theological forces have been at play for many years that had subtle and I believe meaningful roles in helping us to get where we are today.  Latin America’s “Liberation Theology” and its U.S. offspring “Black Theology” have given hope to the oppressed and incited fear in the oppressors.  Please join me as I offer a brief review of these powerful theologies which provide religious and moral weight and credibility to both justice and civil rights causes.
Fifty Fabulous Years! - Fiftieth Anniversary Committee
The Fellowship commemorates its founding 50 years ago on February 11, 1959.  In memories, anecdotes, verse and song, the story of the Unitarian Fellowship of Houston will remind us of the many golden hours, golden joys and dear friends that are the history of our beloved congregation.  Come to celebrate and reminisce with current and former members.  
Revelations - What We Can Learn from John? - Ed Jamail
Mr. Jamail will present a symbolic and metaphoric interpretation of the “Book of Revelations.”  Its purpose is the development of the individual and collective humanity.  It is a message of hope and peace.
Embracing Our Whole Story - Andrew McKnight
We are indeed the sum of many parts; not all of them are so attractive to us. Yet as Andrew often jests self-deprecatingly in concert, "if we don't have a laugh at ourselves every now and then we're missing a mighty big source of humor!". During this program Andrew weaves humorous and poignant moments together in a beautiful tapestry, helping to appreciate our perceived faults as gifts as well as our talents. Join us for this very special musical service! This is a multigenerational service!
What Matters Most - James Hollis, PhD
James Hollis, PhD, author and analyst will present his unique perspective on such issues as the meaning of existence, why we are here, and what truly matters in life. From his latest book of the same name, he will take a fresh look at what it means to truly live life to its fullest, most meaningful state.
Celebrating Martin Luther King - Martin McGregor
Martin Luther King has sown the seeds -- are we prepared to reap?  "So [Jesus] said to them, ' Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves.' And he gave them a formula for action, 'Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.' ... We must combine the toughness of the serpent and the softness of the dove, a tough mind and a tender heart." Are we there yet?
Ways to a Wonderful Marriage - Jimmy Dunne
About 50% of all marriages end up in divorce, many other couples stay together in unhappy marriages. We will explore what couples can do to "keep the love, excitement and romance" in their marriages.
You Can't Skate in a Buffalo Herd - Katy Carpman, DRE
In 1966, Roger Miller explained that "Ya can't roller skate in a buffalo herd, but you can be happy if you've a mind to" --How can we choose happiness? Is it really as simple as "Knuckle down, buckle down, do it, do it, do it"? Let's start this New Year off on the right skate!
Burning Bowl Ceremony - David Oxman and Annette Rybiski
The end of the year is a traditional time to reflect, identify, and release the beliefs, resentments, and behaviors that are the roadblocks to our being able to have authentic, positive lives. The things we choose to put behind us will be written out and released symbolically as they are dropped into our burning bowl. We will then write a personal affirmation with our hopes, desires, and wishes for the coming year. We will take this affirmation with us to remind us of these promises to ourselves.
Christmas Eve 2008 - Katy Haberman and Tim McGregor
On Christmas Eve, Unitarians gather to celebrate those same feelings of friendship, love for family, hopes for peace and celebration of life that bring people of faith together all over the world on this special night. We welcome people of all persuasions and faiths to come on Christmas Eve for a service of carols and stories and fellowship followed by the traditional cookies and punch.
Hope for a Hope-Full World - Peggy Tennyson
In the pagan tradition, hope permeated the winter solstice celebrations in anticipation of the return of the sun. Hope plays important roles in faiths and religions throughout the world. It can be passive, active, persistent and personal; and at times hope is worse than hopelessness. We will explore various perspectives of hope and what it means to our daily lives.
Why We All Need a Theology of Joy - June Godwin, Pulpiteer
The Rev. Lone Jensen asks: "Will there ever be, I wonder, a December when we do not need to sing hard and loud about peace and joy to the world in defiance of that same world embattled, embroiled and critically wounded in war after war? Truth is it is my soul that needs a theology of joy...With the war still going on in Iraq, with Bethlehem embattled, with poverty and injustice and more and more evidence of global warming, how can I, in good conscience, be joyful?" Join us as we discover why we need joy, especially in the face of these monumental problems, and how to find it.
Beginning Again (and again and again) - Herb Rothschild
During this second Sunday of Advent, we will honor love.  A religious calendar, like any calendar, suggests that periodically the world begins new. When we think specifically of human life—as distinct from biological life—is this emphasis on fresh starts a help or a hindrance to our growth, both individually and collectively? The presentation will answer the question in a both/and way, hopefully making some helpful comments on the human situation.
Great Expectations - Guy Harrison, Pulpiteer
This is the first Sunday of Advent and we celebrate faith. In Christian tradition, it marks the period of expectant waiting for the birth of Jesus. According to Rob Hardies, senior minister at All Souls in Washington, D.C., "Advent is a way of looking at the world. A way of seeing possibilities, even if it seems none are available." Join us as we look at Advent from Rob Hardies’s point of view and see how celebrating this time of great expectations can enrich our Unitarian Universalist faith.  We will also commemorate World Aids Day during this service.
