2011
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Tapes of some previous programs are available
Text of Some Messages is Now Online
Sunday, 25 December 2011, 11 a.m.
Christmas Day
We will not meet today.
Sunday, 18 December 2011, 11 a.m.
Blessed To Receive
The time around the winter solstice is filled
with celebrations of light and gift giving. And
through it all, we're told it is more blessed to
give than to receive, but is it? As we strive to
open our hearts to others, it requires us to let
down our own walls and receive the gifts of
spirit and community. Our winter solstice
celebration includes the young people of the
congregation, the music of Annelinde Metzner and
the UUCSV choir, and words of seasonal blessing
from Byron Ballard. And you'll have to be there
to receive the gift of the playful nobility of
those three legendary kings.
Sunday, 11 December 2011, 11 a.m.
The Love of Friendship
Rev. Michael Carter
In my last message to the congregation I want to focus on what it means to be a friend. It definitely takes hard work to develop these relationships, and in our highly technocratic society, time is one of those precious commodities many of us seem to have little of. Yet this is precisely what we need to develop in our friendships. Even a child knows that what you love you give time to. So as we come to the end of the year the questions become: What do you give your time to? What and whom do you really treasure in your life? What are you doing with your life? To have a friend we must learn to be one.
From the Worship Associates: Please join us for a
reception following the service to thank Michael
and Judith for their commitment to us as
extraordinary pulpit supply ministers during our
time of transition.
Sunday, 4 December 2011, 11 a.m.
Trust Me (rescheduled for a later date)
Jeff Hutchins
Jeff is a regular at UUCSV and one of our "resident atheists." Jeff's sermon, called “Trust Me,” examines trust as the foundation of relationships and faith, and the ways in which people trust and mistrust each other.
Children will be in the first part of the service for another of Jeff's original children's stories.
Sunday, 27 November 2011, 11 a.m.
Sacred Storytelling
Rebecca Williams and Members of UUCSV
"I came to know my life through the telling of it." —Spalding Gray
November 25th, is the National Day of Listening, a new holiday started by StoryCorps in 2008 to encourage Americans to take an hour, the day after Thanksgiving, to listen to and record the stories of a friend or loved one. But why tell stories? What value is there in telling your own story and listening to those of others? In this service we'll look at what's behind America's interest in first person narratives by examining projects like StoryCorps, The Center for Digital Storytelling, and even The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. We'll listen to stories from members of our own congregation as we explore the reasons why sharing personal stories are important.
If you would like to participate in this service and share a significant story from your own life, please contact Sunday Service Associate Rebecca Williams at 828-686-3922. Or email serpentchild@earthlink.net
Sunday, 20 November 2011, 11 a.m.
For All That Is Our Life
Jeff Hutchins
We will celebrate Thanksgiving in an intergenerational service. Our choir will sing two songs, and our children and youth will participate throughout the service. We will collect food to donate to people in need, and we will break bread together in a spirit of community.
Sunday, 13 November 2011, 11 a.m.
Love, Acceptance, and Thanksgiving
Michael Carter
When life is good and we are in the prime of our lives it is often easier to praise our lives and to be thankful.
But what if our lives are drawing to a close , even when we are in our prime, and we must live (and die) with regrets of things left undone and unsaid?
Join me as we explore how two individuals whom I
had the pleasure of ministering to in their final
days of life came to love, acceptance, and
thanksgiving.
Sunday, 6 November 2011, 11 a.m.
To Encourage Compassion
The 2011 Ware Lecture
“To Encourage Compassion” was the second most frequently cited reason for coming to a Sunday Service at UUCSV, according to your input during our Membership Survey (2010). Today, we will view a 58-minute video from the recent General Assembly on "The Challenge of Compassion." In her Ware lecture, Dr. Karen Armstrong argues that compassion and the Golden Rule have been central to all the major faiths. She explores the reasons for this, and argues that an ideology that does not restore compassion to the center of the spiritual, religious and ethical life fails the test of our time. Dr. Armstrong received a TED prize for her work on compassion in the international religious community, from which resulted the Charter for Compassion charterforcompassion.org/share.
Please join us after the service when UUCA member, Bruce Larson, will facilitate a discussion about compassion based upon Armstrong's lecture. Bruce convenes the Peacemaking Potluck, which meets the second Wednesday evening of every month. The Potluck recently viewed and discussed the video after a four-month series of discussions based upon Armstrong's book Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life.
