Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie

 

 

Headlines

The UUCE adopts a resolution calling for a Moratorium on Death Penalty in Pennsylvania.
read the full resolution ...

Reid McFarlane a past minister of the UUCE is honored as MInister Emeritus during a morning service.
full story...

Robb Hoff, Professor of Psychology, during a recent Sunday service, talks about his study of Gratitude and its importance in our lives.
Video of the service...

 


Unitarian Universalism
The exotic smell of incense, the gentle resonance of the prayer bell, the slow procession of a walking meditation, the melodious chant of “Om Shanti”…

The casting of the circle denoting the sacred space, the calling of the Four Corners- East, West, North, and South, honoring the God, Goddess, and ancestors, the exuberant dance around the maypole, the age-old tradition of moralistic storytelling; rituals of devotion…

Feathers and shells shared as gifts, prayers offered to the Great Spirit, the medicine wheel to teach the whole of life, the profession of thankfulness, blessings given in tongues older than the common language of the land…

The lyric beauty of poetry and the rhythmic drama of dance, the creation of music and the revelation through voice, the handiworks of paintings, crafts, sculpture, and photographs; expressions of inspiration…

An Imam, a historian, a minister, a philosopher, a community activist, a Rabbi , an environmentalist, a Buddhist Lama, a musician, a yogi, or even you; our teachers in and out of the pulpit…

Lighting candles for personal intentions, the sharing aloud of joys and sorrows, silent meditation, the joining of voices in song with spirited gusto or with somber reflection, sermons which exhort us to serve humanity, to use reason and critical thinking, and to grow as we are so led…

Such diverse scenarios with seemingly nothing in common actually describe the typical atmosphere of a Unitarian Universalist church. Services vary each week in content and message providing insight into a myriad of beliefs, thoughts, and practices. Unitarian Universalism is a faith where each person's individual spiritual journey and search for their own truth and meaning is valued, supported, and encouraged. Believing that no one religion has a monopoly on wisdom or contains all the truths, it is therefore, also believed that there is no one right way to lead a religious life.

Sermons - All services start at 10:30am

 

January 1 “The Burden of Optimism!”

This brand new year is already beset by the many disparate interpretations: of the predictions of the Mayan calendar, the capricious national elections, economic vicissitudes, and other factors-known and unknown. Yet for inspired progressive minds, we have another extraordinary year for exploring unimaginable opportunities. Join us with Rev. Steve in preparing ourselves to greet these challenges! Musician: Jackson Froman

January 8 "“Learn About Our Hindu Neighbors" Dom Acharya, Guest Speaker

Dom Acharya was born in Bhutan in the late 1980's. His family and many other thousands of Nepali speaking Bhutanese were forced to leave in the early 1990's because of their religious and ethnic backgrounds. They became refugees in Nepal where they lived in a camp for more than 17 years before coming to the USA. Dom will speak of his family's experiences, and their integration into the Erie community along with many other families who have been resettled here. (He will speak about the Hindu faith and customs at today's Marketplaceof the Mind.) Musician: Jackson Froman

January 15 “Coalition of Conscience”

On this Dr. Martin Luther King’s actual birthday, we will delve into his “Letter From a Birmingham Jail” and reevaluate “the crime of extremism” for our contemporary times. Some clerics today consider this letter on par with any sacred scripture. The letter can be found on line at http:// www.africa.upenn.edu/ Articles_Gen/ Letter_Birmingham.html. Musician: Jackson Froman

January 22 “My Journey to Daoism”

 

Ever thought about transforming your life? Have you ever thought that the way is not from the outside in, but from the inside out? Michael Hronas did and will tell you why and how he found himself a Daoist. Listen to the story of his journey from Eastern Orthodoxy to Chinese Daoism. Known as the Inner Way of cultivation, Daoism, for centuries has embodied the mystical and practical tools for inner alchemy, the process of change from within. Michael will share his story, a short meditation called “Purifying the Altar”, and a brief sermon from the Hua Hu Ching.

January 29 “From Tolerance to Reconciliation”

In his parting sermon before leaving on sabbatical, Rev. Steve Aschmann will express his personal mandate for the role of reconciler in a world of paradoxes and conflict by restoring friendship, harmony, and compatibility. Rev. Steve looks forward to investigating: why there is only one UU congregation in such a multicultural society as Hawaii; the current turmoil of provincialism on the Island of Molokai; and the sustaining power of 500 years of Unitarianism in Transylvania. There is still plenty to be reconciled here at home. Join us in our service of reconciliation. Musician: Jackson Froman

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