Jan --  Feb --  Mar --  Apr --  May --  Jun --  Jul --  Aug --  Sep --  Oct --  Nov --  Dec

2006

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January 1

Service of New Beginnings
Rev. George E Blair III

SPECIAL TIME: 11 a.m.
What was wrong with the old beginnings? Could we start again, please?

January 8

A Walk Through the Tarot
Lay leader Denise Rodriguez

Denise Rodriguez, UUCSJS member and dedicated Tarot enthusiast, will explore the history and mystery of the Tarot, and share her thoughts on why these images have resonated with humankind through five centuries.

January 15

The Birthday of a King
Rev. George E Blair III

Impressions from a visit to the Lorraine Motel in Memphis Tennessee, the site of the murder of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and of the National Civil Rights Museum. What did I learn from trying to explain racial prejudice to my two-year old son? How soon until he begins to explain it to me?

January 22

Always the Quest
Guest minister Rev. Kenneth Beldon

Rev Ken Beldon, previously of River of Grass UU in Broward County, Florida, is now the Lead Minister for a new congregation starting in northern Chester County, Pennsylvania as part of the JPD's recent growth initiative. In his talk, he will reveal the basic culture of this new congregation and what he considers to be liberal religion at its best: a soul-enlarging, soul-shaping venture in which the spirit of adventure, abundance and awakening call us ever forward into religious existence.

January 29

Human Rights and Amnesty International
Guest speaker Georgina Shanley

Georgina has been the Cape May County coordinator of Amnesty International-USA, for the past 15 years. She will talk about how difficult it is becoming for us in the United States to sustain (or regain!) the high moral ground concerning justice and right action. But it has never been so important in all our history to keep the light shining.

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February 5

Marriage and Morals
Rev. George E Blair III

An examination of human sexuality from the perspective of Bertrand Russell, agnostic philosopher of the early twentieth century. "Most men and women, as things stand, are incapable of being as wholehearted and as generous in the love that they bring to marriage as they would be if their early years had been less hedged about with taboos." A humanist approach to sexual ethics.

February 12

Living in Sin?
Rev. George E Blair III

The Rev. John Shelby Spong was a minor heretic in Episcopal circles until he began promoting a Christian sexuality which welcomed the sexual experiences and relationships of homosexual, bisexual and transgendered people. He ordained an openly gay bishop, and his theology hit the fan. "I believe sex outside of marriage can be holy and life giving under some circumstances, but it can also be evil and life diminishing under other circumstances." A liberal Christian approach to sexual ethics.

February 19

End of the Innocence
Lay leader and Director of Religious Education Ginni Stadler

Ginni will talk about information overload from the perspective of our children. How much information is too much? Are we expecting them to handle things that are too much for them? In what ways can this headlong hurtling into adulthood be harmful?

February 26

Moaning of the Bar
Rev. George E Blair III

Three days post-bar exam, your minister moans and gripes about how complex the law is and why it is so important. Is anyone "above" the law? What is a "high crime and misdemeanor, and how does any President escape impeachment? Why do we care about what the law is, and when can we morally disregard it?

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March 5

Living in Sin?
Rev. George E Blair III
(rescheduled from February 12)

The Rev. John Shelby Spong was a minor heretic in Episcopal circles until he began promoting a Christian sexuality which welcomed the sexual experiences and relationships of homosexual, bisexual and transgendered people. He ordained an openly gay bishop, and his theology hit the fan. "I believe sex outside of marriage can be holy and life giving under some circumstances, but it can also be evil and life diminishing under other circumstances." A liberal Christian approach to sexual ethics.

March 12

Hinduism 101
Guest speaker Dr. Mahesh Ghayal

The words swirl around: dharma, karma, kama sutra; the Bhagavad gita, the Vedas, the Upanishads; yoga, puja, and ayurvedic medicine; swamis, maharishis, Brahmins and dalits; Ganesha, Vishnu, and Shiva the Destroyer. Dr Ghayal will give a basic overview of Claiming over 900 million adherents, Hinduism is one of the oldest religions still practiced in the world.

