Members of the Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship (UUCF) in the Joseph Priestly and Thomas Jefferson districts invite you to attend an all-day mini-revival at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church in Charlottesville on Saturday, May 14. This first-ever regional UUCF gathering is a wonderful opportunity to experience the same worship, learning, and lively conversation that takes place at the continental UUCF Revival conferences, but in a one-day format, close to home!
UNMC has a new adult religious education program with our Third Wednesday theology discussion.
In February we discussed the theology of Martin Luther King, particularly his moving from a liberal to more neo-orthodox view of sin. As Martin's life progressed he abandoned the liberal view of humans as basically good and came to see them as complex persons with sinful inclinations in need of redemption. One of the biggest factors in this shift was his disappointment with white clergy for not being more supportive of the civil rights struggle. We discussed how this tied in with our own statement of faith regarding "the certainty of the just retribution for sin."
In March we held a discussion of the theology of Charles Hartshorne led by UNMC member David Burton. His theology presented a "logical case for the existence of God" related to the idea of deism. We then branched out into a discussion of modernism and postmodernism and how this related to the present diversity of UU theology.
Sunday, March 6, 2005
11 a.m. Worship: "To Dwell in the House of the Lord." Guest preacher, the Rev. Greg Ward, Minister, Unitarian Universalists of Metro Atlanta North. Our guest preacher for this morning’s service serves a growing congregation in North Atlanta. Rev. Morn will assist with this service. Text: Psalm 23.
Thursday, March 10
7 p.m. Board of Trustees monthly meeting. All are welcome to attend.
Saturday, March 12
9:30 a.m. Deacons' regular monthly meeting.
Sunday, March 13
11 a.m. Worship: "The Well Ordered Life." Guest preacher, the Rev. Betty Jo Middleton, former religious education consultant at UNMC. Texts: John 12:20-33 and "Some Things Will Never Change" by Thomas Wolfe.
Wednesday, March 16
7 p.m. Monthly theology discussion. "God: Immanent and Transcendent" on the theology of Charles Hartshorne. Contact David Burton for readings, which will also be available in the parlor.
Sunday, March 20
Palm Sunday and UNMC's 75th Anniversary
9:45 a.m. Meet at Meridian Hill Park to process down 16th Street with members of other nearby churches.
11 a.m. Worship with distribution of palms: “See How Jesus loved Him,” Rev. Morn, preaching. In the story of Jesus’ raising Lazarus from the dead, we learn perhaps most of all of Jesus’ love and compassion for the man. This story of a most dramatic miracle is foundational to the Christian story, and so, to the story of Universalist National Memorial Church. Text: John 11:1-45
Thursday, March 24
Maundy Thursday
7 p.m. Worship: Communion, followed by pot luck supper. All are welcome!
Friday, March 25
Good Friday
Noon Worship
Sunday, March 27
Easter
11 a.m. Worship: “There Shall Be a Day.” Rev. Morn, preaching. Join us for our celebration of Easter. Text: Matthew 28:1-10
More Future Events
Friday-Saturday, April 8-9
Joseph Priestly District Annual Spring Conference
Sunday, April 17
Joint worship service with All Souls Unitarian Church
Spend an evening with Jim Adams, founder of The Center for Progressive Christianity, of which UNMC is an affiliate. On Thursday, February 17, Jim will be at the Sanctuary Retreat Center in Beallsville, Maryland, inviting us to reflect on the ways that progressive Christians might respond to the influence that religious beliefs have had on recent American political dialogue and policies.
Sunday, February 6
9:30 a.m. Inquirers Class - Session 2. All are welcome to attend, whether or not you attended the first session.
11 a.m. Worship: Our guest preacher is Lyn Cameron, Intern Minister at Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis. Please welcome Lyn for her first visit to UNMC.
Noon: 4th Annual Pancake Brunch hosted by the Über Fellowship of Light youth group.
Monday, February 7
7 p.m. Board of Trustees monthly meeting. All are welcome to attend.
Tuesday, February 8
6 p.m. Washington's National Churches: Lecture on Washington’s national churches (of which UNMC is one) at the City Museum at Mount Vernon Square. Contact Rev. Morn for more information.
Wednesday, February 9, Ash Wednesday
Noon: Worship service, followed by a light lunch. Contact Rev. Morn or Sue Mosher if you plan to bring food or drink to share.
