The Power To Be Wrong – with Reverend Sally Beth Shore
10:30AM
Being right seems to be highly valued in our culture. We will argue, debate, and even come to violence to avoid admitting to errors and be right, and this inclination seems to grow the higher up the status ladder we go. Why is this, and what’s so wrong with being wrong? Is there another way? Let’s delve into this need to seem infallible habit and consider what’s on the other side if we can let go of it.
My Journey to Freedom; Finding Unitarian Universalism – with Reverend Ernie Mills
10:30AM
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, once described himself as a “one-book man.” That one book, of course, was the Bible. Being a third generation United Methodist, I too, like Wesley, became a “one-book man.” In 1983 I was ordained a United Methodist minister eager to teach and preach the Bible.
But something happened in those early years that would change the course of my life. One evening I happened to turn the TV on just as PBS was introducing a program called “The Power of Myth,” an interview between Bill Moyers and Joseph Campbell. It was my first introduction to comparative myth and religion and it opened up a whole new world for me. I realized I could no longer be a “one-book man.” It was not easy letting go of that one book but I realized now that
it was a liberating experience. Fortunately, on my journey toward freedom I found a place that encourages a “free and responsible search for truth and meaning,” and a community that is “grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith”; Unitarian Universalism.
The Greatest Love
Rev. Sally Beth Shore
Sunday, February 19 10:30AM
Whimsical World Gallery, Landrum, SC
It’s the month of hearts and flowers, and chocolates, ugh, can we really stand to hear more about love? You bet! I know that Valentine’s Day may have left us gagging with sentimental expressions of affection, but let’s use this as a point of departure and go beyond notions of romantic passion to explore questions such as, “What does it mean to be a lover?” and “What is the greatest love?”
The Jesus I’ve come to know
Rev. Ernie Mills
Sunday, February 5 10:30AM
Whimsical World Gallery, Landrum, SC
Jesus was a social activist with a simple message, nothing less, nothing more. He led a movement among the poor and poverty stricken Jews of Judea during the Roman occupation. As the movement grew, the fame of Jesus spread far and wide all across Judea. Not long after his execution, some of his followers began making claims that he was still alive. At that point a process began that transformed this social activist into the Christ figure. Layers and layers of theological doctrines and mythologies from all four corners of the earth were piled upon Jesus to the point that the real person disappeared up the ladder into complete godhood. When we peeled away these layers we discovered a great teacher who bequeathed to humanity a simple message of love and a way of living to the fullest in the here and now.
Whimsical World Gallery, 116 Jones St, Landrum, SC
10:30AM
Robin Edgar will host Conversations on Democracy in an interactive service inspired by quotes on freedom, equality and the common good. Robin is our former board president, and her leadership experience includes work with the Fetzer Institute’s Love and Forgiveness Campaign. As a “fifth Sunday” facilitator, Robin will challenge participants to reflect on ways to act upon those values in their personal life as well as in their community. All are welcome.