UU Church of Annapolis Podcast

Good for Business

January 27, 2017 15:35 - 18 minutes - 25 MB

With the election and all of this great liberal forces converging, this is a RIPE time for our UU message if we can remember 4-things and 4 Ps. Let our business/faith boom in the next four years!

Dream Deferred

January 16, 2017 01:54 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MB

In this 2017 Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday, Rev. John takes on poverty, moral will and how to connect to King's vision of Beloved Community.

The Prophethood of all Believers

January 10, 2017 21:49 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MB

"The Prophethood of All Believers" Eleanor Piez, Intern Minister James Luther Adams, beloved UU professor of theology and ethics, understood our faith as "the prophethood of all believers." But prophets are often unpopular in their own times and communities. What does it mean for us to be a prophethood today? You will hear an update on UULM-MD's work during the upcoming legislative session.Music by Sara Jones.

Countervailing Resonances

December 20, 2016 14:58 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MB

The election is a part of a narrative where countervailing forces are being called to rise up! This is a pattern and cycle in our human evolution. If you need some post-election context in the spirit of the holidays, this message is for you. A special thank you to Dr. Mike Houge at Meadville Theological for his inspiration for this sermon. Love, Rev. John

Once Upon a Time

December 05, 2016 19:18 - 17 minutes - 24.2 MB

'Tis the season for ... presence (which is this month's theme). So many of the holiday stories, songs, greetings and themes are all about presence - of looking for those spaces and places into which we can step and experience centering, wholeness and hopefulness. Think of the words, people and contexts in your life that reflect presence ...

Whose Story?

November 28, 2016 20:09 - 23 minutes - 31.6 MB

Who gets to tell the story of America? What is His-story and Our-story? What must we do now in this polarized time to promote our principles? Rev. John answers these questions and more as he examines perspective and some of the stories that have led up to the new president-elect.

The Sunday After

November 15, 2016 18:58 - 26 minutes - 37 MB

Our divided nation has gone to the polls to elect a new President; what do we do now? Is there any hope of becoming "The Reunited States of America"? Join me on this Sunday after the election as I assess where we might go from here.

The Sunday Before I.

November 07, 2016 18:46 - 29 minutes - 40.5 MB

Very soon the nation votes for a new President. The country is divided. It has become mean, ugly, and stress-filled. What's behind the divisiveness? Join me on this Sunday before the election for part one of this two part sermon. [This sermon was purchased by Charlie Gross at last November's basket auction.]

Healing Alongside Death

November 01, 2016 19:54 - 13 minutes - 15.1 MB

Death is an inevitable part of life, but for those of us remaining after a loved one dies, we are left with myriad feelings, and perhaps wondering how to heal as we move through grief. El Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican celebration of death, that seeks to find joy in remembering our loved ones.

Blessed Are The Healers

November 01, 2016 18:20 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MB

It seems that our culture is in desperate need of healers - people who can erect bridges to wholeness and health for the wounded and marginalized. Many talk with such admiration for people who are in positions of healing. Yet, healing comes in many different versions and styles. Join me as we look at healing and healers and decipher their power.

Healing Neen - Trauma and Transformation

October 11, 2016 15:29 - 18 minutes - 26.1 MB

How do we develop our I AM, our self-worth in a world that labels us as less than worthy? Hear the story of Tonier Cain and how she made her mess of a life into a powerful message of hope and transformation.

Do Over

October 03, 2016 20:53 - 18 minutes - 25.2 MB

"An opportunity to try or perform something a second time." That's a do-over. As we enter the High Holy Days, this sermon reminds us that each day is an opportunity to shout "do over!" Let's look at this meaningful opportunity.

Covenant of the Brokenhearted

September 20, 2016 16:08 - 18 minutes - 17 MB

A covenant is not a set of rules or a contract. It's a promise that we make, over and over, to come back to community. Not in spite of our mistakes, but because of them. Because we mess up over and over, we need to practice how to come back.

Grace-full Living and Labr

September 08, 2016 14:34 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MB

You get up in the morning, ready to start a new day. What is your frame of mind, your purpose? When you return to bed in fourteen or eighteen hours, how will you think about your day of work, leisure or relationships? Let's set aside some time to imagine what a grace-filled day or life might look like.

Mystical Moments

August 15, 2016 21:13 - 20 minutes - 23 MB

We often think about the existence of the divine as either “out there” or “non-existent.” What if there’s another way? What if the holy was in us all? What might that look like? How would it change our outlook on life? Join us as we explore the roots and wings provided by a mystical, experiential, or pantheist view of Unitarian Universalist faith. This service topic was the request of basket-auction-winners Scott Eden and Jan Bird.

Spiritual Nourishment

August 15, 2016 20:58 - 17 minutes - 20.3 MB

In the second sermon of this series, our Summer Minister, Hannah, will explore how our Third Principle calls us to nourish one another spiritually.

