UU Church of Annapolis Podcast

Left Brain Right Brain Balance A New Lens on our World

July 07, 2024 22:39 - 16 minutes - 36.8 MB

Dr. Scott Eden describes how the Brain Balance Concept can lead to answers to the age-old questions of where do we come from, what are we, and what are we supposed to do?

The Liberal Ocean Sings Louder

July 02, 2024 02:29 - 24 minutes - 55.8 MB

Fifty-two years ago, the trajectory of my life changed. On a balmy April afternoon, the words of "Saint Waldo" moved me. His heretical, radical ideas have been inspiring Unitarian Universalists for 185 years. Come learn about and affirm our faith journey. Led by Rev. Dr. Fred Muir Delivered: Sunday June 30, 2024

Longing; The Language of the Soul

June 25, 2024 03:07 - 18 minutes - 42.6 MB

What is longing teaching us, what can we learn from the yearnings of our soul? We explore longing for justice, for love, for purpose, and examine readings by Bénézet Bujo, Tara Brach, Thomas Merton, and the story of Peter Pan, which all tell us of embracing longing as a spiritual practice. Led by SarahRuth Davis. Delivered: June 23,2024

Blessings and Farewell

June 18, 2024 02:39 - 58 minutes - 133 MB

On this last Sunday with Rev. Anastassia, let us reflect on these four years of shared ministry, receive and give blessings, and release her from ministry at UUCA.

Covenant The First Word The Last Word

June 03, 2024 00:35 - 18 minutes - 41.5 MB

When Rev. Anastassia joined us for candidating week, before being called as a minister of equal standing with Rev. John, she preached about covenant. In this last sermon of hers, let's revisit the collective power and sustenance of covenantal community. (Delivered Sunday June 2, 2024)

Heaven and the Afterlife

May 27, 2024 21:21 - 24 minutes - 55.1 MB

What happens after we die? What awaits us? Time Magazine dedicated a special edition to this topic converging science and faith. I will share some of what they found as well as my own personal beliefs on the subject. (Delivered: Sunday, May 26, 2024)

Lessons My Mother Left Me

May 13, 2024 00:17 - 20 minutes - 46.2 MB

You read my sermon title right: Mothers (plural). Join me this morning as I explore the qualities and characteristics of good mothering - from a personal point of view. Rev. Fred preaching. (Delivered: May 12, 2024)

The Love at the Heart of Beloved Community

May 05, 2024 23:37 - 22 minutes - 50.4 MB

UUs use the word "love" often. It appears three times in our Sunday covenant alone. What is the nature of this love? (Delivered: Sunday May 5, 2024)

Be Invictus

April 30, 2024 02:13 - 25 minutes - 59 MB

In this auction sermon dedicated to UUCA member Sofia Blom, Rev John will examine Carl Jung's shadow concept and why a poem by William Ernest Henley provides the perfect context for understanding and overcoming our shadows which leads to spiritual transformation. Delivered Sunday April 28, 2024

You are the Earth Transforming our thinking about Nature

April 22, 2024 00:25 - 23 minutes - 54.5 MB

In this sermon, Rev. John looks at the book of Genesis in The Bible and discusses why we need to reinterpret what it teaches as it relates to our relationship with other living beings. (Delivered: Sunday April 21, 2024)

The Practice of Transformation

April 14, 2024 18:42 - 16 minutes - 38.2 MB

Many come to religious communities seeking support in becoming their best self. Change is more than just understanding how you want to be, it is based on new behavior. Spiritual practices can be a powerful means for this process of becoming. Let's consider the transformational value of spiritual practice. (Delivered: Sunday April 14, 2024)

The Words We Can Say to Each Other

April 08, 2024 01:15 - 22 minutes - 40.2 MB

As we process, Rev. Anastassia's pending departure from ministry at UUCA, what are the important things we have to say to one another?

Springing Forth

April 05, 2024 02:37 - 10 minutes - 19.9 MB

Reverend John explains the meaning and importance of UUCA's Flower Communion tradition. (Delivered: Sunday, March 31,2024)

Improbable Hope

March 25, 2024 00:56 - 7 minutes - 17.3 MB

Join Reverend Anastassia as she explores the idea of improbable hope and how it relates to miracles and new beginnings.