Sunday, 30 October 2011, 11 a.m.
Celebrating...Death?
Byron Ballard
Indigenous peoples have long had a decidedly personal relationship with family members who have died. Their celebrations include fanciful skeletons, feasting and music. What can we learn from these old traditions and how can we incorporate this light touch into our own mourning practices? Join Byron Ballard and friends for a lively celebration of the Day of the Dead, sugar skulls and all.
Sunday, 23 October 2011, 11 a.m.
WWMD-What Would Muhammad Do?
Rev. Dick Weston-Jones
Lots of people speak for and against him, but most don't understand him. This is an appreciation of the man, one of the most significant religious leaders of our Judeo-Christian-Islamic heritage. Rev. Weston-Jones will also speak about American Muslims, the relationship of their heritage to our own, how difficult their religious task is today and our role as Unitarian Universalists in that.
A UU minister for 48 years, Dick is Minister Emeritus of the UU Church of Ventura, California. He has served UU Churches in Florida, Pennsylvania, Illinois, North Carolina and Virginia. He also founded and directed wUUrld's WhaleCoast Alaska, a wilderness tour program co-sponsored by five UU fellowships in Alaska from 1994 to 2007. He spoke to our congregation on Easter last year. He lives in Chapel Hill, where he operates a Medical Homestay for outpatients at the UNC Medical Center.
Sunday, 16 October 2011, 11 a.m.
A New Way to Serve
Rev. Mark Ward, Lead Minister of the UU Church of Asheville
What is ministry about? It's a powerful question for this congregation right now in the midst of the search for its next minister. This Sunday, our neighbor from Asheville, Mark Ward, offers thoughts about his own path to ministry after a 25-year career in journalism and what ministry has to offer our congregations.
Mark Ward is a life-long Unitarian Universalist who grew up in New Jersey and entered the ministry after working in newspapers in West Virginia and Wisconsin. He is in his eighth year as minister of the UU Church of Asheville. He is married with three grown daughters and a granddaughter.
Sunday, 9 October 2011, 11 a.m.
The Courage To Feel
Rev. Michael Carter
Descartes’ proclamation of, I Think Therefor I am, has been the dominant template for what it really means to be a human being in Western Civilization being since the time of "The Enlightenment". Yet, is that all it really is to being human? Perhaps it is for those who worship at the altar of the intellect. Join us on October 9th as we explore what it really means be human beings with the courage to feel. See you there!
Sunday, 2 October 2011, 11 a.m.
Made for Joy
Marc Mullinax
On October 2, Marc Mullinax, from the Religion and Philosophy Department at Mars Hill College, will return for his second time at this Unitarian congregation, sharing his joy and passion with us. He will speak of his life-long theme (especially after his bout with cancer five years ago), of Socratic life-examination. That is, “If life is short, and no one gets out of life alive, then the hour is late to start this life-examination process, to make sure we are on track.”
In a talk entitled, “Made for Joy,” Marc will speak about living joyfully as one lives an examined life. If free will is ours, then to live an examined life is to live the joyous life. It is OK to get wrapped up in rapturous enterprises (from social justice to love relationships). However, it is probably not OK to start - or endure for another day - a life of regrets and resentments. He will argue that is in our cards, our destiny, to live out one’s joy.
Marc Mullinax teaches religion and philosophy courses at Mars Hill College. His special joys there include (1) mentoring a small spirituality group of students invested in seeking, spirituality, and their connections with social justice (not unlike a Unitarian congregation), and (2) Teaching courses in Eastern religions and in human nature and behavior. He earned a Ph.D. from Union Seminary in New York City, has taught college since 1993, is an amateur photographer, and one month ago got married here in Black Mountain.
Sunday, 25 September 2011, 11 a.m.
The Equinox of Balance
UUCSV Women's Spirituality Group
Celebrate the wheel of the year, the Equinox of Balance, before we begin the longer nights to come. Of the UU Living Traditions that we share, Earth Centered Spiritual teachings ask us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature. How do UU’s balance our post-transcendental neo-pagan tendencies to be out “communing in nature” with our urge for justice, fellowship, care giving and stimulating discussions? With our increasing dedication to social and environmental issues, this Fall Equinox challenges us to balance our accomplishments with what we want to do next. The UUCSV Women’s Spirituality Group has explored various earth based teachings in the last year, and has offered to give back to the UUCSV community through this Sunday service.
