Local churches announce topics of Sunday services

South End churches have announced the topics for services this Sunday.

UUCWI presents an Abraxas Communion

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island will have an Abraxas Communion on Sunday.

This Thanksgiving communion service is adapted from the work of the Congregation of Abraxas, a Unitarian Universalist group in the Boston area in the 1960s-80s who wrote worship resources that adapted traditional liturgies and rituals to reflect Unitarian Universalist principles and values.

Based loosely on the traditional Eucharist, this service is unique in many ways. Readings from various wisdom traditions explore themes of gratitude for the gift of life, the bounty of the earth and the renewed commitment to a world of peace, justice and love. Sharing the fruits of the earth with the community both celebrates the abundance in our lives and challenges us to care for those less fortunate.

Values-based children’s religious exploration classes and childcare will be provided.

The service is at 10 a.m. at 20103 Highway 525, just north of Freeland. Check www.whidbey.com/uucwi for more information.

Service focuses on God for all things

Throughout the centuries, people have turned to alternative sources other than God for healing, solutions to daily problems and insight into the human condition. Yet Jesus taught people to turn to God for all things, following the First Commandment, when he said things such as “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matthew 4: 10)

On Sunday, Nov. 29, the Christian Science service will focus on God as the source for all healing, physical and emotional, and for all needs, physical and emotional. “…there is no power but of God.” (Romans 13: 1)

Everyone is welcome at the upcoming service, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at 5910 Highway 525 (just north of Bayview and across from Useless Bay Road).

Gabriel speaks on ‘All Good Gifts’

Joanna Gabriel will speak on “All Good Gifts” at the Unity of Whidbey service on Sunday.

This is that magical time of year when we give ourselves permission to give and receive, to share, to remember and celebrate the blessings in our lives.

Are you ready for this time? Most of us know how to give, but are sometimes not very comfortable with receiving. When we don’t receive fully, it means that we often give from an empty, or depleted place which can lead to resentment and exhaustion.

The talk will center on giving and receiving, and how we can be more open to experience and its unlimited benefits.

The service begins at 10 a.m. Sunday at Bayview Community Hall. All are welcome.

Pastor Wenzek to give SWCC sermon

Pastor Darrell Wenzek’s sermon topic for Sunday at South Whidbey Community Church is, “Staying Good When You are Treated Badly,” based on John 15:18-21.

The adult learning forum continues at its regular time of 9 a.m., with Stan Walker leading a study in the book of Acts and Art Angst leading a study into the Gospel of Luke. These are open classes where everyone is invited. Morning worship will be at its regular time at 10 a.m.

For further information about the church and services, go to www.whidbeychurch.org or call 221-1220.