West Valley UU Church

Sunday Services Archives 2006

December 2006
December 3, 2006	Rebecca Riggs	"All That Is Not Lost"
For me personally, and considering the state of the world, probably for many others, this has been a year of tragedy and loss. The season of "giving thanks" is difficult. How do we continue to give thanks while living in a world that is not as it should be?

December 10, 2006	Rev. Charles Gaines	"Who Is Tending the Fire?"
A special Volunteer Sunday will offer tribute to our current leaders in the church as well as provide a framework for current and future leaders. We also hope to have a brief dedication of our new shed following the service.

December 17, 2006	Randy Nowell	"Mindfulness and Intimacy on the Noble Eightfold Path"
Randy will discuss the three divisions of the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism and give examples from his own life on how walking the path can lead to the development of new levels of mindfulness, and a new degree of intimacy in all our interactions.

December 24, 2006	Rev. Charles Gaines	"The Darkness, The Light, and a Whisper in our Ear."
"I've been told that the custom of the West Valley Church has been to have only one service when Sunday falls on Christmas Eve." Today we'll have two services.

December 31, 2006	Joel Foster	"Dreamtime"
Thirty five years ago I came to know something of the oldest story of creation of the world, that of "Dreamtime". I found it remarkable that in the harsh Australian environment - a place of extreme desert wastes, infertile soils, awfully hot summers, and droughts lasting decades, that a people would have the time, much less the philosophy, to produce myths of insight, beauty, and joy. Dreamtime is equal in substance to our stories of the Big Bang and evolution by natural selection.


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November 2006
November 5, 2006	Ken Van de Ven	"Issues of Morality: How Far Do We Have to Reach?"
Natural law vs. sacred texts: Which version of the 10 Commandments applies to our lives today? Do the answers already exist, within us?

November 12, 2006	Rev. Charles Gaines	"Is That All There Is?"
A prelude to the coming Thanksgiving season.

November 19, 2006	Rev. Roy Phillips	"The Two Essentials of a Religious Liberal's Faith"
It astonishes me when I hear liberals and their critics saying we need to be more faith-based and that we are light on values. Ours religion is an alternative faith perspective on the world and on life, a perspective with a deep and rich history; yet somehow we have allowed ourselves to be put on the defensive. This sermon will be an attempt to let the coming national holiday of adventure and appreciation empower us to become "out loud and proud" about our way of the spirit.

November 26, 2006	Joel Foster	"The Myth of the Big Bang"
Joel's talk is a comparison between the latest story of Creation and the oldest story of Creation. The 40,000 year old myth called "Dreamland" and the account called "The Big Bang". What possible common elements might these two have?

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October 2006
October 1, 2006	Rev. Charles Gaines	"So You're Not Very Religious"
This sermon is about is about the ambiguous feelings some of us have about whether or not we're religious in a culture where others want to define what's religious for us.

October 8, 2006	Kathy Sheffield	"The Life Cycle of Religions"
Everything has a life cycle: mountains arise and are worn down; new species evolve, flourish and disappear; people are born, live, and die. Do religions, too, have life cycles? If so, what moves them, and where are our current religions in their life cycles?

October 15, 2006	Gwendy Joysen	"Releasing Your Musical Spirit"
This music filled and interactive service is a follow-up to Gwendy's previous service, Designed to tap into your musical personality and develop your potential. Come to sing or just to listen!.

October 22, 2006	George Williams	"Pete's Journey"
George Williams, an emeritus historian of Asian religions and member of WVUU presents "Pete's Journey," A story of a mid-life crisis of a former student who had become a political and religious radical who, in his moment of crisis, decided to re-convert to Christian Fundamentalism. Why did he call me? Why did he hesitate in his return to reassurances of the most conservative kind? Does his journey have anything to say about the strengths of liberal faith?

October 29, 2006	Rev. Charles A. Gaines	"Golden Ages, Then and Now"
"Unitarians and Universalists have experienced Golden Ages in their past. Congregations have, too. The sermon will describe some of them, as well as wondering whether the West Valley UU Church can have one in its future. Rev. Gaines will also describe the consulting program he will offer during the next few months. The sermon will be followed by a brief period of sharing by the congregation."


