We have been hearing voices of freedom and democracy rising up in countries around the world. Individual freedom and an equality of voice in decision-making are considered basic human rights in our post-Enlightenment western society, but in many other cultures this is not the case. In many of those countries, the religious traditions, although sometimes desiring regime change, are very reluctant to embrace real freedom and democracy for their followers. Religions in general are often organizations where individual freedoms of thought and belief are discouraged and authoritarian rule is the norm. But not in our case. As a religion which grew up in the Enlightenment, freedom and democracy have long been core "religious values" for us. This morning we will explore those values. In both services we will also recognize our RE teachers and leaders who help to grow an understanding for these and all our religious values and teachings in our children.  Pianist Nick Warseck will be back, and we will sing songs of freedom.

In many circles of western society, religion has a pretty bad name. In a world where heinous crimes are perpetrated in the name of religion and where reason and scientific thinking are dismissive of biblical stories, many people have not surprisingly rejected traditional religion. It is easy to say that we have little need for religion today, but to do so would be "throwing the baby out with the bath water."  Properly understood, religion is not about faith in a set of beliefs, but is a lived community experience that invites us to engage in a quest for that place of fullness to which we orient ourselves morally and spiritually. The choice between religion or no religion is a choice between living our lives naively and superficially, or deeply engaging with our spiritual and moral selves and in relationship with others, who will challenge and support us on our journey towards a fuller life experience. Worship will be led by Rev. Tom Rosiello.

Join us for an uplifting service that will focus on what the Easter message can mean for us in our lives today.  The sermon by our minister Tom Rosiello, will examine the ways in which we may be stuck in a place that is like a tomb and how there is an "Easter experience" waiting for us if we can just “roll the stone away”.  Our services will be full of Hallelujahs and after a special Easter Story for all Ages, our children will leave for the great Easter Egg Hunt.  At the 11 AM service, everyone will be invited to join in singing Handel's famous "Hallelujah Chorus" from the Messiah to conclude the service. Please bring you family and friends to for this joyous celebration.

All this weekend at church, UUA Consultant, Mark Ewert, will be with us exploring the viability of a capital campaign to help us meet many of our needs.  He will address the congregation briefly at both services.  The question of our readiness to embark on such a journey together is far more than one of just dollars and cents. There is a spiritual dimension to the question.  In this morning’s sermon, our minister Tom Rosiello, will explore the idea of what it takes for us to move from being a good church to being a great church. Today our organ will be featured as we are joined by guest organist, Robert Humpreville. Our youth choir will join the Adult Choir to provide music at 11 AM which will include a favorite FPC anthem, "Choose Something Like A Star," Randall Thompson's setting of the famous Robert Frost poem.