Here is a list of all worship services presented in 2019.
We regret we have no archive for earlier years.

1/6/19
In Memoriam
Kris Eyssell

This popular annual first-Sunday-of-the-year service led by Kris Eyssell celebrates in words and music the legacies of some notable people who died in the past year.

Kris is a long-time member of UUG, and chairs our Membership Committee

1/13/19

This Sunday we had a major winter storm. In lieu of the planned service, we held an informal a worship circle.

1/20/19
Of Strangers and Angels
Rev. John Manwell

As we honor Dr. King today, we ask how he might have approached today’s vexing immigration issues. What foundational moral issues can guide us?

Reverends Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell are our co-developmental ministers.

1/27/19
Escaping the Prison of My Mind
James Cavenaugh

Jim Cavenaugh says” When my mind set keeps me from coping with reality, I am in the prison of my mind. If I am lucky, the “Aha” phenomenon frees me – sometimes. Problem: If I don’t know I need to be freed, then I am stuck. Ever been there?

Jim Cavenaugh is a life member of his UU congregation in Harrisburg. He has been a volunteer chaplain at Dauphin County Prison since 2005, serves as President of the PA Religious Coalition for Reproductive Justice, and is the Coordinator for his church’s Lay Pastoral Care Associates. In all three he encounters the prison of his mind – and finds it in others.

2/3/19
Beloved Conversations
Bob Clegg

These days, it seems we’re always on guard, lest we slip up and say or do something offensive. When are we in the wrong? When do we owe an amends? And to the contrary: When should we just give ourselves, and each other, a break? At what point do clickbaiting, pious callouts, and perfectionism add up to lack of grace? Is there a healthy middle ground between our first and third UU principles?

Bob Clegg is executive director of Justice Jobs of Maryland, a free nonprofit jobs office and community ministry in Frederick, MD. Justice Jobs helps people get a job, keep that job, get good references, and move up to better jobs. Bob holds a PhD in chemistry and recently earned an MDiv at Wesley Theological Seminary. He is an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick, MD, and he is at aspirant status in the UU Ministerial Fellowship process. Bob likes to ride his bicycle when the weather is warm enough. He lives in New Market, MD with his wife Connie and their three cats.

2/10/19
Giving Our Hearts, Sharing Our Lives
Reverends Phyllis Hubbell & John Manwell

Supporting a church is not an arm’s length transaction. It‘s a gift made heart to heart, as we share our lives and find ourselves changed. And so as we prepare to pledge, let’s remember that it’s not about just keeping keeping the church going. It’s a gift of ourselves. Let’s listen to our hearts.

Reverends Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell are our co-developmental ministers.

2/17/19
History that Refuses to Die:
Notes on the Eighth Principle
Mike Morse

There are both external and internal historical reasons that UUs need the Eighth Principle. We need to understand what the “stuff” is in our own house and our own past while at the same time dealing constructively with the hard realities of racism in our society at large. Acknowledgment and awareness always precede empowering action toward a hope filled future for all.

Mike Morse is an ordained minister, now long retired, with degrees from Oberlin Graduate School of Theology and Vanderbilt Divinity School. He has served parishes in Ohio, including campus ministry at Oberlin College, New Jersey, Washington, D.C. and Virginia. He is the father of two grown children, 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He and his partner, Sea Raven are active in the Unitarian Church of Frederick and deeply engaged in dismantling racism work and death with dignity issues.

2/24/19

This Sunday we had a major winter storm. In lieu of the planned service, we held an informal a worship circle.

3/3/19
Our Eighth Principle: How do we get there from here?
Kate Sloan

Last year, we adopted an eighth principle: “We journey toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.” The first step in that ongoing journey is dismantling the pervasive effects of white supremacy of which we are so often unaware. And that initial step is taken by each of us, individually, by looking within ourselves. Join guest speaker Kate Sloan as we create the safe space needed for those hard, honest, self-reflective looks.

Kate Sloan is a lay minister with the Unitarian Universalist Church in Cherry Hill, NJ. She has been a member of the Board of Trustees, is a soloist with the choir, currently co-chair of the Worship Committee and a member of a multitude of other committees, groups and task forces in the church. Each year, Kate teaches a class in preaching to a dozen members of the congregation who each then take a Sunday in the summer to do a service. Kate is a graduate of Central Bible College in Springfield, MO where she earned a BA in Bible and first learned to preach.

