ALL ARE WELCOME!

Sunday Services at People's Church UU are held at 11:00 am

We offer child care and children's religious education at the morning service
Social hour following the morning service.

	Wheelchair Accessible
	Amplified audio available for the hearing impaired
	About our Welcoming Congregation

People's Church is located conveniently at:
115 West Loomis in downtown Ludington, Michigan 49431
Phone: 231-845-6493
Email: peopleschurch@peopleschurchludington.org

UUA President Releases Statement on Occupy Wall Street Protests

October 13, 2011

UUA President the Rev. Peter Morales has released the following statement regarding the Occupy Wall Street movement:

"The Occupy Wall Street movement that has now spread to other cities across the country is a public outcry of frustration and anger. The protestors have taken to the streets to draw attention to the fact that our economic system has not only failed to protect the most vulnerable among us, it has preyed on the majority for the benefit of very few. The Occupy protests are a wake-up call that the American people are in great peril, and we have been for some time.

"It is not surprising that Americans have had to take to the streets to get the attention of our leaders. For too long, we have seen attention paid to banks that are 'too big too fail' while the plight of the poor and the working class goes unaddressed. For too long, we have been pitted against each other by those in power, by a corrupt economic system that pushed us to consume more and to 'get ours' at any cost. Now we know: The cost is too great, and is ultimately without satisfaction.

"Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to join the Occupy Boston protesters in this city's financial district. Unitarian Universalist ministers from several of our Massachusetts congregations came together to organize an evening vespers service at the Occupy Boston encampment, offering spiritual support and encouragement to the hundreds of souls gathered there.

"I was honored to bear witness to this historic event, and grateful for the chance stand side by side with Unitarian Universalist ministers showing such passionate devotion to our Fourth Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large. And I know that our ministers and congregants have played similar roles at the other Occupy events across the country.

"Unitarian Universalism embodies a long tradition of working for economic justice and workers' rights. Today is another opportunity for us to live our faith, and the Occupy protests are a first step on the road to repairing our country.

"I reach out to Unitarian Universalists everywhere to consider how you might be of service to any among us who are struggling to provide for their families, those who have been cheated and abused by financial institutions, and all those whose backs ache under a burden of debt, unemployment, and fading hope. Let the world see the power of our faith in action.

"And if these protests are truly planting the seeds of a reformation – even a revolution – may those seeds be nurtured by love. May the change come from a place of compassion and good will. And may all those involved know this: We are with you."

The Occupy Wall St website is here. Global live streaming is here.

People’s Church Hosting Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life Reading Groups

Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 19, 2011

People’s Church is hosting a special reading group to study Karen Armstrong’s Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life. The group will be held the third Wednesday of each month beginning July 20 from 2-3:30 PM and 7-8:30 PM at 115 W. Loomis Street.

As part of an international effort to activate the Golden Rule globally, People’s Church joins reading groups around the world to foster a greater understanding of compassion, and to promote the cultivation and practice of compassion in individual and community life.

TED prize-winner (2008) Karen Armstrong believes that while compassion is intrinsic in all human beings, each of us needs to work diligently to cultivate and expand our capacity for compassion. “Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life” Reading Groups are affiliated with the Charter for Compassion which is a TED Prize* project in collaboration with the Fetzer Institute.**

*”The TED Prize is designed to leverage the TED Community's exceptional array of talent and resources. It is awarded annually to an exceptional individual who receives $100,000 and, much more important, the granting of "One Wish to Change the World." After several months of preparation, the wish is unveiled at an award ceremony held during the TED Conference. Over the life of the prize, wishes have led to collaborative initiatives with far-reaching impact.”

http://www.ted.com/pages/about

**”A private operating foundation based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the Fetzer Institute engages with people and projects around the world to help bring the power of love, forgiveness and compassion to the center indi-vidual and community life. The Institute’s work rests on a deep conviction that each of us has power to trans-form the world by strengthening the connection between the inner life of mind and spirit with the outer life of service and action. While the Fetzer Institute is not a religious organization, it honors and learns from a vari-ety of spiritual traditions.”

http://charterforcompassion.org/about

To join this reading group, please contact Rev Cathy Harrington; People's Church 231-845-6493. peopleschurch@peopleschurchludington.org.

