liberal, inclusive, LGBTQ friendly, all denominations, progressive, welcoming

Universalism: Past, Present and Powerful

The teaching of eternal damnation is not merely a harmless untruth that we might appropriately ignore and allow to stand, but it has serious consequences. It leads to the possibility, perhaps even the inevitability, of wars, bigotry, oppression, and abuse. On the other hand, the teaching of universalism leads to equality, respect, love, and dignity for all.

Rev. Kalen Fristad has been a United Methodist minister for more than 39 years, is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship, and is President of the Christian Universalist Association. He and his wife, Darlene have traveled extensively, speaking at churches, proclaiming the hopeful message of Universalism and countering the teaching that many people will suffer for eternity in hell.

Kalen has written a book on Universalism, entitled Destined for Salvation: God’s Promise to Save Everyone, and a Study Book with the same title. His books, CDs and DVDs are available for purchase after the morning assembly..

Wade in the Water

We all know that without water there is no life. Sadly, there are many water challenges that are facing our communities. These challenges impact our region, and even the world. How can we care for this most precious part of our ecological community? On Sunday, Dr. Davies will explore these challenges and look at what experts are telling us about the future of water here on earth.

Mark Davies is the Oklahoma State Humanities Scholar for the Smithsonian Institute Museum on Main Street Water/Ways exhibit. He is also the Wimberly Professor of Social and Ecological Ethics; Director of the World House Institute for Social and Ecological Responsibility; and Executive Director of the Leadership. Education, and Development Hub North America for the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry at Oklahoma City University where he has worked in both teaching and administration for 22 years. He is a United Methodist minister and holds a Ph.D. in Social Ethics, from Boston University.

Mark engages in advocacy and activism in the areas of peace, social justice, and ecological sustainability. Locally this is expressed through his work with the Human Community Network, which works to create non-violent systemic change for a just and flourishing human and ecological community through collaboration, education, innovation, and action.

He and his wife Kristin live in Edmond, OK and they have two teenage daughters.

Walt Whitman, ALIVE AND IN PERSON!

Walt Whitman, the American poet, essayist and humanist, will celebrate his 200^th birthday in 2019. And to commemorate the event, he will make a rare appearance at Red River UU church! Come hear Walt reminisce about his life, and journey with us as we wander through Leaves of Grass.

NOTE: In the event the trains and boats conveying Mr. Whitman are delayed, poet and writer Don Mathis of San Antonio will speak in his stead.

Awakening the Senses

Start the first Sunday of 2019 by awakening your senses. This special assembly of letting go, cleansing, intention, and hope is a perfect way to begin the new year and is becoming one of our annual rituals. You will also be treated to special music from our own ad hoc choir. Please join us for this wonderful celebration.

What the Seven Principles Mean to You

This year’s annual winter sharing service is taking a bit of a twist by giving us a theme to work from as we each select something to share.

In our search for truth, we have seven principles that serve as moral guides. On Sunday, if you would, bring a favorite reading, poem or anecdote that reflects one of our principles.

Remember to limit your selection to 5-7 minutes so others have opportunities to participate as well.

NOTE: Fifth Sunday In4Lunch all-church potluck follows today’s assembly.

Winter Solstice and Christmas – Let’s Call it Sharing

What do the two have in common? What rituals or images do they share? Why is this important? What does all this have to do with our UU principle of “The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all”

Light in the Darkness

Dr Davies will offer reflections on the effectiveness of non-violent action in a world of darkness.

Celebrations with Light

Many fall/winter celebrations before the end of the year are called a “Festival of Lights”. Others are celebrated by lighting candles even if the title is not formal. Today we are going to explore the celebrations that are held in late fall, early winter and how light plays a staring role.

We Are All Santas

It is literally impossible to avoid Christmas in our culture, so the Worship Team decided to embrace it ~ heavenly flavored with doses of Unitarian Universalism. Come join in a Red River UU Christmas; singing some carols, hearing some familiar (and not so familiar) readings and stories, and touching on an assortment of meanings woven into Christmas by various religious and secular influences.

Know Your Status

Christopher Grimes

Next Saturday, December 1^st marks the 30^th anniversary of World AIDS Day, where people from all faiths, sexualities, and social status can remember and honor those who fought a courageous battle with HIV/AIDS while celebrating the advances that have been made in the fight to end HIV. On Sunday Christopher will speak about the Callie Clinic, their work in the community and about World AIDS Day, where we’ve been and where we find ourselves today.

Christopher Grimes is the Outreach/Prevention Supervisor and a Case Manager at The Callie Clinic. He provides education on HIV and other STD’s and offers free and confidential HIV and Hepatitis C testing, so people can know their status. Serving the community helping HIV positive people live healthy and happy lives has become his life’s work.