The Unitarian Universalist Church of Silver Spring
Sermon Archives
There are transcripts available to read for most sermons. To access the transcript, select the linked sermon title; to listen to a sermon, click on the 
link near the sermon title.
There will soon be access to sermons from previous years on this site.
2010
August 1
The Sacramental Life
John Monroe
Experiences of grace and wonder are real gifts. But the world’s great religious traditions also recognize that we can foster an openness to these gifts through spiritual discipline, whether it’s the Christian Eucharist or the Buddhist mindfulness exercises. How can we make spiritual practices a vital part of our own spiritual journeys? John Monroe is a mid-life student at Wesley Theological Seminary and a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax.
August 8
Earth-Centered Spirituality: The Contemplative Mind
Stephanie Hall
CUUPS forms one of the largest umbrella groups for Earth-centered spirituality in the US. Like all other Unitarian Universalists, those that identify themselves as part of Pagan or Earth-centered spirituality are diverse. There are many different spiritual paths among Earth-centered people. Often these people have more than one religious affiliation: they are UU and they are members of one or more other spiritual groups. Beliefs often vary widely among individuals even within these groups. One common theme, however, is that Earth-centered spiritual practice is strongly experiential. This talk will focus on a central part of these experiential spiritualities: the ways that different states of the contemplative mind, from meditation to trance, are being explored by groups within this spiritual movement. Some history of attitudes towards contemplative states and what science is now teaching us about them will also be discussed as a way of coming to a better understanding of these spiritual practices that are simultaneously ancient and modern.
August 15, 2010
Transitions: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
Carol Thomas Cissel
How do you handle life's transitions? What happens when the pathway in front of you splits and offers a new direction? Are you open to the wonder of fresh possibilities and revolutionary change? On August 15, UUCSS member Carol Cissel will riff on mid-life transitions, following your heart, asking for support and embracing the opportunity that change often brings. Carol is a new seminarian at Wesley Theological Seminary. She lives in Berwyn Heights, MD, has three adult children and one demanding (but loveable) cock-a-poo pup named Max.
July 4
Fall of the Ancient Cosmoses
David Shaw
David Shaw reviews the ancient Hebrew cosmos and the Greek cosmos. He reviews the fall of the ancient cosmoses and concludes that the universe-cosmos is over. He then suggests a new candidate for cosmos.
July 11, 2010
Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God
Rob Keithan
Let's face it: Sin happens. Humans are flawed beings. But love happens too. Is sin inescapable? Is salvation possible? Rob Keithan is a social justice organizer, lifelong Unitarian Universalist, and candidate for UU ministry. He recently completed 11 years of service in the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations Washington Office, where he worked to change United States policy and culture on issues of concern to the Association, and to support effective, congregation-based action for justice. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Studies from American University and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Divinity degree at Wesley Theological Seminary. Rob and his wife Mandy, a former Director of Religious Education at UUCSS, are members of All Souls Church and live in northeast Washington, DC.
July 18, 2010
Diversity: The Fear Factor?
The Wednesday Night Inreach Group
We’re good UU’s. We’re progressive. We have a Diversity Team. But some of us are still afraid of what racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity would mean. What are we afraid of? Are we worrying needlessly? Any UUCSSers who’d like to have their thoughts on the fear of diversity included in our discussion are invited to consult the Jun 23rd posting to the UUCSS yahoo group on how to share them with us (in advance).
July 25, 2010
Who’ll be a Witness?
Madelyn Campbell
What does it mean to be a witness? The ninth commandment tells us not to bear false witness against our neighbor, but it leaves open how we are to hold ourselves as witnesses. Is it enough to remain silent, or must we stand up and speak out? What are we called upon to do as SB 1070 goes into effect in Arizona and states around the country consider similar laws? On July 25th we will explore how laws of intimidation call us to respond as a community of faith. Who'll be a witness? Madelyn Campbell is a seminarian at Wesley Theological Seminary and a member of the UU Church of Arlington. She lives in Arlington, VA with her husband, several of their ten children, two cats, and a dog.