3/10/19
Saving Lives
Reverends Phyllis Hubbell & John Manwell

What is it like to grow up different in Gettysburg? Today we reflect on whether UUG is called to reach out to save lives among those may be bullied and persecuted because of who they are.

Reverends Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell are our co-developmental ministers.

3/17/19
Music as Spiritual Resistance in the Holocaust
Deb Smith

To maintain humanity, dignity, integrity, and a sense of civilization, Jews used music as spiritual resistance in the face of Nazi attempts to dehumanize and degrade them during the Holocaust. Hear moving stories of how music can transcend and connect in even the most horrific of times.

Deb Smith is the director of choral music, handbells, steel drums and more at the secondary level schools in the Hanover Public School District. She is the faculty leader of the Student Diversity Alliance. In addition to being a dedicated educator and professional musician, Deb holds a Masters Degree in Genocide Studies with a focus on the Holocaust, teaching courses at the high school level on Music of the Holocaust.

3/24/19
Coming Home
Rev. John Manwell

Tradition speaks of “thin places” in our lives, where we are best able to connect with the spiritual. Though they may be geographic, we may also encounter them as we are reminded of a treasured experience “at homeness.” Today we explore the thin places in our own lives.

Reverends Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell are our co-developmental ministers.

3/31/19
Love Knows No Borders
Carol Stowell

Answering the call of the Unitarian Universalists Service Committee, member Carol Stowell joined others at the border in November to provide solace and support to refugees seeking asylum. Two weeks later, six UU ministers joined others there in a civil disobedience action. In the words of UUA President Susan Frederick-Gray, “Right now, in this moment in the United States, we have a choice. That choice is between a culture of cruelty that has been growing in rhetoric and policy throughout the country, or reclaiming the example of a culture of welcome that countless families across our country offer when they open their homes to refugees.“
Carol will share her border story, including her visit to Tornilla, the children’s tent city. We will also hear from new immigrants to the Gettysburg community and the challenges they have faced.

Caroll Stowell is a longtime member of the York UU congregation who several years ago joined us and served on our board of directors.

4/7/19
Bending the Rainbow Arc
Rev. Phyllis Hubbell

Fifty years have passed since queer people stood up for their rights at Stonewall. Rev. Phyllis reflects on the vast changes that have occurred in how our faith views LGBTQIA individuals, and where we still have miles to go.

Reverends Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell are our co-developmental ministers.

4/14/19
Theology Through Hymns and Hyrns
Rev. Dr. Richard Speck

Unitarian Universalism is a faith that does not require a single creed, but encompasses many different understandings of humanity and our relation to the universe. Our faith has evolved over the last 400 years and our hymns reflect that evolution. We will delve into some of those hymns written by men and women over this time to see where the faith has gone. Come ready to sing.

The Reverend Doctor Richard Speck is the retired District Executive for the Joseph Priestley District (JPD) of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. He graduated from Meadville/Lombard Theological School with a Doctorate in Ministry in 1990. Richard continues to be active in social justice programs; he conducts weddings, memorial services, and funerals; and he continues preaching widely and teaching leaders in proper governance and emotional systems thinking.

4/21/19
Easter: History or Experience?
Rev. John Manwell

Proud of our rational approach to religion, Unitarian Universalists have found it easy to write off Easter as an impossible fantasy. And in a literal sense, it is. This morning I’d like instead to explore what Easter might mean if we view it in the light of human experience.

Reverends Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell are our co-developmental ministers.

4/28/19
Finding Common Ground for Politics and Theology in Personal Relationships
Linda Miller

Linda, a lifelong UU who chairs our board, asks: How has your life changed since the 2016 election? The past two years including months preceding and following the election have had a significant impact on my thoughts, my actions, my friendships, and even my most loving relationship. How does my theology shape my reactions? How can I effectively, lovingly, embrace those who oppose my views, yet maintain my position? Come and be part of the dialogue.

5/5/19
From “Unitarian Christianity” to Unitarian Universalism
Rev. John Manwell

Today marks the 200th anniversary of William Ellery Channing’s historic “Baltimore sermon,” staking out the theological claims of a newly emergent “Unitarian Christianity.” Since then, now merged with Universalism, we have evolved almost beyond recognition. Can we find a continuing message to carry into the future?

Reverends Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell are our co-developmental ministers.

5/12/19
A Question Box Service
Revs. John Manwell & Phyllis Hubbell

Have you ever wanted to ask your ministers a question about our UU faith or spirituality, or history–or something we’ve said in the past? This is your chance. We’ll answer as many as we can on one Sunday.