March 19

Violence Begins at Home
Rev. George E Blair III

A sweeping overview of the nature, appeal, and appall of violence, from its casual beginnings and escalation in the domicile, to our sports fetishes, our television and movies, to blowing up sacred sites, to nuclear winter. And a ray of hope for the future.

March 26

Justice isn't something just "anyone" can afford
Lay leaders Debbie Duncan & friends

For UUSC's Justice Sunday, hundreds of UU congregations join to increase awareness of economic injustice. "Leading economic indicators..." on the news is usually followed by optimistic prognostications that bear little resemblance to my economic reality! Is a "living wage" a right or a privilege?

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April 2

Why I am a (UU) Christian
Rev. George E Blair III

A reply to Bertrand Russell's essay, Why I am not a Christian. How can one be a modern person and still adhere to Christianity? What does being a Christian mean in a Unitarian or Universalist context?

April 9

A Palm Sunday Church
Rev. George E Blair III

Some churches are focused on Good Friday -- Mel Gibson's passion, broken Christs hanging from crosses, emphasis on the nobleness of suffering and blood redemption. We're not one of those. Some focus on resurrection: life after death, redemption, glory, the communion of saints. We're not really one of those either. So why do I believe we are a "Palm Sunday Church?" Come and see. Get free palms.

April 16

Resurrection: Myth or Reality?
Rev. George Blair III

Bishop John Shelby Spong's take on the resurrection. For an Episcopalian he sounds very UU. This Sunday, the best attended in Christendom, is generally one of lower attendance for UUs. We'll explore what resurrection means in the post-Christian era.

April 23

What is Fair Trade?
Guest speaker Patrick Hossay

Patrick Hossay, Associate Professor of Political Science at Stockton College, will talk to us about his international work with the fair trade movement. He has just returned from two weeks in Belize, where he was helping to implement a fair trade project with a women's sewing collective. He will be joined by at least one Stockton student who is currently active in the movement.

April 30

Beltane
Lay leaders Beth Dusman, Steve Duran

Beltane is the ancient Celtic festival of spring. We celebrate new life everywhere, as the signs of spring grow around us. Traditionally this is the festival of the Maypole dance and the Beltane fire.

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May 7

Of A Feather
Rev. George E Blair III

"What we have in common is that we are all limping to some degree or another." Rev. Gwen Langdoc Buehrens is an Episcopal priest married to the past president of the Unitarian Universalist Association. In a brief essay, she describes what UUs and Episcopalians need to understand about each other. Today we examine whether UUs are as uunique (sic) as we think we are!

May 14

A Mother's Day Flower Communion
Rev. George E Blair III

In 1923, a former Czechoslovakian Baptist preacher established the flower communion in the Unitarian Church he established in Czechoslovakia on June 4, 1923. It became an annual event until he was executed by the Nazis in the Dachau concentration camp in 1942. Today -- the history and celebration of this service.
Please bring a flower or two with you to share.

May 21

Annuals, Biennials, and Perennials
Rev. George Blair III

What kind of flower is the Unitarian Universalist Movement? And what kind of stupid lame question is that? Consider the lilies of the field ...   and other parables worth pondering.
Annual Congregational Meeting after the service.

May 28

Insight Meditation
Guest speaker Ruth Sperber

Insight Meditation is a simple and direct practice that employs the moment-to-moment investigation of the mind/body process through calm and focused awareness.

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June 4

How are the Children?
UUCSJS R.E. Children

A special service is planned by the children and teachers in religious education classes. At UUCSJS we recognize the children as a valued part of our community. Come enjoy the spirit and joyful energy of the children as they lead us in honoring our connection to the Earth and considering what the future may hold for their children. We will also have Teacher Appreciation and the revealing of the Mystery Pals. Come join in the fun and see how our children are doing!

June 11

Coming of Age
Rev. George E Blair III and DRE Ginni Stadler

Our minister and our Director of Religious Education present the Coming of Age program to the community as we bond with our young adults in commitment to them over the course of their religious journey. What is "coming of age" and when will we do it?

June 18

The Fatherhood Blues
Rev. George E Blair III

Why would someone become a father on purpose? Is fatherhood more than an empty wallet and a ride to soccer practice? And what exactly is the difference between a father and just "mom's boyfriend"?

