30 Sep

Posted at 11:47h in Upcoming Events

 

In-person worship in the Church Sanctuary every Sunday at 10:00am

Masks are required for all indoor services and activities.

For a full list of our guidelines for re-opening please see our Covid Protections and Guidelines

The service will also be presented live on the CHANNING YOU TUBE CHANNEL  and available for viewing afterwards.

October 3:Meditation on the Wisdom of Rumi

Rev. Bill Zelazny, Assisted by Tim Phelps

Jalal ad-Dīn Mohammad Rumi, more popularly known simply as Rumi, was a 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic scholar and theologian, and Sufi mystic. He is one of the most favorite poets among Unitarian Universalists.  This Sunday, in honor of his birthday which was September 30, we will listen to, and quietly reflect on, in the style of sama*, several of his poems and wisdom observations.

*a Sufi practice of deep listening often involving music and movement

Following the worship service we will hold our Annual Church Community and Volunteer Fair! Come and find out about and learn how to participate in the many programs and activities at Channing Church such as the Caregiving Team, Chalice Circle Small Groups, Fellowship, Worship, Property, Social Action and others.

October 10: Creating a More Accepting Community For our LGBTQ+ brothers & sisters

Guest Speaker: Brian Williams

In honor of LGBTQ History Month, that recognizes the struggles and contributions of LGBTS people who for generations lived in a hostile world, Brian Williams wishes through his talk to help the larger community understand the many identities in the LGBTQ+ community. He will address subjects such as how to respond to when a friend or neighbor comes out, and the best ways that we can support them.

Brian Williams is a 21 year old Gay/Queer person from Portsmouth, RI. He is an aspiring entrepreneur and works closely with local businesses in his journey towards being a business owner. Brian graduated from Portsmouth High School in 2018 and in his time there, he was very active in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community in his school.  Brian is working with Interweave at Channing Memorial Church as a committee member for their annual Born This Way Prom. Brian presentations incorporate both factual education and emotional firsthand experience. He is very passionate about helping educate the community to help the LGBTQ+ community to have a safe and accepting world around them. 

October 17: Appreciating Life and Ourselves

 Rev. Bill Zelazny 

We usually say “Thank you” to someone who has done something good for us.”  But have you ever said “Thank You” to yourself?  Sounds funny to say that, but appreciating oneself is an important measure for health and well-being.   Bill will reflect on appreciating ourselves in the context of appreciating life.

October 24: A Portable Sanctuary

Rev. D.L. Helfer      

Sanctuary is the art (and science) of creating peace around us to inspire peace within. But what does that look like and where is it?  Today we explore how to encounter mystery, and sanctuary, wherever we are.

Reverend DL describes themselves a is a Unitarian Universalist minister currently living in Rhode Island, a gender queer individual, and a believer in truth-telling. 

October 31: Passing Beyond the Veil and Back                

Ben Riggs

The “veil” is often the term used to describe moving past death to the mysterious place or unknown state of existence (or non-existence).  It was originally a reference to the mysterious innermost sanctuary of the Temple in Jerusalem.  Later it took on the meaning of the mysterious division between this world and what may be next.  Some people claim they died (stopped living) and then returned to life.   This phenomenon is called a NDE — near death experiences.  On this All Hallows Eve we will take a look at this event and its implications.

Mr. Ben Riggs leads a IANS (International Association for Near Death Studies) group in Newport.   He has been a presenter at the Salve Regina University’s Circle of Scholars classes.