2019 Sunday Services

JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC

January

2019 January 01, Tuesday, New Year's Day

2019 January 06, Sunday, Epiphany
Pastor Sharon Watkins
"Restoring Common Decency"


When and how has "common decency" been diminished? In recent years, the lack of commonly held values has become a frightening norm among our country’s leadership. While espousing a false morality, many have ignored our culture's and humanity's commonly held values. What happened? How do we empower the thinking and behavior of compassion and empathy in our culture?

Service Leader: Melba Gandy. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 January 13, Sunday
Dr. Ron Sturgis
"Optimism for The New Year"


Dr. Sturgis will provide an overview of the science of Positive Psychology. After a century of studying psychopathology, psychologists now have a comprehensive understanding of mental illness as defined in the DSM4. Social Scientists are now studying the efficacy of optimistic thought on wellness and happiness throughout the course of a lifespan. As it turns out, people who have optimistic world views tend to be happier and have better life outcomes than do people with negative outlooks. Dr. Sturgis will discuss these and other topics related to positive psychology.

Service Leader: Geraldine Barker. Music: John Puett (piano). Youth RE.

2019 January 20, Sunday
Pastor, Lord and High Priest David-Michael Searcy
"It's Out with the Old and in with the Bold"


Dr. Norman Vincent Peel wrote: "There is a spiritual giant within you, which is always struggling to burst it's way out of the prison you have made for it." We will be celebrating with a Phoenix Ceremony and symbolically releasing bad habits, negative thoughts, emotions, and unhealthy relationships into the flames of transformation. Then we will be calling to us those miraculous and amazing events that will transform our lives. Life is a process of letting go and letting. This is the Divine Rhythm!

Service Leader: Shirley Center. Music: John Puett (piano). Potluck.

2019 January 21, Monday, Martin Luther King Jr Day, Tu Bishvat/Tu B'Shevat

2019 January 27, Sunday
Terri Thrower
"Understanding Ableism"


As a society we acknowledge racism, misogyny, anti-Semitism, and heterosexism as biased, bigoted, and just plain wrong. However, Ableism (which favors and privileges the able-bodied over those with disability), too often remains intact, unchallenged, and as powerful as ever. In this discussion, Dr. Thrower will introduce ableism: what is it, how it plays out in our daily social interactions, and what we can do to counter its negative effects.

Service Leader: Greg Thrower. Music: John Puett (piano). Youth RE.

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February

2019 February 01, Friday, National Freedom Day

2019 February 02, Saturday, Groundhog Day

2019 February 03, Sunday, Super Bowl
Karl Seidman
"The Caring Community"


The concept of a Mountain Light Unitarian Universalist Church Caring Community, as developed jointly by members Blenda Fairman and Karl Seidman, borrows from concepts in gerontology. We would focus on: getting to know each other better through sharing common interests to create a more close-knit community and organizing for mutual support and caring in small sub-groups. The was a presentation on the concept, as well as a questionnaire, to determine what additional interest groups in which members would like to participate.

Service Leader: Ed Wolpert. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 February 05, Tuesday, Chinese New Year

2019 February 10, Sunday
Rev. Barry Whittemore
"Sola Gratia or Works Alone? Who's in charge here anyway?"


What do we mean by Grace? What are the long term implications of its rejection? These topics will be explored in the context of Unitarian, Universalist, and UU history. Special attention will be paid to the theological conversations that did not take place at the time of the 1961 merger of the two churches.

Service Leader: Gayle Wood. Music: CD. Youth RE.

2019 February 12, Tuesday, Lincoln's Birthday

2019 February 14, Thursday, Valentine's Day

2019 February 15, Friday, Susan B Anthony's Birthday

2019 February 17, Sunday
Rev. Lorraine Jones
"What's So Amazing About Grace?"


One of the most wonderful and potentially problematic ideas in religion is grace. It implies that no matter what a person has done, that person can still enjoy its gift. Most people prefer a world in which people who do wrong face the negative consequences of their actions. Grace, it would seem, flies in the face of justice. It begs the question: "What's So Amazing About Grace?" [Adapted from a sermon by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavinhar.]

