Love at the Center

The Rev. Dr. Mark Y.A. Davies, leading

Download the Morning Program here or read it below without having to download it.

Reflection on how love holds together and permeates all of the shared values of Unitarian Universalism and compassion. We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.

About Mark:

Mark Davies is the Wimberly Professor of Social and Ecological Ethics and Director of the World House Institute for Social and Ecological Responsibility at Oklahoma City University. He is the Executive Director of the Leadership, Education, and Development (LEaD) Hub North America of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church and an Oklahoma Humanities State Scholar. Mark has published in the areas of Boston personalism, process philosophy and ethics, and ecological ethics. Dr. Davies serves on the United Methodist University Senate, which is “an elected body of professionals in higher education created by the General Conference to determine which schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools meet the criteria for listing as institutions affiliated with The United Methodist Church.” He and his wife Kristin live in Edmond, OK in the United States, and they have two daughters. The views expressed by the author in this blog do not necessarily represent the views of Oklahoma City University or the United Methodist Church.

For Such a Time as This. Celebrating 125 years of UU congregations in Texas – at Horizon UU Church in Carrollton, TX

Sadly, the URL links in the poster below will not work. Our solution is to list the two links and Marilyn Alexander’s email for you if you want to register to attend (1st blue link) and if you wish to read the minister’s bio, use the second link. Email Marilyn A. is you would like to car pool..

Click/tap HERE if you want to register and attend.

Click/tap HERE if you want to read Rev. Haffner’s bio.

Click/tap HERE if you are hoping to car pool.

REGISTRATION CLOSES FEBRUARY 23.

Music As Social History

“Music As Social History.”

Tom Neilson and Lynn Waldron

DOWNLOAD THE MORNING PROGRAM HERE or read it below without having to download it.

These two performers have been at Red River UU several times in the past. If you missed them then, or even if you didn’t, come join in the fun of live music, resistance songs, and thought-provoking words. A different type of spiritual morning. Two comments from other sources include: “Tom skewers hypocrisy and insanity with his rapier wit. His global sophistication put into performance art is extraordinary.” Kathy Hersh, Miami Friends; and “If you haven’t heard his slant on social justice and current events you are missing a treat!” April Myers, Amarillo UU.

Note: The video of this service will only be available for 30 days.

Reflections on our Shared Values: Equity

The Rev. Dr. Mark Y.A. Davies, leading

Download the morning program here or read it below without downloading it.

Equity – We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion. We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.

Reflections on our Shared Values: Equity

The Significance of Ramadan

February 16, 2025 – 11:15 am

The Significance of Ramadan

Dr. Riem Rostom – video message

This year, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on Friday, Feb. 28, or Saturday, March 1, 2025. The exact timing is based on the sighting of the moon. For practicing Muslims is a time for reflection, prayer, fasting, doing charitable deeds and spending time with family. Adults fast during daylight hours, abstaining from food and drink as an important self-discipline to show devotion to their faith and become closer to Allah. At the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr a three-day celebration as they break their fast. Ramadan is the fourth of the five pillars of Islam. The other four are one. declaration of faith, 2. the five daily prayers, 3. charity. 4. Pilgrimage to Mecca

This week’s morning assembly is presented by Dr. Riem Rostom, a professor of mechanical engineering at Indiana State University. Her topic – Ramadan, the holy month of fasting in the Muslim faith – is a way for us to learn about this holiday from Dr. Riem Rostom, a practicing Muslim.

Wise Choices – The Rev. Dr. Elaine Strawn – video message

Wise Choices

The Rev. Dr. Elaine Strawn – video message

Download the Morning Program here or read it below without having to download it.

Of her remarks, Dr. Strawn write …

As the proverb goes, we are surely blessed by living in interesting times! But a blessing? Joanna Macy writes of the Great Turning; Rutger Bregman’s research reminds us that humans are evolutionarily decent and friendly. What kind of world will you create, will we create? Together, as we calm our fears, we recognize the deep Wisdom within. Together we develop our awareness and flexibility. And together we become a force for transformation. Presented by Rev. Dr. Elaine Strawn, UUA Congregational Life Staff, Central East Region.

Rev. Elaine Strawn (she/her) is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, a Spiritual Director, and a facilitator of classes on spirituality and leadership. Prior to working with the Central East Region, she served for 23 years as the minister of a growing UU congregation, a Good Officer for her UUMA Chapter and an adjunct consultant for the Central East Region. Currently she serves as co-chair the region’s Commissioned Lay Ministry Council.