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September 2006
September 3, 2006	Rev. Dr. Judit "ZiZi" Gellerd	"The Sacred in the Patriotic"
The brilliant luminescensce of the cloud-flower blossoms of the atomic bomb represented the dividing line in human history. Science lost its innocence. The opera "Dr. Atomic" rekindled the eternal question: Who will set the etchical boundaries for human genius: scientists or politicians? Is being patriotic a moral stance or a political labeling? What is important: the means or the ends? The sermon grapples with ethical challenges and relativisms of our time: Is the human species riding along with the rest of God's creation?

Septermber 10, 2006	Rita Christina	"The In-Gathering: a U.U. Tradition"
The annual in-gatering is a Unitarian Universalist tradition that celebrates the return to community after summer's travels. Bring a container of water for the "Gathering of the Waters" ritual and share your inner and outer journeys.

September 17, 2006	Professor Llew Howell	"The Peace Corps"
West Valley U.U. member Professor Llew Howell will speak of his experiences in the Peace Corps.

September 24, 2006	Eb Eberlin	"Like a Wilderness"
Eb Eberlin is a singer/songwriter, story teller, former teacher, and former fire fighter. He is also on the Board of the Sierra Ancha Wilderness Unitarian Universalist Religious Association (SAWUURA), and he lives in Tucson.


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August 2006
August 6, 2006	Larry Lorenzen	"Counting the Fingers of God: The Meaning of Divine Numbers"
Larry will discuss the numbers discovered in nature that have amazing properties, and also the people who have discovered them. He will philosophize about what the numbers mean to him.

August 13, 2006	Eric Neufer	"Finding Religion's Successor"
As we face choices that are increasing both in number and complexity, we find ourselves in need of ways of being in the world that do not, by their very nature, limit our vision. This forces us to examine our deepest assumptions about life. In short, the esoteric has become the practical. And the tools provided by religion to address this challenge are not for everyone. Fortunately, there are alternatives.

August 20, 2006	Terry Sims	"A Place to Reach"
I once had a non-church-goer ask me, "What is wrong with people who go to church?" After I recovered a little, I decided that was a questions worth asking ourselves. If there is something wrong with those of us who attend church, can church really help?

August 27, 2006	Marc Adams	"From Fundamentalism to Freedom"
Award-winning author Marc Adams shares his journey from being a fundamentalist Baptist preacher's son to his time as a student and employee of Jerry Falwell's University. In his presentation he will share his story of coming out and also of coming out of fundamentalism and into Unitarian Universalism. Adams will also share information about HeartStrong, a national non-profit organization he founded to help alleviate the suffering of GLBT students in religious schools.


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July 2006
July 2, 2006	Katherine Sheffield	"Giving Voice: The Role of Storytelling in Religion"
Recent research has shown that the human mind evolved as a "storytelling machine," set up to perceive and create the world through stories. Stories are not, therefore, just fictional entertainment. All human know- ledge--history, science, religion--is made up of and transmitted through stories. Are religious stories different from other types? If so, how? And do which religious stories we choose to tell and believe make a difference to our lives?

July 9, 2006	WVUU Congregation	"Potluck Lunch"
Arrowhead Highlands Apartments San Lagos Club house, 5901 W. Behrends Dr., Glendale AZ

July 16, 2006	Jana Vargas	"The Promise and the Passion: Death in American Society"
Jana Vargas, a leader in the field of death and loss, examines through story, the common experiences of loss and death. She demonstrates a way of living, a state of grace, that can be found in the harsh truths of human existence. The sermon is based on her book The Promise and the Passion: Death in American Society.

July 23, 2006	Terry Sims	"Liberal Religion Now"
No details available at time of publication.

July 30, 2006	Katherine Sheffield	"The Da Vinci and Other Codes: Why Do We Argue Over Stories?"
As the current controversy over The Da Vinci Code shows, even fictional stories about religious figures can touch us deeply. Why should this be? Discovery of previously unknown Gospels such as the Gospel of Judas indicate that early Christianity had many more stories, with many different "truths" about Jesus, than we have today. Can Christians today, like those of old, make room for more than one canonical story?


