This is Not My Beautiful House

UU Fellowship of Pottstown, PA 1565 South Keim Street, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
Hybrid Hybrid Event

One of our culture’s foundational myths is about ownership, security, and permanence. JD offers a bit of science, some personal experiences, and a Talking Heads song as puzzle pieces toward a new, more vulnerable humility.

Free

UUFGC-TBA

UU Fellowship of Greater Cumberland MD 211 South Lee St., Cumberland, MD, United States
Hybrid Hybrid Event

TBA https://tinyurl.com/UUFGCZoom

Free

UUFGC – Nature’s Scripture: The Interfaith Promise of Science

UU Fellowship of Greater Cumberland MD 211 South Lee St., Cumberland, MD, United States
Hybrid Hybrid Event

Underlying the human world of strife and separation is an oft-neglected landscape of commonality between faiths: the natural world. At precisely the time when our religious and political divisions threaten the existence of life on Earth, science offers a sweeping interfaith vista filled with revelations and insights as spiritually meaningful as ancient scriptures. Read as […]

Free

Hagerstown – Love In Darkening Times

UU Church of Hagerstown MD 13245 Cearfoss Pike, Hagerstown, MD, United States

As the turning Earth carries us into the deepening darkness of winter, and looming shadows of hate and hurt plunge the world into an anxious twilight, we pause. In such times, we draw closer, offering our mutual support and affection. In darkening times, we renew our commitment to all love’s forms, affirmed in word and […]

Free

UUFGC-Grand Design: Aging, Grandchildren, and Evolution

UU Fellowship of Greater Cumberland MD 211 South Lee St., Cumberland, MD, United States
Hybrid Hybrid Event

What evolutionary purpose is served by living so long after our reproductive years are done? This service explores the spiritual and social fertility of every life stage in a beloved community, an inclusive fertility especially enhanced in our later years. Not likely to be a grandparent himself, JD Stillwater takes the opportunity to scrutinize the […]

Free

Pottstown-Defining Enough

UU Fellowship of Pottstown MD 1565 South Keim Street, Pottstown, PA, United States

Failure to define “enough” means never being satisfied. It makes us vulnerable to slick advertising, and fills our lives with tedium and chaos. It deflects our focus from sources of true happiness, like play, family, relationships, community. Ultimately, it also leads to the desecration of Earth’s living systems. Defining “enough” is a spiritual practice.  

Free

UCH – In the Shadow of the Moon

Unitarian Church of Harrisburg PA 1280 Clover Lane, Harrisburg, PA, United States
Hybrid Hybrid Event

Since the dawn of humanity, eclipses have evoked strong feelings and symbolism, and an enduring mysticism expressed in legends, theologies, and worldviews. Eclipses remind us that we are minuscule observers of grand and timeless processes far beyond our control. Rich with metaphor and meaning, a total eclipse immerses us in awe. In this service, Astronomer […]

Free

UUFGC-Eclipsed: In the Shadow of the Moon

UU Fellowship of Greater Cumberland MD 211 South Lee St., Cumberland, MD, United States
Hybrid Hybrid Event

Since the dawn of humanity, eclipses have evoked strong feelings and symbolism, and an enduring mysticism expressed in legends, theologies, and worldviews. Eclipses remind us that we are minuscule observers of grand and timeless processes far beyond our control. Rich with metaphor and meaning, a total eclipse immerses us in awe. In this service, JD […]

Free

York-Eclipsed: In the Shadow of the Moon

UU Congreg of York PA 925 South George Street, York, PA, United States

Since the dawn of humanity, eclipses have evoked strong feelings and symbolism, and an enduring mysticism expressed in legends, theologies, and worldviews. Eclipses remind us that we are minuscule observers of grand and timeless processes far beyond our control. Rich with metaphor and meaning, a total eclipse immerses us in awe. In this service, JD […]

Free

Pottstown-Eclipsed: In the Shadow of the Moon

UU Fellowship of Pottstown MD 1565 South Keim Street, Pottstown, PA, United States

Since the dawn of humanity, eclipses have evoked strong feelings and symbolism, and an enduring mysticism expressed in legends, theologies, and worldviews. Eclipses remind us that we are minuscule observers of grand and timeless processes far beyond our control. Rich with metaphor and meaning, a total eclipse immerses us in awe. In this service, JD […]

