Teacher, writer and humanist celebrant Chris Highland will discuss how and why he has written “Highland Views” columns for the Religion pages of a newspaper for 8 years. Sharing snippets of columns as well as stories of interactions with readers—including evangelicals and atheists—reveals the impact of his writing and teaching across the landscape of beliefs.
Guest Speaker; Chris Highland
Since 2016, Chris Highland has written a weekly “Highland Views” column for the Asheville Citizen-Times (in the USA Today network). As a former Presbyterian minister, interfaith chaplain, shelter director and senior housing manager, he draws from a deep well of experience in human service and progressive ministry.
Transitioning from a Christian and interfaith background to embrace a secular humanist worldview (becoming a humanist celebrant), he presents an inclusive perspective that is not anti-religious but affirming of a world where people of faith and non-theists can potentially find common ground.
His first book, Meditations of John Muir (2001), has led to a series of books including A Freethinker’s Gospel, Intersections, Eye to Eye, Beyond the Boundaries of Belief and other collections of essays. Chris teaches courses on Freethought, Humanism and Christian Nationalism at the Reuter Center on the campus of UNCA. Chris and his wife, Rev. Carol Hovis, a teacher and counselor, moved to Asheville from the SF Bay Area in 2016.
His website is “Friendly Freethinker” (www.chighland.com).
Story for All Ages
The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
Musician;
Paulette Stewart-Johnson, piano
Paulette, a long time UU, started attending The Unitarian Church of Rochester, NY when she was about seven years old. Music wise, she enjoys choral singing and directing the choir at UU Congregation of Lake County, FL. Occasionally she fills in on piano, both in Florida and North Carolina, bringing her love of Classical music to the service. Paulette studied piano at the Preparatory Department of the Eastman School of Music where she graduated with honors. She majored in science at college and taught mainly high school Biology for many years. After she retired, she expanded her music studies and participation both in voice and piano. She is forever grateful to her parents for the fine music environment that she grew up in.
We gather for worship and fellowship each Sunday with a service at 10:30 followed by coffee hour. Dress is casual. Parking is plentiful. And our building is accessible.
Family Ministry / Sunday School: All Ages meet in Sanctuary at 10:30 AM Children go to classrooms at 10:45 after the “Story for All Ages.” On the lower level, we have a nursery for infants and toddlers, and we have classes where children and youth learn about and explore faith, religion, justice, and community.
We welcome you: your whole self, with all your truths and your doubts, your worries and your hopes. Join us on this extraordinary adventure of faith!
Topics: Connection, Understanding, Wisdom