UU Church of Annapolis Podcast

In the Beginning

September 14, 2014 21:37 - 12 minutes - 2.76 MB

As we gather to start the regular church year, it's a beginning of sorts. Beginnings are important, so this Sunday I will reflect with you about our beginnings - as humans, as Unitarian Universalists, and as a community of faith called UUCA.

Astonishing Assemblies

September 01, 2014 01:45 - 28 minutes - 6.49 MB

This year, the Assemblies of God (AG) celebrated their centennial. "The AG grew out of the famous Pentecostal revival that began on Los Angeles's Azusa Street in 1906. In 1914, local congregations met in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to form the denomination. Membership reached only 50,000 by the 1920s, but then it proceeded to grow rapidly. The Assemblies of God in the United States reached 1 million members by 1971, rising to 3 million today." (Christian Century) Is there anything that we UUs...

Taking Stock

August 17, 2014 18:11 - 16 minutes - 3.83 MB

As Ferris Bueller once said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while you could miss it." But when it's time to stop and take a look at our lives, how do we do it? Through what lenses do we see ourselves, and how do we assess what we're looking at?

The Law of Surrender

August 10, 2014 22:59 - 24 minutes - 5.53 MB

"Be like water. Adjust to the object." I never knew that Bruce Lee and martial arts would lead me to Taoism, and an understanding of living the process, rolling with the punches and learning the art of patience. Check out my message from Sunday. --Rev. John

Welcome to WikiWprship

August 03, 2014 20:13 - 22 minutes - 5.22 MB

Yes, that "wiki" as in Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia created by not just one, two or a dozen experts, but where there is a joint effort by many to share what they know. WikiWorship is a community project, to be created by the congregation. How can you help? Send Fred Muir a religious/theological/spiritual/church topic or question you would like addressed in our WikiWorship.

Multicultural Truth Telling

July 20, 2014 04:00 - 31 minutes - 7.14 MB

Multiculturalism is a vision of church that we at UUCA have discussed, promoted and struggled with. So has our nation; so have other countries. This morning I'll push the conversation further by sharing my own personal and professional struggles as well as speaking about a November event (here at UUCA) on inter-culturalism. I hope you will join me. (This auction sermon was purchased by Caroline Hadley and Ken Apfel.)

Why I Am a Christian

July 13, 2014 18:44 - 21 minutes - 5.03 MB

Though we have grown from the Christian tradition, most UU's would no longer call themselves Christians. Is there something in our roots that we have abandoned that's worth going back for? Let's talk about Christianity, what it is, who gets to decide, and what it might mean for UUs.

Why I Am Not a Christian

July 06, 2014 21:06 - 23 minutes - 5.28 MB

Many of us are "come-outers" - people who have left other faith traditions before coming to Unitarian Universalism. What does this mean for us as individuals and as a community, and how do we make the transition from moving away from one thing to moving toward something else?

Question Box Sermon

June 29, 2014 18:11 - 32 minutes - 7.49 MB

As UUA General Assembly wraps up, Rev. Christina will return a day early to answer your questions! Any questions are welcome-- theological, pastoral, philosophical, or practical-- especially welcome will be questions about the UUA and General Assembly.

Life Lessons From a Motorcycle

June 22, 2014 19:47 - 23 minutes - 5.31 MB

You can learn a lot about life and about yourself on two wheels. As summer arrives and the bikes hit the roads, find out what life lessons these vehicles may have to teach us.

From Dignity to Discontent

June 16, 2014 01:43 - 21 minutes - 5.03 MB

This summer, 2014, begins a decade-long anniversary of demonstrations, legislation, and remarkable changes and challenges in our nation. Join me as I begin what will be the first of many sermons to come about the historical transformations still shaping who and what we are today (as UUs and citizens of our nation).

Choose Your Stones Wisely

June 08, 2014 18:21 - 19 minutes - 4.46 MB

As we prepare to enter the summer - a time of vacations and visits filled with catch-up and conversations - what will you say about the faith community you support, about Unitarian Universalism? You may feel a little like David meeting Goliath. Remember that David chose "five smooth stones" to take with him. Let's talk about the stones we choose.

