Rev. Linda Hoddy
One of the things we seek when we come to religious communities is to “know and be known.” It is also to be loved. In 1958 Phil Spector wrote the song “To Know Him Is to Love Him,” inspired by a quotation about his father. For me, the song title also expresses the essence of religious communities at their best. As we come to know one another, we grow in our love for one another, in spite of our failings and irritations.
The Worship Associate is Kimberley Debus.
Rev. Linda Hoddy
The internet is changing our sense of intimacy. Should we “let it all hang out?” “Wear our hearts on our sleeves” or on our Facebook pages? Huston Smith wrote in his recent autobiography that he was “honored to be excluded” from the sacred rites of the Onondaga. He was elated that “there are still truths too precious to broadcast to just any and everyone.” I think that’s true of our spiritual lives as well as our personal lives. What, when, how, and with whom to share the secrets of our hearts is an ever-present question.
The Worship Associate is Todd Carangelo.
Rev. Chris Antal
Unitarians and Universalists have defended religious freedom throughout history. To connect our past to the present “era of persistent conflict,” Chris will reflect on his personal commitment to religious freedom and the need for UU chaplains in the military.
Chris is currently serving as Intern Minister at First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany. He is also a Chaplain Resident at Albany Medical Center and Chaplain Candidate in the New York Army National Guard.
The Worship Associate is Kimberley Debus.
Rev. Linda Hoddy
The Bible has 52 names for God. Jews are forbidden to utter the divine name. Muslims have 99 names for God. Buddhists say “There is a Buddha in every grain of sand.” Forrest Church liked to say, “God is not God’s name. God is a word we use for that which we cannot name.” What matters it whether or not or how you name that which is holy or sacred?
The Worship Associate is Bob Mohowski.