Rev. Phil Sweet

THE DIFFICULTY OF HELPING

The question comes from the mythological story of Cain and Abel: Are we our brothers Keepers? It is a question that religious people have assumed to be simple and simple in its answer. But it is not. The sociologist Garrett Harden speaking about altruism and helping says: “…about the only thing outside meddling can do is to interfere with internal progress.

Phil Sweet is a long-time friend of UUFDC, and a marvelous and insightful story-teller. He served as minister of Hope Church in Sturgeon Bay and two rural churches in western Minnesota.

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Rev. Cynthia Johnson

A TIME TO LIVE, A TIME TO DIE

Whether we like it or not, someday our one precious life will end. What do we need to do ahead of time to make it better for us — and the people who love us — then? Let’s start by thinking about how tenderly we help our pets in their final days.

Cynthia Johnson, a retired Unitarian Universalist minister who served UU congregations in Texas and Oklahoma, joined UUFDC in 2000 when she and Al moved to Door County. Cynthia is active as an artist and a poet. She enjoys family and friends, nature, travel, and reading and writing.

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Rev. Joan Shiels

REEL SPIRITUALITY: ENLIGHTENMENT AT THE MOVIES

We think we watch movies for simple entertainment but good films, like all good art, reflect us and change us at the same time. Many of the most popular films of our generation carry strong theological and spiritual messages. This is a close look at a few of those films. We will start with seeing God the Father in The Godfather. Watching that epic 1972 film again before this service will enhance your enjoyment of this message.

The Rev Joan Shiels is a frequent speaker and long-time friend of the Fellowship. She has a busy wedding ministry in Door County and when she is not eating, sleeping, reading or working she is usually watching movies.

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Rev. Cynthia Johnson

HAPPY NEW YEAR, MR. PODSNAP

If Mr. Podsnap happens to be vacationing in Door County on January 1, I suppose we’ll have to welcome him warmly if he comes to the Fellowship. I don’t think he’d like what we’ll say and do on New Year’s Day, but I think we will.

Cynthia Johnson, a retired Unitarian Universalist minister who served UU congregations in Texas and Oklahoma, joined UUFDC in 2000 when she and Al moved to Door County. Cynthia is active as an artist and a poet. She enjoys family and friends, nature, travel, and reading and writing.

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Rev. Joan Shiels

THE NON-BELIEVERS GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS

The Christmas story, like religion in general, is a very useful fiction. The stories are great, the music is full of nostalgia, and the traditions are warm and wonderful. Some observations on how humanists, atheists, skeptics and non-believers of all kinds celebrate the season without all the traditional religious trappings.

Joan Shiels is a longtime friend and frequent speaker at our fellowship since 2003. Originally from California she received her theological and pastoral degrees in Minneapolis and Berkeley. 

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Rev. Phil Sweet

LIFE AS SIMPLE PLEASURE

Epicurus, the philosopher, saw the goal of life as being simple pleasure. Ironically, we have come to associate his name with gourmet eating and sensuality but that was not at all his intent. The motto of his Florentine academy was displayed on a banner that read: Pleasure in the Present.

Is this not one of the primary reminders given to us by Christmas?

Phil Sweet is a long-time friend of UUFDC, and a marvelous and insightful story-teller. He served as minister of Hope Church in Sturgeon Bay and two rural churches in western Minnesota.

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Rev. Cynthia Johnson

DARKNESS ALLOWS A CERTAIN KIND OF KNOWING…

December invites us to discern, puzzle, and trust.  Rilke wrote, “I have faith in nights.”

Cynthia Johnson, a retired Unitarian Universalist minister who served UU congregations in Texas and Oklahoma, joined UUFDC in 2000 when she and Al moved to Door County. Cynthia is active as an artist and a poet. She enjoys family and friends, nature, travel, and reading and writing.

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Rev. Phil Sweet

MAKING RELIGION REASONABLE

Religion is the most backward, most repressive and destructive of all human institutions; born in superstition, nourished by fear, and encouraged by irrational hopes and desires. Can we make religion creative, transformative, intelligent, and valid on the first Sunday of Advent?

Phil Sweet is a long-time friend of UUFDC, and a marvelous and insightful story-teller. He served as minister of Hope Church in Sturgeon Bay and two rural churches in western Minnesota.

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