Category Archives: Services

A List of Sunday Morning Programs

Sunday, August 30, 2015: Why Are We Infatuated with Zombies?

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This Sunday, our service will be drawn from a sermon by Rev. Thom Belote, minister of the Community Church of Chapel Hill, Unitarian Universalist, Chapel Hill, NC. We will explore troubling aspects of American life using America’s current interest in zombies.

Why are we as a people are so zombie crazy? Everywhere we look we see zombies. Zombies appear in movies, in books, in comic books, and on TV and of course they will be in our streets this Halloween asking for candy.

We will reflect on what this might mean in light of the direction our society is going. Why are zombies so popular? What do they represent to us? Are we being conditioned to respond in a desired way by unseen forces in our society?

Are we all turning into zombies?

As Unitarian Universalists, we have a proud tradition of responding to the imperatives of love and justice to work with those of us who are marginalized and oppressed in society and the world. Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another.
Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. We are handicapped accessible. Please park in the rear of the building. Child care is available.

Please join us Sunday at our new location located in the Vendor Blender and Event Center, 588 Addison Avenue West in Twin Falls at 10:30 AM. The Vendor Blender is located near the old hospital near the intersection of Martin St. and Addison Avenue West.

Sunday, August 23, 2015: “Cultivating Gratitude”

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Host/Presenter: Kacee O’Conner

Based on research from The Greater Good Science Center we will explore gratitude. We will discover as we may already know gratitude does not always come naturally.

Negatives in our lives: disappointments, resentments, and fears sometimes occupy more of our attention than the positives.

As Unitarian Universalists, we have a proud tradition of responding to the imperatives of love and justice to work with those of us who are marginalized and oppressed in society and the world. Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another.
Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. We are handicapped accessible. Please park in the rear of the building. Child care is available.

Please join us Sunday at our new location located in the Vendor Blender and Event Center, 588 Addison Avenue West in Twin Falls at 10:30 AM. The Vendor Blender is located near the old hospital near the intersection of Martin St. and Addison Avenue West.

Sunday, August 16, 2015: “Building Our Own Theology: Part 3”

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Host/Presenter: Chad Minteer

Our Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship has been exploring aspects of what a free and responsible search for truth means in our individual lives as we reflect on our own experience of building our own theology. In keeping with our year’s theme of “Telling Our Stories” everyone is invited to come and share a favorite poem (or excerpt from one) that has special meaning.

After opening comments, we will hear from members of our congregation to learn of their favorite poems that have spiritual meaning to them.

As Unitarian Universalists, we have a proud tradition of responding to the imperatives of love and justice to work with those of us who are marginalized and oppressed in society and the world. Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another.
Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. We are handicapped accessible. Please park in the rear of the building. Child care is available.

Please join us Sunday at our new location located in the Vendor Blender and Event Center, 588 Addison Avenue West in Twin Falls at 10:30 AM. The Vendor Blender is located near the old hospital near the intersection of Martin St. and Addison Avenue West.

Sunday, August 9, 2015: “Building Our Own Theology: Part 2”

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Host/Presenter: Don Morishita

Our spiritual paths can take many turns throughout our lives. As Unitarian Universalists we have talked about the importance of building our own theology to meet our spiritual needs. Sunday, we will hear the story from four people and their journeys as they have each built their own theologies.

Please join us this Sunday to learn more about these four individuals’ spiritual paths.

As Unitarian Universalists, we have a proud tradition of responding to the imperatives of love and justice to work with those of us who are marginalized and oppressed in society and the world. Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another.

Child care is available. Please join us Sunday at our new location located in the Vendor Blender and Event Center, 588 Addison Avenue West, at 10:30 AM. Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. We are handicapped accessible. The Vendor Blender is located near the old hospital near the intersection of Martin St. and Addison Avenue West. Please park in the rear of the building and use the entrance on the west side of the building.

Sunday, August 2, 2015: “Building Our Own Theology”

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Presenter: Rev. Elizabeth Greene

The Unitarian Universalist Association has a curriculum called “Building Your Own Theology.” We notice that, in our faith tradition, we “build” our own belief systems, rather than accepting beliefs that others think we should have. This of course puts a great responsibility on the individual and the community to form responsible systems that honor Mystery, uphold justice, respect each other, value community and lead us to be better people on the journey.

This week, Rev. Elizabeth Greene will reflect on how we build our belief and value systems, what aids we have within ourselves and with a little help from our friends. Please join us this Sunday to learn more.

As Unitarian Universalists, we have a proud tradition of responding to the imperatives of love and justice to work with those of us who are marginalized and oppressed in society and the world. Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another.

Child care is available. Please join us Sunday at our new location located in the Vendor Blender and Event Center, 588 Addison Avenue West, at 10:30 AM. Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. We are handicapped accessible. The Vendor Blender is located near the old hospital near the intersection of Martin St. and Addison Avenue West. Please park in the rear of the building and use the entrance on the west side of the building.

Sunday, July 26, 2015: “Joys of Community”

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Host/Presenter: Kacee O’Conner

The Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will explore the joys of community through the eyes of renowned UU minister, Robert Fulghum, author of numerous books including “All I Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten” and “Uh Oh: Some Musings From Both Sides Of The Refrigerator Door”.

Please join us this Sunday July 26 and nurture your appreciation for some less obvious delights of fellowship.

As Unitarian Universalists, we have a proud tradition of responding to the imperatives of love and justice to work with those of us who are marginalized and oppressed in society and the world. Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another.

