Join us in person or on our livestream on Sunday, September 8, at 10 a.m.

This Week's Sunday Service

Over the summer I had the chance to meet some remarkable people. One of them was a minister of a church in Brighton, England, where Francis and I were staying in July. He was retiring from his pulpit and I had assumed that he had been a minister his entire life. Turns out that ministry was a later career for him. Before that he had headed one of the largest nonprofits in the UK and before that he had been a pilot flying Doctors Without Borders staff into remote parts of Africa. Along the way, he managed to fall in love, twice, the second time to his wonderful wife, who wrote children's books. 

As I listened to his story, I reflected on how fortunate his congregation was to have someone lead them with such experience and wisdom. And then I thought about how fortunate I am to be in this ministry with you all. Every time I meet one of you and learn your life story, I am in awe. There is so much experience and wisdom all around us here at MLUC.

It is always sad to lose one of our own, all the sadder when at the Memorial Service we find out just how incredible their life had been. Why do we have to wait until the end of life to learn the rich stories of the lives all around us here at church?

So, I have a proposition for any of you who would be willing. Why not share your amazing life story at one of our monthly Lecture Luncheons? Every second Wednesday 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. we gather at the church to enjoy a delicious lunch (for a very nominal price) and listen to a lecture from an invited speaker. It could be you. If you are interested in

sharing your life's story and working with a very friendly audience, just email me or Tim Conahan, Gene Ramsbottom, or Wolfgang Jaeger. We want to hear from you while you are with us still!

Yours always,

Rev. John

The Invitation Is for You

Last Sunday I shared a story that says that the light of the church comes from the people. This is true, it does, and it is important for the people of the church to come together, give their light, and make this a place that works and can transform lives. But after the service, someone told me they felt bad because they are in a place in their lives where they don’t feel they can give back to the church. They are overwhelmed by life and just barely able to put one foot in front of the other and get here . . . sometimes. This was one person but I know that other people feel this way too. I said to this person, “No. If church isn’t a place you can come when you need support, we are doing it wrong. You do not need to feel bad for taking care of yourself right now.” And I say to all of you: you are invited. You are invited to come to church when you need “the light of truth and the flame of love”—and other more tangible things. Not just when you have a light to shine and a flame to warm others.

Come on in. You are invited.  

Dawn Star

It is no accident that the MLUC Choir makes its 2024—25 season return on the Sunday of our Water Communion! As I have been organizing and cataloguing our music library, I am struck by the sheer volume of choral anthems about water. The perfect allegory for peace or turbulence alike, sustenance or danger, life or death, science or mysticism, water is as malleable to the artist as its own inherent fluidity. But without question, water’s predominant manifestation among choral repertoire is the river—particularly the Jordan River for its biblical significance in the African American spiritual. In light of the tremendous thematic synergy and emotional impact, we will present two spiritual —“Deep River” by Harry Burleigh and “Down to the River to Pray” arranged by Sheldon Curry—beside Lee Dengler’s beautiful “River of Life.” If we’re not already too waterlogged, we will sing hymns #100: “I’ve Got Peace Like a River” and #145: “As Tranquil Streams.”

If you would like to join the choir, feel free to come to our rehearsal tonight at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room. Complete beginners and seasoned choristers alike are more than welcome!

See you Sunday,

David

In Loving Memory: Remembering Dr. Vincent Craig on His Death Anniversary

On this day of remembrance, we celebrate our dear friend, whose life was a mosaic of joy, love, and unforgettable moments shared with all who knew him.

Joys & Concerns Reminder

If you want to submit a joy or concern to be read aloud on Sunday during Joys and Concerns, please fill out this form, which is always available on the MLUC website.

Everett Keech

Saturday, September 14, at 11:00 a.m., Main Meeting Room

The Memorial Service for Everett Keech will be streamed at this link.

Lecture Lunch

Wednesday, September 11, Refreshment will begin at 11:45 a.m., followed by Luncheon at 12:15 p.m.