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June 2006
June 4, 2006	Dr. Mirna Lattoufe	"Islamic Feminism"
We will cover the development of women's consciousness, the different groups that have emerged, and their approaches to promoting women's human rights within the Arab Muslim world.

June 11, 2006	Janice Brunson	"An Odyssy: UU's Around the World"
Visit Unitarians around the world in such remote areas as Burundi in Africa and the Khasi Hills in India, places where fellowships are springing up in the most unlikely regions led by small groups of dedicated volunteers.

June 18, 2006	Terry Sims	"Generation to Generation"
"This Father's Day I'm thinking about what we pass on to our children. The more we know our own frailties and fallibility, the more daunting it is to be a parent. But might there be salvation in parenthood, even when it doesn't feel holy?"

June 25, 2006	WVUU Congregation	"The Good 'Ol Summertime"
This will be a relaxing service! We are asking participation from the Congregation. This is an opportunity to get to know your fellow UUs better. We will share our favorite summer memories as we sip lemonade to celebrate that it is after all a dry heat! Feel free to dress casually. Those who would like to share, please call Amy 602-938-9012.


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May 2006
May 7, 2006	Randy Nowell	"The Seven U.U. Principles, as Seen Through the Eyes of the Buddha"
Member Randy Nowell will read excerpts from specific talks given by the Buddha in the sixth century B.C.E., and see how they compare with our 7 Unitarian Universalist Principles. This will help us to see how so many people today are able to reconcile being both U.U. and Buddhist.

May 14, 2006	Bronwin Thorgenson	"The Women's Wheel of Life"
Women are wondrous and complicated creatures. There are thirteen distinct phases in a woman's life. On this Mother's Day, come learn what they are, and determine your place on the Wheel or where the women in your life place on the Wheel.

May 21, 2006	Tom Lopez, Ph.D	"A Little Faith and a Lot of Hysteria on Immigration"
Member Tom Lopez will offer some thoughts on some of the immigration issues that are the subject of such heated controversy. He will attempt to do so from a Unitarian Universalist perspective.

May 28, 2006	Bill Dugan	"The Story of Noah and the Great Flood"
Bill will read the story of Noah and the great flood as humorously told by U.U. minister Rev. David Bumbaugh in his book "The Education of God."


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April 2006
April 2, 2006	Eleanor Eisenberg	"The Role of the Courts: Protectors of the Constitution"


April 9, 2006	Terry Sims	"Passionate Living (and Giving)"
We all have some idea of what it is to live responsibly, and that includes maintaining what we need and use, like the West Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. But we also know that living and giving is about much more than duty. What the world needs, what we need, is to be excited, passionate about something that matters. Come dream with us, and discover or rediscover your passion at WVUU!

April 16, 2006	Rev. Adam Robersmith	"The Promise of an Empty Tomb"
The earliest texts of the Gospel of Mark do not include a sighting of a resurrected Jesus; instead, these texts show us an empty tomb and a promise of blessings and work to come. In emptiness, there is possibility — the possibility of resurrection, of living on in a legacy of works and spirit, of religious revolution.

April 23, 2006
The speaker will tell us about the Baha'i Faith. It is today among the fastest-growing of the world's religions. With more than five million followers, who reside in virtually every nation on Earth, it is the second-most widespread faith, surpassing every religion but Christianity in its geographic reach.

April 30, 2006	Rev. Adam Robersmith	"Change Alone Is Unchanging"
Every moment that we spend results in the birth of a new and changed world. We change, second by second, with every thought and breath. As we learn to love the play of change, we can be able to meet the challenges and opportunities that come to us. As we learn to live with change, we can say goodbye with grace and hope.

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March 2006
March 5, 2006	Terry Sims	"Let Your Heart Break"
We do not risk pain by loving others; we invite and ensure it, because we are mortal. The spiritual question that confronts us, especially when we lose someone dear to us, is whether we are willing to bear the cost of our own pain in exchange for living and loving fully.

