This Sunday, join us for our December worship series, Presence, with a sermon entitled, “L.A.S.T.I.N.G. Through Adversity,” provided by Guest Minister, Rev. Clovice Lewis. Worship begins at 10 a.m. on ZOOM ONLY. Please install the Zoom app on your device and use Zoom Worship Service Meeting ID: 946 8973 5846.
In LASTING Through Adversity, Rev. Clovice Lewis reflects on the societal and political challenges faced over recent years, emphasizing the urgent need to counter authoritarianism and systemic hatred with transformative action. Drawing from sermons delivered since 2020, the author explores the deepening "dark woods" of societal division, exacerbated by political manipulation, systemic racism, and mass coercion. Lewis proposes his LASTING framework—Love, Adapt, Subvert, Transform, Innovate, Nurture, and Grow—as a guide for resilience and resistance. Rooted in Unitarian Universalist principles, this framework encourages fostering connection, adapting to change, subverting oppressive systems, and nurturing democratic values to cultivate a more equitable society. Offering hope amidst dire warnings, the Rev. Lewis urges bold action, grounded in compassion and resolve, to confront adversity and rebuild a society that values diversity, equity, and human dignity.
Our Split-the-Plate offering recipient for this fifth Sunday of the month is the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. The fund is available to help church members who are in a moment of financial crisis. Through the Minister’s Discretionary Fund, we’ve been able to pay a month’s rent or mortgage to help ORUUCians to maintain their housing. We can pay for an unexpected medical, dental, or prescription bill that would otherwise max out someone’s finances. We’ve paid utility bills to literally keep the lights on. The Minister’s Discretionary Fund also helps people in the larger Oak Ridge community with utility bills, food, and gas. When folks in need call the church for emergency assistance, the Minister’s Discretionary Fund is where the money comes from to pay a bill or offer relief. The fund is completely confidential: If you’re in need, only the minister need know, in order to access the fund. A bill can be paid safely and securely, with complete discretion. The Minister’s Discretionary Fund is available only through your generous contributions. Please GIVE HERE as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.
The church building will be closed today. All Youth and Adult Faith Formation classes are on a break for the holidays. Please check with your group leader if you are part of a Circle or other church group that plans to meet in person today. Check out our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education.
Covid-19 Update: Masks are not required in the building; whether joining us for worship in person or on Zoom, we encourage everyone to do what makes them feel comfortable.
All are welcome! We look forward to seeing you!