Unfolding Faith: Sermons from Foothills Unitarian

Homily: The Battle for Christmas | Rev. Sean Neil-Barron | December 20, 2020

Rev. Sean discusses the contentious origins of Christmas in America and explores how cultural context affects the changing role of Christmas.

Cereal: From this American Rice | Rev. Sean Neil-Barron | December 20, 2020

Rev. Sean shares an unexpected place he’s been finding holiday magic this year.

Winter Solstice Audio Guide

Many of us find meaning in marking the winter solstice - the longest, darkest night of the year that also marks the beginning of the return of light.
Since we can't all gather for a big ceremony or bonfire this year, we've instead put together an audio guide and video to help you celebrate the solstice on your own or with members of your household.
Made possible by the Foothills Unitarian Earth Based Path Ministry, the Family Ministry team, and the Music team.

Reading | The Miraculous Everlasting Hanukkah Buffet by Jason Cook | December 13, 2020

Rev. Sean Neil-Barron reads The Miraculous Everlasting Hanukkah Buffet by Rev. Jason Cook.

Prayer & Meditation: Re-Casting Life | Rev. Sean Neil-Barron | December 13, 2020

Rev. Sean Neil-Barron offers a prayer and meditation to empower us to re-tell old narratives in truer ways.

The Stories of Hanukkah | Rev. Gretchen Haley | December 13, 2020

Rev. Gretchen tells the Hanukkah story in three different ways.

Homily: How We Tell the Story | Rev. Gretchen Haley | December 13, 2020

Rev. Gretchen Haley explores how the way we tell a story shapes the meaning we make from it, and, in turn, how we come to understand ourselves and life.
 
Additional Resources:
 
From the BBC: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190523-the-way-you-tell-your-life-story-shapes-your-personality
 
Reform Judaism article on Hanukkah: https://reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/hanukkah/history-hanukkah-story
 
NPR interview about Hanukkah: https://www.npr.org/2020/12/12/945788794/celebrating-hanukkah-during-the-covid-19-pandemic
 
Inspiration: Rev. Gretchen drew inspiration for this homily from Long conversations with Professors Pam Eisenbaum and Mark George at the Iliff School of Theology, as well as with Rabbi Shoshana Leis formerly of Congregation Har Shalom in Fort Collins.
 
Rev. Gretchen's notes and memory of the awesome book, From the Maccabees to the Mishnah by Shaya Cohen, also shaped this Homily. Find "From the Maccabees to the Mishnah" here: https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/From-the-Maccabees-to-the-Mishnah-9780664227432

Reading | This is the Moment of Magic by Victoria Safford | December 6, 2020

Feel magic stirring with “This is the Moment of Magic” by Victoria Safford.