KAREN ARMSTRONG’S CHARTER FOR COMPASSION

The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honour the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.

It is also necessary in both public and private life to refrain consistently and empathically from inflicting pain. To act or speak violently out of spite, chauvinism, or self-interest, to impoverish, exploit or deny basic rights to anybody, and to incite hatred by denigrating others—even our enemies—is a denial of our common humanity. We acknowledge that we have failed to live compassionately and that some have even increased the sum of human misery in the name of religion.

We therefore call upon all men and women ~ to restore compassion to the centre of morality and religion ~ to return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate ~ to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures ~ to encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity ~ to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings—even those regarded as enemies.

We urgently need to make compassion a clear, luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world. Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political, dogmatic, ideological and religious boundaries. Born of our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relationships and to a fulfilled humanity. It is the path to enlightenment, and indispensable to the creation of a just economy and a peaceful global community.

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PEOPLE'S IN THE PARK - 24 AUGUST 2011

Peoples Church is STANDING ON THE SIDE OF LOVE!

Wednesday, August 24, we celebrated the spirit of life and love with music and we welcomed percussionist and teacher, Barb Pitcher, to our third People‘s in the Park celebration. Barb‘s background as a percussionist extends more that 40 years, including Afro-Cuban and Mediterranean drumming styles. Barb shares her enthusiasm with all those who come to the circles and classes she facilitates.

As a Welcoming Congregation and as people of faith, we are called to stand with the vulnerable and the oppressed. We are called to welcome the stranger. And welcome we did! When the drumming circle started, people from all around began joining the circle, old and young. We played together for an hour and as the Badger left the harbor we drummed a heartfelt farewell. It was a glorious evening.

A benediction for the evening wasn't necessary, it turns out, because the drumming was simply more powerful than words. For those of you who were not there, here is what was heard and felt by all:

And now may the rhythms of our coming together,
The melodies of our worship and the harmonies of our farewell,
make musical our living, soothing our spirits and uplifting our souls
this day and into the beckoning future.
Go in peace and blessed be.
*

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NEW MEMBER SUNDAY, AUGUST 21

WHO IS BOB ZAHROBSKY? He is not who he thinks he is, nor is he the collection of bodily cells that remain after generations of multiplying and dying. He is the awareness that knows when he is thinking or breathing. From the perspective of Eckhart Tolle, he knows he has an ego and endeavors to contain it; he does not have a life, but is life itself; he knows very little about that inner essence or self. It is the custom of humans to describe themselves with a list of experiences or thoughts that are massaged to create a good impression, or sometimes, otherwise. His list for today is as follows: Descended from four Bohemian grandparents who immigrated to the U.S. around 1900 Raised in a family grocery store in Chicago BA in Philosophy from Illinois; Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Colorado; Educational Management training from Harvard Chemistry professor and academic dean, mostly in Montana Veteran and cold war spy Married thirty years to his dear wife Raised six kids---two adopted, one estranged, and one that died in infancy Was good at sports & games; a bridge master Forgot most of his math and three foreign languages, but still speaks Spanish Lived in Mexico for the past six years Accepts the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, and thus favors agnosticism and Zen Volunteers at COVE and the Art Center Plays the accordion for fun

