Ethical Society of St. Louis

“When I liberate myself, I liberate others. If you don’t speak out, ain’t nobody going to speak out for you.” — Fannie Lou Hamer

Today we celebrate the birthday of a fearless warrior for justice, born October 6, 1917.

What does Fannie Lou Hamer's legacy call you to do?

Community Remembrance and Reparative Justice in Missouri - October 12 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

This Sunday, Oct. 12, Geoff Ward will discuss Community Remembrance Projects, which address the legacy of lynching and its lasting impact on conflict, violence, and inequality through the corruption of moral and legal systems.

Stream on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ethicalstl

"Pulling Up Icarus" by Rev. Sam Teitel

Music by Jeffrey Levine, Krystal White, and Eric Compton

Opening Words by Christine Politte

Our Program Volunteer Platform Host Maxine Stone "Man in the Mirror" by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett Jeffrey Levine, Eric Compton and Krystal White Ethical Education Core Values Openings Words Christine Politte "Let It Be Me" by The Indigo Girls Jeffrey Levine, Eric Compton and Krystal White Mindfulness Minute Pulling Up Icarus Rev. Sam Teiltel Mission Moment, Collections, & Announcements "We Shall Be Free" by Garth Brooks Jeffrey Levine, Eric Compton and Krystal White Closing

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=xveJ... ):

"Pulling Up Icarus" by Rev. Sam Teitel

Music by Jeffrey Levine, Krystal White, and Eric Compton

Opening Words by Christine Politte

Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

For the first time ever, Union Avenue Opera brings two contemporary one-act operas to the stage—powerful stories exploring identity, justice, and transformation:

✨ As One
✨ dwb (driving while black)

📅 October 10–12
🎟️ Tickets just $25
🔗 unionavenueopera.org

Photo of the Ethical Society of St. Louis with the phrase "I AM ST. LOUIS" and a heart with the St. Louis flag atop the building. The building's spire pierces the "O" in St. Louis.

I am the place you belong.

I am the community you create.

I am where values come alive in action.

I am the circle where every person matters.

I am the hope we build together.

I am Humanist at heart.

I am the Ethical Society.

I am St. Louis.

#IAmStLouis

Free speech doesn’t stand on its own. It’s carried by those who create, question, and challenge.

Cartoon by Adam Zyglis, a Pulitzer Prize–winning editorial cartoonist for The Buffalo News

#thepowerofus

"The Power of Us: Lay Leadership at the Ethical Society" Panel discussion with Kathryn Bellrose, Nathan Schrenk, and Mary Ellen Stanton, moderated by Travis Williams

Music by Eimear Arkins and Eileen Gannon

Opening Words by Kathy Schrenk

Our Program: Volunteer Platform Host Travis Williams St. Sinneach's March, Dancing Eyes, and Pat McKenna's - A mis of traditional tunes and a composition by Sean Ryan Eimear Arkins and Eileen Gannon Ethical Education Core Values Opening Words Kathy Schrenk Bonny Blue-Eyed Nancy Eimear Arkins and Eileen Gannon Mindfulness Minute The Power of Us: Lay Leadership at the Ethical Society Mary Ellen Stanton, Kathryn Bellrose, and Nathan Schrenk Mission Moment & Collections Maids of Mitchelstown and the Blockers Eimear Arkins and Eileen Gannon Closing

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfPX... ):

"The Power of Us: Lay Leadership at the Ethical Society": Panel discussion w/ member lay leaders

Music by Eimear Arkins and Eileen Gannon

Opening Words by Kathy Schrenk

Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

What’s one small action someone did for you that made a difference? How can we amplify those everyday kindnesses into big change?

Our Constitution begins with "We, the People." It’s up to us to make sure those words include everyone.

"Humanism in Action: Hope Against Fascism" by @jettwriter.bsky.social

Music by Hannah Frey and McKayla Talasek

Opening Words by Kyle Nienhaus https://www.ethicalstl.org/opening-words-from-sun-september-14-by-kyle-nienhaus/

Our Program: Volunteer Platform Host Dan Overmann Duo for Violin and Viola, Op. 208: Adagio Sostenuto-Allegro Non Tanto by Johann Kalliwoda Hannah Frey and McKayla Talasek Special Announcement Ethical Education Core Values Opening Words Kyle Nienhaus Idylle by Charles Koechlin Hannah Frey and McKayla Talasek Mindfulness Minute Humanism in Action: Hope Against Fascism Louise Jett Mission Moment & Collections Special Announcement Duo in C Major by Jean Sebelius Hannah Frey and McKayla Talasek Closing

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-JL... ):

"Humanism in Action: Hope Against Fascism" by @jettwriter.bsky.social

Music by Hannah Frey and McKayla Talasek

Opening Words by Kyle Nienhaus

Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

Every kit packed is a step toward a more compassionate and just world. 🌎✨ Huge thanks to Beacon Reproductive Health Network for this partnership. Ethical Society members are glad to put our values to work for the common good.

