Sunday Services Archive

November 20 10AM, Rev. Dennis McCarty will take “A Religious Look at Steve Jobs.” Since dying in early October, the co-founder and CEO of Apple, Inc., has been endlessly written about, talked about, and quoted. He has been turned by some into a present-day saint. But saints can be difficult, driven people at times. In the life of Steve Jobs the human being, are there themes or lessons we non-geniuses might apply to our own lives? Rev. Dennis will try to sort out the life and wisdom--deeds and maybe even misdeeds, of a man who was unarguably exceptional.

November 13 10 AM, we will be blessed by the charms of music. Some of this Congregation's most beloved (and talented) musicians will combine to present a special "Classical Music Service." This Sunday will feature piano presentations, a flute duet, and sweet serenading by our wonderful Choir, with thoughtful and spiritual Readings, to take us out of the hubbub of workaday life--into the realm of the mystical. What better way to center ourselves for the rush of the Thanksgiving/Christmas season?

November 2, 7pm We’ll look at guilt, anxiety, and paranoia with a quirky, little-known film from 1980, The Stunt Man. A Viet Nam veteran is unable to fit into society after returning home from that war. Eventually, he wanders onto a Hollywood film set. There, he can dodge police, who are chasing him because of crimes he’s committed. But he also has to work with the movie’s insane director (played by Peter O’Toole in another Oscar-nominated performance) who is trying to get him killed.

November 6, 2011 10AM we will ponder “On Being My Best Self.” We come to this church, we claim, “To be inspired to be our best selves.” But how can we do that--when we all have as many different opinions as we do, on so many different things? What does it even mean to “be our best selves?” Is that just sentimental rhetoric?. Rev. Dennis McCarty invites you to come on a soul-searching expedition with him.

October 30,2011 10AM Our wonderful children will scare us happy with a pre-Halloween Intergerational Service, “Ghosties and Ghoulies and Long-Legged Beasties.” There will be laughter, music, surprises, and a visit from “The Gruffalo.” What’s a gruffalo? Come find out. Religious Education/Exploration Director and Rev. Dennis will preside over the fun.

October 23,2011 10AM We will ponder “The Bible and the Constitution: Enemies or Relatives?” Our Puritan founders came here for religious reasons--with the Bible as their core document. 150 years later, our Constitution was, historians say, grounded in Puritan ethics. What, if any, was the Bible’s influence on the Constitution? What does that tell us today about church/state issues? Rev. Dennis McCarty will reflect on this fascinating relationship.

BROWNBAG WITH THE MINISTER - You are invited to join Rev. Dennis and other UUCCI’ites in the Library after Coffee Hour (about noon). We’ll discuss whatever topics guests want to discuss: the sermon, current events and ethics, religious questions, you-name-it. Bring a “brownbag” lunch, a cup of something to drink, or just your own lively intellectual curiosity.

October 16, 2011 10 AM Rev. Dennis McCarty will reflect on human nature in, “On Forgiveness and Divinity.” We talk a lot about “forgiving and forgetting.” Some people think it’s wise policy and some people don’t. Some people forgive easily and some don’t. Are there differences between what we say about forgiveness and what we actually do? And what do our attitudes about forgiveness say about us?

October 9, 2011 10AM -Michelle Richards, author of Tending the Flame: The Art of Unitarian Universalist Parenting will be the guest speaker at UUCCI on Sunday, October 9^th. In her first-of-its-kind book, Michelle Richards encourages a practical approach to raising Unitarian Universalist children. She includes information about developmental stages, suggestions for incorporating spiritual practices into family life, teaching the Principles in age-appropriate ways, answering difficult questions on religious matters and dealing with religious disagreements.

After the Sunday service, join Ms. Richards for a workshop based on her book, which will begin at 12:30pm. This promises to be a rewarding experience for parents, grandparents and for anyone with young UUs in their lives!

Michelle Richards is a credentialed religious educator and a mother. She writes a parenting blog for uuworld.org at http://blogs.uuworld.org/parenting/ . Her book can be purchased in paperback through the UUA Bookstore. It is also available in digital form through Google Books and Amazon.

“UUCCI-MAX THEATRE”--MOVIES TO MAKE US THINK AND FEEL-- October 5th at 7pm, we’ll show the little-known, 1960 John Ford western, Sergeant Rutledge. The plot of this movie is similar to a more famous movie released two years later: To Kill a Mockingbird. A black soldier is arrested and put on trial for the rape and murder of a white woman. But John Ford, a famous political conservative, handled it very differently. African American actor Woody Strode plays cavalry Sergeant Braxton Rutledge as a figure of strength, courage, and honor. So why did Sergeant Rutledge lose money while To Kill a Mockingbird became famous? The answer might tell us more than we want to know about racial attitudes--even our own.

October 2, 2011 10AM Rev. Dennis McCarty will explore the nuances of racism in “A Religious Look at Racial Perception.” Some people will tell you that racial injustice is a thing of the past. Others will tell you that it’s still alive and well. Having looked deep inside himself, at his own lingering, lurking fears and prejudices, Rev. Dennis McCarty suspects that both attitudes miss something. This Sunday, he invites you to explore the nuances of racism together.

September 25, 2011 10AM Come join us as we celebrate the end of summer and return to the friendly folds of our religious community. For this special "Homecoming Service," please bring a photograph or memento (or both) of your summer travels and/or the place you call home. (Because both are important to our journey together.) Rev. Dennis McCarty will lead us in reflection on the nature of home and religious community--and we will acknowledge our great kids and install our wonderful new Director of Religious Education/Exploration, Susan Turner!

Brown Bag with the minister returns. Please join us for enlightened discussion of whatever topic happens to be on folks' minds. It's an excellent chance to get to know our Minister, Rev. Dennis McCarty, and one another, on a more intimate level. Join Rev. Dennis and various friends and members after Coffee Hour.

September 18, 2011 10AM Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe is a Chaplain at Indiana University Health Hospitals- Indianapolis. Ghe will meet with Ministerial Fellowship Committee in Boston on September 24^th, 2011- the final step to be an ordained Unitarian Universalist Minister. Sunshine has a Master of Divinity degree from Starr King School for the Ministry. Ghe served as Intern and Summer Minister from 2009-2010 at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Rocky River, OH. Sunshine was recently published in the anthology Coming Out In Faith: Voices of LGBTQ Unitarian Universalists. Sunshine is genderqueer and asks that you use the non-gender pronouns “ghe” and “gher” in reference to gherself. The “gh” is pronounced like the “g” in beige.

Gher topic will be "Class, Culture, and History: The Middle Class in Unitarian Universalism"

Historically, Unitarian Universalists help create middle class culture in the United States. Out of more than forty characteristics of class, only half relate to money. The other characteristics are all about culture. What is the Unitarian Universalist culture? What does this culture mean for our theologies, social action, and ethical values?

September 11, 2011 10AM “9-11: an Observance.” Rev. Dennis McCarty will be our guide in a look back at the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The attacks and the response to them, are a lens on our unique faith--and our faith gives us a lens on this piece of history. A quartet of members will sing, accompanied by our beloved occasional guest pianist, Ray Hass. And our wonderful children will sing songs they learned at last June’s Peace Camp.

Our movie-and-sermon series was so successful last year; we’re doing it again this year.

September 7, we’ll show the 1968 classic, The Lion in Winter. Starring screen legends Katherine Hepburn, Peter O’Toole, and Anthony Hopkins, this amazing picture has been remade--but never duplicated. The year is 1182 and the “Lion” in question is England’s King Henry II, nearing the end of his remarkable reign. What can a medieval king and his quarreling family tell us about our own lives? Rev. Dennis McCarty will explain the background and details the prior Sunday--Sept 4. Then Wednesday the 7th at 7:00, we’ll watch the movie itself. A pack of famous historical characters will show how their lives are just as crazy and messed up as ours.

September 4, 2011 10AM We’ll prepare for Labor Day by asking yet another thoughtful question: “Does Your Life Matter? Why or Why Not?” The main character in September’s UUCCI-Max Movie, The Lion in Winter, England’s King Henry II was one of the most remarkable monarchs in history. Yet as he neared the end of his 35-year reign, he considered himself a failure. As each of us struggles to “make meaning” of the works and days of our own lives, what can we learn from his story? What can we learn from our own? Rev. Dennis McCarty will sort out the implications.

August 28, 2011 10AM Reverend Dennis McCarty will ask questions that should be--but rarely are-- central to a church’s existence: “To Whom Do We Belong? Why Are We Here?” When you really ponder them deeply, these questions aren’t as simple as they might at first seem. We don’t spend a lot of time on who might own our church, or why. But if we don’t struggle with them, will we get as much out of our religious lives together as we deserve? Rev. Dennis will hunt for insights at the heart of religious community.

Aug 21, 2011 10AM Our speaker will be Woodrow Myers, Jr., MD, MBA. Dr. Myers is a nationally recognized leader in the development of medical quality initiatives and innovative healthcare management programs. Today he serves as Managing Director for Myers Ventures LLC, which facilitates his interests in domestic and international healthcare management.
His topic will be “Our Children – Risks and Responsibilities”

August 14, 2011 10 AM Our speaker will be Tracy Sousa from the Heritage Fund. Her sermon title is "Philanthropy/Benevolence/Moral Imperative". She will speak about: "The opportunity to create great good through civic/community engagement, spiritually motivated benevolence, or culturally dictated self help concepts. Regardless of the motivation, how do you begin to sort thru the needs and really make a difference?"

Tracy Souza became president and CEO of The Heritage Fund, the Community Foundation of Bartholomew County on July 25 after a 32 year career in various roles with Cummins, Inc. At Cummins she served on and led numerous key initiatives for the company. She headed the Cummins Foundation beginning in 1999 and had responsibility for headquarter community relations since 1997. During her time with the Foundation, she was responsible for developing and implementing the company's global network of Community Involvement Teams and establishing a global grant making program. As president and CEO of the Heritage Fund, Souza oversees one of Indiana's oldest and most successful community foundations with assets of more than $50 million.

August 7, 2011 10AM Our speaker will be Becky Alexander. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor with Indiana. Becky has 30 years of professional experience as a social worker and psychotherapist. She is the Coordinator of Clinical Services for the Jackson Co Clinic of Centerstone located in Seymour, IN. Becky is also a member of Christ the Savior Eastern Orthodox Church in Nashville, IN.
Her topic will be: Living with and Healing Through Grief.

July 31, 2011 10AM Columbus Republic Associate Editor Harry McCawley will speak on "A community Divided: Does everyone feel welcome in Columbus?" Harry will discuss the things that divide us as a community and the anger resulting from these divisions. Some of it is surface-based such as complaints about toters, city spending, etc. but a lot of it has to do with a feeling by many that they are being left out of the process.

July 24, 2011 10AM . The speaker will be Dr. Joe Emerson of Bloomington. Dr. Emerson was the former minister at First United Methodist in Columbus and has spoken to our congregation before. His talk will be entitled “The Strength to Carry On Carrying On”. What about those who serve and work and fight for human freedom, rights, dignity – to make a better world and never see the result of their labors. Where do they find the strength to keep on keeping on?

July 17, 2011 10AM Tom Hinshaw is a local business man with degrees in history and theology. Along with his wife, Sandi, they are members of the Interfaith Forum of Columbus, Indiana, and have traveled to several conferences concerning interfaith dialogue and social issues. In 2003 they traveled to Manresa, Spain to discuss social cohesion amidst diversity, that was sponsored by the Goldin Institute.They returned the next year to Spain for the Parliament of World Religions, that was held in Barcelona. In 2007 they attended the Goldin Institute meeting in Cartagena, Columbia to discuss reconciliation and breaking the cycle of violence for child soldiers. Recently, they traveled to Krakow, Poland and attended the conference of the International Council of Christians and Jews, that included time at the Center for Dialogue and Prayer in Auschwitz and the extermination camps of Auschwitz and Auwchwitz-Birkenau. The title of the talk is: Voices from the Soil, Observations from Auschwitz.

