GUUF - Greenville Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (SC)

Join Us Sunday 11 AM!

Christianity and the UU: Our Undeniable Roots
Rev. Chris Hockman
Christianity is one of interwoven strands that compose the fabric of our UU faith, as well as our historical faith tradition. Find out how the religion of our origin has shaped our UU tradition and may continue to provide us with inspiration and wisdom.

Live on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/Vh0Wm827EbQ?si=RoQqRhL8NCj1ce-u

Sunday 11 AM

The Five Love Languages
Lay Speaker: Ken Elder
Based on the book by Gary Chapman, “love languages” are ways of interacting within a relationship. Find out how to use your knowledge of these languages to keep your partner’s “love tank” full. A happy partner will most likely choose to reciprocate. Visit us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/JciF5gnK_zE?si=zGhHlrcecEIVT9CC

This Sunday 8/18/24 at 11 AM

Emerson Throws it Down
Rev. Chris Hockman

Let’s dive into Unitarian history and explore Ralph Waldo Emerson’s 1838 Divinity School Address. In this address, Emerson critiqued Christianity and religious institutions, and Unitarianism was not spared. Find out how Emerson’s calls for a new kind of spirituality based on individual experience and personal insight influenced the Unitarian Universalism we practice today.

Via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/VGfGkT8kmE8?si=9E_VztJLok8uM8Ic

Could a 5% change in behavior have any impact at all on our lives? Our community? Join us to find out. Modern-folk duo Friction Farm is a husband-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.

View the service on Sunday 11 AM on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA_LLaxVCL8

COME WRITE GET-OUT-THE-VOTE POSTCARDS WITH US ON SUNDAYS AT NOON!

UU the Vote is a non-partisan justice initiative created by the UUA’s Side With Love team, providing Unitarian Universalists with a range of opportunities to bring our democratic values to life as we build a genuine multiracial democracy. UU the Vote engages people in voter registration, issue education, get-out-the-vote drives, and more.

Democracy: It Isn't Just What You Do

Remember, we resume BLUU Worship Service this month!

Our Worship Leader for August is our very own Rev. Mykal Slack!

A little bit about our Worship Leader:

Rev. Mykal Slack (he/him) is a minister, facilitator, and writer who serves both as BLUU's community minister for worship & spiritual care and on BLUU's Organizing Collective Board of Directors. He is also a co-founder of the Transforming Hearts Collective, a group whose focus is on spiritual resilience of LGBTQ+ people and resourcing congregations for the work of radical welcome and culture shift.

Spiritual practices that keep him grounded include prayer through singing, mindfulness meditation, drumming, and ancestor connection and worship.

Mark your calendars and be sure to register to attend using the 🔗!

The wisdom of the Oops and Ouch

As we move into the weekend, may we do so giving and receiving some grace. We offer this poem, "Litany of Oops and Ouch" by Atena O. Danner:

I receive your "Ouch" with openness and curiosity.

I receive your "Oops" with acceptance and empathy.

I offer my "Ouch" with hope and trust.

I offer my "Oops" with humility and courage.

I release my "Ouch" with immeasurable faith.

I release my "Oops" with purpose.

I release your "Ouch" with promise.

I release your "Oops" with my eyes and heart open.

From Incantations for Rest: Poems, Meditations, and Other Magic (Skinner House 2022) and available through UU WorshipWeb. https://bit.ly/3YvlzNR

Whether you're new to BLUU or just looking for a refresher, our monthly New 2 BLUU sessions will resume this summer.

Join us to learn the history of BLUU; our new operating structure; and how you can get involved today!

The next New 2 BLUU session takes place Aug 13th at 6 PM CST so mark your calendars and register now.

https://blacklivesuu.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/blacklivesuu/eventRegistration.jsp?event=14

Check out the list of monthly themes starting in September. It will be a year of practicing liberating love!

Are you ready for another heart-opening meditation session?

The next Monday Meditation in our summer meditation series takes place in about a week and a half. We're excited to have our community member, Ms. Alice Ocrey, leading us into a beautiful meditation session to help us connect in Black Sacred Space.

These sessions take place at 8:25 PM EST on designated Mondays each month so please take note of the dates and mark your calendars.