#thepowerofus

Peace & justice require cooperation. Our shared humanity must come first.

We need to find ways to unite & heal in the face of violence & uncertainty. We owe each other nothing short of human flourishing.

How can Humanist values help us navigate conflict & uncertainty with compassion & clarity?

The game is rigged from the start. 🎲

#equity #justice #humanism #systemicracism

HOW Great is This: EC is a safe & effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex with Over-the-counter emergency contraception (levonorgestrel) Click link in post below get Free Kit mailed to you. BIG Thank @ethicalstl.org / @ppfa.org @ffrf.org @stlouisatheists.bsky.social @stltoday.com

This Platform will explore how Humanist values can inspire hope and guide us to resist authoritarianism, defend human rights, and strengthen our communities with courage and compassion. Learn more: www.ethicalstl.org/event/platfo...

Thank you!

Packing kits

Packing kits

Packing kits

Before the Platform, our volunteers packed 1000 Emergency Contraception Kits for www.beaconreprohealth.org/get-care/fre...

"Kickoff Our New Programming Year!" by ED Claire Alexander

Music by the Ethical Band

Julie Lewis reading Hollie Brubaker's Opening Words

Our Program Volunteer Platform Host Mike Jones "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang The Ethical Band Ethical Education Core Values Opening Words Hollie Brubaker "The Chariot" by The Cat Empire The Ethical Band Mindfulness Minute Fall Kickoff Platform Claire Alexander Mission Moment & Collections "September" by Earth, Wind, & Fire The Ethical Band Closing Closing

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/live/9KHMURO...):

"Kickoff Our New Programming Year!" by ED Claire Alexander

Music by the Ethical Band

Opening Words by Hollie Brubaker (read by Julie Lewis)

Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

🍂✨ Tomorrow’s the day! ✨🍂 Fall Kickoff is almost here!

📅 Sunday, Sept. 7
⏰ 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Bring your curiosity, bring your family, bring your friends. Everyone is welcome. Let’s celebrate the Power of Us and all the small actions that create big change. 🌟

Celebrate Community and Shared Values at Fall Kickoff The Ethical Society of St. Louis (ESSL) invites the public to its annual Fall Kickoff on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 10 a.m. The celebration will launch a new season of Humanist events designed to inspire

You're invited to our annual Fall Kickoff on Sunday, September 7, at 10 a.m.! The celebration will launch a new season of Humanist events designed to inspire curiosity, build connections, and spark action on today’s most pressing challenges.

"Never Forget: Humanism & the Holocaust" by Alex Braitberg

Music by Executive Director of Community Experience Claire Alexander Singing and acoustic guitar

Opening Words by @jettwriter.bsky.social

Our Program Volunteer Platform Host Krystal White "Lullaby" by The Chicks Claire Alexander Ethical Education Core Values Openings Words Louise Jett "Murder in the City" by The Avett Brothers Claire Alexander Mindfulness Minute Never Forget: Humanism and the Holocaust Alex Braitberg Collection, Announcements, and Calls to Action "Go Outside" by Ratboys Claire Alexander Closing

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=U980... ):

"Never Forget: Humanism & the Holocaust" by Alex Braitberg

Music by Executive Director of Community Experience Claire Alexander

Opening Words by @jettwriter.bsky.social

Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

Christine Politte accompanies herself on guitar to perform "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas

Tom Kneist performs "Fantaisie-Impromptu" by Frédéric Chopin

Heather & Sean O'Hara perform "Ripe and Ruin" by alt-J and "If I Were a Fish" by Corook

Music by Christine Politte, Tom Kneist, and Heather & Sean O'Hara

Grayson Rosen presents "What Being Trans Has Taught Me About Gender & Identity, and Why That Matters in These Times" Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yys4iVcouf8FOZrg6CdPiepLyWu7Tmww1EKtHy-TqTw/edit?tab=t.0

Herb Morisse gives Opening Words

Our Program: Volunteer Platform Host Blake Hindrichs Ethical Education Core Values Openings Words Herb Morisse "Fantaisie-Impromptu" by Frédéric Chopin Tom Kneist Mindfulness Minute "What Being Trans Has Taught Me About Gender & Identity, and Why That Matters in These Times" Grayson Rosen Collection, Announcements, and Calls to Action "Ripe and Ruin" by alt-J and "If I Were a Fish" by Corook Heather & Sean O'Hara Closing

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BW9...):

"What Being Trans Has Taught Me About Gender & Identity, and Why That Matters in These Times" by Grayson Rosen

Opening Words by Herb Morisse

Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

"The Courage to Face Change" by @croftspeaks.bsky.social, appearing remotely from the UK