June 6
TAKE JOY!
Rev. Diane Teichert
Each of us is perfectly imperfect. So, at times, we ought to just laugh at ourselves! Is life really a guesthouse, as Rumi says? Rev. Diane Teichert is originally from Long Island, NY, and has lived in Baltimore, Atlanta, and the Boston area since graduating from The College of Wooster in Ohio in 1974. For the 15 years prior to entering Harvard Divinity School in preparation for UU parish ministry, she was a labor and community organizer in those cities. Her passion for social justice has been a theme in her ministries in Weymouth, Canton, and Bedford, Massachusetts, and now as the settled minister of Paint Branch UU Church in Adelphi, MD.
June 13
Hope for the Flowers
Rev. Ellen Jennings
We'll celebrate our annual Flower Communion service by sharing an audio-visual version of the 1970s parable, Hope for the Flowers, along with fabulous music from both our House Band and Choir, intertwined with Norbert Capek's story of the very first flower communion, celebrated in what was then Czechoslovakia in June 1923. This is a service for all ages, and we invite each person to bring a flower to share as part of the communion.
June 20
Honor Our Fathers
Erik Leaver
When originally proposed, Father's Day was seen as little more than a joke and an opportunity for commercial retailers. When the holiday was formalized in the 1970s it coincided with the rise of men's liberation movements, making it more acceptable for men to be open about their emotions and their roles in family life. Forty years later, how do we look at our fathers? What roles and influences do they bring to our lives? UUCSS member Erik Leaver will get out of bed early on Father's Day to ask these questions of us and celebrate being a father.
June 27
UUCSS Poetry Service
Katherine Howell
Local DC poet Katherine Howell will be leading our annual poetry service: a time for reading and sharing of the poetry of our voices and those of others. Please bring a poem of your own or of your favorite poet. Katherine is a lecturer in writing at George Washington University and an organizer for DC's bi-annual Split this Rock poetry festival of provocation and witness.
May 9
Can Science and Spirit Co-Exist?
Bob Hirshon, UUCSS Member
In this edition of his annual sermon, Bob looks at how the latest research in neurobiology affects our concept of the spirit--the ghost in our biological machine. And if the idea of the spirit becomes obsolete, what happens to spirituality? Can you have one without the other? And what does any of this have to do with Mother's Day? Today's sermon topic comes to us courtesy of William Hartung, winner of the sermon in this year’s church auction.
May 16
With All Our Lives
Rev. Robert Hardies
Many of us long to give our whole lives in loving service to something larger than ourselves. But one of the keys to greater service is greater acceptance of all that we are. Only when we receive all of life as a gift, can we give our whole lives as a gift. The Reverend Robert M. Hardies is a senior minister of All Souls Church, Unitarian in Washington, DC, an historic, diverse congregation in the heart of the nation's capital. In Washington, Rev. Hardies is also a leader in the Washington Interfaith Network, a coalition of 40 congregations building power to create social change in the city. He is a board member of Clinica del Pueblo, a non-profit health clinic serving DC's Latino community, and, from 2001 to 2003, he served on DC Mayor Anthony Williams' Interfaith Advisory Board. In 2009, Rev. Hardies co-founded and co-chaired DC Clergy United for Marriage Equality, a coalition of nearly 200 DC clergy of many races and faiths who supported gay marriage, and he was a leader in the struggle for marriage equality in the nation's capital.
May 23
Circle of Life
Rev. Ellen Jennings
From saying farewell to loved ones, to welcoming new babies and new members, to challenging ourselves in the midst of our busy lives to stay true to our principles and values, to celebrating and releasing our young adults as they move on to the next stages of their lives..... our congregation is a circle of life and love and
loss and learning. In today's intergenerational service, we'll celebrate
this amazing dance around the circle!
