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Services start at 10:30 a.m.
Our services are also available live via Zoom. Please send a request to [email protected] for the link.
Nov. 3, 2024
Speaker – UU Rev Ben Bortin
Biography:
UU Rev. Ben Bortin graduated from the University of California with a major in history, specializing in Asian history. He is also a graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, California. He has served as minister for UU congregations in Duluth, Minnesota, and Staten Island, New York, and as Membership Coordinator for the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, New York. Currently, he is a chaplain with the Northwell Medical system in New York, and serves on a part time basis as minister of the UU Fellowship of the North Fork, in Jamesport, NY. His denominational and community involvements have included serving as President of the UU United Nations Office and on the board of Project Hospitality, an organization serving homeless and other limited people in Staten Island, New York. He is also part of a Social Action Committee with the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island, which has worked recently on an affordable housing project. He also serves on the “Caring Circle” of his 40 apartment UU Complex, Hadley House.
Topic: Is Our Democracy in Peril?
There is an old Unitarian tradition of an “election sermon,” prior to a political election. Today’s is decidedly in that category. But beyond that…Rev Bortin will invite us to look at democratic governance, a foundational principle in our religious movement, for ourselves and for the larger world. . Is democracy in danger, as various knowledgeable observers have claimed, in our nearly 250-year-old republic?
Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024
Linda Starkweather
Biography:
After a career in teaching and theatre, Linda spends her retirement as an artist, activist, theatre professional, carpenter and snowbird spending half the year in Dunnellon and the other half in Naples, NY. She and her partner Lynne have brought their unique perspective and philosophy to many UU congregations in both New York and Florida. They share their home with a Buddhist and a terrorist – both beloved rescue dogs form Florida.
Topic: Cultivating Paradise: A Gift Economy
We have all heard the famous words of advice from Albert Einstein:
“The world’s problems will not be solved by the same people who created them.” Or “We will not evolve past our current state of crisis by using the same thinking that created the situation.”
A Gift Economy might just be a creative and revolutionary way to survive what is coming and to change our ways of thinking about economics and the myth of scarcity.
Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024
Speaker – Bing Futch
Biography:
Using Appalachian mountain dulcimer, Native American flute, ukulele, and a board full of stomp-boxes, Bing celebrates traditional and modern Americana music with passion, humor and boundless energy. Known for his musical shape-shifting, Bing switches the channels on style and tone with every new song from his roots-rock and blues originals to The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Disney covers. As a nationally touring solo performer, he’s headlined at such events as the Walnut Valley Festival, The Florida Folk Festival, Old Songs Festival, the Indiana Fiddlers Gathering, The Big Muddy and Common Ground On the Hill.
Topic: Finding Harmony in Disorder
A collection of songs and stories exploring how harmony can arise from the chaos of mental disorders.
Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024
Speaker – UU Rev Marni Harmony
Biography:
Ordained in 1974, Marni served churches in State College, PA and Brookfield, WI before being called to Orlando, FL, where she served for 20 years. She then enjoyed two wonderful Interim ministries in Marietta, GA and Tarpon Springs, FL. UU since age 7, Marni received her B.A. from Tufts University; a Th.M. from Boston University School of Theology; an M.S.W. from the University of Wisconsin and a D.Min. from Columbia Seminary. She has served as a hospital chaplain, a college chaplain, and a psychotherapist, as well as being a VISTA volunteer. She is happily retired and makes her home in Winter Park with her spouse Nancy and their animal companion dogs Finn and Wilson and cat Meesha. She eats lots of vegetables, plays the Irish whistle, and takes chocolate seriously.
Topic: An Altruistic Thanksgiving
Altruism is when we act to promote someone else’s welfare, another’s well-being, even at a risk or cost to ourselves. In December of 1620, the Pilgrims arrive in Plymouth, facing a harsh winter and settling into an abandoned Wampanoag village. Can we learn anything about altruism by seeing what happens in this Thanksgiving story?
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