Trans 101

July 14, 2016 14:26 - 50 minutes - 11.5 MB

Learn the basics about our friends who identify as transgender.

Spiritual Democracy

July 13, 2016 18:39 - 20 minutes - 23.1 MB

During this season of interconnection, we will consider our responsibilities to one another as Unitarian Universalists by exploring three of our Principles. In the first sermon of three this month by our Summer Minister, Hannah, we will explore how our Fifth Principle calls us to embody the democratic process in our communities.

From Sea to Shining Sea

July 05, 2016 17:49 - 31 minutes - 36.5 MB

Happy Birthday USA! Let's join together and speak of our country's past, present and the nation of our future. Are we truly a welcoming nation? This sermon examines some of the spoken and unspoken biases many carry when thinking of the future of our country, and religion.

Free to Choose Sunday

June 26, 2016 19:12 - 25 minutes - 5.91 MB

Our annual summer tradition continues! Celebrate our freedom of exploration by submitting questions for Rev. Christina to answer (on the "fly"!)

Perspectives & Fathers

June 19, 2016 21:50 - 19 minutes - 4.51 MB

Join us for an inspiring Father's Day service on "perspectives" and how we each have our own position, view, and outlook that defines and also biases our ways of thinking. What is the difference in informed knowledge and an opinion?

Ice Cream & Steak

June 12, 2016 20:55 - 20 minutes - 4.63 MB

Sounds like the menu for a summer cookout! While for some this might be appealing, a summer picnic was not the topic under consideration in a radio program I listened to recently; they used this phrase as a way to describe the future of our most reliable, taken-for-granted institutions. For me, it applies to faith communities too. Please join me as I chew on this topic with what for some will be a startling and unexpected conclusion.

Just War

May 31, 2016 11:59 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MB

Just war theory (jus bellum iustum) is a doctrine, also referred to as a tradition, of military ethics studied by theologians, ethicists, policy makers, and military leaders (Wikipedia). Today I will look at this concept and determine if there is such thing as a “just war”.

The Tao of Water (The Way of Water)

May 24, 2016 19:08 - 21 minutes - 24.1 MB

In this message, Rev. John shares his worldview of oneness, interconnection and shared realities admonishing us to "Be like water."

Freedom & Mistakes

May 22, 2016 21:04 - 34 minutes - 31.1 MB

Noticing our mistakes, honoring them, and trying again and again is what it means to be a covenantal people. We will come together this Sunday to remember when we as a people, historically and in the present, have made mistakes, to sit, and to move forward. Sometimes, we just need some silence.

Tested

May 18, 2016 16:10 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MB

Rev. Fred discusses why we must go deeper in our understandings to "test" them and see if we are getting to know things on the surface or in a personal and intimate way. Test your experiences by thinking deeper about them.

Hope in a Handbasket

May 08, 2016 20:21 - 22 minutes - 5.08 MB

As we enter our Freedom season in worship, we will explore how we can have hope for freedom even in trying times

Modern Plagues

April 25, 2016 21:02 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MB

On this Passover and Earth Day Sunday let's remember that there are still modern plagues that threaten our human existence and commitment to building a Beloved Community.

Praying for Prosperity

April 10, 2016 19:34 - 19 minutes - 4.57 MB

I haven't heard a presidential candidate (or any political candidate) who doesn't have a plan for justice and prosperity. So, I wonder, just how does that work? Depending on your place, family of origin, faith, etc., these can look very different. Join me this morning as I look at prosperity through the lens of justice.

It Was the Women Who Stayed

March 27, 2016 19:59 - 19 minutes - 4.51 MB

On this day we typically look at the man on the cross and consider what new life might mean for us. Today, instead, we'll be looking at the women-- the ones who stayed; loyal, heartbroken, and supportive-- and consider their message to us, 2000 years later.

Emotional Intelligence

March 21, 2016 00:39 - 21 minutes - 17 MB

In this sermon Rev. John looks at emotional intelligence/literacy as it relates to the use of force in our world. He shows that true power calibrates at a much higher level of energy than force. He also shares with us two books that support his findings. Enjoy...

That's Not Fair

March 14, 2016 15:17 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MB

Intern Minister, Hannah Villnave takes us on a journey through public transportation showing us how there are lessons we learn from the space(s) we take up.

Partners In Justice (Part II)

March 06, 2016 19:52 - 24 minutes - 22 MB

I'm often asked by newcomers (and longtime Unitarian Universalists) where our community's commitment to justice-making comes from. Last Sunday I started an exploration of one chapter in this commitment; this Sunday continues that exploration. You decide how we're living up to our heritage.

Partners in Justice, (Part 1)

February 28, 2016 21:35 - 19 minutes - 4.37 MB

As we move into our "season of justice," join me as I share one chapter in the story of Unitarian Universalism's shaping commitment to "the inherent worth and dignity of every person ... [with] justice, fairness and compassion." Learning the "talk" and then "walking the talk" has been a long time badge of honor among UUs. Over the next two Sundays, you decide how we're doing.

