We have all had a part in helping to make Walter a minister, and we all will come together to ordain him. We will be joined by members of the clergy from far and near in this great celebration. Our choir, under the direction of Ellen Oak, will be joined by pianists/organists Malcolm Halliday and Ted Johnson to provide music and lead us in song. You do not want to miss this exciting celebration of a member of our church becoming a minister in our faith tradition. Please make every effort to attend. A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall.
Past Services
Sunday, May 8th, 2011
In many circles of western society, religion has a pretty bad name. In a world where heinous crimes are perpetrated in the name of religion and where reason and scientific thinking are dismissive of biblical stories, many people have not surprisingly rejected traditional religion. It is easy to say that we have little need for religion today, but to do so would be "throwing the baby out with the bath water." Properly understood, religion is not about faith in a set of beliefs, but is a lived community experience that invites us to engage in a quest for that place of fullness to which we orient ourselves morally and spiritually. The choice between religion or no religion is a choice between living our lives naively and superficially, or deeply engaging with our spiritual and moral selves and in relationship with others, who will challenge and support us on our journey towards a fuller life experience. Worship will be led by Rev. Tom Rosiello.
Sunday, May 1st, 2011
Only one Service in Stow at 11 AM
(There will also be a service for those on retreat at Ferry Beach, led by soon-to-be-ordained Walter LeFlore)
Today is May Day. It is both an ancient pagan holiday that celebrates the end of winter with flowers, May baskets and Maypole dances, and in many countries, a day when the rights of workers are celebrated. This morning we will explore both and consider what meaning they may have for us. We certainly need to rejoice in the spring's beauty after such a tough winter and it seems like a most appropriate time to look at the moral issues that surround the treatment of workers in our own country and abroad. Worship will be led by Rev. Tom Rosiello. Music will be provided by pianist Barbara Jones, and will include selections from Edward Grieg's "Holberg Suite".
Sunday, April 24th, 2011
Easter Sunday
Join us for an uplifting service that will focus on what the Easter message can mean for us in our lives today. The sermon by our minister Tom Rosiello, will examine the ways in which we may be stuck in a place that is like a tomb and how there is an "Easter experience" waiting for us if we can just “roll the stone away”. Our services will be full of Hallelujahs and after a special Easter Story for all Ages, our children will leave for the great Easter Egg Hunt. At the 11 AM service, everyone will be invited to join in singing Handel's famous "Hallelujah Chorus" from the Messiah to conclude the service. Please bring you family and friends to for this joyous celebration.
Thursday, April 21st, 2011
Led by Rev Tom Rosiello and soon to be ordained minister, Walter LeFlore. For this beautiful candlelight service we will commemorate the story of Jesus’ final days focusing on the meal he shared with his disciples. Our worship will include readings, reflections, hymns and organ music. In this service we honor our history and celebrate our Christian roots while reaching beyond to the broader message of community, sharing and the ministry of humble service. Whether or not your religious background is Christian, please plan to attend.
Sunday, April 17th, 2011
All this weekend at church, UUA Consultant, Mark Ewert, will be with us exploring the viability of a capital campaign to help us meet many of our needs. He will address the congregation briefly at both services. The question of our readiness to embark on such a journey together is far more than one of just dollars and cents. There is a spiritual dimension to the question. In this morning’s sermon, our minister Tom Rosiello, will explore the idea of what it takes for us to move from being a good church to being a great church. Today our organ will be featured as we are joined by guest organist, Robert Humpreville. Our youth choir will join the Adult Choir to provide music at 11 AM which will include a favorite FPC anthem, "Choose Something Like A Star," Randall Thompson's setting of the famous Robert Frost poem.
Sunday, April 10th, 2011
Whether you are a Christian or a Muslim or even a Scientific Fundamentalist, there is a serious problem with thinking you have all the answers. This morning we will embrace the mystery of what we don't know, and explore the importance of resisting attitudes of exclusiveness in our interpretation of the world. Worship will be lead by the Rev. Tom Rosiello with assistance from Field Ed. Student, Bryan Elwood. Our music will be under the direction of Ellen Oak, who will sing a work by Hildegard von Bingen at the 9 AM service, and lead the choir at 11 AM in a mystical piece drawn from Hindu tradition entitled, "Dravidian Dithyramb." Our guest organist will be Roderick Phipps-Kettlewell.
Sunday, April 3rd, 2011
In the book of James it is written, “By my works I will show you my faith.” This morning we will address the challenge of showing our faith through our actions. Worship will be led by Rev. Tom Rosiello and Field Ed. Student, Bryan Elwood. Inspiring music will be provided at both services by our fabulous Jazz Band. In addition, our Children’s Choir will sing at the 9 AM service and our Adult Choir will sing at the 11 AM service.
Thursday, March 31st, 2011
Vesper Service
Boy, do we need the spring to arrive after this winter! In our vesper service we will focus on the renewal that spring brings, not just to the earth, but to our lives. Beautiful music will be provided by harpist Dorothy Sonnichsen. Vespers is a quiet service of readings, sharing, candle lighting, mediation and music. The service lasts about 45 minutes and is the perfect way to end a busy day. You are welcome to bring a poem or other reading that reminds you of spring to share with others. The service will be led by Rev. Tom Rosiello with assistance from Bryan Elwood, our Field Ed. Student.
Sunday, March 27th, 2011
Thousands of years ago the tradition of observing the Sabbath was created. Some consider it one of the greatest contributions to civilization. The practice of observing the Sabbath created a rhythm between work and rest which seems nearly lost in our modern society. That loss comes at a price to our bodies and our souls. The sermon by our minister, the Rev. Tom Rosiello, will focus on restoring Sabbath time in your life. Music at both services will be provided by Ellen Oak with Nick Warseck at the piano. Our Adult Choir will also sing at the 11 AM service.
