Tag Archive for: Rev. Leah Ongiri

Parting Thoughts; “Waves Upholding”

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Parting Thoughts; "Waves Upholding"
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Blue Boat Home, written by Peter Mayer, performed by Dr. Stephen Sieck
Sermon by Rev. Leah Ongiri
A few last observations, memories, and ideas, including many thanks, much gratitude, and a final favorite poem, from Rev. Leah on her last Sunday in the Fellowship’s pulpit. She will be preaching virtually from her new home in Portland but looks forward to sharing one last service with this beautiful congregation whose people and traditions have taught her so much about Unitarian Universalism, commitment, joy, hard work, relationship, and life in general. This is her last day as one of the Fellowship’s ministers.

Illusion, Separateness, and Rediscovery: A Service in Honor of the Jewish High Holy Days

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Illusion, Separateness, and Rediscovery: A Service in Honor of the Jewish High Holy Days
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Reflections by Jaclyn Kottman Hittner, Rev Christina Leone-Tracy, and Rev. Leah Ongiri

The Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the 10 Days of Awe between them just as we also prepare to launch our annual Fellowship theme of rediscovering. In this era of getting back to a new normal, the seasonal Jewish theme of beginning again is especially relevant for individuals and our gathered communities. Upon close examination, we might find that our separateness is an illusion that keeps us from truly moving forward together.

Truth, Meaning, and the Unfaithfulness of the Moon

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Truth, Meaning, and the Unfaithfulness of the Moon
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Reflection by Kathryn Tollefson
Sermon by Rev. Leah Ongiri
Join us for the second half of a two-part sermon series exploring the 4th UU principle, which is about the importance of a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Whether or not you made it to Rev. Christina’s service, this Sunday will be an opportunity to reflect on finding one’s own truth, figuring out if that makes it The Truth, locating meaning that works in harmony, and how Zora Neale Hurston made peace with the unfaithful moon.

Spring and Other Balancing Acts

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Spring and Other Balancing Acts
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Reflection by Dave Velguth
Sermon by Rev. Leah Ongiri
At the vernal or spring equinox, the sun is exactly above the equator. Day and night are briefly of equal length, perfectly balanced. Spring itself is a balancing act, positioned in the middle of winter and summer to smooth the transition between the two more extreme seasons. What are the gifts and opportunities of balancing life and its seasons? People of all ages will want to have a (hard to break) spoon, pen, book, plate, and piece of fruit on hand; let’s try balancing together!

Yes to Life: Keeping Afloat

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Yes to Life: Keeping Afloat
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Reflection by Kathryn Tollefson
Sermon by Rev. Leah Ongiri
Saying yes to life doesn’t mean that we literally affirm every single thing–that would be inane or even impossible. However, cultivating a posture of openness can be a thoughtful, fulfilling way to care for self and community. As one way to practice affirmation, we will take a special collection for the newly formed Marge Koepke Legacy Scholarship at Appleton West High School for future teachers.

Tiny Space

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Tiny Space
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by Rev. Leah Ongiri
Acts of care and experiences of connection can sometimes seem insignificant on their own. But the tiny space created by a sympathetic phone call or homemade meal left on the doorstep looms large in community. The care team is especially devoted to this work, but all Fellowship members and friends share the ministry by expressing concern and connection for one another.

Reclaiming Power

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Reclaiming Power
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by Rev. Leah Ongiri
As is our tradition, we mark the Jewish High Holy Days by reflecting with Rev. Leah and Jaclyn Kottman and experiencing ancient sacred music offered by Dan Van Sickle and Mark Urness. Same service—and yet, like so much these days, it will be different. During a global pandemic, how might Judaism suggest we reckon with deprivation, discomfort, and disappointment caused by human behavior? A simple home ritual (if you like, have a bowl of water and some salt nearby) can help you establish your sense of self, reclaim some power, and set intention.

To Imagine

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To Imagine
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by Rev. Leah Ongiri
One of the first local UU ancestors Rev. Leah learned about when she moved to Wisconsin was Lewis Allen McGee, a Chicago-based Humanist and one of the first African American Unitarian ministers. After preaching on him in her first year of ministry to the Fellowship, she started thinking about him a lot again this summer when she had some space for personal reflection about how best to absorb the political uprising following George Floyd’s murder. Rev. McGee’s work has been a surprisingly timely and imaginative resource.

“Why Was I Born?”: A Service of Questions

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“Why Was I Born?”: A Service of Questions
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by Rev. Leah Ongiri
This poignant title of the song popularized by Billie Holiday—and our special music for the morning—will set the stage for one of our traditional question sermons. Come with a question or few (about Unitarian Universalism, the world, or anything else), and Rev. Leah will spontaneously respond to as many as time allows. This service is up to you! What questions are on your mind and in your heart?

Toilet Paper, Togetherness, and Healing

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Toilet Paper, Togetherness, and Healing
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by Rev. Leah Ongiri
At the Fellowship it’s our year of healing but there’s a global pandemic raging in the world. We’re scared to get close to each other but everyone is talking about how we’re all in it together. Toilet paper is suddenly a hot topic but the truth about its scarcity and abundance is a little more complicated that we’ve been led to believe.