2006 |
May 7, 2006
The Gospel of Who?
Rev. Elizabeth Lerner
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It's all the rage lately -- the gospel of Judas has been found, translated, interpreted, and
published. You can go down and see it at the National Geographic building in downtown
D.C. That's right: Judas. This morning we'll review the gospel, the tradition of gnosticism
which seems its context, and what it can and can't mean for the gospels and their depiction
of Jesus which the world is most familiar with in the New Testament.
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April 30, 2006
Forgiveness: The Jewish Version
Rev. Elizabeth Lerner
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Despite the popular take on the dynamic of Jewish guilt in relationships, there's a lot we don't know about how
Judaism truly views the issue of guilt and forgiveness. American culture is far more familiar with the Christian view
of forgiveness, involving the initiative on the part of the wronged and turning the other cheek, etc. We'll consider this
dynamic and its biblical foundation and then contrast the Jewish vision of forgiveness.
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April 23, 2006
The Spirituality of Happiness
Rev. Elizabeth Lerner
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The spirituality of suffering—now that seems self-evident, as well as familiar, to many of us. The dark night of the
soul is well known, but what about the bright buzz of a blazing, busy sunny afternoon? The spirituality of happiness—
what is that anyway? What does it look like, feel like? Is happiness a spiritual state, and if so why and how? How do
we recognize and honor it in the bright sunshine of fulfillment and content? As always, we'll do our best to explore
those questions and their answers this morning. |
April 9, 2006
Our Unitarian Universalist Legacy, Practice, and Promise of Doing Justice, Loving Mercy
Rev. Dr. Terence Ellen
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Way back, Micah declared justice and mercy the center of a sacred life. Our
religious tradition has attempted to follow this guidance, keeping religion
simple and ethical. Our service will celebrate this inheritance and our
place in carrying it on.
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April 2, 2006
What A Wonderful World
Megan Foley
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Understanding the workings of the world around us can confuse us, bore us,
overwhelm us, or be a source of inspiration and teachings about the divine
nature of our universe. Be with us as we join the sacred, the profane, the
obscure and the hilarious and look at the world through the eyes of amateur
scientist and author Bill Bryson.
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March 19, 2006
Seeking Hope in a Time of War
Erik Leaver
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March 19th marks the third anniversary of one of the darkest moments of our
generation, the start of the Iraq War. Addressing the UU General Assembly 40
years ago as the U.S. was fighting another war, Martin Luther King Jr. carried a
message of hope saying, “We will be able to emerge from the bleak and desolate
midnight of man’s inhumanity to man, into the bright and glittering daybreak of
freedom and justice.” This service will honor those who have died in the war and
explore messages of faith and hope that arise out of its ashes.
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March 12, 2006
Let This Church Change Your Life
Rev. Elizabeth Lerner
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What does it really take to find the spiritual, communal, and personal fulfillment we seek, among other places, at church? This service of deep reflection on congregational and community experience will involve preaching, testimonials, and music. Come join us in taking another look at what it means to be part of UUCSS.
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February 26, 2006
Forward Through the Aged
Rev. Elizabeth Lerner
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February 5, 2006
Spiritual But Not Religious: The Language of Reverence, Part III
Rev. Elizabeth Lerner
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Reverend Liz will explore the next (last? who knows?) part of her exploration of this important issue in the UU movement -- what "fresh" language of reverence might look like, where it might come from, how it might compare to the traditional language we are already familiar with. Come hear and consider the third part of this theme and its place in your own spiritual journey. You can also read Part I (November 6, 2005) and Part II.(December 12, 2005). |
January 29, 2006
Celebrating the 7th Principle
Kathy Moser, artist/activist
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Saving the world can be a joyous adventure, or a heart-breaking trudge. This lighthearted service celebrates the wonder of nature in words and song, and uses that energy to inspire us to deepen our connection to and respect for the planet. For a preview, visit www.kathymoser.com. |
January 22, 2006
The Big Questions
Rev. Elizabeth Lerner
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This morning's service will address the big questions of life, but there's a twist. They will be the questions of those attending the service. Come with one religious/spiritual/theological/historical question you'd like to hear addressed from the pulpit and submit it during the service. Reverend Liz will do her best to give her take on as many as she can during the service. What hasn't come up yet that you'd like to hear something about? Come help it happen in this responsive worship service. |
January 15, 2006
Martin Luther King Sunday
Rev. Elizabeth Lerner and Dr. Jeffrey Ames
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For this annual service celebrating the life and message of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we will be joined by Dr. Jeffrey Ames, professor of music from Baylor University in Texas, who will be working with our musicians on music from the African American tradition. Expect a rousing and rich worship service of music and reflection. |
January 8, 2006
Faith, Justice, and Marriage
Rev. Elizabeth Lerner
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Same-gender marriage is a hot-button topic in our country right now, and Unitarian Universalism is right in the thick of it. Our service will review a brief, modern history of the topic and then consider the issue as one of justice. We will also consider Unitarian Universalism's unique view of the issue and how that has shaped a role for us of national import on this issue. |
January 1, 2006
Spirituality Without Faith
Bob Hirshon
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Can rationalist reductionists be warm and fuzzy? In his third sermon on religion as seen and experienced through a secular humanist lens, Hirshon tackles faith and spirituality. What is spirituality? Can it be experienced without religious faith? The sermon is based on and inspired by the best-selling book "The End of Faith," by Sam Harris. |