July 10, 2011 10AM Jan and Tim Grimm award-winning entertainers, writers, and most of all, musicians (and beloved members of this Congregation, with deep roots in Bartholomew County) will edify us with a meditative mix of spoken and sung reflections entitled "Heroes and Heroines: Songs about People That Inspire". Tim and Jan's spiritual presentations are always well attended and moving.

July 3, 2011 10AM Bud Herron will give a talk entitled "The first casualty of war is truth". The subject will be Southern Indiana views on slavery and race before, during and after the American Civil War. This year marks the 150 anniversary of the start of that war — 150 years devoted to healing the North-South divide, often through political propaganda, myth and lies about why the war was fought. I also will deal with Hoosier attitudes on slavery and the impact of the Fugitive Slave Act on those attitudes.
Bud grew up in Hope and graduated from Hauser High School in 1963. I have bachelor degrees in Journalism and English from Indiana University, Bloomington (1967). I retired in 2007 after a 40-year journalism career, spent mostly in newspapers. I have been a writer, columnist, editor, managing editor, and publisher for numerous newspapers and magazines in Indiana and Texas. I have been a member of UUCC for about a year. I do volunteer work for Advocates for Children and am an advocate for several economic development and health-related projects in my home town of Hope.

JUNE 26, 2011 10AM - Mary Armstrong Smith will be visiting with us. Her topic is entitled "Touching Tomorrow - what matters to us right now is the result of our actions (or inactions) in the past." Mary was ordained with The Church Within (www.thechurchwithin.org) in Indianapolis in 2005. She has served as a children's minister for 4 years and continues to serve her church in many ways including filling in for the pastor on Sundays when she is absent.
Mary currently serves as the Community Partners Director for Prevent Child Abuse Indiana.

JUNE 19, 2011 10AM The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus will be at the center of a major cultural exchange. We’ll welcome Tenzin Choephel Geshe; Tenzin Dhariye Geshe; Tenzin Thinlay Geshe; and Gomde Rinpoche: high-ranking monks from India of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition led by the Dalai Lama. While in Columbus as part of their World Peace Tour, they will spend five days (June 16-20) building a Buddhist sand mandala in our Fellowship Hall. On June 19, assisted by Rev. Dennis McCarty, they will do a teaching on Buddhism and compassion, followed by a reception organized by the Columbus Interfaith Forum, in lieu of Coffee Hour. The public is invited to all these events, so expect plenty of company.

JUNE 12, 2011 10AM our topic will be, “Don’t Forget Universalism.” Universalism has always been the more obscure side of our dual tradition. Yet with the recent flap over evangelist Rob Bell’s book, Love Wins, which is getting him called a “Universalist” (not as a complement), Universalism is back in the news. Rev. Dennis McCarty will share some history on the more “warm and fuzzy” side of our tradition, and suggest that Universalism is still a vital faith for our time.

JUNE 5, 2011 10AM, we will reflect on this month’s UUCCI film night movie: The Grapes of Wrath. This gripping depiction of the Great Depression of the 1930’s, is considered among the finest Hollywood movies. But what can it tell us about our own lives and times? Rev. Dennis McCarty will share his reflections.

CHECK OUT “UUCCI-MAX THEATRE”--MOVIES TO MAKE US THINK AND FEEL- Film night starts at 7:00 PM, the first Wednesday of each month. Rev. Dennis McCarty will present background information--interesting facts about the film and the people in front of and behind the cameras. Then we’ll sit back with our snacks and popcorn and watch together. (If you’d like, you’re welcome to rent your own DVD and watch it at home. But of course, you miss out on the camaraderie.)

June 1, we’ll show a motion picture chosen by our own Thursday evening Chalice Circle (who will also host and provide the introduction.) Legendary director John Ford won one Academy Award for The Grapes of Wrath and actress Jane Darwell, won another, playing the matriarch of a draught-stricken midwestern family. It’s one of Henry Fonda’s finest roles as well, as the whole Joad family struggles to survive the Great Depression. Based on the Pulitzer-Prize-Winning John Steinbeck novel movie is considered one of the finest efforts of Hollywood’s golden age. But does it only tell us about a period of dusty history? Or is it telling us something we need to know about our own day and age?

MAY 29, 2011 10 AM, Rev. Dennis McCarty will propose a question that is sometimes hinted at, but never actually asked: “Is the Bible Good or Evil?” The Bible is unarguably the most influential book in the history of Western culture. Some faiths honor it as the Word of God. Other people, particularly among the unchurched, see it as useless at best and a source of hatred and violence, at worst. So which is it? Let’s at least get the question out on the table and look for some answers.

MAY 22, 2011 10AM, we’ll honor our graduating high school seniors and shed a tear or two as they prepare to go out into the world. “Honoring our Graduates” will recognize this stage of the journey and reflect on helpful tools for going forward from here. Rev. Dennis McCarty will preside over this service for all ages and aspirations.

MAY 15, 2011 10AM, Rev. Dennis McCarty will speak on “Theodore Parker and the Noble Art of Disagreement.” 150 years after his death, Unitarian Universalists look back on preacher and abolitionist Theodore Parker, as a kind of saint. But he was no saint. During his actual lifetime, he was highly controversial. What can we learn by revisiting the various social and theological debates he opened? Are times really different, now?

MAY 8, 2001 10AM, we’ll take a slightly different approach to Mother’s Day. It’s easy (and not inappropriate) to get sentimental about mothers. But if you get past the saccharine, moms don’t always have the luxury of being that sweet, warm, fuzzy stereotype. Sometimes, to make good things happen, Mom has to get bossy, pushy, persistent--maybe even downright disagreeable. Rev. Dennis will share, “Thoughts on Tough Mothers.” Maybe some of those thoughts and memories will sound familiar?

May 4, we’ll take an alternate look Mother’s day by watching the legal thriller, Erin Brockovich. Actress Julia Roberts, at the height of her stardom, plays a single mother of three who wheedles her way into work as a legal assistant. She doesn’t set out to be a hero, just to provide for her kids. Then she finds herself in a legal battle with one of the largest corporations in the country. While the glamorous Roberts is hardly “the girl next door” (or even the mother next door,) this movie has interesting things to tell us about determination, mothers, and our legal system.

In celebration of spring the RE Council and families will hold a Maypole dance after the Intergenerational service on May 1. All are welcome to participate in this joyous celebration (no rain date).
We will also have a "flower communion". Please plan to bring a cut flower for our communal vase!

APRIL 24 is Easter Sunday. This is also the day after Indianapolis’ annual Earth Day Indiana festival. Rev. Dennis McCarty will help us explore the ways the secular and the Christian holidays, speak to one another in “Easter and Earth Day, 2011: A Holy Conversation.” After the service, friends and members will also be invited outside (assuming co-operative weather) to dedicate our Memorial Walk and Garden.

April 17, Earle Canfield will present “Sacred Cows Make Great Hamburgers”. Mary Jane Schmidt and Earle Canfield founded answer 10 years ago in Nepal and are intent on undercutting the caste system in Nepal. By carefully selecting the low-caste children and placing them in private schools which cater to the high caste, a new breed of professionals and leaders are emerging who will change character of their society.
Today there are 550 students in 120 schools all over Nepal. Who are sponsoring their education? More than 400 UU members and 3 dozen UU churches all over the USA.

APRIL 10, We will kick off what may be the most historic Stewardship Campaign (pledge drive) in the history of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus. In the last ten years, we have changed from a “family church,” meeting in a tiny, frame, building, to one of the most successful, professionally-led congregations in the Heartland District. But success and growth in economic hard times, present their own challenges. Rev. Dennis McCarty will lead “Stretching Exercises: What we Give and What we Get.”

UUCCI-MAX THEATRE--MOVIES TO MAKE US THINK AND FEEL- April 6, 2011 7pm We’ll show a beloved movie from the dawn of the Civil Rights Movement: To Kill a Mockingbird. The frank dialogue about a sex crime--and particularly, the subject of a white southern lawyer defending a black man accused of rape--seemed cutting edge when this movie was released. Looking at it fifty years later, though, what does it now tell us? Why would African-Americans of today so resent a play based on the same book the movie came from? This is a chance to look in a mirror and let white America of 1962 tell us more about racism than it means to.

Rev. Dennis McCarty will present background information--interesting facts about the film and the people in front of and behind the cameras. Then we’ll sit back with our snacks and popcorn and watch together. (If you’d like, you’re welcome to rent your own DVD and watch it at home. But of course, you miss out on the camaraderie.)

APRIL 3, we’ll try an experiment and talk about the classic motion picture, To Kill a Mockingbird, before we screen it the evening of April 6. Any motion picture is a snapshot of the society that made it. In 1962, the Civil Rights movement was just beginning; we all had a lot to learn about racism. We all had a lot to learn--even the thoughtful people who wrote this book and the movie that came from it. Rev. Dennis McCarty will ask the question, “Can We Still Trust the Mockingbird?”

Annual Congregational Meeting after Service

Sunday March 27,2011 10AM Reverend Dennis McCarty and members of our Religious Exploration/Education community, will conduct our give-or-take quadrennial “Blessing of the Animals.” This will be a chance for all UUCCI’ites who have bets, to bring them and have them honored for the important place they have in our lives. (Polite, socialized pets, please. Less socialized pets will be loved and honored at a distance.)

Sunday March 20, 2011 10AM we’ll observe St. Patrick’s Day (sort of) by looking at “A Brief History of Northern Ireland.” Reverend Dennis McCarty (who’s ancestors hail from Ireland’s County Cork, in the south,) will take a look at how the religious differences and cultural animosity of Northern Ireland developed.

Sunday March 13, 2011 10AM "My Spiritual Journey" by Amoret Heise.

Sunday March 6, 2011 10AM - Rev. Dennis McCarty will take a religious look at “What We Waste and What We Cherish.” The thoughtful, animated comedy, WALL-E, provides a vision of the future that’s both frightening and hilarious. But if its view of where we’re going is accurate, the joke might be on us. Is there a point of no return in environmental degradation? If there is, what will it look like and how will we know when we have reached it?
Dean Schertz and Lissa Fisher will be the musicians.

“UUCCI-MAX THEATRE”-- MOVIES TO MAKE US THINK AND FEEL March 2, 7pm

Film night starts at 7:00 PM, the first Wednesday of each month. Rev. Dennis McCarty will present background information--interesting facts about the film and the people in front of and behind the cameras. Then we’ll sit back with our snacks and popcorn and watch together. (If you’d like, you’re welcome to rent your own DVD and watch it at home. But of course, you miss out on the camaraderie.)

In March, just for the fun of it (well, maybe for more than just the fun of it) we’ll watch one of the most thoughtful animated features ever made: Wall-E. Wall-E is a cartoon about a future that really could happen--but we hope never does. It’s funny, sad, scary--and in the end, hopeful. It’s a deeply human story about a love affair between two robots. But it uses human and comic elements that have been around ever since the silent film days of Charlie Chaplin.

Sunday Feb 27, 2011 10AM- our “Mighty Women of History” series will look at show business legend, Judy Garland. Her phenomenal talent and technique made her a superstar at the age of 15. But Judy Garland’s personal life was a nightmare, exacerbated by a domineering stage mother and ruthless studio moguls. Rev. Dennis McCarty will look at her tragic story for lessons that apply to our own religious journeys.

