Rev. Ben Meyers will lead our celebration of the uniquely UU Flower Communion on Sunday, June 15.
The Flower Communion was created by Rev. Dr. Norbert Capek (1870-1942), who founded the Unitarian Church in Czechoslovakia. He introduced this special service to that church on June 4, 1923.
For some time, he felt the need for some symbolic ritual that would bind people more closely together. The format had to be one that would not alienate anyone who had forsaken other religious traditions. The traditional Christian communion service with bread and wine was unacceptable to the members of his congregation.
So, he turned to the native beauty of the Czechoslovakian countryside for elements of communion that would be genuine to them. This simple service was the result. It was such a success that it was held yearly, and the tradition was brought to the United States in 1940.
The Rev. Benjamin Meyers was ordained into the Unitarian Universalist ministry in 1995. He has served parish, community, non-profit and social justice organizations throughout northern California. Currently, he serves as a Spiritual Care Counselor for Redwood Hospice. He is an ardent advocate for Transgender rights and loves working with individuals and faith-based communities to accelerate the adoption of clean energy--especially solar--as a moral imperative.
Live Oak's Karen Bouilier will be the Worship Associate. We meet on the first and third Sundays of each month at 4 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Alameda.