Are you registered?
👉🏾👉🏾 https://bit.ly/BLUUMondays

** Black Sacred Space is by and for Black people. If you are a Black UU or a Black person who shares our values of love, justice, and liberation, please join us by registering below.

UUs in the news!

Clergy, parents file suit against Louisiana Ten Commandments law WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'This is religious favoritism, and it is not only dangerous, but runs counter to my religion and faith,' said the Rev. Jeff Sims, a Presbyterian Church (USA) minister and a plaintiff in the case.

It is with great joy that the UUA announces the adoption of the Article 2 revisions by 3/4ths majority.

Love at the Center: New UU Statement of Values Passes after Momentous General Assembly Delegate Vote The years-long democratic process culminated with debate and the GA vote. A two-thirds majority was required for approval.

Join Us today at 11 AM for service! Be sure to like, share, and subscribe on YouTube!

Sunday, May 19, 2024 - Pluralism: It’s All About Everyone! Rev, Chris Hockman & Lynn BellPluralism is a core value of the new proposed Article II, expressing, “We celebrate that we are all sacred beings, diverse in c...

Pluralism: It's All About Everyone!
Rev. Chris Hockman & Lynn Bell, GUUF's Volunteer Coordinator

Pluralism is a core value of the new proposed Article II, expressing, “We celebrate that we are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology. We covenant to learn from one another in our free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We embrace our differences and commonalities with Love, curiosity, and respect.” Join us to find out how pluralism as a value compels us to value difference as a source of strength and wholeness. Our GUUF volunteers will also be recognized in this service.

There will be no coffee service in the Fellowship Hall this week due to the congregational meeting. Water and snacks will be provided in the Narthex.

See you at 11 AM on site or online on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtK1v3JJ5tY

Our UUA President, the Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, preaches about LOVE AT THE CENTER!

Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt: "A Love That Frees" In a visit to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Susquehanna Valley, PA, UUA President the Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt explores what it might mean ...

There are tons of benefits to having a regular habit of meditation --

💫 Reduced stress
💫 Better sleep
💫 Healthy heart rate
💫 Increased happiness
💫 Positive mood

Want some of these benefits for yourself?? Join us every third Monday with an open heart for "Monday Meditation with Ms. Alice"!

Our BLUU community member, Alice Ocrey, leads a 30-minute sitting meditation and intentional check-in in Black Sacred Space.

** Black Sacred Space is by and for Black people. If you are a Black UU or a Black person who shares our values of love, justice, and liberation, please join us by registering below.

https://bit.ly/BLUUMondays

Join us at 11 AM! Be sure to like, share, and subscribe!

Sunday, May 5, 2024 - Caring for One Another Rev. Chris HockmanSometimes each of us needs more than words of encouragement or a hug from a friend; we need ongoing support from someone who will listen to...

Join Us Sunday at 11 AM
Caring for One Another
Rev. Chris Hockman with Jackie Weddington, Mary Margaret Dragoun, David Funderburk, and Dionisio Camacho

Sometimes each of us needs more than words of encouragement or a hug from a friend; we need ongoing support from someone who will listen to our concerns and fears. To meet these needs, many congregations have created Pastoral Care Associate programs. Associates are trained volunteers who provide a confidential, caring and consistent presence to congregants undergoing life challenges. Join us to find out about this exciting new ministry!

Join us in person or via our livestream on YouTube. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/live/OcliRSGa1iU?si=krsh1kc5OAE-dbQy

Mark your calendars!

On May 22nd, Rev. Amanda Weatherspoon will be sharing with us, "Liberating our Faith: Unitarian Universalism & Black Liberation Theology."

If you're a Black UU or UU-adjacent and share our values of love, justice, and liberation, come join us for an empowering session curated to help deepen your faith and answer questions you may have about Black Liberation Theology and how it fits into your personal spiritual path overall.

Register today to attend!

(Note: This event is Black Sacred Space.)



https://tinyurl.com/BLUU-webinar522

Join us at 11 AM! Please like, share, and subscribe!

Sunday, April 21, 2024 - Earth Lessons Rev. Chris HockmanRev. Chris HockmanWith Earth Day approaching, what do earth-centered religions tell us about our current state of the world? How can we use...