5/19/19
The Spiritual Power of Song
Our Choir

UUG’s choir offers solace, hope, and inspiration–and asks you to lift your voice with us.

Longtime UU Joanne Nicholson leads our choir.

5/26/19
The Buddha Essence
Michele Jewell

Each year in May we celebrate Vesak, birthday of the Buddha. This year we explore: who was/is the Buddha?

Michele Jewell is a member of UUG and a participant in the Sunday evening Buddhist Insight Meditation Group.

6/2/19
Tending Holy Ground
Reverends John Manwell & Phyllis Hubbell

The earth we walk on is holy ground. It is a place where miracles happen. Seeds dropped in it produce food, produce flowers, provide shade, provide beauty. Today, we reflect on our need to tend and protect this magic planet that gives us life. We invite you to share photos or pictures of places that you consider holy ground.

Reverends Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell are our co-developmental ministers.

6/9/19
Endings and Beginnings
Rev. Megan Mathieson

This Sunday, we will focus on the sacred cycle of endings and beginnings in a service led by Rev. Megan Mathieson, a UUG member who will be saying goodbye to our community.

Rev. Megan has been a member of UUG since 2016. She has been emotionally, spiritually, and financially supported by the members of UUG as she has gone through seminary and attained preliminary fellowship as a UU minister. She is in the process of moving to Ohio to serve the SouthWest UU church as their minister. All are welcome and encouraged to attend her ordination, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick on June 30 at 4 pm.

6/16/19
When Does the Day Begin?
Rev. John Manwell

In an ancient story, a teacher asks his students how they can know when the new day begins. This morning we revisit their conversation.

Reverends Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell are our co-developmental ministers.

6/23/19
Music as a Spiritual Experience
Kris Eyssell

Plato is said to have remarked that “Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life.” What music has touched your soul, mind, and imagination? Join us as members and friends share with us the music that inspires them.

Kris Eyssell is a longtime Unitarian Universalist and chairs our membership committee.

6/30/19
Earth Day, Every Day
Andrew McKnight

We welcome the return of Andrew McKnight. Andrew’s journey through life as an active outdoor youth to an engineer working for environmental protection to a career as a traveling troubadour dedicated to the exploration and appreciation of the American landscape provides myriad lens angles to examine our relationship with our planet. From the preservation of our human stories to considering our impact on our human and non-human neighbors in our ecosystem, Andrew’s songs and stories provide a compelling soundtrack to the question, “How heavy are my footprints?”

7/7/19
Lessons of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
Susan Leviton

On March 25, 1911, more than 100 immigrant girls and women burned or jumped to their deaths when the New York City sweatshop where they worked caught fire. Singer, visual artist, and Jewish cultural worker Susan Leviton explores the lessons of this tragedy songs, pictures, and stories. NOTE: On the first Sunday of the month, checks payable to UUG with Soup Kitchen in the memo line, and half the cash donations, go to the Gettysburg Community Soup Kitchen.

7/14/19
A Holy Trinity for UU’s
Rev. Alexa Fraser

Our Unitarian ancestors’ heresy was the rejection of the Christian Trinity. Let us explore that theological approach and look into what trinitarian structure might work for us today. What puts us in a holy place?

Rev. Dr. Alexa Fraser is the interim minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Sterling Virginia. In her first career she spent nearly three decades researching the health effects of environmental exposures on workers, citizens and children. She spent those years managing large research projects as a consultant to the Federal government. She holds degrees in Environmental Studies from University of Wisconsin, Madison and International Economic Development from Columbia University School of International Affairs, and is also a graduate of Starr King School for the ministry, one of our two UU seminaries.

7/21/19
Inner and Outer Light: the Symbolic and Mystical Attributes of Light in Religion
Rev. Judith McLean

Since the beginning of time, humanity has attributed mystical qualities to light, both in outer form and inner form. While Unitarians recognize the symbolic forms of light, what about the mystical inner light that so many religions claim lead and guide us?

Reverend Judith McLean is a retired Interfaith minister with many years of affiliation with the International Council of Community Churches, and a new member of UUG. Her doctoral studies were in philosophy on the origins of Judaism and Christianity. Her career life included both ministry and human services work in health advocacy and mental health and pastoral counseling. Judith is married to Mark McLean and lives in Waynesboro.