Elaine holds a MDiv from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC and a D Min from Meadville Lombard Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. In her past lives, Elaine has been a community organizer, a Fair Housing advocate and the staff development person for Planned Parenthood. Elaine enjoys hiking, gardening and work on Elder Wisdom. Her spiritual practices include Tai Chi, Centering Prayer and small group worship experiences.

Our Shared Values: Generosity

Our Shared Values, Generosity

the Rev. Dr. Mark Y.A. Davies, leading

Generosity – We Cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope. We covenant to freely and compassionately share our faith, presence, and resources. Our generosity connects us to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality.

Download the Morning Program here or read it below without having to download it.

About Mark:

Mark Davies is the Wimberly Professor of Social and Ecological Ethics and Director of the World House Institute for Social and Ecological Responsibility at Oklahoma City University. He is the Executive Director of the Leadership, Education, and Development (LEaD) Hub North America of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church and an Oklahoma Humanities State Scholar. Mark has published in the areas of Boston personalism, process philosophy and ethics, and ecological ethics. Dr. Davies serves on the United Methodist University Senate, which is “an elected body of professionals in higher education created by the General Conference to determine which schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools meet the criteria for listing as institutions affiliated with The United Methodist Church.” He and his wife Kristin live in Edmond, OK in the United States, and they have two daughters. The views expressed by the author in this blog do not necessarily represent the views of Oklahoma City University or the United Methodist Church.

Freedom as Liberating Love

The Rev. Renee Ruchotzke, video message

The results of the November 2024 election have shown that many of our neighbors don’t share the same vision of what kind of world we want to live in. Christian Nationalism has been on the rise and democracy is under attack. In this service, we explore how the recently adopted UU Shared Values can help us model a compelling alternative.

The Rev. Reneé Ruchotzke, UUA Congregational Life Staff, Central East Region.

Rev. Renee Ruchotzke (ruh-HUT-skee) has served as a UUA Congregational Life Consultant since 2010.

She spends half of her time expanding the UUA Congregational Life Team’s LeaderLab, UU Leadership Institute, and other online UUA resources for leadership development, organizational development, governance (including Sociocracy), growth, conflict transformation, congregational dynamics and other aspects of congregational life.

The other half of her time is with the Central East Region. She serves about 30 congregations (Greater Cleveland, OH, Western NY, and the Southern Tier of NY) as UUA Primary Contact.

Renee is a graduate of Meadville Lombard Theological School and is in Full Fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association. Renee was the Consulting Minister for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Canton, Ohio for two years, where she actively participated in the district’s small church growth project. She served her internship at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before that she served East Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Kirtland, Ohio for two years as their interim Director of Religious Education. She co-authored the Tapestry of Faith curriculum, “A Chorus of Faiths.” She was ordained in 2010 by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent, Ohio where she has been a member since 1996. There she served in a variety of leadership roles before being called to ministry. She is now their affiliated community minister.

She served as the chair of the Ohio Meadville District Commissioned Lay Leader Committee from 2011-2015 and co-chair of the Program Development Group for the Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly from 2012-2015. She was the 2007 recipient of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Seminarian Award for Excellence in Social Justice, and the 2010 recipient of the Commission on Social Witness sermon award. Before being called to ministry, she was a mechanical design engineer and project manager, and was awarded a patent (US #4963071) for one of her designs.

A Ritual of Letting Go, Cleansing, Intention, and Hope.

A Ritual of Letting Go, Cleansing, Intention,
and Hope.
The Worship Team

Download the Morning Program here or read it below without having to download it.

Today’s morning assembly is about letting go, metaphoric cleansing and quenching of thirst, setting of intentions, self-anointing, healing, new beginnings, and possibilities. It is a service of words, music, and the ritual of the burning bowl. At each stop around the circle of flame, water, oil, and light, each one of you becomes your own healer, priest/priestess, minister, teacher. It is your circle of release, cleansing, intention, and hope to walk.

Our Shared Values: Transformation

Sunday January 12, 2025

11:15 am – The Morning Assembly

Our Shared Values: Transformation

The Rev Dr Mark Y. A. Davies, leading

You may download the morning program here, or read it below without having to download it.

We adapt to the changing world. We covenant to collectively transform and grow spiritually and ethically. Openness to change is fundamental to our Unitarian and Universalist heritages, never complete and never perfect.

