May 7
The Choir
Michael Thorn, Director of Music

Frost and Frostiana, A Service of Words and Song

This Choir Sunday Service in music and word is a celebration of Robert Frost's poetic and philosophic interlacing of humanity and nature. Frostiana, a large piece by Randall Thompson puts to music such classics as “Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening,”“ The Road Not Taken”, and other poems. Join us for this early May worship. Welcome in that deepening of the spirit that comes to us through the art of music.

Michael Thorn began his tenure as Director of Music at First Unitarian Church in September, 2004. He is a prolific composer, writing music for organ, piano, chorus, voice and chamber groups. He and his wife, Eva, lived for several years in Sweden, where he was music director at Arentuna Kyrka, a parish of 7,000 members. One of his many compositions while living in Sweden was a "Jazz Mass," which was performed in the church and very well received. In 1984 he formed a jazz trio which is still very active. Michael studied piano with Hyde Parker Gavin Williamson and organ with Edward Mondello. He received a Masters Degree in Music Theory and Composition from Roosevelt University.

May 14
Speaker: Dr. Susan Scrimshaw

Mothering and Mentoring

Mothers are among our earliest teachers and mentors, and mentors come in many roles besides that of mother. Both have nurturing in common, and both must teach while also permitting growth. Today's sermon honors both mothers and mentors, and explores some of the challenges in both roles.

Susan C. Scrimshaw, PhD is a medical anthropologist and Dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Illinois at Chicago until July 1, when she will assume the Presidency of Simmons College in Boston. She is a member of our Worship and Music Committee, and sings in the choir. She has spoken in pulpits in Unitarian Universalist Churches ranging from Santa Monica, California to New Hampshire, and is a member of the Board of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. She and Allan Stern were married in this church last March 25. Susan has preached in our pulpit a number of times. This will be her last sermon before she and Allan move to the Boston area.

Worship Associate: Allan Stern

Cradle to Grave: Lifelong Learning and Growth

What does it mean to be a liberal faith community? We hold a vision that includes vital intellectual and spiritual growth for an energetic learning community of all ages. This morning we reflect on religious and spiritual learning and growth for infants through elders. We honor our youth passing from 8th to 9th grade and from youth to young adulthood. We celebrate our learners, teachers, and facilitators, all who create and participate in our lifespan religious education program and all the religious educational opportunities our congregation provides.

May 28
Sermon: Edward Scott Michael

Holes in the Darkness: A Memorial Day Commemoration

On this holiday founded in a desire for reconciliation, join us as we explore approaches to grief and the transformation loss can bring. How do we affirm the importance of community in our journey to cope with death?

Scott Michael is completing a Field Education student ministry at our church. This will be his last sermon before leaving for an internship at the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood in New Jersey.

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