Sunday Feb 20, 2011 10AM - “Life Stories and Artistic Truth: A Religious Tradition.” Dr. Judith Spector will speak about the importance of life story writing and the tradition of finding meaning “beyond” a factual recounting of experience.

Dr. Spector received a Ph.D. from Indiana University in 1977 and was a Professor of English at IUPUC from 1977 to July, 2009. She specialized in psychoanalytic interpretations of literature and life story writing. Dr. Spector has published numerous articles in academic journals and two books: Gender Studies: New Directions in Feminist Criticism (1986) and The Fairy Godmentor’s Advice for Women Like Us: Life Lessons from Educated Women (2010). She is currently assisting people with life transitions—as a real estate agent for Prudential Indiana Realty Group in Bloomington, IN.

Sunday Feb 13, 2011 10AM - Rev. Joan Kahn-Schneider will tall about "What Is This Thing Called Love?" We write about it, sing about it, sign our letters about it. But what is it? The day before Valentines day, rather than running around buying flowers, candy and other tokens of love, let’s take a moment to wonder what is this thing called Love?

Joan Kahn-Schneider has been a Unitarian Universalist Minister since 1980, serving congregations in Michigan, Ohio and New York. For two years she was Director of Ministerial Education at the Unitarian Universalist Association. In 1998 she became an intentional interim minister and served congregations in Concord NH, Hartford, CT., Knoxville, TN and Spartanburg, SC. Joan was a member of the first (and perhaps only) class of Unitarian Universalist intentional interim ministers to be trained and accredited by the Interim Ministry Network. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology from Antioch College, a Master of Divinity degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio and Master of Education in Organization and Management from Antioch New England Graduate School. She has spoken and consulted internationally, facilitating conflict resolution and organizational health. Joan has just completed her term as Ministerial Settlement Representative in the Thomas Jefferson district. In her life before ministry Joan raised four children, was a family therapist, and owned, and operated a small neighborhood bookstore. Joan supports individuals, couples, families and organizations toward better understanding, less conflict and more fulfilling lives through teaching and consulting.

Sunday Feb 6, 2011 10AM - Rev. Dennis McCarty will preach on this month’s UUCCI-Max movie, Kundun. When Mao Tse-Tung’s China occupied the land of Tibet, fifty years ago, the Dalai Lama was forced to flee into exile. Is it possible that this defeat made him a greater person than he ever could have become on his own? Rev. Dennis will ponder the possibilities in “Priests, Prophets, and Caesar: the Role of Faith in Government.”

We we will show Kundun at 1:00 Sunday afternoon, February 6.

Sunday Jan 30, 2011 10 AM Rev. Dennis McCarty will take “A Theological Look at Dogs.” Dogs have played an important role in human events--as pets, servants, and even weapons--for thousands of years. They are “man’s best friend” (and a lot of woman like them, too.) On the other hand, to call someone “doglike” is an insult, not a compliment. What does our friendship with dogs tell us about ourselves? Rev. Dennis will ponder our relationships with these popular pets, and what it means to our religious journey together.

Sunday Jan 23, 2011 10 AM “Mighty Women of History: Christina Taylor Green.” Born Sept. 11, 2001, this young woman had an acute sense of history, was an exemplary student, and attended Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords’ “Congress on your Corner” event because she “wanted to learn about democracy.” Her death at the hands of a crazed shooter on Jan. 6, 2011, taught her--and us--more about American democracy than any of us wanted to know. Rev. Dennis McCarty will ponder the issues.

Sunday Jan 16, 2010 10 AM In acknowledgment of Martin Luther King Day, Byron Bangert will draw on the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal from I Kings 19. He will be speaking about the voices in our society that need to be lifted up, that we might hear and recognize in them an ultimate claim upon us. Byron Bangert is an American-Baptist ordained, Presbyterian Minister, who is honorably retired from the PCUSA. In 2004, he completed his PhD in religious studies at Indiana University. He currently writes a column for the Bloomington Herald-Times Saturday religion page.

Sunday January 9, 2011 10 AM Rev. Dennis McCarty will draw from this week’s UUCCI Movie Night film, Gattaca, to ponder the question: “Does Technology Destroy Individuality?” Controversial technologies such as cloning and gene splicing are hard to control. Once humanity is able to do something (like, say, human cloning,) someone is likely to do it--whether there are laws against it or not. What will this mean to our long term ethical development? Will it change our whole concept of what is/is not human?

Wed Jan 5, 2011 7 PM “UUCCI-MAX THEATRE” Movie Night We’ll start off the new year with a thoughtful movie from 1997: Gattaca. It’s a science fiction drama depicting a not-too-distant future in which your destiny is dictated by your parents’ ability to buy you the best possible genes. If your parents get you genetically engineered success is yours. But less fortunate babies are condemned to lives of mediocrity and servility. This movie asks--what is the role of science? What happens to our humanity when science determines the most intimate details of a person’s future?

Sunday Jan 2, 2011 10 AM We'll start the new year with "What Is Ministry and What Is Authority?" "Ministry" and "Authority" are two topics churches and ministers talk about all the time. They're particularly complex--and sometimes problematic--in our Unitarian Universalist tradition. What do they mean, really, and how does their interplay affect our individual spiritual journeys? Rev. Dennis McCarty will compare the ways various different traditions look at ministry and authority--and sort out what it means to individuals and congregations alike.

Sunday Dec 26, 2010 10 AM Boxing Day. The day after Christmas has been celebrated as its own holiday in England, its possessions, and other parts of Europe since at least the middle ages. It's a time to give gifts, money, and food to servants and the poor. At UUCCI we'll take the occasion to wind down from all the Christmas season craziness with thoughtful readings and music from our RE/E kids. Rev. Dennis McCarty will preside.

Friday Dec. 24 at 7:00 in the evening, Rev. Dennis McCarty and the Choir will lead our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. This always turns out to be one of our warmest, most festive services of the year, as we share music, reflections, and love. Bring the kids, the relatives, and join us while we pause amid the holiday hustle and bustle. Then after the service, the tradition is to gather in the Fellowship Hall for hot drinks and caroling.

Sunday Dec 19, 2010 10 AM Rev. Dennis McCarty will continue the run-up to the holiday season with “A Christmas Survival Guide.” Despite the popular image as a joyous time full of reverence and celebration, the year’s end festivities of Christmas, New Year’s, and the celebrations of other traditions, can be very difficult for some folks. How do we keep perspective amid all the commercialism, family tensions, and cold weather? Rev. Dennis will share his thoughts.

Sunday Dec 12, 2010 10 AM Our “Mighty Women of History” series will take a look at the “other Mary.” That is, Mary Magdalene. In the four Gospels, she’s actually a minor character, mentioned by name in less than a half-dozen verses in the whole New Testament. Yet a strong medieval tradition grew up around her. And more recent fabrications make her out to be one of the most important (not to mention fecund) women in history. Rev. Dennis McCarty will look for some real facts amid all the interpretation and fabrication.

Sunday Dec 5, 2010 10 AM Rev. Dennis McCarty will preach about “Good, Evil, and the Dark City.” Our “UUCCI-Max Theatre” movie this month is the little-known classic, Dark City. Beyond its amazing, dreamlike, film noir-gone-to-Wonderland visuals, this movie raises interesting questions about human nature and human will. What makes us tick, anyway? Is there any way to get to the bottom of human nature without destroying ourselves?

Wed Dec 1, 2010 7 PM “UUCCI-MAX THEATRE” Movie Night We’ll watch a little-known Australian movie from 1998, Dark City. Dark City is the movie Inception tried to be--but, really, wasn’t. (Don’t argue till you’ve seen both films.) It didn’t make much money. Some critics hated it because of its nightmarish plot and special effects. But critic Roger Ebert considered it the best movie of the year--and one of the greatest of all time. He wrote: “Dark City is a great visionary achievement, a film so original and exciting,. . . it is a triumph of art direction, set design, cinematography, special effects--and imagination.”

As a spicy extra we’ll take fifteen extra minutes to watch one of the most notorious films ever made: Louis Bunuel and Salvador Dali’s Un Chien Andalou, “The Andalusian Dog.” This film is required study in film theory and film history classes--a surrealistic look at things we have dreams and nightmares about. WARNING: some scenes are shocking, even offensive. You will never forget it--but you may wish you could. Don’t try to understand it. Just keep these questions in mind: What does society want from us? What does religion want from us? Who are we, under all the social conventions? What are we really doing when we think we’re watching a movie?

Sunday Nov 28, 2010 10 AM "Transgender Spirituality: Liminality and Wholeness"
Many in our society deny religious community to transgender and genderqueer people. Yet, transgender people carry in their life experiences a spiritual wisdom about liminality, finding home in our bodies, and recognizing beauty amidst adversity. Join us for a service recognizing these lessons in our own lives and fostering them in our communities.

Our speaker is Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe who recently completed an intern and summer ministry at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Rocky River, OH. Ghe is currently living in Indiana with gher family, preaching throughout the Midwest, and searching for a chaplaincy internship. Ghe is a graduate from Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, CA. Sunshine is genderqueer and asks that you use the non-gender pronouns “ghe” and “gher” in reference to gherself. The “gh” is pronounced like the “g” in beige.

Sunday Nov 21, 2010 10 AM We’ll continue our “Mighty Women of History” series with “Pharoah Hatshepsut.” Hundreds of years before the oldest actual events recorded in the Bible, a woman rose up to become Pharaoh of ancient Egypt--a land that did not allow women to rule. How she accomplished this, and how the ancient Egyptians responded, still says something important about attitudes toward powerful women. Rev. Dennis McCarty will tell the story and share his thoughts.

Sunday Nov 14, 2010 10 AM Rev. Dennis McCarty will explain, “Why I Return to New Orleans.” Several members of this congregation, including our Youth Group, have made trips to aid in the post-Katrina, post-oil-spill rebuild in southern Louisiana. Why is this even important? If New Orleans so damaged, why not just tear it down and use other seaports? How about other places that always seem to need our help? Rev. Dennis will share his thoughts on some of the ethics of helping those in need.

Sunday Nov 7, 2010 10 AM , Reverend Dennis McCarty will review our November "UUCCI-Max" movie, Tom Cruise's 2009 hit, Valkyrie. In July, 1944, German Army officers made a belated--and nearly successful--attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Today, it's easy to wonder why they waited so long. But in "Thoughts on Order and Evil," Rev. Dennis will ponder the uneasy relationship between obedience to authority--and accountability when that authority turns out to be evil.

Wed Nov 3, 7 PM “UUCCI-MAX THEATRE” 2010 Movie Night Valkyrie. Rev. Dennis McCarty will present background information--interesting facts about each film and the people in front of and behind the cameras. Then we’ll sit back with our snacks and popcorn and watch it together. (If you’d like, you’re welcome to rent your own DVD and watch it at home. But of course, you miss out on a bit of the comradery.)

Sunday Oct 31, 2010 10 AM Patrick McLaughlin is a Candidate for the Unitarian Universalist ministry, and a student at Meadville Lombard Theological School. He is an Intern Minister at OCUUC in Costa Mesa CA His topic: Halloween. Samhain. Summer's over and winter's not far off. Things are changing--and that can be scary... How do we deal with change? How do we deal with fear?

Sunday Oct 24, 2010 10 AM We’ll continue our “Mighty Women of History” series with “Boudicca, Queen of the Iceni.” At the same moment early Christians were just beginning to write down stories about their long-dead prophet, Jesus of Nazareth--and the Romans were brutally suppressing the first Jewish revolt against them--a far more successful revolt against Rome, was sweeping through the British Isles. It wasn’t led by any famous king, though, but by a woman. Reverend Dennis McCarty will explain what happened and what it might mean in our own time.