March 12, 2006	Teresa Coffman	"Parody, Humor, and Irony: The Biblical Author Known as J."
Of all the Biblical authors, the one called "J" gives us some of the most problematic material. Bible fan Teresa Coffman will explore theories about the Bible's most ironic and Kafka-esque writer.

March 19, 2006	Rev. Adam Robersmith	"Insuring Illness, Ensuring Hope"
In 1998, our General Assembly passed a resolution calling each of us to advocate for a comprehensive, nationwide health care system. Today, our health care system is as confusing and troublesome as ever. What are our responsibilities as religious communities and individuals? What does Unitarian Universalism have to do with health care?

March 26, 2006	Rev. Adam Robersmith	"The Church of the Present"
Our children and our youth are often called "the church of the future." Unfortunately, many of them will leave our churches after high school. On this Sunday, our children are invited to come to the whole service so that we all, together, can discover what it would mean to be the church of the present.

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February 2006
February 5, 2006	William Hart	"Ever Since Eve, At Least"
Which religion officially labeled women "An inescapable punishment" and "A necessary evil?" You needn't go looking for obscure creeds in exotic places -- it was the Christian church. Bill Hart, Valley resident and author of Evil, A Primer: The History of a Bad Idea from Beelzebub to Bin Laden will talk about how men throughout Western history have relentlessly demonized women, and how vestiges of that deeply ingrained practice remain very much alive today.

February 12, 2006	Kathryn Sheffield
America has experienced several great awakenings. Some believe today we are in yet another. What has been the role of these awakenings in American history and politics, and what does it mean for our future?

February 19, 2007	UU Speaker, singer, and songwriter Gwendy Joysen	"The Power of Musical Expression."
We are happy to welcome former members, Gwendy and Dee Joysen! Gwendy is a UU singer, songwriter and speaker, promoting human rights, conscious living and the importance of music. She is touring UU churches speaking and singing to raise awareness of the role music can play in our spiritual community. Come and enjoy a morning of beautiful music. Gwendy's CD, "Sacred", will be available.

February 26, 2006	Rev. Adam Robersmith	"The Price of Fear"
It seems that so much of current American culture is based in fear — fear of germs, of weapons, of other people, of sugar, even of the culture itself. This current of fear doesn't just make us nervous, it changes our entire lives. We'll look at how fear destroys communities and our own well-being.

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January 2006
January 1	Alexis Wielunski	"I Conquer, Therefore I Am: Whiteness and White Privilege"
This service is meant to demystify the concepts of whiteness and white privilege. We will talk about where whiteness came from and what that means today. Also, we will address some of the ways UUs in the Southwest can get involved in the struggle for racial justice.

January 8	Rebecca Riggs	"Lessons from the Good Samaritan"
The Bible story we call "The Good Samaritan" seems to be one of the easier parables to interpret. But maybe the simple story deserves a second look. I think this parable offers much more than just a general directive to "be a good neighbor." What else is in there?

January 15, 2006	Adam Robersmith	"Living in Constant Welcome"
"Welcome" isn't just a word on a doormat; welcome is an attitude, an action, and a way of being in community. What does it mean to live out a life of deep hospitality, of constant welcome?

January 22	Adam Robersmith	"American Idols: In What Do We Trust?"
Idolatry isn't a term Unitarian Universalists think about too often, but in a culture that offers so many things to worship, it's important to consider what's worth worshipping. What does idolatry mean when we each seek our own sources of life and meaning? What should sit at the center of our lives?

January 22	Adam Robersmith	"American Idols: In What Do We Trust?"
Idolatry isn't a term Unitarian Universalists think about too often, but in a culture that offers so many things to worship, it's important to consider what's worth worshipping. What does idolatry mean when we each seek our own sources of life and meaning? What should sit at the center of our lives?

January 29	Llew Howell	"Victims of the Night: Race and Prejudices in Modern Society"
In American and European society, prejudices of whites toward people of historical African origin still prevail as the dominating expression of social order. But the same prejudices exist in Asian, Latin American, Middle Eastern, and even African societies. What is the source of this persisting human hierarchy that seems so fixed on skin color? Will we ever be able to move beyond it in structuring societal relationships?
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