Ordination

Universal Life Church

I'm a long-time ULC minister. I became ordained out of necessity in 1972.

I'm a school teacher and with the help of the local Health Department, a local church, and even the USAF, myself and a few colleagues started a free clinic for teens where they could get medical assistance with drug problems, STD's and birth control.

Well, my Vice Principal got wind of it and demanded that within the month I produce a list of the names of all students of our school who came to the clinic for drug problems. I checked with my attorney and I did not have any way of withholding this info. So, I became ordained through ULC---in those days it was by mail--- and refused to supply the list of names on the grounds that it would violate a trust between a minister and his flock. On appeal to the Board of Education attorney, it stood as legal confidentiality and I (we) were off the hook.

John 

ulc.net 

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.  
 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

Contemplation
A commentary…

When we think about something, we are contemplating. Contemplating what to do next, what would be best, what course to follow. 

Contemplation is a most useful skill to develop--as we usually make the wisest choices from forethought.

Before I go to sleep each night, I spend some time reviewing what happened that day, and how I wish to proceed on the issues for the next day. Contemplation is a way to mentally houseclean the day's activities--and prepares the space in thought, for tomorrow's unseen situations.

We can also contemplate on qualities we wish to develop in ourselves. By assessing the pros and cons about a quality, we can determine if it will uplift our lives through making us a better person, Because, as we grow in consciousness, we become more conscious of the greater plan for our life in the world. We attain a more universal overview of life.

Contemplation serves as a clearing house in our mind. We bring out a situation for review, process it, and then pass it on into usefulness or discard it as unusable for us. Or maybe send it back into our memory storage to be brought forward at another time. 

Contemplation also buys us time to think over and digest new ideas that may come from outside sources--other people or the media. 

Contemplation gives us the time to allow a good solution to come to mind. If we are in a hurry or pressured to make a decision quickly, we might not instantly come up with the most useful answer. But if we instead say--I'll think that over and let you know later--tomorrow or next week or whatever future date we choose, then our mind will have time to digest, mull over the situation, and come up with the most workable solution.

As we contemplate we can take notes on ideas that come to mind. Writing down my ideas while contemplating helps me evaluate the best course to follow. I look over my notes and decide the pros and cons of each idea before making an important decision.

As we progress in upgrading our consciousness through sticking to the virtues and truths we have decided to follow, we will more quickly be able to make the best decision when called upon to decide spontaneously.

As we upgrade our consciousness

our conscious decisions become more spontaneously

for the best

Time spent in contemplation

uses our mind optimally

Stirs our thoughts and sifts out the dross

Leaving just the right answer for us

each time

 1999 Susan Kramer

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Sunday School Lesson

The Life Of Moses (Lesson 2) God Speaks with Moses (God's Holiness) Sunday School Lesson by Craig

LESSON OBJECTIVE

Topics: Moses, Holiness, Listening, Will of God After completing this lesson, the children will learn that God desires to communicate with us and how important it is for us to listen.

AS KIDS ARRIVE (15 minutes)

Ways to Communicate: As the children arrive, hand them a blank sheet of paper and a pencil and have them write down as many ways or things they can think of that people use to communicate. Give one or two examples (see below). After everyone has arrived, and jotted down a few things, write their unique answers on the board. Include any additional items of your own they could not think of. Then take a vote by a showing of hands which item the kids believe is the best or most effective way and the least effective way to communicate. Close the activity by saying, "There are many great ways to communicate, some are more effective than others, but God can communicate with us in miraculous ways. Today we will discover one unforgettable way God talked with Moses. Examples: Radio, Television, Books, Magazines, Loud speakers, Prayer, Angels

OPENING PRAYER AND PRAISES (5 minutes) Further info? Click here

MEMORY WORK (6 minutes)

"My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth" Psalm 121:2 The kids should be familiar with this verse from last week. Today, have the kids sit in a circle, and call out one name. That child will say the first part of the verse. The child to his left (clockwise) must say the second part of the verse, and the next child to the left say the reference. Do this several times so everyone has a chance to say part of the verse.

