Upcoming Services
(Past services are on our Virtual Church page and later sermons are in our archive.)
Our Youtube channel is at www.youtube.com/results?search_query=unitarian+universalist+church+of+sarasota
June Worship Theme:
Play
In play we move below the level of the serious,
as the child does; but we can also move above it--
in the realm of the beautiful and the sacred.
Johan Huizinga
as the child does; but we can also move above it--
in the realm of the beautiful and the sacred.
Johan Huizinga
This month we begin our final formal theme until the fall. The theme is Play. Play is yet another huge theme and one that is particularly pertinent to these times. Play brings up different ideas about how we see the world and understand our lives. For instance, we give ourselves fully to play as a significant vocation in our childhood. After that, we sometimes deem it less worthy of energy if not just plain frivolous. Play invites us to think about how we engage our days. Do we approach more moments with heaviness or with a sense of whimsy and light-heartedness? Do we keep imagination, laughter, and joy a significant element in our lives? So many of you have talked about how the pandemic, and the many changes it brought about, urgently reminded you of the preciousness of time. So many people have struggled with deep stress and significant isolation over the past year. It seems like such a time on this planet would make the gifts of play all the more critical as we seek to renew and reconnect our lives. More playfulness might better serve, paradoxically, to connect us with people, places, and events of deep meaning and life! Play may lead us to the Sacred! This month we will explore some of the ways this may be so and much more.
Photo by Ransfored Quaye via Unsplash
Photo by Ransfored Quaye via Unsplash
Sunday, June 13:
Live Sunday Service at 10:45 am:
Sermon by Rev. Budd Friend-Jones
“Play” has become a field unto itself. One can earn a PhD in play theory these days. Yet play cannot be categorized only as physiological, psychological, or biological. It is more. Playfulness may be the opposite of seriousness, but many people play very seriously indeed. Why is this?
Johan Huizinga, in his classic Homo Ludens, showed that law and order, commerce, religion, art, craft, music, poetry, wisdom and science all have their roots in play. To be human is to be playful. We will playfully look at this serious theory (or seriously look at this playful one). “Genuine, pure play,” said Huizinga, is one of the primary foundations of civilization.”
“Play” has become a field unto itself. One can earn a PhD in play theory these days. Yet play cannot be categorized only as physiological, psychological, or biological. It is more. Playfulness may be the opposite of seriousness, but many people play very seriously indeed. Why is this?
Johan Huizinga, in his classic Homo Ludens, showed that law and order, commerce, religion, art, craft, music, poetry, wisdom and science all have their roots in play. To be human is to be playful. We will playfully look at this serious theory (or seriously look at this playful one). “Genuine, pure play,” said Huizinga, is one of the primary foundations of civilization.”
Music:
Keven Aland, Chad Tallman: gypsy jazz; violin, guitar
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Don Bryn, piano
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Doug Wadkins, Robert Lischetti, vocals
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Live Religious Education at 10:30 am:
Celebrate at the Beach!
(No RE Zoom meeting this week.)
It has been a long year away from each other and with lots of challenges. Let's get together to enjoy and celebrate being with each other as we head into the summer. Join us on South Lido Beach Park (by the playground) starting at 10:30am on Sunday, June 13th. Come when you can but bring your own food, drink, chairs, beach toys, and games to enjoy the day. Masks are optional but fellowship is not.
No matter your age, ALL ARE WELCOME to join us if you are in line with our UU values and principles. Not on our current religious education mailing list? Sign-up here and a Zoom link will be emailed to you. Call Catherine Bonner at (941) 720-8437 if you have any questions.
(No RE Zoom meeting this week.)
It has been a long year away from each other and with lots of challenges. Let's get together to enjoy and celebrate being with each other as we head into the summer. Join us on South Lido Beach Park (by the playground) starting at 10:30am on Sunday, June 13th. Come when you can but bring your own food, drink, chairs, beach toys, and games to enjoy the day. Masks are optional but fellowship is not.
No matter your age, ALL ARE WELCOME to join us if you are in line with our UU values and principles. Not on our current religious education mailing list? Sign-up here and a Zoom link will be emailed to you. Call Catherine Bonner at (941) 720-8437 if you have any questions.
