Long-time MMUUF member, social worker and author, Sarah Ward will share her experience of discovering Buddhism through her extended Italian Family and the cross-cultural sharing that led her to examine the Buddhist path of faith, practice and study to promote positive change within and in her external environment.

Sometimes we find ourselves needing to make a choice about whether to speak up and risk offending another person who holds a different belief than our own.  Finding compassion towards others who appear to be selfish, or dismissive can be a challenge. Better Angels is an organization attempting to help bridge the communication gap between the red and blue party lines that are often drawn on current issues.  We will explore their method of building bridges in a workshop format during the sermon.  Come prepared to take a stand and learn ways to engage someone with a different view point than your own.

In our social media culture parents are particularly under a microscope. We will unpack some of those judgements, and think about the inherent worth and dignity of every parent, especially those who are struggling to “get it right.”

Sensational stories like a child falling into a pen at a zoo go viral, judgements fly from every corner of society, everyone seems to have an opinion about what a parent should have done. Families who are challenged with mental health issues, or addictions to substances may find that reaching out for assistance, advice, and support means being judged by the community. Our implicit bias against being vulnerable pushes many people to carry on without seeking support.

Each Service, please bring a donation for the local Jericho Foodshelf. Our Fellowship is asked to provide canned fruit when possible. Our contributions are critical to this important work!