Why I am a Unitarian Universalist

March 12, 2024 11:19 - 22 minutes - 50.5 MB

In this sermon, Rev John discusses his journey as a UU, why his faith has stood the test of time, and why he continues giving his financial resources to the UUCA community. (Delivered Sunday March 10, 2024)

The Keys to Our Beloved Community

March 05, 2024 02:44 - 14 minutes - 32 MB

Human beings are meant to belong, to experience the commune of life, yet so many of us struggle to find belonging. Sometimes we, almost miraculously step into a community of belonging, but more often, Beloved Community is something we mutually create through acts of contribution. This Sunday, as we launch for pledge drive, let us consider how contributions unlock community and life within us. (Delivered: March 3, 2024)

What We Should not Forget About Marriage Equality

February 26, 2024 00:08 - 20 minutes - 47.9 MB

It has been nearly a decade since marriage equality became a legal right, but this was so much more than a Supreme Court decision. Let's review this movement, its power, its people, its values, and its impact. What might we carry forward as we think about the creation of equity and the Beloved Community beyond it. (Delivered: February 25, 2024)

Madness Crownsville State Hospital and Equity

February 20, 2024 02:47 - 23 minutes - 53 MB

In this sermon, Rev John reviews a new book that chronicles the story of mental health abuse and why repair is needed today to make amends for past sins. (Delivered: February 18, 2024)

Conquering Fear

February 12, 2024 02:43 - 25 minutes - 58.3 MB

In this sermon Rev John discusses fear and why it prevents humanity from creating a more just and. Equitable society. (Delivered: Sunday February 11, 2024)

Particular Universalism

February 06, 2024 04:22 - 19 minutes - 43.5 MB

William Ellery Channing, one of the founding leaders and theologians of our faith, was kept awake at night by a particular concern: have we missed the message about caring for people particularly, as we care for humanity universally? How much has this theology helped us engage more deeply in practicing care and inclusion with a more particular focus? Rev. Anastassia preaching.

Creating a Culture of Connection

January 29, 2024 02:35 - 22 minutes - 50.9 MB

In this sermon, Rev. John will discuss what being radically welcoming means to him and how this equitable approach in life leads to more authentic relationships. (Delivered: Sunday Jan. 28,2024)

2

January 22, 2024 04:08 - 24 minutes - 55.6 MB

In this sermon, Rev. John discusses the number 2, the human body and brain and why making 2 into 1 is the key to peace, equity and unity in our lives. (Delivered: Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024)

Whose Dream are we Dreaming?

January 16, 2024 05:50 - 25 minutes - 59 MB

Martin Luther King, Jr. perhaps is most famous for his "I Have a Dream Speech," but he wasn't the originator or the last owner of this dream. This MLK Sunday, let's consider the history and future of the collective movement of dreamers. Rev. Anastassia preaching,

Wheel of Life 2024

January 11, 2024 05:17 - 1 hour - 150 MB

During this intergenerational service, we will create the Beloved Community by honoring the sacramental transitions and celebrations in the lives of our members through poetry, music, and naming. Help us mark the joining of new members, coming-of-age advancement, the passage into adulthood, gender renaming, member departures, weddings, and deaths. (Delivered: Jan 7, 2024)

Letting Go & Letting In

January 01, 2024 02:00 - 13 minutes - 31.9 MB

On this last worship service for 2023, and in this season of Kwanza, what do you need more and less of to get into your positive flow for 2024? This is a participatory service with a homily and congregational sharing. https://youtu.be/icK0zLKEgWY

Prince of Peace

December 27, 2023 02:56 - 13 minutes - 29.9 MB

In this week's Christmas Eve sermon, Reverend Anastassia highlights the parallels between the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus and present day events in Palestine and Israel. (Delivered: Sunday evening December 24, 2023)

The Interdependent Web

December 18, 2023 02:17 - 16 minutes - 38 MB

We are called by our faith to honor the interdependent web of all existence. In fact, it is one of our most central truths. With reverence for the great web of life and with humility, we acknowledge our place in it. Let us explore what living this belief and reality looks like. Delivered: Sunday Dec. 17, 2023

There is More Than Enough

December 11, 2023 03:29 - 24 minutes - 55.7 MB

In this participatory worship service that will include a short reflection, members will reflect on what they are giving and being given as a part of the interdependent communal web which ground all in faith, hope, and love.

