People's Church of Kalamazoo
187 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 6 years ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsPeople's Church is a welcoming religious community drawing on wisdom and inspiration from many sources to discover and live out our highest values. It is a Unitarian Universalist congregation in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
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Episodes
The True Self - Jill McAllister - May 12, 2013
May 15, 2013 16:40 - 10.3 MBWe’ll wrap up our theme of World Religions this year with a 3-part sermon series focusing on the basic levels of our ‘necessary relatedness.’ Using the definition of religion as a human process of aiming to live in right relations, we’ll first consider the wisdom and teachings of world traditions in reference to “the self.” This means exploring questions such as what makes us individuals, what does it mean to be honest or authentic, how is the self related to others and to Life? A few sma...
A Tradition of Social Justice Work: People’s Past and Present - Jill McAllister and the Social Justice Coordinating Committee - May 5, 2013
May 15, 2013 16:38 - 22.2 MBThe central values of Unitarian Universalism—freedom, reason, embracing diversity, and affirming the worth and dignity of every person—must be lived in order to be real. Truly living these values compels us to work for justice. People’s people have been living in this way for close to 150 years; we have much to be proud of, and we are still called to this work, in this world, everyday. Jill and the SJCC will tell stories of how we have lived up to our ideals, and the impact we continue to ...
Building the Beloved Community - Rev. Bill Gardiner - March 24, 2013
March 25, 2013 18:21 - 9.87 MBOver the past four decades Unitarian Universalists have been organizing to build a more inclusive and just Beloved Community in our congregations, our work places, our communities, and our families. Beloved Community embodies the values of inclusion, justice making, power sharing, and affection. To build more Beloved Community we have had to struggle with the isms of sex, race, sexual identity, class, age, and physical ability. It has often been a difficult and painful journey. There are ...
A Change of Plans - Jill McAllister - March 17, 2013
March 17, 2013 23:51 - 11.6 MBSeems like every time you turn around, something unexpected happens. Your kids, your parents, your car, your health, the weather, the plumbing, your spouse, your partner.....your minister. Who said "Life is what happens while you're making other plans?" Perhaps real life is truly made of the unexpected. The unexpected, plus all those emotions that come with it--fear, anger, shock, pain, sadness, --oh, and also joy, and gratitude. Life keeps happening to all of us--so much of it unexpected....
Schools, Culture Change, Strangers in a Strange Land, and the Good Samaritan - Dr. Michael Rice - March 10, 2013
March 13, 2013 15:26 - 14.1 MBKalamazoo Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Michael Rice will join us to discuss links between what we are doing in schools and the community and what the obligation is in different religions to perform acts of kindness, particularly relative to those who have less, are not known, or are otherwise the underdog.
Pursuing the Sacred Masculine - The Rev. Al Heystek - March 3, 2013
March 04, 2013 16:11 - 15.5 MBWhen we are blessed and loved, we become sacred. Masculinity becomes sacred when it is infused with the power of love and respect. Pursuing the sacred masculine is a process, a journey, of transforming our often independent, isolated, in control and invulnerable images of masculinity and moving toward a vision of interdependence, connection, vulnerability and love.
Awakening to Our Own Epistemology: Sociology and Right Relationships - Sue Caulfield - February 24, 2013
February 25, 2013 15:53 - 14.6 MBHow we come to our beliefs has important implications for how we view ourselves, others and the world at large. How, then, might such beliefs impact how we live in right relationship—to ourselves, others and the larger community?
Behind Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit: One Woman's Trip Around the World Religions - Karen Horneffer-Ginter - February 17, 2013
February 18, 2013 17:30 - 13 MBKaren discusses her new book about our yearning to live vibrant and meaningful lives amidst life’s busyness and the soul ache that can arise when our cup gets too full. She also describes her own spiritual search in seeking wisdom and comfort from a variety of world religions, and how the ideas she has encountered have both complemented and contradicted each other.
