Local churches announce upcoming services

South End churches have announced the topics of this Sunday's services.

‘Out with the old’ at Unity of Whidbey

Barbara Joy Laffey will conduct Unity of Whidbey’s annual Burning Bowl Ceremony as part of the regular Sunday service at 10 a.m. on Jan. 10.

Unity of Whidbey invites all to begin the New Year with this sacred activity in which you will release, let go, and let God. This ritual is a meaningful way to say “good-bye” to what no longer serves us, and to make space for the abundance and blessings the New Year brings.

Everyone is welcome to this annual ceremony for releasing burdens no longer wanted or needed, to enter a new and even more productive year.

Unity will gather at their new church at 5671 Crawford Road, Langley.

‘Torture: Morality and Accountability’

Everyone is welcome at the Sunday service for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island, at which Tom Ewell will discuss moral and legal aspects of the issue of torture.

Torture violates the universal “ethic of reciprocity,” also known as the Golden Rule. The talk will note that the United States does not deny it has committed torture and broken international law, but it is reluctant to hold those responsible accountable, a necessary action if it is ever to establish firm anti-torture law and enforce it.

Ewell is a member of the Whidbey Society of Friends (Quakers).

Values-based children’s religious exploration classes and childcare will be provided.

The service is at 10 a.m. at 20103 Highway 525, just north of Freeland. Visit www.whidbey.com/uucwi for more information.

Pastor Wenzek gives sermon on Matthew

Pastor Darrell Wenzek will be giving the sermon Sunday at South Whidbey Community Church at the 10 a.m. worship.

His sermon title is “Matthew: Presentation of the King of Kings,” based on the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 1-7.

There will also be a congregational meeting and potluck immediately following worship. For visitors, or those new to SWCC, this is an excellent time to come and learn more about the church.

The adult learning forum continues at its regular time of 9 a.m. Sunday, with Stan Walker leading a study in the Book of Acts and Art Angst leading a study into Parables in the Gospel of Luke. These are open classes where everyone is invited.

There is also a men’s breakfast at the Grange at 8:30 a.m. today. All men are invited and guests are welcome. Bill Thompson will showcase God’s beauty by exploring the Inland Passage.

SWCC gathers for worship every Sunday at the Deer Lagoon Grange. For more information, go to www.whidbeychurch.org, or call 221-1220.

EvenSong for the Unitarian Congregation

On the second Wednesday of each month, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island holds a quiet, contemplative candlelight gathering of song, meditation, and readings at 7:30 p.m.

On Jan. 13, the focus is on hope from a Unitarian Universalist perspective. Accompanied by harp music, this time of reflection is a way to enhance one’s personal spiritual practice. All are welcome.

Jewish community hosts Tu B’Shevat Seder

Join the Whidbey Island Jewish Community to celebrate the birthday of the trees.

WIJC is pleased to host a Kabalistic Tu B’Shevat Seder at 6 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Unitarian Universalist Hall in Freeland.

Please bring a vegetarian dish to share, some wine or grape juice and the desire to give thanks for the bounty of the natural world. Donations will be gratefully accepted to cover expenses.

Details and directions are available at Whidbey Island Jewish Community’s Web site at www.whidbeyjc.org.

Christian Science holds first Communion

Communion services are held twice each year at the Christian Science Church and on Sunday, Jan. 10, the church will have its first Communion service of 2010.

The service starts at 10:30 a.m. at the church, 5910 Highway 525 (just north of Bayview).