by Rev. Kathleen C. Rolenz
Telling the truth can be liberating – or it can be paralyzing! Politicians are both rewarded or reviled for “telling it like it is,” marriages and relationships can be strengthened or damaged– all by that simple act of truth telling. This week we’ll explore both the liberation and the responsibilities that come with naming what you see, think or feel.
by Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, Rev. Dr. Wayne Arnason, and Rev. Leah Hart-Landsberg
Who are we now? What do we want to become? What is our Heart’s Desire for our Fellowship? Half way through the tenure of the Transitional Consulting Ministry, Kathleen and Wayne have some observations to share, and possibilities to offer, in a mid-year report sermon inspired by our monthly theme. Equal time will be given in this unusual hour-and-a-half service to Congregational Response, in a cafe-style setting in the Sanctuary. The children and young people attending Religious Education will be involved in their own age appropriate workshop/programming at this time-they will be called back to the Sanctuary toward the end of the event in order to contribute their ideas to the larger group. Join us on Saturday or on Sunday (one service only at 10) for a milestone service on the road to our future.
by Rev. Kathleen Rolenz
It’s the new year and many of us have made – or possibly already broken – our vows to change our lives in some new direction. We’re told that “resistance training” is the best way to build muscle by ironically, breaking them down first! This sermon will explore the challenge presented by the January theme of “Resistance,” to growth, to spiritual depth and to forces seemingly beyond our control that threaten to challenge the values we hold dear.
by Rev. Kathleen Rolenz
The young adult novels The Hunger Games depicted a dystopian future where entire nations are starving and children are forced to compete to the death for the right to eat. Escalating inequality is forcing many in our nation – and world – to go without their daily bread. How can we put a stop to this deadly, hungriest game of have and have nots?
by Rev. Kathleen Rolenz
When Harper Lee’s novel “Go Set a Watchman” was released, it unleashed a storm of controversy as her new book revealed beloved protoganist Atticus Finch as a racist. As a result, we have had to let go of one image of a “great man” for a different one. In this season of “letting go,” we’ll examine what it means to let old God’s die, allowing for new and promising possibilities.
by Rev. Kathleen Rolenz
“A real conversation always contains an invitation.” – David Whyte
The invitation into conversation can be offered and received in so many ways in the society in which we live. This sermon will explore the intersection of both the Fellowship’s monthly theme of Invitation and West Shore UU Church (Cleveland) theme which asks Do I know how to have a real conversation? What is a real conversation, anyway – and how do we issue the invitation to one another to engage as people of integrity and faith?
by Transitional Consulting Ministers Rev. Kathleen Rolenz and Rev. Dr. Wayne Arnason
The Old Testament Prophet Amos once asked a question that has become central to UU congregations –“Can two walk together except they be agreed?” What has made “walking together” possible, even when we don’t agree on every element of our spiritual beliefs or our fellowship’s priorities, has been the covenants we have made. Our new lead ministers will introduce themselves, and reflect on the covenant we are making with them, and with each other, in the year ahead.
