Our Sunday services at 11:00 a.m. feature a different guest speaker each week, either a member of our congregation or someone from the surrounding community. We address a variety of topics, from literature and history to politics, religious thought and social issues. We welcome suggestions for speakers, please contact Ray Ables fairhopeunitarianfellowship@gmail.com

DECEMBER PROGRAMS

December 1, 2019

CARL COURET: Creation and Darwin

Carl Couret will explore how Darwin was influenced by the Galapagos Islands during his voyage on the HMS Beagle in the early 1830's, and how the islands look today.
A native New Orleanian and Air Force veteran who served in Japan and Hawaii; Carl earned a BA (Biology) and MS (Zoology) from University of Hawaii before becoming a biologist. Now retired after thirty four years with US Fish and Wildlife Service in Hawaii (including American Samoa and Guam), New Mexico, Florida, and Alabama, Carl is just strummin' his uke with occasional interruptions for kayaking, fishing, woodworking, traveling, and environmental consulting—and serving this Fellowship as president. 

December 8, 2019

​LARRY LEE: The Abuse of Washington County Public Schools.

​ A charter school was approved by the state charter school commission for rural Washington County(AL). Public education advocate Larry Lee will discuss the effects of this locally-opposed decision on the B-rated school system of about 2,500 students in an extremely rural county.
Now retired, Lee spends most of his time advocating for public education and was recognized by the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools with the Dr. James Street award. He also received the Media of the Year award from the Governor’s Committee on Individuals with Disabilities and serves on the board of the national Rural Schools Collaborative. His blog has 200,000 views a year (www.larryeducation.com). 

December 15, 2019   FUF ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING 

December 22, 2019

​IRENE WEGNER: Beyond Bah Humbug!! 

The Faith That Invented Christmas Irene Wegner will present a sermon by Rev. Forrest Glimore. First presented two years ago at FUF, Rev. Gilmore’s insightful exploration of the influence of Unitarianism on Christmas always leads to thoughtful discussion. In particular, it explores the influence of Unitarian Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol,” which shapes the meaning of the season for us today. The congregation will be asked to participate in the presentation. (Hint: Can you sing Jingle Bells?) 

December 29, 2019
​
BRISA & FRIENDS: LGBTQ+

Discussion This panel of young people will answer questions on LGBTQ+ topics and give first-hand accounts of what it is like identifying as LGBTQ+. This is a follow up to their first FUF presentation, “Sexuality in the 21st Century.”
A freshman in the Honors College of the UAB, Brisa Ables is a social work major with a minor in human rights, who hopes to pursue international social work. She graduated last year from Fairhope High School Summa Cum Laude and received the International Baccalaureate Program diploma. She served as president of the Diversity Club and the domestic violence Lighthouse Taskforce as well as founder and leader of the FHS Democrats Club.