Sunday Oct 17, 2010 10 AM Member Sharon Mangas will present “Under the Radar: The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)” There will be special music that morning from Laurie McClain.

Sunday Oct 10, 2010 10 AM . In "East of Eden: Reflections on the Mark of Cain" we’ll discuss the classic 1955 film, East of Eden. It’s admired by critics today, but was controversial when first released. Director Elia Kazan had more on his mind than just making a film version of the best-selling John Steinbeck novel. Reverend Dennis McCarty will explain how current events of that day affected this movie--and how the questions it raised, still matter today.

Wednesday October 6 Movie Night 7 PM "East of Eden" Rev. Dennis McCarty will present background information--interesting facts about each film and the people in front of and behind the cameras. Then we’ll sit back with our snacks and popcorn and watch it together. (If you’d like, you’re welcome to rent your own DVD and watch it at home. But of course, you miss out on a bit of the comradery.)

Sunday Oct 3, 2010 10 AM Reverend Dennis McCarty will share his thoughts about “The Art of Religion.” Science is about precise definitions and testable results. But religion isn't science, it's art. That is, it’s about complexities of language, multiple ways of looking at things, and even the shadows that lie behind the clearly visible reality. But if that’s the case, what keeps religion from descending into a mishmash of woolly-headed, fuzzy thinking? Rev. Dennis will share his thoughts on religion, discipline, and the complex use of metaphor.

Sunday Sept 26, 2010 10 AM We’ll close out our weekend of Celebration and Visioning, with a Sunday service to honor our past and look toward our future. Yesterday, we shared our stories and our dreams. Today, we’ll “Shine a Light into the Mirror” of our past and our future as a church community. Reverend Dennis McCarty will try to close out a memorable weekend in a memorable way.

Saturday Sept 25, 2010 12:30 PM starts. Dinner 6 PM. Ten years ago, forward-looking members of UUCCI begin to vision what they wanted this church to be. Their hard work led to our beautiful building, our full-time minister, our wonderful growth – and so much more. Save the date: Sept. 25th, 2010 – we’ll throw a BIG party and look at the NEXT ten years.

Sunday Sept 19, 2010 10 AM Reverend Dennis McCarty will present the first of a series of sermons on “The Mighty Women of History.” Our first just has to be Mary, mother of Jesus--arguably the most influential woman who ever lived. But was Mary even a real person? And all that things that have been said about her over the centuries--do they really tell us about her, or mainly about ourselves?

Sunday Sept 12, 2010 10 AM We’ll celebrate summer’s end and the renewal of our church community with our annual “Gathering of the Waters.” For this very special form of Unitarian Universalist communion, we ask you to bring a small container of water from your summer’s travels. Symbolic water will also be available for anyone who doesn’t happen to have their own handy. For many people, this celebration is always one of our most meaningful gatherings. Reverend Dennis McCarty will preside.

Sunday Sept 5, 2010 10 AM Our topic will be “What’s a Church For, Anyway?” As a way of approaching this thought, Reverend Dennis McCarty will kick off our “UUCCI-Max Theatre” film-and-sermon series, by talking about M. Night Shayamalan’s classic 1999 thriller, “The Sixth Sense.” After all, isn’t religion a kind of “sixth sense?” What might church have to do with a little boy who “sees dead people?” This movie offers a surprising, though unintentional, insight.

Wednesday Sept 1 Movie Night 7 PM “The Sixth Sense" Rev. Dennis McCarty will present background information--interesting facts about each film and the people in front of and behind the cameras. Then we’ll sit back with our snacks and popcorn and watch it together. (If you’d like, you’re welcome to rent your own DVD and watch it at home. But of course, you miss out on a bit of the comradery.)

Sunday Aug 29, 2010 10 AM Philip Gulley, bestselling author and Quaker Pastor from Danville Indiana, will be the guest speaker. His sermon is titled "If the Church were Christian." Tim Grimm will be coordinating the music for that Sunday with Phil.

Sunday Aug 22, 2010 10 AM Juana Watson will discuss the connection between immigration and helping the people to become self-sufficient in their own communities in Mexico. Juana has traveled to Mexico with multiple humanitarian groups. She is working hard to bring as many humanitarian groups to the area as possible. Her goal is to bring groups that can teach skills to the people in Mexico. A current visiting group is teaching on how to make banana, pumpkin and other breads to sell. The IU School of Art is coming to Hidalgo sometime in the fall to teach on how to make pottery and to build an oven

Sunday Aug 15, 2010 10 AM The service will be "Reflections on World Peace" by Gene Maresca. Either you're for Peace or you're not, somebody recently said. Is it really that simple ? Gene sang Peter, Paul and Mary and Bob Dylan songs in college, then went to Viet Nam, so he has struggled with this from both sides, a struggle which continues to this day.

Sunday Aug 8, 2010 10 AM Reverend Dennis McCarty will ponder, “Is Science Reasonable?” On the 74th anniversary of the first atomic bomb test, it’s appropriate to ask, “What is science, anyway, and does it make our lives better or worse?” Is science really a reasonable, rational process, or does it simply empower the most destructive aspects of human nature? Can science and religion ever be reconciled? Join Rev. Dennis in tossing around these complex questions.

Sunday Aug 1, 2010 10 AM Reverend Dennis McCarty will lead the first of two midsummer services with “Covenants: Once More with Feeling.” Different religions use the term, “covenant,” to mean different things. Here at the Congregation of Columbus, we have our Behavioral Covenants, Covenant Groups, some committees have covenants as well, and our Seven Principles are expressed in covenantal terms. So what is all this “covenant” talk about--what do all these covenants have in common--and why should religious freethinkers be interested in covenants in the first place?

Sunday July 25, 2010 10 AM Larry Perkinson, a BCSC Employee and Student Assistance Director, has four daughters, Julie - an understanding wife, and two granddaughters. He started as a middle school English teacher in 1975. In 1996, he transitioned into the current teaching position which allows him to work with students, families, and the community to develop an understanding of obstacles related to student learning, relationships, and safety and to seek opportunities to enhance supports in those areas. He also coached girls track for 10 years and wrestling for 30. He and his family attend the Azalia Friends Church.

Larry will give a program titled: “Michelangelo, Tomato Soup and a Coke.” He will tell us about all the great things young people in our community are doing, as well as the challenges that young people face in the world today.

Sunday July 18, 2010 10 AM Sermon title: “An Unlikely Journey” In 1995 Tom Hinshaw, the owner of HRC Roofing and Sheet Metal Co., began a journey of theological study that led to a degree in theology from Oxford University in 2000. He will describe this unlikely journey.

Sunday July 11, 2010 10 AM David Ketchum, Director of Mission Resource International (headquartered here in Columbus) will be our guest speaker. The title of his sermon will be “When Helping Hurts.” David will be discussing how Americans often provide monetary relief to 3rd world countries when the real answer to helping citizens in developing countries is to assist them in developing their own businesses and/or helping them with the transition into development. Mission Resource sees this model as a much better way to help those we want to help determine for themselves what their needs are, etc.. Mission Resource International uses a micro-finance model for their ministry, offering no-interest loans (and the assistance of business mentors) to worthy recipients in 3rd world countries

Sunday July 4, 2010 10 AM The Declaration of Independence is one of the most inspired political documents ever written. Today we’ll observe Independence Day by examining its main author, Thomas Jefferson. The question is, “Was Thomas Jefferson a Saint or a Criminal?”

Reverend Dennis McCarty will examine the life--and religious implications--of one of America’s most thoughtful, brilliant, and complex founders and Presidents.

Sunday June 27, 2010 10 AM Adam Smith’s Other Theory Amoret Heise will present some ideas from Adam Smith’s major work, The Theory of Moral Sentiments, as well as how his ideas about economics need to be understood in the context of his moral philosophy and how that philosophy might be related to modern capitalism.

Sunday June 20, 2010 10 AM Our speaker Angie Huebel, United Way Director Volunteer Action, presents "Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones." It is our choice whether to allow the events in our life to be stumbling blocks or stepping stones. There is only so much in life that we can honestly control, however, we can control how we react or what we do as a result of life's events.

Sunday June 13, 2010 10 AM

Reverend Dennis McCarty will ask, "What Do We Do about Arizona?" Arizona's Senate Bill 1070, which aims to "reduce the number of unauthorized immigrants through attrition," has been controversial throughout the United States and particularly within the Unitarian Universalist Association. This month, our annual General Assembly will vote on whether to move our 2012 G.A. out of Phoenix, as a protest. (At a cost of approximately $500,000 in hotel guarantees.) This controversy highlights the role of conscience, democracy, faith, and justice within our movement and our nation. Rev. Dennis will examine the issues.

12 PM SPECIAL BROWN BAG WITH THE MINISTER

Were you involved in a Chalice Circle this year? If not, are you wondering what all the talk’s about? Do you have reflections, questions, or suggestions on what you liked/didn’t like, or how Chalice Circles could work better? The last Brown Bag with the Minister before summer will take place after Coffee Hour on Sunday, June 13. This time, we will have a set topic: Chalice Circles. It’ll be a chance to review what worked and also brainstorm ideas to keep the program fresh and rewarding. Do join us

Sunday June 6, 2010 10 AM Reverend Dennis McCarty will preach our annual UUCCI Auction service topic, selected by this year's high bidder, Brian Beach. Brian writes: "There are women in government, on the Supreme Court, and running Fortune 500 companies. [We have a tendency to think,] in the U.S., that the battle for women's rights has been won. But discrimination is still out there. . . . I keep being surprised at the obstacles that women face, even here in the United States, and even in a forward thinking place like Silicon Valley." Join us June 6, for "A Religious Look at the Glass Ceiling."

Sunday May 30, 2010 10 AM We’ll observe Memorial Day Weekend by looking at “Final Plans and Final Gifts.” Facing our own mortality is a challenge on multiple levels. Death is an intimidating fact of life, which provokes strong, mixed reactions from about everybody. But the “good death” doesn’t just happen. It asks us to face facts and recognize our final opportunity to take care of ourselves AND the loved ones we care about. Reverend Dennis McCarty will share his thoughts about the challenge and opportunity of final plans.

12 PM BROWNBAG WITH THE MINISTER

After Coffee Hour join Rev. Dennis and other UUCCI’ites, for enlightened conversation on an unpredictable plethora of topics. Bring a drink, a sandwich, or just your comments, questions, opinions, and answers.

Sunday May 23, 2010 10 AM "Laissez les bon temps roulez! The Youth Group and adult volunteers recently returned from their Spring Break service trip to New Orleans and would like to share their stories. Come this Sunday to hear their reflections on Katrina relief work, see their photos, and listen to some live New Orleans-style jazz music."

Sunday May 16, 2010 10 AM Can Money Really Buy Happiness?” Religion and money have had an uneasy relationship for eons. Is money a good thing or a bad thing? How do we balance our physical needs and desires with our spiritual ideals? These are ancient questions addressed by many religious thinkers over the ages. This Sunday, Reverend Dennis McCarty will add his thoughts to the mix.

Sunday May 9, 2010 10 AM We'll celebrate Mother's Day by talking about "The Mother of the Nation." "Mother of the Nation" was actually a Roman term, sometimes applied to the particularly influential wife of a particularly great Emperor. (The most famous example was Livia, wife of Emperor Augustus Caesar.) We're a great nation, but supposedly a nation of equals--so we have great mothers on multiple levels. Reverend Dennis McCarty will lead this service of celebration and appreciation.

