Unitarian Universalist Church of Silver Spring

Sermons 2004

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2004
November 28, 2004 The Real Meaning of Christmas Alexa Fraser.	What parts of the Christmas holiday and traditions work for you? The real meaning of Christmas to this family.
November 7, 2004 Open Letter to President George W. Bush Rev. Elizabeth A. Lerner	Reflections on the recent national elections from the perspective of Unitarian Universalist traditions.
September 5, 2004 Growing Younger Eric Luedtke	How many members of UUCSS are young adults? How can we get more young adult members? Eric will give suggestions for how Unitarian Universalism will have to change to attract younger congregants.
July 25, 2004 The Nature of Evil Dr. Jonathan Black	In a universe which seems at best oblivious to our desires and needs, what is the origin of evil and who are its authors? Dr. Black will reflect on the nature of evil as we approach the third anniversary of 9/11. Dr. Black is Hunter Professor Emeritus of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, and a lay minister. He has taught biomedical ethics in a variety of settings, including UU congregations, UUMAC, Elder Hostel and Villanova University over the past decade. He has led or co-led workshops at UUMAC on ethical issues in health and disease, shared ministry, and the nature of evil.
June 27, 2004 “Inhuman” Treatment and Human Nature William E. Hartung	William Hartung will continue his exploration into the newer field of evolutionary psychology. This time around he will look into what has been described as “inhuman” treatment of the prisoners in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo. Is this all a part of “human nature”? Is there no limit?
June 20, 2004 Nonviolence and the Struggle for Democracy in Iraq and at Home Ramzi Kysia	Ramzi Kysia witnessed the Iraq War and its aftermath firsthand. He is an informed, articulate witness and critic of U.S. policies and their effects in the region. During the U.S. occupation, he has helped a group of Iraqi university students in Baghdad start an independent newspaper. His sermon will give a perspective on the status of democracy in Iraq and the role of nonviolent opposition.
June 6, 2004 Freedom from Self Rev. Elizabeth A. Lerner	How often have we sought unawareness of ourselves, our hang-ups, our old tapes and buttons waiting to be pushed, baggage from the past... just to be free, to exist, to lose ourselves in a moment that can exult and exalt us if we only could just let it... for some this is an incidental issue, for others like performer Spalding Gray, it was a lifelong struggle, ultimately even a mortal wound. This morning’s service will be an exploration of this age-old spiritual desire.
May 30, 2004 Religion Explained Bob Hirshon	Based on the book of the same title by Pascal Boyer of Washington University, this sermon will look into why humans have religion, and why we have the sorts of religion that we do. Boyer debunks the most common explanations for religion, and builds a compelling case for a combination of “cognitive gadgets” that humans evolved and that, taken together, give us the religious ideas and emotions that we feel so strongly.
May 23, 2004 Religious Education Sunday DRE Mandy Keithan, UUCSS Sunday School, Rev. Liz and more	Performances, reflections, presentations, toddler parade, baby dedication, special music, compositions by Rev. Liz, - this rich and celebratory service will lift up many aspects of our religious education program and how it feeds the souls not only of our children but of all of us. A very special morning, join us!
April 25, 2004 Have We Learned More About Choice? Rev. Elizabeth A.Lerner	We will consider the challenges and gifts of being pro-choice. The service will lead up to today’s March for Women’s Lives on the National Mall, “in support of reproductive freedom and justice for all women.”
April 18, 2004 The Good Goodbye Rev. Elizabeth Lerner	Ending a relationship—any ending of any relationship—is often wrenching. Whether the relationship is familial or romantic or platonic—even some relationships born of business—endings are hard. How do we say goodbye, how do we let go, how do we honor what fills our hearts...this Sunday’s sermon will address these issues, and offer a model for ‘the good goodbye.’
March 21, 2004 Saints Preserve Us! Rev. Elizabeth A. Lerner	This service will explore some fascinating aspects of Irish Christianity, with a special emphasis on the early development of the faith. We’ll be using some ancient texts and learning some of the appeal and power unique to Irish spirituality.
February 29, 2004 The Uncommon Denomination Rev. Elizabeth A. Lerner	This Sunday is Bring-a-Friend Sunday: the perfect opportunity to invite that friend or neighbor who you’ve been thinking would enjoy getting to know UUCSS. The sermon will treat an aspect of UUism, with reference to our history and the development of our theology. Music, as usual, will be wonderful. RE will be ready for some extra visitors—so don’t be shy.
February 15, 2004 Life as Quicksand: The More Things Change… Rev. Elizabeth A. Lerner	Coping with change is never easy, even when it’s change that we seek. And since the nature of life is, or at least includes, change… it’s an ongoing struggle. This morning’s service will approach this theme from a number of unconventional sources, from dogs to wilderness survival.
January 11, 2004 The Meaning of Life and Death Eric Luedtke and Emily Robinson	You might have seen Monty Python’s take on the meaning of life; now come hear the viewpoint of two young, inexperienced members of our congregation on the topic. We promise both serious and humorous reflections.