Music by Hannah Frey and Mc Kayla Talasek, two women in black playing violins

Opening Words by Larry Doreson, a white man speaking from the stage at the Society: https://www.ethicalstl.org/opening-words-from-sun-july-20-by-larry-doreson/

Our Program Volunteer Platform Host Krystal White String Duo in G Major by W. A. Mozart - Allegro Hannah Frey & Mc Kayla Talasek Ethical Education Core Values Openings Words Larry Doreson String Duo in G Major by W. A. Mozart - Adagio Hannah Frey & Mc Kayla Talasek Mindfulness Minute The Courage to Face Change James Croft Collection, Announcements, and Calls to Action String Duo in G Major by W. A. Mozart - Rondo Hannah Frey & Mc Kayla Talasek Closing

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-al... ):

"The Courage to Face Change" by @croftspeaks.bsky.social

Music by Hannah Frey and Mc Kayla Talasek

Opening Words by Larry Doreson: www.ethicalstl.org/opening-word...

Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

This Sunday, we’re asking our members to share:
Why is membership VALUABLE to you?

Join the conversation in person during Sunday Platform—we’d love to hear your voice.

Check out this blog post to learn more: www.ethicalstl.org/why-do-peopl...

"Bread & Roses Missouri and Workers’ Theater" by Emily Kohring Bread and Roses Missouri amplifies and elevates the stories of working people through art, performance, and activism. We believe that cultural and creative expression are a means to effect deep and lasting social change.

Music by Claire Alexander "Keep Marching" from the musical "Suffs"

Opening Words by Brenda Otterson https://www.ethicalstl.org/opening-words-from-sun-july-12-by-brenda-otterson/

Our Program Volunteer Platform Host Black Bindrichs "Keep Marching" from the Musical "Suffs" Claire Alexander Ethical Education Core Values Openings Words Brenda Otterson "Bread and Roses" Music by Mimi Farina, Lyrics by James Oppenheim Claire Alexander Mindfulness Minute Staging the Struggle: Bread & Roses Missouri and Workers' Theater Emily Kohring Collection, Announcement, and Calls to Action "Rise" by Arianne Abela Claire Alexander Closing

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=6L0T... ):

"Bread & Roses Missouri and Workers’ Theater" by Emily Kohring

Music by Claire Alexander

Opening Words by Brenda Otterson: www.ethicalstl.org/opening-word...

Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

Volunteers packing emergency contraception kits in an assembly line

Volunteers packing emergency contraception kits in an assembly line

Over 100 emergency contraception kits ready to go!

Before the Platform, 40 volunteers packed 1000 Emergency Contraception kits during the 9:45 Forum

"Lenses of Humanity: How Reflection, Connection, and Empathy Can Heal Our World" by Dr. Kyle A. Reyes This was a virtual presentation by Reyes. Unfortunately, the projector bulb is dying, so the image was more purple than intended.

Music by Patrick Rafferty, a white adult male playing a replica of a 17th-century guitar

Opening Words by Sean O'Hara

Our Program Volunteer Platform Host Jamie Frazier "Gigue à la maniére anglois-Menuet" by Francesco Corbetta Patrick Rafferty Ethical Education Core Values Openings Words Sean O'Hara "Capricho Árabe" by Francisco Tárrega Patrick Rafferty Mindfulness Minute "Lenses of Humanity: How Reflection, Connection, and Empathy Can Heal Our World" Dr. Kyle Reyes Special Announcement Claire Alexander Collection, Announcements, and Calls to Action "Prélude no. 2" by Heitor Villa-Lobos Patrick Rafferty Closing

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtwS...):

"Lenses of Humanity: How Reflection, Connection, and Empathy Can Heal Our World" by Dr. Kyle A. Reyes

Music by Patrick Rafferty

Opening Words by Sean O'Hara

Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL

"Finding Safety in Community: Queer Allyship in Hostile Times" by SQSH's Avi Ivaturi (they/them), a Brown trans child of immigrants and queer abolitionist organizer

Music by Lynn O'Brien Performing "Rise Up" by Andra Day on guitar and voice

Opening Words by Kimber Palmer, a member of the Society

Volunteer Platform Host Krystal White "Rise Up" by Andra Day Performed by Lynn O'Brien Ethical Education Core Values Openings Words Kimber Palmer "We Shall Be Known" by MaMuse Performed by Lynn O'Brien Mindfulness Minute "Finding Safety in Community: Queer Allyship in Hostile Times" Avi Ivaturi Special Announcement Executive Director of Community Experience Claire Alexander Collection, Announcements, and Calls to Action "How Can I Give My Love Away" Performed and written by Lynn O'Brien Closing

This morning at the Society (www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg2i...):

"Finding Safety in Community: Queer Allyship in Hostile Times" by SQSH's Avi Ivaturi

Music by Lynn O'Brien

Opening Words by Kimber Palmer

Join us next week at 11am in person or youtube.com/@EthicalStL