Unity Church Sermon Podcasts artwork

Unity Church Sermon Podcasts

671 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 9 ratings

Sermons from Unity Church Unitarian, in Saint Paul, MN

Spirituality Religion & Spirituality
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Dostoyevsky Reads Hegel in Siberia and Bursts Into Tears, Rev. KP Hong, March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024 18:10 - 24 minutes - 20.6 MB

In his essay of the same title, the Hungarian cultural critic László Földényi stages an encounter between Dostoyevsky and Hegel, between our creaturely sense of transcendence as finite-limited-mortal beings and radical Enligthenment's belief in unbounded progress and mastery. In a world mediated through switches, buttons, credit cards, screens, redlined neighborhoods and land as commodity for ownership, what do we mean by the sacred? In this moment of climate change and degradation of life, ...

Life Is a Thistle Bush, Barbara Hubbard, March 17, 2024

March 22, 2024 17:28 - 16 minutes - 15.9 MB

Who among us really expected life to be a bed of roses? Barbara Hubbard will speak about how the Unity Church community has inspired, shaped and transformed her life’s journey.

Color and Fragrance, Rev. Lara Cowtan, March 10, 2024

March 14, 2024 23:21 - 20 minutes - 22.5 MB

Many Unitarian Universalists find a spiritual connection with Nature (yes, the N is writ large intentionally!). Having just experienced the warmest winter on record and rising concerns about our planet’s climate, what is our spiritual and theological response? Where can we find the individual and collective strength to clearly face the truth of the climate emergency, mourn the damage being done to our blue planet and inspire ourselves and others to action?  ​ Spiritual Ecology and Eco-Spir...

Known, Unknown, and Everything In Between, Rev. Jessica Clay, March 3, 2024

March 06, 2024 15:21 - 15 minutes - 14 MB

Join Rev Jessica Clay as she returns to Unity and reflects on her years of parish ministry since she was the Hallman Ministerial Intern in 2016-2017. She will explore the place creativity has in faith, community, and life. 

Between a Rock and a Hard Place, Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, February 25, 2024

February 25, 2024 20:27 - 23 minutes - 20.4 MB

Sometimes in life we are faced with seemingly impossible choices. This sermon will pick up on the themes introduced on February 11 and take them even further into the spiritual, theological, ethical and moral realms of our daily living.

Love Is a Choice, Rev. Lara Cowtan, February 18, 2024

February 22, 2024 23:05 - 19 minutes - 18.6 MB

"We respond to the call of love because it is our common theological core. It is what can and does motivate us and illuminates our deepest commitments to each other.” These words are from the UUA Board in their Charge to the Article II Study Commission. This Sunday we will consider how our Unitarian Universalist faith and values are expressed in our lives and in our religious communities as we consider the proposal from the Article II Study Commission that deepens and expands the language of...

If It's Not One Thing, It's Another, Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, February 11, 2024

February 16, 2024 19:46 - 26 minutes - 26.5 MB

Saturday Night Live comedian Gilda Radner made famous the phrase “If it’s not one thing, it’s another...it’s always something!” And isn’t that true? We are constantly called to choose one person or one thing over another; often accompanied by conflicting feelings about those choices. This Sunday we’ll dive deeper into the February theme of choosing, and the role chance, choice, free will and determinism play in our lives.   This podcast begins with a reflection offered by Ari Giles, wors...

The Blessings of Congregational Conflict, Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, February 4, 2024

February 04, 2024 20:53 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MB

Anyone who has endured messy and bitter conflicts in a congregation may not be able to see how there could be an opportunity of a blessing in the midst of the pain. But conflicts will inevitably occur and it is possible to learn new ways of approaching them that can allow for growth and learning, and even transformation.  Rev. Cooley is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist and has served as a minister for over 30 years in both congregational and denominational settings. She is an Accredited I...

There Be Dragons!, Rev. Lara Cowtan, January 28, 2024

February 04, 2024 20:37 - 19 minutes - 16.2 MB

We can do hard things. Facing our fears and charting a pathway forward. 

The Call to Racial Justice from our Theological Heritage, Rev. Dr. Andrea Johnson, January 21, 2024

January 24, 2024 16:43 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MB

What calls you to work for justice in the world? This sermon will explore both the historical and contemporary call to justice that arises from our Unitarian Universalist theological heritage. 

The Courage to Be Accountable, Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, January 14, 2024

January 24, 2024 16:24 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MB

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, and Bayard Rustin’s commitment to non-violence was a powerful and effective strategy because all those involved in the Civil Rights Movement were committed to practicing the disciplines of non-violence as expressed in Beloved Community in action. What wisdom can we learn from King and Rustin as we move towards ever increasing levels of accountability which require of us both courage and consistency?

Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown, Rev. Lara Cowtan, December 31, 2023

December 28, 2023 20:16 - 22 minutes - 22.9 MB

This podcast begins with a reflection by worship associate Merrill Aldrich.

On the Road with a Hidden God, Rev. Lara Cowtan, December 17, 2023

December 22, 2023 19:01 - 12 minutes - 13.2 MB

Homily delivered on Christmas Family Sunday.

Who's Human? Who's Right?, Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, December 10, 2023

December 10, 2023 17:42 - 21 minutes - 20.9 MB

This sermon is written by Rev. Kathleen Rolenz and delivered by Rev. Wayne Arnason.

The Future of Religion, Rev. Keith Kron, October 29, 2023

November 01, 2023 20:01 - 28 minutes - 24.7 MB

What purpose does religion serve now? What purpose can it serve? With membership declining and ministerial shortages in every denomination, what will the future of religion and Unitarian Universalism be? What could it be? We’ll explore these questions, and how we might learn from our past, those around us, and the moment we’re in to consider a course for the future of religion. Rev. Kron is the Transitions Director of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Sorry, Not Sorry; The Subtle Art of Apology, Rev. Lara Cowtan, October 22, 2023

October 22, 2023 19:49 - 27 minutes - 31.5 MB

Because we’re human, we hurt each other, we get hurt, and there’s a way through that, but that way through depends on the ability to deliver and accept a powerfully meaningful apology. Healing and repair of broken relationships doesn’t happen on its own. This sermon podcast begins with a reflection written by Sara Ford and read by Peggy Lin.

Confess and ReDress, Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, October 15, 2023

October 20, 2023 20:51 - 24 minutes - 26.9 MB

Reparations for systemic racism and attempted genocide is now part of our national conversation, yet confession, without making attempts to redress harm, is nothing more than virtue signaling. We’ll explore the complex question of reparations through the lens of those most harmed, with a particular focus on indigenous justice.

Let Hope Become Courage, Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, October 8, 2023

October 20, 2023 20:45 - 30 minutes - 32.9 MB

  The second Sunday in October is typically an opportunity for you to reflect on your financial support of the church in the year ahead. This year, our Executive Team will confess some hard and hopeful truths about the current state and future of the church as we prepare to enter our 2024 fiscal year. This podcast from Stewardship Sunday begins with a reflection by worship associate Betsy Hearn.

I Confess, Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, October 1, 2023

October 06, 2023 19:03 - 25 minutes - 23.9 MB

Unitarian Universalists long ago abandoned confession as part of their liturgical tradition, believing that such a practice was in direct opposition to our First Principle of “covenanting to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of all persons.” Rev. Rolenz will explore whether the ancient practice of confession is antithetical to our First Principle, or actually a vehicle for deeper self-reflection? This sermon podcast begins with Peggy Lin reading an excerpt from On Repentanc...

Let the River Run, Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, September 10, 2023

September 24, 2023 16:51 - 14 minutes - 9.98 MB

Rev. Rolenz offers a reflection on how the various streams of our faith meet, merge, nourish and sustain us for the year ahead. 

To Boldly Go Where..., Rev. George Anastos, September 3, 2023

September 03, 2023 16:13 - 17 minutes - 16.5 MB

Over the years we have developed myriad ways to navigate this world. We learn how to make our way from place to place. We learn habits to accomplish routine tasks. We learn problem solving techniques to tackle difficult situations. There are times, however, when we have no maps or when a problem surpasses our knowledge base. There are even those times when we know what we need to do, but don't know if we can muster the strength and resolve to move forward. This service probes the spiritual u...

Lessons for Future Ancestors, Matt Meyer, August 27, 2023

August 30, 2023 21:59 - 15 minutes - 16.9 MB

Matt Meyer is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist with a long background as a musician and worship leader for UU congregations. He lives in Boston but travels as an itinerant worship leader, bringing the good news of Unitarian Universalism to hundreds congregations all over the country. Matt serves as the Director of Operations for Sanctuary Boston, a contemporary UU worship community with rockin’ music and engaging worship that meets on Wednesday evenings online and in-person. Matt’s children...

Choosing to Be Chosen, Rev. Andrea LaSonde Anastos, August 20, 2023

August 25, 2023 21:14 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MB

A substantial number of us prefer ‘choosing’ to ‘being chosen.’  It’s all about the power. But as most of the great spiritual leaders have taught, power is not at the center of love, justice, sustainability, equity, or joy. Do we want the power? Or a whole and holy life? This sermon podcast begins with a reading of Luke 4:16-21 by worship associate Jess Goff.

