February 2005 Worship Services

Ministerial Cognitions

In every life there are certain moments which partake of another, higher order of experience-particularly precious moments which offer serenity, hope, and strength and which allow us to return to the demands of daily life with renewed vitality and confidence. The growth of a spiritual dimension in each of us as individuals seems to result in a multiplication and deepening of such moments both in ourselves and in the world.
---Elizabeth M. Jones, Unitarian Universalist Lay person

At Spindletop Unitarian Church, we have the opportunity to share precious moments with one another, moments that offer serenity, hope, and strength. These shared moments are what brings us to church, and what helps us cope with the trails we face each day.

This last month, I had the privilege to lead a class in Articulating Our UU Faith. I remember one of the members of the class saying (keep in mind that these words are not exact, but the sentiment is intact) that he came to the class to have the opportunity to talk about religious concerns with other like-minded people. And after I led the January 2nd worship service, on Our UU Theology Pt. 1, we had time for a discussion. Members of the congregation took the opportunity to talk from their hearts about their beliefs about such issues as God, church, and salvation. Obviously, we all had very different feelings about these theological issues. But we shared openly with one another, supportive and caring of each other's feelings and beliefs.

Isn't that one way we deepen our religious experiences? We share them with each other. We talk, we pray, we meditate, we worship, we play together. We create experiences at this church that allow us to share with one another-like Adult Religious Education Classes, like Coffeehouses, like leading worship (each of you has an opportunity to lead or participate in worship services).

Sometimes, we might feel a little hesitant to stand up and be part of these opportunities at church. But if you want to deepen your connection to the church, if you want to deepen your experience of the sacred, if you want to multiply your life experiences, you need to take the risk of becoming more involved. Perhaps you could attend the Buddhist Covenant Group or the Film Studies Covenant Group; maybe it would be your first time. Don't worry, they will make you feel welcome.

If you want to lead or participate in worship, I would be glad to sit with you and talk about what you would like to do. You could read a children's story at an intergenerational service; you could light the chalice; you could express in worship what is on your heart-perhaps what connects you to the holy, to the sacred, to humanity. I promise people will listen-people at Spindletop Unitarian Church care about each other and want to hear what calls to you from deep inside. We want to help you find your spiritual voice--that spark of the divine--that wants to be let out in a safe, loving place.

Deepen and multiply your faith experiences, get more involved in what calls to you in this church. If you are a little hesitant, we will all be with you to give you the support you need to take the risk of sharing more of who you are.

Rev. Tom

Worship Services:

February 6

Unitarian Universalism and Antiracism? by Rev. Tom Capo

During the early days of our combined denomination, there was conflict with the African Americans members of our association. They even left the UUA at one point. They have returned, but what issues still remain. As we reflect on this history of our denomination, we also need to explore how we express our regard for people of color who join us in worship.

February 13

Fascism in America by Rev. Loehr, presented by R. Lihs

February 20

How do we care for one another? by Rev. Tom Capo

This being the month we celebrate Valentine's Day, let's look at how Unitarian Universalist's love one another. Sometimes we express love and support and even nurturance toward one another in our faith community. But sometimes, we might forget these values, and inadvertently hurt someone. Many UU churches are developing Congregational Covenants to clarify how we express respect and support to one another in constructive ways. Let's look at the reasons for such Covenants and if they might be helpful to us.

February 27

The Spiritual Diet Plan: Saying Grace at a UU Potluck by David Throop, UU guest