May 30
A Service on Clara Barton
Rev. Lillie Mae Henley
Rev. Lillie Mae Henley from the Universalist National Memorial Church (UNMC), our “mother church,” will be preaching on “Clara Barton—the Real Clara Barton—Universalist Extraordinaire.” She will share with us her reading and research on the woman who chose to risk her life on the battlefields of the Civil War before women were really allowed to be on the battlefield. She, unlike Dorothea Dix, who was a real nurse, nursed the men with more than medicine. Rev. Henley is a 1998 graduate of Meadville Lombard Theological School and is in her fourth year at UNMC.
June 6
Take Joy!
Rev. Diane Teichert
Rev. Diane Teichert is originally from Long Island, NY and has lived in Baltimore, Atlanta, and the Boston area since graduating from The College of Wooster in Ohio in1974. For the fifteen years prior to entering Harvard Divinity School in preparation for UU parish ministry, she was a labor and community organizer in those cities. Her
passion for social justice has been a theme in her ministries in Weymouth, Canton, and Bedford (Massachusetts) and now as the settled minister of Paint Branch UU Church in Adelphi MD.
April 4
Hidden Treasure
Rev. Ellen Jennings
Join us for a celebratory and intergenerational Easter Service that focuses on hidden treasure and the awakening of that sometimes dormant part of ourselves which both inspires and sustains us. Parable, story and song will interweave with an appearance from one of nature’s ordinary miracles to create a service designed to wake us up and open our eyes, especially if we've been experiencing a winter of spiritual sleep!
Sunday, April 11
Together We Are Strong
Rev. Patrick O’Neill and Rev. Ellen Jennings
We are blessed when we have sacred spaces in our lives, "stopping places" where we can meet, discover, and understand one another in love. For us, UUCSS is just such a place, and this Sunday we'll celebrate our church witih a sermon given by Rev. Patrick O'Neill, Rev. Liz's "favorite UU preacher!" We'll also hear testimonials from several congregation members, who will inspire us to make generous contributions in support of the shared commitments and joyful aspirations of our wonderful community.
Sunday, April 18
21st Century Abundance: Doing With Less.
Rev. Lynn Strauss
How is the current economic crisis affecting your family? What is a theology of abundance and how can we live without anxiety in the face of cut-backs and job insecurity? Come and consider how "Enough can be a Feast."
Sunday, April 25
YRUU Service
YRUU Youth
The YRUU Social Justice focus this year has been on Domestic Violence, and the youth will lead a service on this important topic and how it impacts our friends, families, and community. Join us for this annual teen-led worship tradition; it's always a treat!
Sunday, May 2
Blessings of the Animals
Rev. Ellen Jennings
This service includes both two and four-legged creatures (as well as those with feathers, fins and scales!). Each year many of us look forward to this wonderful intergenerational tradition of blessing our animals, great and small. Pets on leashes or in carriers, tanks or cages are welcome in the Sanctuary. You may also bring a photo or a beloved stuffed animal for blessing. This year we'll have a memorial table for photos of departed pets as well.
March 7
Coming of Age Ceremony
2010 Coming of Age Class
Please join our UUCSS 9th graders as they celebrate and complete their year-long Coming of Age Journey. This year's Coming of Age theme has been Faith Into Action (what do I care about and what am I going to do about it?), and it has led the youth on their own "free and responsible search for meaning." In this ceremony, the youth will share their credos (personal statements of belief), special songs, readings, and unique perspective on their place in the UU (and wider) world. The adult congregation (and YRUU teens) will then welcome them into their new roles and responsibilities as emerging adults within the UUCSS community.
March 14
Love is Justice with Legs
Reverend John T. Crestwell
It’s not enough to wish for change. Sometimes we have to choose a side, take a stand and make a decision. Liberal religion requires that we be patient and open to others, but there are times when we must stand on the side of love and take action in the name of love. Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr. is the Associate Minister of the UU Church of Annapolis, and Director of Outreach for the UU Legislative Ministry of Maryland.