Service Leader: Patrick Cavigliano. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 February 18, Monday, Presidents' Day

2019 February 24, Sunday
Rev. Jennifer Dalton
"Amazing Grace"


What would the world look like if we all behaved as though we believed in Grace? How would we treat our neighbors? How would we treat ourselves?

Rev. Jennifer Dalton was born and raised in the mountains of Virginia. She has her bachelor’s degree in political science and her Master of Divinity degree from Emory’s Candler School of Theology. She is currently ordained and recognized by the Alliance of Baptists and considers herself a Unitarian Universalist Baptist.

Service Leader: Kasey. Music: John Puett (piano).

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March

2019 March 01, Friday, Read Across America Day

2019 March 03, Sunday
Ken Sizemore
"Old Folkie"


Ken has been performing folk and early pop music all over the country for more than 40 years. He plays the "classic" folk music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. His repertoire also includes some selections from pop artists and even pays tribute to country greats.

Service Leader: Kasey. Music: Ken Sizemore (guitar).

2019 March 04, Monday, Maha Shivaratri (Hindu)

2019 March 05, Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras

2019 March 06, Wednesday, Ash Wednesday

2019 March 10, Sunday, DST begins
Ron Sturgis
"no title yet"


Dr. Ron Sturgis, a retired Eagle Scout, will give an informative presentation on the history of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), the codes and guidelines, the impact of scouting, and the recent policy changes for the inclusion of girls and LGBTQ leaders. Since MLUUC is sponsoring a new Scout Troop in Ellijay, Ron would like to share the joys of scouting with the church. Ron Sturgis will enliven his discussion with tales of his personal scouting experiences.

Service Leader: Laura Sturgis. Music: John Puett (piano). Youth RE.

2019 March 17, Sunday, St. Patrick's Day
Pastor, Lord and High Priest David-Michael Searcy
"In Prayer"


Prayer is powerful, not a surprise for most, but now science is proving it! Neurotheologians, researchers who study the brain science behind religious and spiritual experiences, have brought Prayer into the laboratory. Prayer for me is finding that secret place to hear the gentle voice that guides the way, opening that sacred door that's always ajar, that place where all are welcomed into the Holy Atmosphere where our spirits are reborn and every mind can be transformed. In Prayer, where everything is clear, we can find the strength to live and finally forgive.

Service Leader: Bruce Wood. Music: John Puett (piano). Potluck.

2019 March 20, Wednesday, Spring Equinox

2019 March 21, Thursday, Purim (Jewish), Holi (Hindu)

2019 March 24, Sunday
David Wilcox
"no title yet"


David Wilcox is a singer/songwriter. He was a winner of the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk award in 1988, and his songs have been covered by artists. He holds audiences rapt with nothing more than a single guitar, thoroughly written songs, a fearless ability to mine the depths of human emotions of joy, sorrow and everything in between, and all tempered by a quick and wry wit.

Service Leader: Ron Sturgis. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 March 29, Vietnam War Veterans Day

2019 March 31, Sunday, César Chávez Day
Ed Wolpert
"Pledge Drive"


Our Mountain Light UUC Treasurer, Ed Wolpert, will present our 2019-2020 Pledge Drive.

Service Leader: TBA. Music: John Puett (piano).

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April

2019 April 03, Wednesday, Isra and Mi'raj (Muslim)

2019 April 07, Sunday
Rev. Jennifer Dalton
"no title yet"


Rev. Jennifer Dalton was born and raised in the mountains of Virginia. She has her bachelor’s degree in political science and her Master of Divinity degree from Emory’s Candler School of Theology. She is currently ordained and recognized by the Alliance of Baptists and considers herself a Unitarian Universalist Baptist.

Service Leader: Shirley Center. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 April 11, Passover begins

2019 April 13, Saturday, Thomas Jefferson's Birthday

2019 April 14, Sunday, Palm Sunday
Rev. Barry Whittemore
"One City, Two Processions"


Rev. Whittemore will talk about power vs love in his sermon built around Palm Sunday.