The Iroquois Thanksgiving Address - Annette Rybiski
Every November we celebrate Thanksgiving, a quintessentially American holiday,one that commemorates what happened in Plymouth in 1621. Native American nations had their own cultures and traditions. They gave us the gifts of their knowledge and ingenuity, and our traditional dinner of turkey, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes is a tribute to their agricultural practices and traditional foods. But, as we try to explain how that first Thanksgiving fits into our history, we give a singularly one-sided picture. Join us as we look at Thanksgiving from the Native American point of view centered on the beautiful Iroquois Thanksgiving Address.
Does God Love Charles Darwin - David Garver
Most mainstream analysis of religion and science paint them as implacable foes, only one of which can survive. It need not be that way. By changing perspective, we can move away from a model of conflict at least to coexistence. What would each side gain, and have to give up, to be seen as allies instead of enemies?
Elections in Perspective - Orson Cook, PhD
The 2008 presidential election will have important—perhaps even revolutionary-- implications whichever major political party prevails. Join Orson Cook on November 9 as he attempts to place the outcome in historical perspective and to analyze this  election in the broader context of American politics.
Day of the Dead - Love and Death - Bill Boydstun, Pulpiteer
Forrest Church, retired senior minister of All Souls in New York City has been a prolific and influential writer on what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist. Church has defined religion as "our human response to the dual reality of being alive and having to die." The goal of life, he tells us "is to live in such a way that our lives will prove worth dying for." Church, himself, is in the process of dying and he speaks eloquently and movingly on death being an affirmation of life.
Immigration Myths - Peggy Tennyson
Immigration is currently a very hot topic, although like racism, the issues have been around for centuries. People are now discussing them as if they are new. Ignorance is rampant and so are the myths repeated every day in homes and offices across the country, on the street and in the news. Peggy Tennyson will try to dispel some of the myths as she reports on Aviva Chomsky’s new book, “They Take Our Jobs!” and 20 other myths about immigration.
A Season for Thanks and Giving - John Pepper
The “Thanksgiving” tradition began thousands of years ago in many different cultures with an appreciation for the annual harvest. The Jewish faith is currently in the midst of their annual celebration while America will not celebrate officially until late next month. This obviously is the season of Thanksgiving and this service will be dedicated to both the act of giving Thanks and the practice of Giving. We will also take up a special offering this Sunday for UUA Association Sunday.
What We We Offer the World - Katy Carpman, DRE
Is it really all about YOU YOU? Unitarian Universalism can seem an introspective faith--each person on an individual path. But at the core of our principles is an intrinsic commitment to community, not just deep bonds between members but critical bridges into the world as we fight for progress and the rights of all beings. Join Director of Religious Education Katy Carpman and the children and youth of the fellowship as we examine our calling to serve. Our special programming workshop will immediately follow the service!
Primary Care - Miranda Project
A stage reading of the play by William Monroe. Tanya Lunstroth, actress and founder of the Miranda Project, with her group will present a shortened version of a work which addresses end of life issues. Previously presented at Stages, Primary Care provides its audience with very real questions that the play proposes.
Revelations Revealed - Laura Emerson
What does the Book of Revelation really say? Some people think that Bellaire, Texas has “the devil’s number” in its phone prefix, attributing that insight to the Book of Revelation. Other people say that this apocalyptic book foretold global warming, the internet, communism, Nazism, the antichrist, and, of course the end of the world. What does the book literally say? This service will summarize the wording of the book, trace three threads of interpretation used through history, and show the historical context in which it was written.
The Power of Commitment - Sarah Berel-Harrop
Our Fellowship has much to celebrate. We gather on Sunday to share our lives with one another in a unique community that blends spirituality and solidarity. We are working to create something wonderful and invite you to be a part of it. Your stewardship helps make good things happen! It takes volunteer time and talent to keep us moving forward. And it takes your financial support. Your gifts do make a difference. This Sunday we will celebrate our unique community, talk about the power of commitment,and enjoy some sandwiches and light work after the service,
Ingathering/Water Ceremony - Mimi Lawrence
Bring your water from travels of the past year. We will share stories and blend our waters symbolizing the interconnections we have with one another.
Worker's Holiday or Something Else? - Ronnie Gaitz
Join us as we celebrate Labor Day and look at the American worker, in the past, present, and future.
Why a Nice Jewish Boy Does Interfaith Work! - Elliot GershensonElliot Gershenson worked in the Jewish community for more than 30 years and then he had an epiphany - not only would he learn more about himself and what it means to be Jewish, but he came to believe that he could help other believers (however they believe) find common ground. In his opinion, there's never been a time in his life that people of good will have needed to come together in a sign of unity and peace.

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!