January’s theme is Story and all services will relate to that idea in some way. Some services may differ slightly from these descriptions as details of the main presentation aren’t finalized until a day or two before each service.
Sunday, January 5th Grassroots Jeremy Klein Farrell
Jeremy Klein Farrell, the lead organizer of Justice Southbury in Southbury, CT will reflect on how an afternoon standing outside decrying the murder of George Floyd turned into a community organizing effort that continues to grow stronger.
Jeremy Klein Farrell is a queer, autistic, Jewish activist. He is an Autism Advocate and public speaker professionally. He is an admin for Not Just Us, which holds rallies around the state. Jeremy is also coordinator for Justice Southbury, holding rallies for 235 consecutive weeks, where he has learned the true power of love, presence, and persistence. He has also pushed back on LGBTQ+ focused book bans.
Our Share the Plate offering will go to the UUA Disaster Relief Fund. Your donation allows the UUA to respond flexibly to current disaster needs as well as to new emergency situations as they arise. We are at the lowest level of available funds since we began this project in 2017 due to the recent hurricanes. Our Disaster Relief Fund is part of a covenant between the UUA and congregations, between congregations who give generously and those in need, and with our community partners. Through this work, we are able to embody our faith and values.
Sunday, January 12th More than Two Sides to Every Story Rev. Tony Lorenzen
Rev. Tony Lorenzen reflects on moving beyond binary thinking as part of our Trans Inclusion in the Congregation series.
A Pathways to Membership class for newcomers looking to join the congregation follows the service at 11:30 a.m. in the cottage.
Sunday, January 19th Why Tell a Story? Benjamin Lowry
Yale Divinity School seminarian Benjamin Lowry reflects on telling stories and how we can use them to make sense of our lives.
Benjamin Lowry is a first-year MDiv student at Yale Divinity School. After growing up in Boston, he studied geology in Minnesota, taught high school in Wisconsin, and directs a summer camp in New Hampshire. At YDS, he is studying how religious communities provide social support and stability and hospital chaplaincy.
Sunday, January 26th Stories of Transformation Revs. Tony Lorenzen and Sierra-Marie Gerfao
Revs. Tony and Sierra-Marie lead an all ages service on the moments of transformation that help define our stories.