May 5 Guest Preacher, Rabbi Stephanie Alexander
Charleston's first female rabbi, Rabbi Stephanie Alexander, received her B.S. from Tulane University. She earned ordination, and a Masters degree from Hebrew Union College, and served Temple Beth El in Dubuque, Iowa, before joining historic Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue in July 2010. Rabbi Alexander is an asset to the Lowcountry’s faith community and will likewise grace our pulpit.
May 12 “Charity, Mercy and Patience,” Rev. Danny Reed
We will revisit Julia Ward Howe’s “Mother’s Proclamation for Peace”—the emphasis and statement that eventually led to Mother’s Day. We will honor the Alliance for their significant and generous contributions to the church. We will also observe our annual “Flower Communion,” which symbolizes both human individuality and community. Please bring a cut flower to share and be prepared to return home with a flower brought to church by someone else.
May 19 “Spirit and Truth,” Rev. Danny Reed
As prelude to our annual Corporate Meeting, we will examine truth. Are history, memory, myth, and truth synonymous? Where does spirit enter in?
May 26 “Roses in December,” Rev. Danny Reed
Returning to themes from the previous Sunday, we will narrow the focus to memory, particularly the relationship between memory and learning. Individually and collective, why do we resist best practices and repeat destructive patterns?
Forums at 10 am, in Gage Hall
May 5 Climate Change--2012 and Beyond
Dr. Stoney will be discussing current issues in climate science and considering the policy and private responses that we should be implementing.
Dr. S. David Stoney, PhD, Director, Kitchen Table Climate Study Group
May 12 People and Plants: The African Baobab Tree in the Americas
Long regarded as a mystical provider in African communities, the fruit, leaves and seeds of this giant are now being eyed by producers as the world's newest superfood. But Africa's most famous tree was actually introduced to this side of the Atlantic some three hundred years ago. Ethnobotanist and College of Charleston anthropology professor John Rashford will review the introduction, distribution and uses of the species in the Americas in the post-Columbian period, and in particular, the reasons people have given for planting the tree.
Professor John Rashford , Professor of Sociology & Anthropology, College of Charleston
May 19 Death of the Weimar Republic and Rise of the Nazis: What Lessons Does this Tragedy Hold for Us?
The Depression helped to kill Germany's young democracy, but the Nazi accession to power was not the inevitable consequence. Richard will talk about how the one emerged from the other, and possible parallels in the present.
Richard Bodek, Modern German Historian, College of Charleston
May 26 Election of the UUA Moderator -- the leader of the Unitarian Universalist Association
Jim Key from Beaufort, South Carolina is running for the top position in the Unitarian Universalist Association - Moderator. Our church delegates will be voting on the new UUA Moderator at General Assembly in June, 2013. Came listen to Jim Key-- why is he running, and what will he do if elected our Moderator!
Jim Key, Unitarian Universalist Association