Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship

David Gespass
2025-06-22 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Do We Live in a Democracy?

We frequently hear that “our democracy” is being threatened, but rarely does anyone question that we have a democracy. The talk will address the question of whether, and to what extent, the United States is a democracy.

David is a semi-retired civil rights lawyer and long-time social justice and anti-imperialist activist. He is a past president of the National Lawyers Guild and current chair of its Alabama chapter. David was a founder and chair of the Birmingham Peace Project in opposition to the Gulf War. As an anti-Zionist, he is proud of his Jewish heritage and was board chair of the Alabama chapter of CAIR.

Tracey Glover
2025-06-15 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Living with Reverence and Compassion for All Beings

In this talk on Father’s Day, Tracey will share about how her Dad gave her the greatest gift possible… He taught her to love the animals and the natural world. It’s a love that has guided her path, and is the key to creating a compassionate, just world for all beings.

Tracey Glover, JD, is Executive Director of Awakening Respect and Compassion for All Sentient Beings (“ARC”), and Sweet Peeps Microsanctuary, a small sanctuary caring for chickens rescued from the meat industry. She wrote several books including the children’s book, Chickens Are Animals, Too! Fannie Goes to Washington and an upcoming adult nonfiction book entitled Age of Reverence. Her films include Until All Are Free and Meet the Chickens. She tackles critical issues relating to animal rights, ethical consumption, and the ways in which humans can impact the natural world.

Catherine King
2025-06-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Henry Stuart’s Diaries & Photos: New Info about the Hermit of MontroseCatherine King will present new information recently received about Henry Stuart, who hand-built the now 100-year-old Round House at Tolstoy Park in Montrose. Stuart’s diaries, photographs, and other documents reveal fascinating information from the man known as “The Hermit of Montrose” and “Ye Olde Weaver.”

Catherine King is Chair of the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation Archives ad a long-time docent at the Fairhope Museum of History. A resident of Fairhope since 1966, she continues to be amazed by our fascinating history.

Honoring Our Elders, Celebrating Our History, Welcoming New Members
2025-06-01 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Special FUF Sunday Program

In the 1920s, a group of liberal thinkers began meeting on Sunday mornings. A presentation by one of them on ethics or current affairs was followed by “vigorous” discussion. In April 1982, they constituted themselves the Fairhope Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. A dedicated building followed in 2003.

This will be a special program to honor the earlier members, celebrate the history of the Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, and welcome new members. The Back Porch Folk Singers will be performing and will also be honored.

A new PowerPoint presentation for New Member Orientation will explain Unitarianism and detail the Fellowship’s history. The program will end with a welcoming ceremony for new members.

Jane Finger & Irene Wegner
2025-05-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Flower Communion

This historic UU story of courage for liberty and brotherhood celebrates beauty, human uniqueness, diversity, community & the story of Norbert Capek and its influence on UU congregations around the world.

Please bring a single flower (just one!) to the Fellowship service on Sunday

Irene and her husband, Pete, have lived in many parts of the South, settling in Fairhope 12 years ago. A former teacher, religious education director, & social service administrator, Irene was an organizer and lobbyist for AARP. Irene’s husband Pete brought this program, popular in UU churches from Carmel, Ind.

Jane grew up a Methodist who moved toward agnosticism. She was happy to join our liberal UU community when moving to Fairhope in 2001. She adds: “It’s appropriate that I should participate in this program, because some of my most spiritual moments are those I spend in my flower garden early in the morning.”

Zach Helton
2025-05-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Palm Sunday: A New Way to Read the Story

The Palm Sunday story has been told in many ways, often weighed down with religious baggage, but what if we understood it differently? What if we read the “Triumphal Entry” as a story of a bold political resistance and protest, leading into a week of courage and transformation through overwhelming odds? This talk explores how the Palm Sunday parade invites us into courageous action, even when the path is uncertain.

Zachary Helton (he/him) is an ordained minister, a long-time Buddhist practitioner, and a writer. He currently serves as a hospital chaplain in Pensacola, FL, has been published in Baptist News Global, and has an upcoming short story in Braided Way Magazine. You can find out more about Zach’s work at zachhelton.com.

Mother's Day
2025-05-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
We will gather in a circle to remember both our Mom and our childhood years.

This will give us all a chance to honor our Mom, remember our childhood, and tell some tales. If you can’t say something, you either can pass the mic or write it out for someone else to read.

Dean Mosher
2025-05-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Fighting to Protect Fairhope

My history of working with great people to effect positive change in Fairhope for nearly half a century.

Dean Mosher is a celebrated painter of epic historic paintings. Many hang in national museums and institutions, major universities, National Park Visitor Centers, and the Fairhope Museum of History. Mosher’s work has also appeared in many books. He has been honored with many awards, including the Commander General’s medal for saving the archives of the NOUS. He lives and works in his hand-built castle & studio in Fairhope, featured on TV. His proudest achievements are winning the hand of his wife of 46 years, Pagan, and raising two great children, Megrez Ravel and Cleveland Turner.