Live Forum via Zoom at 9:30 am:
Secular Humanism and Its Congressional Freethought Caucus
A discussion of how humanists in Congress are working to overcome the power of the religious far right. These members of Congress try to promote structural changes to achieve social justice in America. Presenter, Fred Sirasky; Moderator, Don Diddams; Terri Holsinger, Zoom Host.
A discussion of how humanists in Congress are working to overcome the power of the religious far right. These members of Congress try to promote structural changes to achieve social justice in America. Presenter, Fred Sirasky; Moderator, Don Diddams; Terri Holsinger, Zoom Host.
Coffee hour via Zoom at 11:30 am:
Join us for a conversation after the service in our vitual coffee hour.
To receive the login, sign up on our Virtual Guestbook.
To receive the login, sign up on our Virtual Guestbook.
Live Zen Buddhism via Zoom at 7:00 pm:
A group focusing on "The Study and Practice of Zen" meets every Sunday evening at 7 pm via Zoom. Each session is organized into two components: The study of Zen and the practice of Zen through a 20-minute meditation. Open to newcomers as well as experienced Zen practitioners. To join the session send an email to zen@uusarasota.org with your name and email address. We'll email you the password and credentials. Read more...
Live Service June 20 at 10:45 am:
Sermon by Rev. Doug Wadkins
It doesn’t seem like it should be so tough, but it can be more complicated that it seems to find a sense of playfulness and joy in our lives. It is perhaps even more true than ever with the events of the last few years, and, yet, playfulness and joy are so essential for our well-being and our spiritual health. This service will explore some of the ways we can best foster the possibilities of such goodness in our lives and in this community!
Photo by Josh Calaberese via Unsplash
Sermon by Rev. Doug Wadkins
It doesn’t seem like it should be so tough, but it can be more complicated that it seems to find a sense of playfulness and joy in our lives. It is perhaps even more true than ever with the events of the last few years, and, yet, playfulness and joy are so essential for our well-being and our spiritual health. This service will explore some of the ways we can best foster the possibilities of such goodness in our lives and in this community!
Photo by Josh Calaberese via Unsplash
Forum June 20 at 9:30 am:
How Bad Is Florida's New Voting Law?
Unless you have been studying SB90, the new voting law, you are probably unaware of the profound impact the new restrictions on registering to vote, on organizations helping to register voters, on Supervisors of Elections and the voters will have on elections. It is far-reaching, significant, expensive and will clearly suppress the vote. The President of the Manatee County League of Women Voters will go over the impact on all the players and talk about some things that can be done to reverse this dangerous course of democracy.
Presenter, Alice Newlon; Moderator, Linda Jones; Zoom Host, Terri Holsinger.
How Bad Is Florida's New Voting Law?
Unless you have been studying SB90, the new voting law, you are probably unaware of the profound impact the new restrictions on registering to vote, on organizations helping to register voters, on Supervisors of Elections and the voters will have on elections. It is far-reaching, significant, expensive and will clearly suppress the vote. The President of the Manatee County League of Women Voters will go over the impact on all the players and talk about some things that can be done to reverse this dangerous course of democracy.
Presenter, Alice Newlon; Moderator, Linda Jones; Zoom Host, Terri Holsinger.
General Assembly 2021
here on your screen
Wednesday, June 23 through Sunday, June 27
Online Video for Public Events
Video of public events from the Unitarian Universalist Association's General Assembly (GA) 2021 will be live-streamed at UUA.org/ga/off-site/2021, June 23-27--no registration required.
Watch General Sessions, the Candidates Forum & Info Session, the Service of Living Tradition, and the Synergy Bridging Worship (schedule below). An online chat will be available during live events. On-demand video will be available after each event concludes. Chat is enabled during live-streaming events. GA 2021 Public Schedule Video Help | Commenting Policy | Register for More | GA Portal for Registrants
You may register for GA ($200) to gain access to the rest of General Assembly, but watching video and participating in chat at UUA.org/ga/off-site/2021 is free. Learn more about what is available to registrants or go to the GA Participation Portal if you are already registered.