7/28/19
“Jim, meet Jim–and Jim!”
Jim Cavenaugh
includes Blessing of the Backpacks

Jim Cavenaugh says: I work to accept and reconcile my multiple roles in life, dealing with the inevitable conflicts, and avoiding the mental disconnects that lead to disaster. When I am drawn to heal this wounded world, but another part of me seeks safety, what do I do?

Jim Cavenaugh is a life member of his UU congregation in Harrisburg. He has been a volunteer chaplain at Dauphin County Prison since 2005, serves as President of the PA Religious Coalition for Reproductive Justice, and is the Coordinator for his church’s Lay Pastoral Care Associates.
NOTE: This service includes our annual back-to-school Blessing of the Backpacks. Bring your children and their friends, with their backpacks. And come early to decorate our sidewalks with chalk!

8/4/19
Tickling our Funny Bones
Kris Eyssell

How many Unitarian Universalists does it take to change a light bulb? Come to church on August 4th to find out. Religion is many things to many people… but it can also be hilarious! Join us as we joke, poke fun, laugh, and giggle at our Unitarian Universalist faith tradition. BYOK (bring your own kazoo…although if yours is currently missing we’ll have one for you at the door)!

Kris Eyssell chairs our membership committee.

After the service we welcome members of St. James Lutheran Church and the wider community for a special potluck, during which four climate scientists from Climate Up Close will explore how to talk about climate change.

8/11/19
John Calvin, John Murray, & My Immigrant Grandmother: Assimilation vs. Original Blessing
Rev. James Gibbons Walker

Early Christianity turned the world upside down. The story we each tell ourselves – about the world, others, the Divine, life itself – shapes our actions. The story we communicate as a congregation shapes our life together. What would it take to turn the world upside down?

Rev. James Gibbons Walker has served as Chaplain to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Southern Maryland since 2012. A Unitarian Universalist since 1993, Rev. Walker earned Masters degrees in Theology and Church Ministries from St. Mary’s Ecumenical Institute in Baltimore. Prior to professional ministry, he had a 25 year career as a psychiatric social worker in Maryland and Oregon, serving persons diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illness. He lives in Leonardtown Maryland, with his spouse, Deborah C. Priest, and their cat, Ms. Kitty Fantastica.

8/18/19
Nonviolence by Any Means Necessary
Bob Clegg

Of the seven Greek and Latin words for “love,” none captures the essence of the Hindi “ahimsa.” Literally “no harm,” Ghandi construed ahimsa as “active nonviolence” – relentless acts of loving resistance in pursuit of justice. Today we explore how UUs are called to study, practice, and incarnate nonviolence by any means necessary.

Bob Clegg is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick, Maryland. He is at Aspirant Status for UU fellowship. After a career as a scientist, he returned to school at Wesley Theological Seminary, earning a Master of Divinity and taking electives in Non-Profit Management at American University. He is now executive director of Justice Jobs of Maryland, a free job placement and retention office in Frederick, serving returnees from incarceration and addictions. Bob and his wife Connie live in New Market, MD, with their cat, Lilly, who also answers to “Buddy,” “Beezor,” and “Beelzebub.”

8/25/19
Odyssey Sunday

This is one of our favorite lay-led services, when a few members share their unique spiritual journeys.

9/1/19
Holy Days
Rev. Phyllis Hubbell

On this Labor Day weekend, Rev. Phyllis invites us to make time in our lives of labor for holy days, days of rest, days of renewal, that remind us how much we love life.

NOTE: On the first Sunday of the month, cash, and checks payable to UUG with Soup Kitchen in the memo line, go to the Gettysburg Community Soup Kitchen.

Reverends Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell are our co-developmental ministers.

9/8/19
Coming Home
Rev. John Manwell

As we “come home” to begin a new year together, we remember times and places where we have felt especially connected with life itself, and who we really are.

This service includes two special rituals.
For our annual water ceremony: We pool tokens of water from places, both near and far, that have renewed our spirits. (Bring water from your home or special place, or use the communal water). With our ministers, we bless this water. It is used throughout the year in our weekly Joys and Sorrows bowl, and on special occasions.
We will also have a Blessing of the Hands, as some of us begin a new “year” of work and study while most of us continue the tasks we do with our hands every day.

Reverends Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell are our co-developmental ministers.

9/15/19
Our Home Is on Fire
Rev. Phyllis Hubbell

Scientists have been trying to get our attention to the dangers of climate change for decades. We say we believe them, but do we really? Rev. Hubbell reflects today on the religious imperative to save our planet.

