speaker: Rev. Brian Ferguson | The quality of mercy is important to many religious traditions as it encourages compassion for those who have hurt us or those with power over others.  It is an attribute of God in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Shakespeare says that mercy "blesseth him that gives and him that takes". The practice of mercy may be admired but can also be viewed as weak or naive.  This worship service will explore the complex practice of mercy both how we can nurture it in ourselves and in our wider culture. There will also be a New Member Ceremony during this worship service.