Live-Streaming Video Schedule
The following events will be streamed at UUA.org/ga/off-site/2021 as they occur. On-demand video will be available after each event concludes. All times are Eastern Daylight Time. The Sunday morning service will be prerecorded. Click on the links for more details about each event.
here on your screen
Wednesday, June 23 through Sunday, June 27
Online Video for Public Events
Video of public events from the Unitarian Universalist Association's General Assembly (GA) 2021 will be live-streamed at UUA.org/ga/off-site/2021, June 23-27--no registration required.
Watch General Sessions, the Candidates Forum & Info Session, the Service of Living Tradition, and the Synergy Bridging Worship (schedule below). An online chat will be available during live events. On-demand video will be available after each event concludes. Chat is enabled during live-streaming events. GA 2021 Public Schedule Video Help | Commenting Policy | Register for More | GA Portal for Registrants
You may register for GA ($200) to gain access to the rest of General Assembly, but watching video and participating in chat at UUA.org/ga/off-site/2021 is free. Learn more about what is available to registrants or go to the GA Participation Portal if you are already registered.
Live-Streaming Video Schedule
The following events will be streamed at UUA.org/ga/off-site/2021 as they occur. On-demand video will be available after each event concludes. All times are Eastern Daylight Time. The Sunday morning service will be prerecorded. Click on the links for more details about each event.
- General Sessions
June 23-27, 2021
During these sessions the business of the Association is conducted. - Candidates Forum and Information Session
Thursday, June 24, 2021
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Service of the Living Tradition
- Thursday, June 24, 2021
7:00 - 8:15 p.m.
Led by the Ministries and Faith Development Staff Group, this service honors fellowshipped and credentialed religious leaders; remembering those who have died, recognizing those who have completed active service, and welcoming those who have received fellowship or credentialed status in the past year. The picture is a screen grab from last year's service. Just click on the picture to see the full video.
- Synergy Bridging Worship
Friday, June 25, 2021
7:00 - 8:15 p.m.
This is a transformative multigenerational worship. Come be inspired and illuminated at a celebration of treasured worship elements, rites of passage and brilliant contemporary musical performances. The picture is a screen grab from last year's service. Just click on the picture to see the full video.
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
Sunday Service June 27 at 10:45 am:
Circle 'Round for
Justice, Healing, Courage
Join us for the largest annual gathering of UUs joining in worship. This powerful, communal worship experience will stream here on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 10:45 am, and again at noon. Members of the public are welcome to view the service. Normally, we would project it on a screen inside our building. However, this year you will be able to pop in to the national service of worship via the internet from the comfort of your own home right here on our homepage.
Recognizing the importance of shared ministry and the many innovative approaches to worship created by congregations during the pandemic, UUA President, Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick Gray, selected the First Universalist Church of Minneapolis to serve as worship leaders for this year's GA Sunday Morning Service.
First Universalist has been a model of shared ministry and what it means to put the work of dismantling white supremacy and building anti-racist, anti-oppressive practices at the center of their ministry. They have been on the front lines in support of the Movement for Black Lives in Minneapolis, bringing spiritual care and moral leadership in the wake of George Floyd’s murder by police and the important uprisings for justice that followed. Children and families are a vital part of their ministry, and they have been using creative approaches to engage all ages in worship during the pandemic. Their leadership exemplifies some of the best practices for the creativity, spiritual depth, and moral leadership that is possible when we embrace the work of shared ministry rooted in love and justice.
Until Love Wins – Today’s challenging times require a nimble and resilient spirituality. We need a demanding, inspiring faith and a love strong enough that it will not let us go. Join us as we draw the circle wide, gather our strength, and promise to stay in the struggle and joy until love wins.
Circle 'Round for
Justice, Healing, Courage
Join us for the largest annual gathering of UUs joining in worship. This powerful, communal worship experience will stream here on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 10:45 am, and again at noon. Members of the public are welcome to view the service. Normally, we would project it on a screen inside our building. However, this year you will be able to pop in to the national service of worship via the internet from the comfort of your own home right here on our homepage.
Recognizing the importance of shared ministry and the many innovative approaches to worship created by congregations during the pandemic, UUA President, Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick Gray, selected the First Universalist Church of Minneapolis to serve as worship leaders for this year's GA Sunday Morning Service.