Sunday, 18 September 2011, 11 a.m.
Called to Love (on UUCSV's anniversary of our Welcoming Congregation designation)
Jasmine Beach-Ferrara
Drawing on Luke 6:27-36, Jasmine Beach-Ferrara will be addressing the age old question that Jesus spoke of about loving your enemies and doing good to those who hate you. Jasmine will address this question as a gay woman who grew up in North Carolina and has returned home as an adult. She and her wife are legally married in Massachusetts, but their marriage is not recognized in NC and LGBT people in our state live without the most basic legal protections.
Beach-Ferrara asks, "how do we approach those who condemn us and deny our fundamental humanity?" In her sermon, Jasmine will explore the very human side of this question and offer the ethics of empathic resistance as a way to both resist persecution and love your enemies. This ethic is the basis for the Campaign for Southern Equality where Beach-Ferrara works, an LGBT organization in Asheville.
Jasmine Beach-Ferrara grew up in Chapel Hill, NC, and graduated from UNC. She taught creative writing at Warren Wilson College for several years and then went on to Harvard Divinity School. She is pursuing ordination through the UCC church and is a member at First Congregational UCC in Asheville.
Sunday, 11 September 2011, 11 a.m.
911. Let The Healing Begin.
Rev. Michael Carter
Please join us for our service on September 11, 2011. This service will include the children from our Religious Education program, as well as a "Water Communion". I would like to make time after the sermon to allow for a sharing of thoughts and feelings as we reflect on the events of September 11, 2001. This is not a time for debate, but a time for healing. That being said, we may extend our service( if needed) to 12:15pm on that day. I look forward to seeing you there.... Walk In Balance!
Sunday, 4 September 2011, 11 a.m.
Spirituality in Nature
Dr. Peter Ronman
Dr. Ronman will share his belief that humans are a product of nature by presenting some of the highlights in our planet's history that give insight into our human origins. His view is that humans are a part of nature and are not separate from it. He will show a series of nature photos, mostly from his travels to our National Parks. He will share how these experiences have inspired and enriched him and given him pause to ponder the mystery of creation. He hopes his experiences will inspire others to see the natural wonders found in our National Parks.
Dr. Ronman studied chemistry at UNC-Chapel Hill and received a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Florida State University. He taught chemistry at various colleges over a twenty year period and has done research on an anti-cancer drug in current use. For the past twenty-five years he has hiked, backpacked and camped in almost all of the National Parks taking hundreds of photos of these beautiful natural settings. He and his wife, Lauris Liljestrand are member of UUCSV.
Sunday, 28 August 2011, 11 a.m.
Dream of Democracy
Suchittra Temesrisuk
Join us for a passionate and in-depth look at Su's own experiences in demonstrating for Democracy in Bangkok, Thailand. There will be film clips of the Thammasat University massacre, in 1973 and 1976. Then Su will tell you of her own attendance to this fatal demonstration and how it affected her as well as her family and friends, and ultimately the entire country of Thailand. Su will also share with you her passionate desire to come to America on her own so she could live a life with much more freedom and choices. In closing, she will acknowledge the valiant and sacrificial efforts of more and more people around the world who are asking for similar freedom.
Suchittra was born in Bangkok, Thailand, in 1957. She was sixteen when she attended the demonstrations at Thammasat and witnessed the massacre. In 1983 Su moved to America of her own volition to pursue freedom. She first lived In Boston for one year, then heard about Asheville from a friend. She then moved here and has been a resident of this area ever since.
Sunday, 21 August 2011, 11 a.m.
Gardening and Spirituality
Diana Schmitt McCall
A look at gardening in the container of spirituality--from the individual gardener's connection to place and personal nourishment, to the impact gardening has at the community level through its ability to blur social and class lines, educate and empower, and build a congregation of faithful and committed participants.
Diana Schmitt McCall has managed the Black Mountain Community Garden since 2007. Her many responsibilities include supervising volunteer groups, coordinating garden membership, maintaining production for donation to families in need in the valley, leading school field trips, hosting monthly educational workshops and teaching cooking classes. Additionally, Diana teaches yoga at Black Mountain Yoga Studio and at her home.