Finding Your Purpose is Your Mission

May 25, 2014 16:10 - 16 minutes - 18.5 MB

This morning Rev. John utilizes one of his favorite poems, "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley, as an invitation to finding your life purpose which he believes lies in your ability to look within first. Before the message there is a brief rendition of the poem by Morgan Freeman. The sermon follows the recitation. Enjoy!

"Missional"

May 18, 2014 21:58 - 18 minutes - 4.15 MB

"Missional" is a big buzzword for churches in recent years, and the idea of "incarnation" is a central part of missional church. What does it meant to embody Unitarian Universalism?

Mission-Oriented Congregation

May 15, 2014 00:28 - 23 minutes - 14.9 MB

Rev. John shares his understanding of the Freedom Riders and how their mission is related to our mission as a congregation and faith.

Can't Go Back

May 04, 2014 19:21 - 19 minutes - 4.45 MB

This Sunday Rev. Christina will lead worship on a topic chosen by the winner of her 2013 "Auction & Harvest Dinner" sermon-- Darrel Nash. Darrel has been a UU (and a "U" before that) for decades and he has seen many changes in our liberal faith. As we grow into the future, he wants us to remember we can't go backward. And even if we could... Would we want to?

The Responsibility of New Life

April 20, 2014 18:11 - 13 minutes - 3.14 MB

With this week comes Passover and Easter, two important festivals honoring life-giving faith. What is life-giving about our faith, and what responsibilities come with the gift of new life?

What is Truth for You?

April 13, 2014 19:40 - 26 minutes - 6.04 MB

I have one tattoo. It is the Chinese symbol for truth--I hope. I got this tattoo at age 35, when I thought I had things all figured out. The truth is, the more I learned about what was true the more I learned that some things are true while most things are relative. Let's discuss finding what is true for you.

What Is Truth To You?

April 06, 2014 19:25 - 15 minutes - 3.66 MB

Please come join a congregational discussion on "Truth" led by our Young Religious Unitarian Universalists.

Let's Talk About Lilacs

March 16, 2014 19:57 - 26 minutes - 6.02 MB

It can take seven years for a lilac bush to bloom for the first time after planting. Such a long time to wait for something so small. But if you've ever smelled one, you know it is worth waiting for. In our right-now, instant gratification, immediate results culture, seven years can seem like an eternity - and seven generations downright incomprehensible. What becomes possible for us when even fragile and fleeting single seeds are worth tending?

They're Back!

March 03, 2014 01:57 - 25 minutes - 5.84 MB

I've grown used to religious trends and communities that come then go, that show strength then weaken. Some religious pundits are surprised by the recent show of popularity for one theology that many thought had been relegated to the history books. I'm not. Join me as I explore the rebirth of this community in the light of the Edict of Torda.

Speak Peace in a World of Conflict

February 23, 2014 20:03 - 23 minutes - 5.3 MB

This morning Rev. John will use the teachings of Marshall Rosenberg, to discuss how to communicate in a way that eliminates personal and professional conflicts. Are you ready to release your love? Come hear more!

For the Love of Darwin

February 11, 2014 22:01 - 17 minutes - 4.09 MB

Join Rev. Christina for an exploration of our church summer camp (Camp Beagle), its own evolution, and why evolution is sacred for Unitarian Universalists.

Love the Hell Out of the World

February 02, 2014 20:09 - 20 minutes - 4.67 MB

Celebrating our mission as Unitarian UNIVERSALISTS and being "more than community."

Freedom Isn't Free(dom)

January 26, 2014 19:32 - 19 minutes - 4.38 MB

Freedom is held up as one of the most cherished values in our culture, but there is more than one kind of freedom. Let's talk about what it really means to be free and how to make the most of it.

Count the Cost

January 19, 2014 19:18 - 26 minutes - 6.17 MB

On this very special Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday, we will look at the man minus the legend and examine self-care versus sacrifice.

