Special Fifth Sunday Service    Becky Kraai and Ian Read Share their Stories

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. Who better to say this than Maya Angelou who kept her tragic story inside for many years but then shared it in her best-selling book, “Why the Caged Bird Sings.“ We don’t have stories as much as we ARE stories. We humans have been telling stories for as long as we have existed. Our own Becky Kraai and Ian Read will share their stories with us. Becky is a UU convert, but Ian is a “lifer.” Lots to look forward to!

My Spring of 1981    Rev Ernie Mills

In January of 1981 I entered seminary at Duke Divinity School. The academic demands of graduate school presented me with tremendous challenges. Due to the medications I was taking at times it made it difficult to focus on reading assignments and daily lectures during class times. Fortunately, I came into contact with Professor Richard Goodling, a pastoral psychologist who agreed to meet with me in private sessions. Doctor Goodling listened with patience and understanding. One thing he said that is etched on my memory: Don’t ever forget what happened to you; mine it for the treasure it holds.

My Autumn of 1980    Rev Ernie Mills

One autumn afternoon in September 1980 I ended up in the emergency room of Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville, NC. That afternoon I was admitted to the psychiatric ward of the hospital and later diagnosed by a psychiatrist as suffering from an acute episode of schizophrenia. I spent two nights in the hospital and was released under the care of the staff at, what was then, Trend Mental Health. The road to healing was difficult and there were relapses. No one outside of my immediate family knows about this episode but after recently listening to Ted Talk I am inspired to share it in the hope that it might inspire others to share theirs.

The Life and Times of Julia Ward Howe  Rev Ernie Mills

Most of us know Julia Ward Howe (1819-1910) as the author and poet known for writing the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” What we may not know is that Julia was raised as an Episcopalian, but in 1841 became a Unitarian. Julia was an activist for women’s rights, an outspoken opponent of slavery and a strong supporter of the 14th Amendment. Although few of us may agree with some of the terminology of the “Battle Hymn,” Julia captures the spirit of what makes America truly great. Her words should instill hope in all of us for a brighter future for our country.

Webs, Nets and Tapestries – Symbols of the Whole  Rev Ernie Mills

Our last, but not least, UU Principle is “the interdependent web of existence of which we are a part.” Notice the two last words “a part,” rather than the single word, “apart.”
We are learning each day that humans are not the free standing, autonomous, independent beings that exist apart from the web of existence. Yet for many centuries this has been our guiding (misguided) myth. The sooner we not only acknowledge this, but start to live it in our daily lives and lifestyles, the better off we will be and the better our chances are of saving our planet.
We will delve into this progressive consciousness and see if we can come up with ways to live it out.

Discussing the Sixth Principle: Peace, Liberty and Justice for All   Rev. Ernie Mills

10:30 Whimsical World Gallery, Landrum, SC

We are experiencing globalization nowadays more than ever before, yet we are far from feeling a sense of community with our neighbors around the world. Meanwhile the forces of nationalism and isolationism seem to be growing stronger and fostering a strong resistance to the creation of a world community. I would like to believe that we are experiencing the pangs of a new birth that will lead to a sense of one world, one planet that we all share.

Discussing the Fifth Principle: Affirming the Right of Conscience      Rev. Ernie Mills

10:30 Whimsical World Gallery, Landrum SC

You’ve heard the saying “follow your conscience” yet that may not put you in the line that everyone else is marching in. In fact it may put you at odds with the prevailing attitudes of the world around you. But never fear if you happen to live in a democratic society – you can speak your conscience without fear of being persecuted or prosecuted.

But are we experiencing the erosion of democracy in America and with it the right of conscience?
And what can we do to affirm and promote this principle?

Freedom to Be    Rev Ernie Mills

Dec 15, 2024   Whimsical World Gallery, Landrum, SC

Freedom is essential to all our searching and seeking. As Unitarian Universalists we work
with the intention of creating a safe space for each other to openly and freely search for meaning without fear of being morally judged or corrected. Our 4th UU principle calls us to “affirm and promote a free and responsible
search for truth and meaning.”

Beyond Tolerance      Rev Ernie Mills

Dec 1, 2024 Whimsical World Gallery, Landrum, SC

We’ll explore our 3rd UU Principle, “Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.”

This principle challenges us to move beyond tolerance which is a form of suffering- in this case- of another’s beliefs or ideals. Through accepting one another we experience the enriching and ennobling of our own faith and “expand our vision”…and our horizon.

Restoring Human Dignity         Rev. Ernie Mills
10:30 Whimsical World Gallery, Landrum, SC

The journey to the restoration of the inherent worth and dignity of every person began in the Renaissance with such works as, “Oration on the Dignity of Man” by Giovanni Pico. It continued on through the Enlightenment with a frontal attack on the dogma of “Original Sin”.  Our first principle offers us an alternative view to the belief that we humans are inherently corrupt and in need of a gruesome sacrifice to be “saved.” But we all know how challenging it can sometimes be to put this principle into practice- perhaps even when it comes to ourselves.