Sunday May 2, 2010 10 AM Reverend Dennis McCarty will ask, "What is Universalism and Why Is it Still Important?" Ever since the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church in America joined forces in 1961, a lot of people have just called us "Unitarians." That's a mistake. Let's take a look at the rich history of the Universalist side of our tradition, and what it still means to our every day religious journey.

12 PM BROWNBAG WITH THE MINISTER

Sunday Apr 25, 2010 10 AM The Green Sanctuary Committee presents: The Ripple Effect: Affecting Positive Change. An Intergenerational service honoring the Earth. There will be singing, poetry, and activities which help us all remember our commitment to the environment and how we can personally, and as a congregation, make a positive impact. After the service a sustainable meal will be served and the Green Sanctuary Committee will show "No Impact Man" an award winning documentary meant to inspire and educate. The movie showing will take place in the Elsie Weekly room.

Sunday Apr 18, 2010 10 AM Reverend Dennis McCarty will ask the always-relevant question, “What Is Race?” Quick question: Is Barack Obama really America’s first black President? What is it, exactly, that makes him “black?” Or whites “white?” Or anybody anybody? If it’s just a person's ancestry, then why can’t we just as easily say Barack Obama is white? This Sunday, we’ll re-visit the oft-discussed, oft-distorted difference between racial rhetoric--versus the truly elusive genetic and social realities.

12 PM BROWNBAG WITH THE MINISTER

Sunday Apr 11, 2010 10 AM We’ll continue our “Brief History” series of sermons with “A Brief History of Hell.” Religious concepts change over time--even ones that are supposedly eternal. Ideas of Satan, Original Sin, even God “him”self, have evolved over time. The popular concept of Hell has, too. Reverend Dennis McCarty will look at the way different cultures have pictured the afterlife and eternal punishment. We might not gain new insight into ultimate reality--but will certainly take an interesting look at human nature.

12 PM BROWNBAG WITH THE MINISTER

Sunday Apr 4, 2010 10 AM We’ll observe Easter by asking, “What Is the Saving Message of Unitarian Universalism?” Unitarian Universalists don’t have a single creed, God-concept, or view of the afterlife. We don’t pretend to hand down unassailable wisdom from some higher sphere. So what is it that keeps us coming back? Reverend Dennis McCarty will look for universals among the particulars of our religious outlook.

This will be a very special Sunday with surprises where you find them: before, during, and after the service.

Sunday Mar 28, 2010 10 AM Over the past generation, the Hospice Movement has provided compassion and guidance in dealing with end-of-life issues. The principle behind Hospice is to accept nature's course, while providing a person with comfort care, dignity, and love during their final months. This Sunday, Sandy McCoy a retired Hospice R.N. of Hospice of South Central Indiana, will speak on these issues and what they mean. Sandy was employed with Hospice of South Central Indiana, Inc. for 25 years.

Sunday Mar 21, 2010 10 AM We’ll examine “What’s Holy about God?” One of the most important sections of the Torah--the books of the Bible that lay down Jewish Law--is what scholars sometimes call, “The Holiness Code.” Reverend Dennis McCarty will take a look on what ancient Hebrew priests were trying to get at when they wrote “The Holiness Code.” What does the word, “holy,” mean, anyway? How can it inform our religious life together?

12 PM BROWNBAG WITH THE MINISTER

Sunday Mar 14, 2010 10 AM We’ll ask these theological questions: “What’s a Moral Agent? Are You One?” Through the centuries, most religious traditions have assumed that human beings have free will: that is, the power to choose our behavior. But do we, really? Is there any way to prove it, one way or the other? What does it mean to our religious journeys if we do? Or don’t? Reverend Dennis McCarty will toss around these thorny religious questions and look for answers.

12 PM BROWNBAG WITH THE MINISTER

Tuesday Mar 9, 2010 5 PM A memorial service led by Reverend Dennis McCarty celebrating the life of Rob Johnson will be held in the sanctuary . Visitation will be at the church from 4 to 5 prior to the service.

Sunday Mar 7, 2010 10 AM Our service topic will be, “Did Charles Darwin Cause the Holocaust?” One claim making the rounds these days, is that attitudes inherent to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution--particularly what’s called “social Darwinism,”--provided the intellectual foundation for Nazi Germany’s mass killings of Jews in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Reverend Dennis McCarty will hold up science and anti-Semitism, and look for relationships.

Friday Mar 5, 2010 7 PM . To help members, friends, and family begin to cope with the sudden loss Wednesday of member Robert Johnson, we will open our Sanctuary at 7:00 PM Friday, March 5, for any and all who care to gather in religious community, reflect, and pray. This resource is meant to be available to all who might find it helpful.

Sunday Feb 28, 2010 10 AM Dr. Barbara Hosein asks, “What is the Color of Health and Wholeness?” As our national leaders debate health care reform, the Unitarian Universalist position is clear: equitable access to affordable, quality healthcare. What isn't so clear is how to contain health care costs and what is meant by “health.” Many congregations have become environmentally conscious Green Sanctuaries; now let us consider what it would take to become a Sanctuary of Health and Wholeness. Our guest speaker, Dr. Barbara Hosein, is a biochemist, community organizer and former Worship Associate at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis.

Sunday Feb 21, 2010 10 AM We’ll celebrate Presidents’ Day by asking, “How Religious Was George Washington?” We hear a great deal about the faith of our so-called “founding fathers.” But what lies behind all the various factions’ claims of faith or skepticism? Reverend Dennis McCarty will examine the religious attitudes of George Washington, the reluctant revolutionary who was arguably the most influential of them all. During this service, we’ll also honor our newest members.

12 PM BROWNBAG WITH THE MINISTER RETURNS Our “Brownbag with the Minister” series of discussions will resume on Sunday, February 21, at Noon (or thereabouts.) Bring a sandwich to munch, coffee or a soda to drink--or just your appetite for intimate, enlightened discussion. Discussion topics range from the morning’s sermon, to just about anything folks want to bring up. (And it’s an excellent chance to get some in-close time with Rev. Dennis.)

Sunday Feb 14, 2010 10 AM Reverend Dennis McCarty will present “A Brief History of Love and Marriage.” Weddings have become an industry in which serious cash gets thrown around. Divorce is an issue and has been for a couple of generations. We hear a lot of rhetoric nowadays about “traditional marriage” and that “marriage is between a man and a woman.” But was it always thus? Reverend Dennis will look at a history of intimate relationships and try to sort out the ageless standards--if there are any.

Sunday Feb 7, 2010 10 AM AM “Three Sage Women Talk about Life & Lessons of Four Generations Ago" With the speed of life today, we are now experiencing “generation gaps” even within a single generation. This Sunday, we want to go back in life. The life we left behind for the “better life” that we have today. Let's take a moment to value those who brought us what we have today?
Mary Glasson, Frances Gabbard and Lisette Miller will take us back and then bring us forward to recognize what we have today, and maybe where we might want to tweak our forward direction a bit. We have a children’s message that hopefully will open their minds to what they may have never “seen,” and isn’t as emphasized these days, our collective family past from those who actually lived it.

Sunday Jan 31, 2010 10 AM Our member Sharon Mangas presents her spiritual journey.

Sunday Jan 24, 2010 10 AM Reverend Dennis McCarty will take “A Religious Look at the Beatles.” When they first broke onto the scene in the early 1960’s, the “Fab Four” were seen as “the lovable mop-tops,” personable young men more remarkable for their hairstyle than for their creativity. They went on to become one of the most innovative bands of the rock ‘n’ roll era. Can we mine their personal and professional history for religious lessons? Of course we can.

7:30 PM Popcorn Theology Viewing We’ll watch our sixth movie Final Destination.

Rev Dennis D McCarty in Transylvania 2006

Sunday Jan 17, 2010 10 AM Reverend Dennis McCarty will continue his “Brief History” series with “A Brief History of Dracula.” Vampires are back in popular culture as angst-filled lovers, full of throbbing emotion and too physically gorgeous for words. This is a far cry from the brooding monster of the Bram Stoker novel. What does this process tell us about human nature and culture? What’s more, what does the original Dracula have to do with historical Unitarianism itself.

1 PM Popcorn Theology Discussion Inspired by our fifth movie The Butterfly Effect.

Sunday Jan 10, 2010 10 AM We’ll explore, “What Is a Welcoming Congregation?” It’s been so long since our Congregation did a series of workshops and voted unanimously to become a Welcoming Congregation--welcoming and affirming Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender members of church and society--nearly half our current members were not yet here when it all happened. Reverend Dennis McCarty will explain why this process was important, and what it means to our continuing religious journey together.

7:30 PM Popcorn Theology Viewing We’ll watch The Butterfly Effect. Our discussion, will be held Jan 17 at 1:00 PM

Sunday Jan 3, 2010 10 AM - We’ll kick off the new year by pondering the faith of one of our Republic’s “founding fathers” in “How Religious was Benjamin Franklin?” One of the most brilliant figures of his age, Franklin has been claimed as an ally by both sides in the debate over church/state separation. Yet as is generally the case, the reality is more complex than simple pro/con rhetoric. Reverend Dennis McCarty will explore some of the religious currents of the early United States.

1 PM Popcorn Theology Discussion Inspired by our fourth movie Monty Python’s The Life of Brian we will talk about “leadership and the people we choose to follow.”

Sunday Dec 27, 2009 10 AM Susie Sawin-Johnson a member of our congregation discusses "Keeping Hill." It seems like a simple idea --- we make a neighborhood where we have lots of opportunity to spend time with neighbors in well-designed common spaces and land, balance it with private homes and spaces, and shared values and purpose. We will discuss the joys and challenges (so far) of seeking to establish a co-housing community --- "Keeping Hill."

December 24, 7:00 PM We’ll hold our annual Christmas Eve candlelight service. Come join us for warmth, spirituality, hymns, carols, and fellowship, as we honor the highest holiday of the Christian calendar. Rev. Dennis McCarty will lead the festivities.

Sunday Dec 20, 2009 10 AM Rev. Dennis McCarty will deliver “A Brief History of Yule.” Every faith celebrates a winter solstice holiday--and faiths always have. On this day we’ll examine the holiday from a Nature-based viewpoint and take a look at nature-based spiritual rituals that were ancient even when Rome ruled the known world. Join us for this festive occasion.

7:00 PM Popcorn Theology Viewing We’ll watch Monty Python’s The Life of Brian. Our discussion, will be held Jan 3 at 1:00 PM

Sunday Dec 13, 2009 10 AM We will ask the religious question, “Do You Have Faith? (I Bet You Do.)” If “faith” is a kind of supernatural believe in a magical white man in the sky with a long beard, who speaks Elizabethan English and has a bad temper, then it’s probably safe to say, few Unitarian Universalists have any. But what if faith is something else? Rev. Dennis McCarty will look at different forms of faith and explain why it’s essential not just for religion, but for life itself.

1:00 PM Popcorn Theology Discussion The departure point will be inspired by our third movie Pink Floyd’s The Wall We will talk about “how life experience can open us up to intimacy or build walls to keep us isolated.”

Sunday Dec 6, 2009 10 AM Rev. Dennis McCarty will share “Thoughts on High-Flying Women.” With the impending release of the new movie about aviatrix Amelia Earhart, people will once more be talking about this legendary figure. But Amelia Earhart wasn’t the first amazing woman to step into a plane, nor was she the only woman flyer to inspire gossip. Rev. Dennis will take a look at the history--and challenges--of women who have dared to venture into supposedly male-dominated fields. Fittingly, southern Indiana jazz legend Janiece Jaffe will favor us with very special music.