Free

UUFGC-One Song – The Science of Unity

UU Fellowship of Greater Cumberland MD 211 South Lee St., Cumberland, MD, United States
Hybrid Hybrid Event

For millennia mystics and prophets have told us that “All is one” and yet we feel ourselves surrounded by separation, antagonism, and isolation! With help from some intrepid dung beetles, science ambassador JD Stillwater takes us on a tour of findings from mainstream science that reveal an underlying wholism in everything from human bodies to […]

Free

Earth in the Balance: Feed The Right Wolf

Kenyon College in Gambier OH 101 College Dr Gund Gallery, Gambier, OH, United States

"Earth in the Balance: Feed The Right Wolf," an Earth Day experience featuring singer-songwriter Sarah Goslee Reed and JD Stillwater, science ambassador/percussionist. Celebrate Earth Day with a unique multimedia science-and-music experience. Sarah Goslee Reed’s original songs ask questions, challenge us, and inspire us to do and be better in our relationships with one another and […]

Free

Magic Recipes: Science and the Profound Meaning of Spring

All Souls UU Church - Bellville 25 Church St, Bellville, Ohio, United States

This is also All Souls' annual Flower Communion, so bring a flower! JD's topic: Eggs and seeds are quintessential symbols of birth and spring, but did you ever really contemplate the magic that hides inside them? The new science of emergence is like 1+1 = poetry; it’s magic, but also rigorous science, and spring is […]

Free

Eclipsed: In the Shadow of the Moon

Tuscora Park Meeting Room 161 Tuscora Ave NW,, New Philadelphia, Ohio, United States

This is the regular meeting of the New Philadelphia Lions Club. Attendance is free, but they offer an all-you-can-eat lunch for $11. JD's talk is: Since the dawn of humanity, eclipses have evoked strong feelings and symbolism, and an enduring mysticism expressed in legends, theologies, and worldviews. Eclipses remind us that we are minuscule observers […]

$11

Eclipsed – In the Shadow of the Moon

Ohio Living Dorothy Love (Sidney, OH) 3003 West Cisco Road, Sidney, Ohio, United States

Since the dawn of humanity, eclipses have evoked strong feelings and symbolism, and an enduring mysticism expressed in legends, theologies, and worldviews. Eclipses remind us that we are minuscule observers of grand and timeless processes far beyond our control. Rich with metaphor and meaning, a total eclipse immerses us in awe. In this talk, JD […]

Free

Eclipsed: In the Shadow of the Moon

Ohio Living Breckenridge in Willoughby, Ohio 36851 Ridge Rd, Willoughby, Ohio, United States

This will be the "extended" version of the talk, about 45 minutes. Since the dawn of humanity, eclipses have evoked strong feelings and symbolism, and an enduring mysticism expressed in legends, theologies, and worldviews. Eclipses remind us that we are minuscule observers of grand and timeless processes far beyond our control. Rich with metaphor and […]

Free

Great American Eclipse!

"JD will be traveling to the path of total solar eclipse, which runs from western Mexico, through Texas, across the shores of Lake Erie and Ontario, and up into New England. Where exactly he and Ann go depends on weather reports. They have reservations in several places along the path. You should, too!"

UUFGC-Combustion Addiction: 12 Steps to Climate Recovery

UU Fellowship of Greater Cumberland MD 211 South Lee St., Cumberland, MD, United States
Hybrid Hybrid Event

Our dependence on fossil fuels looks an awful lot like addiction. Could the 12 steps of AA offer any helpful guidance as we seek a way out? If climate change is a moral/spiritual crisis, maybe a 12-step-style “spiritual awakening” can help.