A Conversation About Our Congregation

December 04, 2023 03:16 - 26 minutes - 61.1 MB

In this service, your ministers will answer questions about their shared vision for our congregation, their hopes for Unitarian Universalism, and why interdependence is one of our most cherished values.

Evolution Day: Are We Devolving?

November 20, 2023 03:26 - 25 minutes - 57.7 MB

With war around the globe and the rise in hate, how do we turn the world around? (Delivered on Sunday, November 19, 2023)

The American Buffalo: A Lament and Lesson in Hubris

November 12, 2023 21:31 - 26 minutes - 60.4 MB

Interdependence means there is support between and among groups of people. The story of the Buffalo shows us the opposite and reminds us of our willingness to dehumanize and forget that we are connected to all living beings. (Delivered: Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023)

Towards Beloved Community: Non-Violence and Interdependence

November 06, 2023 00:22 - 23 minutes - 52.9 MB

With the violent and heartbreaking loss of life in Israel and Gaza, how are we as Unitarian Universalists called to respond? What do our theology and the philosophy of Beloved Community have to offer us during this time? (Delivered by Rev. Anastassia Zinke, Nov. 5, 2023)

Samhain and the Origins of Religion

October 30, 2023 02:13 - 24 minutes - 55.7 MB

Sunday's sermon will connect our UU Beliefs to the beliefs of our ancestors via their relationship to nature and the stars. Where did we come from? Who are we? The answer may be in Astrotheology. (Delivered: October 29, 2023)

A Language of Reverence

October 24, 2023 02:50 - 21 minutes - 49.5 MB

Sometimes our poets and writers are the best place to turn to in order to find Unitarian Universalists using a language of reverence. Come hear some of their pieces set to music and performed by our UUCA Choir. By what do we feel so inspired to use words of reverence ourselves? (Delivered: Sunday, October 22,2023) https://youtu.be/wB9v8ds9jeg

Hindu Trinity

October 16, 2023 01:26 - 24 minutes - 55.5 MB

God is 3 in one in more than just Christianity. Today we talk about the number 3, its significance, and why it has the power to help us understand reality and our lives. (Delivered: Sunday, October 15, 2023)

Natural Faith Natural Society

October 09, 2023 01:25 - 18 minutes - 41.3 MB

Indigenous people deeply reflect the natural world in their religious, societal, and political institutions and expressions. It is a deeply innate human response to the world and one that Western cultures have moved away from. How might we do better by using nature as a model in our collective lives? Rev. Anastassia preaching. (Delivered: Sunday October 8, 2023)

Problem of Intolerance to Pluralism

October 03, 2023 03:13 - 28 minutes - 65.5 MB

The rise of fundamentalism in the world comes as a direct result of religions that do not want to expand their tolerance for difference. This makes pluralism impossible and threatens democracy. In this message, Rev. John offers his take on where we are in the world using the story of Muhammad as a lesson of how intolerance creates bitter rivalries that keep us separate and unequal. Delivered Sunday October 1, 2023

High Holy Days Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashana

September 27, 2023 03:48 - 53 minutes - 122 MB

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when Jews seek forgiveness from their God, follows just days behind the Rosh Hoshanah, the Jewish New Year. What Jews recognize in this sequence is that when one moves forward, one must still account for the past and seek appropriate forgiveness. As we at UUCA move into a new year, what acts do we need to ask forgiveness for? What lessons along this journey do we need to learn? (Delivered Sunday September 24, 2023)

Religious Pluralism Interfaith Dialogue

September 19, 2023 11:31 - 24 minutes - 56.7 MB

One can live in diversity but not experience pluralism; it has to be brought forward by the community's practices of respect, tolerance, and curiosity. One benefit of experiencing and engaging in religious pluralism is the experience of being “religious inter-religiously.” Come hear Rev. Anastassia share more about what this means and how you can practice it too. (Delivered 9/17/2023)

Many Sources and the Annual Water Communion

September 12, 2023 03:11 - 16 minutes - 38.8 MB

Each year, UUCA invites you to bring a small container of water to partake in our Water Communion ritual as a sign of unity. Delivered: Sunday September 10, 2023

Will You Attend the Virtual UUA General Assembly on June 20 -23, 2024?