Drops of Water

February 21, 2016 21:42 - 17 minutes - 3.91 MB

Sometimes our individual efforts to build a more just world can feel disconnected and disjointed. How can we feel less like a single drop and more like part of a mighty ocean? Come join us as we explore that question

And Then Came Darwin

February 07, 2016 21:55 - 27 minutes - 6.2 MB

The ideas of Charles Darwin changed everything. They continue to challenge us in new and exciting ways. On our annual Darwin Sunday let's explore the understandings and misunderstandings of what he started.

The Other Wes Moore

February 01, 2016 16:38 - 25 minutes - 23 MB

In this message, Rev. John Crestwell takes a hard and close look at expectations, dysfunction and solutions facing the poor and neglected in our society.

Why America May Go to Hell

January 17, 2016 21:47 - 16 minutes - 3.81 MB

On this special Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday we learn that our dear brother's true final speech was in his briefcase revealing a side of the great civil rights leader that is neither passive nor resistant. These evolving contrasts in Dr. King can also be seen in the contrasts and complexities in our world's language, geography and visual imagery, leaving "us" versus "them" as our greatest human challenge.

Satyagraha -- Love Force

January 10, 2016 18:21 - 19 minutes - 4.53 MB

How do we awaken our Love Force? Exploring "satyagraha" -- the power and strength of love in the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi.

Dark and Light

December 28, 2015 16:29 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MB

in this season where many look at the darkness and light as religious expressions, Rev. John examines dark and light, blackness and whiteness and the language we use to express love and hate.

Living with the Meaning of Christmas

December 20, 2015 21:51 - 19 minutes - 4.48 MB

With most religious observances/celebrations, there is a good story behind them. So also with Christmas. The contemporary implications of its story are many, so join us this morning as we unpack life with Christmas.

Can't Buy Me Love (or can you?)

December 13, 2015 21:03 - 19 minutes - 4.44 MB

As we continue our seasonal theme of love, today we'll explore whether or not you can "buy" love -- especially at this season of giving that can be so easily commercialized. We'll explore the 5 Love Languages in the context of the holidays.

Living with the Meaning of Hanukkah

December 06, 2015 21:12 - 20 minutes - 4.59 MB

With most religious observances/celebrations, there is a good story behind them. So also with Hanukkah. The contemporary implications of its story are many, so join us this morning as we unpack life with Hanukkah.

Vampire Diaries

November 30, 2015 19:51 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MB

I love vampire shows because most of them tend to be very romantic. They are all over the TV these days. I got sucked in to one a few days ago when I accidentally watched the last episode of the Vampire Diaries with my daughter. I was instantly hooked! By the way, how is your love-life? This Sunday we will talk about how to make love come alive in your life. Let's awaken or re-awaken the love inside of you.

No, Thank You

November 22, 2015 21:19 - 21 minutes - 4.89 MB

It's been said that we should hold our "no" as sacred as our "yes." Saying "no" and honoring our own boundaries can even be an act of love to ourselves. But how can we maintain a posture of gratitude and abundance while still honoring our "no"? Come and learn to honor your "no" with gratitude.

Abundance

November 17, 2015 17:31 - 21 minutes - 4.86 MB

Join us - young, old, and in-between - for our first "Celebration Sunday" of the church year. You might have noticed we're honoring "seasonal" themes instead of monthly ones. Today we'll celebrate the end of our Abundance Season with story, song, ritual, and a special surprise you won't want to miss!

Calling, Courage and Committment

November 09, 2015 00:29 - 20 minutes - 4.67 MB

Unitarian Universalism is not a "peace church" like the Quakers, but we do have a strong thread of pacifism in our heritage. How do we honor our pacifist leanings, oppose war, and simultaneously support and honor our veterans? Military veterans or their families are encouraged to bring a photo or item from military service for our altar this morning.

Choosing Your Religion

November 03, 2015 19:40 - 23 minutes - 5.3 MB

In this sermon Rev. Fred Muir says "how we revere freedom of choice, in nearly everything we do and most especially in choosing our beliefs. The abundance and generosity in our way of religion is reflected in how Unitarian Universalists have blended these two theological histories to such a point that we forget the radically different paths the traditions took and how they each continue shaping us. Let's pull apart our UU history and look at how we/you got here." [This sermon was paid f...

Abundance in the Desert

October 18, 2015 16:00 - 16 minutes - 19.4 MB

Oftentimes we associate the desert with "not enough", but the desert can also be a place of great abundance. What happens when we approach the deserts in our own lives as offering abundance rather than scarcity? Our new Intern Minister, Hannah Villnave, explores how the deserts (both literal and figurative!) in her own life have brought abundance and grace.

Generosity Mindset

September 29, 2015 16:10 - 20 minutes - 23.9 MB

Rev. John at the AWAKE Service discusses his understanding of generosity and how it ripples outwardly in the world. The video that is watched is here: Thai Insurance Ad

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