SCRIPTURE READING AND DISCUSSION (15 minutes)

Introduction: Last week we learned about how God protected Moses by having the Pharaoh's daughter raise him as her own child. God had a plan for Moses from the time he was born. Now Moses is a married man, and it is time for God to tell Moses what to do. During this time the Israelite people who are living in Egypt are being treated very badly. The Egyptians are using them like slaves to do all the hard work. But the Israelites are God's chosen people, so God is going to use Moses to free them from their suffering. Our lesson begins with Moses tending the sheep belonging to Jethro his Father-in-law. Exodus 3:1-15 (The story of Moses and the Burning Bush) Discussion Questions: 1. What was strange about the bush that Moses saw in the mountain? (It never stopped burning) 2. Why do you suppose God chose a burning bush as a way to speak to Moses? (To get the attention of Moses and to show His fearsome power) 3. Why did God tell Moses to take off his sandals? (Because he was on holy ground) 4. How did Moses react to God's request? (He didn't think he was worthy -said "who am I") 5. How was God going to help Moses deliver His message? (God would be with him) 6. Who was Moses to say sent him, if asked by the Israelites? (Moses was to say "I AM has sent me.")

CLASS EXERCISES (20 minutes)

Selling God's Word (Activity) Click here

ALTERNATE CLASS EXERCISE (10 minutes)

Old Time Telephone (Game) Have the kids either sit in a circle or line up, and play the old telephone game to show how important it is to listen carefully to the Word of God. You can use the following phrases or make up your own: 1. When God spoke to Moses, He did it in a very strange way, by using a bush. 2. Moses was not prepared to hear what he heard up in the mountain. 3. God has a special plan for all of us, so we need to listen carefully to what the Word of God says.

APPLICATION (2 minutes)

God desires to communicate with us all the time. Sometimes however we are just too busy to listen to God. Perhaps we feel God has more important things to do than talk to us. But that cannot be further from the truth. God loves us very much and wants to tell us many things. That's why we need to take time to pray, and hear what God has to say. Let's pray now, and ask God to help us to listen to Him.

NEXT WEEK

If you really wanted to do something, what would make you change your mind. Next week we will learn about a man who wouldn't change his mind even when he was covered with flies and other creepy things.

CLOSING PRAYER (2 minutes)

TAKE HOME PAGE

Give one copy to each child at the end of the class to take home. ********************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Free Online Ordination

Universal Life Church

I've always had someone approach me for advise or just wanting someone to talk to. I became ordained by ULC because I didn't appreciate the various teachings or beliefs of the standard religions around me. I more or less wanted to be an interfaith believer. 

I have always been interested in cars as a hobby and that has brought others closer to me to share their problems. Motorheads and people that can't get their car started on a cold morning have as many problems as the rest of the world. (Go figure!) I did go through some agonizing reappraisels in reaching this decision having gone to Catholic school while brought up Protestant and having lived in a multicultural neighborhood. 

Not knowing much about others beliefs I listened and told them what I thought was right. I can't believe how far this attitude has brought me in life. At my job I listen and talk to people from many various cultures from around the world. This diversity has made me more aware that people are the same around the world. They want to make a peaceful living and raise their families. I truly do feel, that now, I am an INTERFAITH MINISTER. 

ulc.net 

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The Universal Life Church offers free online ordination and an extensive seminary program where we offer a course in Wiccan Studies, one on the Four Gospels, several courses that are based on A Course in Miracles, several Christian Studies courses and a variety of courses on Spiritual Awareness and Spiritual Development.

Universal Life Church

Universal Life Church

I guess the biggest reason behind my decision to become ordained was the fact that my best friend asked me to perform his hand-fasting. Up until that point, I was happy merely following my order without any of the, shall we say, "perks" that go with the job. 

But once I joined the form I got a better sense the I was just ordained but part of something. I had become part of a free thinking people willing to put difference aside... most of the time ;) and discuss religion and beliefs not from the point of which is right, but from the point of enlightenment. So I guess my spirit must have pulled me to the place I fit in instead of me just becoming ordained.

Love, peace, and happiness

Chirockdruid 

ulc.net 

*******************************

 

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.  
 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Sunday School Lesson

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON OBJECTIVE

Topics: Moses as a baby Moses, Protection After completing this lesson, the children will learn that God protects us and has a plan for each of our lives.

AS KIDS ARRIVE (15 minutes)

Draw the following chart on the board:   Things that protect us People that protect us (examples: bicycle helmets, seat belts, gloves) (examples: Fireman, policeman, God) As the children arrive, give them a sheet of paper and have them copy the chart from the board, or have copies already made up before class. Have them jot down as many things and people they can think of while waiting for everyone to arrive. When finished, discuss what everyone came up with and write unique items of the board for all to see.