If you are a member of the Black Mountain
Community Garden or a lifelong gardener and would
like to contribute to the Gardening and
Spirituality service please contact Rebecca
Williams, UUCSV worship associate at
serpentchild@earthlink.net or 686-3922. Everyone
is invited to bring in flowers and vegetables
from their garden to help decorate the
sanctuary.
Sunday, 14 August 2011, 11 a.m.
The Artist As Non-Conformist
Rev. Michael Carter
What is it about creative people that compels
them, despite the odds, to stay true to their
unique vision of life as they see it? To become
not only an artist, but social activists as well.
Many, but not all, do not achieve celebrity or
fame until after the deaths, and many do not
achieve this at all. And still they rise. I will
be focusing mostly on literary artists this
morning but I feel there is a common thread to be
found in all artists who become committed to
assisting us in the development of what is
commonly known as, "The Beloved Community." See
you on Sunday, August 14th!
Sunday, 7 August 2011, 11 a.m.
Poetry Sunday
Bill Altork
One of the many sources of inspiration and spiritual enrichment for UUs is found in the writing and reading of poetry. Please join us on this Sunday for poetry readings by approximately fourteen members and friends of our congregation. Listen to original and other poems that have inspired those among our congregation.
Sunday, 31 July 2011, 11 a.m.
Awaking – Discovering our Natural Sanity and Spirituality
Bill Walz
Buddhism is the practice of awakening into a clear, absolutely sane and spiritual understanding of ourselves within the world. We will explore the paradox of our Human-Beingness and experience meditation as the vehicle for expanding into our full potential for conscious living - awake and complete.
Bill Walz is a respectful heretic to all religious and intellectual traditions. He has spent his life studying human culture and psychology and has personally practiced meditation for the last forty years. He has taught Buddhist psychology, meditation and personal consciousness at UNCA, in public forums and with a private clientele. He writes a monthly consciousness column in Asheville’s Rapid River Magazine. More on Bill at www.billwalz.com.
Sunday, 24 July 2011, 11 a.m.
A Service on basic beliefs: Where is the focus of our reverence and trust?
Ann Sillman and Friends
We are all familiar with the phenomenon of UUs being very clear in articulating what we DO NOT believe. So many of us are "refugees" from other faiths, or "unbelievers" in any conventional religious sense, that it's quite natural to think in terms of what we reject. Several years ago, Ann Sillman's late husband Jerry wrote a sermon on what UUs might actually believe. Jerry wrote six parts toward understanding our own spiritual needs and toward developing an improved belief system, ending with a question mark, "We all surmise, they this thing, and I that. Whom shall my soul believe?" The sermon will be read by several of our members who have agreed to adhere to Jerry's thoughts, but express them in their own words.
Sunday, 17 July 2011, 11 a.m.
Square Table
Byron Ballard, Tim Perry, and Kim Taylor
Sunday, 10 July 2011, 11 a.m.
Intergenerational and Pet Blessing Service
Rev. Michael Carter
Our Sunday service on July 10th will not be held at our church. The 11:00 Intergenerational Sunday service will be held at the pavilion at Lake Tomahawk in Black Mountain. Rev. Carter will conduct a Pet Blessing service. We will be acknowledging the important role pets play in many of our lives. Rev. Carter will do a group blessing of the pets in photo’s and stuffed animals. He will individually bless the living animals.
We urge you to follow these guidelines for participating in this unique service:
- If you will be uncomfortable sitting without back support at a picnic table, please, bring your own lawn chair.
- We have the pavilion rented for the whole day. Bring your own picnic lunch if you wish to stay and enjoy the park following the service.
- We will not provide coffee hour after the service. We will not be set up for finger food snacks. We will, however, provide cold beverages in cups.
- Bring your pet! Live pets are welcome, or a photo of your pet, or your favorite stuffed animal. 5. If you bring a dog, it must be on a leash or in it’s kennel. The dog must be under the supervision of a adult at all times. Think about how your dog behaves around other dogs (for instance, at the dog park). If your dog is likely to be relaxed in the presence of other dogs, your dog is a good candidate for attending the pet blessing service.
- Every being’s safety is our primary concern. As with children and animals we are prepared for the occasional disruption. That is not a problem, so long as we are safe in community, we will all be able to enjoy this special Sunday service.
FMI: Contact Scott Conklin scottconklin@charter.net or Carolyn Shorkey 299-9456
Sunday, 3 July 2011, 11 a.m.
