Upcoming Services 

SPRING 2024

May 18, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. “What’s More than True.” Rev. Jess with musician Rosemarie Harris. Author Ursula K. LeGuin says: “fantasy is true, of course. It isn't factual, but it is true. Children know that. Adults know it too, and that is precisely why many of them are afraid of fantasy. They know that its truth challenges, even threatens, all that is false, all that is phony, unnecessary, and trivial in the life they have let themselves be forced into living. They are afraid of dragons, because they are afraid of freedom.” From Grimm to Disney, from comics to scripture: what truths do stories tell?

May 25, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. “Praise Creation!” Rev. Jessica P. Rodela.  Environmentalist activist James Thornton declares us to be on the cusp of history, “poised to become a new species . . . so different in our power and perspective that…our descendants will merit a new name:  Homo gaians.”  Let's imagine the possibilities together. 

June 1, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. “Life as a UU:  Tried & True, Conflicted & Convicted.” Rev. Jessica P. Rodela. If you were accused of being a Unitarian Universalist, would there be enough evidence to convict you?  Let’s talk about being UU, and we’ll celebrate a New Member Ceremony. If you have been attending GRU for at least 6 months and are interested in signing as a formal member, please email Rev Jess. 

June 8, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.  The Annual Youth Group Service & Bridging Ceremony. GRU’s Youth Group, The Whatevers, will lead today’s service which culminates in a rite of passage as they welcome members of the TBD Junior Youth Group into their community, and bridge graduating students into young adulthood. 

June 15, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.  “Pass the Salt: The Deep Gifts of Food and Friendship in a Community Setting.” Christa Van Daele with  Linda Oliver & Eric Oliver from Bridgeport Café (aka Wayside Café) and special music by Jay Moore. This congregation has given generously to local food banks, but what would it mean to also provide our presence? This Father’s Day, come hear how Food Bank environments can be marvelous places that we can both richly give to, and richly receive from. Christa writes: “Our thoughts on the topic this morning reflect some life-giving learnings I have experienced in the last year or so around while completing a placement in theological studies.” 

June 22, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. “To Find Something Beautiful.” Rev. J. P. Rodela. Flower Communion and Picnic. Czech Unitarian minister Norbert Čapek, in response to troubled political times, created this beloved UU-unique ritual of sharing and exchanging flowers. Today you are encouraged to bring a flower to share at our communal table (and there will be an abundance available so everyone can participate). This multi-generational celebration will be followed by our annual picnic (see the TAB for details).     

*June 22 marks the end of GRU’s liturgical year.  There will be NO Sunday service on June 29. Stay tuned for our summer schedule.*