Sunday Topics
Our Sunday worship is a hybrid format: both in person in the sanctuary and via Zoom* meeting software. (See below for more details about how to attend on line and in person services).
Upcoming Speakers and Topics
January 5: Mark Bernstein. Come, Yet Again Come. The famous poem by Rumi, common in UU congregations, represents a chance to start anew. It tells us that no matter who we are or what we have done, we are invited to come back to this place, where we can find healing and comfort and inspiration. As we begin a new year, let’s explore the role of redemption in our Unitarian Universalist lives.
Children in the sanctuary for the first part of the service.
January 12: Rev. Beth Marshall. Teachers All Around Us explores the idea that each and every person we encounter has something which we probably need to learn, even if we vehemently disagree with them.
January 19: Rev. Dr. Paul Britner. Advancing Justice. Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois strongly disagreed on how African Americans should confront Jim Crow, just as groups today struggle with competing strategies to advance their agendas. This message draws on past social movements to inform our response to current challenges. Potluck Lunch after the service
January 26: Rev. Susan V. Rak. Be the Blessing. In a troubled world and a divided society, there may be no other option but to choose to bless the world and in doing so, heal and strengthen ourselves.
February 2: Mark Bernstein. When Soft Voices Die. If we’re fortunate, our absence from this world will continue to influence and inspire others as much as our presence did. So…how do you want to be remembered?
Children in the sanctuary for the first part of the service.
February 9: Marlin Barnes and Jane Peatling. Mid-Winter Music. RitmaCordia will examine how music can inform and reflect the search for spiritual awareness.
Feb. 16: Rev. Naomi King. Stand By This Faith. What does it mean to be Unitarian Universalist, especially in challenging times? How do we stand up for our principles and live our values? And how do we support an idea—a faith, a church — that affirms who we truly are? Potluck Lunch after the service
February 23: Rev. Paul Britner. Spiritual Ecstasy. Most historical religions have traditions that both condemn the so- called “desires of the flesh” and that also celebrate truly spiritual love, including sexual intimacy. UUs tend to be “all in” when it comes to enjoying sex, yet UUs also acknowledge the need for limitations grounded in our values of human worth and dignity.
How to Attend Our Worship
Please log in to Zoom or be in the sanctuary between 10:30 a.m. and 10:40 a.m. The pre-serviced music begins at 10:40 a.m.
Our services end around noon and are followed by refreshments and time to chat.
To attend a service via Zoom, you need the new log in link and password, which are emailed each week on Friday.
If you aren’t receiving the link, email worship@uuhagerstownmd.org by Thursday to be added to the worship log in list.
*If you have never used Zoom, check out the Zoom Basics Page.
Covid Safety Precautions: We continue to focus on being together in person again but Covid precautions change. Be alert for on-going adjustments.
- Masks are now optional for fully-vaccinated and boosted people. Some fully-vaccinated people continue to mask for additional safety; others do not.
- If you are NOT fully-vaccinated and boosted, we ask you to mask to protect yourself and others.
- People are asked to mask while singing hymns.
- If a family member or you are feeling ill (cold, flu, etc.) or have been exposed to Covid, please stay home and attend via Zoom.
- Please be thoughtful with your greetings. Many people are not ready yet for hugging and other close contacts so always ask.
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Improved Air Quality The new HVAC system installed in 2020 in both the Martin House and sanctuary should keep us safer as well as warmer and cooler. The new system includes an air purification system in the HVAC ductwork. According to the EPA, the combined use of filtration and germicidal UVC light is an effective means of preventing the distribution of airborne viruses in occupied spaces. Our system has a high intensity dual-light system: one light controls bacteria, viruses, and mold spores; the other oxidizes and removes noxious odors. The air goes through the purification system eight times an hour.