Unitarian Universalists of Gettysburg

Services

Upcoming services

Where are my keys?
Lou Hammann
June 15, 2008

My old keys don't fit as I make different decisions based on new interpretations of the Bible. I see the Bible as a library with lots of books written in different times.

Lou Hammann is a semi-retired Emeritus Professor of Religion and Adjunct Professor of Philosophy at Gettysburg College. He is a founding member of Hundredfold Farm near Orrtanna, and always politically engaged as well as engaging.

Celebrating Summer Solstice
Heather Gehron-Rice
June 22, 2008

Summer Solstice marks the official first day of summer, and the longest day of the year. Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of the most popular renditions of this time of year. Millenia before Shakespeare, people from all over the world honored and celebrated the longest day of the year. How do we honor the turning of the wheel of the year?

Heather Gehron-Rice recently earned a Masters of Divinity from the Lancaster Theological Seminary and is on a journey leading to ordination with the Unitarian Universalist Association. She has served in the United States Coast Guard and is currently directing a Handchime Choir at the UU Church of Lancaster.

Does the Bible Make it So?
Dick Anliot
June 29, 2008

Too many people choose their values on the basis of who said it or where it is written. The Bible, the Koran, Jesus, Gandhi, a priest, or the Torah are examples. But what is the real basis of what works for us as individuals? Dick will explore how we as UU adults learn to think for ourselves and understand the consequences of our behaviors and actions.

Dick Anliot is a life-long Unitarian Universalist and a member of the Harrisburg congregation. He has spent his entire professional life fighting discrimination and segregation based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex and handicaps in employment and education. In retirement he tutors third graders in Harrisburg, records for the blind, and photographs the activities of Habitat for Humanity.

What's Behind A.A. Milne's Ivory Door?
Homer Wilkins
July 6, 2008

Based on a much neglected drama by the author of the Pooh books, this sermon explores the regrettable cohesive power of superstition, by considering the problems and possibilities faced by a young royal couple who defied superstitions and were then forced to go out into the world and face real life. What is real life? Is mythology necessary for a sense of community? Can there be mythology without superstition? The Ivory Door as symbolic of life-changing experiences we have undergone is something with which all UU's can identify.

Homer Wilkins is a graduate of Harvard followed by a Ph.D. in physics from Washington University in St. Louis. Following a 26-year career teaching physics in several colleges he changed careers to mental health, receiving a Master's Degree in clinical social work becoming an administrator of a community mental health center in Knoxville, TN. Theologically he is an intellectual/humanist and a member of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville, TN. He has spoken at over 60 Unitarian churches across the country.

Songs of Faith: A theological romp through the UU hymnal
Anne Mason
July 13, 2008

Anne Mason is the Director of Music at the Lancaster UU Church and a seminarian at the Lancaster Theological Seminary. We will examine some favorite hymns and explore what they are really saying about our UU faith.

With You Always: In honor of Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday
Rev. Nate Walker
July 20, 2008

Rev. Walker will reflect on the significance of listening to Mandela give his farewell address to America. He said," A man of my age should not be traveling oceans. But know that I will be with you always."

Rev. Walker is the settled minister at the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia. He received his Master of Education and Master of Arts degrees from Columbia University and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary.

And You Welcomed Me
Rev. Anya and Scott Sammler-Michael
July 27, 2008

Rev. Anya and Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael invite the gathered community to consider the awesome and often overlooked gift of hospitality.

Rev. Anya and Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael live in Sterling, VA and serve Northern VA congregations. Anya is embarking on her second year with the UU's of Sterling. Anya leads her county's interfaith effort Loudon Bridges. She believes that Unitarian Universalists are called to heal our world first by listening deeply and second by empathetic engagement.

Scott will begin his first year with the UU Church of Accotink in Burke, VA in August. Scott is the founder of the UU relief ministry, TUUBELT that will serve wounded communities after natural and man-made disasters. His ministry centers on advocacy and witness as he hopes to serve our world through transformational efforts.

Past services

Standing on the Side of Love
Rev. Kate Seitz Bortner
June 8, 2008

This new hymn, commissioned by our President William Sinkford, speaks not only to our commitment to equal marriage rites but to the larger implications of claiming love as a principle for our lives and what that means in our daily life.

Flower Communion
Susan Swope
June 1, 2008

Since it was first celebrated in Czechoslovakia on June 4, 1923, the flower communion has become a UU tradition around the world. Help to make it a tradition for UUG. Bring a flower or flowers from your garden or the roadside. This is a family-friendly service.

Susan Swope co-chairs UUG’s worship committee. She seeks to develop meaningful rituals.

Stubborn Ounces
The Rev. Beth Graham
May 25, 2008

The world can be a tough place. There always seems to be more “need” out there than can ever be fixed. So why do we even try? Because doing so is a religious response – our religious response – to life’s challenges and injustices. Gathering as a people of faith in our UU congregations helps us to nurture our spirit, so we can help heal the world. This Sunday we will talk about such things.