Free

Pottstown – Grand Design: Aging, Alloparenting, and Evolution

UU Fellowship of Pottstown MD 1565 South Keim Street, Pottstown, PA, United States

What evolutionary purpose is served by living so long after our reproductive years are done? This service explores the spiritual and social fertility of every life stage in a beloved community, an inclusive fertility especially enhanced in our later years. Not likely to be a grandparent himself, JD Stillwater takes the opportunity to scrutinize the […]

Free

UUCH – Grand Design: Aging, Alloparenting, and Evolution

UU Church of Hagerstown MD 13245 Cearfoss Pike, Hagerstown, MD, United States
Hybrid Hybrid Event

What evolutionary purpose is served by living so long after our reproductive years are done? This service explores the spiritual and social fertility of every life stage in a beloved community, an inclusive fertility especially enhanced in our later years. Not likely to be a grandparent himself, JD Stillwater takes the opportunity to scrutinize the […]

Free

UUFGC- Awetheism Part 1: Science, Awe, and Pro-Sociality

UU Fellowship of Greater Cumberland MD 211 South Lee St., Cumberland, MD, United States
Hybrid Hybrid Event

New research into the experience of awe reveals that awe makes us feel small but deeply connected, and how this in turn makes us more generous people. With help from some well-timed lightning strikes (and no help from Siri or Alexa), we’ll explore what’s known about awe’s effects on us, and how it can benefit […]

Free

UCWC – One Song: the Science of Unity

Unitarian Congr. of West Chester 501 S High St, West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States

For millennia mystics and prophets have told us that “All is one” and yet we feel ourselves surrounded by separation, antagonism, and isolation! With help from some intrepid dung beetles, science ambassador JD Stillwater takes us on a tour of findings from mainstream science that reveal an underlying wholism in everything from human bodies to […]

Free

One Song: The Science of Unity – extended version!

Brookdale North Raleigh, NC 1200 Carlos Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

For millennia mystics and poets have told us that “All is one” and yet we often feel ourselves surrounded by separation, antagonism, and isolation! With help from some intrepid dung beetles, science ambassador JD Stillwater takes us on a tour of findings from mainstream science that reveal an underlying wholism in everything from human bodies to […]

Free

Wild Goose Festival

Wild Goose Festival at Van Hoy Farms 738 Jericho Rd, Harmony, North Carolina, United States

Wild Goose Festival is a transformational community grounded in faith-inspired social justice. Live music, big-name presenters (Bill McKibben, Jacqui Lewis, Brian McLaren, Reggie Williams), conversations, camping, dancing, kids' activities, ... it's great fun! This year WG is adding a Science Track, curated by JD Stillwater. JD will lead several workshops, offer family-oriented activities, and collaborate […]

Only One Song

For millennia, mystics and prophets have told us that “All is one” and yet we feel ourselves surrounded by separation, antagonism, and isolation! With help from some intrepid dung beetles, science ambassador JD Stillwater takes us on a tour of findings from mainstream science that reveal an underlying holism in everything from human bodies to […]

Nature’s Scripture

Underlying the human world of strife and separation is an oft-neglected landscape of commonality between faiths: the natural world. At precisely the time when our religious and political divisions threaten the existence of life on Earth, science offers a sweeping interfaith vista filled with revelations and insights as spiritually meaningful as ancient scriptures. Read as […]

One Song: The Science of Unity

Ohio Living Breckenridge in Willoughby, Ohio 36851 Ridge Rd, Willoughby, Ohio, United States

This will be the "extended" version of the talk, about 45 minutes. Note: You must contact the facility for permission to attend. The event is for residents, but visitors may be welcomed on a case-by-case basis. For millennia mystics and poets have told us that “All is one” and yet we often feel ourselves surrounded […]

Free

Nature’s Scripture: Spiritually Grounding, Inclusively Affirming

Hall of Philosophy Hall of Philosophy, Haven Ave, Chautauqua, New York, United States

Underlying the human world of strife and separation is an oft-neglected landscape of commonality: the natural world. At precisely the time when our political and religious divisions threaten the existence of life on earth, science offers a sweeping interfaith vista, filled with revelations and insights that are spiritually meaningful. Today’s science invites us to take […]

$75

Lancaster, PA – One Song: The Science of Unity

UU Church of Lancaster, PA 538 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States

For millennia mystics and poets have told us that “All is one” and yet we often feel ourselves surrounded by separation, antagonism, and isolation! With help from some intrepid dung beetles, science ambassador JD Stillwater takes us on a tour of findings from mainstream science that reveal an underlying wholism in everything from human bodies to […]

Pottstown, PA – Complementarity and the End of Dogma

UU Fellowship of Pottstown MD 1565 South Keim Street, Pottstown, PA, United States

