Past Services
Here at the UUFB, we are truly a diverse group. We love to explore all sorts of avenues to spirituality and the human condition. To demonstrate this wide-range curiosity, here is a list of services we have had in the past year.
August 2010
August 29, 2010:
"Why I'm a Peter Mayer Fan." Presented by Jennifer Greene. Peter writes beautiful songs for a small planet — songs about interconnectedness and the human journey and this amazing universe. UUFB member Jennifer Greene will tell you more about this UU singer-songwriter — he was featured at the UUA's 2010 General Assembly this past June — and she'll play some of her favorite Peter Mayer songs, sharing how they reflect her own feelings of awe at nature and life itself.
August 22, 2010:
"Forgiveness that Heals" Led by The Rev. Mark Lyons from Silver Broom Ministries. Rev. Mark Lyons is the founding minister of Silver Broom Ministries located in Sayville, NY. He holds a legal clergy degree, has spent the past 12 years as High Priest of The Solitaires of the Silver Broom, and currently occupies the position of Elder. At this time, Rev. Lyons also instructs many of the classes offered at Silver Broom as well as conducts their Sunday morning spiritual services.
Relative information:
book: The Disappearance of the Universe by Gary Renard
book: A Course in Miracles by The Foundation for Inner Peace
August 15, 2010:
"The Jewish Faith and Peace” presented by guest speaker Werner Reich.
August 8, 2010:
A Musical Celebration led by David Jarmula. Instruments were handed out to the Congregation. Music and singing were provided by Mike Bonti on guitar, Emily Ahrend on guitar, and Charlie Setlow on piano and viola.
August 1, 2010:
"Change is Inevitable -- Growth is Optional" presented by guest speaker Rev. Nancy Arnold.
According to the I Ching, "changes are the imperceptible tendencies to divergence that, when they have reached a certain point, become visible and bring about transformations." Change is a certainty in life. How we choose to respond to — or resist — change determines what transformations take place in our lives.
Rev. Nancy Arnold has more than twenty years experience working with individuals and families at times of crisis and change in congregation, hospital and hospice settings. She has developed programs to help others identify their areas of strength and need for spiritual growth and renewal.
July 2010
July 25, 2010:
Sharing Circle: “What motivates us, what inspires us” Led by Emily Ahrend. Service included a discussion about how we are personally motivated and inspired in daily life.
July 18, 2010:
Sharing Circle: “What to take, what to leave behind, and what falls away” We joined together in a sharing circle about each of our personal life's journeys. Led by Dianne Eddings.
creators.July 11, 2010:
Sharing Circle: “Poetry Sunday” Attendees were asked to bring a favorite poem or two and a few thoughts on why they liked the poem or what it means to you. Ted Haiman led us in song.
July 4, 2010:
Sharing Circle: “The Declaration of Independence” A sharing circle conversation, along with interesting facts about our Country's most famous document and its
June 2010
June 27, 2010:
Rev. Christopher McMahon:
“The Fragility and Sacredness of Life"
We often take our life and our earth for granted but sometimes we need to consider just how fragile life is.
June 20, 2010:
Flower Communion
Please bring a flower to share. Service led by Arlene Guzman Capobianco.
Relative information:
Wikipedia entry: UU Flower Communion
June 13, 2010:
Rev. Christopher McMahon:
“Co-Creating with the Sacred"
Is our life and everything we have just a gift or do we have responsibilities to join in the process of creation?
June 6, 2010:
"Beyond Belief”. Sharing Circle: Discussion, based on Peter Morales's Hand in Hand column in the Spring 2010 UU World. In his column, UU President Morales encourages us to ask one another what we love rather than what we believe. We had a conversation that went Beyond Belief and talked about "what we truly love, what we truly value, what we care about more than anything else in life."
May 2010
May 30, 2010:
Rev. Christopher McMahon:
“Loving Others and Loving Yourself
– A Balance”
Some people fail to love others and the “golden rule” suggests. Others spend so much time caring for others they forget to care for themselves. (At the Bellport Community Center)
May 23, 2010:
“A Ring of Marvelous Worth”
The last Service held at 51 Browns Lane, Bellport.
Why does happiness seem so arbitrary and so fleeting? How can we statistically improve the odds that we will find joy at every stage of life? The ingredients for a blissful existence are more mundane — and accessible — than expected. Presented by Rev. Jennifer Pader, an Affiliate Minister for Pastoral Care at the Fourth Universalist Society in the City of New York.
May 16, 2010:
“How Deadly are the Seven Deadly Sins?”
Presented by Rev. Ben Bortin, who has spoken at UUFB in the past, is the membership and volunteer coordinator at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, N.Y., and a former parish minister.
May 9, 2010:
Rev. Christopher McMahon:
“Is Religion the Opiate of the People?”
Karl Marx is famous for saying so but does religion bring value to life or does it create more problems than it is worth?