The Rev. Beth Graham is the Associate Vice President for Steward-
Ship and Development and Senior Advisor to the President of the
Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. She lives in
Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Turn the Other Cheek and the Ground of Being
The Rev. Henry Simoni-Wastila
May 18, 2008

If someone hits you, the natural response is to hit back, or at least defend yourself. Is Jesus talking about pacifism, about not defending oneself? Or is the New Testament using a koan-like saying to get us to think through the long-term issues of violence, peace and how we model behavior to the world?

The Rev. Henry Simoni-Wastila has served the Cedarhurst Unitarian Universalists in Finksburg, MD since 2001. Originally from Massachusetts where he earned a Ph.D in the philosophy of religion at Boston University, he also teaches humanities at local colleges.

A Mother’s Day Reflection
Rev. Joan M. Sabatino
May 11, 2008

No one get into this world without a mother. There are many facets of our mothers, and many women (and men) who have never birthed a child and yet possess mothering qualities. We all know individuals in addition to our biological mothers who “mother” us throughout our lives. From these truths one might say, “moms make the world go round.” This morning’s service will allow time for gratitude, honoring, or simply reflecting on your mother, all mothers, and Mother Earth.

Rev. Joan M. Sabatino is in her fifth year of ministry with the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Indiana, PA. She is the biological mother of Jessica and Johnna, and stepmother of Erin. In Indiana she was influential in forming the Indiana Chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Friends, Families of Lesbians and Gays), and is a member of ICC (The Indiana Cares Campaign to End Homophobia). She is a recognized campus minister at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has served as secretary of the university’s Interfaith Council for three years. She lives in a century-old home where on any given day as many as ten to twenty First UU members and friends gather for discussion groups, pastoral counseling or church administration meetings. An avid cook and welcoming hostess, Joan finds sustenance and pleasure in her engagement with others around food, the warmth of community, and the spirit of commitment to social justice.

Who's the Minister Around Here?
The Revs. Kate Bortner and Carol Taylor
May 4, 2008

Rev. Carol Taylor and Rev. Kate Bortner will share a lively family service of music, poetry and reflection on who really IS the minister at UUG.

Rev. Carol Taylor comes to us from the Joseph Priestley District as adjunct staff. A recently retired UU minister with a long career in Religious Education, large church leadership, parish and interim ministries, Carol will receive an honorary Doctor's degree in June from Meadville Lombard Seminary. Carol will be working with UUG and Rev. Kate as a consultant in the coming months.

Dear Dad
Rev. Erin-Ostendorf Snell and Steve Snell
April 27, 2008

The dialog between a daughter raised in the York Unitarian Universalist Congregation and her father when she chose a different spiritual path.

The Rev. Erin Ostendorf-Snell is an ordained United Church of Christ Minister and the mother of two small children. Her husband is also a United Church of Christ minister in Taneytown. Steve Snell is head of the York-Adams Realtors Association and a long time, very active member of the York Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

Reduce, Reuse and Rejoice
The Sustainable Living group of UUG
April 20, 2008

Our Earth Day service will emphasize the spiritual connection we all have with our Earth, the joys we derive from taking care of our earthly home and the belief that our human race, and Americans in particular, will rise to the challenges of sustaining our beautiful world with the development of new technologies and lifestyle changes we can all feel good about. Judi Marti will provide special music.

One Love, A Belief for Children
Mark Williams
April 13, 2008

What belief should we give our children when we are not sure what to believe ourselves? This question has wider implications for our denomination.

Mark is the son of Southern Baptist missionaries. He believes that moving to Africa might be the greatest thing that could ever happen to a 13 year old boy. It was through living among foreigners that he came to realize that whatever is in store for us after this life, must be for everyone, and not just for some select few. So he reckons that he has been a Universalist all his adult life, and only wishes he had discovered UU’s in his teens instead of in his 40’s. He and his wife Joyce live in the York area and attend UUCY.

The Mall at the Equator
Rev. Kate Seitz Bortner
April 6, 2008

At peace or enraged, nature has a way of reminding us exactly who we are.

Music for the Soul
Unisingers
Sunday, March 30, 2008

This service will be provided by the UUCH music ministry group; including the Unisingers, a musical choir in existence for over 35 years, UUCH's newer band, and bell choir. They will provide musical inspiration; a service of voice, instrument, and much more for all to enjoy. Come spend an interesting morning, filled with UU traditions, new and old.

What to do about Easter?
Bruce Boenau
Sunday, March 23, 2008

Bruce Boenau will look at ways UUs have dealt with this quandary. He is a retired faculty member of Gettysburg, a long-time Unitarian Universalist, and a member of UUG.

Sensing the Sacred
Judith Guasch, M.Div.
Sunday, March 16, 2008

Lead Us Not Into Temptation
Rev. Kate Seitz Bortner
Sunday, March 9, 2008

After the optimism of the turn of the century and post 9-11 we, like our Pilgrim ancestors, face an uncertain journey – not to a different part of the world, but into a world that would be different. Our vessel is not the Mayflower but the HMS Internet. Are we working toward beloved community or virtual community?

