Rev. Debra Guthrie-Joyce

Resistance is Futile—or is it?

Like the Starfleet commanders, we are facing our own breed of the Borg as the new administration takes office. It is not the artificial augmentation of humans with mechanical parts we fear but the United States version of austerity, which we have seen throw Europe into chaos.… more

Lessons and Carols…

featuring David Brown and the Principle Singers will bring you an updated version of our traditional Christmas Eve service. The service includes the story of Christmas as told in the Bible in conversation with Rev. Debra’s theological interpretation and a number of hymns. This year the choir is also preparing a new anthem. Cookies and hot apple cider will be served after the service.… more

Holiday Sing-along

Rev. Debra and the Musicians featuring David Brown bring you another of our favorite traditions, the Holiday Sing-along. Please let me know your favorite holiday song so we can include it in the program. Minister@aikenuu.org. This Sunday includes a time for all ages.… more

The Christmas Truce

This Sunday’s service will feature a dramatic reading from Suzanne and the Aiken UU players. I will attempt to frame the skit in the service to make it meaning for us in this time.… more

Forced Smiles

The holidays hold a lot of sorrow for many people no matter what their religious beliefs. How can we hold that sadness in our spiritual community while allowing room for many to celebrate the season of hope? This Sunday includes a time for all ages.… more

No Original Winter Celebrations

This week I will trace the roots of our current Christmas rituals to their Pagan roots. I will be seeking the spiritual common denominator for us during this time of year.… more

Wage Love

In an era of warring factions do we ever stop to design a process for reconciliation? Happy to wage war and content to take our marbles and go home when things don’t go our way. I think about it often. When I see colleagues and people I know barred from association or worse give-up, I wonder how do we find our way back? How can we reconcile and repair relationships if we are not even speaking?… more

On this Sunday before Veterans Day

The minister will share reflections from the latest book she is reading by her favorite author, Mark Nepo, More Together Than Alone. Nepo has been described as a spiritual writer, poet, and philosopher. His writing offers layers of meaning appealing to any reader seeking inspiration. Consider how we integrate veterans in all our spaces so that they feel “together” with us.… more

New Member Sunday

We will welcome our 9 new members or as many of them as can make it. The service will also include a “surprise” teaser for an exciting new undertaking the whole church will be engaging next year.… more

“Engage the Tension; Don’t Indulge the Drama”

The UU Ministers Association has adopted the wisdom of brilliant author, Adrienne Maree Brown, who offers amazing tools for group interaction. As we enter into a new era of creativity and innovation, we might consider using some of these tools. Let’s sample some of her thoughts today.… more