Join Us Sunday at 11 AM!

Earth Lessons
Rev. Chris Hockman with Garnett Conaway, Ken Elder, David Funderburk, Dionisio Camacho, the GUUF Choir and the Heretics

With Earth Day approaching, what do earth-centered religions tell us about our current state of the world? How can we use the earth’s wisdom to cope in difficult times, and how can we help save our Mother Earth when it feels like it’s too late?

We live stream our services on YouTube. Please like, share. and subscribe to our page! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GbBICgRN5M

Do you care about justice and equity in your community? We do too! Our fellowship is part of GOAL Justice — a coalition of 28 congregations in Greenville County. Over 1,600 folks showed up on April 15th Bethlehem Baptist.

💛 You can see us in the yellow ~ and we had some healthy competition with Trinity Lutheran Church - Greenville, SC in Red ♥️ this year! We even saw more some other congregations showing up in custom T shirts too! Peep a live clip of the event here: https://bit.ly/3xLBf4k

GOAL is a grassroots, direct action, multi-issue organization that addresses the problems at the source.

If you care about social justice programs like this, you may find a home at GUUF - Greenville Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (SC) ~ So come check us out online or in person:

📍In person:
1135 State Park Rd, Greenville, SC 29609
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gfo415YuE81pU47y6

🔴 Subscribe on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/?si=hOnSF1s1_0IXG5F6

🌐Website:
https://greenvilleuu.org/

Hear more about GOAL in our recent service:

https://www.youtube.com/live/IjM8tj8g6A4?si=33kaOoKJZcwLH7X-

photo credit: Gabriel Craft Media

What is our GOAL? Justice!
GOAL Team Leaders with Rev. Chris Hockman,
Hilary Nelson, Anna Crow,
David Funderburk, and Dionisio Camacho

Learn more about GUUF’s work with GOAL Justice, a coalition of congregations across Greenville that answer the call to "do justice" by working to solve entrenched community problems. Hear from our GOAL team leaders about efforts to engage elected officials to improve access to affordable housing and mental health services. Plus, get psyched to attend our big action event on April 15!

Join us on YouTube Live as well! Be sure to like, share, and subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/live/IjM8tj8g6A4?si=vqIBpf-oxRCpGPvI

Join Us at 11 AM

Sunday, April 7, 2024 - Declaration of Interdependence Rev. Chris Hockman “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part” has been part of the UU Principles since the 1980s, and Inter...

Join Us Sunday at 11 AM!

Declaration of Interdependence
Rev. Chris Hockman with Pat Chaney, Anna Crow,
David Funderburk and Dionisio Camacho

“Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part” has been part of the UU Principles since the 1980s, and Interdependence continues to be a primary UU value in the Principles’ newest incarnation. Let’s look at Interdependence through several lenses and across several faith traditions. Find out how leaning into and living into Interdependence can bring one to greater wisdom and spiritual enlightenment.

The service will also be available on YouTube live. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C8RRgS_fxo

March 31 marks the 14th annual Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV). This observance day was created in 2010 by Rachel Crandall Crocker, LMSW, Executive Director and Co-founder of Transgender Michigan. TDOV serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, strength, and beauty of transgender and gender-diverse people. It is a day to celebrate the rich history of trans activism and recognize the ongoing struggle for equity in a political landscape that seeks to criminalize gender non-conformity and erase trans people from public life.

Sunday, March 31, 2024 - Resurrecting Easter Rev. Chris HockmanBased on the book “Resurrecting Easter: How the West Lost and the East Kept the Original Easter Vision” by biblical historian John Dominic ...

Join us tomorrow at 11AM!

Resurrecting Easter
Rev. Chris Hockman with Garnett Conaway, Priscilla Phillips, David Funderburk, Beth Hilliard and Linda Mattern

Based on the book “Resurrecting Easter: How the West Lost and the East Kept the Original Easter Vision” by biblical historian John Dominic Crossan, let’s look at a completely different model for understanding Easter’s resurrection story, one that provides promise and hope for us today.

You can watch via YouTube Live at the link below. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4uPAJfDKR4