March 21
African Traditions Intergenerational Service
Rev. Ellen Jennings and Nana Frimpong
Nana Frimpong (West African musician) will return to UUCSS for an uplifting Intergenerational Service that celebrates the conclusion of this year's RE theme for children and youth: We Are Unitarian Universalists Exploring... Other World Religions and Traditions. Nana will be joined by the UUCSS Children's Choir as he invites the entire congregation to participate in a variety of traditional West African songs and stories. Come prepared to stomp and sing!
March 28
A Republican, a Democrat and a Unitarian Universalist Walk into a Bar Together -- No Joke
Eric Kelderman
Unitarian Universalists pledge their commitment to all kinds of diversity. But does that commitment extend to the unavoidable reality, and frankly, necessity of political diversity? A member of UUCSS and Rev. Liz's Sabbatical Committee, Eric Kelderman spends his days as a staff reporter for The Chronicle of Higher Education and has covered state politics nationally for Stateline.org.
February 7, 2010
Not Black, Not White, But Green
David Miley, UUCSS Member
So much of our national and personal life is defined in terms of combat with the forces of right and left calling us to the barricades. It is important to use compact fluorescents and fight for important legislation, but good intent and well fought wars do not bring us to the spiritual respect for the web and do not transform our inner lives. This service is about the spiritual greening of ourselves and eventually of the world.
February 14, 2010
Standing on the Side of Love
Rev. Liz Lerner Maclay
It's Valentine's Day, and our country is locked in a struggle to define love and marriage. Our faith and our own congregation stand firmly on the side of marriage equality. In fact, this is a day that UU congregations across the country are dedicating to standing on the side of love in terms of marriage equality. What makes this a faith issue as well as a justice issue? Our sermon this morning will
examine the faith side of the right of all people, regardless of sexual orientation, to marry. Please note, this is a great Sunday to bring friends, family or neighbors interested in this issue or in UU'ism or just because, with a rousing topic and music to match.
February 21, 2010
Considering Creation
Rev. Liz Lerner Maclay
Even religious liberals often use the word 'creation' when speaking of the world and all that exists in it, not to mention our galaxy, other galaxies and the universe. Continuing debate about creationism, intelligent design, evolution and science have made all these terms loaded and laden. Our service this morning will look at where the word creation can lie within a liberal religious framework and some surprising religious relationships that might exist between ourselves and the intelligent design folks - if we can stand it!
February 28, 2010
(My) Life Thus Far
Rev. Liz Lerner Maclay
When I returned from my last sabbatical, I mentioned some lessons I'd picked up while away, including that young people are very young, and that growing older does have, thank god, some benefits. Continued reflection has offered further perspective, and while the next sabbatical may bring yet further understanding, it seems a good time to share peace that has been made, and appreciation found, for a life that has thus far, I realize been atypical, challenging, joyful, bitterly disappointing, and vastly fulfilling.
January 10, 2010
Perfect is not a UU Word
Rev. Liz Lerner Maclay
Perfect, and Perfection are words that frequently come up in religious texts and references, from many faiths and many parts of the world, including a number that are closely wound into the fabric of Unitarian Universalism. But when we look at some of those instances, we see that some of them don't fit our UU values. For instance, that kind of perfection is often adjudged according to exterior standards and hierarchies. So what then is our kind of perfection - in terms of our faith, what are we aiming for? What's our version of perfection?
Sunday, January 17, 2010
To Infinity and Beyond
Gus Vandermeeren
The Universe is immense. Anything of immense size, beauty, or complexity engenders a sense of awe and a spiritual sense of reverence. Take time in this service to experience the infinite, the awesome--it is important. Gus Vandermeeren is a member at Sugarloaf Congregation of Unitarian Universalists. He is a 51 year old father of two college girls. A lover of nature and people, he has an optimistic nature and feels that the best years of his life are now.
