natalie fenimore

This month we celebrate Thanksgiving and many people tell the story of the “Pilgrims and Indians.” The story is based in truth but has gained mythic status. There is, of course, more than one perspective in the story and more than one way to tell any story. How can we/should we change the story to be more inclusive?

How often have we been denied the wisdom and creativity which come from marginalized voices/expressions? How might we make ourselves and our community more open? The Annual Summer Orchestra Concert followed the Worship Service. The Concert celebrated the “unheard voices” of three women composers for orchestra on Sunday, July 31, 2022.

Soulful Sundown on Friday evening July 8, 2022 was led by Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore with music from the Cosmic Orchestra. “Summertime” was the subject of spoken word and live music from a full band.

Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore led the Service, titled "Spiritual Democracy" on July 3, 2022. The Fourth of July holiday celebrates the American Revolution and the beginning of US political democracy. UU Principles also celebrate the democratic process but as something more than a political system. How do we understand the spiritual democracy which surrounds our congregational life? 

Blooming and Belonging Easter Family Service:  A time together full of music and the joy of being together to welcome Spring—the season of awakening and rebirth. Led by the UUCSR Ministry Team

"Where music resides at the heart of religious experience." A contemporary evening Worship experience led by Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore with music from The Cosmic Orchestra.

Listen to stories of women’s wisdom, growth, and renewal as they age. On March 6, 2022, we  shared some of the life lessons of older women and reflected on the many gifts which they offer.
 

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.(1929-1968) quoted the Unitarian minister, Theodore Parker (1810-1860) when we said “the Arc of the Universe is long but it bends toward justice.” Our UU communities have long embraced a commitment to taking this long journey towards building a more just, peaceful and loving world. Our young adults incorporate the quest for justice and inclusion into their spiritual lives; hear their words on this connection.

In 1993, the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly passed a resolution on Justice for Indigenous Peoples, resolving to address the problems and issues faced by Native Peoples, to support local indigenous peoples' political actions and to learn about the richness of their culture and spirituality.  Long Island is the ancestral home of 13 Indigenous Peoples. The hamlet of Manhasset, where this congregation is located is named for the Manhassets. The Shinnecock Tribal Nation is a federally recognized tribe on the east end of Long Island. What do we know of the presence of Native Peoples on Long Island?  And how might we be in relationship with the community that first knew this land as their home? Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore addressed these questions on November 7, 2021.

It has been a year like none other for our children, youth, and families. Through this time of isolation, separation, anxiety, and zooming everything – our young people have also built determination, empathy, resilience, and a strong commitment to justice in the world. In the Bridging Worship Service on May 16, 2021, we recognized and celebrated our graduating High School seniors. Included were stories, readings, and reflections from Lifespan Religious Education Coordinator Carson Jones, Student Minister Alia Shinbrough, Senior Seminar Advisor Bill Carmody, and graduating members of the Senior Seminar youth group. Featuring music from the UUCSR Vocal Quartet, Jazz Ensemble, and a new recording from the Young People’s Choir conducted by RE Music Specialist George Weisman.