Read the sermon (with references) here.

Reverends Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell are our co-developmental ministers.

9/22/19
Finding the Shire
Kate Sloan

September 22 is Bilbo Baggins’ birthday. This September 22, join Kate Sloan & talented musicians from the Unitarian Universalist Church in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, as we explore the wonders of the Shire, the threat faced by that small corner of Middle Earth, and Tolkien’s challenge to us to protect our own precious environment.

Kate Sloan is the Worship Service Director at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. She is a 1977 graduate of Central Bible College in Springfield, MO (which is now Evangel University). Though she was raised Catholic and then converted to fundamentalist Christianity, Kate is now happily at home spiritually with the earth & humanity-centered non-theology of Unitarian Universalism. Kate teaches a class at UUCCH in preaching and is involved in the choir & multiple other committees.

9/29/19
Are You Convictable?
Rev. Dr. Richard Speck

Rev. Dr. Speck says: I once was asked by a person I respect, something that got my attention: if you were arrested for being a Unitarian Universalist, would there be enough evidence to convict you? In today’s turbulent times, how do we express our faith in the world? We will explore these fascinating questions this Sunday.

Rev. Dr. Richard Speck is the Minister Emeritus of the former Joseph Priestley District. He continues in early retirement preaching in various congregations, mentoring and coaching other ministers, and being a social activist in Delaware working to overcome white supremacy in our culture. He serves on the board of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association and as co-chair of the Good Officers program for the Association of Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries.

The choir joins this service.

10/6/19
Democracy Is Not a Spectator Sport
Carol Stowell

A true democracy brings out the best parts of who we are and protects us from our worse selves. It disperses power, is transparent, and encourages mutual accountability. But since the sixties, an anti-democracy movement has shifted power to a small circle of billionaires and large corporations, like the Koch brothers and the American Enterprise Institute, ALEC, Heritage Foundation and CATO Institute. Don’t give up, my friends! Genuine democracy is possible. There is a rewarding, even exhilarating role for each of us in making democracy real. Today we celebrate pro-democracy movements and share ideas on how you can join with other UUs across the state to affect needed government. Also, mark your calendar and register to join the conversation and learn more at UUPLAN’s Advocacy Day, on Oct. 12 at the Harrisburg church: https://www.uuplan.org

The choir joins this service.

Carol Stowell has been an active UU for 30 years, in Gettysburg and York. She is currently on the board of UUPLAN (the Unitarian Universalist Pennsylvania Legislative Advocacy Network), and the leadership team of March on Harrisburg. Both organizations are working on state government legislative reform.

10/13/19
Howard Thurman – The Man and the Message     
Rev. John Manwell

Rev. Manwell says “I think of Howard Thurman’s “Meditations of the Heart” as one of my books for a desert island. Always, they speak to me deeply. This morning we’ll explore his life and teachings, and ask what we can learn from him as an African American theologian and liberal religious mystic.”

Reverends Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell are our co-developmental ministers.

NOTE: Join us for our annual Fall Program Meeting, following the Sunday service. It is also Potluck Sunday so please bring a dish to share and sit back to enjoy lunch while committees share their plans for the upcoming year and their successful projects of the past year.

10/20/19
Who Is this Sam Hain Anyway?
Kate Sloan

It’s October, almost Halloween, when the veil between the worlds is thinnest. Join Kate Sloan as we celebrate the witch’s New Year, the ancient Celtic holiday of Samhain (pronounced “sow-en”). Bring your voices, a twig of autumn leaves, and a picture or memento of a departed loved one for our ancestor altar.

Kate Sloan is the Worship Service Director at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Cherry Hill. She is a 1977 graduate of Central Bible College in Springfield, MO (which is now Evangel University). Though she was raised Catholic and then converted to fundamentalist Christianity, Kate is now happily at home spiritually with the earth & humanity-centered non-theology of Unitarian Universalism. Kate teaches a class at UUCCH in preaching and is involved in the choir & multiple other committees.

10/27/19
In the Beginning
Rev. Phyllis Hubbell

Two hundred years ago this year, William Ellery Channing gave a famous sermon at the First Unitarian Church of Baltimore declaring the birth of a new faith. Today, Rev. Hubbell reflects on our Unitarian roots.

It’s Membership Sunday: this week we officially welcome our newest Members into our community.

The choir joins this service.

Reverends Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell are our co-developmental ministers.

