January’s theme is Abolition 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.
Jan. 4 / Resistance for All Good / Rev. Sierra-Marie Gerfao
Through music, ritual, embodied experience (and maybe a few references to the movie “Wicked: For Good?”) in this multigenerational service, we will explore what it means to practice resistance.
Jan. 11 / The New Abolitionists / Rev. Tony Lorenzen
Rev. Tony reflects on Unitarian Universalism’s history of abolitionism and what abolition means in the 21st century.
Jan. 18 / Let This Radicalize You / Steve Kennedy
In this service, we explore the psychological concept of normalcy bias, a tendency to downplay emerging dangers and cling to routine—even when our safety is at risk. Drawing from a near-tragic moment in the speaker’s experience as a combat soldier in Iraq, we reflect on how this bias almost cost lives, and how it mirrors the threat facing American democracy today. The service calls on each of us to face this crisis together—not in isolation, but as a united community ready to confront the threats that lie ahead. Our most powerful weapon against normalcy bias is community, and it is in our collective action that we find our strength. Let this message radicalize us, inspire us, and ignite the courage we need to build a more just and equitable future.
Jan. 25 / Rev. Tony Lorenzen /
Hospicing Modernity and Creating a Future with Love at the Center
Rev. Tony reflects on the cross systemic collapse of modernity and how to prepare for and engage building a new way forward centered in Love. Recognition of Marie Dupree during this service.