Sunday, May 4
The Ever-Present Power of Joy
With Rev. Stephen Shick
How can joy be a constant part of your life in troubled political times like these? Is it alright, or even possible, to feel joy when confronted with death or tragedy? How could you make joy a life-affirming spiritual practice? This Sunday we’ll address these questions and explore the wisdom found in William Blake’s familiar words: “Joy and woe are woven fine, clothing for the soul divine. . . it is right it should be so, we were made for joy and woe, and if this we truly know, safely through the world we go.”
All are welcome to join us following the service for conversation and light refreshments in Union Hall.
“Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily, and I must return the gift.”
– Robin Wall Kimmerer
Stephen Shick is Minister Emeritus of the Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson, MA. He also served our congregations in Haverhill, MA and Portland, ME. Stephen was founding director of the Unitarian Universalist Peace Network and former director of U.S. programs for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, and helped to establish Community Ministries within our association. Stephen has taught the art of public speaking to UU ministers and social activists for over 25 years. He is the author of Speaking by Heart: The Spiritual Practice of Unscripted Public Speaking, Be the Change: Poems, Prayers & Meditations for Peacemakers and Justice Seekers, and Consider the Lilies, a collection of meditations.