Speaker: Alec Peck
Alec has been a practicing UU for 23 years, raised in a UU church chosen by his father, raised Quaker, and his mother, raised Jewish (though both Humanist in practice). Alec studied natural science at Creighton University, a Jesuit institution, and is now completing his Ph.D. at UC Riverside while serving as chair of the Worship Committee here at UUCR.
“Mysteries of Science & the God of the Gaps,” by Alec Peck
We seek to nourish our spirit with awe and wonder. We want to re-experience the sense of mystery and amazement we felt as children, surprised by each new experience. Our amazement fades with our naivety, and so many people expect that their awe and reverence for the Gods might fade as they learn to understand … Continue reading “Mysteries of Science & the God of the Gaps,” by Alec Peck
“What We Want and What We Need,” by Alec Peck
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” This age-old wisdom is hard enough to internalize, and yet we must also live the changes we want for our friends, our community. It is every person’s inherent right to live with dignity in a beloved community. Life on Earth and our being together is … Continue reading “What We Want and What We Need,” by Alec Peck
“The Courage To Covenant,” by Rev. Kimberley Debus”
UUism is a faith bound by covenant. This agreement we make for what kind of church we want — what kind of community we want — has power only because we all agree with it and believe in its realization. This agreement with our neighbors and with the Gods is one we make for ourselves. … Continue reading “The Courage To Covenant,” by Rev. Kimberley Debus”
“The Giving Tree,” by Alec Peck
The Giving Tree is a popular but divisive children’s book from 1964, written by Shel Silverstein. Although the book was written and illustrated for children, the story isn’t just for children. Each person seems to have their own interpretation and feel a little differently about the story, and we can broaden our soul by exploring … Continue reading “The Giving Tree,” by Alec Peck
“The Road Less Traveled: Love,” by M. Scott Peck
Excerpts from M. Scott Peck’s book, “The Road Less Traveled” from the second chapter, titled “love.” Dr. Morgan Scott Peck was born in New York, 1936. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy but was expelled ]for refusing to attend mandatory R.O.T.C. sessions. He transferred to Harvard, where he received a bachelor’s degree in 1958, and he … Continue reading “The Road Less Traveled: Love,” by M. Scott Peck
“Flower Communion,” by Alec Peck
The Flower Ceremony, or Flower Communion, is an annual ritual that celebrates beauty, human uniqueness, diversity, and community. In this ceremony, everyone brings a flower to place in a shared vase. The congregation blesses the flowers, and then given back out, with each person bringing home a different flower than the one they brought. Our … Continue reading “Flower Communion,” by Alec Peck
“Who’s Who in the Israeli–Palestinian Conflict ,” by Alec Peck
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is once again destroying and ending lives of the people who live there, and so American citizens and politicians are once again turning their focus to this conflict. Much effort has been dedicated to determining who are the “bad” guys and who are the “good” guys, and what … Continue reading “Who’s Who in the Israeli–Palestinian Conflict ,” by Alec Peck
“How would ‘god’ Manifest: A Rational Approach,” by Alec Peck
UUism is built on many religious traditions which describe some specific theology, like the Judeo-Christian God or Buddhist Nirvana; However, most UUs do not find any specific representation of god to be very convincing, and many identify as atheist or agnostic. UUism instructs us to “heed the guidance of reason” in our spiritual journey for … Continue reading “How would ‘god’ Manifest: A Rational Approach,” by Alec Peck
“Yuletide Celebration,” by Alec Peck
The daylight hours have been dwindling, and we are at the time of year where the night reaches its prominence. The earth swings around the sun and brings us with it into the new year. This is the season of Yule. Today, we celebrate this ancient, pagan tradition as an interconnected part of our world.