UU Community Blog

Your Worship Service Committee is Pauline Simms, Chair Josiah Gromley Patti Holmes Nonna Randal Sara Steelman other occasional worship associates: Corbin Krug and Gabby Kennedy Lori Rittle also leads a Yule Log Service Annually I hope this clarifies the paragraph in my Sabbatical Letter that some found confusing. rev joan

November 10, 2013 I am very pleased to inform you that our First UU Board of Trustees has approved ministerial sabbatical time for me beginning December 25, 2013 through March 19, 2014.  Clergy take a sabbatical when they have need for a deep and deliberate break from the demands of Read more

On October 6th, Rev. Joan VanBeccelaire,Ohio-Meadville District Executive and Guest Preacher with Rev. Joan M. Sabatino, Worship Associate, celebrated UU Association Sunday and our canvass kick-off, Fueling the Fire. Rev. Sabatino reminded our congregation of the many gifts we have to do good works: safe and unique sanctuary, shared talents Read more

Susan Swope of the Gettysburg Unitarian Universalist church delivered an inspirational service at the church on October 13. Ms. Swope incorporated Civil War music with specially selected songs and stories of the impact of the Gettysburg Battle on the local people living in the area 150 years ago. Rev. Sabatino Read more

The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Indiana, located at 285 Twolick Drive, is currently featuring a member art show, “Earth and Sky.” The theme is made up of photographs, watercolors, acrylics, oils, and mixed media of favorite landscapes and elements of nature. Artists include Ginger Earley, Leon Hue, Linn Pittman, Read more

The First Unitarian Universalist Church, in collaboration with IUP’s music department, hired graduate assistant, Jenna Hyatt, to prepare and direct the First UU church choir. Each 10:30 AM Sunday Service is designed to celebrate love through its musical programming and to enhance the religious service focusing on the diverse and Read more

An all-church workshop, “Growth & Vitality Next Steps,” was led by Dr. Susan Boser. The workshop occurred on Friday evening, September 6, and Saturday afternoon, September 7. At 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, a catered dinner was served to members and their families. A large number of members gathered at one Read more

A large group of First UU members and friends met at Cozumel Restaurant to enjoy conversation and authentic Mexican cuisine on Friday, May 10th. The Membership Committee decided to support the Downtown Indiana’s monthly “Lovin’ Downtown Every Second” by offering our members to come together for a social evening out Read more

The annual Goods & Services Auction held on Saturday evening, May 11th, was a successful fundraiser for the First UU Church. Michelle Greene, Auction Chairperson, can be seen in the center of the photo delivering Mexican refreshments, while auctioneer, Michael Charnego, continues to entertain those bidding on items. Check out Read more

On Sunday, May 19th, the Flower Communion was celebrated with Rev. Joan M. Sabatino and Nonna Randal, Worship Associate, leading the service. Flower Communion is an annual Unitarian tradition first created by Czech minister Rev. Norbert Chapek in 1923. Our Sunday school children collected the flowers members brought to church Read more

Pete Brook, IUP Professor of Spanish, was the guest speaker on Sunday, May 5. His presentation, “Cinco de Mayo: What It Is and Is Not” gave congregation members insight to the historical importance of this day. Brooks went on to contrast the celebration festivities as they occur in Mexico and Read more

Former Spanish instructor, Judith Yothers, with assistance by Jaunita Burdette, read the Story for All Ages to the children and congregation on May 5th. After giving a quick Spanish introduction to colors of the Mexican flag, she went on to enthusiastically read “Cinco de Mouse-O” by Judy Cox.

A Cinco de Mayo themed annual Spring Goods and Services Auction will be Saturday, May 11th. Doors open at 6 p.m. and auction begins at 7 p.m. with Michael R. Charnego, auctioneer. Holding a few of the auction items are First UU members: Pete Brooks, seated; Rev. Joan M. Sabatino; Read more

Several IUP First UU student-members participated in the annual Chalk on the Walk event at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  The annual event encourages students to create a social or political message in chalk on sidewalks in the IUP Oak Grove.  A flame within a chalice (a cup with a stem Read more

