Easter presents a challenge for Unitarian Universalist ministers—how do you speak about the meaning of Easter with all the significance it holds for Christians worldwide in a way that also relates to the spectrum of theological beliefs within Unitarian Universalism. One of my colleagues, the Rev. Greg Ward, suggests that this should be the litmus test that determines whether a candidate for the Unitarian Universalist ministry be recommended for fellowship or not. Another colleague, the Rev. Earl Holt writes, “The Easter faith can be expressed in two words: life wins.” I’ll put these two together to share my understanding of the significance of Easter and the radical life-affirming prophetic message of Jesus.

This Sunday, we also welcome our six new members through our Membership Recognition Ceremony.

One of the things that makes our religion exceptional is that it is largely a faith of converts; not a lot of us were born into it. How do we keep Unitarian Universalists of all ages connected to this faith?

The Rev. Evan Keely is chair of the Growth Team of the Metropolitan New York District of the Unitarian Universalist Association. He currently serves as minister of the UU Congregation of Monmouth County in Lincroft, New Jersey.

This fall, we held an Adult Religious Exploration course entitled Articulating Our Unitarian Universalist Faith where we considered how to describe Unitarian Universalism to others and what is of paramount importance to us about this progressive religion. In this service, the members will use readings from the class, act out a skit that they wrote themselves and ask you to enter into dialogue with them about what you believe and how to articulate your faith. Join us for this engaging service that springs out of our deepest reflections on meaning and spiritual growth.

"Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore we must be saved by love." --Reinold Niebuhr

The service draws upon the history of the Civil Rights movement and a little Chaos theory to illustrate how after long periods of frustration, a single individual act can be the atom of great social change. Greg will illustrate the gift that Dr. King gave to people of all colors - the gift of human potential. For those who give their best energies to leave the world a better place, it is a tremendous uplift to hear a story of generational overcoming--against an all too stubborn and familiar force. He will talk about Charles Houston and Martin Luther King, Jr. and how they didn't come from nowhere. Greg's message is an encouraging one-your efforts are not lost. You are changing the world, one small step at a time. Martin Luther King and Charles Houston were somebody's grandchild--as are you.

Our speaker and special guest musician, Greg Greenway is that rare combination of instrumentalist, singer, poet, humorist, and entertainer. A nationally touring artist with seven solo CDs, Greenway has performed at Carnegie Hall, at the Clearwater Hudson River Revival Festival along with Folk legend Pete Seeger, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honoring Phil Ochs, and on the nationally syndicated Mountain Stage. In August of 2000, Greenway appeared on CNN's World Beat in a segment on socially conscious artists. He has been featured on the weekend edition of NPR's All Things Considered. At the end of October 2006, he was selected to sing his trademark remake of U2's, "In the Name of Love" to close a rally at the University of Virginia that featured NAACP Chairman, Julian Bond.

Born in Richmond, VA, Greenway has a talent for delving deeply into the American experience without cynicism, without sugar coating, and, most importantly, without ever sounding preachy. Expect to leave the service feeling inspired and uplifted on this Sunday before Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Greg Greenway will also appear in an evening concert at 7 pm.

This fall, we held an Adult Religious Exploration course entitled Articulating Our Unitarian Universalist Faith where we considered how to describe Unitarian Universalism to others and what is of paramount importance to us about this progressive religion. In this service, the members will use readings from the class, act out a skit that they wrote themselves and ask you to enter into dialogue with them about what you believe and how to articulate your faith. Join us for this engaging service that springs out of our deepest reflections on meaning and spiritual growth.