The Profit of Prophets - The Rev. Suzanne Wasilczuk - February 10, 2013
February 11, 2013 18:01 - 15.6 MBOur Living Tradition looks to the words and deeds of prophetic women and men for insight and inspiration in living lives of love and justice. Who were these prophets? More importantly, who are today’s prophets? And what is it they tell us? The Rev. Suzanne Wasilczuk currently serves UU congregations near Duluth, Minnesota and Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Comedy in Religion: It's No Joke - David Isaacson - February 3, 2013
February 05, 2013 14:57 - 14.8 MBReligion doesn't have to be serious all the time. This talk explores how comedy enriches and humanizes religion, while also bearing witness to profound mysteries, what Dante called "The Divine Comedy."
Stone Soup: A Story for All Ages - Jill McAllister - January 27, 2013
January 28, 2013 19:27 - 9.19 MBWe’ll send Jill off on her two-month sabbatical with this service for all ages. Together we’ll explore how timeless stories can have many interpretations, and we’ll focus on our shared commitments to each other and to People’s during this special time for us all. We will also be recognizing our newest members during this service.
The Strength to Love, Part 2 - Jill McAllister - January 20, 2013
January 21, 2013 17:26 - 12.7 MBThe second part of a two-part sermon, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., considering how love is both the foundation and the movement of courage and compassion, and why it is stronger than fear.
The Strength to Love, Part 1 - Jill McAllister - January 13, 2013
January 14, 2013 21:17 - 16.4 MBThe first of a two-part sermon, honoring Martin Luther King, considering what love really looks like when it is the power to transform hate, to let go of fear, and to embrace the wounded and wounding world.
The Mayans Weren't Quite Right - Jill McAllister - January 6, 2013
January 07, 2013 19:14 - 12.1 MBA new calendar year begins, with accompanying anticipation and fears. Though calendar days are purely arbitrary, still they have an effect on how we see things. Let’s turn the page together and find our way into this new year with courage, strength, and gratitude.
Gifts of the Dark - Jill McAllister - December 16, 2012
December 17, 2012 18:38 - 9.97 MBThe cities are again filled with lights, which we can only really see in this season of darkness. So often the dark parts of life are discounted and under-appreciated. Melancholy, sadness, and even some forms of depression can add texture and meaning to our lives unavailable in other ways. At the height of the darkest nights of the year, let’s consider the gifts of the dark.
Letters to Family and Friends - Jill McAllister - December 9, 2012
December 10, 2012 18:53 - 12.4 MBHoliday letters can be informative, entertaining, annoying, usually welcome. At times they help us remember writing or receiving letters which opened up something important in our lives, though it may not have been recent. I often think of letters I want to write, but rarely find time to do so. These letters in my mind are a form of contemplation, it seems—not surprising, as letters have often been an important tool for soul-work.
From Heart to Mind to Action - Cybelle Shattuck - December 2, 2012
December 03, 2012 18:09 - 17.8 MBMost religions use ideas of deity/deities to frame conceptions of cosmic and moral order, however, many of us find popular god-concepts inadequate. And yet, humans are relational beings and we often find ourselves yearning for some way to express a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves. We’ll explore some ideas from the Hindu tradition for alternative perspectives on the human-cosmos connection, including ways relationships can foster wisdom and moral actions.
The Doctrine of Democracy - Jill McAllister - November 25, 2012
November 26, 2012 19:09 - 9.95 MBIn 1452, Pope Nicholas V issued a decree that specifically sanctioned and promoted the conquest, colonization, and exploitation of non-Christian territories and peoples. Hundreds of years of decisions and laws continuing right up to our own time can ultimately be traced back to this “Doctrine of Discovery”—laws that invalidate or ignore the rights, sovereignty, and humanity of indigenous peoples in the United States and around the world. The delegates of the 2012 UUA General Assembly, last ...
Giving Thanks When It's Hard - Jill McAllister - November 18, 2012
November 19, 2012 21:01 - 11.7 MBSometimes simply counting our blessings does not help us cope with adversity and challenges. While it is beneficial in many ways to cultivate gratitude, sometimes it just feels impossible. What does it take to give thanks in hard times, when loss, or pain, or grief or fear threaten to overwhelm us?
