May 2024
Theme: The Gift of Pluralism

Pluralism. We celebrate that we are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology. We covenant to learn from one another in our free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We embrace our differences and commonalities with Love, curiosity, and respect.


For the Zoom link for services, please email jwhitson@uunorthfield.org

Sunday, May 5th • 10:00 am
“Pluralism: Obstacles and Possibilities” • Rev. Meg Riley

Pluralism is one of those things that just seems like a good idea. We say we are a pluralistic religion because we draw from many theological sources and people are on many paths. But it’s not all fun and easy. What does pluralism offer to us and what must we offer to the community to support pluralism? Meg is co-moderator of the Unitarian Universalist Association, and is a not-to-be-missed preacher!


Sunday, May 12th • 10:00 am
“Practicing Pluralism” • Rev. Sara Smalley

“There are many ways to kneel and kiss the ground,” says the Sufi poet Rumi. Join Rev. Sara as we consider the role of spiritual practices in our lives – not just common ones like meditation and prayer, but the many ways we can more closely pay attention to our lives – and how they can be used to break patterns of oppression.


Sunday, May 19th • 10:00 am
“The Gifts and Challenges of Pluralism” • Rev. Sara Smalley

Pluralism is more than diversity. While diversity is good, it does not say anything about how diverse people interact. Pluralism calls us to not only tolerate differences, but celebrate them – and more, to be transformed by them. In addition to reflecting on what it means to be a pluralistic faith, we’ll also have our Child Dedication ritual during the service. Parents, please sign up by May 12th.

Sunday, May 26th • 10:00 am
“Kinship of Being Human: Notes on Jewish—Christian Relations” • Jerri Hurlbutt

Jerri Hurlbutt is a scholar, writer, and editor who recently completed a semester-long seminar on Jewish - Christian relations at Union Theological Seminary in New York. She grew up on a farm south of Northfield, and has an Master of Divinity degree from Union. She currently divides her time between Minnesota and New York City.