As Unitarian Universalists, we have no set seasonal opportunity to pause and reflect, unlike Lent in Christianity or the High Holy Days for Jews. Should we incorporate reflection and repentance into our personal theologies? If so, when and how? We will look at Lent and the High Holy Days, and examine what those two yearly practices provide, for our own personal search for truth and meaning.
What is the point of having this powerful, intelligent instrument, the heart, if we ignore what it has to tell us? They say 'follow your heart' but what does that mean and more particularly how does one do it? Following her heart has led local musician and entrepreneur Deb Jenkins into adventures as diverse as music promotion, catering, writing and singing. Come laugh, cry, and experience your own great heart.
About twelve years ago, biochemist Michael Behe argued that many biological systems are so irreducibly complex, that they cannot be explained by the Darwinian mechanism of gradual descent with modification. Thus, the evolved creationist theory of Intelligent Design was born. We will discuss Behe's arguments and their implications, and why reports of the death of Darwin's Theory of Evolution are greatly exaggerated.
The FMUU Annual Meeting will be held on Feb. 17 after our service.
Julie Semlak, a lifelong UU, has spent several Sunday mornings listening to sermons and discussions about discovering Unitarian Universalism as an adult. Having grown up as a Unitarian, her perspective of the principles and practices of Unitarian Universalism are quite different. After reflecting on the trials and tribulations of being a Unitarian child, Julie will share stories of her religious upbringing, reflect on the difficulties of being a child Unitarian, and how these experiences shape her current views of Unitarian Universalist beliefs and practices. Julie Semlak is a doctoral student at NDSU and a lifetime UU. Two years ago, Julie joined our church after leaving the UU church she grew up in, where she served on the board of directors, the youth group director, and the chairperson of the religious committee. All of Julie's siblings are practicing UUs, and members of her extended family have converted to the UU faith, based upon her families continued involvement with various Unitarian congregations around the country.