OPENING PRAYER AND PRAISES (5 minutes) Further info? Click here

MEMORY WORK (6 minutes)

"My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth" Psalm 121:2 Have the kids find this verse in their Bibles, and read it several times out loud. Have them close their eyes and try to say the verse again.

SCRIPTURE READING AND DISCUSSION (15 minutes)

Introduction: Today we will learn about the birth of Moses. Moses was born a long time ago in Egypt. But he was not an Egyptian. He was an Israelite. At that time the Pharaoh of Egypt gave an order that every newborn baby boy was to be thrown into the Nile River and killed, but baby girls could live. That doesn't sound fair does it? Can you imagine the sadness parents had when a baby boy was born? But this is a story about how God can protect His own chosen people, even during evil times like this. Exodus 2:1-10 (The story of the birth of Moses) Discussion Questions: 1. Instead of throwing Moses into the Nile, what did his mother do with him for the first three months of his life? (She hid him) 2. When his mother could hide him no longer, what did she do with Moses? (She put him in a basket and set him among the reeds in the Nile) 3. Where did Pharaoh's daughter find the baby? (Along the bank of the Nile among the reeds) 4. What was Pharaoh's daughter doing when she found Moses? (Bathing with her servants) 5. Do you think Moses was found by accident, or was it God's plan? (God's plan) 6. Who did Pharaoh's daughter find to nurse the baby? (His mother) 7. How do we see God's protection in this story? (God protected Moses from dying in the Nile River by allowing Pharaoh's daughter to find him and raise him as an Egyptian.)

CLASS EXERCISES (10 minutes)

Moses in the Nile (Skit for six children) Click here

APPLICATION (2 minutes)

We use many thingsto protect us for instance helmets, gloves and heavy coats in the winter. People also protect us from harm, such as firemen and lifeguards. God's protection is always there, even when we don't know it. He has a plan for us just like He did for Moses. Although things may seem difficult at the time, God is always working in us for the good. The Bible says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) This week, everyone should spend some time in prayer, thanking God for His protection. Remember, our help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

NEXT WEEK

Did you ever hear a red rose talk? Come back next week and we will learn about something just as strange, but very true.

CLOSING PRAYER (2 minutes)

TAKE HOME PAGE

Give one copy to each child at the end of the class to take home. ********************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ordination

 Universal Life Church

At a young age I attended a Baptist Church, primarily because that's what my parents professed to be at the time and where they chose to go.

As I got older and began to think for myself, I questioned just about everything. I went from Agnostic to Atheist to Agnostic again and, after years of studying various religions, I eventually settled on creating my own faith, essentially cobbled from the parts of other more traditional religions that I agreed with and my own unique perspective on the universe-at-large.

Some might consider my personal religion vague but I see it as being "open-minded" and awaiting the universal truths to fill in the sketchy areas where I don't have hard answers.

When I discovered the ULC early last year, like many I thought perhaps it wasn't an entirely serious organization, but the more I read the more I found myself agreeing with the ULC's basic tenets. I read somewhere, either from Rev. Hensley himself or another ULC minister, that said something like "Religion is very personal and unique to every individual. Who knows what you believe better than yourself?".

Well, it didn't take rocket science for me to correlate the similarities between that statement and my own unique religion. I don't have to force others to believe as I do, only live my life believing what I wish, listening to the perspectives of others (I don't have all the answers but I'm always searching) and "Doing that which is right." Spirituality for me is about learning.

Could any other organized religion or church offer a more simple and easier-to-live-by doctrine?

If so, I never found them.

And thus I became a ULC minister (as did a couple of my friends who were also impressed that a legal religious order would allow them to believe what they wished and not force any particular set of beliefs or restrictions on them).

The ULC is the only order I know of that allows me to fit in and learn from others who don't necessarily believe what I do, but do believe that everyone should have the freedom to believe what they wish so long as it doesn't harm others.

That "open-door" policy is quite refreshing compared to some places where you might be beheaded for simply asking "Why?" about some facet of religion.

ulc.net 

*******************************

 

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.  
 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

Universal Life Church

I applied to ULC for the soul reason to legally and properly conduct a sold service to my faith. I
was directed here by a fellow minister. I was once lost and this is going to help me further my change in life choices. I chose the name lost soul because you cant find your self if you were never lost.

