Beacon

Coming Of Age Join us for a virtual service this Sunday! Come hear what our young teens (our 9th graders) have to say about who they are, what they think is important and the decisions they are making. A favorite service, not to be missed! We will also welcome Rev. Robin back from her two-month sabbatical! Led by Rev. Emilie Boggis, Co-Minister Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Co-Minister Dr. Tuli Patel, Lifespan Ministry Team Jamaine Cripe, Lifespan Ministry Team Misa Iwama, Director of Music Ministry

The Importance of NOT Being Earnest What if we need a little less earnestness ~ even though it all feels very serious ~ and instead, need a little more laughter, a little more fun, a little more joy? Led by Rev. Emilie Boggis and Dr. Tuli Patel. Music led by Misa Iwama, Beacon's Musical Director. (Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner will be away on sabbatical from March 15th to May 15th)

Living Into Our Commitments In this sermon, we will discuss ways in which living into our commitments is an invitation and a sacred task. It is an invitation to be a people committed to repairing harm and restoring covenant. When we live into our commitments as a sacred task, we are transformed by the work we do into the beloved community's likeness. Beacon welcomes Dr. Elías Ortega, the President of Meadville Lombard Theological School, one of two Unitarian Universalist seminaries in the US. Dr. Ortega served on the UUA's Commission for Institutional Change and wrote Widening Our Circle, the Commission's 2020 report. With vocalist Jackie Jones. Led by Rev. Emilie Boggis and Dr. Elías Ortega. Dr. Tuli Patel, Lifespan Ministry Team Jamaine Cripe, Lifespan Ministry Team Music led by Misa Iwama, Beacon's Musical Director. Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner will be away on sabbatical from March 15th - May 15th)

The Ship of Theseus Throughout our lives, all of us change. How do we know who we really are? And how do we decide what to hold onto, and what to let go? In this service, we'll consider what makes each of us ourselves, in our heart of hearts. The Beacon Adult Choir will sing an Alleluia with the music of Pachelbel. Led by Rev. Emilie Boggis and Guest Preacher, Rev. Sarah Skochko. Music led by Misa Iwama, Beacon's Musical Director. Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner will be away on sabbatical from March 15th - May 15th)

Six-Word Biographies to our Future Selves Have you ever sent a letter to your future self? Or written a six-word biography? Well, get ready for a mash-up. Imagine yourself or the world ten years in the future. What do you hope is your six-word biography? Beacon members Ginny Johnston and Dennis Manion will sing the classic "Big Yellow Taxi." Led by Rev. Emilie Boggis and Dr. Tuli Patel. Music led by Misa Iwama, Beacon's Musical Director. Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner will be away on sabbatical from March 15th - May 15th) Join us for our Social Half Hour following the service

We've Got Some Difficult Days Ahead - Where and When is Your Mountaintop? A modern-day reflection on the life and loss of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Guest Preacher: The Rev. Michael Crumpler. Rev Crumpler joined the UUA in early 2017. Shortly thereafter, he was ordained to Reverend in the United Church of Christ.Michael lives in Harlem and is very active in social justice ministry at the historic Judson Memorial Church of New York City and the surrounding queer community. He is most passionate about intersectional ministry centered in blackness, queerness, HIV/AIDS, economic justice, and emotional well-being. Led by Rev. Emilie Boggis and Dr. Tuli Patel. Music led by Misa Iwama, Beacon's Musical Director.

Anointed Easter Sunday: An often forgotten biblical story of an anointing gifted to Jesus teaches us the power of being seen in our sorrows and in our triumphs. How might we anoint or bless one another into becoming?

Does it? Really? Those of us who have had tragedies strike often bristle with good reason. Let's consider what's behind the phrase and how it leads us to listen a little more deeply. And respond differently. Led by Rev. Emilie Boggis and Dr. Tuli Patel. Music led by Misa Iwama, Beacon's Musical Director. SHOW LESS

Unitarian Universalists are known for our "deeds" and not our creeds. It is true that a faith without works is dead. But are acts without grounding values just busy-work? What deep center keeps us engaged in our convocations? Led by Rev. Emilie Boggis and Dr. Tuli Patel. Music led by Misa Iwama, Beacon's Musical Director.