Keeping the Sabbath, Jim Mulvey, August 13, 2023

August 25, 2023 21:07 - 19 minutes - 19.4 MB

“Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8 To the ancient Hebrews to sanctify and to make holy meant to set something apart. After laboring six days to create the world, the Hebrew god created the Sabbath as a day free from work, a day free from doing. It was created as a time for being. What are some of the ways we can keep Sabbath by separating ourselves for a day from the world and all of its busyness and constant doings? By keeping Sabbath we choose to ignore daily demand...

Little "t" Truths, Merrill Aldrich, July 30, 2023

July 30, 2023 17:31 - 25 minutes - 20.2 MB

Explore how specific, even ordinary, encounters can be a powerful window to spirit or to universal truths. Historically, both Unitarianism and Universalism come from theological arguments that had a certain level of abstraction, but more recently we seem to have a more grounded definition for these terms. They are no less powerful, though, for naming little "t" truths.

World Snake Day, Rev. Shay MacKay, July 16, 2023

July 28, 2023 18:15 - 35 minutes - 36.9 MB

This sermon podcast begins with a reflection offered by worship associate Carol Mahnke.

You Lucky Sack of Stars, Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs, March 8, 2020

March 09, 2020 18:21 - 1 hour - 75.5 MB

The Dance of Resilience, Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs, March 1, 2020

March 02, 2020 15:29 - 1 hour - 82.6 MB

Not This Again, Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs, February 16, 2020

February 19, 2020 21:21 - 1 hour - 80.7 MB

Being Made New, Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs, February 9, 2020

February 10, 2020 19:56 - 1 hour - 81.5 MB

A Hole in the Roof, Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs, February 2, 2020

February 03, 2020 19:05 - 55 minutes - 67.8 MB

Beauty and Brokenness, Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs, January 6, 2020

January 27, 2020 22:28 - 58 minutes - 72.6 MB

Breakthrough, Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs, January 19, 2020

January 23, 2020 16:44 - 1 hour - 92.2 MB

Welcome It All, Rev. Jen Crow, January 12, 2020

January 13, 2020 20:06 - 55 minutes - 70.1 MB

Here is the link to listen to the congregational meeting led by Rev. Jen Crow on January 12, 2020: https://www.unityunitarian.org/ministerial-transition.html

Tolling of Bells, January 5, 2020

January 06, 2020 22:03 - 1 hour - 103 MB

Because They Were No More, Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs, December 29, 2019

December 30, 2019 18:37 - 59 minutes - 74.4 MB

Love the Guest, Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs, December 15, 2019

December 23, 2019 16:08 - 1 hour - 81.2 MB

Love the Guest, Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs, December 8, 2019

December 09, 2019 17:39 - 1 hour - 79.9 MB

 

A Place at the Table, Thanksgiving Family Sunday, November 24, 2019

November 25, 2019 19:26 - 1 hour - 75.8 MB

Demand What You Deserve, Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs, November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019 20:04 - 55 minutes - 70.5 MB

Ancestor's Breath: Part of the Living, Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs, November 3, 2019

November 04, 2019 22:07 - 1 hour - 82.6 MB

About the Music The music for this service, which integrates Latinx and indigenous perspectives, was chosen to reference and honor values of the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration. Lady Xøk is a Nu-Nueva music project mixing Indigenous instruments, electronic, acoustic, and experimental performance and multimedia installations. Front woman interdisciplinary artist Rebekah Crisanta de Ybarra pulls from roots in Latin American Nueva Canción and American Blues. Members are Reb...

Forgive Us Our Debts, Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs, October 27, 2019

October 28, 2019 17:12 - 58 minutes - 74.7 MB

ORDER OF WORSHIP Sunday, October 27, 2019 *Please rise in body or in spirit.  Gathering Music Words of Welcome Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs Ringing of the Bell PRELUDE (9:00/11:00) Round and Round (traditional round) The Earth Is Our Mother (Cherokee song) Tulla Wallace, soloist Prelude (4:30) Eintritt (Entry) — R. SchumannCall to Worship Bob PeskinLighting the Chalice *Opening Hymn (18) What Wondrous Love* Responsive Affirmation Brave Space — Micky ScottBey Jones Together we wi...

A Fresh Act, a New Chapter, Rev. Karen Hering, October 20, 2019

October 21, 2019 20:40 - 1 hour - 84.2 MB

All In, Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd, October 13, 2019

October 14, 2019 19:26 - 1 hour - 86 MB

You Are the New Day, Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs, September 29, 2019

October 01, 2019 18:52 - 58 minutes - 75.7 MB