November 2012 Blog Posts (13)

Mark DeCourval was born in Flint, Michigan on June 8, 1941. It was here that he spent his formative years, and later on as a family man raising a son and three daughters. He arrived in Philadelphia while serving in the Navy. After being honorably discharged Mark spent fifty years working in Philadelphia and surrounding communities, most notably as vice president in…

Can Unitarian Universalists evangelize? Some people may wince at the idea, thinking evangelizing goes against our pluralistic principles. Evangelism is often associated with visions of street preachers, door pamphlets, and television personalities that tell us how we can be saved. Well, we are part “universalist” and our predecessors thought that all would be granted salvation, right? So is there such a thing as “UU evangelism”? Curious about others’ thoughts, I posed this question to the…

I am extremely grateful for the joy that the choir brings to our community.  I was moved to tears yesterday at their fall Music Sunday concert where they performed Carmina Burana. This emotion was evoked partly by the beauty of the piece, partly by the pride in their accomplishments, and partly knowing that I have the opportunity just to be with them.  I am thankful for them sharing their time: being there for and with each…

If you are driving in to Church on Sunday, plan your trip and parking ahead.  The Philadelphia Marathon takes place that morning!  The runners will be running by the Church between miles 6 and 7, which by my estimation translates to between 7:30am and 9am.  However, your route into West Center City may be blocked.

Road closures: http://www.philadelphiamarathon.com/hotel-travel/travel-tips

Course…

Calling all Young Adults!

Dear First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia,

As you know, Hurricane Sandy has caused wide spread devastation along the Mid Atlantic coast in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and as far as eastern Ohio this past week. Many people are still without basic necessities such as warm clothes, blankets, shoes, food (perishables and non-perishables), cleaning supplies, batteries/flashlights and lanterns, demolition tools (pry bars, sledge hammers, garbage bags), etc. Several of our…

From Interweave:

Interweave is sending out the Nov. issue of Interweave Connect early for the UU congregations that are in Maine, Washington, Maryland and Minnesota before they vote on Nov. 6^th. UUs have done great work in each of those states for marriage equality. …

Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour this Sunday morning!  You will have one extra hour of sleep before service begins with our guest minister Rev. Dan Schatz.

The November edition of The Beacon, the First U's monthly newsletter, is ready to read!

This month's edition features:

• information about the Wayside Pulpit revival at First U
• cover art by Edwin Close
• spiritual inquiries from Ranwa Hammamy, UU Seminarian
• information about the Christmas Eve service story collection…
  
  
  
  

Anticipating the Good

Change will occur in almost every aspect of our lives, but we can learn to embrace it while releasing the past with grace. As we close the door on another summer of transitions, (graduations, weddings and memorials) we begin to look forward with anticipation or dread. Sometimes we have so many varying responsibilities in our lives, ranging from work obligations to caring for children, and running a household, we become overwhelmed by it all.…