My Three-Point Plan - Jill McAllister - November 11, 2012
November 19, 2012 20:39 - 14.7 MBAgain we face “the road ahead” following a national election. Healing will definitely be needed, as always. Focus on finding unity will definitely be needed. What are we called to do as religious people, at this time, for this country and this world? And what do we need in order to do it? Let me be bold enough to say that for my three-point plan, the math adds up—I think.
Religion in Literature - Jill McAllister - October 28, 2012
October 29, 2012 16:14 - 28.7 MBOne of the latest in the genre of stories of dystopia, The Hunger Games has gained quite a following, especially among young people. Books and movies that are popular often speak to something deep within a society, something we are struggling with. I look forward to hearing what you might have to say about this one, too.
Box on Head: Multicultural Perspectives - Jill McAllister - October 21, 2012
October 23, 2012 15:02 - 26.3 MBThere is lots of talk about multiculturalism these days, including here at People's Church. But what does it mean, and what is it for? Short answer: it is a way to gain real skills at living in and with diversity—cultural, ethnic, gender, age, etc. Another short answer: it is truly about living in right relations, including some nuts and bolts actions we can all learn. It is one thing to simply or merely believe that embracing diversity is a good thing; it is another thing to actually ...
Building Dedication: We Begin Again in Love - Jill McAllister - October 14, 2012
October 23, 2012 15:00 - 29.3 MBSettling into our new space has been exciting. This morning we stop to dedicate our work and new rooms to our mission and goals, and to begin again the ongoing work of pursuing peace, justice and compassion in our lives and in the world. Following the service, we’ll host a reception for visitors—friends, community partners and neighbors. Please invite a friend to join you! If you can help provide food for the reception, please sign up in the foyer or call the church office, 375-3262, by ...
The Green Scriptures - Jill McAllister - September 30, 2012
October 01, 2012 16:20 - 29.5 MBIf one of our aims is to live in harmony with Earth, or more to live in ways that sustain all life, where are we to look for wisdom and inspiration? Most religious liberals argue that the classic religious traditions have little to offer in this direction, and so look to ancient and indigenous perspectives for wisdom. Yet, there is much to be learned from the classic traditions as well. We’ll honor Indigenous People’s day by noting sources of Earth-honoring as broadly and widely as possible....
The Road Ahead - Jill McAllister & Peter Mayer - September 16, 2012
September 25, 2012 19:34 - 32.3 MBPeter Mayer returns to provide beautiful music for our Sunday service this week. We’ll consider the great possibilities for this year—wisdom from world religions, becoming more effective in anti-racism and multi-culturalism, becoming more mature as religious and spiritual people. Religious education classes begin today—we’ll commission those who have made a commitment to teaching. And, we’ll include a child dedication ceremony—please contact Jill if you would like to have a baby or child ...
Look Again, Look Again - Jill McAllister - September 23, 2012
September 25, 2012 19:33 - 27.1 MBThe Jewish holiday Yom Kippur, one of the High Holy Days in conjunction with Rosh Hashanah, encourages each individual to consider their lives and behavior in the year past. Did I accomplish my aims? Have I lived up to my ideals? Have I acted in ways that have been hurtful to others, intentionally or not? This examination of ideals and realities is part of many religious traditions, and is a ritual worthy of consideration for all. Special music by cellist Silvia Sidorane.
Youth Sunday - June 3, 2012
June 04, 2012 18:01 - 28.5 MBMembers of our High School (YRUU) class will share what they have been studying and exploring this year, including music, stories, and reflections. Five graduating seniors will be recognized. We’ll also say good-bye to Karen Quinlan, who is finishing her time with us as Intern Minister.
The Circle of Life - May 27, 2012
June 04, 2012 17:00 - 26.8 MBOnce again we pause to reflect and remember those we have lost this year—members and friends of People’s Church and members of our own families, who have died. If you would like to have a loved one remembered in this service, please let Jill know.