11/3/19
The Transient and the Permanent in Our UU Faith
Rev. John Manwell

Ron and Ann Gilbert, purchasers of last Spring’s UUG auction sermon, have shown us some materials from their time at the Annapolis UU church, some fifty years ago. Adapting our title from a famous Theodore Parker sermon in 1841, we reflect this morning on how our faith has changed, and what remains at its heart even now.

The choir joins this service.

Reverends Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell are our co-developmental ministers.

11/10/19
A Path of Happiness
Marlin Barnes & Jane Peatling

Thich Nhat Hanh says “There is no way to happiness– happiness is the way.” Musicians Marlin Barnes and Jane Peatling will invite the congregation to meditate while they play some of their favorite pieces.

Marlin Barnes and Jane Peatling are members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown, and together they are Ritma-Cordia, a cello-marimba duo. They previously led us in a service about The Cellist of Sarajevo.

11/17/19
Ordinary Miracles
Rev. Phyllis Hubbell

Today, we look at the countless acts of kindness that ordinary people perform every day. Let us celebrate together the power of goodness to move our spirits and inspire our lives. Rev. Hubbell invites you to keep a diary with her of the ordinary acts of kindness you witness over the next month or so. Bring them with you to share at this service.

Reverends Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell are our co-developmental ministers.

11/24/19
Fleeting Temples: the Holy Harvest of Witness and Gratitude
Rev. Ellen Dionna

“We gather together” begins the first line of a beloved Thanksgiving hymn. What stores are we gathering, and how do they nourish our spiritual life?

Rev. Ellen Dionna is on faculty with the Rowe Center’s Spiritual Guidance Program and the author of Spiritual Sampler: Illuminating Inner Wisdom. She offers workshops and courses in spiritual development.

The choir joins this service.

12/1/19
A Spiritual and Moral Title Search
Rev. Mike Morse

Long overdue is our need as inhabitants of the earth now, to know about and understand our non-European ancient past, particularly in America. We tread on ground covered with deep debris that has almost buried a past that is rich, beautiful, filled with integrity, equality, sustainability, and honor of “Mother Earth.” We need to recover it.

Mike Morse is an ordained minister with degrees from Oberlin Graduate School of Theology and Vanderbilt Divinity School. He has served parishes in Ohio, including campus ministry at Oberlin College, New Jersey, Washington, D.C. and Virginia. He is the father of two grown children, 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He and his partner, Sea Raven, are active in the Unitarian Church of Frederick and deeply engaged in dismantling racism work and death with dignity issues.

Joining Sea Raven in providing music for this service is Stephen Darnell, a spiritual and passionate composer and performer of the Native American-style flute, Irish whistle, didgeridoo, Armenian duduk, Shakuhachi flute, and Moyo drum. His music is a place of peace, a place of rest, and a place for coming home. Inspired by musicians such as Douglas Spotted Eagle, Michael Allen, and Ash Dargan, Stephen has embraced the melodic wonder that the flute and didgeridoo has to offer, opening a realm of soulful and empowering creativity.

12/8/19
Outward Darkness, Inward Hope
Rev. John Manwell

As the season grows dark and chill, where shall we look for hope? The choir joins this service.


12/15/19
The Miracle of the Messiah
Rev. Arthur Hover

This Advent service will center around the importance of great music to our holiday seasons. The reading at the center of the service will be “The Miracle of the Messiah”. We will reflect on the effect of our music on the human soul and our spirit of community.

Rev. Arthur Hover is a retired Unitarian Universalist minister. Retiring from full-time ministry in 1992, Arthur and his wife, Ellen Dionna, spent 13 years in the back woods of Vermont, off-the-grid, developing a retreat center. They are members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York.

12/22/19
World-Filling Lights
Rev. Phyllis Hubbell

Light plays an important role in many winter holidays. Today, on the first day of Hanukkah, we celebrate light. The choir joins this service.

Reverends Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell are our co-developmental ministers.

12/24/19 at 7 pm
Christmas Eve Service
Rev. John Manwell

Join us for a special family-friendly service at 7 pm on Christmas Eve. Seasonal refreshments follow, courtesy of our president.

Reverends Phyllis Hubbell and John Manwell are our co-developmental ministers.


12/29/19
Burning Bowl Ceremony
Joanne Nicholson & Linda Noble

As the calendar turns, what would you like to leave behind, and what do you hope for in the coming year? This is a non-traditional service.

Joanne and Linda are longtime UUs and members of our worship committee.