FEBRUARY WORSHIP SERVICES
February 2, 11 a.m. “A Place at the Table” - Gabriella Brand
Remember the old television show “Cheers”, where everybody knows your name? Gabriella Brand examines the ways in which congregations, neighborhoods, and families can make sure everyone is included. Inclusive societies begin with inclusive individuals.
Gabriella Brand is a lay minister in the Unitarian tradition. She has addressed fellowships from Quebec to the Virgin Islands, from Connecticut to India. A polyglot and world traveler, she is particularly interested in cross-cultural communication. Gabriella teaches French through the Institute for Learning in Retirement, and she teaches writing in the OLLI program at the University of Connecticut. She currently serves as Poet Laureate of North Haven.
February 9, 11 a.m. “The Other U” - Rev. Kathleen Rudoff
Names as identifiers are very peculiar. Names themselves do not describe us and yet they can carry with them the burden and the power of total representation. Let’s take a look at inclusion as it relates to who we are as a religious/spiritual community, and how that second “U” - Universalism - impacts our identity.
February 16, 11 a.m. “Tending to Our Relationships” MUUS Board & Committee Chairs
This is our second service in the series. We will focus on the steppingstones to a Better MUUS.
February 23, 11 a.m. “Devine Diversity and Inclusion” - Angela Roberts Reeder
What would it be like if we included the diversity of the divine in our discussions about ecological and human diversity? How can making room for the possibility of many gods, spirits, and ancestors in our conception of the world enrich our lives? Can living in a “world full of gods” help us to embrace the sacredness of the Earth and each other fully?
Angela Roberts Reeder (Raincatcher) is a spirit-led artist, host of the Polytheism Today podcast, and a priestess of Connect DC at Two Rivers Sanctuary, a Pagan temple in the nation’s capital.
JANUARY 2025 WORSHIP SERVICES
January 5, 11 a.m. “Our Great Expectations”- Rev. Kathleen Rudoff
We start a new year and often have expectations about what the year will offer and what we will do in a new year of opportunity. Expectations are woven throughout our lives, but unmet expectations result in disappointment. Will we choose to tell the stories of our disappointment or the stories of letting go of unrealistic expectations and living into our commitments to be and do our best for one another? Don’t expect any easy answers!
January 12, 11 a.m. “Beautiful Solutions”- Rev. Michael Tino
If the purpose of our service is to give rise to the world that we know is possible, we must learn how to make it a reality. Inspired by a new book co-edited by Elandria Williams, we will tap into what E called “collective and ancestral
wisdom” in order to explore the qualities that we can cultivate in ourselves and our communities to move everyone forward.
January 19, 11 a.m. “Courage for What is Next”- Rev. Sierra-Marie Gerfao
In this new year, how do we find the courage for whatever is ahead? This service will be a sharing of stories to help us grow in courage as the future unfolds.
Rev. Sierra-Marie Gerfao is a queer, disabled, neurodivergent, white lifelong Unitarian Universalist, a longtime religious educator, an ordained minister, and an emerging public theologian in New Haven, CT. Through public action and
reflection, she specializes in how beliefs impact actions and actions impact beliefs.
January 26. 11 a.m. “From Tilling to Tending, a Time for Self-Reflection & Growth”
This is the first of four Sundays the MUUS Board has planned between January and April to engage the MUUS community to develop our path to the future together. This Sunday will start in the Social Hall of UCC Southbury.
DECEMBER WORSHIP SERVICES
December 1, 11 a.m. “The Things We Will Not Let Them Take From Us”-Jeremy Farrell
The paths before us have twisted and many of us can no longer see the light at the end of the tunnel. When we can't find that light in the world around us or in the end goals we work towards, we must find it in each other. We must remember that moments of presence, joy, connection and love are powerful. That power is what will keep us going every day.
Jeremy K Farrell is a queer, autistic, Jewish activist. He is an Autism Advocate and public speaker professionally. He is an Admin for Not Just Us which holds rallies around the state. Jeremy is also coordinator for Justice Southbury, holding rallies for 233 consecutive weeks, where he has learned the true power of love, presence, and persistence. He has also pushed back on LGBTQ focused book bans.
