Sunday, December 8, 2024 The Armenian Genocide: One Family’s Story Deb Dagavarian On April 24, 1915, the Ottoman Turks declared that the Armenians living in Turkey be eradicated. On that date Armenian authors, poets, artists, scientists, politicians, religious leaders, physicians, and military officers were arrested under the guise of deportation, and then killed. For the … Continued

Sunday, December 1, 2024 All Ages Service: The Gift of Presence Over Presents UUCSJS Director of Religious Education, Jessica Dunn Safonof Our consumerist culture wants us to believe that presents are the most important part of any holiday gathering but in reality it is our presence our loved ones actually value the most. Join us … Continued

Sunday, November 24, 2024 Vespers UUCSJS Music Director, Gina Roche Gina Roche Music Service – The Importance of Self-love and Self-care featuring our special musical guest singer/songwriter John Miller. We are all in for a musical treat! BIO: Gina ROCHÉ (vocalist/guitarist/songwriter/uke player/vocal coach/tap dancer and music director for our beloved UUCSJS and loving it!) Gina … Continued

Sunday, November 17, 2024 Finding Echoes Mark Bernstein Novelist Mohsin Hamid wrote, “Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself.” Demonstrating empathy requires understanding, vulnerability, a listening ear and an open heart. In this sermon, we’ll explore the nature and power of empathy.   BIO: Mark Bernstein is a former staff member of … Continued

  Sunday, November 10, 2024 Saving the World One Starfish at a Time Theresa McReynolds Every one of us in our own way can make a difference even if that difference is only felt by one person, it is easy to feel powerless and overwhelmed, especially if those around us are saying nothing can work … Continued

Sunday, November 3, 2024 A Tool to Repair Loss UUCSJS Director of Religious Education, Jessica Dunn Safonof The cycle of life invites us to explore grief and memory as a practice of repair. In this all ages worship service we will explore concrete and meaningful ways to grieve and participate in a unique UU ritual … Continued

Sunday, October 27, 2024 Meaning in Context: Is There Any Other Kind? Rev. Wayne Conrad What is the connection between spirituality and God? What is the function of God considered in evolutionary and historical perspective? Join us as we explore these questions and more.   BIO: Rev. Conrad has done consistent work in the areas … Continued

Sunday, October 20, 2024 Why the Blues Feel So Good Gina Roche Join us for this all blues music service that will stir your soul! Bio: Gina ROCHÉ (vocalist/guitarist/songwriter/uke player/vocal coach/tap dancer and music director for our beloved UUCSJS and loving it!) Gina studied voice with opera singer and teacher Frank Capelli in Philadelphia. Gina … Continued

Sunday, October13, 2024 They Are Who I Am! The Art and Science of Collecting Family Stories David Fenimore How many of us know where our great-grandparents grew up? Or what challenges, triumphs, and tragedies they experienced? Emory University psychologist Marshall Duke argues that children who have the most self-confidence have what he calls a strong … Continued

Sunday, October 6, 2024 The Practice of Deep Listening: Finding Common Ground Jessica Dunn Safonof Can the practice of deep listening help us embody love as we interact with those we disagree with? Is there even a place for listening in our increasingly polarized culture? Join us as we explore how to keep love at … Continued