Services

Doing and Being

We tend to define ourselves by what we do, what we have done, or what we plan to do. We ask children what they plan to do when they grow up, and when we meet new people one the first questions is often “What do you do?” But is all this “doing” what really gives … Continued

The Space Between

We live in a highly divided world, one where we are separated by politics, fear, the news media, and many other ways. It’s hard to remember to look for points of connection and common experience sometimes. What if, in our interactions with others and ourselves, we focused on the relationship, thinking that it is in … Continued

The Blessings and Challenges of Growth

Sometimes we tire of “opportunities for growth” as they can be extremely challenging and exhausting. For us, both as individuals and as members of a larger community, growth can be difficult at times. But it is also rewarding and the only healthy way forward. This service will focus on both the blessings and the challenges … Continued

Dark Times and the Human Spirit

There are certain times in human history which can seem dark with conflict and uncertainty. Our current era seems to be one of those times during which our moral fortitude and the resilience of the human spirit are put to the test. How will we respond?

What Comes After Your Ellipses?

Have you ever considered what comes after the words we use to describe ourselves? When we say we are mothers, fathers, siblings, and whatever other words we use, does it end there with a period, signifying that we are only our labels? Or do those descriptive sentences end with ellipses… those three dots that indicate … Continued

Blues Theology

Some of the best music you will ever hear has emerged from a place of persecution and oppression, and, rather than dwelling in hopelessness and despair, has proclaimed through its very existence and through its great beauty that there is something more.  This service will explore theology as a genre of the blues. (Our designated … Continued

Decoration Day

The true origins of Memorial Day are rarely discussed, but the holiday began in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War when African Americans, newly freed from chattel slavery, conducted a series of commemorations to express their sense of the meaning of the war. This service will explore the deep roots of Memorial Day and … Continued

Alone Together

According to a recent study, we check our cell phones an average of 221 times each day. How has our relationship with technology changed our relationship with one another? Do we really feel more connected with each other than we did years ago, or are we growing increasingly lonely despite being so thoroughly connected electronically? … Continued

Ritual, Religion, and Belief

Participating in rituals—religious and other rituals—seems to be a deep and meaningful part of being human. Humans of every era and geographical location have developed rituals which serve any number of purposes. This service will explore why rituals are so important and what they mean to us in our current era.

Coming of Age

Credo is a Latin word which is generally translated as “I believe,” but its literal meaning is closer to “what I set my heart to.” Sunnyhill’s Coming of Age (COA) class (8th-grade youth) will share what is close to their hearts in this service, which is a capstone of the COA curriculum.