Every action has a reaction! I chose this way as the path I will follow.  

ulc.net 

*******************************

 

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.  
 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Online Ordination

Universal Life Church

I became an ordained ULC minister because a terrific group of vegetarian hippies in Atlanta in 1969 told me it was a good way to escape from orthodox religion. They were so right, and those were wonderful days.

Then the world turned a few times, and I stepped off the Red Road to wander some very meandering paths.

Then, thirty years later, I did it again, figuring I was expired from the first time. It is a VERY very different organization these days, in membership at least, due to the internet. There are many more opportunities to learn and grow, which is good, but I think there are more nuts these days showing their colors as well.

ulc.net 

*******************************

 

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.  
 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Why I became ordained

Universal Life Church

Hello. My name is Carl Kem and I was ordained on Dec. 28th, 2002 (might be 2003).

My reasons are simple- for so long I have searched in vain for a church that is a true church of God. haven't we all searched for that? I was raised LDS and was a member for 23 years. I bounced from church to church- Methodist, baptist, southern baptist, independent baptist, independent southern baptist, conservative southern baptist (I honestly feel there are more different sects of southern baptist than there are recipes for southern fired chicken), catholic, Jehovah's witness's, church of Christ, Lutheran, presbyterian, I ain't kidding when i say the list could go on. So many churches, but for what reason? All a matter of this man feels this way and that man feels that way, and if this man sees you're a member of that man's church you're now going to hell, and when that man sees you as a member of this man's church, he will knock on your door until you answer and account to him WHY you made such a choice. Is that what God wanted? I don't think so.

When I came to ULC, I did so out of desperation. I wanted an answer and I was going to get it!!! And get it I did. The answer, to me, is not what is in a church, because there are so many of them if there was one true church, the rest would quickly fall away. Instead it is within your heart. Who is God to you, and how do you believe in him? Maybe to you He is a Goddess. Or perhaps to you He is your Spiritual Brother. Ultimately who He is is up to you, and no man, or woman for that matter, has any right to say otherwise.

I have been attacked for my beliefs. The Clerk of Court in several counties in several states refused to accept my faith. The state says that to be a church you must have articles of incorporation and a 501c3 status from the IRS. I have been told that unless I adhere to the state laws, I cannot have a church. Well, here I am several years later, and while I have no congregation (I have 2 others that listen to my sermons), the state has yet to interfere.

So who is God to me? What is my faith?
My faith is COSMOS. Friends have made jokes of the name. One even called it the "Church Of Sleeping More On Sunday". Though my favorite joke is "Constantly Offending Socialists Mormons Ogres & Numbskulls". But is that it? No, it's not. It's far from that.

God is the Maker of all. He made the Earth we live on. He made the skies that are above us. He made the waters as deep as they are and the fish and creatures within. He made the mountains, as tall and grand as they may be, with all the glorious fine works of His art all across this blessed planet. He made the stars and the planets, the nebuli and the galaxies as large and beautiful as they are, and He made the ominous black holes that swallow galaxies by the dozens. He made the fine works such as Mt. McKinley, and those are terrible and fearsome as Mt. Pinatubo or Mt. St. Helen. All with important lessons within them all, all showing the might that He has.

Even with that said, I believe that while He does have these magnificent powers, there is much that He does not do. He does not interfere in stopping the multitude of crimes that happen. Why should He? They are lessons, they are opportunities, for us and for those that commit them. We can be disturbed by the actions of a murderer, and rightfully so. But that murderer also has the choice given to him by God to change. He has the choice of murdering again or coming before Jesus seeking forgiveness and asking for help.

These are the many chances that God gives us all. We will always have these opportunities. Maybe we choose wrong and we pay for it. Maybe slightly and perhaps dearly. But in the end He always has His door open to us, so we may choose, shall we stay or shall we go. shall we stay in His company and seek repentance and forgiveness for our many sins, or shall we go and walk the lonely road of life into the pits of hell?

So in closing, the Universal Church of COSMOS is just that- in celebration of the universal creations God has made. For us and for others. We have no special books of scripture, because the Holy Bible, new and old testaments, is sufficient. There is one God. One Jesus. One Holy Ghost. They are all one but they are all still the same. The Father, the Son and the Spirit.

You may lose your religion. I have. But I never lost God, and He has never lost me.

Maybe another day I will write more on this. I certainly look forward to it.

Respectfully,
Rev. C. Kem 

ulc.net 

*******************************

 

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.  
 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar