UU Church of Annapolis Podcast
655 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsSermons from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis
www.uuca-md.org
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Episodes
No, Thank You
November 22, 2015 21:19 - 21 minutes - 4.89 MBIt'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 MBJoin 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 MBUnitarian 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 MBIn 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 MBOftentimes 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 MBRev. 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
Let It Be a Dance
September 20, 2015 21:22 - 25 minutes - 5.73 MB"We begin again in love" is the refrain in a responsive reading from our Unitarian Universalist hymnal. The reading is about forgiveness - forgiving ourselves and others. On this Sunday between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (the Jewish High Holy Days), forgiveness is our topic and the challenges of learning the steps to this difficult dance.
The Transient & Permanent of Unitarian-Universalism
September 06, 2015 20:02 - 20 minutes - 4.62 MBIn 1841, Unitarian minister Theodore Parker preached a sermon entitled, "The Transient and Permanent in Christianity," considering what was an important foundation of the faith, and what was changeable. This Sunday Rev. Christina will explore what is transient and what is permanent in our own Unitarian Universalism (hint, a lot is transient!)-- This sermon topic was purchased at the fall auction by Ken Apfel and members of Christina's Committee on Ministry.
What's In a Name?
August 30, 2015 19:23 - 32 minutes - 7.34 MBIn many cultures - including ours - a change of name has signified a change of identity, a maturing, a time of deepening. Names are important symbols of who we are and what we want to be. Join me this morning in this valuable exploration.
The Best Advice I Ever Received
August 16, 2015 21:11 - 31 minutes - 7.24 MBWhat is the best advice anyone ever gave you? Did you listen? We'll hear from some members -- Diane Goforth, Dan Moreau, Shauntee Daniels, Rev Patricia Owen, and Rev Christina Leone-Tracy
Stopped By a Brick
August 10, 2015 21:32 - 26 minutes - 5.99 MBWe live in a very busy world. What is the cost of this busyness and how do we slow down?
Why Darwin Matters
August 02, 2015 19:14 - 28 minutes - 6.53 MBCharles Darwin initiated a cultural revolution that started 156 years ago and shows no signs of stopping. Politics, science, religion, families and school systems have all been caught up in the tumult - in the applications and misapplications of Darwin's "little secret". Where do you stand in this ongoing conversation?
Hitting Rock Bottom
July 12, 2015 18:49 - 23 minutes - 5.33 MBWe all hit it! What can we learn from the dark times we all face? How do we embrace those moments, remain fully present in our communities and grow stronger?
Let Freedom Ring
July 05, 2015 19:03 - 23 minutes - 5.45 MBThis Independence Day Sunday, let us consider religious freedom. It's quintessential to the U.S. way of life, right? Can anybody really argue against it? "You betcha!" (as a former VP Republican candidate would say). Join me as I take a look at this fundamental liberty that helped shape our faith and nation.
Question Box Sermon 2015
July 01, 2015 21:46 - 29 minutes - 6.65 MBThe annual summer tradition continues! Wondering, and questions, are inherently a part of our UU identity. Bring your questions--big, small, deep, or silly-- and Rev. Christina will answer as many as she can from the pulpit!
Connections
June 14, 2015 19:50 - 25 minutes - 5.81 MBThe story of one woman's quest for connection in a UU setting inspires us to think about how we may take hospitality to the next level.
Lost & Found in the Philippeans
June 09, 2015 21:40 - 37 minutes - 8.69 MBThere's more to the Unitarian Universalist story than has been known. Join me this morning as I reflect on my recent trip to the UU Church of the Philippines.
Protect and Serve
May 24, 2015 19:52 - 24 minutes - 5.57 MB"The young dead soldiers do not speak. Nevertheless, they are heard in the still houses: who has not heard them?" (Archibald MacLeish).
Samsara
May 12, 2015 20:49 - 21 minutes - 24.6 MBSamsara is a Hindu term related to living, dying and reincarnation. In Hinduism we are stuck on an endless wheel of life/death/rebirth until we reach enlightenment. In a modern sense, this means if we get stuck in bad patterns we will repeat them until we become conscious of what we are doing.
Differences -- Race
May 03, 2015 20:06 - 8 minutes - 1.85 MBThe Ministry Team leads this service on "differences that make a difference"; Rev Fred Muir & Rev John Crestwell discuss differences Race brings.