December 8, 11 a.m. “Tending the Garden Within: Cultivating Presence and Purpose” – Rev. Shawn Garan
This message explores the theme of presence, inviting us to reflect on the relationship between our everyday self, or ego, and our deeper, truer Self. By learning to align with this inner guidance, we can cultivate a life of greater meaning, connection, and authenticity in each moment.
Rev. Shawn is a preacher and teacher who draws on both spiritual and psychological insights to guide others on a path of personal and spiritual growth. With a passion for integrating Jungian psychology, presence, and inner alignment, Shawn’s work invites others to explore the deeper aspects of the self, encouraging a life of meaning, authenticity, and connection.
December 15, 11 a.m. “The Gift of Imperfection” Rev. Kathleen Rudoff
A season that is rich with diverse traditions of holidays and holy days offers many gifts. Some gifts we give and others we receive. The gift of presence is priceless but are we willing to be present and practice presence just as we are? What about our imperfections? Can those be a gift as well? Let’s celebrate the possibility!
December 20, 6 p.m. Winter Solstice Evening Service
The Shortest Day has come again! Let’s Reflect, Let Go, and Reset as we prepare to make another circle around the sun. The Winter Solstice is a time to journey inward and reflect on the lessons, joys, and sorrows of the last year. It's also a time to acknowledge the light and darkness within and surrounding each of us. Join us for a family friendly service of ritual, readings, songs, and quiet.
December 22, 11 a.m. “The Courage of Compassion” Rev. Dianne Daniels
In a world where compassion seems to be lacking, may we all be aware and express more compassion – noticing what others are going through, reaching out, and when possible, bring comfort and joy to those perfectly imperfect human beings we encounter.
Rev. Dianne M. Daniels is a Detroit native now living in Norwich, CT. She’s a 2023 graduate of the Starr King School for the Ministry and is in Preliminary Fellowship with the UUA. She guest-preaches throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. She’s an old house lover (currently taking care of an 1850’s vintage Greek Revival home with her husband of 34 years, Aaron), avid reader (physical and Kindle), and animal lover.
December 29, 11 a.m. “The Presents of Presence: The Lights at a Dark Time of Year" Adam Bloom
Adam will be sharing his experience with Hannukah and exploring how the lights of the season can lead us to feeling grounded, present,
NOVEMBER WORSHIP SERVICES 2024
November 3, 11 a.m. "Work Harder, Work Harder": M. G. Trudy Martin's Life of Wonder, Creativity, Mentoring and Social Advocacy Marc Chabot
Trudy Martin was a longtime Woodbury resident, artist, teacher, mentor and social advocate. Trudy taught for 32 years at Westover School, becoming Art Dept. Chair, Chair of the Art Committee at Flanders Nature Center, promoting the work of founder Natalie Van Vleck, a founder of the CT Women’s Caucus for Art, and deeply involved with MUUS. She was awarded a Fullbright fellowship to study in Italy and worked with Robert Blackburn at his legendary Printmaking Studio in the early 1960’s. Trudy was a passionate feminist and champion of equal rights for women and the LGBTQ community.
Marc Chabot is a local artist, historian, and private dealer specializing in fine original prints and other works on paper. He offers estate consultations, fine art appraisals, paper conservation, and museum matting services. He is the curator of Van Vleck Collections at Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust.
November 10, 11 a.m. “UUSC Guest at Your Table” Adam & Rob Bloom
Since it began in 1975, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s “Guest at Your Table” program has introduced generations of UUs to their grassroots partners working for justice around the world with support from congregations. For many years MUUS has participated in this program and this year, we join in celebrating Guest at Your Table’s 50th anniversary with the theme “Expanding the Welcome Table.”
November 17, 11 a.m. "Embracing an ‘F’ Word" Rev. Kathleen Rudoff
It’s not what you think it is, but it begs for your attention. In a world of divisive politics, competing interests, polarizing religious ideas, and increasing lack of connection in community, it can be difficult to fully embrace a concept such as forgiveness. And yet, nothing could be more powerful and transformative for our lives. Kindness requires compassion and compassion requires forgiveness. Let’s explore what is required in order to embrace forgiveness
November 24, 11 a.m. “We are Still Grateful” Trish Stewart
Tricia J. Stewart, PhD (Trish) will conduct a service on “’We are still grateful”, which will explore the ways that Thanksgiving can be a time of discomfort, as well as spiritual reflection and personal growth. This service will also consider narratives around Thanksgiving, from the Pilgrims to Charlie Brown and Friendsgiving. This service will include the MUUS Cider and Cornbread tradition.