Free & Responsible

January 05, 2014 05:00 - 20 minutes - 4.58 MB

The UU 4th principle is the "keystone" of the Seven Principles, holding them all together. It says, "we affirm and promote a free and responsible search for truth and meaning". What does that mean? How are we free as Unitarian Universalists? What makes us responsible? What do we mean by truth? And how can we find meaning together?

Reclaiming 2013

December 29, 2013 19:11 - 15 minutes - 3.53 MB

For many, a New Year poses challenges. What are we to do with all the predictions, challenges and regrets? Can we greet the New Year in a way suggested by the poet who wrote: "A new and untried year comes over the edge of the world, an unwrapped gift, a perishable gift". Join me this morning as we re-imagine the past and welcome the new.

Get Ready for Grace

December 15, 2013 21:22 - 17 minutes - 3.97 MB

Where does grace come from, and what is it anyway? Is it coincidence? Luck? Can we make our own grace? Let's talk about grace and consider ways to bring grace into our lives.

Happy Thanksgivukkah

December 01, 2013 20:44 - 24 minutes - 5.71 MB

Mayor Thomas Menino of Boston said he would proclaim November 28, 2013, 'Thanksgivukkah', saying through a spokeswoman: "This is a big deal, a once-in-a-lifetime event." The Mayor's office is right: the next Thanksgivukkah will be in 80,000 years! Still in the holiday spirit? Come join us as we explore this unique moment of grace and opportunity.

Humanism Is Dead. Long Live Humanism.

November 17, 2013 22:29 - 29 minutes - 6.78 MB

I, like thousands of others, came to our way of faith as a UU Humanist, which was synonymous with Liberal Religion for at least seventy years. Like many other ideas and customs of the last hundred years, humanism has either died or morphed. Join me this morning as I explore this important part of our faith heritage and what has happened to it.

Lessons From King Peggy

November 10, 2013 20:40 - 30 minutes - 6.94 MB

Peggieline Bartels - a U.S. citizen, a secretary in Washington D.C. - reluctantly answered a call early one morning several years ago. The caller informed her she had been elected King of her ancestral home, a village in Ghana. The joys and challenges she faced are lessons for us. Join me as I share the story and wisdom of King Peggy. Today we will also recognize our international partners.

To Question is the Answer

November 03, 2013 20:55 - 23 minutes - 5.28 MB

"To question is the answer" is a tried and true UU motto, which sums up our willingness to test old ideas and ponder new ones. Let's dig a little deeper into the idea of a "free and responsible search for truth and meaning". Come with an inquiring mind and a good question for a round of stump the intern.

El Dia de Los Muertos

October 27, 2013 04:00 - 17 minutes - 3.91 MB

In the spirit of the Mexican Day of the Dead, we will come together to celebrate life, honor the memories of the dead, and practice our Spanish a little! Bring a photo or memento of someone who has died to place on our Ofrenda, or offering table.

Collaboration with Chaos

October 20, 2013 19:00 - 25 minutes - 5.83 MB

We are the captains of our souls, but are we really in control? What about the ship? Who is on the crew? How can we use the winds that have tossed us around to our advantage?

World of Wonder

October 06, 2013 19:00 - 24 minutes - 5.64 MB

As I see and feel the seasons change, I am filled with the wonder of creation. My world - our world - is filled with wonders of all kinds. As the leaves turn and fall, I know the seasons of my life are changing too: a new grandson is on the way and soon my mother will pass on. I am immersed in the seasons of life; wonders surround me. Join me this morning as I explore our world of wonder.

Membership Matters

September 29, 2013 18:49 - 17 minutes - 3.96 MB

Join us as we welcome our newest members to the UUCA community, as well as honoring those who have been members for 40 or more years! We'll explore why membership, or "belonging to the church" matters at all... What's the point?

Come Home

September 22, 2013 18:05 - 23 minutes - 5.43 MB

We are in the Jewish season of Sukkot, a time where many Jews make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, their ancient and holy city. We must all go home at times to remember who and what we are. Let's explore this more...

