Truth at the Risk of Belonging
In this service, we explore the timeless lesson of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” as a call to honest seeing and courageous truth-telling. From childhood innocence to the hard-won wisdom of our Unitarian and Universalist ancestors, we reflect on why people stay silent even when falsehood is obvious—and what it costs when they do. Drawing on stories from Servetus to David, from Priestley to the Prophetic Sisterhood, from the general to the personal, we consider how truth is shared and communicated when it is spoken in good faith. This service invites us to examine our own illusions, speak with integrity, and nurture a congregation where honesty and covenant deepen real peace.
Bob Clegg has variously been a homeless person, respiratory therapist, scientist, and nonprofit director. He earned a Masters of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary. He is treasurer for an Horry County Council candidate, volunteer at East Carolinas Housing Organization, co-chair for the SC UU Justice Alliance's Economic Justice Team, and worship facilitator for ASWUU. He is now planning a nonprofit that will support local economically disadvantaged communities. Bob and his wife Connie live near Conway with their dog, Yancey, who recently graduated from Doggie Reform School and is a much more "suitable pet" because of it.
The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. For those who wish to participate remotely, our services are available on Facebook both in real time and subsequently as recordings. Go to the ASWUU Facebook page and click the Live link.
We will have a Coffee Hour after the service, during which the coffee and conversation are always rich. You may bring a dish or snack to share if you would like to do so.
Upcoming Services:
11/23 "Coffee and Cornbread and Cider" -- Carli Harlow
11/30 "Embracing the Dark" -- Jody Feavearyear
12/7 "Unitarian Universalism: A Branding Problem?" -- Mark Berninghausen
12/14 "Blue Christmas" -- Lisa Jacobs
12/21 "Festival of Lights" -- Carli Harlow
12/24 "Christmas Carol Sing" (Christmas Eve at 6 pm)
12/28 "The Power of Positive Thinking, Part II" -- Pamela Baxter