Maya Carey
2025-04-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Hate & Extremism in Alabama and the Nation

Maya Henson Carey, senior research analyst at the Southern Poverty Law Center, is back to discuss current trends and SPLC’s recent report on the Year in Hate and Extremism.

Maya Henson Carey is a research analyst with the SPLC’s Intelligence Project, focusing on the anti-government and anti-student inclusion movements. She spent over 10 years in higher education. Maya has a B.S. in business, an M.A. in psychology and an M.Ed. in higher education administration. She also holds an Ed.D. focusing on diversity and equity education.

Hollyrose Baker
2025-04-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
A History of Trans Liberation

Hollyrose will discuss the historical context for Trans people’s existence. She will describe the ways in which the colonial authority has targeted queer and transness, attempting to erase that cultural heritage and remove it from the historical record. She will tie this into current issues and offer instructions for the many ways that trans people can be supported today.

Hollyrose Baker is an anarchist writer, artist and activist. She helped found the Lower Alabama Native Plant society and Mobile Alabama Mutual Aid. For a decade she has worked to provide housing for homeless queer people and coordinates free food for struggling queer people and at Pride events.

No Kings National Protest
2025-04-19 12:00 - 14:00 | Mobile Government Plaza, 205 Government St., Mobile, 36602, United States
Join the Indivisible Mobile group at Mobile Government Plaza Saturday, April 19 at noon.

Heidi Miller
2025-04-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
The Yellowhammer Fund provides support and funding for women seeking care at one of Alabama’s three independent abortion clinics. They engage in policy advocacy, and offer help to low income families, with legal defense, and contraception by mail.

Heidi Miller, born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama now lives in Birmingham. She has a BA in English and over 12 years in the service industry. She has been a dedicated advocate for Reproductive Justice at Yellowhammer Fund since 2019 and is especially passionate about direct aid, policy advocacy, and abolition work.

Civics 101
2025-04-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Federal Government Fundamentals

Have you ever wondered if you could pass the Naturalization test without studying? Let’s test our current knowledge and go over basic principles of our government, such as rule of law, hierarchy of laws and separation of powers. Finally, let’s cover our roles as citizens: our rights and responsibilities as “We the People”.

Big Brothers Big Sisters
2025-03-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Kelly Qualls

BBBS provides mentors for young people, creating a network of support and growth. It helps them make better choices and develop essential life skills. Mentoring helps young people navigate challenges and reach their potential. It allows the mentor to connect with young people and to challenge themselves and develop new skills. The positive impact mentors make on young people’s lives can bring pride and fulfillment.

Kelly Qualls, Vice President of Programs, has been with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Gulf Coast since 2013. Born and raised in the Mobile area, Kelly knows well the positive effects of mentoring.

Christian Wagley
2025-03-23 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
A Natural History of the Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico is rich in biodiversity. From Native American communities to today’s industrialized Gulf rich in fossil energy resources, we’ll explore the region’s natural history and current status. Rice’s whale, a species found in the Gulf of Mexico and nowhere else in the world, illustrates our journey of exploration.

Christian Wagley is a coastal organizer for Healthy Gulf, working on water quality, energy, endangered species, and climate issues along the coast of NW Florida and South Alabama. He previously worked on green building and development issues.

Rummage Sale
2025-03-22 08:00 - 15:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Come find your new treasure at our Rummage Sale! This is a huge multifamily sale with hundreds of items! You won’t want to miss it.

Corey Harvard
2025-03-16 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
We Danced at Night

LGBTQ+ history offers a story of resilience in the challenging times. Prism United is looking to queer ancestry to make a path forward in the current cultural climate. We believe it’s a wisdom we can all learn from.

Corey Harvard is a poet and singer-songwriter from Grand Bay, Alabama. He is a two-time Pushcart Prize nominee and a regular coach for Poetry Out Loud. In 2018, he co-founded Prism United to respond to the needs of LGBTQ+ youth in southwest Alabama.

Pi Day
2025-03-14 15:00 - 18:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship will be hosting their 4th Annual Pi Day on Friday, March 14, 2025. For all you non-math geeks, Pi Day celebrates the mathematical constant π, whose first three numbers are 3.14. But don’t worry. The only math involved is simple.

Join us from 3-6pm at 1150 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope, AL 36532. The price per slice of pie is $3, which includes a coffee. With the purchase of a slice of pie, you are also automatically entered into the raffle. Raffle winners each receive a specialty pie from Fairhope Chocolate Shop, the Warehouse, or another establishment. Raffle winners will be announced at 5:15pm. You must be present to win. All proceeds serve as a fundraiser and benefit the members of the Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship and its community.

Member-donated pies include, but are not limited to, apple pie, pecan pie, pizza pie, and cheesecake – which is not technically a pie, but who doesn’t like cheesecake? And for $3 a slice, it makes for a great Friday evening where adults can mix and mingle while children can play the various games available onsite. Whole pies will also be available for purchase.