January 24, 2010
Rev. Liz Lerner Maclay
A month from this day will be Rev. Liz’s last Sunday in the pulpit before her sabbatical. She will start her sabbatical on March 1 and return to UUCSS on September 1. Our service this morning will examine the meanings: Historical, spiritual, and congregational, of a sabbatical, as well as considering what this sabbatical period can mean for our congregation.
Guest musical duo, Emma's Revolution, will perform during this service.
January 31, 2010
Considering Creation
Even religious liberals often use the word 'creation' when speaking of the world and all that exists in it, not to mention our galaxy, other galaxies and the universe. Continuing debate about creationism, intelligent design, evolution and science have made all these terms loaded and laden. Our service this morning will look at where the word creation can lie within a liberal religious framework and some surprising religious relationships that might exist between ourselves and the intelligent design folks - if we can stand it!
February 7, 2010
Guest preacher (David Miley)
2009
December 13, 2009
"Hanukkah for Adults, It Keeps Coming!"
Rev. Liz Lerner Maclay
Yes, you might think we'd exhausted Hanukkah after a many-year sermon series, but it's bigger than we can compass even in a decade of sermons - that's what thousands of years of history and interpretation can mean. (One can only imagine what our native UU traditions will offer millennia from now, but in the meantime,) Hanukkah always has a lot to offer when we give it our attention and time. Join us for this celebratory Sunday of ritual, traditional music and reflection.
December 20, 2009
Miracle Sunday: The Gift of Giving
Revs. Liz Lerner Maclay and Ellen Jennings with Music Director Michael Holmes
UUCSS Holiday Orchestra, Sanctuary Singers and House Band
There are many ways to give, and receive, and that experience of giving and getting feeds the soul and enriches life when it's done right. This theme matters especially this Sunday because this morning is designated for funding our congregation's property, creating a significant, designated reserve fund that will be spent only on major repairs and renovations to keep our space comfortable, welcoming and gentle on the environment. Our goal is over $100K, as established at our annual meeting last June. For such a special and important morning, we're pulling out all the stops, including music from the UUCSS holiday orchestra, Sanctuary Singers and House Band, along with performance and reflections for children and adults on the power of giving, and what we get when we give.
December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve Services at 7 and 9 p.m.
Revs. Liz Lerner Maclay and Ellen Jennings
Early Christmas Eve worshipThis service has elements for all ages, including a pageant and performances by the children's and adult choirs. Come join the fun as we sing carols, retell the Christmas story and celebrate joy and hope in midwinter.
Late Christmas Eve worship
This service celebrates the mystery and beauty of Christmas, beginning in darkness and moving towards light as we celebrate the coming of hope heralded by as star and an infant with a message of care for all humanity. We will share traditional Christmas songs and carols, gospel accounts and joy in the spirit of the season.
All are welcome to our service and our annual Christmas reception between services. Bring friends or family and your favorite holiday treats to share!
December 27, 2009
Jazz Reflections Service
UUCSS members Erik Leaver and Deborah Thornton
On the eve of a new year and after the busy holidays we will take time to nurture our souls with spectacular jazz music. We will offer all members of the congregation the opportunity to participate in the service by sharing what they are grateful for this past year and what they look forward to in the New Year.
January 3, 2010
Wisdom for the New Year
Rev. Liz Lerner Maclay
Over the years, Rev. Liz has compiled quote books full of citations from diverse sources: pithy reflections, creative insights, and wry truths. This morning she's serving up the best of the best - the ones that have proved most memorable, unexpected and true. Using the quotations and her own reflections on them, this morning we will look at how we understand our lives. With a fresh year before us, what might we resolve so as to keep living more deeply into what matters most to us?
August 2, 2009
Reason and Reverence: Religious Humanism for Today’s World
William R. Murry
Humanists have been criticized for being close-minded, overly rationalistic, "all head and no heart," lacking in spirituality, and too optimistic about human nature. However, by combining humanism with religious naturalism these criticisms are overcome, and what results is a new, more vital and relevant humanism. William Murry is minister emeritus from River Road Unitarian Church; past president of the Meadville Lombard Theological School; and editor, Journal of Liberal Religion.
