UU Church of Annapolis Podcast

Epigenetics, Religion and Compassion

March 13, 2022 18:47

For this service, Rev. John shares what the environment and world religions have to say about compassion and empathy. Music by the UUCA Ensemble. Delivered on Sunday March 13th, 2022.

Being Good

March 07, 2022 15:53 - 22 minutes - 51.2 MB

This pandemic time has exposed fault lines around how individualism and community can come into conflict. Through the work of several contemporary ethicists, we’ll explore how we can make good choices, what we owe to each other, and how our foundational ideals inform those ideas. Guest minister, Rev. Christian Schmidt preaching. Music provided by Rob Redei. Delivered on Sunday March 6th, 2022.

Caste by Isabel Wilkerson

March 03, 2022 08:02 - 27 minutes - 16.8 MB Video

In this message, Rev. John Crestwell, shares his understanding of Casteism and Racism using the brilliant writing of author Isabel Wilkerson from her book Caste: The Origins of our Discontent.

Hacking the Brain & Race

February 21, 2022 19:16 - 28 minutes - 65.9 MB

Today let's learn why our auto-pilot biases against "them" are tearing our country apart--and how you can hack your mind to be anti-racist and anti-oppressive. Music by Nicole Rumeau. Delivered by John T. Crestwell Jr. on Sunday February 20th, 2022.

Blessing Our Way to Beloved Community

February 14, 2022 02:16 - 21 minutes - 48.9 MB

While political and social activism are essential components of antiracism, so too is spiritual work. How can we use the frame work of blessings to engage in behaviors that foster the Beloved Community? What are some of these practices? Rev. Anastassia preaching, music offered by Rob Redei and the UUCA Choir. Delivered on Sunday February, 13th.

Where UUs are Headed

February 07, 2022 18:47 - 17 minutes - 39.5 MB

In 1907, Dr. Frank Scott Corey Wicks delivered a sermon “Good Men In Hell”, that was published and reprinted by the American Unitarian Association over thirty times. It was the most widely circulated Unitarian sermon, and posited the idea that the Unitarian mandate was to not to conform to places of personal comfort. Where would we go and whom would we be with if we lived this mandate today? How does our theology speak to this? Rev. Anastassia Zinke preaching, with music by Sara Jones. Deliv...

Mindful Partnership

January 31, 2022 21:35 - 20 minutes - 47 MB

Thoughtco.com says that "Equality is providing the same level of opportunity and assistance to all segments of society, such as races and genders. Equity is providing various levels of support and assistance depending on specific needs or abilities. Equality and equity are most often applied to the rights and opportunities of minority groups." As Ministers of Equal Standing how do we interpret this meaning? Today the ministers will answer questions about how they are engaging in mindful and ...

Wordsmithing

January 31, 2022 21:34 - 27 minutes - 62.5 MB

Are you a skilled utilizer of words? I'm working on it! "Be careful of the words you say keep them sweet; because you never know which ones you'll have to eat". I learned that growing up. What does it mean to be mindful with our tongue? Let's examine the power of words today as we practice our theme of being reflective this month. Delivered by Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr. on Sunday January 30th, 2022.

Letter From A Birmingham Jail

January 17, 2022 21:57 - 28 minutes - 64.5 MB

Today we will examine what came out of Rev. King's meditation in prison--his legendary letter that is as important today as it was in 1963. Delivered by Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr. on Sunday January 16th, 2022.

Layers of Love

January 03, 2022 19:14 - 22 minutes - 51.6 MB

Our ancestors have more nuanced understandings of love. Let us explore these various manifestions of love, and how specific and sacred forms of love can be found in our lives. Rev. Anastassia preaching, music by Max Ochs. Delievered January 2nd, 2022.

Strength to Love

December 13, 2021 16:00 - 15 minutes - 35.8 MB

As we continue to explore the theme of love, Rev. Anastassia will lead us through considering how we can use our minds, thought analysis and organizing, and hearts, through love and forgiveness, to create the possibility of a better future. Delivered on December 12th, 2021.

Love is the Spirit of Our Church

December 07, 2021 23:46 - 27 minutes - 63.1 MB

We hold our first congregational meeting immediately following the service. Today the ministers will give their State of Our Union" sermon sharing highlights from the last six months of ministry at UUCA. Delivered on December 5th, 2021.