Good Advice
Jeff Hutchins
In honor of Independence Day, Jeff Hutchins will talk about the ethics we impart to our children as they become independent of us. It's based on the advice he gave his younger daughter on the day she graduated from high school. Jeff hopes his talk will be humorous and inspiring, but what are the odds?
Jeff has been a regular speaker here. He is the author of "A Press Conference with God."
On this day, we will also observe the anniversary of UUCSV moving into our current building, and we will hold our annual church picnic/cookout to celebrate.
Sunday, 26 June 2011, 11 a.m.
Let's Talk About Us – A Very Informal Discussion
Jim Carillon and Scott Conklin
We anticipate that many of our congregants will attend the Sunday Service at General Assembly in Charlotte. At UUCSV, Jim and Scott will show a ten-minute video produced by the UUA, Voices of a Liberal Faith, an introduction to Unitarian Universalism through words, music and stories of UUs throughout the country. We will then add our own voices in a completely informal discussion of our own place in Unitarian Universalism – as individuals, and as the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Swannanoa Valley. Some questions that may come up: Where is UUCSV going in the near future? How do we connect with each other in our church community? How does our congregation connect with the wider UU movement? Why do we come together and what do we hope to accomplish? Are we really seeking to accomplish anything? Or the discussion may take another course altogether. All Scott and Jim will do is keep the discussion focused on Unitarian Universalism. Depending on how it goes, Scott and Jim may generate some informal minutes to be presented to the Board and Congregation as a completely unscientific and unofficial expression of the congregations thoughts on this particular day.
Sunday, 19 June 2011, 11 a.m.
Hard Times No Father (or Mother) Would Wish to Re-Visit
Reverend Steve J. Crump
What faith is there when hard times hit? Guest minister, The Reverend Steve J. Crump, Sr. Minister of the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge, LA, reviews questions our country once faced when truly hard times and bad things happened.
Rev. Steve Crump is celebrating his 28th year as parish minister with the congregation of The Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The sixty year old congregation has grown from fellowship size to a large mid-sized church. Small Group Ministry, blues and jazz worship services and social justice and community outreach are notable features of the Baton Rouge congregation.
Sunday, 12 June 2011, 11 a.m.
The Limits of Critical Thinking
Rev. Michael Carter
Sunday, 5 June 2011, 11 a.m.
Flower Communion Sunday
This is the annual flower communion Sunday service where we bring, share, and take home beautiful and meaningful flowers from the communal pot. This will also be the new member recognition day, very fitting as that also involves flowers. Bring flowers to share. but if you have none, there will be plenty of extras.
Members and friends, please bring one flower per person to put in the communal pot. We will have the flowers outside and the youth will direct you to place your flower in the container. For those who forget to bring a flower we will have a second vase with flowers for you to take one and place it in the communal pot.
After the new member recognition and reception please take one different flower from the pot to take home with you .The symbolism is out of many one, and from one a connectedness to all.
Sunday, 29 May 2011, 11 a.m.
Meditation Sunday
Kristine Kaoverii Weber
What is human existence about and what is human potential? The ancient yogis saw life as the journey towards the infinite and developed practices to facilitate that goal. From the yogic perspective life is not simply about surviving, it is about expanding your potential and possibilities – it is about thriving. And thriving is not necessarily material, or even knowledge-oriented, it is the expansion of the self into the limitless. Traditionally, the western scientific model of health and wellness has tended towards reductionism. Health is seen as something primarily physical – a lack of illness or injury. The yogic model of wellness takes an inverted perspective – it views health as a measure of the spiritual – the spiritual is the ultimate, the limitless and the changeless aspect of self. From this vantage point the psychological and physical aspects of self can better be brought into balance. Kaoverii will speak about yoga and thriving – how yogic philosophy and practices can complement our western scientific heritage and help us move toward a fuller, more meaning life.
Kristine Kaoverii Weber, MA, RYT500, took her first yoga course from her hippy social studies teacher in Pennsylvania when she was in sixth grade and has been hooked ever since. She began sharing yoga with others in 1995 and training yoga teachers in 2003. She teaches locally in Asheville, regionally and internationally. She is committed to creating opportunities for each student to discover and pursue his or her path to self-realization.
Sunday, 22 May 2011, 11 a.m.