Forgive Us Our Sins

September 15, 2013 19:58 - 24 minutes - 5.64 MB

"Sin" is not a word that UUs are prone to use. Some suggest that we don't believe in sin, which might mean it doesn't exist? What's that about? Judaism's High Holy days just concluded and their observance has a lot to teach us about sin. This morning we will explore sin and "The Days of Awe".

Just Trust In Jesus

September 01, 2013 21:14 - 36 minutes - 8.29 MB

Trust is an important part of living. Can you live without trust? Join us this Sunday as we look at who, and what, we trust.

Soul Meets Body

August 25, 2013 19:25 - 21 minutes - 4.82 MB

One of my favorite songs is entitled "Soul Meets Body", by a band named "Death Cab for Cutie". This song reminds me, in the face of our incredibly physically-overanxious society, to live where my soul meets my body. How can we live in a way that honors our physical bodies, as a piece of our UU spiritual lives?

Learning to Fall

August 18, 2013 17:57 - 17 minutes - 4.08 MB

Rev. Fred handed me this little book and said "It's one of my favorites. There are many sermons in it." He was right! Let's talk about the blessings of an imperfect life.

Indelible Parts Remain

August 11, 2013 19:21 - 23 minutes - 5.34 MB

Our time together in the same space has come to an end, but our time together has not ended. In this farewell sermon Daniel will consider the meta-narrative and the metaphysics of the messages he has shared as Intern Minister and Summer Minister in Annapolis. And, how they point him, and us, along a transformative path.

Ports of Call

August 04, 2013 18:54 - 12 minutes - 2.93 MB

Home is not so much about where we are; it is where we create it. How do you create a sense of home amidst the tumult and ambiguities of a world that seems to offer so few places to drop anchor? It's time to reset our GPS -- Recalculating.

Give Them Not Hell, But Hope . . .

July 28, 2013 18:12 - 23 minutes - 5.31 MB

These are words commonly misattributed to the founder of American Universalism John Murray. Even though he may not have said these words, they have inspired generations of people. Let's explore one of our own prophets along with the mythos and the reality of Universalism through the centuries and connect with the special meaning of Universalism in the present day.

Choose Your Own Adventure

July 21, 2013 19:05 - 21 minutes - 4.9 MB

On this summer Sunday, Rev. Christina gives you the power to steer the direction of the service. You'll have the chance to ask the questions you've always wanted answered. Is there a heaven? What to tell my children when kids at school tease them for not "believing in Jesus"? How much wood can a woodchuck chuck?

Faith

July 16, 2013 20:55 - 18 minutes - 20.6 MB

John discusses his cat's faith and the story of Elizabeth Gilbert, best-selling author of the book "Eat, Pray, Love."

Oh Say Can You See

July 07, 2013 19:13 - 33 minutes - 7.71 MB

As the nation's birthday recedes into the past for another year, let's reflect together on the changing character and vision of our country and its citizenry. It goes without saying that our nation's mothers and fathers could never have imagined where their early dreams have taken us. Would they recognize what they started? What might they think? Could we say the same thing for our beloved Unitarian Universalism? Let's share some thoughts about vision and change for the U.S. and UUs.

A Series of Impossible Disguises

June 30, 2013 20:05 - 22 minutes - 5.22 MB

Speak truth to the powers, especially the power of Fear, in all of its' disguises. Join us for a service exploring the many ways to unmask the fears that rob us of our inner brilliance and keep us from living lives of dignity and joy.

Deliver Us From Our Stuff

June 23, 2013 18:51 - 16 minutes - 3.88 MB

Just one more book, just one more objet d'art, just one more magazine, just one more dress? Perhaps we are already past the tipping point, in our homes, our workplaces, our lives: with towers of STUFF. How does a UU faithfully navigate the goat-paths and constant churning in a materialistic culture that says more is better; when more has become too much? Let's de-clutter our lives and our spirits with worship.

UU Church of Annapolis Podcast

Episodes

Books