6:30 p.m. Visit to Whitman-Walker Clinic to learn about the work of and volunteer opportunities at this community health provider helping to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS. Contact Perry King or Sue Mosher for more information.
Saturday, February 12
10 a.m. Monthly deacons meeting
Sunday, February 13
11 a.m. Worship: "The Promise of Communion." On this first Sunday of Lent, we will share in a communion service. The homily will address the meaning of communion as a ritual and as a way to live our faith. Scripture readings: Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
12:30 p.m. Congregational meeting to elect the ministerial search committee
Wednesday, February 16
7 p.m. Theology Discussion: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Contact Perry King for more information.
Sunday, February 20
11 a.m. Worship: "Love" -- The well-known affirmation by Universalist minister Griswold Williams begins "Love is the doctrine of this church." What might it mean for us to embrace the doctrine of love? (This sermon is rescheduled from January 23.) Scripture reading: 1 John 4:7-12, plus a reading from Rabindranath Tagore.
12:30 p.m. Monthly worship dialogue: This time we will discuss the Bible and other readings used in worship, including issues of gender-specific language. Please join us to share your ideas and hear from others.
Sunday, February 27
11 a.m. “Promises Worth Keeping” — Worship, exploration and communion centering on the promises we make to one another in community at Universalist National Memorial Church. We will worship in Perkins Hall and then explore together the possibility of making our covenant with one another explicit. Lunch will be provided.
More Future Events
Sunday, March 20
Palm Sunday & UNMC’s 75th anniversary
Sunday, March 27
Easter
Friday-Saturday, April 8-9
Joseph Priestly District Annual Spring Conference
Sunday, April 17
Joint worship service with All Souls Unitarian Church
Sunday, May 1
UNMC Neighborhood Open House
January 2. “Resolution and Repentance.” (Ephesians 1:3-14) This second Sunday after Christmas and second day of a New Year invites us to consider our imperfection and our intention.
January 9. Deacon Sue Mosher will preach on “Holy Hospitality.” (Matthew 2:1-12). Surprise guests may bring unexpected gifts to those who cultivate an open heart. This Sunday, we also celebrate our first communion service for 2005. All are welcome to partake.
Monday, January 10. The Board of Trustees will meet at 7:00 p.m. in the Romaine-van Schaick room. All are welcome.
January 16. “The Liberal Gospel of Dr. King.” (Matthew 5:1-11). On this Sunday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday weekend, we will explore what King's theology might teach us still.
Wednesday, January 19. Theology Discussion Group (this is a new group that will meet on the third Wednesday of the month) at 7:00 p.m. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday, we will hold our first discussion on “the theology of Martin Luther King, Jr.” For more info on this group contact Perry King at 202-667-0376 or by email at Perikine@yahoo.com
January 23. “Love.” (I Corinthians 1:10-18). That's right. Love. It is often spoken in Scripture. How do we speak of it?
Fourth Sunday Healing Service-Potluck at 7:00 p.m. (changed from Friday). We will also have a sing-a-long afterwards which will prepare us to go to Thomas House to sing and visit with the residents for the next Fourth Sunday in February.
January 30. 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Inquirers Class will be held. This is a two-part series, the next class will be held on Sunday, February 6 (same time). These classes will give an introduction to Unitarian Universalism and will allow time to share personal beliefs and questions. Classes are open to all with a special invitation to newcomers or prospective members.
Worship service: “All that is Required.” (Micah 6:1-9). A meditation on Micah's reminder that what is required is that we do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly.
December, 3. First Friday. Healing Service, Potluck Supper, and Caroling. All are Welcome!
First Friday Potluck
This month, our First Friday potluck will feature a trip to Thomas House for some caroling. Please join us between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the church so that we can travel together to Thomas House. After caroling, we will come back to the church for potluck supper. Please bring a dish to share.
December 5. “The Quietness of this Waiting Moment.” Second Sunday in Advent. One minister has written: “The quality of our lives depend on the spiritual mood in which we wait.” We will explore the possibility of deep and expectant waiting for this season of Advent. *Remember to bring items for Beacon House teenagers.
December 12. “The Darkness and the Light.” Third Sunday of Advent. We usually refer to this season in the Christian year as a time of Light. It is important, though, not to overlook the power of darkness for the depth and the growth it fosters. We will join people of many faiths exploring the power of dark and light in our lives. *Remember to bring items for Beacon House teenagers.