WHO IS SUSAN ZAHROBSKY? I was born and raised downstate in Commerce, Michigan by a couple of engaging though mismatched parents. As my father climbed the corporate ladder at GM, he really only wanted to run a "feed and seed" store in Montana. My mother, with her glamorous finger nails and Veronica Lake hairstyle, thought life was a Hollywood set and refused to give in to the mundane reality of being a housewife in the 50‘s. Against this backdrop, my brothers and I romped our way through our youth until the late 60‘s hit and everything went haywire. It‘s hard to piece together some of those years, but I lived briefly in Europe, did time on a commune, studied eastern philosophy, and managed to finish college. A haiku of the next 25 years reads: I went west to Montana Met Bob and raised four children Went south, too much sun Voila! We re-retired to Michigan and, quite serendipitously, ended up in Ludington. My favorite food--- green chili chicken enchiladas Favorite book--- The Heart of the Matter by Graham Green Favorite movie star--- Audrey Hepburn Favorite and only husband--- Bob I don‘t iron I make good bread and butter pickles Partisan politics makes me sick The only rapture I believe in was written by Beethoven I appreciate the generosity and authenticity of this congregation and look forward to meeting each and every one of you.

General Assembly in Phoenix, AR,
June 20-24, 2012

UU World: 'Justice' General Assembly to be held in Phoenix.

Delegates at the 2010 General Assembly (GA) in Minneapolis overwhelmingly endorsed a resolution committing themselves to holding a special“Justice” General Assembly in Phoenix in 2012. The resolution’s passage was the result of the mini-assembly process, which produced a document after hours of meetings, negotiation, and compromise.
Read the full article at http://www.uuworld.org/news/articles/167428.shtml

Reflection on the Gate of Sweet Nectar Ceremony
By Gendo John Wolff, Resident Priest, Great Wave Zen Sangha

In August my 93-year-old grandmother passed away. My mother asked me to perform a funeral service for her, even though she herself is not a Buddhist and has very little acquaintance with the tradition. To help her and other family members understand the ceremony that they were about to witness, I wrote a little reflection on it that I think might be of interest to others at People’s Church. The ceremony is called Kan Ro Mon, or the Gate of Sweet Nectar.

I have participated in Kan Ro Mon ceremonies only four or five times—relatively few times compared to my brethren in Japan. In Japan, monks are known to go house-to-house, performing this ceremony as a funeral service, and it is, I am told, a significant source of reve-nue for the temples. In the U.S., only some of the larger Zen communities have the space, wo/man-power, and time to make the Kan Ro Mon a regular part of practice. Those that perform it tend, I think, to do it as an annual “holiday” event rather than as a service in honor of a particular person who has recently passed (although that is a perfectly acceptable reason, too). Nevertheless, annual performances of the Kan Ro Mon are dedicated to the deceased. In my (very limited) experience, it is dead family members and close friends of sangha members that are jointly honored, their names being recited in succession from the sangha’s “Book of the Dead.”

The service itself, from a western point of view that is uninformed about so-called “deities” of the Mahayana Buddhist school (of which Zen is a part) and who are unlikely to know any East or South Asian languages will be at a loss to understand what the service is communicating, at least in the literal sense. As it’s performed in the U.S., the Kan Ro Mon is performed in four languages: Japanese, Sanskrit, Pali, and English. Since all but the English portions are unintelligible, it’s helpful, I think, to just accept the ceremony as an auditory and visual spectacle, something like performance art.

Structurally, the ceremony is one of the more complicated things we do in Zen practice. (The complexity is partly the result of the Americanization of the ceremony). It begins with the recitation of the three refuge vows. The vows are as follows: I take refuge in the Buddha; I take refuge in the Dharma (the Buddha’s teaching); and I take refuge in the Sangha (the community of practitioners). Then it moves on to the feeding of the Hungry Ghosts, a move that may seem irrelevant for a funeral. However, from the Buddhist point of view, the whole enterprise of assuaging grief and acknowledging the deceased is a matter of worldly hungers—our hunger to avoid the suffering of old age, sickness, and, of course, death.