About Mark:

Mark Davies is the Wimberly Professor of Social and Ecological Ethics and Director of the World House Institute for Social and Ecological Responsibility at Oklahoma City University. He is the Executive Director of the Leadership, Education, and Development (LEaD) Hub North America of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church and an Oklahoma Humanities State Scholar. Mark has published in the areas of Boston personalism, process philosophy and ethics, and ecological ethics. Dr. Davies serves on the United Methodist University Senate, which is “an elected body of professionals in higher education created by the General Conference to determine which schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools meet the criteria for listing as institutions affiliated with The United Methodist Church.” He and his wife Kristin live in Edmond, OK in the United States, and they have two daughters. The views expressed by the author in this blog do not necessarily represent the views of Oklahoma City University or the United Methodist Church.

Love at the Center

Love at the Center

Reflection on how love holds together and permeates all of the shared values of Unitarian Universalism and compassion. We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.

About Mark:

For Such a Time as This. Celebrating 125 years of UU congregations in Texas – at Horizon UU Church in Carrollton, TX

Sadly, the URL links in the poster below will not work. Our solution is to list the two links and Marilyn Alexander’s email for you if you want to register to attend (1st blue link) and if you wish to read the minister’s bio, use the second link. Email Marilyn A. is you would like to car pool..

Click/tap HERE if you want to register and attend.

Click/tap HERE if you want to read Rev. Haffner’s bio.

Click/tap HERE if you are hoping to car pool.

REGISTRATION CLOSES FEBRUARY 23.

Music As Social History

“Music As Social History.”

Reflections on our Shared Values: Equity

The Rev. Dr. Mark Y.A. Davies, leading

Download the morning program here or read it below without downloading it.

Equity – We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion. We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.

Reflections on our Shared Values: Equity

The Significance of Ramadan

Wise Choices – The Rev. Dr. Elaine Strawn – video message

Wise Choices

The Rev. Dr. Elaine Strawn – video message

Download the Morning Program here or read it below without having to download it.

Of her remarks, Dr. Strawn write …

Our Shared Values: Generosity

About Mark:

Freedom as Liberating Love

Freedom as Liberating Love

The Rev. Renee Ruchotzke, video message

The Rev. Reneé Ruchotzke, UUA Congregational Life Staff, Central East Region.

A Ritual of Letting Go, Cleansing, Intention, and Hope.

A Ritual of Letting Go, Cleansing, Intention,
and Hope.
The Worship Team

Download the Morning Program here or read it below without having to download it.

Our Shared Values: Transformation

Our Shared Values: Transformation

The Rev Dr Mark Y. A. Davies, leading

About Mark:

Connect With Us

Red River Unitarian Universalist Church

Our Social Media

Find Us

Archives

Love at the Center

Reflection on how love holds together and permeates all of the shared values of Unitarian Universalism and compassion. We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.

About Mark:

Sadly, the URL links in the poster below will not work. Our solution is to list the two links and Marilyn Alexander’s email for you if you want to register to attend (1st blue link) and if you wish to read the minister’s bio, use the second link. Email Marilyn A. is you would like to car pool..

Click/tap HERE if you want to register and attend.

Click/tap HERE if you want to read Rev. Haffner’s bio.

Click/tap HERE if you are hoping to car pool.

REGISTRATION CLOSES FEBRUARY 23.

“Music As Social History.”

The Rev. Dr. Mark Y.A. Davies, leading

Download the morning program here or read it below without downloading it.

Equity – We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion. We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.

Reflections on our Shared Values: Equity

Wise Choices

The Rev. Dr. Elaine Strawn – video message

Download the Morning Program here or read it below without having to download it.

Of her remarks, Dr. Strawn write …

About Mark:

Freedom as Liberating Love

The Rev. Renee Ruchotzke, video message

The Rev. Reneé Ruchotzke, UUA Congregational Life Staff, Central East Region.

A Ritual of Letting Go, Cleansing, Intention, and Hope. The Worship Team

Download the Morning Program here or read it below without having to download it.

Our Shared Values: Transformation

The Rev Dr Mark Y. A. Davies, leading

About Mark:

Connect With Us

Red River Unitarian Universalist Church

Our Social Media

Find Us

A Ritual of Letting Go, Cleansing, Intention,
and Hope.
The Worship Team