UU Fellowship of Ligonier Valley

Home
Welcome to the UU Fellowship of Ligonier Valley
Unitarian Universalist History
Photo Album
Varieties of UU Religious Belief
UU Worship
Our Wildlife Habitat
UU Humor
DSC01094.JPG
Sunday Service

A welcoming home for liberal religious thought and action in eastern Westmoreland County
"The deeper we look into nature the more we recognize that it is full of life, and the more profoundly we know that all life is a secret, and we are all united to all in this life." ----Albert Schweitzer
 

rainbow-fly.gif
In September 2007 we received the status of "Welcoming Congregation"
The Unitarian Univeralist Fellowship of Ligonier Valley is a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Ours is a denomination whose principles are based on tolerance and freedom of religious belief with an emphasis on the integration of faith and reason. Our roots date back at least 400 years to Poland and Transylvania. We have had many notable thinkers and activists such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Clara Barton and Albert Schweitzer as members. While our community's heritage is Judeo-Christian we find value in opening ourselves to a variety of religious experiences.
In September 2007 we received the status of "Welcoming Congregation" from the Unitarian Universalist Association. This was the culmination of a two year long program including workshops, discussions and outreach programs designed to support the rights and worth of bisexual, gay and lesbian people and to make them and all other individuals to feel safe, secure and welcome in our congregation.
 
 
 "The world is not dangerous because of those who do harm but because of those who look at it without doing anything." Albert Einstein

 
Schedule of Events 
 
 
Services....January and February
 
Our Sunday service starts at 10:30. It is followed by a break for snacks and coffee. After the break many stay for a lively discussion of the morning's topic.

Jan.      1    2012, Day One   The “Big Year” is upon us. Critical elections. Occupations. Revolutions. End times and raptures. Today we’ll have a casual, informal gathering and share our dreams (and maybe nightmares) for the upcoming year, sing some songs (both old and new), and prepare ourselves for whatever may come! Led by UU Minister, Rev. Rebecca Booher.

Jan.      8    To be announced. Our speaker will be Dr. Sue Lau, retired Professor of Religion at the University of Pittsburgh.

Jan.    15    Best Supporting Actor  Tonight, amid much fanfare and publicity, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association will announce the 2012 winners of the Golden Globe Awards.  Categories will include Best Motion Picture, Best Director, and many others.  None of us will probably ever know what it’s like to win one of these awards, even though we all can relate to playing the role of a supporting actor at one time or another. So this morning, we will discuss how to be the Best Supporting Actor and what it can mean in fulfilling the purpose of our life. Presented by Program Chair, Carole Kurek.

Jan.    22    Five Important Lessons  As we begin another New Year, what are the important things to remember?  These five time-tested lessons will get thinking about how we acknowledge and treat the various people around us in our everyday lives. Our minister, Dr. Renee Waun will present.
 
 
Jan.    29    The Call of Abraham is not only one of the great moments in the history of religions, but is also pivotal in the outlook of Western Civilization. Its essence is reflected in the Unitarian Universalist commitment to journey and self-discovery. Dr. Robert Matson, Professor of History at Pitt-Johnstown, will explore some of the ways Jews, Christians and Muslims have personalized this concept.
 
Feb.      5    In Search of Beloved Community   We've heard the term "Beloved Community," but where does it come from, and what does it really mean? Today, we'll look at this concept,  particularly as to how it relates to our own community of souls. Presented by UU Minister, Rev. Rebecca Booher.

Feb.    12    Men Are Doctors and Women Are Witches In the Middle Ages the practice of medicine, especially among the common people was generally the purview of women, but as men take more interest in the field, the women who practice medicine are labeled as “witches,” and find their skills suppressed, and find themselves not only persecuted, but executed as well.  This month's talk will provide a brief history of women healers. Presented by Dr. Sue Lau, retired Professor of religion at the University of Pittsburgh.

Feb.    19    Standing on the Side of Love   All of the world’s religions speak of the transforming power of love.  How can we extend our own Beloved Community to harness this power in the cause of justice? Presented by UU Minister Rev. Rebecca Booher.

