To eat mindfully is not only to give thanks, but to notice relationship: the hands that harvested, the ecosystems that sustained, and the social systems that either honor or harm those who feed us. Gratitude, then, becomes more than a feeling; it becomes an ethical awareness that calls us into care for the earth and justice for those whose labor nourishes us. This service invites us to slow down and reconsider one of the most ordinary acts of our lives: eating. Drawing on writers such as Wendell Berry and Carl Sagan, we will explore how every meal is both an intimate and cosmic event, a moment where sunlight, soil, water, labor, culture, and community meet within our bodies.

Join us for our March worship series, Paying Attention, as we welcome Guest Worship Leader Dr. Sheila Morton, who will share her message, "Mindful Eating: Gratitude, Interconnection, and Responsibility.”

To attend by Zoom, please install the Zoom app on your device and use Meeting ID: 890 7958 2989. We will begin admitting guests at 9:45 a.m.

Please email or text Prayer Requests to: joysandsorrows@oruuc.org.

The Share-the-Plate recipient for March is Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and Northern Mississippi. The first Planned Parenthood chapter in the state was formed in Oak Ridge in 1961, and many of the first volunteers and board members were from ORUUC. Not only does Planned Parenthood provide birth control, STD testing, cancer screenings, AIDS testing and wellness visits, they provide truthful, accurate information regarding human sexuality and reproduction. In this age of misinformation, the truth is a most valuable resource. For more information, visit https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-tennessee-and-north-mississippi. Please give here: https://onrealm.org/oruuc/-/form/give/now as you are willing and able, or text “ORUUC” to 73256.

After worship, you’re invited to enjoy coffee and conversation in the lobby. Youth and Adult Faith Formation classes meet from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Find out more about our regular Faith Formation opportunities for adults here: http://www.oruuc.org/faith-formation-for-adults and children and youth here: http://www.oruuc.org/religious-education. The nursery is available during worship and second hour.

Masks are not required in the building; however, they are available, along with hand sanitizer, in various locations throughout the church. We encourage you to assess your personal health risks and do what makes you feel comfortable this winter, whether that means wearing a mask or worshiping with ORUUC from home on Zoom. We appreciate your continued cooperation as we work to keep our community safe and healthy.

We welcome you to be part of this time with us, and we look forward to seeing you soon!