September 05, 2023 23:54 - 32 minutes - 73.3 MB

Join us this Sunday to learn about our ongoing relationship with the Unitarian Universalist Association, its annual meeting, and how you can get more involved in their National issues. Delivered Sunday, September 3, 2023

Communicate Educate Activate

August 28, 2023 19:44 - 23 minutes - 52.9 MB

In this service, you will learn what you can do to end racism, microaggressions, and behaviors that keep us from beloved community. (Delivered: Sunday, August 27, 2023)

This Church Year

August 21, 2023 04:03 - 23 minutes - 53.3 MB

Join Rev. John as he discusses the monthly themes for the upcoming church year and how you might engage with them for your spiritual growth.

Chaos or Community? Oppenheimer, Dr. King, and Barbie

August 13, 2023 20:17 - 21 minutes - 50 MB

The period between 1945 to 1968 profoundly shaped the American landscape we see today. I am so intrigued by these 20+ years and the way we still wrestle with the same issues. Join me today as I catch you up on some of my insights and inspirations during my time away. Delivered: Sunday, August 13, 2023

Wild and Precious Life

August 07, 2023 02:27 - 15 minutes - 34.8 MB

In her poem, Summer Day, the poet-narrator asks, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Come let us reflect on both how Mary Oliver answered this question, and reflect on how we each might answer. Delivered Sunday, August 6, 2023

A Ritual Before We Forget

August 01, 2023 11:04 - 22 minutes - 51.8 MB

Rev. Anastassia finds that William Stafford's poem "A Ritual To Read to One Another" provides valuable reminders that could well guide congregational communities. Let's hear what it says, and take it to heart. Delivered: Sunday July 30, 2023

From Their Hands

July 24, 2023 01:13 - 21 minutes - 48.3 MB

Our ancestors -- of blood, family, faith, and community -- often share life lessons and values with us. These gifts teach us about the world and hopefully assist us in surviving and thriving. In dialogue with Philip Booth's First Lesson, let us consider some of these lessons ourselves. Delivered July 23, 2023

Lessons for Future Ancestors

July 17, 2023 11:28 - 16 minutes - 37.8 MB

"Let us measure success by how many of us can say: I am living a life I don’t regret. A life that will resonate with my ancestors" -adrienne maree brown Join us for a reflection on heavy suitcases, surprise turning points, and attending to the complexity of our times with love and resilience. Matt is a musician and traveling worship leader who has led hundreds of services for UU congregations across the country. He has a degree in hand drumming and serves as Director of Com...

Come, Yet Again Come, to Your Place of Welcome

July 10, 2023 02:28 - 13 minutes - 31.7 MB

All of us have experienced moments or periods of lonliness, pain, or loss. We also know, therefore, the wonder and power of being truly welcomed. Part of our purpose of being a community at UUCA is to welcome each other, sometimes in small ways and sometimes in large ways. Come be welcomed, and hear Rev. Anastassia share how we can welcome again and again. (Delivered: Sunday July 9, 2023)

Poetry is More Than a Spiritual Luxury

July 04, 2023 02:19 - 22 minutes - 50.5 MB

Poetry is More Than a Spiritual Luxury: The prophetic poet Audre Lorde in her 1985 essay reminds us that "poetry is not a luxury" in a world that desperately and insistently needs liberation. Come hear Rev. Anastassia share more of Lorde's wisdom and about how poetry can be a meaningful companion to us in our spiritual work and in our quest for liberation. Music by Josh Long. Delivered: 7/02/23

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