UUABQ Voice

August 24, 2025: “The Interim Period” The Rev. Stacey Mitchell

Interim periods can be a dynamic and reflective time. With Rev. Stacey being here for the next years, formally known as “Interim Ministry,” what can be expected in this time period? 

Music:Lydia Clark

August 17, 2025: "The Wondrous, Wiggly History of UU Religious Education, and Family Ministry"

Alana Rodriguez, Director of Family Ministry

What could family ministry look like? With the many changes and shifts, how do we center joy and taking care of each other?

Music: First U Youth Kokiak Hopkins, Puck Magnusson, and Shane Magnusson with guest youth musicians Owen Mease, Josh Trujillo, and Silas Wilber.

August 10, 2025: “Beginnings” The Rev. Stacey Mitchell, Interim Senior Minister

In Rev. Stacey’s first sermon at First U Albuquerque, she talks about how with new beginnings, there are new opportunities.

Music: Chamber trio: Robin Korevaar (clarinet), David Schepps (‘cello), Susan Peck (piano)

August 3, 2025: “St. Julian of Norwich” Rev. Erica Lea-Simka, Guest Preacher

St. Julian of Norwich is the author of Revelations of Divine Love, the oldest surviving book in English written by a woman. She was a deeply spiritual person and knew firsthand the power of the Divine Feminine during tumultuous times. As an anchorite, Julian was a spiritual director to her community, though her guidance lives on mystically. What wisdom does 14th century Julian have for us today in the 21st century?

Music: Lydia Clark

July 27, 2025: “What Feeds Our Souls?” The Rev. Beth Elliot

Even amid the most horrific of times, people have understood the value of joy. How do we stay grounded and spiritually nourished when the world is falling apart? We find whimsy, we value playfulness, and we recognize rest as resistance.  We also say goodbye to our Intern Minister and Resident, Ron Ahnen.

Music: Cantabilis (women’s chamber choir) offers uplifting, whimsical songs for feeling good.

July 20, 2025: “Answer the Call” Ron Ahnen, Ministerial Resident

How does our spiritual journey call us to live our values? How can we support each other’s spiritual callings in our multi-religious faith?

Music: Lydia Clark and Susan Peck

July 6, 2025: “Join the Justice Choir!” Susan Peck & Vance Bass

“Where are all the new protest songs?” They’re everywhere, just not on the local AM radio stations like they were in the 60s. Also, what protest music are we missing due to cultural blinders? Susan Peck and Vance Bass will lead a service full of justice and union songs, with old familiars and new songs from thriving song circle communities.

Music: Susan and Vance share protest songs old and new, in the tradition of making good (musical) trouble. 

June 29, 2025: "Eudaimonia" The Rev. Beth Elliot

We live in a culture that puts a lot of emphasis on being happy, but should that be our goal? Eudaimonia is an ancient idea that provides a way of living that doesn't chase fleeting emotion or temporary gratification but instead focuses on deep relationships, creativity, and meaning. Let's explore the idea of eudaimonia and how it promotes a more robust idea of human flourishing.

Music: Lydia Clark

Prayer:Troublemakers Blessing

June 22, 2025: “Dreaming Beyond Leviathan” Kelsey Atherton, Guest Preacher

What it means to not just imagine an end to nightmares, but to ground our dreams of better tomorrows.

Music: Special guests Rusty Nelson and Sue Young, with Susan Peck.

June 15, 2025: “Freedom from Old Constraints” The Rev. Beth Elliot

Untangling ourselves from old systems of oppression can feel daunting, but it is actually liberating.
Music: Susan Peck and Laura Bartolucci