Differences -- Sexual Orientation
May 03, 2015 20:04 - 7 minutes - 1.78 MBThe Ministry Team leads this service on "differences that make a difference"; Rev Fred Muir & Rev Patricia Owen discuss sexual orientation
Differences -- Gender
May 03, 2015 20:02 - 5 minutes - 1.35 MBThe Ministry Team leads this service on "differences that make a difference"; Rev John Crestwell & Rev Christina Leone-Tracy talk about Gender differences
The End of Faith
April 29, 2015 13:23 - 26 minutes - 20.2 MBIn this sermon Rev. John reviews Sam Harris' book and concludes that it is not necessary to belittle another's faith to prove your values or beliefs are better. He promotes language of affirmation and not denunciation.
In the Name of Love -- Second Service
April 05, 2015 19:28 - 17 minutes - 4.06 MBThere's a lot about the Christian Church - which is part of our Unitarian Universalist heritage - that was shaped and created in the first centuries after the crucifixion of Jesus. Easter Sunday is a perfect time to look at that history and what happened to it ... and to us.
In the Name of Love -- First Service
April 05, 2015 19:26 - 17 minutes - 3.94 MBThere's a lot about the Christian Church - which is part of our Unitarian Universalist heritage - that was shaped and created in the first centuries after the crucifixion of Jesus. Easter Sunday is a perfect time to look at that history and what happened to it ... and to us.
Apron Faith
March 29, 2015 20:29 - 22 minutes - 5.09 MBOurs is an active, lived faith, not one that occurs only in our minds. What does this mean for our need to serve each other and the world? It's time to put on our aprons!
Detours and Potholes
March 22, 2015 20:16 - 21 minutes - 5.03 MBWhen people say they have faith they will "get through this or that" what does that mean? Is faith relevant to us in 2015 and beyond? Do we need it? Do we want it? Let's explore together how we navigate the detours and potholes of our lives, and how faith can play a part.
A Courageous Faith
March 15, 2015 22:05 - 17 minutes - 3.91 MBLiving our liberal faith invites us into spaces where courage is needed and hope is abundant. People often talk about living a life of faith. What is at the center of our faith and what does living our Unitarian Universalist faith look like?
Hindu Trinity
March 08, 2015 20:41 - 23 minutes - 5.49 MBThe three major gods in Hinduism have something to teach about faith, hope, and love. If we embrace their guidance, we will get the essence and purpose of what life really is.
Have We Lost Faith?
March 01, 2015 19:35 - 24 minutes - 5.53 MBWhat does the word "faith" conjure up in your mind? Strong will? Believing in what you can't see? A person with shallow or deep belief? Is it a particular way of believing? Have you a faith to lose? Oh, all the questions about faith! And yet the word is thrown around by everyone (including your ministers!). Join us this morning as we take a deep breath and jump into the pool of "faith".
The Arc of the Universe Is Long
February 08, 2015 18:09 - 22 minutes - 23.1 MBI loved watching the cartoon The Jetsons, about the everyday antics of a space-aged family in the future. They had flying cars, a robot housekeeper, videophones, and all kinds of electronic conveniences. Let's explore where we are and where we are going as a species. Are we headed toward a Jetsons or a Star Trek existence centuries from now? My findings may shock and/or excite you!
Enough For Everyone
February 01, 2015 22:23 - 27 minutes - 6.37 MBOne thing that draws many people to our faith is the acceptance of many different beliefs held under one umbrella. Sometimes it doesn't feel that way when we struggle with the idea of dominant theology. Is there enough room under the umbrella? Is there enough for everyone?
Maybe I Can Live That Long, Too.
January 25, 2015 20:16 - 23 minutes - 5.33 MBCome learn more about the person who uttered these words: "Maybe I can live that long, too". Unknown to most during the Civil Rights era, her actions gave direction to a movement that would eventually bring thousands to Selma - not just once, but several times - and change the course of US history, a history still being written today.
Hands Up! Don't Shoot! I Can't Breathe!
January 18, 2015 20:09 - 22 minutes - 5.15 MBWhat is going on? Is this a police problem, or the problem of people who resist authority? Is it both, or is there more going on? Where do we go from here? Rev. John will give his thoughts on the protests, anger and apathy seen in American streets, courtrooms, and police precincts over the last few months.
Beloved Community Lab
January 11, 2015 17:00 - 23 minutes - 5.36 MBRemember in school, those classes with a lecture portion and a lab portion? If church is where we create the Beloved Community, we need a practical skills lab! Let's explore that idea together.