Adrift and Found As I ready for my two-month sabbatical, I share a few experiences of wandering without being lost and the danger of deep listening. Rev. Emilie Boggis, Co-Minister Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Co-Minister Dr. Tuli Patel, Lifespan Ministry Team Jamaine Cripe, Lifespan Ministry Team Misa Iwama, Director of Music Ministry

Calling Us Home Too much noise. Too many distractions. That's the world today. What would happen if we created intentional space in our lives to listen deeply? How might our lives change? How might we manifest real change in the world? Rev. Emilie Boggis, Co-Minister Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Co-Minister Dr. Tuli Patel, Lifespan Ministry Team Jamaine Cripe, Lifespan Ministry Team Misa Iwama, Director of Music Ministry

Know When to Hold 'Em We all make wagers. It's a part of living. The intimate relationships we choose, the work we undertake, the ways we create family. Bet after bet. But what do you do when the wager fails? Guests Sara D'Sa, Jason Jackson and Sameer Kuriyan will be playing music of Florence Price and Duke Ellington. Rev. Emilie Boggis, Co-Minister Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Co-Minister Dr. Tuli Patel, Lifespan Ministry Team Jamaine Cripe, Lifespan Ministry Team Misa Iwama, Director of Music Ministry

Can We Trust One Another? Really? Our culture teaches that needing or asking for help is a sign of individual weakness. Can we really trust one another to have each other's backs? In fact, it is a sign of your belief in the power of community, even though the vow has been broken a thousand times. Rev. Emilie Boggis, Co-Minister Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Co-Minister Dr. Tuli Patel, Lifespan Ministry Team Jamaine Cripe, Lifespan Ministry Team Misa Iwama, Director of Music Ministry

It's the most exciting Sunday of the year....that's right Sex Sunday! Also known as the Sunday where we explore some Unitarian Universalist values around sexuality. This year, we will explore virtual space and the dynamic of relationship in a pandemic. Can you be sexy in isolation? Rev. Emilie Boggis, Co-Minister Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Co-Minister Dr. Tuli Patel, Lifespan Ministry Team Jamaine Cripe, Lifespan Ministry Team Misa Iwama, Director of Music Ministry

As we fast approach one year of quarantine for most of us in New Jersey and across the US, how have daily risk assessments forever changed our relationships? What are we really risking in the months ahead? Rev. Emilie Boggis, Co-Minister Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Co-Minister Dr. Tuli Patel, Executive Director & Lifespan Ministry Team Jamaine Cripe, Lifespan Ministry Team Misa Iwama, Director of Music Ministry

National Geographic's published a special issue called 2020: The Year in Pictures, featuring “71 photographs from an Unforgettable Year.” What was clear from the photos is how it showed us - in glaring detail - how imbalance our society and our lives have become? How do we use that insight to ground our lives and our society? With Brian Kelly for a special candle lighting. Led by Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Rev Emilie Boggis, Dr. Tuli Patel. Music led by Beacon's Musical Director, Misa Iwama. With Brian Kelly for a special candle lighting.

"Speak the truth, but not to punish." What does the koan from Thich Nhat Hanh teach us about balance? With Beacon member Sara D'Sa, violinist. Rev. Emilie Boggis, Co-Minister Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Co-Minister Dr. Tuli Patel, Lifespan Ministry Team Jamaine Cripe, Lifespan Ministry Team Misa Iwama, Director of Music Ministry

More Than a Notion As a congregation, we've committed to Beloved Community, in our 8th principle and our covenant. Understand what Dr. King meant by Beloved Community and this core theological concept to our faith. With musical guest Rosena Hill Jackson Rev. Emilie Boggis, Co-Minister Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Co-Minister Dr. Tuli Patel, Lifespan Ministry Team Jamaine Cripe, Lifespan Ministry Team Misa Iwama, Director of Music Ministry

Ready...or Not A new year, new resolutions, and a new us? Or maybe not...what is newness in a body that regenerates 40,000 cells a day! Rev. Emilie Boggis, Co-Minister Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Co-Minister Dr. Tuli Patel, Lifespan Ministry Team Jamaine Cripe, Lifespan Ministry Team Misa Iwama, Director of Music Ministry

Not My Table Is balance a realistic New Year's goal? If we're serious about it, we may need to say NO to taking care of everybody and every thing in order to say YES to the one thing we can do. WIth guest Anand Nayak. Rev. Emilie Boggis, Co-Minister Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Co-Minister Dr. Tuli Patel, Lifespan Ministry Team Jamaine Cripe, Lifespan Ministry Team Misa Iwama, Director of Music Ministry