July 26, 2009
Our Invisible Old
Rev. Megan Foley
Modern American culture often separates our elders from the rest of our community. In fact, church is often one of the few places where seniors and people of other ages routinely interact, outside our families. Why the divide? Why are the concerns and struggles of our oldest members so frequently overlooked? Join Megan, UUCSS member and newly appointed minister of the Sugarloaf Congregation of Unitarian Universalists, as we explore ways in which elders and others can see and understand each other.
July 12, 2009
Secrets of the Women’s Retreat
Esther McBride, Carolyn Savadkin and other UUCSS women
Another UUCSS spring women's retreat has come and gone and we'd like to tell you why it was so important to us and to the community, and why many of us love it so much. There is a special energy when women gather together. For UUCSS women, it's a time of renewal, of connecting and reconnecting, of getting to know more about each other's talents and life stories. This service is for women and the men in our lives.
July 7, 2009
Famous (and infamous) UU's
1st /3rd Monday Inreach Group
Planned and presented by 1st/3rd Monday Inreach Group: Eli Briggs, Ellen Durkee, Lynn Edmiston, Carol Hamilton, Joan Lorr, Colleen McBride, George Meekins, and Craig Robinson. Come listen and learn as fellow UUCSS members portray famous and infamous UUs from throughout history and discuss issues of the day and their own philosophies. Please join us for this unique and fun service.
May 31, 2009
Joint Service at Universalist National Memorial Church
Revs. Henley, Jennings and Lerner
A joint service held at the flagship Universalist church in downtown Washington. Nearly 60 years ago, the Universalist National Memorial Church founded UUCSS. This is the first of two joint services, the second of which to be held at UUCSS.
May 24, 2009
The Latest on God
Rev. Elizabeth Lerner
Every few years, I am moved by something I encounter to revisit my understanding of God in so far as I have one. Last time I preached on this a few years ago I spoke about my simile understanding of God--that God is like water. This sermon will start from there based on the impact of many other potent issues: theology, wounds and baggage we carry, history and prejudices and assumptions and revelations and catechisms --all tangled up just in that very small three letter word.
May 17, 2009
It Matters What We Believe--
RE Intergenerational Service
Rev. Ellen Jennings and Rev. Liz Lerner
Sophia Lyon Fahs, a famous Unitarian Religious Educator, first expressed this sentiment, and this year the RE Sunday Service will challenge each of us to consider what we hold most dear—and why. As we welcome and dedicate four special babies from all over the world, appreciate everyone who makes our Lifespan RE program possible, and say farewell to the oldest youth in our congregation, we will celebrate the search for truth and meaning that is a hallmark of our Unitarian Universalist tradition. Because UUCSS now embraces a Lifespan approach to religious education, this service will offer something for everyone—children, youth, and adults.
May 10, 2009
Moral And Immoral Minds
Bob Hirshon
Submitted for your approval: a sermon on the mental clockwork behind right and wrong, the woman behind Mother's Day, and the ethical explorations of Unitarian playwright and Twilight Zone host Rod Serling. This is Bob's annual UUCSS Church Auction sermon, this year won by Steve Wilmarth, who chose the book "Moral Minds," by Marc Hauser, as the sermon theme.
May 3, 2009
A Church That Matters
Rev. Elizabeth Lerner
Our theme for this year's budget drive is "A Church That Matters," and we are fortunate to belong to one--I hear of a number of colleagues and congregants across our movement who feel a lot less motivated and relevant in their congregations. We may wonder which comes first: the motivated vision and then the ensuing relevance, or a realization of relevance that then motivates. No matter how it works, belonging to a relevant and motivated faith community is more rare than it should be--and a blessing. Our service this morning will investigate and celebrate what we have become, what it means to those of us who are here, and what we can mean for those who are also seekers of a liberal faith and have yet to find us.
