UUABQ Voice

October 27, 2024: “Listening for Truth” Ron Ahnen, Intern Minister

Our multi-religious approach to religion and faith provides many possibilities to understand ourselves and our place in this life. Listening with deep intention to our inner voice allows us to discover our personal wisdom and truth. Yet truths emanate from both our lived experiences and the shared experiences of others. We explore ways of deep listening in our search for truth and meaning.

Music: Lydia Clark

October 20, 2024 "The Light of the Soul of the World Is Everywhere" Sister Joan Brown

With so many headlines and heartbreaking notes around hurricanes, floods, fires, and the intersectionality of justice concerns we care about related to climate change and environment, we are invited to explore light within the darkness. If we believe that our work is Loving the World we must hold the All of it. We must pay attention in new ways and in deeper levels. We are "refugia" in this stormy moment. There is great beauty and tender joy in holding the suffering of our current realities. We are not living in a challenging Era - we are Living into a New Era that is challenging our Loving.

Our Pulpit Guest this Sunday is Joan Brown, a Franciscan Sister from the Rochester, MN community, who is living and working in Albuquerque, where she serves as the Executive Director of New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light (NM IPL). NM IPL is part of a national faith-based organization working to address climate justice.

Music: Chalice Choir, with Nicia Rae and Susan Peck

October 13, 2024: “Voices of a Church” The Rev. Bob LaVallee

As we begin another operating pledge campaign, can we listen for the messages that call to us from our community, our campus, our congregation, and our hearts?
Music: Intergenerational music with youth and members of Spare Parts

Sunday, October 6, 2024: "Reproductive Freedom By Any Means Necessary” Rev. Erika Ferguson

What does it mean to live for reproductive freedom? How can we use the strength of our convictions to move forward in faith for reproductive freedom, and what would it look like to lean into what is necessary? Today’s talk will focus on three ways we can advance reproductive freedom. Hint it has to do with - Clarity, Willingness and Possibility!

Music: Lydia Clark

September 29, 2024: "Dreamings on Our 75th Anniversary" Beth Elliot

Former First U staff member and now minister Beth Elliot preaches on our dreams for the future of First Unitarian. 
Music: Chalice Choir, directed by Susan Peck and accompanied by Nicia Rae on piano.

September 22, 2024: "Moving from 'Othering'" Rev. Randy Granger

Our pulpit guest series continues with Reverend Randy Granger—a professional musician, storyteller, workshop facilitator, educator, and licensed massage therapist—speaking about moving from "Othering" towards understanding differences in our world's rich tapestry. Healing through hearing each other's stories, stories of grace and transformation.
We will also have our Backpack Blessing today for children and adults alike. Bring your backpack, bag, or other symbol of your learning or work to the service.
Music: Lydia Clark and Susan Peck

September 15, 2024: “Reflecting On Our Reflection” The Rev. Jane Davis and Carissa McGee

You are not your thoughts. You are so much more than the fleeting thoughts you experience, and the world is more than what we see; reflection can help put self and the world into perspective.
Music: Spare Parts: Vance Bass, Tania Hopkins, Keith Morris, Chris Paul, and Susan Peck.

September 8, 2024: “Building Bridges: From Conflict to Community” Cathryn McGill

Community Leader and performer Cathryn McGill joins us with a sermon that explores our personal responsibility to overcome conflict and confront biases. It calls for both individual and collective efforts to foster understanding, unity, and connection, emphasizing that building bridges within our communities is essential to transforming division into harmony.
Music: Cathryn McGill will be joined by John Mangel on piano and Lydia Clark.

September 1, 2024: “Stained-Glass Spirit” The Rev. Bob LaVallee

Thriving 21st-century spiritual communities are like strong and beautiful stained-glass windows. They’re composed of many individual people who come together to create a deep and meaningful experience where everyone cocreates together but each person can ALSO shine as themselves at their best.

Music: Guest Musician Celia Farran, with Susan Peck.

 

August 25, 2024: "A Stone of Hope" Rev. Erica Lea-Simka

The sabbatical guest preacher program continues with Rev. Erica Lea-Simka of the Albuquerque Mennonite Church.
August 28, 2024 will be the 61st anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s most famous speech- I Have A Dream. In these times of global unrest and interpersonal uncertainties, it is extra challenging to "hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope". How might Elijah's Dark Night of the Soul in 1 Kings 19:4-9, MLK's vision in his 1963 speech, and our own wisdom help move us as communities of faith and consciousness toward deeper spiritual centering?
Music: Michael Mandrell and Susan Peck