Homily: The Battle for Christmas | Rev. Sean Neil-Barron | December 20, 2020
December 21, 2020
Rev. Sean discusses the contentious origins of Christmas in America and explores how cultural context affects the changing role of Christmas.
Cereal: From this American Rice | Rev. Sean Neil-Barron | December 20, 2020
December 21, 2020
Rev. Sean shares an unexpected place he’s been finding holiday magic this year.
Winter Solstice Audio Guide
December 20, 2020
Many of us find meaning in marking the winter solstice - the longest, darkest night of the year that also marks the beginning of the return of light.
Since we can't all gather for a big ceremony or bonfire this year, we've instead put together an audio guide and video to help you celebrate the solstice on your own or with members of your household.
Made possible by the Foothills Unitarian Earth Based Path Ministry, the Family Ministry team, and the Music team.
Reading | The Miraculous Everlasting Hanukkah Buffet by Jason Cook | December 13, 2020
December 14, 2020
Rev. Sean Neil-Barron reads The Miraculous Everlasting Hanukkah Buffet by Rev. Jason Cook.
The Stories of Hanukkah | Rev. Gretchen Haley | December 13, 2020
December 14, 2020
Rev. Gretchen tells the Hanukkah story in three different ways.
Homily: How We Tell the Story | Rev. Gretchen Haley | December 13, 2020
December 14, 2020
Rev. Gretchen Haley explores how the way we tell a story shapes the meaning we make from it, and, in turn, how we come to understand ourselves and life.
Additional Resources:
From the BBC: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190523-the-way-you-tell-your-life-story-shapes-your-personality
Reform Judaism article on Hanukkah: https://reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/hanukkah/history-hanukkah-story
NPR interview about Hanukkah: https://www.npr.org/2020/12/12/945788794/celebrating-hanukkah-during-the-covid-19-pandemic
Inspiration: Rev. Gretchen drew inspiration for this homily from Long conversations with Professors Pam Eisenbaum and Mark George at the Iliff School of Theology, as well as with Rabbi Shoshana Leis formerly of Congregation Har Shalom in Fort Collins.
Rev. Gretchen's notes and memory of the awesome book, From the Maccabees to the Mishnah by Shaya Cohen, also shaped this Homily. Find "From the Maccabees to the Mishnah" here: https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/From-the-Maccabees-to-the-Mishnah-9780664227432
Reading | This is the Moment of Magic by Victoria Safford | December 6, 2020
December 7, 2020
Feel magic stirring with “This is the Moment of Magic” by Victoria Safford.
Guided Meditation & Prayer | Rev. Sean Neil-Barron | December 6, 2020
December 7, 2020
Rev. Sean offers a guided meditation to help us practice moving our bodies through the cycle of emotions and stress.
Homily Part 2: The Moment of Magic | Rev. Gretchen Haley | December 6, 2020
December 7, 2020
Rev. Gretchen encourages us to find our own paths to small moments of magic this season. She calls on us to identify memories, wishes, and practices then create and maintain rituals that awaken the essence and value of this season.