June 25

Making Good Relationships Better
Lay leaders Drs. Barbara and Harold Clark

Every relationship -- no matter how good it is -- has the potential to be even better, and we can learn to use this potential to enhance all of our relationships. We invite congregation members to share in some participatory exercises, as they are willing and able.

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July 2

The First Amendment and the First Commandment
Rev. George E Blair III

The first amendment to the United States Constitution reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." First commandment: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Is there a conflict between the free exercise clause and the no law respecting clause -- and can we be a faithful religious person without making "Americanism" our religion?

July 9

God in a Box
Rev. Nancy Dean, Unitarian Society of Mill Creek, Delaware

Many religions teach that they have the only way to find God, or grace, or salvation, or goodness. This sermon is a challenge to the idea that any one person or group can put God in a box.

July 16

Welcome to America: Now Speak English
Rev. George E Blair III

How hospitable are we to immigrants? Why are we currently obsessed with the immigration issue, as if immigration (including illegal immigration) was something new? How does the Judeo-Christian tradition treat the problem of immigration?

July 23

Do You Think – or Do You Believe?
Guest Speaker Dr. Ali Wassil

The faithful in most of the world's religions believe they are adhering to the "word of God." More secular persons challenge the "infallible" claims of faith, arguing that much of it is "myth and delusion." Dr. Wassil will discuss both faith and reason, and the lives and views of eminent advocates of each. Do we have to choose one or the other--or can we strike an ingenious balance and live with both?

July 30

Fishers of Men: Go Literal or Go Figure
Lay leader Jack Miller

An entertaining look at Biblical figurative language.

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August 6

The Gospel of Judas
Rev. George E Blair III

Recently, the National Geographic Society revealed to the general public a startling find: a second century gospel attributed to Judas Iscariot. Come learn about the bizarre history of this Coptic document and what it reveals about primitive Christianity.

August 13

Singing the Journey Around the World
Lay leader and Music Director Barbara Miller

(Postponed from July 30) A glance at our new hymnal supplement reveals a diversity of musical styles and cultural sources. These include Ghana, South Africa, the Taize Community in France, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Hungary, and South Africa. We will travel around the world in song, and even sing some songs in English!

August 20

The Rehabilitation of Saint Paul
Rev. George E Blair III

Every conservative Christian's favortite, the bane of liberal Christianity, St. Paul has had a cranky, sexist, elitist, judgmental image for centuries. Why St. Paul is not as bad as he seems, and why we should get him as a guest speaker sometime, should he return from the dead (as his boss did).

August 27

What is Co-Housing?
Guest Speakers Debbie Dehghan and Steve Welzer

Debbie and Steve will discuss Concord Village, a proposed intergenerational cohousing community to be located near Kennett Square, PA.

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September 3

An Overview of the Koran
Rev. George E Blair III

Five years ago, on September 11, a group of radical Muslims decided to take innocent life in the name of jihad, or Muslim "holy war." They claimed justification in their holy book, the Koran. Certainly the Koran has a reputation for militarism. But does the Koran justify September 11?

September 10

Gathering of the Waters
Lay Leader Marci Rea

This is a service of homecoming and restarting as well as an annual ritual of blending of water, representing our separate experiences, into a miniature ocean, representing our community. You may bring a small container of water, symbolic of your life in the last 12 months, and mix it with others as we begin another year.

September 17

Rosh Hashanah/Ramadan
Rev. George E Blair III

Two holy seasons for two warring peoples. What are the roots of these two holidays, which coincide this year, and how can the message of Jewish and Islamic tradition lead to reconciliation instead of warfare?

September 24

If Religion is Made Up, Then Why are People Religious??
Guest minister Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr

What if you discovered that all that you knew and believed was made up? What if you found out that your religion was full of myth and symbolism -- would you still go to church? Would you still be religious or sink into a deep depression? There are many who know their religion is made up, yet they remain faithful practitioners. Why would anyone do that? Come hear more...

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October 1

Yom Kippur:  the Idea of Community Atonement
Rev. George E Blair III

What does it mean to atone for one's "sins" as a community?  What can we do as individuals within a community to help right the wrongs we have committed, and those of our ancestors?  How can our volunteer service lead to a stronger community and a better world?