7:00 PM Popcorn Theology Viewing We’ll watch Pink Floyd’s The Wall. The discussion, will be held the following Sunday at 1:00 PM

Thursday Dec 3, 2009 7:45 PM Popcorn Theology Discussion The current topic is “Identity and Intimacy." Our departure point will be inspired by our second movie Dogma. We’ll be considering such concepts as destiny, what we’re meant to accomplish in our lives, and how our talents might be able to do it.

Sunday Nov 29, 2009 10 AM Intergenerational Service: Our youth will lead the congregation in our Sunday worship service entitled “Remembering and Expressing Our Gratitude”. Through readings, music, and skits, they will help us recognize simple parts of nature and our world, as well as our rights and responsibilities for which we sometimes forget to be thankful. We will explore how our thankfulness can guide us in taking meaningful action to care for ourselves, our planet and all living creatures.

Sunday Nov 22, 2009 10 AM We will take “A Religious Look at Health Care.” At times, the job of a church and minister, is to comment on the great issues of the day. One of the most divisive debates of our time, is prospective legislation on health insurance and health care. Rev. Dennis McCarty will try to get past the political posturing and look at the hard facts--and attempt to make sense of them. Is there a place for all opinions? How do we respond when the rhetoric of the day lends so much more heat than light to the debate?

Popcorn Theology Movie Night 7pm Popcorn Theology for Mature Audiences is a new Religious Education curriculum for adults. It’s based on a simple concept: together, we watch a movie that shows a particular take on a religious theme. Then, with that as the theme, we have a religious discussion, led by Rev. Dennis McCarty We’ll watch Dogma in preparation for the following Sunday’s “Popcorn Theology” class. Showings will be in the Sanctuary, which means no popcorn. But we can enjoy tea and cookies and lively conversation afterward.

Sunday Nov 15, 2009 10 AM Rev. Dennis McCarty will share “Thoughts on Spiritual Discipline.” What benefits do we derive from our modern “consumer society?” What are the costs? What do the pressures, assumptions, and rewards mean to us as religious beings? Finally--what is spiritual discipline? Does it even have a place in modern society or in our freewheeling religious tradition? Rev. Dennis believes it does, but perhaps not in the way you think.

Popcorn Theology Class 1 PM The topic for November is “Identity and Intimacy." The departure point for our discussion will be inspired by last Sunday's movie The Breakfast Club

Sunday Nov 8, 2009 10 AM The Brief History series continues with: “A Brief History of the Tuskegee Airmen.” During the Second World War, racial segregation was the law of the land--including the United States military. African Americans were considered incapable of military discipline or operating complex machinery. So how did a group of African Americans become one of the most remarkable fighter squadrons of the whole war? What lessons apply to modern-day Americans? Rev. Dennis McCarty will observe Veterans day by examining these questions.

Popcorn Theology Movie Night 7pm Popcorn Theology for Mature Audiences is a new Religious Education curriculum for adults. It’s based on a simple concept: together, we watch a movie that shows a particular take on a religious theme. Then, with that as the theme, we have a religious discussion, led by Rev. Dennis McCarty. We’ll watch The Breakfast Club, in preparation for the following Sunday’s “Popcorn Theology” class. Showings will be in the Sanctuary, which means no popcorn. But we can enjoy tea and cookies and lively conversation afterward.

Sunday Nov 1, 2009 10 AM Rev. Dennis McCarty and UUCCI member B Watt Jorck will share “Two Views of John Calvin.” Unitarian Universalists often have mixed feelings about Calvinism. But in many ways, we’re directly descended from English Calvinists--the Puritans. And for that matter, what Calvinists believed, was not necessarily precisely what Calvin himself taught. B and Rev. Dennis will give present two slightly divergent views of this complex man and his complex theology.

Sunday Oct 25, 2009 10 AM Our “Brief History” sermon series will continue with “A Brief History of the Inquisition.” The Inquisition, in which religious authorities investigated and punished religious dissidents, lasted for hundreds of years and didn’t just take place in Spain. Rev. Dennis McCarty will take a careful look at this violent piece of religious history, and how it might inform our religious practice in our own day.

12 PM SPECIAL BROWN BAG TO TALK ABOUT CARING COMMITTEE
Our Caring Committee wants feedback on how they’re doing. Are you getting everything you need from our Caring Committee? Is there more they could do for you? Is there more you could do for them? Drop into the church library after Coffee Hour on the 25th and we’ll share about caring.

Sunday Oct 18, 2009 10 AM Rev. Dennis McCarty will once again ask, “Where is Your Faith?” Unitarian Universalists are all over the map, not just with our religious beliefs, but also with our attitudes on how to live those beliefs in the world. In this service, we will have the Sanctuary divided into different areas for different beliefs and attitudes. You’ll have a chance to “vote with your feed” not only on your specific belief--but also, to get a look at where everyone else stands (or sits,) as well. Be prepared to move around a bit and have a good, but thoughtful, time.

Sunday Oct 11, 2009 10 AM In honor of October's "National Family Sexuality Education Month " Christina Bailey, sexuality educator and co-leader of the "Get Real Indiana Coalition", will present: "Get Real Indiana! Why the Lives of Our Hoosier Youth Are At Risk". She will talk about UUCCI's "Our Whole Lives" (OWL) sexuality education classes for youth and adults, the importance of an Abstinence-Plus (A+)curriculum in schools, and the community and congregation's role in providing comprehensive and compassionate sexuality education to our youth.

Sunday Oct 4, 2009 10 AM We will mark the Columbus-based holiday of Reconciliation Day with “Who Was Francis David and Why Should We Care?” Rev. Dennis McCarty will look at the tumultuous career of this 16th century founder of Transylvanian Unitarianism and tie it to events in our own place and time. See more on Reconciliation Day in your October Newsletter. This month’s Special Collection will go to Planned Parenthood.

12 PM Brown Bag with the Minister Once more, you are invited to join Rev. Dennis McCarty in our church library for informal discussions after Coffee Hour. Bring a drink, munchies, a sandwich, or just your appetite for enlightened conversation. Topics can range from Covenants to Sacraments to Parliaments.

Sunday Sept 27, 2009 10 AM David Johnson-Bey is a native of Columbus and present "Be Yourself" his experiences growing up here as a Moorish-American and his extensive community and political involvement. He is a practicing Moslem and is active in the Moorish Science Temple of America, Inc. branch in Hope, Indiana. Mr. Johnson-Bey will share thoughts on his faith as well.

Sunday Sept 20, 2009 10 AM Reverend Dennis McCarty will preach ten “Brief History” sermons this year, beginning with “A Brief History of Leprosy.” From the dawn of written history, people have regarded the disfiguring disease of leprosy with concern verging on hysteria. Long passages of Hebrew Law are devoted to describing it and prescribing how it should be treated. Jesus of Nazareth gained part of his reputation by curing lepers. But leprosy is also one of history’s most misunderstood diseases. Ignorance has played a huge part in the lore that surrounds it. Rev. Dennis will take a look at some of the paradoxes.

Sunday Sept 13, 2009 10 AM We’ll regroup as a religious community with our annual “Water Service.” This service, in which we bring water gathered from our various travels--or symbolic water, just to remind us, is an annual ritual. There will be words, music, laughter, and perhaps even a few tears of memory as we re-connect with one another as religious beings. Reverend Dennis McCarty will preside.

Sunday Sept 6, 2009 10 AM The day before Labor Day, our topic will be “Working with Head, Hands, and Heart.” When you’re getting to know someone, one of the first questions you’ll hear is, “What do you do?” It’s human nature to judge someone by the work they do. When we do that, though, are we bigoted toward some fields of employment? And if we are, who do we hurt in the long run? Reverend Dennis McCarty will take a soul-searching look. This month’s Special Collection will be for the Unitarian Universalist Association’s “Association Sunday” program.

Sunday Aug 30, 2009 10 AM Reverend Dennis McCarty will preach "On Covenants and Groups and Covenant Groups." Sociological experiments show, group dynamics are highly predictable--some for better, some for worse. That's why our church has behavioral covenants, for one thing. Rev. Dennis will examine group dynamics from both a theological and social perspective, and tie it in with the coming church year's Chalice Circle (Covenant Group) program.

Sunday Aug 23, 2009 10 AM Long time member, Liz Nolan-Greven, will explore her spiritual journey a year after the crystallizing experience of her father's death. She will share reflections of his influence on her journey, as well as that of the Sisters of Providence, various musicians, and Winnie the Pooh.

Sunday Aug 16, 2009 10 AM "Sunday Service Service" - The Sunday Service Committee will present a service on what they are trying to accomplish in a service, components of services, how they choose speakers and coordinate services and related issues.

Sunday Aug 9, 2009 10 AM Dr. Joe G. Emerson served as Sr. Minister at First United Methodist Church from 1972-1984 and taught in Religion Department at IUPUC for twenty years. His most recent book is, "Prayers From the Mind and Heart." Rev Emerson will present "Navigating Between Scylla and Charybdis" which will explore how we manage to avoid the twin tragedies of "indifference" and "fanaticism".

Sunday Aug 2, 2009 10 AM Rev. Andy Burnette will present "The Possibility of Forgiveness." Amish did it in astonishing fashion in Pennsylvania in 2006, forgiving a man for killing their children. But what does forgiveness look like in a movement like Unitarian Universalism? Warning: This sermon contains the ‘s’ word (not that one!).

Sunday July 26, 2009 10 AM Reverend Dennis McCarty the Choir, and guests will lead our annual Midsummer Music Service: “A Little (Spiritual) Travelin’ Music.” We will feature numbers from the spiritual journey of Michael Servetus, otherwise known as Servetus: a Radical Reformed Musical, and other music written before and during Rev. Dennis' recent Sabbatical.

Sunday July 19, 2009 10 AM Dr. Jay Howard, Interim Vice Chancellor and Dean of IUPUC, will speak about "Education: What Do We Want? How Do We Get There?" We Americans want our educational system to be all things to all people and solve the problems that individuals bring with them. But we must realize that there are limits to what our educational system can achieve. How can our educational system help our children achieve the American Dream?

Sunday July 12, 2009 10 AM In her presentation entitled "No Straight Lines" using a map of her own design as the guide, our UUCCI member Sharon Chandler will track the path of her own spiritual journey.

Sunday July 5, 2009 10 AM To celebrate and examine patriotism internationally, the congregation presents the program, "National Anthems and Poetry: A Musical and Poetic Journey from East to West." Pianist Ray Hass will perform medleys of national anthems from Indonesia, Israel, Russia, Poland, Germany, Wales, and Chile. He and his daughter Lissa Fischer will perform Mozart and patriotic music. Poems will include those by Palestine's Mahmoud Darwish, Nigeria's Wole Soyinka, Russia's Anna Akhmatova, Ireland's Seamus Heaney, Argentina's Jorge Luis Borges, Chile's Pablo Neruda, and the USA's Robert Lowell. Lloyd Spencer leads the service.

Sunday June 28 , 2009 10 AM “Recognition, Remembrance and Reflections of the Peace Corps” Two of our members, Steve Jasper and Michael Greven, will reflect on their experiences in the Peace Corps. Established in 1961 by President Kennedy and coming up on its fiftieth anniversary in 2011, this agency of the federal government has been devoted to world peace and friendship. It has fallen off of the front page news, but it is poised for major emphasis given its approaching fiftieth anniversary, President Obama’s call for community service- both at home and abroad, and the American’s standing and leadership in the world. An Obama Transition Team report on the Peace Corps is sitting on President Obama’s desk this very moment. Is it time again, fifty years later, to inspire a new generation of Americans to play a major role in world history?

