At a memorial service last summer, several hundred people in The Commons recited together ‘Our Father Who Art in Heaven, Hallowed by Thy Name…’ It was a powerful moment – and led Rev. Rachel to wonder what the words of that prayer Jesus taught meant in their original context – and what they might mean … Continue reading Reflecting on the Lord’s Prayer
Harm reduction is a set of practices and policies in public health to reduce the negative consequences of human behavior, recognizing that you can’t force someone to make different choices, but you can work to make the consequences of their choices less catastrophic. (Needle exchange programs for IV drug users is an example of harm … Continue reading Harm Reduction as an Ethical Guide
In the summer of 1816, a group of young adults started telling each other scary stories. Mary Shelley was one of those young adults – and the story she created was later published as Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus, one of the first science fiction novels. In the spirit of Halloween, Rev. Rachel will look … Continue reading Frankenstein, Artificial Intelligence, and Other Monsters
Last spring, the members of People’s Church passed a budget with a supplementary stewardship campaign. The time has come to make good on that past commitment, live into our integrity, and keep the flame of People’s Church growing. The service will be followed by a s’mores party at the fire pit, weather permitting. You can … Continue reading S’More
On this first Sunday of our religious education program for children and youth, Rev. Rachel will remind us that religious growth and learning does not end when adulthood begins. This service will also include the commissioning of our religious education teachers and invitations to some of the programs for spiritual growth for adults in our … Continue reading Coming of Age Again… and Again… and Again
In this service, we will celebrate the joy that animals bring to our lives. We will bless our animal companions, remember our beloved pets who have died, and repent the ways our actions hurt animals and the natural world. Please bring your beloved stuffed animals, well-behaved pets, or pictures of the animals in your life. … Continue reading Animal Blessing Service
During September, local artist Susan Teague’s ‘Goddesses Galore’ will be on display on the People’s Church ArtWall. In this service, Susan will lead us in a process of creating our own deities as we reflect on what is worthy of our veneration and enjoy our own creativity. You can access the order of service HERE.
We begin our church program year with our annual water service. We will celebrate the joy of community. Please bring water from somewhere meaningful to you to add to a common bowl as a symbol of our connections with one another and the wider world. If you are not able to attend the service in … Continue reading Water Service
When People’s person Kay Spade died this spring, she left a collection of the poems she loved best. We will hear some of those poems and celebrate books and reading, especially in this time when access to books is being threatened by the rising wave of book challenges and censorship. This service will also include … Continue reading A Celebration of Poetry and Books
