UUABQ Voice

September 24, 2023: “Welcoming the Disenfranchised and the Rejected”

The Rev. Jane Davis
A reflection about welcoming those in recovery and those re-entering our community from incarceration. Jane is an Affiliated Minister of First Unitarian.

September17, 2023: ”Here, Hold My Fear” The Rev. Angela Herrera

We’re taking some chances in this church: trying to make a difference when the odds seem stacked against us; siding with love when hate is so threatening; and stepping up to hard work when people can always just opt out. Where do we get the guts? 
Special Musical Guest: Peter Mayer

September 10, 2023: “The ‘Welcome’ Paradox” The Rev. Angela Herrera

Welcoming each other means practicing hospitality, compassion, and non-judgment. But what if the person we would welcome does not share those values? Is it unwelcoming to set boundaries?

September 3, 2023: ”Atheists Do TOO Have Songs”

The Rev. Christine Robinson, Minister Emerita

We started the summer series on a wide variety of world faiths with a song called “Atheists Ain’t Got No Songs,” which was funny in the context of the service, but I found myself frowning …. because it’s just plain wrong! Come and hear some good atheist songs, and about the wide variety of human faiths which don’t center on a spiritual figure—Atheism, Agnosticism, Humanism, Stoicism, Taoism … among many. Music: Lydia Clark, Vance Bass, Susan Peck

8/27/2023 “Exploring Native American Religion as Place, Power, and Protocol”

Rev. Randy Granger explores Native American spirituality and religions through creation stories, music, and common beliefs amongst Native Peoples, sharing with us how Native American ideas of the 7th Generation and Walking in Beauty resonate still in our society and can help guide us in our personal lives.

August 20, 2023: ”Barbenheimer? or Being Jewish in the USA” Rabbi Darah Lerner

This Sunday, in the 8th installment of our “summer seminary sermon series,” we welcome pulpit guest Rabbi Darah Lerner, a rabbi in the Reform Movement of Judaism. In 2022, Rabbi Lerner returned to Albuquerque from Bangor, Maine, where she is the Rabbi Emerita of Congregation Beth El after serving there for 17 years.

August 13, 2023: ”Science & Religion”

The Rev. Angela Herrera 
Why do religion and science often seem to be at odds? And why does First U have a science display right in the front of our sanctuary? From the “greatest hits,” this is the sermon Angela preached when the display was installed five years ago.
Music: Lydia Clark, piano & vocals

August 6, 2023: ”What Is Religious Liberalism?”

The Rev. Christine Robinson, Minister Emerita

We call ourselves religious liberals but have a hard time explaining what we mean. There’s a national effort afoot to help us understand ourselves better by focusing on our values.

Music: Spare Parts Trio with Vance Bass, Tania Hopkins, and Susan Peck

July 30, 2023 ”Christianities” The Rev. Angela Herrera

How many kinds of Christianity are there and why are there so many? What do they have in common and where do they differ? A sermon about the religion we probably think we know best.

July 23, 2023 ”Islam”

Imam Abdur’Rauf Campos Marquetti, of Minara Muslim Community, is our pulpit guest today, with a message about Islam. Minara shares First Unitarian’s campus, along with the Abq Center for Spiritual Living. He will be joined by the Rev. Emily Wright-Magoon.
Music: Susan Peck & Nicia Rae, with a special performance by the Roots Summer Leadership Academy.