Service Leader: Geraldine Barker. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 April 15, Monday, Tax Day, Boston Marathon

2019 April 18, Thursday, Maundy Thursday (Christian)

2019 April 19, Friday, Good Friday

2019 April 21, Sunday, Easter
Pastor, Lord and High Priest David-Michael Searcy
Easter Sunrise Service: "Come As You Are"


The House of the Divine is not closed to any who knock sincerely at its gates, whatever their past stumbles and errors. ~ SRI Aurobindo

Forgiving much, and now Loving Much. When we say, come as you are, we mean it. Open Hands and Open Hearts Believe It. Whosoever will, drink until you're filled, let down your guard, and Come As You Are.

Service Leader: Terry Woehr. Music: Chris Cribbs (guitar).

2019 April 22, Monday, Earth Day

2019 April 26, Friday, Arbor Day

2019 April 27, Last Day of Passover

2019 April 28, Sunday
Cynthia Michel
"Holocaust Remembrance Week"


The United States Congress established the Days of Remembrance as the nation’s annual commemoration of the Holocaust. Each year, the Week of Remembrance, runs from the Sunday before Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom Hashoah) through the following Sunday.

Service Leader: Karl Seidman. Music: John Puett (piano). Youth RE.

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May

2019 MAY 01, Wednesday, Yom HaShoah (Jewish), May Day, Law Day, Loyalty Day

2019 May 02, Thursday, National Day of Prayer, Holocaust Remembrance Day

2019 May 04, Saturday, Kent State Shootings Remembrance, Kentucky Derby, National Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Day

2019 May 05, Sunday
Ann Low and Gayle Wood
"New Member Recogniton"


Mountain Light welcomes new members.

Service Leader: Geraldine Barker. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 May 06, Monday, National Nurses Day

2019 May 09, Thursday, , Thursday, Yom Ha'atzmaut (Jewish)

2019 May 12, Sunday, Mother's Day
Rev. Scott Dillard

Rev. Dillard spoke about mothers and shared a moving blog posting from one of his studies who recently became a young mother.

Service Leader: Kasey. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 May 15, Wednesday, Peace Officers Memorial Day

2019 May 18, Saturday, Armed Forces Day, Preakness Stakes

2019 May 19, Sunday
Youth Led
"Flower Communion"


Our Flower Communion is an annual ritual that celebrates beauty, human uniqueness, diversity, and community. In this intergenerational ceremony, everyone in the congregation brings a flower. Each person places a flower on the altar or in a shared vase. The congregation and minister bless the flowers, and each person brings home a different flower than the one they brought.

Service Leader: Aimee Cribbs. Music: Youth RE.

2019 May 22, Wednesday, Harvey Milk Day, National Maritime Day

2019 May 23, Thursday, Lag BaOmer (Jewish)

2019 May 25, Saturday,National Missing Children's Day

2019 May 26, Sunday
Pastor, Lord and High Priest David-Michael Searcy
"This Is Me"


At one time or another, it seems as though almost everyone has given someone else power over the way they think, feel, or behave in some fashion. I know that I have. Giving away your personal power robs you of your spiritual and mental strength. We have to make conscious choices to take back our power which is key to being in control in our lives. Here we stop apologizing for being who we are and how we show up in the world. We will explore ways to keeping our personal power. This also requires a level of vulnerability. There is a place for all of us, even the bruised and broken parts of us. The sharpest words can't cut us down. We are brave and bruised, but we are who we are meant to be, and we make no apologies. For we are glorious... This is me.

Service Leader: Gayle Wood. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 May 27, Monday, Memorial Day

2019 May 30, Thursday, Ascension Day (Christian)

2019 May 31, Friday, Lailat al-Qadr (Muslim)

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June

2019 June 02, Sunday
Ann Low
Annual Congregational Meeting


The practice of congregational polity dictates that the business of our congregations take place at congregational meetings. At this Annual Congregational Meeting, we will hear reports from our officers, elect our new Board of Directors, approve the annual budget, and conduct other business.

