News and Announcements

Rev. Samuel Schaal’s sermon will be on “Life, Death, and Immortality” — On this All Souls Day, we will honor those from our community we have lost over the year as we contemplate the mystery of being born and having to die. What in our lives is immortal?

Congregational vote for members of the Ministerial Search Committee. Bring the ballot that was mailed to you and cast your vote in person immediately after the service. If you forget to bring your ballot with you, a duplicate numbered ballot will be available.

Remember: Daylight Saving Time ends, so remember to set your clocks back one hour.

Tags: Ministerial Search Committee, Sermons, Sunday morning by admin

Unitarian Universalists highly value freedom of belief. The Minor Reformed Church in Eastern Europe, the first organized religious community aligned along Unitarian ideas, was brutally crushed in 1660 when members had to convert or be exiled. A small band chose freedom in exile over forced conformity of belief, keeping alive the freedom and faith that we inherit today.

Our Sunday morning worship service begins at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

Tags: Sermons, Worship by admin

Meet with the candidates on Oct. 25 in Hope Chapel following the 10 a.m. service. If you are not able to attend, or want additional information, please go to the church’s website and visit the Ministerial Search page for additional information on each of the candidates. We encourage everyone who is eligible to vote.

Tags: Ministerial Search Committee, Transition by admin

The John Learned Library Committee invites you to an Open House in the library on Sunday morning, October 25, both before and after the service.

You’ll have a chance to browse the entire collection of more than 1200 books, CDs, and DVDs.

Some of the focused areas of the collection include

Unitarian Universalism
Our Transylvanian Roots
Transition Ministry
Spirituality in Our Time
Parenting and Teaching
Poetry and Meditation
Rev. Dr. Forrest Church’s Writings
Audiovisual Materials

The Open House will also feature a door prize for the lucky attendee, light refreshments, and a guided tour of the search features of the computerized library catalog.

Tags: Adult Education by admin

This documentary recently premiered on PBS. Even in tragic situations such as New York’s Ground Zero, Northern Ireland, or the Amish school shootings, healing and peace can come through forgiveness. The film features Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh, authors Thomas Moore and Marianne Williamson, and others.

We’ll watch the 78-minute film, then discuss, led by Rev. Samuel Schaal.

7:00 p.m. in Hope Chapel.

Tags: Adult Education, Film and Discussion by admin

The Holy Ground Collaborative wishes to invite you to the Holy Ground Community Picnic Saturday, October 17 from 1:00-4:00 p.m., at Cornerstone Institutional Baptist Church located at 4700 Washington at Walton Avenue.

First Unitarian Church is one of the seven Central West End congregations that make up the Holy Ground Collaborative. The mission of Holy Ground is to encourage respect, tolerance, and peace among the diverse peoples of our neighborhood.

It is through their efforts that this picnic is possible. Come and enjoy family, food, and fellowship!

Tags: Fellowship, Holy Ground, Social Responsibility by admin

Our next time for litter pickup along Forest Park Parkway will be on Oct. 24 at 10:00 a.m. Meet at the Washington University parking lot on Millbrook just west of Skinker and south of the construction - look for the yellow trash bags.

The rain date is Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1:30 pm.

Contact Kimberly litter.pickup@firstuustlouis.org for more information.

Tags: Social Responsibility by admin

On Oct. 13, an Adult Education program led by Bryan Wagner, “Introduction to ‘The Work’ of Byron Katie” will be held in the Hosmer Room at 7:00 p.m.

The Work of Byron Katie is a process that enables people to inquire into their stressful thoughts and set themselves free.

Katie says, -I can’t let go of my stressful thinking, but I inquire into it and it lets go of me. Through the Work, many have found deeper peace, more intimate relationships and a growing sense of rightness with themselves.

Bryan Wagner has attended many workshops with Byron Katie. Bryan is an acupuncturist and owns a clinic in the Shaw neighborhood.

Tags: Adult Education, Speakers by admin

The Adult Education Committee will hold an Introduction to Unitarian Universalism class in November for newcomers to the church and others who are interested in learning about the basic traditions of our faith.

We’ll trace the development of Unitarianism in Europe and America, read excerpts from some of the leading ministers and authors who helped define Unitarian Universalism, and discuss the 175-year history of our own congregation.

The class will be led by Rev. Samuel Schaal and Stuart Yoak. It will meet on Tuesday evenings: Nov. 3, 10, and 17 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Contact Stuart at adult.education@firstuustlouis.org for more information.

Tags: Adult Education, Unitarian Universalists by admin

On October 18, the Special Collection will be designated for Art Works, a unique St. Louis program which pairs St. Louis inner city teens with working artists. Art Works, which serves over 120 youths annually, helps youths discover their artistic potential while making art commissioned by corporate clients. One product of St. Louis Art Works is the painted bike racks appearing locally. Visit their web site at www.stlartworks.org for more information.

Tags: Social Responsibility by admin