Philosophers through the ages have been preoccupied with determining what, if anything, is permanent in the universe. Some became convinced the only thing permanent in the universe was change. Some thinkers maintained that something permanent exists, if not in the material world, then in some “super-natural” realm. But what about permanence and change on a more personal level? What about the existential question: “What is enduring and what is changing in ourselves, in our lives, and in our way of seeing the world?” As we stand on the threshold of a New Year, let’s make time to personally reflect on that question

My personal encounter with geology was, literally, mind expanding. Thinking in geologic time, tracing the fascinating deep history of our Earth, and handling evidence of life – life buried in sea floors that were lifted into mountains then worn by rivers into the hills and valleys we see today, was no less than a spiritual experience for me. The real “rocks of ages” are a portal to the wonder and mystery of the universe and, in my estimation, provide a greater springboard to spiritual growth than the creationist’s “Rock of Ages.”

Detective Joe Friday, iconic figure in the pioneering TV series Dragnet, exhorted potential witnesses to stick to the facts, sometimes cutting off their ramblings with a curt response like “Just the facts, Ma’am.” As we plunge precipitously down the rabbit hole pundits are labeling the “Post-truth Era,” we all need to be more aware of what actually constitutes a “fact” and appreciate that factual data are essential in any meaningful attempt to affirm our Seven UU Principles and to preserve the audacious experiment in self-governance known as the United States of America.

Throughout history, the feeling of awe has inspired spiritual awakening and, as many testify, is life altering. Let’s explore what fills us with awe and how experiencing awe influences how we think about ourselves, our place in the universe, and our connection to others.

“Be careful what we worship,” Emerson cautioned, “for what we are worshipping, we are becoming.” Throughout history, humans have worshiped anthropomorphic gods—that is, gods with human form and characteristics. However from classical antiquity to modern times such visions of god have been criticized as inadequate, disappointing, and even corrupting of the true religious impulse. Well, if not like humans, what is god like? What is “godlike?” Whether you personally believe in a god or not, who gets to answers such questions and how those questions get answered will, indeed, influence who we are becoming.

Journalist, translator and literary critic Margaret Fuller (1810-1850) was among the most prominent Unitarians of the nineteenth century, a respected intellectual voice of the American Transcendentalist movement. She was also, arguably, the nineteenth century’s strongest advocate of women’s rights and the most visionary voice of the feminist movement.

We will reflect upon the spiritual roots and rewards of thankfulness and will share what cultivates and sustains within us an attitude of gratitude. Multi-generational Service: No CFD classes. Child care provided in the Nursery.

This multi-generational service will explore generosity as a force in community building and in our personal spiritual journey. It will also be our official Chalice Lighters Sunday, as we will acknowledge the work of the Joseph Priestley District Chalice Lighters program in strengthening UU communities, our own Fellowship included, and in expanding the reach our UU faith.