Joanna has been a member of the Concord UU Church since 1995, and at one time or another has served on most committees and held many volunteer jobs over the years. She is an historian who retired from academia several years ago but still teaches in several life long learning programs including OSHER/Dartmouth, LINEC at New England College and AIL at Colby-Sawyer.
The theme for October is “Courage” and two literary references jump out at me. One is “Profiles in Courage” which was written by John F. Kennedy and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1955. It highlights the real people he believes showed the most astounding integrity in the face of overwhelming opposition. The other is the” … Continue reading Grace Under Pressure Indeed
Throughout her celebrated career, Mary Oliver touched countless readers and listeners with her carefully crafted poetry on nature and the natural world. Her work is simple (at first glance), accessible and best-selling. In fact, it is the antithesis of much academic poetry. She died as the pandemic was starting and this service will celebrate her … Continue reading Beauty Through the Eyes of Mary Oliver
The monuments we erect and venerate, the symbols we treasure or despise, and the texts, art and music that capture and embody our history all offer opportunities for holding up a mirror, for learning about ourselves, and for atoning for our past. Join Michael and Joanna as we explore the impact of local and national … Continue reading The Containers of Our History
When the going gets tough, the tough get… poetry? Joanna Henderson will explore how great poems help us be more resilient in the face of hardship.
Online Only On the 100th anniversary of women in America being able to vote, we will honor the leader of that movement – Susan B. Anthony. Raised as a Quaker, she joined and attended the Rochester NY Unitarian church for many years. Even at a time with so many things going on, this event is … Continue reading Failure is Impossible
Writing a childhood memoir is a journey of the soul. Writing a childhood memoir is a journey of the soul as much as it is a window into it. Things get uncovered you didn’t know were there. And, it is perhaps one of the best ways for your children and grandkids to learn about your … Continue reading Telling Stories About Ourselves
In the information age, with answers literally at our fingertips, why is it important to still have mystery in our lives? Is the need for an answer greater than the desire for the unknown or inexplicable? The emphasis on proof and outcomes is important but mystery persists as a reminder to enjoy the process. Today’s community plate is … Continue reading The Need for Answers