Changing times, well that’s for sure?  When I look around at the world in which I live, I see radical fundamentalists on all sides, and a grave uneasiness for those of us in between.  All of the foundations I have depended on throughout my life seem to be cracking.  This Read more

In my sermon yesterday, I talked about taking risks across the chasms of our lives that keep us from being the best we can be.  As humans we all experience these situations when doubt or worry paralyzes us.  For me, it has been writing a blog.  A fear of being Read more

On Sunday, April 21, the service title, Seeds, Webs, and Hope: An Earth Day Intergenerational Service with Rev. Joan M. Sabatino, Josiah Gromley, Swana Chepaitis and the Religious Education Children and Adults encouraged full participation of the congregation as they were invited to decorate the sanctuary’s Earth Day Altar with Read more

Faye Bradwick, guest spoke on the topic of “Render to Caesar.” On Sunday, April 14, on the eve of the United States’ “Tax Day”, the congregation was asked to reflect on the importance of giving from what they have for the greater good. Pauline Simms, Worship Associate; and Lori Rittle, Read more

  The first “Unitarian Universalists “Lovin’ Downtown Every Second” occurred on Friday, April 12, when more than twenty members and friends met for dinner at Spaghetti Benders on Philadelphia Street. With great fortune, “Grist for the Mill” was scheduled to perform on the same night. A great time was had Read more

On Saturday evening, April 6, Andrew Shingledecker, played guitar and piano live in the church sanctuary. Andrew is a local artist and songwriter and covers popular music from Tom Petty to Beatles to Leonard Cohen The event was hosted by the First UU Board of Trustees. Snacks and beverages were Read more

The meeting of the first satellite branch of the First UU of Indiana took place on the Clarion University campus on Thursday, March 28. Rev. Joan M. Sabatino, was greeted by a number of interested students and faculty members at the university. Seated to the left of Rev. Sabatino is Read more

Unitarian Universalist musician, composer, and activist, Jim Scott, brought his contemporary and multicultural music to First UU on Sunday, March 31. Jim along with Rev. Joan M. Sabatino embraced the service’s topic, Leaning Toward the Sun – Rebirth & Renewal. Jim has shared his talents in more than 500 UU Read more

The Religious Education students along with parents and teachers decided to personally assist with the March social justice project, The Alice Paul House, Indiana. The group started the process of creating sock animals to give to the children who will be served by The Alice Paul House. After the group Read more

Our Annual Easter Tree Tradition Lives On ~ This year the children at First UU made lovely new decorations for the Easter tree, continuing an important church tradition. Our annual Easter tree tradition began on Easter Sunday in 1994. That particular Sunday was also the first Sunday that we held Read more

After the violence at a Sikh temple last Fall, UUA President Peter Morales suggested Unitarian Universalist learn about the Sikh religion. First UU welcomed to our pulpit on March 3, Harold Morales, IUP Religious Studies Professor, who helped us understand this often misunderstood Sikh religion. Rev. Sabatino is shown with Read more

In honor of Black History Month, on Sunday, February 24th, Wang Xi, IUP Professor of African American History, reflected on the Emancipation Proclamation. Patti Holmes, Worship Associate, lead the service entitled “History Remembered.”

Quilt Show Exhibit Open to Public The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Indiana is currently featuring its annual quilt show in its sanctuary. The show entitled, “The Warmth of Community,” is made up of finely crafted historic and contemporary quilts. These locally owned and hand-crafted quilts represent many aspects of Read more

Rev. Joan is shown speaking during the Martin Luther King celebration at Grace United Methodist Church held after the MLK Freedom March in downtown Indiana on January 19th.  “The Beloved Community” was the theme for this year’s event sponsored by the Indiana County NAACP.  The IC NAACP’s planning committee included Read more

First UU members shown at the sound booth with the new equipment are designer and builder, Bill Heberer; minister, Rev. Sabatino; and Corbin Krug, audio-technician. The First UU Church was awarded the competitive Chalice Lighter Call grant from the Ohio-Meadville District last summer. With this grant, the First UU hopes Read more

The congregation of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Indiana, 285 Twolick Drive, finished their December social justice project to support the Indiana County residents through the ICCAP program. Members and friends of the First UU donated money, non-perishable food, and household items at their recent Sunday services. Along with Read more