**After service on the 12th, we will be hanging the greens to decorate our sanctuary for Christmas.
December 19. “Traditions of Christmas.” Fourth Sunday in Advent. The youth of our church will present a Christmas service exploring the meanings of the season. *Remember to bring items for Beacon House teenagers.
December 24. 8:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols Service. Join us for the familiar sounds of Christmas and the comfort of our warm sanctuary as we anticipate the coming celebration of the birth of Jesus.
December 25. Christmas Day Service. Led by Mr. Richard E. Hurst.
December 26. Family Christmas at UNMC. Our informal Sunday after Christms service will follow the tradition of readings and carols. If you have a special reading or story you'd like to share, please bring it.
Bold events occur on Sundays.
Worship service begins at 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m., the Worship Committee will meet. All are welcome.
Thursday, November 4 – Sunday, November 7
Unitarian Universalist Christian Revival 4 Conference, First Unitarian Church of Worcester (MA).
Friday, November 5 at 6:30 p.m. Healing Service and Potluck Supper
All Are Welcome!
There will be a healing service and potluck supper at the church. This will be the first in a series of First Fridays together at UNMC. Please bring a dish to share and join us for brief worship, dinner, and community building. After dinner there will be a brief activity—possibly a hymn sing or a discussion. Bring your ideas and willingness to participate. If you have questions or would like more information please contact Rev. Morn.
November 7. All Souls Communion Sunday
“Communion of Memory” Join us for our first communion service of this worship year and an opportunity to remember and honor loved ones who have died in the past year.
Wednesday, November 10. Board of Trustees will meet at 7:00 in the Romaine-van Schaik room.
November 14. “Worship and Liturgy: the Work of the People” The prophet Isaiah instructs us: Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. Shouting and singing for joy are ways that we give thanks for God. What other purpose does our worship serve?
The Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting begins after worship service.
November 21. Thanksgiving Service. As religious liberals we trace our roots to those earliest pilgrims. They had a radical plan for organizing religious community—gathering around a covenant rather than a creed. Today we will remember them and give thanks for their inheritance to us.
November 28. First Sunday in Advent. "The Waiting is the Hardest Part" Mr. Richard E. Hurst, preaching. Readings to include Isaiah 2:1-5.
Bold events occur on Sunday.
Worship service begins at 11:00 a.m.
October 3. Mrs. Amy DeBeck, Intern Minister at Unitarian Universalists of Sterling, preaching “Seeds of Faith.”
Monday, October 4. The Board of Trustees meet at 7 p.m. in the Romaine-van Schaick room. All are welcome.
October 10. Rev. Mary Katherine Morn preaching, “For the Long Haul: Our Beloved Community of Memory and Hope.” This service will celebrate the gifts of those who came before us and call us into our own faithfulness on behalf of those who will follow.
October 17. Rev. Adam Taylor preaching.
Dupont Circle House Tour noon to 5:00 p.m.
Special Community Vespers at UNMC at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 23. Board of Trustees retreat.
October 24. Rev. Mary Katherine Morn preaching, “Humbled in Exalted Places: Bringing our Faith to Democracy.” As we approach another election day, how will we demonstrate our Universalist faith?
October 31. Rev. Mary Katherine Morn preaching, A Sermon about money and stewardship and commitment and belonging and the greater good and living our faith. This Sunday, we kick off this fall's stewardship campaign at Universalist National Memorial Church.
12:45 p.m. Welcome & Membership Committee meeting to discuss fall Inquirers Classes and a proposed new plan for hospitality hour and ushers.
Corn maze outing after church with the Uber Fellowship of Light youth group. All are invited to come!
Upcoming next month:
November 4-7. Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship Revival 4 conference, First Unitarian Church of Worcester (MA).
Friday, November 5, 6:30 p.m. Congregational pot luck dinner.
Wednesday, November 10, 7 p.m. Board of Trustees meeting
Sunday, November 14, 12:30 p.m. Semi-annual congregational meeting
If you’ve always wanted to “be present” for family, friends, and fellow church members as they go through life’s ups and downs, plan to attend a workshop on Saturday, September 25, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on “Listening Skills for Congregational Caregivers,” organized by the UNMC deacons. This workshop will be presented by the Rev. Don Lowe, who preached at UNMC earlier this year, and Deaconess Kathy A. Garrison, R.N., and is drawn from their “Art of Pastoral Care” curriculum. The $20 fee covers snacks and course materials. Flyers are available at the church and online, or you can contact Sue Mosher at office@universalist.org or 202-387-3411 for more information.
