Reverend Sue Browning will deliver a sermon entitled “Trust, the Essence of Faith” at 10 a.m. on Sunday, February 17, at the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River, 914 Gateway Dr, Chestertown. What do you trust in the world? What is the bedrock of your faith? Unitarian Universalism is often explained by describing aspects of other faith traditions that were rejected. Join Rev. Sue Browning as we consider the ways we hope our faith supports us in times of question or struggle.

Religious Exploration classes for youngsters and childcare for infants and toddlers will be available during the service.

Please phone 410-778-3440 for more information. All are welcome!

On Sunday, February 10, the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River, 914 Gateway Dr, Chestertown, will host Mr. Josh Long, who will deliver a sermon entitled, “Punches, Podcasts, and Process.” Josh explains, “The Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University has a podcast called ‘Scene on Radio.’ The past two seasons they have tackled difficult topics that our culture would typically run away from, that is, Racism and Patriarchy. While we have all this new technology to help us be more informed, why do we seemed more divided than ever? Why do we argue over alternative facts and fake news? The theme of ‘ rust’ may have some answers. These words have a gut reaction, for some of us, it feels like an assault on who we are. If we are to be a people of faith, how can we learn to trust that discomfort and challenges that will one day make us better human beings? Let’s discuss together.”

Josh is Director of Music Ensembles at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Annapolis, and will be performing for this service, which will include some of Josh’s original pieces.

Religious Exploration classes for youngsters and childcare for infants and toddlers will be available during the service.

Please phone 410-778-3440 for more information. All are welcome!

A discussion of the book Deep Denial: The Persistence of White Supremacy in United States History and Life, by Rev. David Billings, will take place at the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River, 914 Gateway Dr., Chestertown, on Thursday, January 10, starting at 6:30 p.m. The book examines the deeply entrenched notion of White Supremacy in the U.S., which persists despite the Civil Rights movement and our election of an African American president.

The discussion is an activity that supports UUCR’s goal of undertaking a church-wide focus and community activism regarding racism and racial equity. Anyone interested in learning more about the book, or this discussion, please call 410-778-3440 to learn more.

A second discussion will take place at the Bookplate, 112 S. Cross Street in Chestertown, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 27.

At 7 p.m. on Sunday evening, December 23, Rev. Sue Browning will lead the congregation in a ceremony entitled “Eve of the Eve: A Service of Unity,” at the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River, 914 Gateway Dr., Chestertown. Join UUCR for a special service, complete with music, story, and the candle-light tradition of closing with “Silent Night.” This year with Rev. Sue Browning we’ll reflect on the ways winter holidays offer a sense of oneness with all humanity. Philip Dutton will lead us in song.

Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome! Call 410-778-3440 for more information.

Rev. David Billings, author of the book Deep Denial: The Persistence of White Supremacy in United State History and Life, will preach a sermon at the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River, 914 Gateway Dr., Chestertown (Crestview subdivision), on Sunday, November 18, 10 a.m. The public is invited to attend.

At a special congregational meeting earlier this fall, the UUCR congregation adopted three-year goals, one of which was a church-wide focus and community activism regarding racism and racial equality. Rev. Billings’ visit to UUCR underscores that commitment; his sermon will examine the deeply entrenched notion of White Supremacy in the U.S., which persists despite the Civil Rights movement and our election of an African American president. He will answer questions from the audience after his sermon.

Karen Somerville will provide special music for the service.

Religious Exploration for youngsters and childcare for infants and toddlers will be available during the service.

Rev. Billings will be making other appearances in Chestertown through November 20; his visit is being coordinated by the Chestertown Social Action Committee.

For questions about Rev. Billings’ visit to the Unitarian Church, please call 410-778-3440.

On Sunday, October 14 at 10 a.m., Doug Harrell will give a sermon entitled “Silos of Discord” to the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River, 914 Gateway Dr., Chestertown. The United States is on the verge of a new civil war. Not yet a shooting war, but just as during the lead up to the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, Americans are divided into two camps, and constructive dialogue is scarce. Where are the peacemakers? Is there anyone or any group who can serve as an honest broker by listening respectfully to both sides and work to heal the rift? In his sermon, “Silos of Discord,” Doug makes the case that the practice of the Seven Principles equips UUs to undertake the task of bridging the divide, and restoring respectful discourse to our public sphere.

Vocalist Sue Matthews will provide special music for this service.

Religious Exploration for youngsters and childcare for infants and toddlers will be available during the service.

All are welcome — call 410-778-3440 for more information.

On Sunday, Sept 23 at 10 a.m., Dr. Bob Clegg will give a sermon entitled “The Next Greatest Generation” to the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River, 914 Gateway Dr., Chestertown. This sermon examines the responses of civic-minded, “hero” generations throughout history — generations that came of age in times of unraveling, uncertainty, and crisis. According to some historical analysts, we are now due for another “hero” generation. The good news that this sermon argues for is that the millennial generation that is coming of age today bears the hallmarks of prior hero generations that put things back together just when all seemed lost.

Religious Exploration for youngsters and childcare for infants and toddlers will be available during the service.

All are welcome — call 410-778-3440 for more information.

On Sunday, May 27 at 10 a.m., Benjamin Van Dyne will give a sermon entitled “What We Do Together” to the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River, 914 Gateway Dr.,Chestertown.

Benjamin, a recent graduate of Union Theological Seminary, explains: “Religious liberals prize individual self-determination, and often tell their own story as Us in terms of moving toward freedom and away from constraints. But what is the price of our freedom to choose?”

Religious Exploration for youngsters and childcare for infants and toddlers will be available during the service.

All are welcome — call 410-778-3440 for more information.

On Sunday, May 20 at 10 a.m., Rev. Sue Browning will give a sermon entitled “The ‘Why’ of Going Deeper” to the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River, 914 Gateway Dr., Chestertown. Often Rev. Sue says, “My hope is by doing this (or that) we can go deeper.” What does she mean by this? How has UUCR’s first year with Rev. Sue helped the congregation ‘go deeper’? Join us at this service with Rev. Sue as we explore the ways we’re individually and collectively inspired to stretch, grow and change.

Religious Exploration for youngsters and childcare for infants and toddlers will be available during the service.

All are welcome — call 410-778-3440 for more information.

On Sunday, May 13 at 10 a.m., Rev. Greg Chute will give a sermon entitled “Forty Days of What?” Rev. Chute explains, “Yes, I know it’s no longer Lent, but the idea of intentionally setting aside time for self-awareness and personal assessment is always a good idea. Jesus went into the desert for forty days in search of himself. Where would you go? Or, what would you choose to give up for forty days as a spiritual practice? More importantly, perhaps as Pope Francis asks: ‘What would you be willing to take up for forty days as a spiritual practice? And to risk changing your life?’”

Pianist Dick Durham will provide special music for this service. Religious Exploration for youngsters and childcare for infants and toddlers will be available during the service.

All are welcome — call 410-778-3440 for more information.