Dance in the Desert, Bring Your Tambourine The new year starts with renewed energy and purpose, even in a pandemic. Drawing upon scripture, spiritual practice, and original music, Unitarian Universalist Rev. Erin Walter will reflect on how to foster joy and gratitude in the midst of our ongoing struggles. Rev. Erin Walter, Guest Preacher Rev. Emilie Boggis, Co-Minister Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Co-Minister Dr. Tuli Patel, Lifespan Ministry Team Jamaine Cripe, Lifespan Ministry Team Misa Iwama, Director of Music Ministry

A Solstice State of Mind Blessing darkness and the gifts of a deep turning toward the inward stillness, come for a service drawing us to center as we await the sun's return. Rev. Emilie Boggis, Co-Minister Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Co-Minister Dr. Tuli Patel, Lifespan Ministry Team Jamaine Cripe, Lifespan Ministry Team Misa Iwama, Director of Music Ministry

Breaking our Silence How do we resist systems of secret-keeping? How do we liberate ourselves from the silence imposed upon us? With musical guest Jackie Jones! Content Warning: Junot Díaz Reference and Sexual Trauma After Rev Emilie delivered the sermon, she learned that there are allegations against Junot Díaz surrounding sexual harassment and assault. Mr. Díaz has been accused of sexual harassment while also telling his own story as a survivor of sexual assualt. We wanted listeners to know the fuller context and understand the complexities of trauma in our society. Rev. Emilie Boggis, Co-Minister Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Co-Minister Dr. Tuli Patel, Lifespan Ministry Team Jamaine Cripe, Lifespan Ministry Team Misa Iwama, Director of Music Ministry

When Waiting Isn't Sacred In the season of Advent, we enter a time of expectation in the Christian calendar. How do we discern between an intentional, sacred time of waiting and the delay of what is right and good? Come let us find a way to know the path of truths. Rev. Emilie Boggis, Co-Minister Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Co-Minister Dr. Tuli Patel, Lifespan Ministry Team Jamaine Cripe, Lifespan Ministry Team Misa Iwama, Director of Music Ministry

The Oracle Has Spoken. Now what? In every Greek demi-god story, it begins with a prophecy from the Oracle. Then, the quest begins. A lot depends on how you interpret the prophecy. What prophecy is upon us? How will we engage the quest of our time? Rev. Emilie Boggis, Co-Minister Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Co-Minister Dr. Tuli Patel, Lifespan Ministry Team Jamaine Cripe, Lifespan Ministry Team Misa Iwama, Director of Music Ministry

Give Us This Day: Gratitude and the Possible   From a quarantined house with four children and two occasionally irritable adults (only occasionally), let's get real about the practices that sustain a journey of compassion.

Don't Say That!: Courageous Companions Many people find election results (in any year) shocking. They look at the results and wonder how people can think so differently, live so divergently. Coupled with social isolation and social media, the echo chambers are strong. Is there a way to break through the culture war? Listening to the voices of our children, Rev. Robin will share some practices of conscience and connected living. We welcome guest musician Bhuvanesh Komkali who is the grandson of Pandit Kumar Gandharva, son of Mukul Shivputra. Growing up amidst musical legends, Komkali will help us collectively move into the spirit of Diwali, the festival of lights.

We, the Possibility Where do we go from here?   Led by Revs Emilie Boggis and Robin Tanner and Dr. Tuli Patel. Music led by Misa Iwama

The Soul of America - What's Worth Saving Now Rev Dr. Robin Tanner preaching with music by Misa Iwama, Jackie Jones, and John O'Neill.

Woefully Inadequate How do we deal with feelings of woeful inadequacy in the face of all we hope for the world? What are the theological underpinnings and spiritual practices that help us wrestle "not enough" and claim the courage to do what can and must be done?   Led by Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Rev. Emilie Boggis & Dr. Tuli Patel. Music led by Misa Iwama, Beacon's Director of Music. This service was requested by Beacon members Dennis White and Ellen Boylan.

Invisible & Ongoing When ambiguous loss is the new normal, let's establish some resilience bank accounts. Led by Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Rev. Emilie Boggis, Dr. Tuli Patel and Misa Iwama. With musicians Rosena Hill Jackson and John O'Neill.

How We Save the World: Mustard and Suffering In an epic age of grief and lament, how can we source strength in the suffering? Come to grieve but to empower this day.

