September 24, 2017

Love is the spirit ofthis program. The music spans many genres but has unifying themes of justice,love, learning and hope. The messages come from podcasts, sermons andreadings from Unitarian-Universalist and other allied sources inliberal religion.

Braver Wiser

“Multicultural Joy“

Yuri Yamamoto

Sermon

“Defining God” (9/3/17)

The Rev. Bridget Spain

Dublin Unitarian Church

Natural Silence

“Spirit of the Outback“

Andrew Skeoch and Sarah Koschak

Listening Earth

World Religions

Wednesday in the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox churches isMeskel.  Called by the name Exaltation ofthe Holy Cross and celebrated two weeks ago in Eastern Orthodox and CatholicChurches, the holiday honors what the faithful believe to be St. Helena’sfourth century discovery of the cross used to kill Jesus.  The African traditions around the holidayinclude making a large bonfire and using its ashes to mark a cross onforeheads.

Wednesday in Jainism is the beginning of a nine-day fastcalled Navapad Oli.  During the fast, Jainseat only one meal per day of boiled grains without spice, dairy or additions ofany kind.  The fast comes twice a year,once in the spring and the fall.  Eachday of the fast, Jains acknowledge a different of their nine “essentialrealities,” which begin with freedom from earthly attachments and end withequilibrium and tranquility.

Thursday is the birthday, in 551 BCE, in Shandong provinceChina, of the philosopher Confucius, also known as Kong Qui or Kung Fu-tzu.  Confucius espoused a philosophy of personaland governmental morality.  And histeachings had a strong influence over Chinese society.  He championed strong family loyalty, ancestorveneration, respect of elders and the Golden Rule.  His festivals include Ming Dynasty song, danceand dress.

Friday in many Western churches is Michaelmas.  A minor holiday in the Christian calendar,Michaelmas celebrates the archangels, angels of the highest rank, Michael,Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel.  The faithfulbelieve the greatest of these is Michael, who, according to belief, defeatedSatan in a war in heaven.  Holidaytraditions have faded.  They werestrongest in Britain, where the holiday was connected with the fall harvest.

Friday in the Jewish faith is Yom Kippur, the holiest day onthe Jewish calendar.  Called Day ofAtonement, its central theme is repentance. Jews traditionally observe the holiday with a day of fasting and prayer,often spending the entire day in synagogue, practicing teshuva, seekingforgiveness, through confession and rituals. Traditions vary by religious observance but include wearing white tosymbolize purity and immersion in a ritual bath.

Friday in Hinduism is Dasara.  Celebrated in many different ways and formany different reasons throughout the Indian subcontinent, it marks the end ofDurga Puja, remembering what the faithful believe to be Lord Rama’s victoryover the evil demon Ravana.  Holidaytraditions include processions of clay goddess statues to a river, fireworks,exchanging of sweets, dramatic reenactments, visiting elders, military paradesand large fairs.

Saturday is the birthday, in 1207, in present dayTajikistan, of the Sunni poet, philosopher and mystic Jalāl ad-Dīn MuhammadRūmī.  Known simply as Rumi, his legacy spansthe continents.  His philosophy isinclusive, personal, direct, clear and aimed at inner peace and global harmony.  His poems sell by the millions still today.  He also is the foremost exponent of Sufismand the underpinning of much classical Iranian and Afghan music.

Message

“Resilience” (9/1/17)

The Rev. Dr. Lynn Unger

Unitarian-Universalist Church of the Larger Fellowship

Sermon

“A Radical Welcome” (5/21/17)

The Rev. Tim Kutzmark

Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno