Music Sunday: Craig Hella Johnson’s CONSIDERING MATTHEW SHEPARD
Join us for a Service of harmony and heart. The UUCSR Choir, Soloists, and The Orchestra at Shelter Rock present Craig Hella Johnson’s CONSIDERING MATTHEW SHEPARD. Craig Hella Johnson’s powerful and moving work was written in response to the brutal killing of the 21-year-old University of Wyoming student and is a call to empathy, tolerance, and the best of humanity. As with all Worship Services, the greater community is cordially invited to attend. Invite your friends and family to hear this important and powerful musical presentation in a time of uncertainty and fear in the LGBTQ+ community.
Easter Sunday: "The Courage of a Seed," led by Rev. David Carl Olson, Rev. Israel Buffardi, and Student Minister Madison Colquette
Taoist philosopher Lao Tzu wrote “when I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” The Easter story of birth into new life is told in the spring when the earth is awakening all around us. We celebrate the seeds that have been waiting in the earth clod around us to be awakened by rain and sun to shed their old selves to become something new. What do we have to shed? What might we become?
“This Joy That I Have: 25 Years a Unitarian Universalist”, led by Rev. Chris Long, Guest Minister
After 25 years of being a Unitarian Universalist, and nearly 16 of those years being an Ordained Minister, Rev. Chris Long will share just how much joy, even now, he continues to work to embody through our Unitarian Universalist Values which may also be an elixir to and for you in such times as these. He looks forward to sharing in the co-creation of Worship with all who are present and online.
Bio: Rev. Chris Long is currently the Minister of Congregational Life for the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge (Baton Rouge, LA). He has served there since July of 2022. Since being Ordained by the First Unitarian Church of Oakland (Oakland, CA - June 7, 2009), he has also served and worked at James Reeb Unitarian Universalist Congregation (Madison, WI), University of Wisconsin (Madison, WI), West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church (Rocky River, OH) and The Community Church of New York (New York City), respectively. Throughout these Ministries, and in his many roles on denominational committees, organizations and a variety of leadership positions in the communities where he has lived across the country, he looks forward to joining us for worship and conversation for our April 13, 2025 Service. Please do come, invite a friend and take good care of yourselves as you journey!
Soulful Sundown, led by Rev. Israel Buffardi, music from The Cosmic Orchestra
At 6:30 PM, all are welcome to a simple supper prior to Soulful Sundown. A voluntary donation of $5 covers soup, salad, artisanal bread, cookies, and beverages. (Food service ends at 7:15 PM.)
Beginning at 7:30 PM and led by Rev. Israel Buffardi, April Soulful Sundown features an evening of poetry, reflection, and live music from The Cosmic Orchestra, ONSITE AND ONLINE. Special Guest Artist Hayley Reardon joins for an ONSITE-ONLY coffee house/concert afterward. All are welcome, never a charge!
Where music resides at the heart of religious experience.
UUSC Justice Sunday: "Waitstill, Martha, and Me", led by led by Rev. David Carl Olson
Justice Sunday is celebrated throughout Unitarian Universalism to retell the story of the UU Service Committee (UUSC), founded to resist the forces of Nazism in Europe and to give aid to refugees. Rev. Ned Wight, former chair of the board of UUSC, will share of their continuing work. All of us will be encouraged to become members of the UUSC.
The Tree of Life (Yggdrasil): Youth-Led Worship Service led by the Senior Seminar, UUCSR ministry with high school students.
Every year, the Senior Seminar class at UUCSR holds a Worship that is planned by the high school youth. This year’s theme is The Tree of Life (Yggdrasil). We chose The Tree of Life (Yggdrasil) because it symbolizes interconnectedness, growth, and the cyclical nature of existence. We are reminded that we are all branches of the same whole, growing in our own ways throughout our journeys, but always sharing the same roots. This Worship contains self-written reflections alongside favorite songs and words that deeply resonate with our youth. It is very important for the Congregation to be able to hear the thoughts and beliefs of our youth, as they are the future of our faith, and they are able to grow into their own faith by passionately exhibiting what is important to them in such a sacred space. Please join us
to hear the voices of the future of Unitarian Universalism!
Empathy: A Balm in the Chaos, led by Guest Speaker Aisha Hauser, MSW
Aisha Hauser is the founder of “Connect, Learn, Grow,” an innovative consulting firm which works around diversity, leadership and conflict management. She is a member of the Lead Ministry Team of the UU Church of the Larger Fellowship, and is past president of the Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA).
Spring Equinox Worship Service, led by Rev. David Carl Olson
Spring Equinox Worship Service Please join the Earth-Based Traditions group and Rev. Olson in celebrating the Vernal Equinox. Let’s gather in the Main Lobby and move to the celebration site. The celebration is a time to honor the earth’s cycle of rebirth and our own transformations. This Service is an opportunity to engage with the rhythms of nature and acknowledge our bonds with the Earth itself.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Phinu at pjose@uucsr.org or 516.472.2975.
Trust in One Another, led by Rev. David Carl Olson
A minister reflects on his journey toward more innovation in the cultural patterns in his life. Neil deGrasse Tyson argues “Once you have an innovation culture, even those who are not scientists of engineers—poets, actors, journalist—embrace the concept of an innovation culture. They vote in ways that promote it.” As the political culture of our times leads toward polarization, can a religious community move us toward a richer appreciation of innovation and interculturalism?
Soulful Sundown, led by Student Minister Madison Colquette with The Cosmic Orchestra
At 6:30 PM, all are welcome to a simple supper prior to Soulful Sundown. A voluntary donation of $5 covers soup, salad, artisanal bread, cookies, and beverages. (Food service ends at 7:15 PM.)
Beginning at 7:30 PM and led by student minister Madison Colquette, March Soulful Sundown features an evening of poetry, reflection, and live music from The Cosmic Orchestra, ONSITE AND ONLINE. Special Artists Krista Preddice and Cassandra House join for an ONSITE-ONLY coffee house/concert afterward. All are welcome, never a charge!
Where music resides at the heart of religious experience.
Celebrating International Women’s Day, led by Rev. David Carl Olson, Madison Colquette, and Sandra Frank
Women lead us in reflecting on what women’s liberation looks like at this moment from the points of view of a teenager, a mother with school-aged children, a smart alecky working woman and a wise elder. With soulful and stirring music, and a meditation by our student minister, we join our ancestors who sang “yes, it is bread we fight for, but we fight for roses too.”
"The Living Well" led by Rev. Rev. Sofia Betancourt, Ph.D., UUA President
We are honored to host the President of the Unitarian Universalist Association who will help us reflect on how our UU movement can help us respond to the needs of our world.
“Understanding Empathy,” led by Rev. David Carl Olson and the Respectful Relations Team
Gathered Around the Campfire: Celebrating the Joy of Sophia Fahs Camp, led by Rev. Israel Buffardi
Join us for a heartwarming service on February 16, as members of the Sophia Fahs Camp community share the transformative story of this cherished Unitarian Universalist tradition. This intergenerational camp fosters deep connections, spiritual growth, and a celebration of UU values through its rich history, from its founding days at Camp Quinipet to its recent transition to a multigenerational model.
Soulful Sundown led by Rev. David Carl Olson with music from The Cosmic Orchestra
At 6:30 PM, all are welcome to a simple supper prior to Soulful Sundown. A voluntary donation of $5 covers soup, salad, artisanal bread, cookies, and beverages. (Food service ends at 7:15 PM.)
Beginning at 7:30 PM and led by Rev. David Carl Olson, February Soulful Sundown features an evening of poetry, reflection, and live music from The Cosmic Orchestra, ONSITE AND ONLINE. Special Artist Noah Guthrie joins for an ONSITE-ONLY coffee house/concert afterward. All are welcome, never a charge!
Where music resides at the heart of religious experience.
Sunday Worship Service
Online Sunday Worship Service at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock. Due to an impending snowstorm, the Congregation will be closed Sunday February 9. The Sunday Worship Service will be available online.
Old Skins and New Spirits, led by Rev. David Carl Olson
In this Lunar New Year, we welcome the Year of the Snake and a time of transformation, renewal and spiritual growth. In an agricultural community, this could be a time to prepare the ground and plant new crops. In our more urban and suburban lives, it is a time to thoroughly clean our houses, to settle debts, and perhaps to get a haircut and don new clothes. For our celebration, everyone is invited to wear red. And if you have a bell, chime, gong or other noisemaker, bring that along, too. We’ll wish each other a new year that is filled with happiness, good fortune and community prosperity.
Veatch Sunday Worship Service: Solidarity. Equity. Justice. led by Rev. David Carl Olson and Marissa Tirona, Guest Speaker
All are welcome to hear from and meet grantees of the congregation’s national funding program. Learn how Veatch grantees put our faith and values into action every day. Marissa Tirona, President of Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees, will speak from the pulpit about how philanthropic programs and grassroots organizations are standing together to protect the rights of immigrants and refugees and our shared humanity. Marissa is nationally known as a leader for justice, inclusion, and solidarity.
Veatch Annual Meeting will follow at 1:00 PM.
The Next Chapter of Justice, led by Rev. Israel Buffardi
This Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday, we reflect on Dr. King’s vision of our shared interdependence and the ongoing story of justice, love, and community. What does it mean to be part of a story that spans generations, calling us to rise, act, and dream together—even when the task feels daunting? How do we meet the challenges of justice and compassion, grounded in the transformative power of love and community? Join us as we explore how we can shape the next chapter of this shared story.
Meet the Moment, led by Rev. Israel Buffardi
Discover the power and impact of our Unitarian Universalist movement as we explore this year’s General Assembly (GA) theme, Meet the Moment. Members of the Denominational Affairs Committee will share inspiring stories from their experiences at GA, highlighting how it deepens connection, fuels action, and affirms the transformative potential of our faith.
Soulful Sundown led by Guest Minister Rev. Karen Louise Hutt with music from The Cosmic Orchestra
At 6:30 PM, all are welcome to a simple supper prior to Soulful Sundown. A voluntary donation of $5 covers soup, salad, artisanal bread, cookies, and beverages. (Food service ends at 7:15 PM.)
