Talk given by Richard Clarke and Carol Johnson at Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on May 12, 2024.
At the Heart of UU ideas are writings of transcendentalists like Emerson and Thoreau. Their ideas have deep connection to what was taught by Ramana Maharshi. These ideas are compared and contrasted in this talk.

Richard Clarke and Carol Johnson explore explores the ideas of unity and interconnectedness through the eyes of Ramana Maharshi, Emerson and Thoreau.

Presented on May 8, 2024 to a mixed audience of St. Andrews Anglican and of LCUUF members,

LCUUF 20240505

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LCUUF 20240505

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Presenter: Rev. Matt Alspaugh, Service Associate: D'Vorah Kelley.
There is a sense of rootedness, a sense of place, the interdependence we have with the people and things that are local, directly around us. Yet we live in a global world, easily connecting us with people and things far away. How does this sort of rootedness relate to our global world, and all the choices that globalization brings us? Further, most of us in this congregation are migrants, scatterlings, here by choice. Consequently our relationship with this chosen place is different. We may even be seen as ‘strangers in a strange land’. Can we establish a sense of place in a new place?

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Loretta Downes talks about planning for emergencies and death, the forms and documents which are needed and other helpful information.

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Presenters: Loretta Downs and Catherine Luria, Service Associate: Dee Dee Camhi
Emergencies of many types can surprise us. Loretta Downes will talk about planning for emergencies and death, the forms and documents which are needed and other helpful information.

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Bob Koches moderates.
Complexity science studies how simple rules can lead to incredibly complex behaviors across diverse systems from physics to social networks. Our Humanist discussion will explore core complexity concepts like emergence and chaos theory, examine real-world applications, and delve into the philosophical implications of a complexity-driven scientific worldview.

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Presenter: Mario Pardillo and Service Associate: Tim Boeve
LCUUF talk for |Earth Day 2024

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Presenter: Mario Pardillo, Service Associate: Tim Boeve.
We commemorate and reflect upon Earth Day, which is celebrated annually on April 22– tomorrow! This important event reminds us that amidst the polycrisis facing our world today, the crisis that impacts not just certain regions of warfare, or those of us caught up in political machinisms that dominate the headlines, but virtually every life form and sentient being on our planet.

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Presenter: Bob Koches, Service Associate: Jane Castleman

Taking a holistic approach, this UU sermon challenges our traditional ways of thinking and explores the 7th UU principle and love, through the interconnected lenses of system science, gestalt thinking, and the Japanese concept of finding your purpose, known as ikigai. We’ll explore how these ideas can create a new perspective where love is the foundation for interconnected, purposeful living, and how understanding ourselves as part of a greater whole, embracing all aspects of life, and finding our purpose cultivates a more loving and interconnected world.

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Presenter: Bob Koches, Service Associate: Jane Castleman
Taking a holistic approach, this UU sermon challenges our traditional ways of thinking and explores the 7th UU principle and love, through the interconnected lenses of system science, gestalt thinking, and the Japanese concept of finding your purpose, known as ikigai. We’ll explore how these ideas can create a new perspective where love is the foundation for interconnected, purposeful living, and how understanding ourselves as part of a greater whole, embracing all aspects of life, and finding our purpose cultivates a more loving and interconnected world.

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Explore the significance of initiation ceremonies in guiding girls into womanhood with Hana from Wise Girls / Niñas Sabias. Learn how modern initiatives are restoring these vital spaces, empowering girls through education, and fostering a deeper connection with their bodies and cycles.

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Presenters: Rev. Matt Alspaugh & Eric Luria.
Virtually all religious organizations depend on the efforts of individuals, freely given, with no compensation other than the joy of service. Our fellowship is no different. We’ll take time to reflect on this heart of service that exists in each of us, and how we nurture this heart. We’ll also take time to honor everyone who has volunteered their service, in ways large and small, to further the mission of our fellowship and create a vibrant and welcoming faith community.

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Presenter: Rev. Matt Alspaugh. Service Associate: Michael Swords.
“He is risen,” some of my Christian friends would tell me on Easter Sunday. Christ’s resurrection from the dead is one of the most central elements of Christian faith. Yet we are given few details about the resurrection event itself in the Christian Bible. Instead, the story has been fleshed out in words and images in later times. We’ll explore what these say about the resurrection, and how it might be interpreted in a way more meaningful for us today.

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Presenters: Pam Cucinell and Colleen Beery
Here in the Northern Hemisphere, the Spring Equinox is March 19th. In a world gone mad, how do we restore balance? A recognition of the Equinox emphasizes the importance of daily encounters with our natural world. From her perspective as an astrologer Pamela Cucinell discusses why so many cultures value this time, and why we might want to as well. The Spring Equinox reminds us that continual adjustments are needed to strive for Balance.

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Presenter: Rev. Matt Alspaugh (Remote), Carol Johnson: Service Associate
Easter is coming. In some Christian circles, the story of Easter is about God’s grace, the unmerited gift of redemption by God through Jesus' death on the cross.
If this kind of grace doesn't work for most of us, does the idea of grace have any meaning for us? Maybe there is a more ordinary grace that might be ready to transform us. How might we understand and experience grace in a more ordinary, everyday sense?

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Presenter: Richard Clarke, Service Associate: Carol Johnson

Richard Clarke explores the transformative power of gratitude to enrich our lives through simple joys and cherished memories.

Research underscores the physical and mental benefits of gratitude for older adults, from bolstering immune function to enhancing cognitive well-being. But beyond the science lies a deeper truth: gratitude fosters connection and purpose, guiding us through life’s transitions with grace.

Practical tips for infusing gratitude into daily life offer a roadmap to joy and fulfillment. From morning reflections to evening gratitude practices, each moment becomes an opportunity to embrace abundance and inspire others.

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