Dr. Marty Faitak talks to us about the advantages of forming and maintaining long term relationships, as well as some of the difficulties that could present themselves along the journey.
Full service:
To view the Order of Service, CLICK HERE.
Archives for May 2023
May 28 – “The Healing Power of Art”
Musician Kim Petras says that music is her spirituality, and painter Michael Hubbard talks about creativity as an instrument of healing. In this service, the UUFF Choir shares the art of music, and Rev. Steven delivers a message about the healing power of creative processes.
To view the Order of Service, CLICK HERE.
Announcement and Letter from Rev. Steven Gaines
Dear UUFF,
I have thoroughly enjoyed serving with you since I became a member in 2020! In late 2021, the Board offered me a one-year contract as your half-time minister. I was happy to accept it! After that year, I served a few more months with you.
As a full professor at a college in Midland, Texas, I did a lot of remote ministry, while being physically in NWA two weekends per month in the Fall and Spring semesters. I was also present with you in NWA for a full month during the college’s winter break and the three months of summer. That arrangement worked well in many ways but was difficult in others.
I have informed the Board that I need to exit the role of salaried UUFF Minister. I love you and enjoy working with you; however, in this role I am stretched too thin. Furthermore, you need a minister who lives in NWA. I have searched for full-time jobs in NWA and have not found one that would be better for me than the one I have in Texas. My child lives in Fayetteville, so I will be continuing the interstate life and will enjoy being a member of the UUFF community when I am here.
The Board asked me to continue in a decreased capacity through June, and I accepted the proposal. In that time, I will provide two Sunday services per month. Any other ways I choose to serve will be voluntary. This is not goodbye! It’s just an adjustment. I’m excited to discover how I might continue participating in this community, without being on payroll, and wish the best for UUFF!
In solidarity, Rev. Steven
(published April 26, 2023 in the UUFF eNews)
May 21 – “Midterm Exam of Life”
At this time of year, many students take final exams. This Sunday, Rev. Steven leads us in considering another kind of exam, the midterm, and its implications for spiritual growth. We’ll explore a traditional spiritual practice called examen or self-examination and how it can help Unitarian Universalists.
To view the Order of Service, CLICK HERE.
May 14: “Flower Communion!”
Bring a flower (or a small bouquet if you have more to share) and join us for our annual Flower Communion. This year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Flower Communion!
Full service:
To view the Order of Service, CLICK HERE.
May 7 – “Seeding the Future: Cherokee Ethnobiology”
We are pleased to welcome Feather Smith, Ethnobiology Manager for the Cherokee Nation! Feather shares with us how the Cherokee people interact with their environment, including a discussion of Cherokee Heirloom crops and the Cherokee Nation Seed Bank. Join us for this uplifting and informative conclusion to our spring series on Earth Care.
Full service:
To view the Order of Service, CLICK HERE.