April 26, 2009
The Faith That Resides Inside My Poems
B. Ethelbert Miller
For this service, we will have a poetry reading and talk by one of D.C.'s most distinguished literary activists. His latest book is The 5th Inning. Ethelbert is the board chairperson of the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS), a board member of The Writer's Center, and editor of Poet Lore magazine. Since 1974, he has been the director of the African American Resource Center at Howard University. He is also the former chair of the Humanities Council of Washington, D.C.
April 19, 2009
What’s in a Name?
Rev. Elizabeth Lerner
The topic of how a church is named, and what that name means, is complex and very alive right now in our movement. Our tradition has a long history of diverse names for our people: I grew up in the First Unitarian Society of Newton, and trained in the First Religious Society of Carlisle and first served in the First Parish of Lexington, then at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Mt. Kisco - in fact, UUCSS is my first church, strictly speaking. What does it mean to us to be a church, and if we grew or changed our name, what might that mean to us? Would we consider becoming a 'congregation' and if so, would we also change our geographically-oriented name in other ways? Come this morning for inquiry and celebration as we take a special look at who we are and how we call ourselves.
April 12, 2009
The Readiness is All—Easter Intergenerational Service
Rev. Ellen Jennings and Rev. Elizabeth Lerner
Shakespeare said it first, but that sentiment is universal, and central to our experience of life and renewal that is both spring and Easter. Our service for all ages this morning will weave a rich tapestry of music (Bach to Beatles), reflections and responses, led by Rev. Ellen and Rev. Liz. Our theme will be what makes personal readiness (for messages, for changes, even for the achievement of long-held dreams) complicated as well as essential for each of us, in our spiritual lives and in our day to day living.
April 5, 2009
For Reality, We Depend Upon Fantasy
Rev. Liz Lerner
While I’d like to propose that fantasy has become more popular than ever as a way to escape the pressing realities that might overwhelm us, if we didn’t take a break now and then, the truth is that fantasy has ever played a role in the human experience – and really multiple roles. It inspires future realities, it offers escapism from present realities, it offers outside the box thinking that can change how we understand reality. Some fantasy is pleasant, some is magical, some is romantic or sexual, some is fearful or thriller-based that gets our energy pumping. The role of fantasy in our lives and in our souls is our topic this morning, touching on fantasy literature, Second Life, regency romances, re-enactment and role play games, and the good old, yet ever-new, daydream.
March 29, 2009
Is Religion Like Love? A Bottom Line on Interfaith Appropriation
Rev. Liz Lerner
The issue of one religion drawing elements from another is perennially troubling, especially in Unitarian Universalist circles where our pluralistic present and past often incline us to do just that. What makes it right, or wrong, to take elements of ritual, story or prayer from one faith to another? Can it ever be done “rightly” or is it always just another version of cultural imperialism? And what do these large issues mean when reduced to a single Unitarian Universalist congregation or family or individual?
March 22, 2009
Staying True to Our Principles: YRUU Teens Reflecting on the 7 Principles of Unitarian Universalism
YRUU Teens
Join us for this year’s YRUU-led service, which will focus on the 7 UU principles. This service will feature skits, readings, music, audience participation, and other surprises but nothing dangerous, we assure you.
March 15, 2009
Aim High in Hope and Work: Revisiting Our Future
Rev. Liz Lerner
A couple of years ago, our congregation developed our first strategic plan. The church leadership have been working from it, checking in to make sure we're on target and on time with our efforts to follow the inspiring and important path we laid out together over the course of many months' work. A strategic plan is a living document, meant not only to be checked and worked off of, but flexed and renewed. Our church has realized some of its goals, others still are before us, and it's a good time to celebrate our accomplishments, remind ourselves what we committed ourselves to, and re-examine how to get there from here. The board will be available for half-hour conversations about the strategic plan after each service in the sanctuary. (Strategic plans are available off our website, www.uucss.org, and hard copies will be available that morning at church.)