Service Leader: Kasey. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 June 05, Wednesday, Eid al-Fitr (Muslim)

2019 June 09, Sunday, Pentecost (Christian), Shavuot (Jewish)
Ken Sizemore
"Tribute to Simon & Garfunkel"


Ken has been performing folk and early pop music all over the country for more than 40 years. He plays the "classic" folk music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. His repertoire also includes some selections from pop artists and even pays tribute to country greats.

Service Leader: Ed Wolpert. Music: Ken Sizemore (guitar).

2019 June 10, Monday, Whit Monday (Christian)

2019 June 14, Friday, Flag Day

2019 June 15, Corpus Christi

2019 June 16, Sunday, Father's Day
Rev. Scott Dillard
"What Makes a Father"


This will be a celebration of our fathers and all that makes them who they are and the qualities that make them worthy of the title.

Service Leader: Helen Greene. Music: Melba Gandy (piano).

2019 June 19, Juneteenth (Emancipation Day)

2019 June 21, Friday, Summer Solstice

2019 June 23, Sunday
Rev. Jennifer Dalton
"The Mystery of Love"


While we talk about love all the time, in a thousand different ways, do we really know what love is? And is it a force in our lives or simply human sentimentality?

Service Leader: Terry Woehr. Music: Melba Gandy.

2019 June 30, Sunday
Dr. Nancy Hardt
"A Doctor and a Sheriff Partner in Peacebuilding"


After working to successfully reduce health disparities, Nancy was invited to be a keynote speaker at the United Nations High Level Forum on the Culture of Peace in 2017. She will present an updated version of that speech to the MLUUC, and suggest ways we as a faith community can work towards peace in Gilmer County.

Dr. Hardt is Professor Emerita of Pathology and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Florida College of Medicine. In addition to her distinguished career in medicine, in retirement she collaborates with community leaders to address local health equity issues, specifically early childhood brain development as an important social determinant of adult health. She also cofounded the innovative Intimate Partner Violence Clinic in conjunction with the College of Law, in which law and medical students learn together how best to meed the needs of victims.

Service Leader: Karl Seidman. Music: Melba Gandy.

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July

2019 July 04, Thursday, Independence Day

2019 July 07, Sunday
Dr. Ron Sturgis
"Church Positivity: Tips on Keeping a Spiritual Community Healthy"


Drawing from his experience as a parish minister and as a senior Navy Chaplain administrator and Supervisor, Dr. Sturgis will discuss ways that a spiritual community can stay healthy and best position for future growth. He will address potential negative dynamics that can damage community and how to avoid these. He also will discuss the value of effective communication, active listening, forgiveness, tough love, and interdependence as factors in building and maintaining a healthy spiritual community. Dr. Sturgis believes that one can only fully know oneself within authentic community which can sometimes be messy but should always strive to be unconditionally loving and healthy.

Ron is a retired Navy Chaplain who currently teaches psychology and military resilience for Liberty University online. He is an ordained minister with the United Church of Christ and has extensive experience as a pastoral care giver in a myriad of venues.

Service Leader: Laura Sturgis. Music: Melba Gandy.

2019 July 14, Sunday, Bastille Day
Rev. Barry Whittemore
"Our Roots in Non-violence: Pacifism in Hebrew scriptures"


Unitarian Universalists have moved closer and closer towards non-violence or, at least, anti-violence. Where are the deepest roots of that trend? Reading homework is 2 Kings 6.

Rev. Whittemore is a retired Unitarian Universalist minister having served at the GA Mountains UU Church in Dahlonega. Dr. Whittemore currently teaches Appalachian, American, and religious history at UNG.

Service Leader: Mike Jones. Music: Melba Gandy.

2019 July 21, Sunday
Rev. Scott Dillard
"The Gift of the Uncertain"


“We’re all stumbling in the dark, and that makes for some pretty interesting collisions.” Uncertainty in our lives often creates anxiety and even depression but if we were to look at uncertainty as a gift, as a journey that will open our eyes to new discoveries we might just learn to embrace uncertainty.