Stone Soup Revisited

November 30, 2021 19:22 - 15 minutes - 35.9 MB

Join us this Sunday for a magical telling of Stone Soup. Audience participation will be expected so come ready to join in the fun. After service, we will gather for soup and celebration of this annual event that begins our holiday season. Music by the UUCA Choir. Delivered 11-28-2021.

The Gratitude Story

November 22, 2021 16:50 - 22 minutes - 50.3 MB

Every life has challenges, and yet no matter the pain and struggles, we can choose to pay attention to a narrative of gratitude. In the process, we can discover joy, health, and a new sense of belonging, not only to the universe as a whole but also to ourselves. Rev. Anastassia preaching with our Worship Ensemble. Delivered on Sunday November 21st, 2021.

Disappointment

November 15, 2021 14:54 - 26 minutes - 60.9 MB

Have you ever been disappointed? How did you resolve it? Rev. John shares 4 things that helps him move from sadness to grace every time. Music by Rob Redei and the UUCA Choir. Delivered on November 14th, 2021.

Soul-Force: The Practices of Non-Violence

November 08, 2021 16:14 - 32 minutes - 75 MB

Non-violent social movements and actions have effective outcomes, while also reducing risk and harm. Come join us as we consider the strategic nature of non-violence and the spiritual and personal practices that support it. Rev. Anastassia preaching, with music by Josh Long and our Worship Ensemble. Delivered November 7th, 2021.

Non-Violence: Don't We Pledge Not To Harm Each Other?

November 01, 2021 15:08 - 27 minutes - 63.4 MB

As a community, we make many covenants, inherent in them all is to be a gift to one another. When we hurt or harm each other that disrupts our connection with one another. Let us recognize that there have been moments of harm in our community, and grow to understand how such moments land. Together, let us commit ourselves anew to being a community that seeks to contribute to each other's lives, including by reducing harm among ourselves. Music by Sarah Jones. Rev. Anastassia Zinke. Given on ...

The Path of Love: Moving From Violence to Peace

October 25, 2021 16:29 - 30 minutes - 69.7 MB

The Hindu concept of Ahimsa teaches that when we do harm to another person we do harm to ourselves. "Hurt people hurt people." Today Rev John explores the origins of conflict and violence from the individual to the culture and how we can overcome this tragic pattern. Delivered Sunday October 24th, 2021.

Fibonacci, Ahimsa, & Humanity’s Nonviolent Future

October 18, 2021 15:35 - 1 hour - 156 MB

Join Rev. John as he explores a pattern in humanity's evolution that links us to the Buddha's awakening and our potential as evolved beings who do no harm on the planet. Joshua Long and the UUCA Ensemble will provide music. Delivered on Sunday October 17th, 2021.

Wrestling with Forgiveness

October 15, 2021 20:19 - 18 minutes - 43.1 MB

When we have done something important wrong, or worse harmed someone, we carry that burden. Confronting it, engaging our failure to live our values, feels like a wrestling match. Why is that? And what blessing can come from wrestling with our worthiness for forgiveness and self-forgiveness? Rev. Anastassia preaching, with music by Josh Long. Delivered on Sunday October 3rd, 2021.

The Prayer before the Prayer of Forgiveness

October 15, 2021 17:01 - 26 minutes - 60.4 MB

We know giving forgiveness is an important human virtue, yet whether, how, and when to forgive are challenging questions. What is the spiritual work that proceeds our ability to forgive? Rev. Anastassia preaching, music by Rob Redei and the UUCA Choir. Given on Sunday October 10th, 2021

Water Metaphors

August 02, 2021 21:42 - 20 minutes - 12.4 MB

Did you know that the earth is 70% water and you are 60% water? That is a close comparison. Does this mean anything to you? If it does or doesn't listen to Rev. John's message on water and why understanding this element is a way to better understand ourselves.

Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr., Why I am (Still) a UU - Part II

May 30, 2021 16:00 - 20 minutes - 46.4 MB

Theology and Practice. Rev John continues part 2 of his discussion on why, after 20 years, he is still a UU.

Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr. Sermon: Why I am (Still) a UU - After 20 Years

May 23, 2021 16:00 - 22 minutes - 50.5 MB

I became a Unitarian Universalist in 2001. It's been 20 years. I have changed--a lot. I want to share this story with you and how I see the purpose of our faith today in the religious landscape.