Our Sources of Our Inspiration
Sybil Argintar
We look to many different faith traditions from around the world as our sources for spiritual guidance and inspiration. Closer to our church home, we are inspired weekly by all that our children and youth have to offer to us and to our immediate community. Please join us as we celebrate our year of learning and express gratitude for all the many religious education volunteers who have given so much of themselves this past year. We will also honor and recognize our graduating senior, Aaron Eliot-Gaines, in a bridging ceremony from the religious education program into the larger church community. Children and youth will participate in this program, featuring an intergenerational choir.
Sunday, 15 May 2011, 11 a.m.
Unitarianism
Stephen Spinder
Through photographs and heartfelt stories, Mr. Spinder will take us on a tour of the birthplace of Unitarianism. We'll learn about the history of the religion, Unitarianism, as it developed in Eastern Europe. Come to this service to relax and enjoy a photo journey through the countryside and meet the people who now live where the first Unitarian churches were built in Transylvania and Hungary.
Stephen Spinder is an internationally recognized photographic artist, dancer, performer and 16-year Budapest resident. He has a passion for all things Transylvanian. He will have books of his photography of this region for sale before and after the service.
REMEMBER: The church's annual meeting will be held following today's service.
Sunday, 8 May 2011, 11 a.m.
A Mother's Day Sermon
Rev. Michael Carter
Just some thoughts on Mothers and Mother's Day from a married, father of one, middle aged, western educated, heterosexual man of color!
Sunday, 1 May 2011, 11 a.m.
Standing on the Side of Love ... Against Racism
Rev. Aubra Love
Standing on the Side of Love is an advocacy campaign of the Unitarian Universalist Association designed to confront the exclusion, oppression, and violence that is based on identity and that seeks to diminish the worth and dignity of any person. It is a call to pursue social change through advocacy, public witness, and speaking out in solidarity with those whose lives are publicly demeaned.
Stand Against Racism is a national YWCA program with the goal of bringing people together from all walks of life to raise awareness that racism still exists and that it can no longer be tolerated.
Sunday, 24 April 2011, 11 a.m.
Come Alive! An Easter Celebration for Skeptics
Rev. Dick Weston-Jones
"Come Alive!" will be an Easter Celebration service. Rev. Dick Weston-Jones will explore the joyful response to Easter in Greece. He'll then tell what really happened on the first Easter and how it is echoed for us today when we recover from the deaths of those we have loved.
Rev. Weston-Jones has been a UU minister for 47 years. He is minister emeritus of the UU Church in Ventura, CA, and speaks frequently to UU congregations around the country. A service he wrote, "Letting Go of Anger" was presented to the fellowship by Sally Beth last April when he had to cancel at the last minute because of his wife's illness. She died peacefully at home in December after a 13 year battle with breast cancer.
Sunday, 17 April 2011, 11 a.m.
A Hopeful Agnostic
Tim Perry
Tim has been describing himself as a hopeful agnostic for some time now, and was recently challenged to explain what he meant by that. After all, what does a true agnostic have to be hopeful about, and where would that hope come from? This sermon is largely the result of that challenge.
Tim Perry began preaching in Fundamentalist churches when he was too young to drive. He passed through several conservative denominations on his journey from Free Will Baptist to Roman Catholic, and has been a minister of one kind or another for most of his adult life. Then out of the blue, he realized that he no longer believed the faith around which he had built his life, so he walked away from traditional Christianity. Today he considers himself "a hopeful agnostic," and is a member and recurring speaker at UUCSV.
Sunday, 10 April 2011, 11 a.m.
Whom Do You Say That I Am?
Rev. Michael Carter
Sunday, 3 April 2011, 11 a.m.
Creating Resilient Communities
The Black Mountain Transition Town Initiator Group: Eileen Hallman, Lyndon Felps, Melissa Thurmond
Climate change is resulting in more violent storms, natural disasters, food shortages, and civil unrest, and oil is becoming more expensive and difficult to obtain. Seeing the possibilities of severe energy, climate or economic shocks, local communities around the world are beginning to organize, not only to withstand such crises, but to create a better quality of life for all their citizens. This is the Transition Town approach to community empowerment and change, now in its beginning stages here in Black Mountain.
Melissa Thurmond is an educator and a member of Earthaven Ecovillage, where she tends the Forest Garden, a future learning center. Eileen Hallman has been a weaver of organic cotton for over 20 years, and is the owner of New World Textiles in Black Mountain. Lyndon Felps is a Permaculture designer, also a member of Earthaven Ecovillage, who has been involved in Transition Town movements in both Asheville and Austin TX.
