Church of the Larger Fellowship UU Worship

Rev. Kelly Dignan, Executive Director of UU Ministry for Earth (UUMFE), and members of the UUMFE Board lead us in worship to continue the work of the Climate Justice Revival, grounding us in faithful interdependence and love.

This Sermonic Performance/Performative Sermon, centers bodies, queerness, joy, desire and art as a constructive departure from theologies that diminish the sacredness of our flesh.

In the Northeastern United States, the Earth reminds us at this time of year of the possibilities and challenges of transformation. As we honor the Jewish High Holy Days, we can embrace the what comes when we make the choice to turn toward each other in love. The rhythm of the Earth and the lessons of our faith cousins will help us integrate turning into our spiritual lives.

Joy is an act of resistance. Some days, it is challenging to remember that we need joy, connection and celebration to sustain us the more the world feels chaotic. I will share some of the ways I find joy that feeds and sustains me as a faith leader and human living in some very interesting times.

Our congregation is joining with about 300 other UU Congregations to participate in the UU Climate Justice Revival. Let us collectively reimagine a spirit-filled and liberatory future. Through conversations, worship, and organizing, congregations will work together to realize climate justice and collective liberation in our communities.

This sermon will highlight the tension between making and breaking promises and the importance of maintaining trust and integrity in our commitments.

Who is responsible for keeping the promises made in covenantal relationships? We will explore covenant through the lens of Jolene, as imagined by Dolly Parton and reimagined by Beyoncé.

This summer I had the privilege of touring the murals of Belfast in Northern Ireland. Murals in Belfast have reflected the politics of the times. I will share my experiences and tell the story of the first time an entire street in Belfast is dedicated to one cause: Gaza.

Unitarian Universalism is a covenantal faith--we are bound together by sacred promises we make about how we are in relationship rather than by shared beliefs. When those promises are broken (and they are), how do we respond?