April 2006 Worship Services

Ministerial Cognitions

“Cogitations Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and enobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision.”
- From the Unitarian Universalist Association, Statement of Principles and Purposes

We are a diverse bunch, aren’t we? We come from different religious backgrounds—Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, or perhaps no religious background at all. We have each traveled different spiritual journeys—some of us traveled through Jewish/Christian traditions, some of us traveled through Eastern religious traditions, some of us traveled through the Earth Centered tradition. We continue our faith journey together. We are Unitarian Universalists. I think, without too much reservation, that we are all grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and enobles our faith, that is part of the reason we come together.

We also come together to share experiences of beauty. So as we begin to move into the Spring of the year, we watch the grass green up, the flowers bloom, and the birds/butterflies/furry creatures return. Have you taken the time to sit and watch nature return to life? At the picnic we had to begin our canvas drive, someone pointed out a skink on the wood pile. I would not have even noticed it if someone else hadn't pointed it out to me. I thought at the time how wonderful it must be to be able to notice these little details in nature. I really appreciated their pointing out the little black skink--I actually don't think I have ever seen one before--which in its own way is quite beautiful. Sometimes we are inspired by someone else to deepen our understanding and expand our vision.

We went through a difficult time last month with the loosing of the Calderwood house—that's where we were going to move the church. Some of us experienced grief and loss. Some of us frustration. Some of us confusion. Some of us relief. We are still working on moving the church. And we need your help. We need you to keep an eye out for property that might meet our needs—with adequate parking, with green space, with a large meeting space, in a visible area of town. Your feelings and thoughts about this space are important, please express them, even as we continue in this process. We will not deepen our understanding, and our vision will not expand without your input and your help.

For now, our church will continue to meet at 1575 Spindletop Road. So we need to be responsible stewards of our property and our building. We are working to get Terminex (our termite company) to fix the termite damage in the sanctuary, so we can begin to hold worship in there again. I can't wait to hear Rachelsarah play the organ again. And we will need to hold work days--to mow the lawn and keep the property clean, well-trimmed, and beautiful.

Let us be grateful for our religious pluralism, for the inspiration we get from one another, and for working together for a deeper understanding and an expanded vision. And let us be grateful for the church home we share with one another.

Rev. Tom

Worship Services:

April 2

**Circle of Faith: Who we are and why we’re here.** by by Meredith Bahl and Kim Bean

A look at what brings us as individuals together. There will be an opportunity for the audience to share their thoughts on why they chose the Unitarian faith and what they like and dislike about it.

April 9

Atheism, Agnosticism and Theism: A Humanistic Perspective by Rev. Tom Capo

Looking at the world from a Humanistic Perspective encourages us to look at our relationships---to each other, to our planet, and to the universe. When we consider some of the ultimate questions of existance—suffering, death, sin, salvation--from a Humanistic perspective, will we see things differently? When we consider belief in God/Goddess/transcendent/divine from a Humanistic perspective, does our belief system change in any way?

April 16

Flower Communion by Rev. Tom Capo

Rev. Norbert Capek founded the Unitarian Church in Czechoslovakia. He introduced the flower communion to his church June 4, 1923. He wanted a ritual that would bind more closely the diverse people in his church. This ritual has become part of our Easter Celebration at Spindletop Unitarian Church. Please come and experience this special and beautiful ritual. And remember to BRING A FLOWER to give away during our Flower Communion.

Potluck - Noon

April 23

The Ornament of the World by Dr. Kevin Dodson, LU Professor of Philosophy

Religious conflict has a long history, but so does religious tolerance and respect between faiths. A remarkable example, still relevant to today’s world, is provided by Al-Andalos, Spain, in medieval times.

April 30

Creative Expressions by Jerry Bradley, Mysti Rudd

Two successful local poets and prose writers, Jerry Bradley and Mysti Rudd, will read from their published and unpublished creative works.