Feb.    26    Little Dresses, Big Smiles  Our minister, Dr. Renee Waun, just back from Uganda, will be sharing the latest photos and developments from the school there, including the distribution of hundreds of dresses made from pillow cases by the volunteers from this Fellowship and elsewhere, and the development of plans for a micro-lending program.
 
Board meeting Feb. 26 at 9:15 AM.


   
Religious Education Classes...

Our classes provide religious education free of dogma. Exploring religious truth, meaning and experience is central to UU faith. In our communities and as individuals we seek lives of meaning anchored by values and a commitment to promote principles of justice, safety, tolerance and encouragement. For further information call 814-255-2676 or write to UU Fellowship of Ligonier Valley, 1730 Route 30 East, P. O. Box 692, Ligonier, PA 15658.
 

Primary Class Schedule: UU Holidays and Holy Days Curriculum
Feb. 12 - Susan B. Anthony, Unitarian and equal rights proponent; preparation for her Feb. 15th birthday. Led by Betsy Poole.
Feb. 26 - Susan B. Anthony; birthday celebration. Led by Roz Robitaille.

High School RE Class- Neighboring Faiths curriculum
Feb. 12 - Mormons - Led by Karlice Makuchan
Feb. 26 Mormons(cont.)- Led by Karlice Makuchan

 
 
Babysitting Schedule
Feb. 5- Sara Rucosky
Feb. 12- Connie Frank
Feb. 19- Ed Makuchan
Feb. 26- Jean Slusser
Mar. 4- Pat MacKenzie

 
Other Activities...
 
Our book discussion group meets at 7:30 PM on the second Wednesday of the month. February 8th will be the next meeting date. All interested readers are welcome to participate. One is not required to be a member.
 
February - Sexual Persona - by Camille Paglia
March - Cities of Salt - by Abdelhahman Munif
 
Meditation Group  Meets every Tuesday at 6:30 at the Ligonier Tavern for music and readings.
 
Drumming
Our drumming group welcomes any interested persons. Drums and other instruments such as flutes or guitars are encouraged.  Meet every third Sunday evening from 6:30 to 8:30.
 
 
UUFLV Self Inquiry Group
This discussion group meets at our Fellowship building on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 7:30 PM. The public is invited to attend these meetings and join in the discussion.
Meetings are held in the lower level. Please park in our back lot.
 
On Feb. 1st the subject is True World vs. Dream.
On Feb. 15th the subject is Desires.
 
 
The Course in Miracles
The Course In Miracles discussion group meets on the second Friday of the month at 1624 Old Linn Run Road, Rector.
Everyone is welcome. Book is not required. led by C J Frank. Meet at 7:00 PM.
 
 
 

 
First Friday Events...
 
On the first Friday of each month beginning in November and running through May or June, the UU Fellowship of Ligonier Valley presents a evening program of religious, philosophic, ethical or other vital topic affecting humankind. It is free to the public.
 
Our next First Friday event will be held on Feb. 3rd from 7:30 to 9:30 PM.
 
The topic is Off On Our Own
Our speaker will be Ted Carns, III
           Living Off-Grid in Comfortable Independence...

One couple's 37 year "learn as we go" journey to self reliance. A 21st century success story of zero waste. Ted and Kathy live in the picturesque Laurel highlands beyond reach of the power grid. Through developing a hybrid alternative energy system they generate and store enough electricity to power most major modern conveniences; automatic washer, vacuum, online computer, cell phone, flat screen TV, surround sound stereo and many minor conveniences such as a hair dryer and iron. During the summer they utilize a propane refrigerator/freezer slated to switch to methane generated on site.
 
Discussion and refreshments follow the speaker's presentation.
 
How to Find Us...
 
Ligonier, proceed east on Route 30 for approximately 1.5 miles. We are on the right side of the road just beyond Ligonier Valley Beach. Coming from the east we are about 2 miles west of Laughlintown on the left side of Route 30. Look for a large blue sign with white lettering.

Our telephone is usually unattended, but you are welcome to leave questions via voice mail. Please call 724-238-7797.