Sunday June 21 , 2009 10 AM Reverend Dennis McCarty will take “A Theological Look at Cats.” Cats are the most common household pet in the world. They’re certainly not considered “man’s (or woman’s) best friend” but cats and humans have a ten-thousand year history of living together. What do we make of this? Rev. Dennis, a “cat person” for more than 50 years, will look at our fondness/hatred for these fascinating pets, and draw some conclusions for our religious lives together. On this last Sunday before General Assembly, we’ll also honor our new members.

Sunday June 14 , 2009 10 AM We’ll examine what our founding fathers really thought about separation of church and state. What were their attitudes--what does the Constitution really say (or not say) about state support of religion? It’s is a complex issue with a long and complex history. It’s sometimes been distorted, either intentionally or unintentionally, by those with the most to say about it. In “Thoughts on Church and State,” Reverend Dennis McCarty will outline some historical, theological, and legal background, and try to draw some conclusions.

12 PM BROWNBAG WITH THE MINISTER Come gather in the library after Coffee Hour for informal conversation with our minister, Reverend Dennis McCarty. You can bring a brownbag lunch or snack to munch on, a soda, or just your appetite for thoughtful discussion.

Sunday June 7 , 2009 10 AM Our topic will be “On Knights in Rusty Armor.” Medieval nobles loved tales of chivalry and would listen by the hour to accounts of King Arthur, the “Song of Roland,” the “Roman de la Rose,” and other noble stories and poems. Reading between the lines, though, the actual reality was a far cry from the shining image. Reverend Dennis McCarty will look at the contrast between what medieval nobles said and what they actually did--and try to draw some lessons for us in the present day.

Sunday May 31 , 2009 10 AM We’ll congratulate our graduating high school seniors and Reverend Dennis McCarty will preach about “The Iceberg, the Titanic, and the Nature of Evil.” Just a hundred years ago, the great ocean liner, Titanic, was under construction. Yet even as the keel was being laid, the lives of its future passengers were already at risk. Rev. Dennis will explore the “banality of evil” and lessons our graduating seniors (and the rest of us, as well,) might take from it as they go out into the world.

12 PM “BROWNBAG WITH THE MINISTER” If you’d like to join an informal discussion with the minister--on whatever topics anyone wants to bring up--drop into the library after Coffee Hour. Bring a brownbag lunch, a can of soda, or just your appetite for interesting conversation.

Sunday May 24, 2009 10 AM John E. Price, who has been a Unitarian Universalist for more than 27 years and is one of our members, will offer the results of his "Thinking About God." With reference to the Bible and the Koran, the history of religion, and his personal experience, Price strives to understand divinity and its relationship with humanity.

Sunday May 17 , 2009 10 AM Reverend Dennis McCarty will ruminate on “Why Evolution Matters.” In science, medicine, and philosophy, Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution--and its implications--are pretty much taken for granted. Only in religion, do they remain controversial. There are reasons for that. Even staunch fundamentalists shy away from the full religious implications of evolution. Rev. Dennis will explore the psychology of unspoken religious assumptions, how evolution conflicts with those assumptions, and what this all might mean to Unitarian Universalists today.

Sunday May 10 , 2009 10 AM For Mother’s Day, Reverend Dennis McCarty will ask the theological question, “Could God Be a Woman?” The religious roots of all three Western theistic religious traditions, lie in Ancient Near Eastern beliefs dating back nearly 5,000 years. How were those the same as present-day notions, and how were they different? Where did we get the idea that God was male? What does this history of ideas tell us about present-day religious attitudes?

Sunday May 3 , 2009 10 AM We’ll celebrate the completion of Reverend Dennis McCarty's Sabbatical and his return to the pulpit, with a “Welcome Home, Rev. Dennis” service. We’ll share music and warm feelings and Rev. Dennis will reflect on his travels, projects, and some of the insights he gained while he was away.

11:30 AM Celebration with music, food, a Maypole and dancing. Please plan to bring a dish to share and stay after the service to celebrate our Rev. Dennis McCarty's return from his sabbatical.

Sunday April 26 , 2009 10 AM Prof. Barbara Forrest discusses "Creationism's Current Strategies, 2008-2009" The intelligent design creationist movement that is headquartered at the Discovery Institute's Center for Science and Culture in Seattle presents the most serious threat to science education in the United States. Despite having its credibility shattered in the 2005 legal ruling in the case of Kitzmiller et al. v. Dover Area School District, the ID movement continues aggressively to attack state science standards and to promote state legislation that seeks to undermine the teaching of evolution in public schools. Texas and Louisiana are the most prominent examples of the damage that this movement stands to do if they succeed. Gordon Bonham will provide special music.

11:15 AM Coffee Fellowship and light lunch

12:00 PM Presentation:"Slam Dunk for Science and the Constitution: Kitzmiller et al. v. Dover Area School District" Despite the fact that, by early 2004, the claims of intelligent design (ID) creationists had been thoroughly debunked by scientists and philosophers, the Dover, Pennsylvania, school board decided in fall of that year that biology students at Dover High School should be taught that intelligent design is a scientific alternative to evolution. In order to protect their children's education, eleven parents subsequently filed the first lawsuit in the United States involving intelligent design. The "Dover trial" became the focus of international attention in fall 2005 when the six expert witnesses for the plaintiffs presented evidence in court that ID is nothing more than rehashed creationism. Judge John E. Jones III agreed and on December 20, 2005, ruled that ID could not legally be taught as science in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Both science and the Constitution were the winners.

Sunday April 19 , 2009 10 AM Rev. Andy Burnette : “Untaming the Samaritan” You’ve likely heard the parable of the Good Samaritan. But we’ll talk about this story as it was intended to be heard. It could have gotten Jesus killed or banished to the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Nazareth.

Our own UU choir will be providing the special music.

Sunday April 12 , 2009 10 AM What does it mean to see ourselves as belonging to the Creation? What can we learn from the Sabbath? These are among the questions that Scott Russell Sanders, Author, IU Professor, will consider, as he draws on his newly-published book, "A Conservationist’s Manifesto.“ to explore some of the religious grounds for an ethic of ecological stewardship.

Special Music by Bloomington musicians Dan and Beth Lodge-Rigal.

11:30 - 12:30 PM The Green Sanctuary Committee will host an after-service super salad / quiche "Spring Lunch" to help fund green initiatives at UUCCI.

12:30 - 2 PM After lunch, Scott Russell Sanders will facilitate a "Conversation with Scott" in the sanctuary for those who can stay and further discuss these compelling topics

Sunday April 5 , 2009 10 AM Rev. Dr. Brent A. Smith, Minister, All Souls, Grand Rapids, MI, presenting “A Community of Strangers” Our Unitarian Universalist faith tradition is covenantal, in that the bond that holds us together in community is not creedal, a declaration of common theological belief, but agreement, a promise we consent to give to and receive from one another. Thus, our “congregations” aim to be a group not of like minded individuals, but “like-hearted” ones. This understanding of “community forming power” is old and timeless, and, for example, played itself out as one of the central disagreements between North and South in our country’s Civil War; and represented different concepts of “nation” held by Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln. This morning we will look to the events of our country’s history to understand who we are and what we represent as liberal religionists and Unitarian Universalists.

Sunday March 29, 2009 10AM To begin the annual canvass kickoff, the canvass committee and UU choir present a program including FILK music—shameless UU parodies of various songs, sacred and profane. Also, they will perform "Seasons of Love" from the musical "Rent". Canvass committee chair Terry Marbach will speak on the congregational obligations of stewardship.

Sunday March 22, 2009 10 AM Andrew Hires Ph.D. will speak on the topic "The Neurobiology of Free Will : What modern neuroscience does and does not tell us about our ability to make moral choices." Many of the debates of philosophy, ethics and religious teaching in recorded history are profoundly influenced by the answer to the question, "Do we have free will?" Although we all perceive our actions as being selected by conscious decisions, many scholars insist that the perception of free will is an illusion. If so, a major underpinning of our ethical system may be a false assumption. As modern neuroscience reaches deeper into the working of the brain and the mind, can this paradox be resolved using science? We will explore a series of questions relating to the nature of consciousness and free will. What is the organizational structure of the brain, and how does this structure guide decision-making? Is there a single brain region that is responsible for conscious choice or is it possible to be of "two-minds" about a decision? Is there a physical correlate of free will and can we measure it? Can modern technology predict our choices before we make them? Experimental evidence will be presented addressing each of these. Finally, we will consider how understanding the physical mechanisms of brain activity and decision making may impact ethical standards.

Special music will be two songs from classically trained opera soprano Christina Fernandez.

Sunday March 15, 2009 10 AM Rev. Andy Burnette will speak on The Problem with the Principle: Why "The Worth and Dignity of Every Person" Isn't Enough. Our first principle states that we as Unitarian Universalists work to affirm and promote the worth and dignity of every person. But this principle has some serious pitfalls. We'll consider them and think about possible correctives.

Sunday March 8, 2009 10 AM Rev. Bruce Russell-Jayne, Minister, Northern Hills Fellowship, a UU church in Springfield Township, Ohio, will present a sermon on Saint? Helen Keller - The story of Helen Keller’s early life is familiar to every school child, and she is an icon of personal courage. We remember her work to help the blind, but her other pursuits got her into trouble and are not often included in her life story. A more complete version is needed to counter a conservative distortion of this progressive woman’s history.

Sunday March 1, 2009 10 AM Mandar Deo, who hails from Pune, India, is a student of Sanskrit and Hindu scriptures and has a degree in Sanskrit, will give the talk “Hinduism—As a Hindu Understands It.” Deo’s talk will cover the definition of a Hindu, history and scriptures, philosophy and practice, concept of god and rituals, idol worship and castes, and contributions of Hinduism to the world. Singer Sonal Kulkarni will perform special music along with Amit Baddi on tabla and Narendra Dange on flute.

Sunday February 22, 2009 10 AM Ms. Esther Hurlburt, UU Community Minister, Lexington, KY, (issues of aging) “ Creating a Culture of Care“ With out a doubt, the overall membership of our churches is “graying.” Life within our churches, individual families and the greater community has changed throughout recent years. Outreach and care for the aged is of growing concern. Esther brings 15 years of experience as a geriatric and disability care manager into her community ministry. Of great concern to her are the pain, confusion and stress that occur in the life of a family during aging and disability. Some distress is the result of poor planning or the lack of knowledge; but the more troublesome pain is the spiritual and emotional pain around family relationships themselves. Esther believes the Church is an excellent venue to teach congregations and families the art of care giving. Her program teaches congregations how to cope with these difficult transitions using Unitarian Universalist theology as well as pragmatic “how-to” functions.

11:30 AM The UUCCI Caring and Sabbatical Committees will host a Souper Sunday Lunch after service

1 PM We will have a 2 hour workshop with Rev. Hurlburt entitled "As We Age." Rev. Hurlburt has many years experience in aging and eldercare work as a community minister and she will help us discuss and learn some very important aspects of creating a more caring community. This is a public and free event. Groups from outside UUCCI are invited to attend. Please encourage people to come and plan to stay yourselves. This promises to be an interesting and important workshop!! Flyers are available from the church office.

Saturday February 21, 2009 7:30 PM Robert Hay-Smith presents Jazz Avenue's "Another Evening of Great Music." With Monika Herzig, Ken Yasui, Tom Roznowski, and Peter Kienle.

Sunday February 15, 2009 10 AM Rev. Andy Burnette, Minister, Danville, Indiana, UU Church presents "A Theology of Groundhog Day." There’s more to this early February holiday than fat rodents and overdressed weathermen. We’ll discuss the details, and what this holiday might have to teach us.

