October 2

Rev. Gordon Gibson

"Not Just A Pretty Face"

Judith Sargent Murray was a founder of Universalism in America and the country's first published feminist author. She has recently been re-discovered in many ways, including the locating of her personal papers by this morning's preacher, The Rev. Dr. Gordon Gibson. A Copley portrait of Judith hangs prominently at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Gordon Gibson is making his second appearance in the First Unitarian Church pulpit this morning with a sermon about 18th century Universalist feminist Judith Sargent Murray, and will be talking and sharing slides in First Forum about the southern civil rights tours that he and his wife, Judy, have led the last two years and will offer again in March of 2006. Gordon is serving this term as Minister in Residence at Meadville Lombard Theological School.

He is Minister Emeritus of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Elkhart, Indiana, and has also served Unitarian Universalist congregations in Mississippi and Massachusetts. The civil rights tours give people an opportunity to meet and talk with veterans of the civil rights movement and visit such historic sites as the Pettus Bridge in Selma or the church whose burning drew Chaney, Schwerner, and Goodman to Philadelphia, Mississippi.

Dr. Lee Barker will provide a short reflection.

October 9

Rev. Nina D. Grey

Forgiveness and Turning:
Themes of Judaism’s High Holy Days

The Jewish and Christian heritages are among the sources of inspiration upon which Unitarian Universalism draws. Aware of Judaism’s High Holy Days, which occur in October this year, today we reflect on two themes that weave through the days prior to, and during, Rosh Hashonah (the New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). The choir and our Director of Music will provide music related to the High Holy Days season.

October 16

Rev. Nina D. Grey

Fasting and Revelation

Themes of Islam’s Month of Ramadan

Unitarian Universalists draw on the wisdom of the world’s religions. This service honors the beginning of the month of Ramadan. The Month of Ramadan is when it is believed the revelation of the Holy Quran was received, as guidance, direction, and a means of salvation. During Ramadan, Muslims’ focus on faith includes fasting, worship and contemplation. Today we reflect on two themes suggested by Ramadan, the nature of revelation, and the power of fasting.

October 23

Homily: Rev. Nina D. Grey

The Chicago Children’s Choir

United Nations Sunday and Birthday of the Chicago Children’s Choir

When First Church’s Rev. Chris Moore founded the Chicago Children’s Choir, it was no coincidence that its birthday was marked on United Nations Sunday, for both the Choir and the UN are dedicated to building bridges among diverse peoples. Join us as we celebrate the annual Birthday of the Chicago Children’s Choir and United Nations Sunday. The CCC Concert Choir will offer us a diversity of wonderful, powerful, and moving music, we will hear about the birth and life of the Choir, and the congruence of its mission to the work of the United Nations.

October 30

Ellen Cooper-Davis

“Ancestor’s Breath”

The circle of the year turns around, and we find ourselves deep into Autumn, a time of change and transition. Just as we experience transitions in life, so we will all one day transition from life to death. Join us as we honor our ancestors and our beloved dead at this Samhain/Day of the Dead service. Please bring small momentos of your beloved dead to place on the community altar during our service.

Ellen Cooper-Davis is a third year student at Meadville Lombard Theological school, where she is pursuing her Masters in Divinity. She is also pursuing training in Spiritual Direction at the Institute for Spiritual Leadership. She and her husband Andy enjoy living here in Hyde Park with their two cats, Sumi and Cricket.

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