What’s UUp 9/7/25?

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  • 10am Adult RE “Paganism Primer,” hosted by Lady Vanessa and Ron Zorn.  (Childcare available at 9:30am)
  • 11am “Honoring Sanctuary” We will Share the Plate with BLUU.
  • Children’s RE – Following the Moment for All Ages.
  • Lunch – Menu: pumpkin curry over rice with a cool summer graham cracker dessert. Suggested donation is $5, and first time visitors are our guests.
  • 1pm BLM Sanctuary Workshop: 5 Years Later

Celebration of Life – 11:00am 
 

Honoring Sanctuary

Following the murder of Breona Taylor, protestors from around Louisville took to the streets. For five days during that time, First U Lou opened our doors in support, culminating in providing overnight Sanctuary when a curfew was declared.

First U Lou opened our doors in support, culminating in providing overnight Sanctuary when a curfew was declared.
We will remember First U Lou’s role in those days. The service is followed by lunch and a workshop  (1:00—2:30 pm) to continue the conversation. All are welcome.
 

Share the Plate This Sunday
On September 7, we will share half the funds collected during the offering with BLUU (Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism) in honor of the memory of our long time member Audrey Little, who also regularly participated in BLUU’s virtual worship and online events. Since its founding, BLUU has established a popular virtual worship space for Black people, hosted a symposium centering Black UU theology, organized UU congregations to donate and organize for bailout funds; and started a vibrant youth ministry. In addition to tending to the spiritual lives of its members, BLUU also started a Cooperative Housing Initiative project that embodies our commitment to improve the material conditions of Black lives as an act of our faith.
 

For the zoom link, Click here. The Meeting ID is 4508929882 if you can’t attend in person.  You will not need a password. Contact the volunteer desk if you have trouble getting online.
 

BLM Sanctuary Workshop: 5 Years Later
Sunday, September 7, 1:00-2:30 pm In the sanctuary
After Breonna Taylor’s death in 2020, First U Lou joined with Black Lives Matter protesters. Our support included opening our doors to provide overnight sanctuary when curfew was declared. This workshop is a time to remember those days. All are welcome, whether you participated or not. Come share your stories or learn from your fellow congregants. Community members who participated are warmly invited as well. Let’s honor this time together.

The Order of Service (Bulletin)

Gathering Music         Ethan McCollum

Chime and Welcome    Tim Raymond

Prelude    Ethan

Lighting the Chalice and the Black Lives Matter Candle
Jill Sherman

Opening Words     Rev. Liz Weber

Hymn #170   Ethan
We are a Gentle, Angry People
Words and music: Holly Near

Moment for All Ages
People and Protests       Rev. Liz

Song for Our Children    Ethan
Go in love, our hearts go with you.
Go in joy, our hopes go too.
Learn in love and grow in wisdom.
Shine your light in all you do.

Our Mission and Covenant   Debbie Silverman
We are a church of reason and spirit,
that witnesses for progressive faith,
nurtures our community and transforms our world.
                                                           
Love is the spirit of this church, and service is its law.
This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace,
to seek the truth in love, and to help one another.

Introduction     Jill Sampson

Reflections
Kathy Gapsis             Linette Lowe
Pam Middleton          Jill Sampson
Peggy Muller

Joys and Sorrows    Rev. Liz

Hymn #95   Ethan
There is More Love Somewhere
Words and music: African-American hymn

Meditation and Common Prayer  Rev. Liz

Musical Response    Ethan

Invitation to Generosity    Rev. Liz

Offertory    For What It’s Worth   Ethan
Stephen Stills

Hymn #1024   When the Spirit Says Do    Ethan
Words and music: African-American spiritual

Extinguishing the Chalice     Cassandra Culin
We extinguish these flames, but not the light of truth,
the warmth of community, or the fire of commitment.
These we carry in our hearts until we are together again.

Closing Words     Rev. Liz

Postlude  #169    We Shall Overcome   Ethan
Words and music: African-American spiritual

Benediction    Rev. Liz