Alison Hurwitz, a 1997 graduate of Lawrence University, discovered UU in her college years. She helped to organize a campus outreach program, inviting members of the FVUUF to campus for monthly discussions. She volunteered (with her now husband, Charlie Holst) as a coming of age mentor twice, and was the youngest mentor then on record. The impact of her immersion in the UU community empowered her and helped shape her choices as she entered her post-college years. As she began a career as a professional dancer and teacher in San Francisco, she incorporated her UU experiences into her life's work, organizing dance shows to support homeless shelters, local charities, and outreach programs. She believes strongly in the healing power of dance, and the bonds it can create between diverse individuals. Married in 2000 to her LU sweetheart, Charlie Holst, they are now expecting their first child. She is thrilled to be able to share her experiences as present LU students work with FVUUF member to create two new UU campus ministry programs.

 How many times have you read or heard a version of this statement: Marriage is a sacred institution, ordained of God from before the foundation of the world? This message will explore the history of marriage as a both a civil and religious rite -- and how it has changed over the years.

 Do you have a vision for your life? Where do we look for our vision? Carl Jung wrote, "Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens." Let’s look inside our own hearts, and into the heart of our congregation today as FVUUF celebrates the installation of The Rev. Dottie Mathews as Associate Minister, and the vision she brings to our shared life. The Rev. Suzelle Lynch has served as minister to Unitarian Universalist Church West in Brookfield, Wisconsin since 2003. She previously served as minister to the Kitsap UU Fellowship in Washington State, and is a lifelong UU.

 Because of the candidates, this presidential election is shining a spotlight on where we are as a culture regarding racism, sexism, and ageism. This will be the focus of my election sermon. In the tradition of nineteenth century Unitarianism, this sermon will be a non-partisan exploration of some of the deeper issues in this election cycle.

  When you read anything Rachel Carson authored, you know she was remarkably skilled at conveying her fascination with the magic of all life forms. Both scientist and writer, Rachel Carson is credited with bringing the environmental movement into being. Come learn more about this humble person whose tenacity and intellect make her one of Rev. Dottie's favorite heroes.

 Cyndy Stiehl and Roger Bertschausen team up for another sermon exploring the intersection between music, poetry, and spirituality. This time they turn their attention to the poetry of Walt Whitman and his celebration of the different kinds of human love.

 A summer of inflation, rising gas prices, apparently quickening global warming impact, food shortages and riots, a war between Russia and Georgia and the return of some of the old Cold War angst, and a gunman opening fire in a UU service. Is the world going to hell? How can we make sense out of all of this?

 Some of the most moving spiritual music I’ve ever heard comes from the women’s vocal group Sweet Honey in the Rock. Steeped in the gospel and spiritual traditions of the African-American church, Sweet Honey in the Rock’s music addresses the deepest spiritual questions