The first principle of Unitarian Universalism is “The inherent worth and dignity in
every person.” But what does that mean? One way to find clarity regarding the word and
experience of dignity is to consider its opposite: humiliation. Humiliation is a visceral
reality that is much more recognizable in human experience. Movies and popular media are much more adept at conveying humiliation than dignity. But claiming and working for human dignity, in accordance with our first principle, is essential for manifesting peace in the world. The first sentence of Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” Join us Sunday August 21st for a conversation about the importance of dignity for world peace. We will borrow ideas from Dr. Evelin Lindner, the founding president of the Nobel Prize nominated Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies research institute (www.humiliationstudies.org).

How Best May We Serve? Discerning Our Role in Community Service

Sunday, June 19, 2022 10:30AM – Lyndon Harris

Whimsical World Gallery, 116 Jones St, Landrum, SC

On June 19th, in concert with our annual meeting, we will continue our exploratory journey about our hopes and dreams as a fellowship for serving our community and the wider world. We will use UU principles 2 (Justice, equity and compassion in human relations), and 7 (Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part) as our guides. In our joys and sorrows, we find out who we are, and from these experiences, we find our joy in serving. And maybe we’ll have some tomato sandwiches!

Who Are We?  Discerning Our Identity as a Fellowship

Sunday, June 5, 2022 10:30AM – Lyndon Harris

Whimsical World Gallery, 116 Jones St, Landrum, SC

During the month of June, I propose that we take part in a two-fold process of discernment, a kind of “spiritual inventory” drawing upon the Third Principle of Unitarian Universalism: “Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.” I’ll lead us in a guided process that will inspire us to get to know one another better. We’ll explore questions like “What is my story?” “How did I get here?” “What obstacles have I overcome?” and “What brings me the greatest joy?” It will be fun! With a little bit of humor and an extra helping of community wisdom, we will delve into the 3rd Principle.

A Celebration of Earth Day with special guest performer Spook Handy

Spook Handy performed alongside Pete Seeger at festivals and concerts more than 50 times from 2003 – 2013, learning firsthand many of Pete’s songs and the stories behind them. Even more, he learned who Pete Seeger was and what he stood for. Spook is now traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada with his “Remembering Pete Seeger” World Tour, keeping alive Pete’s tradition by sharing a few songs by Woody Guthrie (Pete’s most notable mentor), plenty of songs by Pete Seeger and a healthy handful of new songs Spook wrote under Pete’s tutelage.

Spook’s sixth studio album, “Pete, Woody & Me, Volume II” reached the No. 3 position on the International Folk Radio Charts in May, 2019. In 2016 his original song, “Vote!” reached the No. 2 spot.

Spook was named Best Folk Artist by Upstage Magazine, Gannett New Jersey, The Courier News, The Home News and About.com. His song “Whatcha Gonna Do?” was used in the BBC documentary film “Doomsday Code.”

The Power of Hope with special guest speaker Michael Carter

May 1, 2022 10:30AM

Whimsical World Gallery, 116 Jones St, Landrum, SC

The Spiritual Legacy of John Coltrane

Sunday, April 3, 2022 – Lyndon Harris

10:30AM Whimsical World Gallery, Landrum, SC

Down on his luck after being fired by Miles Davis, jazz artist John Coltrane found deep within himself the courage to make a comeback, using his composition, and improvisational skills, he crafted a four- part jazz suite, A Love Supreme, that continues to captivate listeners today, over 50 years later. Dr. Stephon Alexander, jazz musician and professor of physics at Brown University suggests in his book, The Jazz of Physics: The Secret Link Between Music and the Structure of the Universe, that Coltrane’s musical brilliance illustrates a creative thinker akin to Einstein.