Trish is a member of MUUS who serves on the Board of Trustees. She has been a Unitarian Universalist in several congregations before moving to Southbury. She teaches at Western Connecticut State University in the Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership Program at the rank of Professor. She values community and serves on several town committees. Harper and Lawton Teegardin are her greatest joys.
OCTOBER WORSHIP SERVICES 2024
October 6, 11 a.m. "Listening as a Sacred, Spiritual Practice" Kathy Taylor
Kathy Taylor will center her remarks upon the value of listening in a world that prioritizes speaking over understanding. Listening is a radical act in our world - one that proverbs and adages warn us to take heed. In practice, Kathy will share how the Connecticut Community Foundation has a practice of listening to and with our community to cultivate a more equitable, prosperous, and thriving community.
Kathy Taylor, Esq, serves as the fourth President and CEO of the Connecticut Community Foundation in the Foundation’s 101-year history. Having served as a professor for over seventeen years, her commitment to improving the lives of those around her never stopped at the door of her classroom. Married to her college sweetheart, Kevin, Kathy is the mother of three – Michael, Jonathan, and Elise. A tireless advocate for her community, Kathy lives and breathes the motto, “To whom much is given, much is required.”
October 13, 11 a.m. October 13, 11 a.m "Deep Listening and the Voices of Those Unheard" Kate MacKinney
Is it the people who speak the loudest who are heard? Who doesn't get listened to? Can we learn to listen with intentionality?
October 20, 11 a.m. “Kicking the Hornet's Nest” Friction Farm
We are a nation divided. At some point we need to start talking to people with whom we disagree. We need to find a way to listen to people with differing opinions. But are we just kicking the hornet's nest when we bring up polarizing issues, risking anger and widening the lines of division? Listening to a person with whom you disagree doesn't mean you accept their position. Hearing their logic and reasoning isn't a threat. But how do we get there? And why should we?
Modern-folk duo Friction Farm is a husband and wife team of traveling troubadours. Aidan Quinn and Christine Stay combine storytelling, social commentary and humor to create songs of everyday life, local heroes, and quirky observations. From ballads to anthems, each song is filled with harmony and hope.
October 27, 11 a.m. “Masks that Conceal and Masks that Reveal” Rebecca Devine
Every October we don masks in celebration of Halloween. But what about the masks we wear every day, whether by choice or necessity? How do we remove those masks that conceal who we are and embrace the ones that reveal a path to transformation?
SEPTEMBER WORSHIP SERVICES 2024
September 1, 11 a.m. “Our Purpose is Serving Others” Jack Lander
Humans are born with the drive to survive as a group – a tribe. We achieve tribe survival by cooperating - by serving each other. In our UU songs, even in our chalice lighting words we find phrases such as “to serve needs greater than our own.” Thus, we are born with the drive, the calling, the DNA destiny to cooperate through service to others. Jack Lander will share his list of best quotes on human purpose by well-known persons such as Abraham Maslow and Oprah Winfrey. Their depth and wisdom will surprise you – guaranteed.
September 8, 11 a.m. “Ingathering and Water Communion” Rev. Doak
Our Congregation celebrates the annual UU tradition of holding an Ingathering Service that includes a Water Communion Ritual on a Sunday after Labor Day. As we gather let’s consider how water played a role in our summer. Did it bring heartache or joy, nourish your plants or provide a way to cool off in the summer heat, did it inspire new experiences, and create memories. Feel free to bring a sample to add to the waters we create as we mingle this year’s waters with our sacred water from previous years.
September 15, 11 a.m. “An Invitation: Let It Rest” Sandy Carlson
Sandy Carlson will reflect on the value of the gift of silence in response to hurt and frustration and even aggression. Silence as a form of compassionate engagement creates the space to gain clarity and regroup and rebuild relationships.