Do you despise the question “What do you believe?” JD Stillwater gets real about his own personal beliefs, and discovers a scientific approach towards a New Agnosticism, one that fully embraces the mysteries and ambiguities inherent in natural reality. Along the way we meet a cryptic cat, a famous psychic, a woman with a problem, […]

Free

UUFGC- Awetheism Part 2: Awe, Science, and Meaningful Well-Being

UU Fellowship of Greater Cumberland MD 211 South Lee St., Cumberland, MD, United States
Virtual Event Virtual Event

New research into the experience of awe reveals that feeling awe makes us better, happier, more generous people. In this service, we’ll explore what’s known about awe, humility, and the wonderful word “eudaimonia.” We’ll also learn how science can help us get to them all, plugging us into a grander vision of our larger selves […]

Free

UCH – Nature’s Scripture: The Interfaith Promise of Science

Unitarian Church of Harrisburg PA 1280 Clover Lane, Harrisburg, PA, United States
Virtual Event Hybrid Event

Underlying the human world of strife and separation is an oft-neglected landscape of commonality between faiths: the natural world. At precisely the time when our religious and political divisions threaten the existence of life on Earth, science offers a sweeping interfaith vista filled with revelations and insights as spiritually meaningful as ancient scriptures. Read as […]

Free

Seven Candles: Science for a Deeper Spirituality

Yoga Central 4626 Cleveland Ave NW, Canton, Ohio, United States

Yes, the original Seven Candles back by popular demand, but in an extended, interactive format! Seven Candles is a multimedia exploration of the spirituality inherent in modern mainstream science. We live at a time when discoveries by the scientific community are challenging our perceptions of reality. As in Galileo’s time, we can choose to experience […]

$20

Merging Hearts: This Is Not My Beautiful House

Yoga Central 4626 Cleveland Ave NW, Canton, Ohio, United States

A service in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day weekend. One of our culture’s foundational myths is about ownership, security, and permanence. In the natural world and indigenous cultures, these are aberrations! JD offers a bit of science, some personal experiences, and a Talking Heads song as puzzle pieces toward a new, more vulnerable humility grounded […]

$20

UUFGC- AweTheism: The Uses of Awe in Teaching and War

UU Fellowship of Greater Cumberland MD 211 South Lee St., Cumberland, MD, United States
Virtual Event Virtual Event

In this explosive service, JD explores how awe can be manipulated for better and worse, in recreation, politics, education, and war. We will probe the boundary between awe and horror, and consider things that snap, crackle, pop, and echo through culverts, saxophones, and history. 

Free

UUFGC- Mystery: Koans of Science

UU Fellowship of Greater Cumberland MD 211 South Lee St., Cumberland, MD, United States
Virtual Event Virtual Event

Today's culture war pushes us to perceive spirituality and science as enemies, and holds up a false dichotomy between reason and mystery. The universe as science reveals it speaks only of inherent unity, and holds up Mystery as both muse and ground of reason. 

Free

Pottstown, PA – Awetheism 1: The Power and Promise of Awe

UUFPottstown 1565 South Keim Street, Pottstown, Pennsylvania, United States

New research into the experience of awe reveals that awe makes us feel small but deeply connected, and how this in turn makes us better people. With help from some well-timed lightning strikes (and no help from Siri or Alexa), we’ll explore what’s known about awe’s effects on us, and how it can benefit humanity. […]

Free

UCH – Love in Darkening Times

Unitarian Church of Harrisburg PA 1280 Clover Lane, Harrisburg, PA, United States
Virtual Event Hybrid Event

Tentative: As the turning Earth carries us into the deepening darkness of winter, and looming shadows of hate and hurt plunge the world into an anxious twilight, we pause. In such times, we draw closer, offering our mutual support and affection. In darkening times, we renew our commitment to all love’s forms, affirmed in word […]

Free

Pottstown, PA – Awetheism 2: Awe, Science, and Meaningful Well-Being 

UUFPottstown 1565 South Keim Street, Pottstown, Pennsylvania, United States

In this sequel to Part 1, waterfalls cascade us deeper into the science of awe, including: the wonderful word “eudaemonia”; the gifts of people who are pre-disposed to experience awe; and the relations between awe, wonder, spirituality, and ambiguity.  Stream Link

Free

UCHarrisburg – Evensong Service

Unitarian Church of Harrisburg PA 1280 Clover Lane, Harrisburg, PA, United States
Virtual Event Hybrid Event

JD will play percussion for this one - no speaking parts planned. This is always a music-filled service, perfectly-designed by Music Minister Yvonne DuVal to sooth and deepen our spirits at this dark time of year.