A Village of Hope
December 29, 2014 18:41 - 18 minutes - 4.14 MBThere is a Nigerian proverb that reads, "It takes a village to raise a child". Today we will celebrate and contemplate the Kwanzaa celebration of child-rearing as a community effort.
Where Is The Light?
December 21, 2014 22:48 - 18 minutes - 4.22 MBOn the darkest day of the year, we contemplate where the light is in our lives, with the help of four candle-friends (UU Chalice, Christmas, Kwanzaanu Kinara, and Hanukkah Menorah) and Grandmother Yule. This service will be lots of fun for ALL ages--song, ritual, and fire!
Shaped by Epiphanies (large & small)
December 15, 2014 13:56 - 16 minutes - 3.82 MBThe people who produced the traditional, biblical Christmas narrative were part of a culture wishing for and expecting a religious revelation - an epiphany of some sort that would fill them with hope, set their world right, and make everything OK. Since then the narrative has been edited so that now the holiday story is much broader and expansive (and deeper?). Whether you like it or not, agree with it or not, the Christmas narrative is true to the human spirit and epiphany. Let's explore th...
Hope is a Verb
December 07, 2014 20:51 - 17 minutes - 4 MBHope isn't a weenie emotion! It's an active process, and it requires skills to do well. Let's become a hopeful community!
Community -- the Structure of Belonging
November 30, 2014 20:05 - 30 minutes - 28 MBWe will examine Peter Block's book and discuss the difficulties and dynamics of building a beloved community. Fergurson, Mayor Barry, race, and class will be looked examined.
The Welcome Table
November 23, 2014 23:31 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBAs we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, a day set aside for family, food, and gratitude, let's consider the stories we have inherited about this holiday, the "discovery" of America, and the ongoing destruction and denigration of Native peoples. What's a UU to do?
Whose Am L?
November 17, 2014 20:16 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBMaybe a better title would be: "Whose Are You?". Someone once said (or someone should have said): "By their communities ye shall know them". What communities have your allegiance?
Assisted Living Plan
November 09, 2014 20:56 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MBThe idea of building community is not limited to external processes and changes. What is the internal work of community?
Gathering for Life & Death
November 03, 2014 18:50 - 18 minutes - 17 MBIn honor of el Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) we will contemplate the purpose of community -- to gather together to cherish our moments in life and to honor each other in death. Please bring a photo or memento to place on our Ofrenda (offering altar) to remember loved ones who have died.
Tattoos On The Heart
October 26, 2014 18:58 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBGregory Boyle is a Jesuit priest and founder of Homeboy Industries. His book and this sermon about the power of social entreprenuerialism will inspire you and show you what contemporary spirituality can become when the heart is open.
Does Generosity Have a Future?
October 19, 2014 23:31 - 32 minutes - 7.46 MBIf we just paid attention to news reports and the stories told by friends and peers, we might conclude that the spirit of generosity has fallen on hard times - that there is, in fact, a dismal future for generosity. Let's explore together if this is true and what generosity means.
Careful What You Wish For
October 13, 2014 22:43 - 13 minutes - 3.92 MBPatricia Owen, Intern Minister What happens when we go too far with generosity? Is that even possible? How do we temper our instincts to fix everything that is broken in our world? In this sermon UUCA's new intern minister shares her story and how she has learned the lesson of being generous and welcoming.
Give and Ye Shall - - -
October 05, 2014 18:36 - 18 minutes - 4.27 MBWhy do we exercise generosity? Is it only so that we "shall receive"? Receive what? What is the meaning of generosity? How can we be generous in our lives? Let's explore this month's theme, together.
Blessed Be the Ties that Bind
September 29, 2014 15:09 - 18 minutes - 4.31 MBOn this Sunday between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we'll reflect on one of the many themes of the High Holy Days: Suffering. Using the ancient Book of Job as a lens, let's try to get a grip on this overwhelming and powerful reality that ties all humans together regardless of who or where they are.
Lessons Learned Until Now
September 23, 2014 13:20 - 21 minutes - 4.97 MBSeptember 21 is the day of my birth. I think a reflective sermon is appropriate on my special day. So, I plan to share a few of the life lessons I've learned since joining this congregation five years ago. You will find some of the lessons to be funny while others may raise concerns. In either case, I think there is a take away that you can apply in your personal life today.