Sermons

The challenges and opportunities of today’s world are unprecedented. This morning we take a look at the unique role that the Liberal Church might be called to play in these times.

Americans from all walks of life…to push for healthy, affordable food produced in a sustainable, humane way.” This morning, we consider food from the lens of our UU faith and some of the ways in which we may be called to “feed more souls."

“Take notice of what is beautiful!” That is not only good spiritual advice, but it turns out also to have survival value. Research has shown that those people most likely to survive in dangerous circumstances are those who can notice and appreciate the sublime. This morning, during the Jewish festival of Sukkot, we take a spiritual look at a worthy survival “skill.”

For Unitarian Universalists, this is “Association Sunday,” and we will be reflecting on who we are, not alone, but in relationship with other Unitarian Universalists throughout the world. What does it mean to be part of “an association of member congregations?” Why is it important?

As the Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur approach, we reflect both on our own imperfection and on the power of forgiveness in our lives.

This morning we reflect on the role of the church in our lives. How is the church community meant to be different from other communities? Why do we come? Why do we stay? For what do we long?

Rev. Wendy will say some new and radical things about church (as well as democracy and conscience) that you've likely never heard her say before (unless you've heard her hinting at them during the last nine years). If you are now serving or have ever served on a church committee—or if you've managed to avoid such service all these years—you'll want to hear this sermon!.

This morning we look at power…at the power of big banks and at the power of ordinary people…and we consider how we might use our power to make a big difference in the world.

According to our 6th UU Principle, we affirm "the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all." This has sometimes been referred to as The Superman Principle, but perhaps surprisingly—or not—not everyone shares our lofty goal. This morning, which is United Nations Sunday, we take a closer look at our 6th Principle and at some of its supporters and detractors outside of Unitarian Universalism.

Our theme during the latter part of October has to do with our 6th UU Principle: “The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.” And yet, in our world today, there is so much conflict, oppression, and injustice that it is hard to know where to begin. This morning we start by considering how we can “practice peace” in our own lives, and spread the message of peace in our communities and in the larger world.

This morning we look to the root causes of the current, so-called, “Immigration Crisis,” and we explore the issue theologically. What is our relationship to immigration? How do the choices that we make – both as individuals and as a nation – contribute to US immigration? What is our responsibility to those who have immigrated here and to those who remain in their countries of origin?

Children are part of the interconnected web of all existence of which we, too, are a part. How are children in our country doing, especially those who are living in poverty? How do their lives affect us now? How do their futures shape ours and those of our own children and grandchildren?

This morning we take a look at human—particularly, family—relationships. How do we maintain a healthy sense of self while at the same time engaging fully in close personal relationships marked by mutual care and responsibility?

In response to the BP oil spill last April, pundits on both the right and left made theological claims about its meaning. This morning we consider a UU “theology of oil,” by examining the spill through the lens of our 7th UU Principle.

 First worship service of the new church year!