Free

Charleston, SC – Defiant Love: Interrogating Our Inheritance

UCCharleston, SC 4 ARCHDALE STREET, Charleston, South Carolina, United States

What are we, crazy?! Some aspects of our inherited cultural system are clearly harmful to our planet, our descendants, and our own humanity. How did this happen? The study of trauma and the science of epigenetics offer clues. In the context of our damaged and dysfunctional culture, acting with honor for our ancestors, respect for […]

Free

UU St. Petersburg, FL – One Song: The Science of Oneness

UU St. Petersburg 100 Mirror Lake Drive North, Saint Petersburg, Florida, United States

For millennia mystics and poets have told us that “All is one” and yet we feel ourselves surrounded by separation, antagonism, and isolation! With help from some intrepid dung beetles, science ambassador JD Stillwater takes us on a tour of findings from mainstream science that reveal an underlying wholism in everything from human bodies to […]

Free

Nashville, TN – Defiant Love: Interrogating Our Heritage

First UU Nashville 1808 Woodmont Blvd, Nashville, Tennessee, United States

What are we, crazy?! Some aspects of our inherited cultural system are clearly harmful to our planet, our descendants, and our own humanity. How did this happen? The study of trauma and the science of epigenetics offer clues. In the context of our damaged and dysfunctional culture, acting with honor for our ancestors, respect for […]

Free

St. Louis, MO – Defiant Love: Interrogating Our Inheritance

Eliot Chapel, Kirkwood, MO 100 South Taylor Ave., Kirkwood, Missouri, United States

What are we, crazy?! Some aspects of our inherited cultural system are clearly harmful to our planet, our descendants, and our own humanity. How did this happen? The study of trauma and the science of epigenetics offer clues. In the context of our damaged and dysfunctional culture, acting with honor for our ancestors, respect for […]

Free

St. Louis, MO – Defiant Love: Interrogating Our Inheritance

Eliot Chapel, Kirkwood, MO 100 South Taylor Ave., Kirkwood, Missouri, United States

What are we, crazy?! Some aspects of our inherited cultural system are clearly harmful to our planet, our descendants, and our own humanity. How did this happen? The study of trauma and the science of epigenetics offer clues. In the context of our damaged and dysfunctional culture, acting with honor for our ancestors, respect for […]

Free

One Song: Science and Oneness

Brookdale Edina 3330 Edinborough Way, Edina, Minnesota, United States

With help from some intrepid dung beetles, science ambassador JD Stillwater takes us on a tour of discoveries from mainstream science that reveal an underlying connectedness in everything from human bodies to ecosystems to the very fabric of space-time.

Free

Cosmology In Concert – An Evening with Peter Mayer and JD Stillwater

Cosmology in Concert is an immersive multimedia experience of the awe and wonder offered by natural reality, and an appreciation for the science that reveals it to us. Part live concert (Peter Mayer) and part inspiring science adventure (JD Stillwater), we will celebrate our cosmic story with reverence and gratitude. About Peter Mayer Peter Mayer has […]

$30

Cosmology In Concert – An Evening with Peter Mayer and JD Stillwater

First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, MN 3400 Dupont Avenue South, MN 55408 612-825-1701

Cosmology in Concert is an immersive multimedia experience of the awe and wonder offered by natural reality, and an appreciation for the science that reveals it to us. Part live concert (Peter Mayer) and part inspiring science adventure (JD Stillwater), we will celebrate our cosmic story with reverence and gratitude. About Peter Mayer Peter Mayer has […]

$25 – $100

UUCLancaster, PA – Nature’s Scripture: The Interfaith Promise of Science

UU Church of Lancaster, PA 538 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States

Underlying the human world of strife and separation is an oft-neglected landscape of commonality between faiths: the natural world. At precisely the time when our religious and political divisions threaten the existence of life on Earth, science offers a sweeping interfaith vista filled with revelations and insights as spiritually meaningful as ancient scriptures. Read as […]

Free