Sunday, 27 March 2011, 11 a.m.
The Gift of Music
Linda Metzner
Today we will present to you a special Music Sunday. Under the direction of Linda Metzner, our wonderful choir will perform two pieces. In addition. selected choir members will perform in smaller ensembles. You will also be gifted with a variety of musical performances from members of our talented congregation. This service is a gift of gratitude to all UUCSV volunteers. Volunteers will be recognized by the Board of Trustees. Special recognition will be made to our Guest of Honor, Sue Stone, who has volunteered to provide us with music nearly every Sunday for as many years as most of us can remember. Please join us in honoring our volunteers this Sunday as we provide them with, The Gift of Music.
Sunday, 20 March 2011, 11 a.m.
Sacred Chocolate Bunnies? Exploring the Rich Beginnings of the Agricultural Year
Byron Ballard
Byron Ballard returns to UUCSV to share the histories and anomalies around the Vernal Equinox. What do eggs, flowers and resurrection have in common? Join us for a lively exploration of the commonalities found in regional and spiritual traditions of springtime.
In addition to being a Wiccan priestess, H. Byron Ballard is a writer, organic gardener, and beekeeper. Her writings have appeared in local and national print and electronic media. Byron lives on an urban farmstead in Asheville’s historic West End with her husband Joe and daughter Kate. She is working with a group of women to build a Goddess Temple in Asheville and blogs for the Asheville Citizen-Times as “the Village Witch.”
Sunday, 13 March 2011, 11 a.m.
The "G" Word
Rev. Michael Carter
What is it about the word God That gets us so riled up as Unitarians? Certainly, not all UU's dislike the word, but many of us. Yes, the word carries much baggage but I think we can handle an exploration of how and why this word causes us so much consternation, and how we can get over it...By the way, I'm not even sure there is a God. See you in March.
Sunday, 6 March 2011, 11 a.m.
Friendship: Intergenerational Lay Led Service
Carolyn Shorkey, Worship Associate
Have you ever arrived at our church on Sunday morning and been graced with a warm and caring smile? For many of us, Sunday morning is a time to care for one another. Today we will witness the stories and music of friendships formed at UUCSV. The Harvard Medical School reports that, “Social connections like these not only give us pleasure, they also positively influence our long term health.” Please join us for this intergenerational celebration of friendship.
Sunday, 27 February 2011, 11 a.m.
The Sermon on the Amount: "Can't Buy Me Love"
Jeff Hutchins
Come learn about UUCSV's hopes and plans for the next year, and be inspired to help make it a reality.
Sunday, 20 February 2011, 11 a.m.
What Inspires You?
Dick Wolgamott, Ann Sillman
This service deals with what it means to be inspired, how it happens, and why it is important. It closes with tips on how we can “Nurture Our Spirits and Help Heal the World”.
Wolgamott has had careers as an engineer, Air Force pilot, United Methodist clergyman, and county administrator. He retired from California and moved to Western NC in 1992. He has taught numerous classes at college lifelong learning centers, Elder Hostels, and churches-- emphasizing connections between psychology, spirituality, and science. He and his wife Barbara are active members of the UU Fellowship of Hendersonville.
Sunday, 13 February 2011, 11 a.m.
How Do I Love Thee?
Rev. Michael Carter
Love is "the mother of all emotions." Join me in exploring the many ways our culture engages with the emotion we call love. Through the use of poetry, philosophy, biblical scripture, and personal experience, we will explore the human capacity to experience the love of a spouse, a friend, and most importantly, the love of self.
Sunday, 6 February 2011, 11 a.m.
To Emulate Jesus
Bill Altork
It has been said that the only problem with Christianity is the Christians. Likewise, the only problem with Jesus Christ is in great part due to what Christianity has so narrowly declared him to be. Take a refreshing look at Jesus without the attached dogma of his past. Bill will apply the UU tradition of… “Utilizing words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love.” He will share a story of Jesus that was channeled by a dear friend of his. He will also include his own personal and spiritual philosophy regarding the man Jesus.
Bill Altork is a member of UUCSV and has been attending regularly for over two years. He has been a certified minister with the Universal Life Church since 2005. He is also a writer, a poet, and a song writer/composer.
Sunday, 30 January 2011, 11 a.m.