September 22, 11 a.m. “Education: An Invitation to Thrive” Bernardo De Castro
Bernardo De Castro has been working as a science educator in a public middle school in Danbury for the past 21 years. He focuses on interactive, experiential, project-based learning. He has led the development of a school garden program at his school and hopes to work towards the expansion of learning as a means for students to thrive and help their communities to thrive.
Bernardo grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 1999, he came to Seattle, WA to be with his now wife, Natasha. They moved east and have been living in CT since 2003. They have two daughters, Helena, 19 and Leah, 13 years old.
September 29, 11 a.m. “You Are Cordially Invited”
We often hear that the best way to attract new members is by a personal invitation. What are some of the strategies that work and how do we measure results? Christine will share stories of invitations she accepted as well as outcomes. Pinki will add how MUUS extends a heartfelt welcome invitation! When invited, do you offer to bring salad, dessert or a bottle of wine? Let's find out.
AUGUST WORSHIP SERVICES 2024
August 4, 11 a.m. The Necessity of the Fool – Rebecca Devine
It can often be difficult to take a risk or stop fear from freezing us in place. It feels safer to stay with what’s known. We don’t want to appear foolish and most of the time that means logic wins out over passion or faith. How do we know when to exercise caution and when should we take the leap of faith? We will explore the necessity of the fool and its role in the patchwork of our human experience.
August 11, 11 a.m. Questions for Our Minister – Rev. Doak Mansfield
In an informal service, think seminar, Rev Doak will engage the congregation. Questions, ideas, concerns are welcomed. At the beginning of the service, note papers will be distributed for writing questions, etc. After the opening of the service, informally again, the notes will be gathered, and Rev Doak will respond.
Monologue and dialogue will follow each.
August 18, 11 a.m. The Wonder and Wisdom of Plants – Kate MacKinney
While the sun has the potential to do us harm in overexposure, plants are manufacturing the essence of life on earth from the sun’s energy. Take a closer look at this amazing phenomenon on which we are entirely dependent. You’ll have a new appreciation for “green”.
August 25, 11 a.m. Theology of Play – Rev. Doak Mansfield
Rev Doak will consider the lifestyle of Americans—it’s implications, restrictions, challenges. Considered will be the varied ways we occupy our living...active formalized work or retirement or in-between. What are our thoughts, feelings on
“putting away childish things”? Can we think about “Play” as nurture, blessings?
JULY WORSHIP SERVICES 2024
July 7, 11 a.m. One Artist’s Steps From Idea to Creation – Catherine Lavoie
MUUS member Catherine Lavoie invites us to enjoy the journey from the first idea an artist has to the final creation. What are the steps? Where do ideas come from? What is the process? This is a fun look into the making of original art that begins at a flea market and ends in an art gallery. Warning: The actual art work will be displayed.
July 14, 11 a.m. Patriotism – Rev. Doak Mansfield
Rev. Doak Mansfield will share observations and considerations of loyality beyond family.
July 21, 11 a.m. Summer Traditions – Adam Bloom
MUUS Member Adam Bloom will be exploring the season of summer and leading us in discussion about our summer traditions. We'll discuss camp as a past time and how summer camp experiences and traditions tie into to some of our UU values and principles.
July 28, 11 a.m. MUUS in Conversation and Community – Margrit Morley and Rob Bloom
MUUS will host a roundtable discussion reflecting on events within the community and our congregation. The service will be an invitation to participate in a guided forum on how we come together as a community of faith, shared values, and opportunities to engage.
JUNE WORSHIP SERVICES 2024
June 2, 11 a.m. A Beautiful Bouquet: Flower Communion and Milestones
The significance of the flower communion is that, as no two flowers are alike, so no two people are alike, yet each has a contribution to make. Together, the different flowers form a beautiful bouquet. Our common bouquet would not be the same without the unique addition of each individual flower, and thus it is with our church community: it would not be the same without each one of us.
Rites of Passage help us to mark the important milestones in our lives. Our congregation helps us live with deeper gratitude, greater connection, and more reverence for life as we strive to support one another.
June 9, 11 a.m. “The Blessings of Change: Renewals” – Rev. Doak Mansfield
We really do live progressive chapters of our lives; Shakespeare wrote of seven. “Rev Doak” hopes to share some thoughts, observations, learnings about changes, challenges, and prospects for renewal. Beyond the curse of aging, is there a possibility for salvation?
