Each spring a small group of volunteers meet and work for several months on presenting summer services for our congregation. Under the guidance of Chris & Marlana Barry, participants develop their ideas together to create something unique and spiritual. These members or friends of the UU Church of Amherst are folks who feel they have something to say. Participants work togther to help each other formulate, develop and present a sermon over the summer months.
Classes began this year on 2/27/08 and continue every Wednesday at 7:30pm through March & April.

Preaching by Parishioners 2008 schedule:

June 22, Buddha, Peace Pigrim & the Missing Piece
Gemma Lanthier

June 29, The U.U. Clout
Mehdi Kizilbash, with music by Kathy Moriarty

July 6, Christianity Without God
This may seem like music without sound; actually it is more like astronomy without astrology. Recent scholarship describes an exciting, historical Jesus who is relevant today.
Peter Diachun, Niagara UU

July 13, Can UU Hear Me Now?
Should we be allowed to proselytize on PBS? How do we balance the Constitution with our Principles?
Jerry Kent

July 20, The Cats of Jerusalem In Jerusalem, free roaming cats mean there are not rats. Here unattached cats are frequently euthanized. How do we know which is the 'right way'?
Michele George

July 27, Crossroads for Truth There are infinte possible views for any event; I naturally see only one. Come explore how the perception of others has affected my search for truth.
Yvonne Stocker, Niagara UU

August 3, Learning to Share
As good citizens we give to help those who have less. Redistribution is an idealistic aim, but truly -- how much is enough?
Chris Barry

August 10, Principled Dancing
When I first read the Unitarian Universalist principles I felt they were too global to practice in my daily life. I have since found that there is a simple beauty in the way principles can be applied to my personal life. Join me as I share stories of my life's dance.
Paula Mumm, with music by Kathy Moriarty

August 17, The Ghosts of the Past are Calling You!
We owe a great debt to those who came before. I'd like to share how certain acts of creativity connect to the UU principles and timelessness.
Jake Marek, with music by Kathy Moriarty & Jake Marek (audio 1.58MB)

August 24, UU Evangelism
Many think that 'UU Evangelism' is an oxymoron. Critics think UUs don't believe in anything worth evangelizing about and UUs don't evangelize people into our faith. Come find out if these words can ever make sense together and whether you can become a UU evangelist without becoming a moron, oxy- or otherwise.
Scott Harrigan (audio 2.39MB)