Service Leader: Gayle Wood/Geraldine Barker. Music: Melba Gandy.

2019 July 28, Sunday, Parents' Day
Pastor, Lord and High Priest David-Michael Searcy
"Love Thy Self"


We have heard that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. This Love of self, in Greek, is termed as "Philautia". The idea of Philautia is not to love ourselves in the light of narcissism but to connect with the healthier and spiritual side of self-love. Loving oneself is the start of psychological and spiritual sanity. We have been created to honor and love our existence. This love creates a deeper and more intimate relationship with our inner, higher selves. Self-Love is not ego; it is a movement of love towards our inner being, towards our soul being, to a place of true empowerment, the Love of Self. Because the greatest Love of all is inside of each of us, we then can properly love ourselves first. Then we are able to love our neighbors that we can see and Love Goddess/God that we can't see. Blessed Be!

Service Leader: TBA. Music: Melba Gandy.

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August

2019 August 04, Sunday
Rev. Jennifer Dalton
"Coming Home"


Some of us will only ever have one place in our heart that we call home in a lifetime. Others will call many places home. What is home? How do we create spaces that embody all this idea can mean to us?

Service Leader: Mary Anderson. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 August 11, Sunday, Tisha B'Av (Jewish)
Rev. Barry Whittemore
"God and Prayer"


Prayer: How do we do it, why do we do it, to whom do we do it, and to what purpose? The answers are not what many assume.

Service Leader: Ann Low. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 August 12, Monday, Eid al-Adha (Muslim)

2019 August 14, Wednesday, 4, Wednesday

2019 August 15, Thursday, Assumption of Mary

2019 August 18, Sunday
Pastor John Pavlovitz
"Hope and Other Superpowers"


John Pavlovitz is a writer, pastor, and activist from Wake Forest NC. In the past four years his blog Stuff That Needs to Be Said has reached a diverse worldwide audience. A 20-year veteran in the trenches of local church ministry, John is committed to equality, diversity, and justice—both inside and outside faith communities. In 2017, he released his first book, A Bigger Table followed by a successful book tour. His new book, Hope and Other Superpowers, arrived in book stores 2018 NOV and since then he has been traveling around the US and Canada speaking at retreats, writing conferences, justice forums, and churches.

Service Leader: Laura Sturgis. Music: John Puett (piano). Breakfast Potluck.

2019 August 21, Wednesday, Senior Citizens Day

2019 August 23, Friday, Janmashtami (Hindu)

2019 August 25, Sunday
Lorraine Jones
"Water Communion"


No details yet.

Service Leader: Lorraine Jones. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 August 26, Monday, Women's Equality Day

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September

2019 September 01, Sunday, Muharram (Muslim)
Rev. Paul Porter
"Encounter with with the Holy"


Paul was ordained as a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) minister 60 years ago in his home state, Indiana. He has served churches in Indiana, Ohio, Florida and Georgia. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Butler University with a double major in religion and sociology. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary.

Service Leader: Kasey. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 September 02, Monday, Labor Day, Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu)

2019 September 08, Sunday, Grandparents' Day
Kasey
"Joy Revisited"


MLUUC President Kasey Castleberry will give an updated sermon on his original Joy Practice presentation and share how it survives tumultuous times. His philosophy states that it is always a good point to remind yourself that Joy is a choice.

Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 September 11, Wednesday, Patriot Day

2019 September 15, Sunday, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
Ken Sizemore
"Work Songs, Union Songs, Labor Songs — the Music Of Work In America 1870-1960"


Ken has been performing folk and early pop music all over the country for more than 40 years. He plays the "classic" folk music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. His repertoire also includes some selections from pop artists and even pays tribute to country greats.

Service Leader: Allison Hite. Music: Ken Sizemore (guitar). Potluck.