Sunday February 8, 2009 10 AM A presentation by Elsie Rotich who is the community outreach coordinator for the Indiana-Kenya Partnership, a program of the Indiana University School of Medicine and the Moi University School of Medicine in Eldoret, Kenya that has grown to be one of Africa's largest and most comprehensive HIV/AIDS control and anti-poverty programs. On behalf of the Indiana-Kenya Partnership, also known as USAID-AMPATH, Elsie is the director of U.S. marketing and distribution for Imani Workshops, a fair-trade certified enterprise producing high-quality goods produced by HIV-positive artisans in Kenya, that will be offered for sale following the service.

A special collection taken during the service will benefit the organization's objectives.

Sunday Feb 1, 2009 9AM Forum in Elsie Weekly room to discuss any Sabbatical questions.

10 AM Singer/songwriter Tim Grimm & Jan Lucas-Grimm will present a musical program, "Songs and Stories of the Seasons," inspired by the nature writings of Indiana author Rachel Peden. Rachel Peden graduated from I.U. in 1923. She is a charter member of the Monroe County Hall of Fame. She had a scientific knowledge of the land as well as a reverence for it, born of living on it and her experience as a farm wife, as she called herself.

Sunday, January 25, 2009 10 AM Michael Waskom's topic will be "A Fundamental Change". Michael, a relatively new member of the Columbus UU congregation, will share his personal spiritual journey from a fundamentalist Christian faith to Unitarian Universalist after reconciling with his sexual orientation as a gay man.

Sunday, January 18, 2009 10 AM Rev. Andy Burnette, minister at the Danville, Indiana, UU Church, will continue our "Heretic of the Month" series with a sermon on modern-day heretic, John Shelby Spong. Spong is Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark and is both beloved and condemned for his strong advocacy on such issues as racial integration, gay rights, and enlightened Biblical scholarship. On good terms with Unitarian Universalists, Spong has even been a keynote speaker at UU General Assembly.

Sunday, January 11, 2009 10 AM Michael L. “Mikey” Weinstein, founder and president of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, will speak on “The Internal National Security Threat of Unconstitutional Christian Fundamentalists in Our U.S. Military.” At 2:00 p.m.Weinstein will continue the topic.

2:00 PM Mr. Weinstein will present a full-length lecture on the threat against religious freedom in the United States armed forces with a question-and-answer period to follow. The public is invited and refreshments will be served.

Members and friends planning to attend the 10:00 service or the 2:00 lecture by Military Religious Freedom Foundation President Michael Weinstein, should be take into account the fact that Mr. Weinstein is a controversial figure. While the Sabbatical Committee does not particularly expect trouble, they have elected to err on the side of safety, anticipating any possible disruption. Law enforcement will be present at both Mr. Weinstein’s appearances. It is each individual member’s decision whether to attend, and particularly, whether to bring guests or children.

Sunday, January 4, 2009 10 AM - Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer will deliver the sermon entitled "A Greater Loyalty." As the New Year begins talk will inevitably turn to resolutions. Many approach the arrival of January as a chance to begin again. But in truth, every day brings with it that chance. This morning, inspired by the Book of Ruth, we will consider together the power of choosing and the wisdom in practicing loyalty to the ways in which we are called.

Sunday, Dec 28, 2008 10 AM We will hold a service titled, “Refit, Repair, and Renewal.” Reverend Dennis McCarty will depart on Sabbatical after this service, and will be gone until the beginning of May. For this Sabbatical Farewell, we will share music, reflections, hopes, challenges, and maybe a gift or two. Rev. Andy Burnette, will also join us for this service. For more details on the Sabbatical, follow the “Latest Sabbatical News” articles in this Newsletter

Wednesday, Dec 24, 2008 7 PM We’ll have our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Join Reverend Dennis McCarty , the Choir, and fellow UUCCI merrymakers, for an evening of song, Christmas reflection, and fellowship. As always, the high point of the service will come when we sing “Silent Night” together by candle light. After the service, we’ll share warm drinks and mulled wine/cider in the Fellowship Hall. (Everyone is invited to bring their favorite recipe.)

Sunday, Dec 21, 2008 10 AM We will celebrate the Solstice this morning with the help of various members of the congregation and the RE families. Please join us for a fun and interesting service that is bound to enlighten you! All families will stay in the service this morning as it is an Intergenerational Service.

Sunday, Dec 14, 2008 10 AM Our “Heretic of the Month” will be 14th century English theologian, reformer, and Bible translator, John Wycliffe. Though trained for the priesthood, Wycliffe was in many ways a modernist. Some historians have called him, “The Morning Star of the Reformation” which came 200 years later. So strong was his reputation as a theologian, he didn’t get burned at the stake till long after he had already died of natural causes. Reverend Dennis McCarty will share the story.

12 PM Brownbag with the Minister conversations. We’ll share thoughts, conversation, and munchies are welcome. As a continuation of last year’s Brownbags, we’ll have Edwin Friedman’s whimsical book, “Friedman’s Fables,” as a discussion resource. But these freewheeling conversations can go about anywhere.

Saturday, Dec 13, 2008 7:30 PM Americana Music Series: Krista Detor Holiday Show

Sunday, Dec 7, 2008 10 AM Our service topic will be “When Astrology Was a Science.” The stars and planets have always been important in peoples’ lives. For a long time, they were seen as manifestations of the Divine, which directly guided our existence. But whether stars were magical or mundane, experts considered accurate observation and prediction, to be crucial. Reverend Dennis McCarty will discuss the questions, curiosity, and calculations that turned the science of astrology into the science of astronomy.

Sunday, Nov 30, 2008 10 AM Reverend Dennis McCarty will discuss “Leaning into the Future: Do We Own Change or Does It Own Us?” Our lively congregation is growing steadily, but growth inevitably brings change. What might this change look like? How do we prepare for it? How do we go about keeping the things we already love about our church? Rev. Dennis will share his thoughts and there’ll be opportunity for members to share theirs.

Sunday, Nov 23, 2008 10 AM Our “Heretic of the Month Club” will feature Marguerite Porete, a 14th century mystic who wrote “Mirror of Simple Souls,” one of the most popular religious books of the Middle Ages. But she was a thoughtful woman at a time when women were often considered incapable of original thought. For refusing to retract her religious opinions--which weren’t even all that radical--she was burned at the stake in 1310. Reverend Dennis McCarty will share his reflections on her life and its present-day significance.

Sunday, Nov 16, 2008 10 AM "Remembering 19 years with H.D.Thoreau, his neighbors, friends and devoted followers" From 1971 until 1990 our own Rose Marie Stiffler was the Director of the Public Library in Concord, Massachusetts. The town, and the library, attract visitors and scholars from all over the US and from all over the world. They come to learn about some famous former Concord residents -- Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Thoreau, the Alcott family, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. The library is a center of research for all of the above. Rose Marie has dusted off some memories of encounters with "devoted followers" of Concord's past glory. There also are some relationships worth mentioning between the town's literary past and the roots of American Unitarian Universalism.

Sunday, Nov 9, 2008 10 AM We’ll observe Veterans Day. Whether they do so willingly or unwillingly, those who go off to fight in wars, find themselves changed forever in spirit, mind, and body. Reverend Dennis McCarty will discuss “The Sacrifices of War” in a search for common ground between those who fight, those who stay home, those who support a particular war, and those who don’t.

Sunday, Nov 2, 2008 10 AM , Reverend Dennis McCarty will ask, “How Wrong is Jeremiah Wright?” As this election season has ripened, Reverend Jeremiah Wright has largely disappeared from view. But earlier this year, his opinions were highly controversial. Why might he have said some of the things he said? Is he as radical as he seems? Rev. Dennis will take a look at the birth, development, and aims of black theology, Reverend Wright, and Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ.

Sunday, Oct 26, 2008 10 AM , Our “Heretic of the Month” series will feature “Pelagius.” He was a fifth-century Christian “religious,” as people back then called them--today, we might call him a monk. He was respected by the most noted religious scholars of his day as “a saintly man,” but his radical doctrines eventually caused him to be condemned. The heresy of Pelagianism is named after him. Reverend Dennis McCarty will tell his fascinating story.

12 PM Brownbag with the Minister conversations. These are informal conversations which begin right after Coffee Hour. We'll happily take up pretty much any topic that's on folks' minds.

Sunday, Oct 19, 2008 10 AM Dr. Cliff Cain, Professor of Religion at Franklin College, presents “Religion May Be Hazardous to Your Health; Without Religion the World Cannot Be Saved” In the last couple years especially, there have been strong attacks on, and strong defenses of, religion. Scientist Richard Dawkins has charged religion as being the “root of all evil,” and religion professor Keith Ward has defended religion in his book, “Is Religion Dangerous?” Charles Kimball has pointed-out religion’s being used for evil purposes in his book, “When Religion Becomes Evil.” What are we to make of these charges and defenses? What are the tendencies and proclivities of religion that plunge it into lamentable actions? What are its contributions to the betterment of persons, problems, and societies?

Sunday, Oct 12, 2008 10 AM Reverend Dennis McCarty will talk about “Goats, Border Blasters, and Believing: the Incredible Story of John Brinkley.” John Brinkley is unknown, now. But in the 1940’s, his tactics of public persuasion pioneered modern-day strategies in advertising, radio, and politics. He was also, arguably the greatest scam artist of the 20th century. His story is an amazing demonstration of the uneasy relationship between truth, deceit, and the human brain.

12 PM Brownbag with the Minister conversations. These are informal conversations which begin right after Coffee Hour. We'll happily take up pretty much any topic that's on folks' minds. On October 12, though, we'll specifically discuss the Unitarian Universalist Association Commission on Appraisal's recommended changes to our Seven Principles, with a mind toward providing feedback before the October 16 deadline See: www.uuworld.org/news/articles/119311.shtml

Sunday, Oct 5, 2008 10 AM We’ll celebrate “Association Sunday/Reconciliation Day ’08.” For Association Sunday, the collection plate will help fund education for both Unitarian Universalist lay and professional leaders. At the same time, Reconciliation Day, Oct. 4, is a day for us to forgive others and work toward greater peace in the world. It began right here in Columbus, but is growing into a national holiday. Given the horrific events at the UU church in Knoxville, Tennessee, earlier this summer, it’s appropriate to observe both holidays on this occasion. Reverend Dennis McCarty will preach.

12 PM Chalice Circle Orientation
A Chalice Circle is a group of 6-12 members, meeting regularly in one another’s homes. They get to know one another at greater depth by sharing insights about life, religion, thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It doesn’t take a lot of time--a couple of hours a month. Those who have tried it, have found this popular program richly stimulating and rewarding.
We will hold an Orientation for our new Chalice Circle members, Facilitators, and co-Facilitators after Coffee Hour, Oct. 5. This should be helpful if you’re in a Chalice Circle for the first time--or even if you’ve participated before and just want a quick brush-up on the essentials. If you’re not in a Chalice Circle yet and want to know more about them, the Orientation would also be a perfect place to get your questions answered.

Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008 10 AM Charlie Wiles, Director of International Interfaith Initiative of the Peace Learning Center in Indianapolis, will discuss their recent "Middle East Journey 2008." Members of central Indiana Jewish, Muslim and Christian congregations have been working together to build a 'House of Abraham' with Habitat for Humanity for the past three years. In June of 2008 members of this collaboration and others traveled to the Middle East to build a home, meet with Iraqi refugees, and learn about progressive groups working toward positive change in Jordan, Israel, and Palestine. Please join us for an engaging discussion about their trip and plans for future projects.

Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008 10 AM We’ll kick off our “Heretic of the Month” sermon series with “Why Heretics Are Good for You.” Reverend Dennis McCarty will present an overview of what religious heresy is, what the risks are, and how various heresies, through the centuries, have influenced faiths of all traditions. Notions of heresy have changed over the centuries. But here’s a question: what ideas do Unitarian Universalists view as heresy?