"The Transient and Permanent in Unitarian Universalism"

Rev. Andrew Millard

10:45 AM, Sunday, July 30, 2023



While Unitarian minister Theodore Parker is best known (at least amongst UUs) for originating the concept of the arc of the moral universe, as well as for keeping a loaded pistol on his sermon-writing desk in case he needed to assist someone escaping slavery, Parker’s greatest influence on our living tradition is found in his 1841 sermon “The Transient and Permanent in Christianity.” He preached that certain elements of religion may be regarded as permanent and essential, while others are transient and accidental, subject to transformation with the passage of time. Let’s consider how Parker’s nineteenth-century insight applies to twenty-first-century Unitarian Universalism.

The Rev. Andrew Millard (he/they/A) has served the Mission of the UU Fellowship of the Peninsula in Newport News since 2010. Born and raised in England, he came to the United States for graduate school in physics; some years later he joined the Sierra Club, the Institute on Religion in an Age of Science, the World Pantheist Movement, and the Unitarian Society of Hartford (in that order). He went back to school at Hartford Seminary before transferring to the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. Andrew lives in Gloucester, VA with his spouse, Allison, their pre-teen daughter, and their furry family.

This Sunday Events Following Service

Coffee Hour

Fellowship Hall

Choir News

A Note of Thanks

Dear UUCH,

As many of you know, I recently spent time in Baltimore, MD, attending the Annual Conference of the Association of Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries (AUUMM). It was lovely to meet and sing with UU music ministers from all over the US. There were worship services every day, and sessions on composing and arranging music, writing song lyrics, conducting, accessibility, and so much more. I learned about the history and theology of the UU hymnals, and participated in a community conversation about what will be included in a new, virtual hymnal. Did you know that that the AUUMM sponsors a hymn competition? You will be hearing more about the new hymnal as well as the competition in the coming months.



And of course, there was lots of singing. Singing in worship services, in meetings and sessions, with piano, a cappella, with guitar, with really cool drums, by a hip hop artist…LOTS OF SINGING!

It is not common for a part-time music director to be afforded this kind of opportunity, so I thank you, all of you in this beloved community that is the UUCH. This wonderful experience has opened doors, created new friendships and partnerships, and was a priceless learning experience. THANK YOU!

Lori Larson, UUCH Music Director

Rev. Jaimie's Summer Schedule And Note on HSV Pagan Community

August:

Vacation: August 2-6th

*Study Leave: August 14-18th

*As a reminder Study Leave is time away from congregational responsibilities for rest, learning and spiritual practice. Rev. Jaimie is will not be in the office, available for pastoral meetings, or present at committee meetings during these weeks. In case of emergency, contact the Ryan in the Office!

Dear UUCH,

In an effort to live our mission that we "let people know that we are here and we welcome diversity," I have been building relationships with progressive organizations in town. One of those organizations is Sacred Moon Grove, a brand-new Earth Centered Pagan community. The leaders at Sacred Moon Grove share our commitment to LGBTQ Inclusion and antiracism work. As a way to build our Interfaith friendship with them, they are hosting several community events at UUCH in the coming month. I am looking for UUCH members, particularly anyone who would like to explore earth centered spirituality, to volunteer as building hosts to attend these events and share a big UUCH welcome with this community.

Here are their first few events:



• Potluck Gathering, Sunday August 6th 3-7pm.
• Workshops August 12th 1-3pm; August 15th 6-8pm; & September 2nd 1-3pm.

If you are interested in being a building host for these events please contact Rev. Jaimie at Minister@uuch.org.

CYRE News

Pre-School – Fifth & Sixth – Twelfth Grade

This summer our YoUUth group has been learning about Soul Care. What is that really? Well, here at UUCH we have gotten tired of hearing the term “self-care” and simply replaced the term. Our youth have been hearing about the ways they can nurture and repair themselves in all dimensions, and why this is such a vital and necessary resource. This week we will be learning about mindfulness around media consumption and ways we can balance today’s technology-driven world in ways that promote well-being.