2019 September 17, Tuesday, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

2019 September 22, Sunday, Gold Star Mother's Day
Rev. Marti Keller
"Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor"


The beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days is a time of reflection on Jewish teachings, including a core tenet–the idea of welcoming the stranger. We will hear about the life, times, and legacy of trailblazing Jewish-American poet and activist Emma Lazurus, who penned the words on the base of the Statue of Liberty as a prophetic rebuke to fear, Xenophobia, and anti-immigrant isolationism. What was the basis for her moral commitment and ours as well?

Rev. Marti Keller is a self-identified Jewish Unitarian-Universalist, who looks often at the Jewish source of our living tradition for inspiration and aspiration. She co-authored " Jewish Voices in Unitarian Universalism" ( Skinner House 2014). She has served on the Board of the Society for Humanistic Judaism. She has served for the past 20 years as both a parish and community minister.

Service Leader: Gayle Wood. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 September 23, Monday, Fall Equinox

2019 September 29, Sunday, Navratri (Hindu), Gold Star Mother's Day
Pastor, Lord and High Priest David-Michael Searcy
"Love Thy Self/ That I would Be Good"


We are to love our neighbors as ourselves. We have been created to honor and love our existence. This love creates a deeper and more intimate relationship with our Higher selves and Goddess/God. Self-Love is not ego. Now, we are able to love our neighbors that we can see and Love Goddess/God that we can't see.

We will be doing Mirror Work to make this Self-Love Truth rooted into our spirits and consciousness. We will share Affirmations on no longer needing the approval of others and knowing that we are good and good enough, no matter what shows up in our lives. We will end with a musical meditation journey to be rooted in this Truth. Blessed Be!

Service Leader: Terry Woehr. Music: recorded (CD).

2019 September 30, Monday, Rosh Hashana

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October

2019 October 04, Friday, Feast of St Francis of Assisi

2019 October 06, Sunday
Rev. Dr. Aimee Cribbs
"Blessing of the Animals"


St. Francis of Assisi

2019 October 07, Monday, Dussehra (Hindu), Child Health Day

2019 October 09, WednesdayLeif Erikson Day

2019 October 13, Sunday, Chicago Marathon
Rev. Jennifer Dalton
"no title yet"


Rev. Jennifer Dalton was born and raised in the mountains of Virginia. She has her bachelor’s degree in political science and her Master of Divinity degree from Emory’s Candler School of Theology. She is currently ordained and recognized by the Alliance of Baptists and considers herself a Unitarian Universalist Baptist.

Service Leader: Mel Tidwell. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 October 14, Monday, First Day of Sukkot (Jewish), Columbus Day, Indigenous People's Day

2019 October 16, Wednesday, Boss's Day

2019 October 20, Sunday, Last Day of Sukkot (Jewish)
Rev. Aimee Cribbs
"Dia de los Muertos"


Understanding and Celebrating la Dia de los Muertos.

Service Leader: Kathy Romanick. Music: John Puett (piano). No Potluck.

2019 October 21, Monday, Shmini Atzeret (Jewish)

2019 October 22, Tuesday, Simchat Torah (Jewish)

2019 October 27, Sunday, Diwali/Deepavali (Hindu)
Homecoming 20

Mountain Light UUC turned 20 this year. Come celebrate with us.

Service Leader: Kasey. Music: John Puett (piano). Potluck.

2019 October 31, Thursday, Halloween

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November

2019 November 01, Friday, All Saints' Day

2019 November 02, Saturday, All Souls' Day

2019 November 03, Sunday, DST ends, New York City Marathon
Dr. Asim Kidwai

Dr. Kidwai is a family practice physician in Ellijay GA. He received his B.S. in biology from Georgia Tech and earned his medical degree from Universidad Iberoamericana in the Dominican Republic. Dr. Kidwai is fluent in English and Spanish, and is a devoted medical volunteer in the community and has aided in numerous medical relief efforts.

Dr. Kidwai will speak about his personal experiences as a Muslim.

