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.
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.
"The
only alternative to coexistence is codestruction." -Jawaharlal Nehru
Schedule
of Events for February
Services...
Feb. 7 Depth Perception Many people talk
about wanting spiritual depth. Would we even know depth if we experienced it? How do we develop depth perception?
Presented by Joshua Searle-White, Ph.D., Psychology Department Chair, Allegheny College.
Feb. 14 Be My Valentine Valentine’s Day brings thoughts
of love, and if there is one place in the Bible where love predominates, it is the Song of Songs, aka the Song of Solomon. Blooming
like a beautiful flower in the midst of a forest of weeds, this book extols the wonders of sensuality and
of love. Presented by Dr. Sue Lau, retired Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Pittsburgh.
Feb. 21 When 1 + 1 involves 3
Rev. Lynn Acquafondata will explore a basic formula used in the messy world of human interaction at home and in community
organizations. Wouldn’t it be so much simpler if it didn’t involve dealing with people?
Feb. 28 How Dreams Come True Just back from another trip to Uganda,
Dr. Waun will talk about how an idea becomes a dream if we can focus our attention in a positive way. She will update us on
the newly completed construction project and nurse’s office for the school there, using photos and possibly video clips.
She will also bring a new selection of crafts if anyone is interested in purchasing some.
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.
Junior High Class - Curriculum: Neighboring Faiths - Exploring Religions with
Junior High Youth
Feb. 7 Unit 3-Exploring Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Eastern Orthodox
and Russian Orthodox.
Session 1: Ritual, Liturgy and Symbolism- Karlice Makuchan
Feb. 14 Unit 3- Session 2: Ritual, Beliefs and
Practices of Catholicism
Primary Class
Feb.
7 Being a Friend Means Helping Each Other, using the book, George and Martha One Fine Day by
J. Marshall. Roz Robitaille will lead.
Feb. 21
Sometimes I Need Help From Others, using the book Rachel Fister's Blister by A. MacDonald - Carrie Ferguson will lead
Baby Sitting Schedule
Feb. 7-Jean Slusser Feb. 14- Pat MacKenzie Feb. 21- Fran Lynch Feb. 28- Daneen Kinsey March 7- Billie
Miranda
First Friday Events...
CANCELLATION--The predicted snow storm makes it impossible for our speaker to remain in Western
Pennsylvania until Friday. Everyone is invited to hear her speak at the University of Pittsburgh Greensburgon Thursday evening
at Village Hall at 7:00 PM.
Friday, February 5th
(The topic is Investigative Journalism in a Democracy. Our speaker will be
Deborah Nelson, Director of the Carnegie Seminar at the University of Maryland.
Ms. Nelson
is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist. She has served as the Washington investigations editor for the Los Angeles
Times. She has also reported for the Washington Post, The Seattle Times and The Chicago Sun-Times. Her national awards include
a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting and an AAAS Science Journalism award.)
The March 5th First Friday will feature a film, Out in the Silence, Love,
hate and a quest for change. This film follows the story of a small Americannn toen confronting a firestorm of contreversary
ignited by a same-sex wedding announcement in the local newspaper.
Refreshments
and discussion follow.
The First
Friday Series offers the public the opportunity to hear religious, philosophical or other vital topics affecting humankind.
The belief set of a different religious tradition or other subject is presented and discussed each month.
Other
Activities...
Our book discussion group meets at 7:00 PM on the
second Wednesday of the month. February's selection is The March by E. L. Doctorow.
All readers are welcome to participate. One is not required to be a member.
March's
selection is Howard's End by E. M. Forester. April's is
The Rosendorf Quartet by Natham Saham.
Peace Group The monthly meeting will be held on Feb. 19 at 7:00 PM at
the residence of Joe Stierheim,located between our Fellowship building and Ligonier Valley Beach.
Meditation Group Meets every Tuesday at 6:30 at the Ligonier Tavern
for music and readings.