Mark your calendar for Sunday, October 17, noon – 5:00 p.m., when the Dupont Circle House Tour will take place in the area roughly centered around the triangle formed by New Hampshire, 19th and T Streets. To welcome visitors to our neighborhood, UNMC will hold a short vespers service at 5:30 that evening. (Maybe someone would also like to organize a dinner outing afterward?)
The house tour committee is looking for volunteers. Maybe you’d like to volunteer with a friend and get to know other people in the neighborhood! On the day of the tour, you could work in one of the individual tour houses or help organizers get everything ready in the morning; contact Jim Mears at JHMears@aol.com or (evenings) at (202) 332-3220. Or, in the days and weeks before the event, you could make some phone calls, sell tickets, or distribute flyers; contact house tour committee chair Maureen Donovan at md48@erols.com.
Our third annual pilgrimage to Washington National Cathedral will take place the evening of Tuesday, August 31. Summer is a wonderful time to visit the cathedral, when its cool stone walls contrast so sharply with the heat outside. Walk the labyrinth inspired by live music and sung chant, participate in an expert-led discussion on an issue of public concern, and enjoy a sacred arts program. This is a great outing for inviting friends! We even have a flyer you can print out and share.
Here is the schedule for the evening; there is no charge for any of these activities:
5:30 p.m. Evensong (early evening worship)
6:00 – 8:40 p.m. Labyrinth
7:00 - 7:20 p.m. Centering prayer
7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Discussion
7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Arts program
8:40 p.m. Compline (late evening worship)
Plan to meet at the cathedral before the 5:30 p.m. evensong service and stay as long as you like. The cathedral museum store (one of the best religious bookstores in town) stays open until 7:30 p.m. for a light supper. Contact Sue Mosher through the church office at 202-387-3411 or by email at info@universalist.org for more information.
Please make plans to attend UNMC's Annual Meeting, which will be held on Sunday, May 16, 2004 in the Romaine-van Schaick Room after our worship service that day.
Although only UNMC Members and Associate Members may vote at the meeting, all UNMC members and friends are welcome to attend. A light lunch will be served. The agenda will include the following items:
Election of Church Officers
Pursuant to Art. III, Section 6 of UNMC's Bylaws, the congregation will elect church officers and trustees.
(Sunday worship services are listed in bold.)
May 2. The Rev. Wanda Daniel preaching, “The Risks of An Abundant Life.”
9:30 a.m. Interim Search Committee meets in the library. All interested members invited to attend, share ideas, and input for the process of recruiting an interim minister.
“Lunch Bunch” after worship to share lunch and discuss “table topics” related to adult spiritual development. Tables will be set up in the Weston Room, formerly the Gift Nook, downstairs. All are welcome.
Monday, May 3. The Board of Trustees will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the Romaine-van Schaick room. All are welcome.
May 9. “The Path to Joy.” We celebrate the achievements and aspirations of this year's graduates with a bridging ceremony. Remarks by Sue Mosher and James Estes.
Saturday, May 15. Leland House dinner. Volunteers meet in the church kitchen at 3:00 p.m. and take the dinner over to Leland at 5:00 p.m.
UNMC's Singing-Visiting Ministry performs at 6:00-7:00 p.m.
May 16. The Rev. Katherine Jesch preaching, “Hope is in the Dirt: Healing our Spirits by Caring for the Earth”
Immediately following service in the Romaine-van Schaick room is the annual parish meeting. Please plan to stay, a light lunch will be served. All are welcome to attend.
Leland House collections day. Please leave your donation downstairs in the kitchen on the counter next to the microwave.
Wednesday, May 19. Anchor submissions deadline.
May 23. The Rev. Mark Schaefer preaching.
Planning for summer worship services, in the parlor at 12:30 p.m.
May 30. Mr. Richard E. Hurst, preaching, “The Spirit and the Deep Heart.”
After worship on Sunday May 2, we will be holding a "lunch bunch" get together. We will provide soup (veggie and non-veggie) and beverages. Seating will be arranged in "spring quartet style" with tables of four persons. Each table will have a hot topic for discussion on a religious education theme. First time visitors and newcomers are especially invited. Join us after worship for hot topics and hot soups. To contribute food (optional), please contact Donna Simonton by leaving a message in the church voicemail box at 202-387-3411.