Not Hell But Hope - May 20, 2012
May 21, 2012 19:19 - 26.6 MBAs we prepare for our Annual Meeting, reviewing the church year and looking ahead, Jill will welcome the Rev. Andy Burnette, of the UU congregation in Danville IN, to the pulpit this morning. Andy was raised in the home of a Pentecostal minister, became a minister in the Church of the Nazarene and is today a fellowshipped UU minister. He will describe his journey from Evangelical Christianity to Unitarian Universalist Ministry, giving personal testimony to the life-saving work of Unitarian U...
Stories of Welcome - May 6, 2012
May 07, 2012 17:12 - 30 MBAs part of our current aim to finish the work of becoming an officially recognized UUA Welcoming Congregation, the Welcoming Congregation Task Force will host this service focusing on stories of what it has meant, and means, to be welcomed at People’s Church, with an emphasis on the experience of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. In hearing these stories, we will revisit why this work is important, and what being welcomed, and being welcoming, means to all of us.
Traditions of Meditation and Prayer - April 29, 2012
April 30, 2012 19:43 - 27.2 MBThe Jewish and Christian traditions of our heritage include deep, rich and varied practices of meditation and prayer, which offer useful and perhaps surprising resources for our own spiritual practice and religious growth.
Earth Day, Every Day - April 22, 2012
April 23, 2012 19:00 - 36.5 MBIf UUs have anything like a liturgical calendar (a plan for Sundays which includes special celebrations and holidays) then Earth Day must be counted as one of our important observances. We welcome our newly re-constituted Green Sanctuary Committee this morning, to help us focus on right relations with the planet we are part of, and bring us up-to-date on our progress toward becoming a certified Green Sanctuary congregation. Please stay for a lunch of locally grown foods sponsored by the Gr...
From These Gifts - April 15, 2012
April 16, 2012 19:30 - 32.1 MBToday is Commitment Sunday for our annual Stewardship Drive. All members and friends are encouraged to come, and to bring your pledge form so that we may gather our pledges together. The aim, of course, is for every member and friend of the church to turn in their annual pledge form. This lets us know that you are still part of the congregation, interested in its health and activities. If you can't come on this morning, please contact the church office to let us know your pledge is coming...
Easter Sunday Intergenerational Service - April 8, 2012
April 09, 2012 19:00 - 28 MBAll ages join together to celebrate the season of renewal and rebirth, with stories and songs and sharing. Elementary-aged children can join in the traditional Easter Egg Hunt following the service, before re-joining the rest for a finger-food brunch. Please bring holiday goodies to share—muffins and breads, fruits, veggies and cheeses.
Still Working on Freedom - Jill McAllister with Emma's Revolution - February 26, 2012
April 05, 2012 21:07 - 31.5 MBMany of the most important parts of the Jewish and Christian traditions for UUs, in my opinion, are the critiques and reforms articulated by feminist and liberation theologians. The modern work of this genre is a source of deep and strong inspi-ration for me, and gives me foundations for much of the social justice work I do. To help celebrate these movements, what could be better than the music of emma’s revolution? (sorry, audio has static interference)
Bringing Our History into Our Future - Rev. Colleen Squires - March 4, 2012
April 05, 2012 17:54 - 28.3 MBJill will welcome the Rev. Colleen Squires, who currently serves the oldest UU congregation in the city of Boston, First Parish Church in Dorchester, and the oldest UU ministry-at-large, estab-lished by the Rev. Joseph Tuckerman, known today as the UU Urban Ministry. Come learn about these vibrant ministries, and how they are positioned to serve future generations.
A Liberal Look at Holy Week - Jill McAllister - April 1, 2012
April 05, 2012 17:52 - 25.5 MBA few years ago, my mentor and former colleague Marcus Borg published a new book, written with his friend John Dominic Crossan, titled The Last Week. It urged readers of Christian scriptures and tradition to stay focused on the prophetic imperative, on what Jesus emphasized in his example and teaching, namely justice and compassion and a fair share for all—what Jesus called “The Kingdom of God.” That message remains at the heart of UU Christianity, which is a significant part of the Unitar...