May 2, 2010:
Restless Souls – The Transcendentalists
Presented by Carol Curtis.
April 2010
April 25, 2010:
Rev. Christopher McMahon:
"Life is About Change"
As we leave our UUFB home of half a century – we embark on the hard road of change. Change is filled with challenges but also great possibilities.
April 18, 2010:
Pledge Sunday
Commit to supporting UUFB during the coming year.
April 11, 2010:
Leave Taking: A Celebration of our UUFB Home for over half a century
Homily: "Transitions" by Rev. Christopher McMahon
.
Relative information:
Special Order of Service: Leave-taking, Order of Service (9.5MB PDF) .
April 4, 2010:
Seder Service Presented by Sue Roscoe and Arlene Guzman Capobianco.
March 2010
March 28, 2010:
Rev. Christopher McMahon: "Touch the Earth (Native American Spirituality)" What was/is the thoughts and expressions of Native Americans on religion and spirituality?
March 21, 2010:
The Spring Equinox: Change and Rebirth, presented by Karen Mengel and Christopher Capobianco. We look forward to the change of seasons, but why are we so reluctant to change in our lives?
March 14, 2010:
Rev. Christopher McMahon: “After Twilight – The Death Event” What happens when you die? The world's religions hold many answers to this complex question.
Relative information:
book: The Wheel of Life by Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross M.D.
March 7, 2010:
Margaret Sanger, presented by Rich Morgan A presentation on Margaret Sanger, American woman (1879-1966), presented by Rich Morgan, in celebration of International Women's Day (March 8).
Relative information:
website: Margaret Sanger Wikipedi entry
February 2010
February 28, 2010:
Rev. Christopher McMahon: “Tragedy and Triumph (The Human Experience)” How in the midst of such unimaginable horror (such as that which has recently unfolded in Haiti) can human beings carry on? What is the force that empowers humanity to survive?
February 21, 2010:
The Great New Story. Norm Roscoe guided us through The Great New Story — how our UU seventh principle redefines the Genesis story of creation.
February 14, 2010:
"Love”. Sharing Circle: Diane Eddings lead a circle conversation on what the word love means to you.
February 7, 2010:
“Standing on the Side of Love” Presented by Karen Mengel and Laurie Filstrup. “Standing on the Side of Love” is a public advocacy campaign, sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), promoting respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
Relative information:
website: www.standingonthesideoflove.org
January 2010
January 31
Rev. Christopher McMahon: “The Blessings of Imperfection”. If the World were a perfect place, we humans could not grow as individuals.
January 24
"Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution". Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last sermon. Doris Wilk and Eve Sokol with preach the sermon and Mike Bonti will provide the music! Come for a UU Gospel Service and celebrate Rev. King’s life and legacy.
January 17
Rev. Christopher McMahon: “Wealth and Poverty (The Material and the
Spiritual)”. Does the material world inhibit the development of spirituality?
Can there be a balance?
January 10
Rev. Christopher McMahon: “The End of Times”. Why do some religions fixate on the destruction of the world?
January 3
Secrets. Sharing Circle: New Year, Clean Slate given by Karen Mengel: A circle discussion about secrets, confessions, and their impact on our lives. Also included was a Burning Bowl Ceremony for those wishing to cleanse themselves from the burdens of the past year.
Relative information:
website: The Post Secret Blog
book: My Secret: A PostSecret Book
December 2009
December 27
Winter Solstice. Karen Mengel talked about the Winter Solstice and it’s traditions.
December 20
Rev. Christopher McMahon: “The Solstice and Christmas – Darkness into Light” . Why do these celebrations come so close together in the year? Is hope an integral part of both?
December 13
Spiritual Writings that Influence You. Sharing Circle: Do you practice a spiritual discipline? Do you read religious texts or prayers? Please bring a short sacred or inspirational reading to share with the Circle.
December 6
Rev. Christopher McMahon: “In Search of the New Age”. What is the “New Age” and what are people searching for? Why is there a search in the first place — particularly when there are so many organized religions?
November 2009
November 29
On Happiness. Led by Jack Finkenberg, a member of the UU Society of
South Shore (Bay Shore).
November 22
Rev. Christopher McMahon: The Wonder of Being Thankful
November 15
Guest at Your Table by Arlene Guzman Capobianco.
November 8
Rev. Christopher McMahon: “A God for Atheists?” (Natural or Supernatural?)
November 1
Dia de los Muertos service. Members were able to bring a photo for the ofrenda, celebrating the life of loved ones lost.
October 2009
October 25
Sharing Circle: Our Own Inner Peace: We invite you to share how, as an individual, you achieve your own inner peace in this open circle conversation lead by Karen Mengel.
