August 1, 2021

Kay Gonzales, Worship Leader

“Lughnasadh”

We are halfway between the summer solstice and autumn equinox. This Sunday we will explore Lughnasadh, the Celtic celebration of the first harvest of the year. Join us as we celebrate the Old Religion and look at how this holiday is celebrated by modern pagans and other cultures worldwide. Kay Gonzales will lead us through this service.

August 8, 2021

Jane Bradford, Facilitator

“UU’s 5th Source: Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit”

To Consider: Here are definitions of Humanism from three different sources:

1. “a doctrine, attitude, or way of life centered on human interests or values especially: a philosophy that usually rejects supernaturalism and stresses an individual’s dignity and worth and capacity for self-realization through reason.” [Merriam-Webster Dictionary]
2.  “an outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, emphasize common human needs, and seek solely rational ways of solving human problems.” [Wikipedia]
3. Also from A Chosen Faith [p. 159], is this quote regarding the warning against idolatries which protects even science and rationalism from becoming idols: “Rationalism as an idol easily becomes rationalization.  Science and technology without awe and humility about how they are used too easily become threats to both nature and humanity, as our nuclear age has shown.”

4. Idolatry is defined by Merriam-Webster as “1. the worship of a physical object as a god; 2. immoderate attachment or devotion to something.

5. “The goal of Humanism is a free and universal society in which people voluntarily and intelligently cooperate for the common good.” [Taken from The Humanist Manifesto, as quoted in A Chosen Faith, by John Buehrens and Forrest Church, p. 158.]

 Reflection Questions For This Sunday: 

1.   So what do you see as ways in which our world or individuals you know of are attempting to embrace Humanist values?
2.   In what ways do you see our world or individuals you know of moving in directions opposite to Humanist values?
3.   What idols of the mind or spirit do you see our world or individuals you know of embracing?

August 15, 2021

Teresa Leary, Facilitator

“Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature”

This Sunday we will continue our Summer Sharing Series of roundtable-style services. Where we are exploring the Sources of our living tradition. These services are designed to allow participants to share their thoughts if they choose to do so. Sharing is always voluntary; active listening is welcome too. While you are speaking, all others are asked to remain silent and listen carefully and completely. In part one of the discussions we do not permit cross-talk, reactions, or questions except to ask someone to repeat or clarify.

 Reflection Questions For This Sunday: 

• How do the spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions guide your life?
• What do you believe the sacred circle of life means?
• How do you celebrate the sacred circle of life?
• What do the rhythms of nature mean to you?
• How do you live in harmony with the rhythms of nature?

August 22, 2021

Judy Raymond & Tracy Lunquist, Facilitators

“Pathway to Mosaic: Part I”

In our last two services of the summer season, we will offer our “Pathway” class as a two-part series of Sunday services. In Part I, we present a brief history of Unitarianism and Universalism and how they merged to become a single denomination, how Mosaic UUC came to be, and an overview of how the UUA and Mosaic are led and governed.

Reflection Questions For This Sunday: 

• Did you grow up in a church?
• What were your early thoughts and feelings about religion or spirituality?
• What impact has your spiritual history had on you?

The purpose of sharing this information is to help prospective Mosaic members understand what they’re getting themselves into, and to provide a review and a fellowship opportunity for current members as well as curious passersby. We hope everyone will join and participate in the two Pathway Sundays. As always, everyone is welcome, and there is never any pressure on anyone to become a member of Mosaic! Please note that this service has a good deal of content and may run somewhat longer than our usual hour. We will do our best to stay focused, and will understand if you need to leave before the service is over.

August 29, 2021

Tracy Lunquist & Judy Raymond, Facilitators

“Pathway to Mosaic: Part ll”

This Sunday we’ll conclude our pathway to membership with a discussion amongst participants. It will be conducted in a small group ministry style as have most of our summer Sundays.  It is very important for as many of us as possible to participate in this service, even if you are full-fledged members. Your participation has always enriched Part II of this course.

Reflection Questions For Next Sunday: 

• Why bother with a spiritual community in the first place?
• What path am I on and why do I follow it?  What’s it do for me?
• What’s Mosaic been doing for me during the time I’ve attended?  Have I  learned anything about myself during my association with Mosaic or UU in general?  Have I changed at all since being a member or friend of Mosaic?
• What talents of mine might be of benefit to Mosaic?  How much time can I spend on church activities?