October 8

Is It UU To Share Our UU Faith?
Guest Speaker Robert Johnsen

Our speaker will certainly conclude that it is very important for us UU’s to be spreading our faith, and will suggest ways for us to do this.  It was Bob Johnsen, in his position of Director for Growth and Extension for the Joseph Priestly District, who initiated our formation in June of 1998.  Following the service, he will share some of his stories as to our actual founding and his recollections of our earliest months.

October 15

October's Bright Blue Weather
Guest Speaker Alan Oliver, lay Buddhist teacher

Buddhist teachings are often revealed by everyday experience in the moment.  So why not discover these teachings in the essence of October through an old fashioned poem and paean (hymn of praise) about the glories of this month of transition?

October 22

Intuition vs “Truthiness”: Should You Believe Everything You Think?
Lay speaker Michael Cluff

Recent research has suggested that we have a two-tiered mind, one quick and intuitive, the other slow and thoughtful.  Though this structure helps us survive long enough to reproduce, how does it affect the way we seek truth?  To this end, we will explore the latest research in Experimental Psychology, name-drop Malcolm Gladwell, and delve into the canon of Stephen Colbert.

October 29

Changes
Book Club groupies

What can we do to change the world?  Members of the UUCSJS Book Discussion Group lead a presentation of their August selection, Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point. We’ll relate Gladwell's theory that ideas, behaviors and new products move through a population much like a disease.  Can we utilize this theory to provoke change in our own community?

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November 5

From Fundamentalism to Freedom
Guest speaker Marc Adams

Mr. Adams will share some of his life's story, read from his new book (lost)Found, as well as talk about HeartStrong, Inc., the non-profit organization he co-founded for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students of religious educational institutions.
Note: on November 5, Mr Adams was ill.
The substituted service was by Rev Richard Speck, the Director of the Joseph Priestly District (our uua district). He spoke on the meaning of "Welcoming Congregations."
Marc Adams is scheduled to speak on December 6 at 7 pm, at Stockton College A-wing lecture hall.

November 12

Thoughts for a Healthy Congregation
Guest Speaker Paula Maiorano

We UU's sing the hymn "We Would Be One," yet the dance of closeness and distance in human relationships plays out in our lives and in congregations in multiple ways -- some good, others not. The key is to be conscious and intentional. It takes understanding of system dynamics to do that. This morning's service offers an introduction to a healthy approach.

November 19

Thanksgiving
Rev. George E Blair III

What it means to be grateful for what we have, without feeling either guilty or superior to those who have far less. Gratitude as a spiritual value.

November 26

Guided Imagery: Scenes from the Subconscious
Lay speaker Jack Miller

Guided imagery refers to a number of different techniques, including visualization, metaphor and storytelling, fantasy and game playing, and dream interpretation. It has been used for stress reduction, self-awareness and self-healing. Jack will help us understand and explore our subconscious through one or more of these techniques.
This replaces the originally scheduled service on Coming of Age, which has been postponed to a later date.

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December 3

Sneak Attacks
Rev. George E Blair III

It is said that all is fair in love and war, but really fairness doesn't seem to apply in either. How deception and misdirection is woven into the fabric of our being, so that we no longer notice or care when we lie or are lied to.

December 10

What Did God Say - To Different People?
Guest Speaker Ali Wassil Ph.D., D.Litt.

A philosopher of wide world knowledge and experiences, Dr. Wassil will return to discuss what millions of people believe God said to Moses, Jesus, Mohammed, Krishna, and Buddha.

December 17 - 11:00 am

December Dilemma
Rev. George E Blair III

A UU teenager is giving a school assignment to explain how her family and religious community observe the December Holidays. What's a UU to do? Our annual Holiday Pageant.
Location: Lions Center for the Blind, Absecon

December 24 - 4:00 pm

A Traditional Christmas Service
Rev. George E Blair III

How is Christmas celebrated in King's Chapel, the oldest Unitarian Congregation in America. Traditional songs, prayers and, well, the sermon is never quite traditional is it?
Location: Good Shepherd Methodist, Northfield

December 31

Domestic Violence and the Holidays
Rev. George E Blair III

The Kwanzaa Controversy and ramifications for UUs and their families.

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Services from Prior Years

2005      2004      2003      2002