The Humble, Grateful Heart

Humility, humanity, and humor all have the same linguistic root, and they each can play a role in cultivating a grateful outlook. Join Rev. Jim for stories and insights that explore the gifts and challenges of practicing gratitude.

Rev. Jim Foti is a freelance UU minister in Minnesota and Wisconsin. From 2014 to 2022, he was an assistant minister at the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, and in the past few years, he has served as a sabbatical minister in Milwaukee and Waukesha and at FUS Madison. He received his B.A. from UW-Madison and his Master of Divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, and he is currently in a Doctor of Ministry program focused on creative writing and public theology. Prior to seminary, Jim had a 20-year career as a newspaper journalist.

Worship Associate – Virginia Harrison

Image: Royalty-free photo

Click here for Rev. Foti’s video reflection

  • The Share-the-Plate recipient for Sept. 14 and 21 is the Wisconsin Examiner. They are the largest nonpartisan, nonprofit new bureau covering Wisconsin state government, and they have no advertising, subscription fees, or paywalls. Their inspiration is the motto painted on a ceiling in the Capitol building: “The Will of the People is the Law of the Land.” For that to work, the people must be informed with reliable information. They were nominated by Erik Gunn.  

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Order of Service

  • Gathering Song  “Come, Come, Whoever You Are” #188
  • Welcome
  • Prelude  “Yūjō” by Naoko Ikeda
  • Call to Worship
  • Lighting the Chalice and Musical Response
  • Shared Music  “We Are Not Our Own” #317 (gray hymnal)
  • Time for All Ages  “Quackling the Duck”
  • Shared Music  “For the Beauty of the Earth” #21 (gray hymnal)
  • Wisdom from the World’s Traditions “The Place I Want to Get Back To” by Mary Oliver
  • Reflection 
  • Offering   “Shine”by Ola Gjeilo
  • Joys and Sorrows
  • Shared Music  “We Give Thanks” #1010 (teal hymnal)
  • Extinguishing the Chalice and Benediction

Click to watch Rev. Foti’s Reflection from a recording from FUS earlier this year.

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