Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown

Worship Services

2026

March 29 – Diane Awenydd-Evans

Understanding Wicca & Paganism: Beliefs, Practices, and the Reality of Magick

Diane Awenydd-Evans will present an introduction to Wicca and Paganism — explaining common tenets, what practitioners believe, what they do, and addressing the question many people ask: Is magick real?

Lay Leader—Monica Buckley 

March 22 – Chad W. Towarnicki

This I Believe: “Waking Up” to Spirituality

From 12 years of Catholic schooling to questioning it all, it turns out I had a very direct path to the UU Fellowship in Pottstown. Early exposure to the Transcendentalist writers and the great outdoors allowed for a spiritual connection that often went overlooked as I was “finding myself” through early adulthood. Now, with a firm understanding of UU, looking back at those formative works has proven to be a stepping stone to understanding myself as a husband, a dad, and a member of our community at UUFP. Apologies in advance for the survey-review of American Lit.

Lay Leader — self-led

March 15 – Emily Quarles-Mowrer

This Life Is More Than Just a Read-Through

The Britannica website translates the Latin phrase “Carpe diem” as “pluck the day,” as if our days were grapes on a vine to be picked and eaten one by one. The concept of savoring our time seems foreign in our infinity-scrolling culture. Join us as we contemplate what it means to spend our time wisely.

Lay leader — self led

March 8 – JD Stillwater

Mystery: Koans of Science

Today’s culture war pushes us to perceive spirituality and science as enemies, holding up a false dichotomy between reason and mystery. The universe, as science reveals it, speaks only of inherent unity and holds up Mystery as both muse and ground of reason. 

Lay Leader — Emily Quarles-Mowrer

March 1 – Liss Rinker

Exploring Religiosity and Spirituality in the LGBTQ+ Community

Religiosity and spirituality play significant roles in the lives of many LGBTQ+ individuals. Understanding the interaction between faith and sexual or gender identity is essential to foster acceptance and inclusion within religious communities. This presentation explores key aspects of religiosity and their impact on LGBTQ+ people.

Liss’s Bio: Liss Rinker, LPC, is a mental health professional dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ clients navigating religious conflict and moral injury. Their work focuses on the psychological impact of non-affirming environments and the development of “spiritual fluidity” as a coping mechanism. Having presented extensively on the challenges of faith-based rejection, Liss provides clinicians and community members with actionable frameworks for reconciling religious heritage with queer identity. Their current research explores the role of communal belonging in the long-term mental health outcomes of LGBTQ+ people of faith.

Lay Leader — Ann Tomalavage

February 22 – (Cancelled due to weather)

February 15 – Emily Quarles-Mowrer

Sitting with the Unknown

At this time of year, many of us are making "to-do" lists of new habits to acquire. Krista Tippett, founder and CEO of The On Being Project, offers a different perspective on New Year's resolutions. Instead of setting goals or tasks, she invites us to explore a question. Join us as we consider how holding a question at the center of our lives for a year can help reframe challenges and open us to new experiences and ways of engaging with the world.

February 8, 2026 - Rev. Cheryl Meinschein

Choosing Hope in Uncertain Times

In the faith tradition I follow, the four Sundays before Christmas focus on hope, joy, peace and love. This year, I found myself gravitating especially toward hope. Maybe it's the cold winter, or maybe it's the tenor of the times. This reflection is inspired by Practical Optimism: The Art Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being by Dr. Sue Varma. This Sunday we'll explore her insights and recommendations for cultivating hope in uncertain times.

February 1, 2026 - Jessica Matthews

The Spirituality of Rot: How I find Truth and Meaning in Dirt.

What if your kitchen scrap bin is actually a vessel for a spiritual journey? This service explores why soil is the essential, living hear of the interdependent web we are called to respect. Whether you're a climate activist or simply someone who likes to eat, we are all connected by the ground beneath us. Let's move past the guilt of footprints and into the actional hope of becoming dirt-rich!

January 25, 2026 - (cancelled due to weather)

January 18, 2026 (cancelled due to weather)

January 11, 2026 Israel Elias Colon

Following Your Inner Compass

A poet, educator, and community organizer will reflect on the theme “Following Your Inner Compass.” Drawing from his personal journey through creative writing, interfaith exploration, and years of working with youth, Israel will explore how listening to one’s inner compass can reveal shared values across belief systems and lead us toward lives of purpose and service. Through storytelling, poetry, and reflection, this multigenerational service invites us to consider how curiosity, compassion, and care for the next generation can guide us forward-especially when the path isn’t always clear.

Bio: Israel Elias Colon is a writer, educator, and community organizer based in the Philadelphia area. He is the co-founder and Executive Director of Project Bluebird and Bluebird Arts Collective, organizations dedicated to empowering young people through creative writing, literacy, and trauma-informed arts programming. Drawing from his own life experiences, martial arts practice, and exploration of spiritual traditions, Israel’s work centers on helping youth find their voice, follow their inner compass, and transform difficult experiences into sources of growth and self-expression.

January 4, 2026 Rev. Jo Green

Every New Beginning

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end” is the lyric in a favored song on the radio.  The great mystery of change is upon us.  We are at the juxtaposition of an ending and new beginning, yearly, congregationally, and individually.  What are the great questions we have about the mystery of this time of year?  We will have a ritual to write down what wonderful change you wish to see this year.  Have paper and pen ready on Zoom and these supplies will also be provided in person. Join us in this ritual service of endings and beginnings.

December 28, 2025 UUFP Community Event,

Join adults and children in a community event: a smorgasbord of tasty treats and games galore.

Christmas Eve Service, Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Come celebrate a traditional Christmas Eve with favorite stories and carols at a special 4pm service

December 14, 2025, Diane Awenydd Evans

Thoughts on the Necessity of Hope.

At this dark time of year, at this dark time in history, it is easy for people of good conscience to slip into despair. Despair is the enemy. It paralyses us and prevents us from finding joy and faith. Holding onto Hope is a necessity especially in times of darkness and fear. Let’s talk about Hope and how we can hold onto it and where we can find it if we have misplaced ours.