March 8, 2009
Learning to See in the Dark: Economy, Spirituality and Creating New Realities
Rev. Liz Lerner
Nationally-known UU minister, the Rev. Forrest Church says: “To be free of acceptable risk is not life's goal, but its enemy." We're hearing a lot on all fronts about the economic crisis in this country and the world. But in every crisis, even every catastrophe, there is also opportunity. The losses and injustices reported on the news are not the only realities of our current economic times, and the choices that face us all are not just to hope for our own stability, and debate whether or not to open our pension fund statement, or give up some small or large dreams. There are other opportunities also for us all in these times, as individuals and as a church, and we need to look for them, choose them and make them ours. We can carry ourselves, each other, and even help people we don't know yet, through the dark night to the morning.
March 1, 2009
Between You and Me
Rev. Elizabeth Lerner
Twice re-scheduled now, this really will be the time for your minister to reflect aloud on her understanding of the relationship between pastor and people. Some recent tumult in UU circles regarding pastoral plagiarism of sermons and some other conduct unbecoming offers the opportunity to renew our understanding of what a congregation can and should expect of their minister, what the nature of this unique relationship is, and what growing it over time can mean.
February 22, 2009
History's Sisters: Early Women Leaders in Modern Liberal Religion
Rev. Elizabeth Lerner
There are some names some of us are familiar with: Margaret Fuller, the Peabody Sisters, Olympia Brown--and then there are others we may never have heard of. Strong traditions of courage, commitment and leadership among women are one of the historic elements that liberal religion can be proudest of --and least aware beyond a few stand-out names. Come learn remarkable stories about some of our foremothers and their tough, brave choices and lives in our country and in our faith.
February 15, 2009
Darwin and Global Warming
Rev. Elizabeth Lerner
Perhaps you've already been asking yourself, what does Rev. Liz think Darwin would say about Global Warming? No? Well, someone has, because this is one of the two auctioned-off sermon topics from last year's church auction. This is the kind of topic that takes a lot of research, that you can really sink your teeth into... yes, Rev. Liz has no idea yet what she thinks Darwin would say about Global Warming--but she's got a lot of time and a lot to read, no doubt she'll have a lot to say come February 15. Come witness and be part of a continental movement to honor Darwin and raise awareness about the fragility and priority of our ecosystems.
February 8, 2009
Gaza, Zionism and Us
John Feffer
Israel and America share a lot in common. Both were settled by outsiderswho pushed the locals off the land. Both were inspired by a Zionist vision. And both have been involved in terrible, costly wars. As we contemplate a new American approach to the world, how can we transform the relationship between the United States, Israel, and Palestine? John Feffer is the author of several books and numerous articles. He has been a Writing Fellow at Provisions Library in Washington, DC, a PanTech fellow in Korean Studies at Stanford University, and is a former associate editor of World Policy Journal. His articles can be found at www.johnfeffer.com.
February 1, 2009
Blessing of the Animals
Rev. Elizabeth Lerner
Our annual ritual, with readings, special music, and opportunities to celebrate all the creatures with whom we share this world, especially those with whom we are lucky enough to share our lives. Come with your pet appropriately leashed, crated, or otherwise contained. Visitors and friends are very welcome, as always, as are virtual pets. Please feel free to bring a photo of any pets lost during the past year and place it on the pulpit table for display during the services.
January 18, 2009
Martin Luther King Jr. Sunday
Rev. Elizabeth Lerner
What an extraordinary time-- the day after Dr. King's birthday we will mark the inauguration of our first African-American president. In some past services on this day, we've explored ways that race relations seemed stuck, and our sense of urgency to find a way to move beyond that stuckness. Well, certainly things have changed and leave us with new challenges. This service of celebration and reflection will consider where we may be now, and what these new times ask of us all as we continue to move towards the day the dream becomes reality.
January 11, 2009
Getting Along With One Another
Rev. Russ Savage
We spend our lives in relationships with other people, and managing these relationships can be challenging. At its core this process of understanding and regulating our relationships is a deeply spiritual practice. As the New Year unfolds before us, let us examine how this might be so.