The events of the 20th century knocked optimism for a loop. Two World Wars, numerous genocidal campaigns; and the use of atomic weapons all seemed reasons to give up hope in human nature. With his eyes wide open to these realities, James Luther Adams asserted that while immediate optimism was unrealistic, “the resources (divine and human) that are available for the achievement of meaningful change justify an attitude of ultimate optimism.” We’ll take a close look at that claim in this final service on Adams’s tenets of religious liberalism. World AIDS Day is, strangely enough, an apt day for such an exploration.
Worship Leader: Rev. Amy Zucker Morgenstern
Worship Associate: Mary Grebenkemper
Music: Veronika Agranov Dafoe, piano
Forum
Dec 1 9:00 am - Forum - Priorities for a Political Platform
Volunteers needed! Would you be willing to visit with 2-4 people at UUCPA to chat about why you like this place, as well as your hopes for our community? These 30-minute canvass visits deepen our commitments and grow our connections. They also support our annual pledge drive in February. Our goal is to reach 100% of our congregation, but we cannot do it without a boatload of volunteers. We have 20 people signed up so far. Would you be willing to join our crew of canvassers? Email stewardship@uucpa.org if you are interested, or talk with Brooke Bishara or David Chen to get started.
Rev. Dan Harper will provide excellent one-hour training sessions on Dec. 8th and Jan. 5th at 12:30 pm. You do not have to attend, but most people find attending the training helpful and fun.
Perform a small service to warm up the holiday season. Join the Grant-Bier family on Sunday, December 1st from 1-4 pm to decorate the Main Hall for the winter holiday season. We will hang lights and decorations, eat cider & cookies, all are welcome. RSVP Lynn Grant (whose contact information can be found by contacting the office or by searching in Realm)
Go out into the world in peace,
Be of good courage,
Hold fast to what is good,
Return no one evil for evil,
Strengthen the faint-hearted,
Support the weak,
Help the suffering,
Rejoice in beauty,
Speak love with word and deed,
Honor all beings.