(Sunday worship services are listed in bold.)
Saturday, April 3. Leland House dinner. Volunteers meet in the church's kitchen at 3:00 p.m.
April 4. Palm Sunday, Mr. Ben Van Dyne preaching. Liturgist: Mr. Richard E. Hurst, texts Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 19. Music to include: “The Palms” by Jean Batiste Fauré: Children's activity: Palm cross making.
Monday, April 5. The Board of Trustees will meet at 7:30 p.m., in the Romaine-van Schaick room. All are welcome.
Thursday, April 8, 7:00 p.m., A family-friendly Maundy Thursday Communion joint service with All Souls Church, Unitarian at UNMC followed by a potluck dinner. Rev. Rob Hardies and UNMC Head Deacon, Jennifer Sandberg, presiding.
Friday, April 9, Good Friday service, noon, at UNMC. 7:30 p.m., Tenebrae with Communion at All Souls Church, Unitarian (16th & Harvard St., NW).
April 11. Easter, Rev. Jay Stearns preaching, “On Being a Work in Progress.” Music: Beethoven - “Hallelujah Chorus”, Handel - “The Trumpet Shall Sound” from Messiah. Children's activity: Easter egg hunt.
Saturday, April 17. Leland House dinner. Volunteers meet in the church kitchen at 3:00 p.m.
April 18. Mr. Richard E. Hurst preaching, “Seeing is Believing?” Core text is from chapter 20 of the Gospel of Saint John; Service to include the love poetry of Jalal al-Din Rumi.
Leland House donations collected. Drop off is downstairs in the kitchen on the counter next to the microwave.
Monday, April 19. Anchor submisions deadline.
April 25. Mr. Dave Skidmore preaching, sermon entitled, “Necessary and Unnecessary Suffering.”
Our services begin Sunday, April 4, Palm Sunday when Ben Van Dyne, a young newcomer to our community, will be preaching and we will have a special activity for children. We’re doing something different on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday; our evening services will be held jointly with our neighbor up 16th Street, All Souls Church, Unitarian. On Maundy Thursday, the Rev. Rob Hardies, senior minister at All Souls, will join our head deacon, Jennifer Sandberg, in the UNMC side chapel, presiding over a family-friendly communion service, followed by a pot luck dinner. Then the Friday night Good Friday service will be held at All Souls. We will also have a noon Good Friday service at UNMC.
Had enough of winter? Ready to welcome spring? Spend the morning of the first day of spring, Saturday, March 20, starting at 9 a.m., helping the Welcome & Membership and Building & Grounds Committees spruce up the church inside and out to get ready for Easter. Drop in just for an hour if that's all the time you have. Bring your lunch to share at noon. All are invited to stay for the Welcome & Membership Committee's regular meeting at 12:30 p.m.
The Über Fellowship of Light youth group hosts its third annual Pancake Brunch on Sunday, Feb. 22, after the worship service. Pancakes have traditionally been served in the days leading up to Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 25, in order to use up the eggs and butter that some Christians shun as part of an austere Lenten observance. Expect a feast with many different kinds of pancakes, plus coffee, tea, juice, and fruit. Plan to stay after church to enjoy this wonderful fellowship opportunity, which will take place in Perkins Hall downstairs.
We invite those interested to join us for our second Sunday of Advent Service on December 7, 2003 honoring Clara Barton and other women in service. The theme of the service is hope and the expectation of peace and the order of service — still very close to that of 1867 — will feature hymns and anthems of the period. We extend a special invitation to attend to those in the reenactor
community who are interested in the medical and nursing services, in their
uniforms and period dress if they so desire.
Please contact Robert A. Mosher at with any questions.
The Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship (UUCF) held its third continental Revival conference at UNMC in 2003. (read more)
Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship (UUCF) Revival 2003
Photos:
Sunday service, at the offering
Shrove Sunday brunch in the fellowship hall
Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship (UUCF) Revival 2003 Retrospective: Saturday
Photos:
After the snow
UUCF Board members
Revival theme speakers, the Rev. Gwen Buehrens and the Rev. John Buehrens
Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship (UUCF) Revival 2003
Photos:
The Revival choir
Will this snow ruin everything?