Whether you’re interested in dinner or dessert, there is a pie for you. This event is for anyone who enjoys good food and engaging company.

Pat Siano
2025-03-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
National Alliance on Mental Illness: Mental Health for All

Pat will introduce us to NAMI, which provides services to those with mental illness and their families. She will provide a brief history of NAMI Baldwin branch and describe the programs and work that they run. She will invite us to join at the bargain rate of $5.

Pat Siano worked as an organizer for the Communications Workers of America Union, and retired as a math teacher at Foley High School. She volunteers with many community organizations and is a lifetime member of Wolf Bay Watershed Watch.

Uke Open Jam
2025-03-03 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Bring your ukulele and join us every Monday for an open jam session!

Dev Wakely
2025-03-02 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Building an Alabama for All of Us

Dev will cover developments in public policy in this new era at the State House. This may also include some advocacy opportunities. He’ll cover some networking as well as other opportunities broader than those at the State House.

Dev Wakeley is Alabama Arise’s worker policy advocate. His work covers criminal justice, the death penalty, predatory lending, and voting rights. He currently covers workers’ rights policy and equitable economic development, housing, and transit

Harvey Joanning
2025-02-23 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Living in Outer Space or on Other Planets

Many dream of settlements on other planets or in orbit. Are such settlements possible? What would it be like to live in them? Could humans survive and have children there? Harvey will explore these questions and describe the technology necessary needed. Ethical issues will also be explored.

Dr. Harvey Joanning is Emeritus Professor at Iowa State University and an Adjunct Professor at USA in the Department of Psychology and College of Education. He is licensed as a Psychologist and Marriage & Family Therapist. He has been a consultant for NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Eat Plants, Love Animals
2025-02-22 10:00 - 11:30 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
Come enjoy a free light breakfast and join Dr. Strickland from the University of Alabama for a discussion on ethics, science, and the advantages of a whole-food, plant-based diet that excludes animal products. This will be followed by an expert panel with physicians and farm animal rescue advocates.

No registration required.

February 16: Bob Zellner
2025-02-16 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
The South in the Midst of Change

Bob will report on how Alabama and the Deep South is progressing in regard to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Bob Zellner has been and is an active leader in the Civil Rights Movement from the 1960s to today. He risked his life–and nearly lost it–many times. As an organizer of The Freedom Rides of 1961 and the first white southerner to serve as field secretary for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), he worked with the main civil rights leaders. He is now one of the key individuals that a new generation turns to on racial, historical, and cultural questions, as they ask themselves, “What is my place in this struggle?” His life has been reprised in the 2021 film: “Son of the South” (currently streaming on Peacock & Tubi).

February 9: Kim MacQueen
2025-02-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
About the Bahá’í Faith

The Bahá’í faith is an independent world religion that recognizes the oneness of humanity while celebrating its diversity. It embraces both the belief in one God and the essential shared truth of all religions. It provides a framework for living a life connected to the sacred and contributing to the needs of community. Kim will speak more about these principles and will share some of her journey of discovery of the Bahá’í faith.

Kim MacQueen has been a member of the Bahá’í faith for over 55 years. She is a retired teacher and therapist, holding a PhD in Transformative Studies. She and her husband have two wonderful grown children and two very talented grandsons.

Women of Wisdom Discussion Group
2025-02-06 11:00 - 13:00

February 2: Jeremiah Chapman
2025-02-02 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
“Gulfquest” to “National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico”

A history of the museum, its new name, rebranding, and why it’s somewhere you should visit. Opened in September 2015, the GulfQuest Museum in downtown Mobile had earned a mixed reputation among locals. Now rebranded, it has become a fantastic destination and offers something for maritime enthusiasts of all ages.

Raised in Tuscaloosa, Jeremiah graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2016 with a BFA in Film and Television. During his time in Savannah, he gave paranormal and history walking tours of the town. For the past 24 years he has worked in the film and television industry. He joined the GulfQuest Museum in downtown Mobile in October 2023, engaging with museum visitors about the Gulf.

January 26: Lila Ryals
2025-01-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
What Would Mama Do? Growing Up an “Almost” Orphan

Lila’s mother died days before Lila’s ninth birthday. Her dad abandoned the two youngest of his six children. Lila and her younger brother were left on their own to look after themselves: feeding, health care, schooling, and everything else. Lila and her brother struggled daily, but their fierce love for their lost mama, God, and each other saw them through.

Lila Marie Ryals lives in Fairhope, Alabama, still in the small cottage on North Summit Street. At age 91, she is happy and healthy (probably due to her early years of hard work, lots of walking, and eating fruits and vegetables). If you’re out and about in the early mornings, you may see her… she still walks about five miles a day around Fairhope!

Women of Wisdom Discussion Group
2025-01-23 11:00 - 13:00 | Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL, 36532, United States