The topic for the Luncheon is The Story of My Life by Rev. John Morehouse. Please respond with the number in your party to Tim Conahan.

If you want to start the new church year in the know, mark Sunday, September 15 on your calendar. Connections Expo will feature information and representatives from many of MLUC’s myriad groups and activities. Whether you are a new or long-time member, this will be a chance to learn more about our many opportunities for involvement and belonging. Areas of interest include worship, social justice, faith development, music, spiritual practices, caring community, and many more. Connections Expo will begin right after the service in the McGinness Room and the Atrium. Questions? Contact Nuala Carpenter or Eileen Andrews.

Register your kids for Faith Development groups this fall NOW!

I am excited to invite you to register your children and youth, ages 0–18, for fall programs at Main Line Unitarian Church! The form is here. Please take a moment to fill it out today so we can plan to include your family.

Nursery care is always provided; pre-K and elementary-aged kids will have three workshops to choose from each week, and middle school kids will continue Crossing Paths with our religious neighbors. 8th–12th graders have exciting youth programming, including an opt-in program for 8th and 9th graders Coming of Age. Click here for more details.

Dawn Star

Spirits of Nature by Mary Stromquist

Sunday Welcome Team

Please consider serving once a month (or once a quarter or even once a year) on the Sunday Welcome Team. This is fun and easy way to contribute to our MLUC community and provide a warm welcome to visitors and the congregation. See the SignUpGenius links below to sign up for Ushers, Greeters, and Welcome Table. If you wish to usher for the first time, please contact David Hucker and he will make sure you are paired with a seasoned usher. If you are serving on the Welcome Table for the first time, contact Deirdre Gordon to be paired with a seasoned person.

Contact David Hucker for ushers, Deidre Gordon for Greeters and Welcome Table.

Sign up for Greeters and Welcome Table.

Sign up for Ushers.

Our Membership Directory

To ensure that you are listed, with a photograph, in the new Membership Directory, please stop by the Directory Sign-Up table in the Atrium during coffee hour this Sunday to opt in to be listed in the new directory and get your photo taken for the directory. It will take only a minute.



If you completed the “Directory Opt In” online, be sure to stop by on Sunday and get your photo taken for the directory. We’d love to have a directory with photos of all members

Fall Adult Faith Development Offerings!

Meditation II 

Sundays, 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Room 208 or Meeting ID: 871 0669 1309

We meet for a short reading followed by 20 minutes of silent meditation. All are welcome: beginning and experienced meditators, church members, and guests.

Monday Evening Mediation Book Group

Monday, September 9, 7:00 p.m., via Zoom

We will discuss Insight Meditation by Joseph Goldstein. All are welcome to join!

Monday Morning Meditation and Book Group

Mondays, September 23, 7:30–8:45 a.m., in person or via Zoom

The Monday Morning Meditation and Book Group has been on a summer hiatus. At out first meeting in September we will discuss The Essential Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks. (Available here.)

In this group, we discuss a book chosen by the current members. The subject is Buddhism or other philosophies that explore the mystery of life and universe through discussion and meditation. Before selecting a new book, we invite other MLUC members to join the group.  

 If you are interested in joining, please contact Dilip Kumar or 610-517-1942.

Theology Explorers

2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., Zoom Meeting ID: 299 356 228

This group discusses spiritual topics and materials in search of truth, meaning, and spiritual growth. On September 11 we will watch and discuss several short “spiritual” videos. And on September 25, we will discuss the fourth Wednesday meeting format. You can find more information on Theology Explorers at this link.

Thursday Evening Meditation

Thursdays, 7:00–7:45 p.m., Zoom Meeting

There will be a short centering meditation, a short reading and discussion, and a longer meditation. All are welcome.

Publication Deadlines

MLUC Weekly submissions: 

• 100 words or fewer. If your article is significantly longer than 100 words, it may be shortened.
• Due by 12:00 noon on Wednesdays

E-mail all submissions to griselda@mluc.org and news@mluc.org.