A Call to Peace: Breaking Down the Barriers to Peace Through Understanding. An introduction to the people, land, culture and religions of Iran.
Rev. Sandra Mackie
Sunday, March 2, 2008

In May 2007 Rev. Sandra Mackie of Gettysburg, traveled to Iran as a member of a 16 person Civilian Diplomacy Delegation. This delegation was organized by the Fellowship of Reconciliation, an interfaith, international peace making organization that was founded in 1914 by a German Lutheran Pastor and an English Quaker.

Walk in My Shoes - A Life-altering Experience
Debbie Noel
Sunday, February 24, 2008

Debbie Noel is the Director of Business Development for Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania. She is a resident and native of York County and a graduate of York College. She is a founding member of the Board of Mediation Services for Conflict Resolution, a service for those that wish to resolve conflict before entering the legal system. Debbie understands what it is for many who have a family member with a disability, and she will be sharing her story with the congregation.

Love
Kris Eyssell and Heather Merson
Sunday, February 17, 2008

Kris and Heather are planning a celebration of the many faces of love with our children.

Talking to the Wall
Rev. Kate Seitz Bortner
Sunday, February 10, 2008

Among our Principles is the pursuit of justice, equity and compassion in human affairs. Our heritage springs from the soil of civil disobedience, the Social Gospel and the belief that we can change the world. This morning Kate will reflect on these matters from the perspective of 20 years in community ministry.

Celebrating Imbolc – we’re halfway to Spring!
Sabrina Paxton-Daily, Susan Swope, and Cat McGowan
Sunday, February 3, 2008

Sabrina, Susan, and Cat are planning rituals to observe this ancient rite. The congregation is asked to bring something they have created for the altar.

Odyssey Sunday
Sunday, January 27, 2008

Many members of our congregation have come from other denominations and have sometimes followed a convoluted path to our door. Several members of UUG will share their faith journeys, which are ongoing.

The Baha’i Faith, A World Religion
Pam Frankenfield
Sunday, January 20, 2008

The Baha’i Faith began in Persia (now Iran) in the mid 19th century. Approximately 7 million people are now members of the Faith. The talk will feature the origins, teachings, social structure and the music of the religion. There will be a time for a question and answer period.

Pam Frankenfield has lived in Gettysburg since 1993 and is a member of UUG. She is a Seasonal Ranger at the Eisenhower National Historic Site. She is a U.S. Navy Veteran, and is married with two adult children. She enjoys studying history and traveling in the U.S. and Europe.

To Do or To Be
Rev. Kate Seitz Bortner
Sunday, January 13, 2008

As a religious people we are defined by our actions. Unitarians and Universalists are said not to stand but to Move! But as a faithful people what is the mission of our congregation? In the breathless lull after the breakneck Holidays, what is our mission to one another?

The Rev. Kate Seitz Bortner is the Consulting Minister of UUG.

Regroup and Step Forward
Rev. Judith L. Guasch
Sunday, January 6, 2008

With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays its time to stop, regroup and step forward into the New Year.

The Rev. Judith L. Guasch, M.Div. has been working as a Chaplain in the health care field since 2000, and is a member of UUG. She is currently keeping busy on a happier side of life, working primarily as a wedding officiate.

The Turning of the Year
Sunday, December 30, 2007

Members of the Worship Committee are planning an End of the Year service with poetry, music, and surprises.

Christmas Eve: Sing a little jingle with your church family
Monday, December 24, 2007; 7:30 PM

We’ll have candles, stories, carols and companionship to warm us up this time of year. Kris Eyssell and Sabrina Paxton-Daily are coordinating this service.

A Theological Experiment – but just for UU's
Lou Hammann
Sunday, December 23, 2007

Lou Hammann is a semi-retired Emeritus Professor of Religion and Adjunct Professor of Philosophy at Gettysburg College. He is a founding member of Hundredfold Farm and always politically engaged as well as engaging.

Shepherds of Light
Rev. Kate Bortner
December 16, 2007

At this darkening time of year we instinctively yearn toward the light. Endings and beginnings occupy our thoughts, ritual and remembrance. What new treasurers lie
within and ahead for UUG at this most ancient time of year?

An Inquiry into Immortality
Charles Skopic
December 9, 2007

The idea of eternal life after death has a long history in religion and is a central tenet of many religions. The concept is very appealing and long enduring, but how does it stand up under close examination?

Charles Skopic has been a member of UUG for about 4 years. He is a retired Federal executive who, with his wife Lynn, moved to Gettysburg in 1998. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the local United Way and the Watershed Alliance, and a member of the County’s Green Space Advisory Committee. He occasionally writes an article for the Gettysburg Times and sometimes hosts a ½ hour program on Adams Community TV.

From Fundamentalism to Freedom
Marc Adams
December 2, 2007

Marc Adams is the son of a fundamentalist Baptist minister and grew up (gay) in rural Pennsylvania. He has written an autobiography “The Preacher’s Son” which received a Silver Pen Award and was a finalist in the Lambda Literary Award. He has also written “(lost) Found” and “Do’s and Don’ts of Dealing with the Religious Right”. He has spoken at other UU congregations in the area in the past several years. He will also be speaking at Gettysburg College.

Current as of June 2008