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
