Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown

Gratitude, Shmatitude

Speaker Mark Bernstein

Poets, novelists and self-help gurus tell us to count our blessings…to be grateful for what we have.  But sometimes, gratitude doesn’t work, especially when life is hard or things aren’t going our way.  In this sermon, I’ll make the case against gratitude.  You’ll be grateful I did.

Mark Bernstein is a former staff member with the Central East Region of the UUA and continues to serve the region as Adjunct Staff.  He has been a grateful member of the UU Church of Delaware County in Media, PA for the past 32 years.  Mark lives in Springfield, Delaware County.

Sitting with the Unknown

Speaker: Emily Quarles-Mowrer

Often at this time of year, we are making “To Do” lists of new habits to acquire.  Krista Tippet, the founder and CEO of the On Being Project, has a different perspective on the tradition of making a New Year’s Resolution.  Instead of setting a goal or a list of tasks to get through, try exploring a question.  Join us as we think about the ways that holding a question at the center of our actions for a year can help us reframe challenges, and open us up to new experiences and new ways of interacting with the world around us.

Following Your Inner Compass

Speaker: israel Elias Colon

A poet, educator, and community organizer will reflect on the theme “Following Your Inner Compass.” Drawing from his personal journey through creative writing, interfaith exploration, and years of working with youth, Israel will explore how listening to one’s inner compass can reveal shared values across belief systems and lead us toward lives of purpose and service. Through storytelling, poetry, and reflection, this multigenerational service invites us to consider how curiosity, compassion, and care for the next generation can guide us forward-especially when the path isn’t always clear.

Bio: Israel Elias Colon is a writer, educator, and community organizer based in the Philadelphia area. He is the co-founder and Executive Director of Project Bluebird and Bluebird Arts Collective, organizations dedicated to empowering young people through creative writing, literacy, and trauma-informed arts programming. Drawing from his own life experiences, martial arts practice, and exploration of spiritual traditions, Israel’s work centers on helping youth find their voice, follow their inner compass, and transform difficult experiences into sources of growth and self-expression.

Every New Beginning

Speaker: Rev. Jo Green

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end” is the lyric in a favored song on the radio.  The great mystery of change is upon us.  We are at the juxtaposition of an ending and new beginning, yearly, congregationally, and individually.  What are the great questions we have about the mystery of this time of year?  We will have a ritual to write down what wonderful change you wish to see this year.  Have paper and pen ready on Zoom and these supplies will also be provided in person. Join us in this ritual service of endings and beginnings.

Join adults and children in a community event: a smorgasbord of tasty treats and games galore.

Come celebrate a traditional Christmas Eve with favorite stories and carols at a special 4pm service

Thoughts on the Necessity of Hope.
Speaker: Diane Awenydd Evans.
At this dark time of year, at this dark time in history, it is easy for people of good conscience to slip into despair. Despair is the enemy. It paralyses us and prevents us from finding joy and faith. Holding onto Hope is a necessity especially in times of darkness and fear. Let’s talk about Hope and how we can hold onto it and where we can find it if we have misplaced ours.

Christ for Unitarian Universalists.
Speaker: Ann M. Tomalavage.
Part of the opening words at each UUFP service state that “…whatever you believe… you are welcome here.” For the first 18 years of her life, Ann was a devout Catholic. Today, she will share why she left the Catholic church for good and how Christ’s message has been embraced by UUs over the years.