October 3, 1999: Whole Ministers, Whole Churches

Worship Leader: The Rev. Dr. William R. Murry, President, Meadville/Lombard Theological School

Meadville/Lombard is fortunate to have First Church close by. I also think First is fortunate to have one of only two UU seminaries in the world across the street, but the relationship between the two institutions has not always been as close as it should be. The service is dedicated to fostering a closer relationship. The sermon will deal with the qualities of ministry we are seeking to instill in our students, which will also happen to be the qualities we need in our churches.

Bill Murry was a UU parish minister for 20 years before he became President of M/LTS 2 years ago. He and his wife Barbara are members of our church.

October 10, 1999: Choose Life

Worship Leader: Rev. Nina D. Grey

This sermon begins a 3-week series whose theme is covenant. Our nation's foundational covenant is the U.S. Constitution, including its amendments. Among other things, we promise each other the rights of life and liberty. Today we recall the terrible hate-motivated acts of recent days and months which have taken some lives and damaged others and which threaten liberty. Are we all affected? How shall we respond?

October 17, 1999: Promises We Make

Worship Leader: Rev. Nina D. Grey

Why do we come together? What are our shared purposes? How shall we walk together? How shall we be together? These kinds of questions help us create understandings. Understandings can become commitments. What is required for the faithful making of promises? What are the purposes and meanings of covenant between self and other, in personal relationships, in church life and in community involvement?

October 24, 1999: UNITED NATIONS SUNDAY
Beyond Boundaries: Transgression or Transformation?

Worship Leader: Rev. Nina D. Grey
Worship Associate: Rosemary Snow
The Chicago Children's Choir will sing

The U.N., now more than 50 years old, is founded on and grounded in a declaration of human rights and a recognition of the sovereignty of nations. Today is our annual celebration of the Chicago Children's Choir, which honors the music of many lands. With the Choir, we will affirm the United Nations and its vision for world peace and justice. We will ask how the idea of boundaries both contributes to and impedes that vision.

October 31, 1999: INTERGENERATIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE

Our Heroes of the Past

Worship Leaders: Rev. Nina Grey, Polly McCoo, Rev. Beth Williams
Worship Associate: Joan Staples

In some religious traditions, the day we know as Halloween is thought to be the time when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is at its thinnest. It is a time to honor those of the past whom we have loved and admired, to seek their wisdom and guidance, and to think about what legacy they have left us and how we continue to grow because of their gifts. Our intergenerational worship service will continue this Halloween tradition.

Please come in the costume of someone from the past whom you admire. Your hero or heroine might be someone you knew, or a famous Unitarian Universalist, or another person from history. Please also bring a photo or other memento of your hero to place on our Heroes' Altar. Make this your personal tribute to your hero.

A brief meditation service to honor the dead of this congregation will be held in the Crypt at 9:15 am.