MORE Faithful Weekend We must do MORE: Mobilizing, Organizing, Registering, Educating People for a movement that matters. This Sunday is all about voting and the Universalists call in this moment. Led by Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Rev. Emilie Boggis & Dr. Tuli Patel Music by Misa Iwama, Beacon's Director of Music

Keeping the Peace? Two children came to blows over a tablespoon of milk after 160 days together. Does anyone know what healthy conflict looks like? Lessons in saying sorry and world peace from a home in the pandemic. Led by Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Rev. Emilie Boggis & Dr. Tuli Patel

"Our Annual Water Ingathering Service" Join Beacon for a 30-minute virtual service. Led by Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Rev. Emilie Boggis & Dr. Tuli Patel Our Social Half Hour will be held after our 1 pm Water Communion.

"What's It Worth To You?" On the eve of Labor Day, we will delve into the essential and the value of being human. Led by Rev Dr Robin Tanner, Rev Emilie Boggis & Dr. Tuli Patel Music with Misa Iwama, Beacon's Director of Music

The long awaited day for our annual Coming of Age Service is finally here! Join us as our rising 10th graders step into our virtual pulpit and share their beliefs and reflections. A brave act, one which we should all engage in as a spiritual practice. Led by Dr. Tuli Patel Music with Misa Iwama, Beacon's Director of Music SHOW LESS

When We Become Bill Gates It's a common conversation icebreaker to ask what we would do if we won the lottery. How would we change the world with our millions? But does it take millions, or even billions, to be a philanthropist? What does it mean to practice generosity, and what impact does it have upon us and the world. Led by Revs. Emilie Boggis and Robin Tanner, Dr. Tuli Patel Music with Rosena Hill Jackson and John O'Neill.

When It Gets Real   Unitarian Universalism is called a covenantal religion. We are founded on practices that bring us into right relationship, but what is the spiritual practice of covenant require?   Led by Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner Music with Misa Iwama, Director of Music Ministry

Soul Recess When we are young children, play comes as a natural act. Do adults still need play and if so what on earth does it look like? Led by Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner, Rev Emilie Boggis & Dr. Tuli Patel Music with Misa Iwama, Director of Music Ministry

August 2nd: Calling All Ancestors   We continue with our theme of spiritual practice, exploring the role of spiritual ancestors in Unitarian Universalism. In 2020 we've seen the loss of immense brilliant lives. How can we invite their wisdom and strength in the here and now?   Led by Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner. Music with our Music Director, Misa Iwama

We are fairly new to co-ministry here in Monmouth County. As two very different ministers sharing one position, we have learned a few lessons about partnership—its beauty, fragility, power, and pitfalls. One thing is clear—partnership matters. What does a broader partnership mean to Unitarian Universalists these days? Does our theology really encourage collaboration? Can we survive without it? Led by Rev. Craig Rubano and Rev. Virginia Jarocha-Ernst of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County.

"Keeping Vigil" This spring and summer have been filled with marches, protests, teach-ins, and vigils as we bear witness to racial disparities laid bare by police brutality and the pandemic. We must not allow ourselves to desire a return to normalcy, but instead to recommit our hearts and lives to fueling the revolution of love. Led by Rev. Alison Miller, Senior Minister of Morristown Unitarian Fellowship.

In July, Beacon typically welcomes guest preachers to our pulpit. This July is no different! Each Sunday, Beacon will be joining virtually with UU congregations throughout New Jersey, to experience together a worship service created by the ministers and worship teams of sibling congregations. Beacon folx will be welcomed by Revs. Robin or Emilie and then, we'll get to experience the talents from Montclair to Morristown, from Monmouth to Beacon. After the service, Beacon will gather for our own Social Hour at 11 am.

"Flower Communion: Beauty Amidst the Broken" This annual ritual asks us to face a time not dissimilar from our present moment when a people who were frightened and yet called upon to rise up found rituals to sustain them. Share a flower picture with Rev. Robin (robin@summitbeacon.org) in advance of our service to be included in a special ritual! Led by Revs. Emilie and Robin. Music with Misa Iwama and John O'Neill.

Have you ever played two truths and a lie? Let's talk about the hard parts of integrity and the lies that appear so real. Led by Rev. Dr. Robin Tanner. Music with Misa Iwama and John O'Neill.

Are you taking part in the Clap of Appreciation for First Responders that is happening in towns and cities? This is a tribute to first responders across the ages. Led by Rev. Emilie Boggis. Music with Misa Iwama and John O'Neill.

Principled Living May 17 • 9:30 AM / 11 AM Our Coming of Agers have chosen to delay their service until we can be in one another's physical presence. Our senior youth have stepped up the challenge and will be sharing how the they are guided by Unitarian Universalist's 7 principles. How are we using them here and now across our lifespan? Led by Revs Robin and Emilie. Music with Misa Iwama and John O'Neill.