At Question Box earlier this month, someone asked: “Is there a point when AI stops being a tool and becomes a child — then what do we owe it?” January’s worship theme is childhood, so Rev. Claire has taken the opportunity to tackle this question. First, I’m not an AI expert, but we do have one … Continue reading Question Box: Is there a point when AI stops being a tool and becomes a child?
The words of our chalice lighting this morning are often credited to Lilla Watson, a Murri Aboriginal Australian artist, but the truth is we don’t know exactly who said them first. The words arose from various liberation movements throughout Australia in the 1970’s: If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your … Continue reading Sermon from 6/15/2025
With the retirement of our director of religious education, Beryl A., I have been making some big plans for our children’s programming next year. I consulted with staff, the members of the RE-Vision Task Force, and the RE Action Team, as well as the human resources committee and many others as we discussed what type … Continue reading What’s Next for Follen’s Religious Education Program?
Our minister, Rev. Claire, will be on sabbatical from June 21 to November 30, 2025. The summer months, from June 21 to August 25, our ministerial intern Nate Clark will lead our summer worship programs with support from guest preachers. He’ll offer pastoral care in collaboration with our lay ministers. Beginning August 25 and going … Continue reading Sabbatical Coverage
This is such a hard day for many of us. We are bewildered, grieving, angry… uncertain about what comes next. But we are not alone. YOU are not alone. I offer you these words that Follen member Jane S. shared with me this morning: Things to do today: practice gratitude, reach out, do whatever serves … Continue reading For Follen Parents: A Post-Election Invitation and Resources
Membership Director shared this Personal Point during our Membership Service on Sunday March 26, 2023, where we welcomed new members and celebrated those who have been with us for a time already. The Life Cycle of a Congregation In preparing for today, I thought a lot about how I could connect Membership Sunday with our … Continue reading Membership Sunday Message
RE-Flections by Beryl A., Director or Religious Education Hear how the songs that were sung keep echoing, beautiful and clear. All of the people we loved are beside us now, can’t you feel them near? -Candles Long Ago (Sharon, Lois, and Bram) Throughout human history, people have gathered in the coldest, darkest time of … Continue reading RE-Flections: Holiday Traditions
Join in the FUUN – The Follen UU Network Make new connections and celebrate the interdependent web that brings us all together! The Community & Hospitality Action Team (CHAT) is launching a new program at Follen this church year – The Follen UU Network (FUUN). Meeting new people can be tough, especially in our growing … Continue reading FUUN! The Follen UU Network
September – The Secret of Life October – Creativity November –Transcendence December – Lost and Found January – Connections February – Heat March – Mortality April – The Unknown May – Story June – Bloom September – The Secret of Life – three poems inspired this theme: “The Secret” by Denise Levertov; “Secret of Life” … Continue reading Worship Themes 2022-23
For Parents and Caregivers: Talking with Children and Youth about War From Beryl A., Director of Religious Education Once again, we are looking on as violence spreads across the world stage. And once again, parents, caregivers, and teachers are faced with the challenge of explaining war and the threat of terrorism to their children. Over … Continue reading RE-flections: When the News is Scary