Rev. Anastassia Zinke Sermon: Members Sunday

May 16, 2021 16:00 - 50 minutes - 117 MB

What has membership meant to UUCA over through the ages? We want to honor the act of committing to a community of faith. Come join Joshua Long, the Membership Team, and several UUCA members as they share stories, music, and reflection for this special service.

Rev. Dr. Robert M. Hardies Sermon: Love, Always

May 09, 2021 16:00 - 16 minutes - 38.3 MB

At the heart of this and every Beloved Community is love, always love. But love isn’t just a feeling, it’s a practice—a shared practice of affection and care. In congregational life, it matters how we tell the story of our love. This Sunday we’ll consider some “love stories” and what they have to teach us about the practice of love at church. Music by Rob Redei and the UUCA Choir. Rev. Rob Hardies is a preacher, teacher, and an experienced leader of retreats and pilgrimages. From 2001 to 2...

Rev. Anastassia Sermon: The Danger of the Single Story

May 02, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 154 MB

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie states that the danger of the single story is "the ability not just to tell the story of another person, but to make it the definitive story of that person." One single story that has been part of American history is that Black lives are expendable. We have seen again and again that this single story is not only dangerous, but deadly. In this service, we will consider the Derek Chauvin trial, and how many worked to counter the single stories that informed this case. ...

Rev. Anastassia Sermon: Dedicate Ourselves to Save this Earth

April 25, 2021 16:00 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MB

Ralph Waldo Emerson recognized that the world is meant to be savored and we are designed to savor it. Why is the act of savoring essential for our spiritual lives? Once we have seen the world and savored its beauty, then we know we are called it save it, both for itself and for ourselves. Let us dedicate ourselves to saving this earth.

Rev. John Sermon: On Fire - The Burning Case for a New Green Deal

April 18, 2021 16:00 - 18 minutes - 169 MB Video

Today we examine Naomi Klein's most recent book while also examining "regenerative economies" and how UUCA can adopt and adapt some of its current social justice practices. Music by Rob Redei and the UUCA Choir.

Our Earth is the Home of the Beloved Community Sermon

April 04, 2021 16:00 - 12 minutes - 17 MB

Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr., Minister Rev. Anastassia Zinke, Minister The early Jesus followers believed that they would be with Jesus again in an idyllic, earthly community. On this Easter Sunday, we celebrate the paradise that our Earth is meant to be and dedicate ourselves to be evangelists for this earth. Music by Rob Redei and our UUCA Choir.

Rev. John Sermon: Liberation, Accountability, Yin and Yang

March 28, 2021 16:00 - 26 minutes - 36.5 MB

We yearn for freedom but what does ultimate freedom look like? In this service Rev. John will look at integrative spirituality as a framework for your spiritual freedom.

Rev. John T Crestwell, Jr. Sermon: Authenticity, Keeping it Real, and Cancel Culture

March 21, 2021 16:00 - 28 minutes - 38.5 MB

Join Rev. John as he examines the value of being authentic while also being accountable to the relationships around you. The message will also address the pros and cons of "Cancel Culture" and why respect is at the heart of the matter.

Rev. Anastassia Zinke Sermon: Commitment to Mutuality

March 14, 2021 16:00 - 25 minutes - 35.5 MB

Mutuality exists when we live in such a way that we extend the same level of respect, care, and compassion for one another. When we "live for one another" as our Sunday covenant states, we extend this mutuality to our choices beyond the one-to-one relationship. For example, when we wear COVID masks or quarantine to keep one another safe, or when we increase access whether by adding ramps or by shifting away from being a mono-culture towards being multicultural. We can live in mutuality by tr...

Rev. Anastassia Zinke Sermon: Commitment to Non-Violence

March 07, 2021 17:00 - 30 minutes - 42.4 MB

Have you ever noticed that we don’t have a word for nonviolence in itself? In all our languages, this ancient though often untapped practice, has been referred to linguistically as the opposite of violence. It is more than that. Let us consider what nonviolence is, not merely as a political strategy, but more as a personal and spiritual practice. How can nonviolence disrupt patterns of harm, and help move us into the spiritual wholeness and right relationship. Rev. Anastassia Zinke preaching...