The Problem of Patriarchy - to be a truly flourishing society with equal opportunity for all persons requires moving past the patriarchy to which so many still seem to be clinging.

Steve Brooks will enlighten and entertain the Fellowship with his sermon, Born Again Pagan. With Halloween and Dia de los Muertos on the horizon, it's a perfect time to reflect on their roots as the Pagan New Year. The worship of nature is our oldest spiritual impulse, and these days, it might be just what we need to save our planet. Austin folksinger and UU Steve Brooks talks and sings about the Wiccan and Native American paths, and how he found out he was a Born-Again Pagan. Learn about the real old-time religion, and help God get in touch with his feminine side.

In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the Open Hearts and Minds Fellowship will dedicate its service on October 13th to animals and animal lovers everywhere. St. Francis was a thirteenth century monk who founded the Franciscan order of monks that still exists today. He is the patron saint of animals and of the environment. Many faith traditions celebrate St. Francis Day by blessing animals during their Sunday service.

Rev. Fred Wooden is a UU minister who served five churches over 40 years, retiring in 2020 from the independent liberal Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids. Along the way he served First UU in Austin from 1990-1994. In later life he was drawn to the practice of pilgrimage and will consider how it may be the quintessential UU spiritual practice.Rev. Fred Wooden is a UU minister who served five churches over 40 years, retiring in 2020 from the independent liberal Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids. Along the way he served First UU in Austin from 1990-1994. In later life he was drawn to the practice of pilgrimage and will consider how it may be the quintessential UU spiritual practice.

In the past, UU churches in New England closed for summer vacation and then reopened in the fall with an-gathering service featuring a water communion. Now we know churches need to remain open all year to serve people searching for a spiritual home. In Philip Larkin’s poem, Water, he suggests all religious services should feature watery imagery, including the most powerful symbol of all – a humble glass of water raised “in the east.” During this service, water will be provided for each person to pour into a community bowl while describing water that’s been meaningful in their lives. Congregants also can bring water from a place that’s important to them and pour it into the bowl.

Each year we celebrate the signing of the U. S. Constitution on the weekend nearest September 17, in an event we call Interdependence Day. This is in remembrance of the sacrifices that were made, the ability of the document to evolve and growth with changing awareness, and in recognition that we must all work interdependently to form a moral and just society.

We all long for answers to deep existential questions that explore the meaning, purpose, and value of human existence. During this service, the Rev. Phil C. Mason will help us ponder questions, like: Are we part of something larger than ourselves? What is our purpose in life? How do we find meaning in life? What is freedom and our associated responsibilities? Rev. Mason is a “retired” Episcopalian priest who has “flunked” retirement because he frequently speaks at UU churches and serves as an interim minister for Episcopal churches.

This Too Shall Pass An antidote to anxiety about current events or anything at all is to keep in mind that This Too Shall Pass. The bad things pass, the good things pass. Let’s keep each other company as all things pass.

Finding Meaning Through Creativity The purpose of art is to make you feel something. Has art helped you find or express meaning in your life? Did you or someone else create it? Is it painting, sculpture, photography, collage, digital, music, poetry? Something else?