Child care is available. Please join us Sunday at our new location located in the Vendor Blender and Event Center, 588 Addison Avenue West, at 10:30 AM. Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. We are handicapped accessible. The Vendor Blender is located near the old hospital near the intersection of Martin St. and Addison Avenue West. Please park in the rear of the building and use the entrance on the west side of the building.

Sunday, July 19, 2015: “Religious Humanism”

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Host/Presenter: Ray Cross

The Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will discuss the different approaches to the Humanist view of life and how each relates to liberal religion. What is Religious Humanism? Is this the very best name for one of the branches of humanism?

Is it possible to be religious and a Humanist at the same time? Are all Humanists Atheists or Agnostics or are they all radical religion haters?

Can we build a more humane society through “an ethics based on human and other natural values in a spirit of reason and free inquiry”? We may be surprised at how closely Humanism relates to Unitarian Universalism and perhaps our own personal beliefs.

Please join us this Sunday to learn more about Humanism.

As Unitarian Universalists, we have a proud tradition of responding to the imperatives of love and justice to work with those of us who are marginalized and oppressed in society and the world. Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another.

Child care is available. Please join us Sunday at our new location located in the Vendor Blender and Event Center, 588 Addison Avenue West, at 10:30 AM. Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. We are handicapped accessible. The Vendor Blender is located near the old hospital near the intersection of Martin St. and Addison Avenue West. Please park in the rear of the building and use the entrance on the west side of the building.

Sunday, July 12, 2015: “A Perfectly Imperfect Story”

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Host: Karen Fothergill

Presenter: Julie Merrick

It has been said that in the end, we are all stories. But how do we tell our stories and how do we interpret the stories of those around us?

We are each dynamic and diverse and yet similar in so many ways. The Buddha once said that “to understand everything is to forgive everything.”

Perhaps the greatest value in sharing our stories is that doing so helps us to feel both compassion and appreciation for all stories, including our own.

As Unitarian Universalists, we have a proud tradition of responding to the imperatives of love and justice to work with those of us who are marginalized and oppressed in society and the world. Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another.

Child care is available. Please join us Sunday at our new location located in the Vendor Blender and Event Center, 588 Addison Avenue West, at 10:30 AM. Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. We are handicapped accessible. The Vendor Blender is located near the old hospital near the intersection of Martin St. and Addison Avenue West. Please park in the rear of the building and use the entrance on the west side of the building.

Sunday, July 5, 2015: “Faith of Our Founding Fathers”

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Host/Presenter: Chad Minteer

At this time of year as we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy in this country and recall its beginnings, it is inspiring to consider some of the extraordinary men whose religious views shaped the foundations of the government in this country. If we look carefully at the ideas of these extraordinary founders, we see that they are highly relevant to our current world, and that we would do well to revive those ideas.
We will briefly consider the religious beliefs of the first 3 American Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams; as well as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Paine. Using our hearts as well as our minds, we can work to reinvigorate the ideas on which this nation was founded:

  • A tradition of respect for reason and for the benefits of science;
  • A tradition of viewing our religious diversity as a strength to be treasured;
  • A tradition that values the benefits of open and free religious practice;
  • A tradition that the people are truly free in the practice of their religion when religion is not interwoven with the power of the State.

As Unitarian Universalists, we have a proud tradition of responding to the imperatives of love and justice to work with those of us who are marginalized and oppressed in society and the world. Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another.

Child care is available. Please join us Sunday at our new location located in the Vendor Blender and Event Center, 588 Addison Avenue West, at 10:30 AM. Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. We are handicapped accessible. The Vendor Blender is located near the old hospital near the intersection of Martin St. and Addison Avenue West. Please park in the rear of the building and use the entrance on the west side of the building.

Sunday, June 28, 2015: “Ramadan: A Month of Spiritual Fasting”

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Host: Don Morishita
Ramadan is one of the most holy months for the one billion plus Muslims of the world when adults must perform the very strict and obligatory fast from dawn to sunset for 30 days. This month in the Islamic religion is believed to be when the Angel Gabriel conveyed the Word of God (the Holy Quran) to Muhammad.

The fast involves abstaining from all foods and liquids (including water), smoking, and sex. Fasting helps one to experience how a hungry person feels and what it is like to have an empty stomach. It teaches one to share the sufferings of the less fortunate. Muslims believe that fasting leads one to appreciate the bounties of God, which are usually taken for granted. Good deeds, extra prayers, and charity are given more weight during this time period and therefore these are further encouraged during Ramadan.

Overall this month carries a heightened sense of spirituality for Muslims. Ramadan ends with a big celebration called Eid-al-Fitr where the entire Muslim community gather en masse to pray and give thanks to God for His blessings. They then traditionally exchange gifts, visit relatives and friends and eat delicious dishes prepared for this occasion.

Below are two short music videos I am sure you will enjoy:
Ramadan Moon – Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMdsa4z2nkY
Ramadan Is Here! – A Child’s Poem – (And Other Videos)

As Unitarian Universalists, we have a proud tradition of responding to the imperatives of love and justice to work with those of us who are marginalized and oppressed in society and the world. Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another.

Child care is available. Please join us Sunday at our new location located in the Vendor Blender and Event Center, 588 Addison Avenue West, at 10:30 AM. Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. We are handicapped accessible. The Vendor Blender is located near the old hospital near the intersection of Martin St. and Addison Avenue West. Please park in the rear of the building and use the entrance on the west side of the building.