Sunday Services

Sunday, April 7, 11:00 a.m. – The Many Faces of Shared Ministry – Margy Emerson

In October 2022, the HUUF congregation embarked on an innovative form of ministry. Two lay women were installed as a Shared Ministry Team. Amy Day and Bridgette Garuti had already proven their talents and dedication over years of serving the Fellowship. Their collaborative, non-hierarchical approach extends beyond themselves—it invites all HUUF members and friends to enter into the camaraderie and work of shared ministry.

In small groups, using our deep listening guidelines, we’ll examine what “minister” and “ministry” mean to each of us. These questions are offered as possible springboards for conversation: When you hear the word “minister,” what image immediately comes to mind? Are you participating in or even facilitating a small-group ministry at HUUF (a committee or discussion group)? Do you welcome being in an environment of shared ministry on all levels?

Sunday, April 14, 11:00 a.m. – Reflections on the Journey of Shared Ministry

A mere 18 months ago, our congregation embarked upon a new path forward. Installing a female-led, Shared Ministry Team: with Bridgette Garuti as Director of Congregational Operations and Amy Day to serve as Director of Spiritual Life. Where has this path led us to date? What have we learned? Where have we grown? What new connections, opportunities and challenges have arisen as we strive to embody and grow this collaborative form of leadership? Join us as we trace the steps we’ve taken thus far, and look hopefully and joyfully to the ones we’ve yet to blaze.

Sunday, April 21, 11:00 a.m. – Alleviating Stress. – Berti Welty

While a little stress motivates us to accomplish things, we all know the pitfalls of too much stress in our lives. Few of us are so calm and centered that stress does not affect us in significant ways. While touching on the causes and effects of stress, the focus of this service will be the various ways that members of this congregation have found to alleviate stress. There will be a chance to practice a few of these.

Sunday, April 28, 11:00 a.m. – Stone Soup Sunday

Join us for this multigenerational celebration of community and all the gifts we each bring to the collective. In partnership with Arcata House, we will use a portion of our time to prepare meals for those experiencing homelessness in our region. We will send them off with a burbling and delicious pot of “stone soup” made from the ingredients that we bring forth. Bring an offering of chopped vegetables – from your own garden, farm-share, or your neighborhood produce section – to contribute to this sacred and communal feast. We will share stories and songs and sit down to break bread together. Let service be our prayer.