Sunday Services

Sunday, July 4 – 11 a.m. – America’s History and Future – Todd Hoberecht

On July4, 1776, a ragtag group of colonists stood together and declared with one voice “We will stand alone as a country. We will unite in independence from England.” In 2020 (a year many spoke of as a time to see clearly with 20/20 vision) our nation shut down in isolation due to the global pandemic. During this time we learned many lessons, one being the weaknesses of independence and the need for recognizing and enhancing our interdependence.

Today, as we emerge from isolation, we will plum these thoughts and look at what our future can look like here in Humboldt and how we UUs are uniquely equipped to play a role in this transition to greater interdependence.

Sunday, July 11 – 11 a.m. – From the UU Hysterical Society: Our final Zoom-only offering for 2021! – Berti Welty

This streamed service will put the medicinal element of humor at the forefront with funny stories of lions and cross-cultural misunderstandings. It will also delve into bravery and Unitarianism overseas, telling the story of the Rev. Fulgence Ndadigimana’s imprisonment for his work as a UU minister, how UUs around the world came together to get him released, and the not-for-profit he founded afterward. Above all, it’s a story of friendship and how building relationships with people very different from us enriches us and allows us to make a difference in the world.

Sunday, July 18 – 11 a.m. – In-Person Gratitude Discussion – Jo Ann Huffman & Pat McCutcheon

Join our discussion circle service on the Fellowship patio. Music from our beloved pianist Annette Gurnee-Hull will drift out to us as Fellowship members Jo Ann Huffman and Pat McCutcheon lead a service centered on our gratitude. It will include being grateful to be able to meet again in person, our thankfulness of the science that has allowed this to happen, and for our appreciation of our building, grounds and the natural world in which we gather.

Sunday, July 25 – 11 a.m. – Covid-19 Pandemic: Personal Reflections – Tom Lewis & Laura Phelan-Shahin

Fellowship members Tom and Laura will lead an in-person discussion on the patio. We will share our personal stories and experiences during the past year in an open sharing circle.

Sunday, August 1. – 11 a.m. – Lunasa, Lughnasa, Lughnasadh – Berti Welty & Yemaya Kimmel

Many names and cultures are associated with Lunasa, the first of several harvest festivals. This earth-centered/pagan festival gives thanks for the first harvest, when summer vegetables overflow baskets and flowers are plentiful. The community will comes together to honor the gods, goddesses and/or forces of nature that sustain life. This year we also celebrate re-emerging from a year of Covid isolation. This service will be a pagan ritual of story, songs and drumming. Unless it is raining, it will be held in person on the patio with singing and chanting. While it will be streamed, it will not be on ZOOM.

Sunday, August 8 – 11 a.m. – All-Ages Song and Story Circle – Debi Cooper

Music is said to be the gateway to the heart. This is especially true when we are not passively taking in the artistic contributions of trained others, but rather adding our own, joyous and unrefined voices to the whole, creating something that is infinitely more vital than the sum of its parts.

For the past year, a small circle of us have been gathering, first online and then in-person, to share our songs, stories and voices as a way of staying connected. We invite you to this outdoor service at HUUF that will be hosted by several of our most beloved, amateur music makers within the congregation. Safely distanced, we’ll explore the power of hymns, chants, spirituals, silly songs and pop standards to re-connect us to each other and the heart that sustains us all.

Sunday, August 15 – 11 a.m. – How Poetry Helped Me Survive – Pat McCutcheon

The award-winning poet Adrienne Rich has said, “Poetry is the liquid voice that can wear through stone.” These past months have been difficult and stony for many of us, but some have found meaning in the voice of poetry. This hybrid service, facilitated by Fellowship member Pat McCutcheon, is the time to share poems that have helped you make it through.

Sunday, August 22 – 11 a.m. – What have you read in the past this year that fed you? – Jo Ann Huffman & Steve Sottong

Since we’ve had such an outstanding year, we hope that you all will bring a book that stands out for you in our progress through the interesting process of the pandemic. We will gather informally to hear about your finds. If you can summarize your book in five minutes, we’ll compile a nice, lengthy list for the year ahead.
Jo Ann Huffman has been a UU for more than 50 years and has been a member of HUUF for the last five years. She has worked as an aircraft designer, economist, rock and roll arranger, and a project manager. Stephen Sottong has been a computer programmer, electronic technician, electrical engineer, a librarian, and a writer. He’s not sure what he wants to do when he grows up. He’s been a member for 18 years.

Sunday, August 29. – 11 a.m. – A Space of One’s Own – Berti Welty

It has been said that everyone needs a space of one’s own for their mental health. This service will explore the many types of such spaces. These run the gamut between fancy “man caves” to a private space in one’s psyche. What elements are needed to meet this need? Anyone wishing to share about their special place is invited to contact Berti Welty for inclusion in the service. She can be reached at 476-0654 or bertijo@humboldt1.com.