First Universalist has been a model of shared ministry and what it means to put the work of dismantling white supremacy and building anti-racist, anti-oppressive practices at the center of their ministry. They have been on the front lines in support of the Movement for Black Lives in Minneapolis, bringing spiritual care and moral leadership in the wake of George Floyd’s murder by police and the important uprisings for justice that followed. Children and families are a vital part of their ministry, and they have been using creative approaches to engage all ages in worship during the pandemic. Their leadership exemplifies some of the best practices for the creativity, spiritual depth, and moral leadership that is possible when we embrace the work of shared ministry rooted in love and justice.
Until Love Wins – Today’s challenging times require a nimble and resilient spirituality. We need a demanding, inspiring faith and a love strong enough that it will not let us go. Join us as we draw the circle wide, gather our strength, and promise to stay in the struggle and joy until love wins.
List of Presenters: Musicians: Franco Holder, Aimee K. Bryant, Dr. Randal Buikema, and the First Universalist Minneapolis Adult and Children's Choir. Religious professionals: Lauren Wyeth, Julica Hermann de la Fuente, and Revs. Arif Mamdani, Karen Hutt, and Jen Crow will lead the service.
Last year more than 10,000 screens tuned in to the watch the Sunday Morning Worship at GA! Please join us again this year on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 10:45 am or at noon (Eastern time) for the largest annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists in worship. We encourage all congregations to gather as is possible and practical to participate in this wonderful, communal event. At 10:45 the service will be available on our homepage. At noon it will be on GA Online Events and on the UUA’s YouTube channel; members of the public are welcome.
Last year more than 10,000 screens tuned in to the watch the Sunday Morning Worship at GA! Please join us again this year on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 10:45 am or at noon (Eastern time) for the largest annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists in worship. We encourage all congregations to gather as is possible and practical to participate in this wonderful, communal event. At 10:45 the service will be available on our homepage. At noon it will be on GA Online Events and on the UUA’s YouTube channel; members of the public are welcome.
First Universalist Minneapolis Choir
What was last year's service like?
This is a screen grab from the closing hymn. Just click on the picture to see the full video.
This is a screen grab from the closing hymn. Just click on the picture to see the full video.
Forum June 27 at 9:30 am:
Lawsuits to Overturn Florida's Repressive Laws
The ACLU of Florida has sued the state over a newly-enacted law targeting ballot initiatives just a day after Governor Ron DeSantis signed it into law and against the law attempting to criminalize peaceful protests. The head of our state ACLU will discuss how ACLU is fighting back against some of the unconstitutional laws passed in the recent Florida legislative session. Presenter, Micah Kubic; Moderator, Steve Martin; Zoom Host, Terri Holsinger.
Lawsuits to Overturn Florida's Repressive Laws
The ACLU of Florida has sued the state over a newly-enacted law targeting ballot initiatives just a day after Governor Ron DeSantis signed it into law and against the law attempting to criminalize peaceful protests. The head of our state ACLU will discuss how ACLU is fighting back against some of the unconstitutional laws passed in the recent Florida legislative session. Presenter, Micah Kubic; Moderator, Steve Martin; Zoom Host, Terri Holsinger.
Live Service July 4 at 10:45 am:
Sermon by Catherine Bonner
Guest Musician: Natalie Helm, cello
Sermon by Catherine Bonner
Guest Musician: Natalie Helm, cello
Live Service July 11 at 10:45 am:
Sermon by Rev. Bill Morgan
Sermon by Rev. Bill Morgan
Live Service July 18 at 10:45 am:
Sermon by Rabbi Jennifer Singer
Guest Musician: Mia Laity, violin
Sermon by Rabbi Jennifer Singer
Guest Musician: Mia Laity, violin
Live Service July 25 at 10:45 am:
Sermon by Rev Brock Leach
Sermon by Rev Brock Leach
Live Service August 1 at 10:45 am:
Sermon by Pastor Katie Culbert
Guest Musician: Mindy Simmons, folk guitar
Sermon by Pastor Katie Culbert
Guest Musician: Mindy Simmons, folk guitar
Roger Fritts (retired March 31, 2020) speaks at a Sunday service in our Sarasota sanctuary.
Where is the church? See map below. Click here for directions and picture...