Service Leader: Mary Anderson. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 November 05, Tuesday, Election Day

2019 November 10, Sunday, The Prophet's Birthday (Muslim)
Dr. Ed Wolpert
"Things that Irk Me: A Commentary on Modern Life"


It should prove to be interesting, informative, and entertaining.

Dr. Wolpert received a doctorate in education from the University of Kansas in 1970 and has had a significant career in college teaching and administration. In 1997, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in French from Georgia College and State University and presents himself as an alumnus of GC&SU and a professor as well as a dean emeritus.

Ed is now semi-retired and lives in Blue Ridge where he provides personal financial advising for a variety of clients, and also writes extensively on that topic. He enjoys playing the euphonium with the Young Harris Community Band.

Service Leader: Helen Greene. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 November 11, Monday, Veterans Day

2019 November 17, Sunday
Bruce Wood, Colonel (Retired), USA
"Only the Last Cannibal Starves to Death"


Bruce’s presentation is in honor of Veteran’s Day and will explain how the veteran’s military experience serves as a model for overcoming our country’s current divisive atmosphere.

Our country appears tragically divided, and that divisiveness threatens the integrity of our democracy. The macabre metaphor of the last cannibal represents the decayed spirit, moral weakness, and radical self-centeredness that underlie the knee-jerk response of viewing other citizens as enemies, at the expense of concern for the common good. Through military experience, veterans understand how a common mission, shared values, and the practice of camaraderie spur spiritual growth and build a sense of community, enabling us to harness our differences as strengths rather than as an excuse for jealous tribalism. Tribalism says: ”You are different, so you are bad.” The veteran says: “We are different, and we serve together, so I have your back.”

A special potluck meal follows the worship service on November 17, and visitors are welcome to share the meal with the congregation. Given the topic of the sermon, you might want to take a pass on the stew Bruce Wood plans to bring. The meat therein is questionable, and one of his neighbors hasn’t been seen in a while.

Service Leader: Gayle Wood. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 November 24, Sunday
available
"What I am Thankful for"


Lead-off by one MLUUC member.

Service Leader: TBA. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 November 28, Thursday, Thanksgiving Day

2019 November 29, Friday, Black Friday

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December

2019 December 01, Sunday, 1st Sunday of Advent
Rev. Jennifer Dalton
"no title yet"


Rev. Jennifer Dalton was born and raised in the mountains of Virginia. She has her bachelor’s degree in political science and her Master of Divinity degree from Emory’s Candler School of Theology. She is currently ordained and recognized by the Alliance of Baptists and considers herself a Unitarian Universalist Baptist.

Service Leader: TBA. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 December 02, Monday, Cyber Monday

2019 December 06, Friday, St Nicholas' Day

2019 December 07, Saturday, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

2019 December 08, Sunday, Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Ken Sizemore
"Old Folkie"


Ken has been performing folk and early pop music all over the country for more than 40 years. He plays the "classic" folk music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. His repertoire also includes some selections from pop artists and even pays tribute to country greats.

Service Leader: TBA. Music: Ken Sizemore (guitar).

2019 December 15, Sunday
"Christmas Concert"

Please join us at Mountain Light for our service and joyous entertainment to celebrate the Christmas spirit. The Misty Mountain Winds Quintet will present a program of traditional and jazzy holiday tunes, as well as a medley of carols. You will be moved by Silent Night, and will probably want to sing along with Sleigh Ride.

Service Leader: Melba Gandy. Music: John Puett (piano). Breakfast at 10 AM.

2019 December 21, Saturday, Winter Solstice

2019 December 22, Sunday
unassigned
"Edible Gift Exchange"


No details yet.

Service Leader: TBA. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 December 23, Monday, Chanukah begins

2019 December 24, Tuesday, Christmas Eve

2019 December 25, Wednesday, Christmas Day

2019 December 26, Thursday, Kwanzaa begins

2019 December 29, Sunday, New Year's Eve
Christopher Hall
"Habitat for Humanity"


No details yet.

Service Leader: TBA. Music: John Puett (piano).

2019 December 30, Monday, 30, Monday

2019 December 31, Tuesday, New Year's Eve