Our theme for the month of December is Mystery. In this last month of the year, many different spiritual observances are celebrated around the world. One of these is the story of Jesus’ birth. The Rev. Gretchen Haley’s sermon “When God had a Body” asks, from a UU perspective: What is it about this story … Continued

Do our gifts come with strings attached? What do we get back in return for our generosity? What should we expect in return for what we give? The Rev. Rebecca Anne Parker‘s sermon looks at alternatives to quid pro quo giving. Marianna Nystrom will be blessing us with live piano music this week!     … Continued

This week, we celebrate Thanksgiving while acknowledging that gratefulness exists in the context of life’s losses and challenges. As part of the service, we will have a participative circle of gratitude. Please bring an object to place on the chalice table that can represent what you are grateful for in 2023.  It can be a … Continued

In observance of November as National Native American Heritage Month, UUFSM is honored to welcome guest speaker Natalie Standingontherock Proctor to provide the morning’s message. Natalie is a born member of the Wild Turkey Clan, Cedarville Band of Piscataway People. She is the Tribal Chair for the clan/band and has traveled as far away as … Continued

  This week, we will discuss the ideas of religious tolerance and religious freedom. As part of the service, we will watch a March 2023 sermon from First Unitarian Portland.  The sermon is a reflection on the power of religious tolerance, which seems even more important now than ever. It was delivered in observance of … Continued

  This week, guest speaker Jennifer Holt will tell us about the Community Mediation Centers of St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties. She will talk about the importance of listening as an approach to transforming conflict, how the principles of community mediation relate to the UU principles, and how and why we might want to support … Continued

On October 22, member Eva Miller will lead our service: “Honoring Those Who Come Before Us.”  With the close of the growing season and the first frosts of winter, the fall is a time of many traditions honoring the dead, including Samhain, All Souls Day, and Dia de los Muertos. We will hear from these … Continued

This week, member Jackie Triplett will lead a reflection anchored in October’s theme of Heritage.  We will explore UU history and ask: Why is it important? How has it shaped our faith? And does it matter, as we move forward? As we consider a social landscape where church attendance is in decline, how does our history … Continued

On October 8, bring your beloved pet to church for our annual animal blessing. Cats, dogs and small critters of all kinds are all welcome! Board Chair Katy Boyd will be assisted by the Rev Marty Eldredge, Deacon of the Church of the Ascension, who has generously agreed to help us bless the animals.  Animals … Continued

This Sunday, we will zoom into the River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation for a sermon by Senior Minister Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd. Rev Ladd writes, “As we kick off our monthly theme for October reflecting on ‘heritage,’ I will be revisiting the classic story of David and Goliath. What was the most powerful weapon David … Continued