Meditation Sunday - WAKE UP!
Bill Walz
Buddhism cannot be understood unless we realize that the root word, “Buddh” in the ancient Pali language of India means “Awaken.” Buddhism is the practice of awakening into a clear, absolutely sane understanding of the nature of the way things are, and how our own minds are both the source of and liberation from our emotional turmoil and suffering. We will explore this human paradox and experience meditation as the vehicle for expanding into our full potential for conscious living - awake and complete.
Bill Walz is a respectful heretic to all
religious and intellectual traditions. He has
spent his life studying human culture and
psychology and has personally practiced
meditation for the last forty years. He
professionally practiced human potential and
clinical psychology for twenty-five years before
dedicating himself for the past thirteen years to
teaching an integration of the best of Western
psychology with Buddhist and other traditions. He
teaches a formless contemporary expression of Zen
as a way to reclaim connection to our inherent
Nature as wise, awakened expressions of the
Universe in human form, wrestling with the
dilemma of humanness. He belongs to no single
Buddhist tradition. He teaches Buddhist
psychology, meditation and personal consciousness
at UNCA, in public forums and with a private
clientele. He writes a monthly consciousness
column in Asheville’s Rapid River Magazine.
More on Bill at www.billwalz.com
Sunday, 23 January 2011, 11 a.m.
Are We There Yet?
Rev. Elinor Artman
Today we will explore the history, progress, and challenges of the movement for parity for women within Unitarian Universalism. “Are we There Yet?” is the working title for Rev. Artman’s book chronicling the UU Women’s Movement since the consolidation in 1961.
Rev. Elinor Artman, a UU since 1955, ordained in
1980 at the beginning of the current wave of
women ministers, has served on the Board of the
UU Women’s Federation (twice), the UUA
Board’s Task Force on Clergy Misconduct, on
the Executive Committee of the UU
Minister’s Association, and is now on the
UU Women’s Heritage Society Board. She has
served a number of UU churches, retiring in 2001
from Heritage UU in Cincinnati. She lives in
Asheville, is a member of the Asheville UU
congregation.
Sunday, 16 January 2011, 11 a.m.
Suicide: A Fierce Goodbye
David Madden and Ursula Goebels-Ellis
After some known facts and reflections upon the many causes of suicide among young and old some of the many effects upon families, colleagues, friends, employers and institutions are presented, David and Ursula will share how suicide in their immediate families impacted their personal lives and professional careers. Ursula used the malleability of clay to express that for which she had no words and became an art therapist to help other in their journey. She will bring samples of her work. David used his imagination and writing skill to explore the mystery of his loss. His novel, The Suicide’s Wife, was made into a movie in 1979, a time when suicide was little discussed, as it is even today. He will read passages from this book and show clips from the movie.
If there is enough interest (min. 6 people), David and Ursula will conduct two or three Adult Education discussion sessions on this difficult and painful subject. They are tentatively scheduled for January 19 and 26, 7pm. You can sign up by sending an e-mail to ursulage@bellsouth.net or use the sign up sheet in the lobby.
Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, David Madden and his wife, Robbie, moved to Black Mountain a year ago. His first job teaching English and drama was at Appalachian State University in 1958; after 43 years, he retired from Louisiana State University as Robert Penn Warren Professor of Creative Writing Emeritus. He is a poet, novelist, literary critic, Civil War historian, and liberal activist.
Ursula Goebels-Ellis was born and raised in
Germany. After immigrating to the US in 1971, she
studied Art as a Therapeutic Technique. She was a
faculty member at Duke University, Psychiatry,
until 1989, when she resigned to work full time
as an artist. Ursula and her husband Jay moved to
Black Mountain and became members of UUCSV in
2005.
Sunday, 9 January 2011, 11 a.m.
Going Against The Grain
Rev. Michael Carter
Sunday, 2 January 2011, 11 a.m.
Tim Perry
A Time to Forgive
Tim was a very conservative Christian for 25 years from adolescence well into adulthood, and a minister of one kind or another for most of that time. Then one day, without so much as a "good bye," his beliefs suddenly left him, and he had to find new ones. Now he's a member of UUCSV who considers himself a "Hopeful Agnostic." He's still working on finding those new beliefs, but he's usually more than happy to share what he's arrived at so far, either in private or from the pulpit
Bill Altork is planning to do an original
composition (song) of his, accompanied by his
harmonium..