Beginning at 7:30 PM and led by Guest Minister-Rev. Karen Louise Hutt, January Soulful Sundown features an evening of poetry, reflection, and live music from The Cosmic Orchestra, ONSITE AND ONLINE. Special Artist Jeff LeBlanc joins for an ONSITE-ONLY coffee house/concert afterward. All are welcome, never a charge!
Where music resides at the heart of religious experience.
More Light , led by Rev. David Carl Olson
As we attend the Practice of Story, we consider the Story of our congregation. We tell of its founding, of its moving to new locations, and its role in promoting our religion. We also think of the stories we tell ourselves about this community and this faith. In it all, we think about the ways we tell new chapters of our story with more light (truth), more compassion (community), more love (commitment).
“Somebody’s Callin’ My Name,” led by Rev. David Carl Olson
Hanukkah is a time to listen to ancient voices that call us to resilience and solidarity. In our Festival of Lights, as we are present to one another, we light candles and speak our intentions for self and others. A quiet morning of singing, meditation and story—and listening to what is calling our hearts.
Christmas Eve: The Presence of Light in the World, led by all UUCSR Ministers
We will light candles of hope, joy, and love in a music-filled Worship Service as we invite in the Christmas Spirit. The worship service ends with Silent Night and candle lighting. Carol singing and a reception follow the Worship Service. Please bring a dessert to share.
Winter’s Glow: A Musical Journey of Presence, led by Rev. Israel Buffardi
Join us for a reflective winter Service featuring Benjamin Britten’s "A Ceremony of Carols," a choral work that brings warmth and wonder to the season with timeless poetry and melody. Through music and reflection, we’ll explore themes of presence, peace, and the light we share in community. This is a time to pause, find inspiration, and celebrate the beauty and mystery of winter together.
The six movements from Britten's "Ceremony of Carols" features the UUCSR Choir and Soloists accompanied by harp.
Celebrate the Winter Solstice, led by Student Minister Madison Colquette and Rev. David Carl Olson
A celebration of the turning of the sun. With many who celebrate earth-centered traditions and spirituality, we notice the dark. We let go of the old year which is passing and burn the Corn Mare to release her fertility for the new season. We bless each other as the sunny half of the year begins. And recognizing that we still have weeks of cold ahead of us, we tell stories of perseverance and communal joy. Wear something yellow to celebrate!
Family Holiday Service: What is Coming?, Led by Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore
In this season of expectant waiting, join our Family Holiday Worship Service.
Our Religious Education kindergarten, first, and second graders will present a Nativity Play.
The Religious Education Holiday Decorations Crafting Party follows the worship service in the Social Hall.
Soulful Sundown: Celebrate Me Home, led by Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore
Many of us live far away from our friends and family and travel to come together over the holidays. Let’s celebrate this “coming home.”
Sing to the Power, led by Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore
Music surrounds us in this holiday season, bringing memories and joy.
This Sunday of our Annual Community Messiah Sing, we celebrate the power of music in our lives.
World AIDS Day Service: “My Heart is an Unset Jewel” (Hafiz), led by Rev. David Carl Olson
Our monthly theme in worship is “The Practice of Presence.” World AIDS Day can be a time for our community to be present to all who are affected by HIV/AIDS. We note our sadnesses, and we marvel at the many ways our society responded to HIV/AIDS. We celebrate continuing ministry to many communities by our congregation
Here We Are Gathered: Thanksgiving Family Worship Service, led by UUCSR Ministers
Thanksgiving is traditionally a time of family and food. We gather to share the stories of our traditions—and to acknowledge that the land we occupy was home to Native Americans who also broke bread and gathered in community on this land.
Bring bread from your family or culture to share with the congregation in the Social Hall after the service.
Bring non-perishable food items to refill our congregational food pantry.
Gold, Superglue, Hugs, and Kisses, led by Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore
How can we hold everything together when it seems that everything is falling apart?
How can we repair what is broken in the world and in our own hearts?
What are the tools for such repair?
What Now? led by Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore
After the elections, we consider how we come together to go forward and move toward the Beloved Community of freedom and justice which we seek.
Soulful Sundown led by Rev. David Carl Olson with music from The Cosmic Orchestra
Come together for Soulful Sundown with poetry, reflection, and spoken word by Rev. David Carl Olson and live music from The Cosmic Orchestra. Onsite-only coffeehouse/concert afterward features guest musician Vance Gilbert.
Soulful Sundown at 7:30 pm. No charge; donations welcome. Coffee House/Concert with Vance Gilbert directly following.
Soulful Sundown: Where music resides at the heart of religious experience.
Signed with Honor: A Service before Election Day, led by Rev. David Carl Olson
Our monthly theme in worship is “The Practice of Repair.” As we approach an election, we acknowledge the democratic process is itself in process. In the past, we had limited access to voting, and we have had times of expansion. We have known more unanimity of opinion; we have known times of great polarization. In all of these times, religious communities like ours have been about the work of repair. In a diverse society, we act in ways that we hope will not harm but be about repair.