October 18
Rev. Christopher McMahon: “From A Distance There is Harmony”
October 11
Prison Ministry by Sister Camille D’Arienza
October 4
Rev. Christopher McMahon: “Dinner with Candlelight” (Mindfulness and the Spirit)
September 2009
September 27
Gandhi and John Lennon: led by Christopher Capobianco.
September 20
Rev. Christopher McMahon: “This House” : Why Do UUs Go to Church
September 13
Poetry Sunday Sharing Circle: The Congregation was invited to bring a short poem to read to the group, either their own poems or a poem written by their favorite poet.
September 6
Labor Say Sing Along: Marian Russo will lead a sing-along of songs of the labor movement including “Which Side Are You On”, “The Banks Are Made of Marble”, “Hold the Fort” and “Union Maid”.
August 2009
August 30
Olympia Brown : Laurie Filstrup on the Universalist Minister, Olympia Brown
August 23
Alternative Sources of Energy : John Morgan on Electric vehicles and alternative sources of energy to help us lead responsible lives.
August 16
Thomas Jefferson and Spirituality : Sharing Circle: Carol Curtis led the conversation on the Jefferson Bible, our views on it, and our personal spirituality.
August 9
Life. And How to Live It : Elizabeth Capobianco and Arlene Guzman
August 2
Wiccan celebration of Lammas (or lughnasadh): led by Karen Mengel, Lammas is the celebration of the first wheat harvest of the year.
July 2009
July 26
Truth Be Told : led by Reverend Arnold. The Living Tradition of Unitarian Universalism draws from the wisdom of the world’s religion for inspiration. We explored some universal truths from the world religions that can inform our own search for truth and meaning. Rev. Arnold is currently the Pastoral Care Minister for the UU Society of South Suffolk and a hospice chaplain for Visiting Nurse Services of New York.
July 19
Regrets, I've Had a Few : Sharing Circle: led by Phyllis Potts. We shared one regret we had: how we dealt with it, does it still bother us, what we learned from the experience.
July 12
The Heifer Project : Our speaker will be Tom Lyons, a local Heifer Project volunteer, who will share with us the various programs, including the local Hobb’s Farm.
July 5
Prayer: Sharing Circle: We invited the Congregation to talk about both ritual and spontaneous prayer, prayer as mediation, and their experiences of prayer. We encouraged people to bring a prayer they would like to share with others).
June 2009
June 28
Charles Darwin : Norm Roscoe spoke about Charles Darwin, natural philosopher, sometime Unitarian, whose work presented evidence for evolution of all species over time. In 2009 we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of Darwin’s birth. (This month, Our own UUFB Religious Education Youth Class hosted a Fundraiser to Rescue Animals.)!
June 21
Rev. Chris McMahon: “The Power and Promise of Diversity?”
June 14
Summer Solstice : Christopher Capobiancowill helped us prepare to celebrate the Summer Solstice (also known as Midsummer, Gathering Day, and the longest day of the year).
June 7
Rev. Chris McMahon: “Are Miracles Real?”
May 2009
May 31
Memorial Day Peace Service : In remembrance of the meaning of Memorial Day, presented by the the UUFB Peace Fellowship, led by Eve Sokol
May 24
Rev. Chris McMahon: “Surrender and Peace — Islam”
May 17
Flower Communion : AUU traditional service. The Congregation was asked to bring a flower, to become a part of the beautiful UUFB bouquet.
May 10
Rev. Chris McMahon: “What is the Soul?”
May 3
Pledge Sunday: The Congregation showed their support for your Fellowship with their Pedge Cards.
April 2009
April 26
Rev. Chris McMahon— “Recession and the Spiritual”
April 19
Holocaust Memorial Day : led by Sue Roscoe. Understanding the Holocaust with readings, songs, and excerpts from “PAPER CLIPS,” the moving and inspiring documentary film that captures how Middle School students responded to lessons about the Holocaust.
April 12
Rev. Chris McMahon — “Considering Easter”
April 5
Petry Sunday : Poetry Sunday, led by Diane Eddings, including reading by UUFB members and friends.
March 2009
March 29
Blessing of the Animals : presented by Arlene Guzman Capobianco
March 22
Rev. Chris McMahon — “The Interdependent Web”
March 15
Science and the Search for God : presented by Karyn O'Beirneof our neighbor congregation, UU Society of South Suffolk, in Bay Shore.
March 8
Rev. Chris McMahon — “What is Sin?”
March 1
International Women’s Day. In celebration of this day, a play reading of Mary Wollstonecraft: Mother of the Women’s Movement, presented by Sue Roscoe.
February 2009
February 22
Rev. Chris McMahon — "The Goal of World Community"
February 15
Agape: Love in any langauge : presented by Carol Curtis and Arlene Guzman Capobianco
February 8
Rev. Chris McMahon on The Search for Truth and Meaning
February 1
Simplicity : Diane Eddings on Simplicity: Living simply so that others may simply live.