UU Fellowship of Ligonier Valley

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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
 

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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 weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” Mahatma Gandhi

 
Schedule of Events 
 
 
Services....May
 
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.
  
May      6    Finding The Balance   When we bring a sense of balance into our physical, emotional and spiritual self, it allows us to be the best versions of ourselves we can be. This benefits us, our loved ones, and the whole community. Presented by Deborah Thackrah, Universal Life Minister.

May    13    Labyrinth  The labyrinth, not to be confused with the maze, is a spiritual tool.  It has an ancient history, became more widely known through Greek mythology, and was adopted by Christianity in the Middle Ages. Labyrinths are enjoying a revival in contemporary times.  There are small labyrinths, meant to be traced with one’s finger, and much larger ones that are intended for walking.  Whether one traces or walks the labyrinth, it can become a powerful form of meditation or prayer, and can be highly beneficial to one’s spiritual health. Presented by Dr. Sue Lau, retired Professor of Religion at the University of Pittsburgh.

May    20    New Moon Ritual  On this powerful new moon, we combine ritual with ancient sound vibrations, and connect with the Mayan energies in the Yucatan. They are also gathering today, for a historic happening, that only takes place every 5,125 years. Led by C J Frank, a good friend of our congregation.

May    27    A Matter of Life and Death  How does knowing in advance if certain potential jurors are for or against the death penalty affect jury selection? Our minister, Dr. Renee Waun will offer thoughts based on her participation in a project she was invited to join, to train prospective jurors in capital cases involving a possible death sentence. 

   
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-UU Holidays and Holy Days Curriculum
 
May 13- Henry Bergh (Unitarian and crusader for animals, founder of the ASPCA). Alternative is Earth Day activities/outdoor planting if weather did not permit on April 29. Led by Betsy Poole.

May 27 - UU Day and end of year review. Celebrating UU values we hold and the pride of being Unitarian Universalists. Led by Roz Robitaille.

High School Class: Neighboring Faiths curriculum

May 13-Outside Wildlife Habitat work (weather permitting) or finish Neighboring Faiths curriculum on Cults. Led by Karlice Makuchan.

May 27- Outside Wildlife Habitat work (weather permitting) or finish Neighboring Faiths curriculum on Cults. Led by Karlice Makuchan.

Babysitting Schedule
May 6- Fran Lynch
May 13- Daneen Kinsey
May 20- Billie Miranda
May 27- Sara Ruckosky
June 3- Connie Frank

 
Other Activities...
 
Our book discussion group meets at 7:30 PM on the second Wednesday of the month. March 14th will be the next meeting date. All interested readers are welcome to participate. One is not required to be a member.
May 9 - The Courtier and the Heretic by Matthew Stewart.
June 13 - Collected Poems by Wislawa Szymborska
 
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 May 2nd the subject is Fighting for Individual Survival.
On May 16th the subject is Belief.
 
 
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.
 
May 4th 7:30 to 9:30  PM
Graceful Aging Wellness Center
of Bethlen Communities

Speaker: Cathy Graham, Director

The Graceful Aging Wellness Center will open in October 2012 to area residents ages 50 and up from Ligonier Valley and surrounding areas. The center will focus on programming that will support actively aging adults in their pursuit of optimum health and well being. Life is about living. At the Graceful Aging Wellness Center participants will be able to engage in activities that stimulate mind body and spirit in meaningful ways.

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. 

 Refreshments will follow.
 
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.