June 16, 11 a.m. “Caring for Our Anger” – Celia Landman
Anger is a powerful emotion that can alert us to what is truly important. However, when we respond to situations with anger, we risk escalating them and making matters worse. Celia Landman, MA, a certified Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Trainer, will be leading a discussion and experiential session on how to effectively listen to the message behind our anger and express it in a way that is respectful and constructive for both ourselves, and the receiver. This session will provide valuable insights on how to acknowledge and speak for our anger without causing harm to our relationships or burying our feelings.
Celia Landman, MA in Mindfulness Studies, is a mindfulness educator who works with teens, parents, and individuals impacted by trauma, addiction, and anxiety. She creates customized practices to promote wholeness and is a certified trainer at the Center for Nonviolent Communication. Celia is also the author of the book When the Whole World Tips: Parenting through Crisis with Mindfulness and Balance. She aspires to help others recognize that they are lovable just as they are.
June 23, 11 a.m. UUA General Assembly Sunday Worship Service
We come together in unity for an awe-inspiring worship service. This will be streamed from the UU General Assembly. Rev. Molly Housh Gordon of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia, MO, will lead the service. In addition to her ministry and organizing work, Molly is a published essayist and poet completing a Doctor of Ministry in Creative Writing and Public Theology.
June 30, 11 a.m. Celebrating Summer or 2nd Annual Drag Gospel Fest
Choose between a Worship Service in Southbury led by members of our congregation or gather with friends for the Drag Gospel Fest in Waterbury. Both services will be held at 11 a.m. Hopeville Church is proud to partner with and support LGBTQIA+ groups who need a space to call their own. This will be a typical United Church of Christ Worship Service but featuring testimony and gospel performances by several drag queens.
MAY WORSHIP SERVICES
May 5, 11 a.m. “A Story of Water Across the World”- Christine Ieronimo
In 2009, Christine and her family adopted a little girl from Ethiopia. Upon their return she found her 2-year-old daughter drinking from a puddle in their driveway. This inspired her to write the children's picture book "A Thirst for Home, A Story of Water Across the World." Christine is passionate about spreading awareness of the problems created by the lack of clean water, poverty and the human impact on the environment.
May 12, 11 a.m. “Right Speech – A Practice” - Rev. Kathleen Rudoff
Right speech is a part of the noble eightfold path in Buddhism. In a year of increasingly divided politics, elections, and hateful rhetoric, the idea of right speech seems beyond our grasp. But we can develop a practice of right speech, encourage each other in that practice, and model the values of compassion and integrity in our daily lives. It’s a choice.
The Rev. Dr. Kathleen A. Rudoff has served Unitarian Universalist congregations for nearly two decades, most recently in Danbury, CT. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of the Yale Humanist Community. She is also a humanist celebrant and chaplain and is on the faculty at Claremont Lincoln University in California. She is a Southbury resident.
May 19, 11 a.m. “Having the Tune”- Rev. Dr. Doak Mansfield
Our new minister, beginning officially in July, the Rev. Doak will lead our service. He says of his message. "I will introduce myself and share some of my quirks, theology, and aspirations."
Rev. Doak is a native of Tennessee and was ordained in 1976 by the First Universalist Society of Cincinnati, now Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church where he is honored to be Minister Emeritus. He served as minister in churches in Alabama, North Carolina, Washington State, and Florida. He was a US Army Reserve Chaplain, a staff hospital chaplain, the founding chaplain of a non-profit hospice and has written five books. He is currently serving as halftime minister at the UU Fellowship of Sussex, County, NJ.
May 26, 11 a.m. “Pluralism is a Bear” - Catherine Lavoie
Explore spiritual, philosophical and political views of pluralism in a democracy. What do the Buddha and James Madison have to say on the topic? How can we safely and securely express our political choices as we move toward a more perfect union. Perhaps Mary Oliver can answer the question.
Catherine Lavoie is a member of our congregation and retired Nurse Practitioner who worked in the field of mental health for almost 50-years. Always interested in understanding humans on a deeper level, she found Jungian psychology to be informative and fun.
