Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown

Other Wise People • Lisa Jokiel

Lisa reflects on a short novel, The Story of the Other Wise Man, by Henry van Dyke Jr., published in 1895 and later made into a play, then a 1985 made-for-TV movie, as The Fourth Wise Man. Was Henry van Dyke Jr. an undercover Unitarian or Universalist? Did his Other Wise Man illustrate any of the Unitarian Universalist principles? Lisa was led to design today’s presentation by her mother’s love of the play and by needing to celebrate her family winter holiday (called ThanksChristmas) on January 6th, the only day everyone could get together! It is also known as Little Christmas, Three Kings Day, the 12th Day of Christmas, or just plain Christmas by the Eastern Orthodox faiths.

Life Lessons from My Little Pony:  Adventure • Emily Quarles-Mowrer

This is the kick-off to a sermon series inspired by our Unitarian Universalist Principles, as viewed through the lens of the Mane 6 from the cartoon series My Little Pony:  Friendship is Magic.  The six main ponies each embody different qualities and display different talents.  We will look at our third principle, “Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth,” with Rainbow Dash’s spirit of adventure, bravery, and loyalty.

Defining Enough • JD Stillwater

Failure to define “enough” means never being satisfied. It makes us vulnerable to slick advertising, and fills our lives with tedium and chaos. It deflects our focus from sources of true happiness, like play, family, relationships, community. Ultimately, it also leads to the desecration of Earth’s living systems. Defining “enough” is a spiritual practice.

Surviving Storms • Rev. Kim Wilson

When storms come and upend our lives, there are three questions we are called upon to ask ourselves, according to the writer and spiritual teacher Mark Nepo: What needs to be repaired? What needs to be reimagined? And what needs to be dismantled? Sometimes, when the storm clouds have parted, we may see that the path before us has been cleared in ways we never imagined.

Moral Realism • Rev. Cheryl Meinschein

Philosopher and novelist Iris Murdoch contends that morality is not about abstract principles or big dramatic decisions, but rather about day to day actions of casting “just and loving attention” on other people. How do we get there, and what stands in the way?

Bittersweetness • Diane Trieb

Our friend Diane Trieb returns today to share her insights on seeking spiritual and practical ways of integrating suffering and joy in our lives. Diane is a writer, teacher, counselor, group facilitator, and minister of Practical Spirituality. Learn more about her at www.dianetrieb.com

Christmas Eve Service: Music in the Morning

Join us in celebrating this joyful season with an inter-generational program featuring uplifting holiday music, followed by festive treats.

A Poetry Potluck

For this morning’s service, all are invited to bring your favorite dish (in this case, poetry) as together we nourish our sense of wonder, mystery, and shared community by stirring our souls, moving us to tears, or making us laugh.