It would be missing something to think of the Hungry Ghosts as somehow at a remove or merely symbolic of our own needs—they are, in a most live way, us. But we generally don’t want to acknowledge our own complicity in our suffering or our own contributions to others’ suffering. So the Hungry Ghosts, “demons,” and “hell beings” are beckoned into attendance during the course of the ceremony, guided by a path of candelabras. The basic idea here is that we can assuage the causes of our suffering if we bring them forth, honestly examine them, and expose them to the “cure” of the Buddha’s teaching.

The Hungry ghosts and hell beings are then “fed.” In Asia cosmology, Hungry Ghosts (remember, they are us), are portrayed as having tiny mouths, sometimes with flames coming out, and huge distended bellies—but necks as narrow as needles. This image is intended to represent our inexhaustible desires—we are hungry and craving, and yet we cannot eat enough to be satisfied. So the ceremony is mostly an act of force-feeding these ghosts. Food is “offered” at the altar (and later donated to a food bank), but it is the Buddha’s teaching that is considered the main course, so to speak.

After the feeding, the Five Buddha families are invited to the ceremony to contribute their authority and enlightenment for the benefit of everyone. A discussion of what each Buddha family represents might take a whole book, so let’s just say that each one represents a different aspect of enlightenment. Each family is invited one at a time, and as each is manifested, a participant approaches the altar and offers incense.

Following the manifestation of the Buddhas, the Sangha transfers the merits of the ceremony to the deceased. Along with the recitation of the names of the Sangha’s deceased family members and friends, others who have died tragically are also acknowledged. The whole ceremony can be quite emotionally moving and helps us return to our innate, fundamental nature as wise and compassionate people.

Note: There is Zen Buddhist Meditation at People’s Church on both Sunday and Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and a Buddhist Retreat the last Saturday of the month starting at 7:30 a.m.

QUOTATIONS

“Each of the world religions has its own particular genius, its own special insight into the nature and requirements of compassion and has something to teach us.” ~ Karen Armstrong

“I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be "happy." I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all, to matter and to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all.” ~Leo C. Rosten

Compassion is sometimes the fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else's skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too.” ~Frederick Buechner (American Author, b1926)

“In separateness lies the world's great misery, in compassion lies the world's true strength.” ~ Buddha

Life is 10 Percent What You Make it and 90 Percent How You Take it. - Irving Berlin

Only two things in life are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former. - Albert Einstein

Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right. - Henry Ford

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. - Albert Einstein

Even if you are on the right track you will get run over if you just sit there. - Will Rogers

You must be the change you wish to see in the world. - Mahatma Gandhi

Never, Never, Never Give Up. - Winston Churchill

To laugh often and much: To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Always forgive your enemies—nothing annoys them more. - Oscar Wilde

When one tugs at a single thing in Nature, he finds it hitched to the rest of the Universe. ~John Muir

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead

For a UU, a "tradition" is something that was done last year, and a "firmly established tradition" is something that has been done for the past two years. If it has been done for the last three years, it is "the way we've always done it."

"Perhaps we should realize that our need is not to 'find something to believe'—but rather to discover that our lives indicate what we believe right now. This is the place to start."
-- Edith Hunter, religious educator

"We have to 'leave home,' in a sense, leave our comfortable ways of being, to find ourselves and our calling. We need to develop a passionate discontent, an anger that picks us up and shakes us by the neck and will not let us go. The Holy Spirit, you know, is not on the side of order and stability."
-- Marilyn Sewell, minister

"Cherish your doubts, for doubt is the attendant of truth. Doubt is the key to the door of knowledge; it is the servant of discovery. A belief which may not be questioned binds us to error, for there is incompleteness and imperfection in every belief. Doubt is the touchstone of truth; it is an acid which eats away the false. Let no one fear for the truth, that doubt may consume it; for doubt is the testing of belief. The truth stands boldly and unafraid; it is not shaken by the testing."
-- Robert T. Weston

People's Church is located conveniently at:
115 West Loomis in downtown Ludington, Michigan 49431

Click for Directions and Map

Phone: 231-845-6493