Sermon Archive 2014 - 2018
Previous years' archives: 2011 - 2013
This years' archives: 2019
(Click on the IMAGES below to hear or download the sermons and readings or to see the video clips.)
This years' archives: 2019
(Click on the IMAGES below to hear or download the sermons and readings or to see the video clips.)
2018 Sermons
December 30:
What is the role of the female goddess in different world cultures. 'Why do we in Western religions (Christianity, Islam and Judaism) not have a female goddess? What is it about our culture that not only deprecates the goddess but now also seems replete with abusive exploitation of women? The sermon seeks to investigate the possible correlation between the ancient loss of the Western Goddess and the struggles of modern women. |
John Brackett
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Christmas Eve, December 24:
(recording is not available)
Photo by Aditya Romansa
(recording is not available)
Photo by Aditya Romansa
December 16:
41% of Americans believe that by the year 2050 Jesus definitely (23%) or probably (18%) will have returned to earth. As we prepare to retell the story of the first arrival of Jesus, the sermon will try to understand why some people expect him to return.
41% of Americans believe that by the year 2050 Jesus definitely (23%) or probably (18%) will have returned to earth. As we prepare to retell the story of the first arrival of Jesus, the sermon will try to understand why some people expect him to return.
December 9:
I have a collection of letters I have received over the years from Unitarian Universalists who live alone, reflecting on the experience. I find them very interesting and I will share some of them with you on Sunday.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Black_Room
I have a collection of letters I have received over the years from Unitarian Universalists who live alone, reflecting on the experience. I find them very interesting and I will share some of them with you on Sunday.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Black_Room
December 2:
The number of antisemitic incidents across the US as a whole rose 57% in 2017, the largest single-year increase on record. We are all born into a complex and subtle web of prejudices. When it comes to Judaism, I try to overcome prejudice inside myself by learning about the Jewish traditions.
Photo used under Creative Commons from hotzeplotz
The number of antisemitic incidents across the US as a whole rose 57% in 2017, the largest single-year increase on record. We are all born into a complex and subtle web of prejudices. When it comes to Judaism, I try to overcome prejudice inside myself by learning about the Jewish traditions.
Photo used under Creative Commons from hotzeplotz
November 25:
Reflections on
"The Book of Joy"
Sermon by Mary Lou Keller
A thoughtful gift at the right moment can brighten a life forever. The Book of Joy was such a treasure. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu share a deep friendship and a great sense of humor and they engaged in an enlightening conversation on how to find lasting happiness in a changing world. Mary Lou will share some highlights and how she’s applying this teaching.
Reflections on
"The Book of Joy"
Sermon by Mary Lou Keller
A thoughtful gift at the right moment can brighten a life forever. The Book of Joy was such a treasure. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu share a deep friendship and a great sense of humor and they engaged in an enlightening conversation on how to find lasting happiness in a changing world. Mary Lou will share some highlights and how she’s applying this teaching.
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November 18:
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The following video was played as part of the announcement about the Guest at your Table collection: |
 Roger Baldwin
November 11:
Making the World Safe for Democracy Sermon by Roger Fritts Roger Baldwin grew up attending the Unitarian Church of Wellesley Hills, MA. In 1918 he was sent to prison for refusing to serve as a soldier in the first World War. After he served his sentence, he found an organization dedicated to the preservation of civil liberties. When it came to making democracy safe, it was one of the most important inventions to come out of the WWI. One hundred years later my sermon will look at the life of the Unitarian Roger Baldwin. |
People enjoyed the video that accompanied Natalie Helm's third piece, "The Swan." If you mute the swan video and play the music video at the same time, you'll get a sense of what it was like.
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November 4:
Originally, I majored in Political Science in college. After graduation I could not find a job, so I had a conversion experience. I applied to theological school and three years later I started the exciting life of serving as a Unitarian Universalist minister. I learned that politics is about the distribution of power among people and religion is about learning how to love each other. Over the years I have found it is all mixed together. So Sunday I will reflect on our midterm election from a religious perspective. |
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October 28:
A critique on the history and role of Unitarian Universalism in the United States and the issues now facing our society that we must come to grips with if Unitarian Universalism is to remain relevant and transformative. Rev. Fred L Hammond currently is serving the Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship as Developmental Minister. Photo used under Creative Commons from Kevin Rheese. |
Rev. Fred L Hammond
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October 21:
I gave a sermon with this title five years ago, when same-sex marriage was still not legal in Florida. Now as we are renewing our commitment to being a welcoming congregation, I want to remind us of the road Unitarian Universalists have traveled over the past fifty years, in our effort to define acceptable human sexual behavior.
Click on the image to hear Roger's sermon.
Click here to hear his reading from a sermon that changed his mind...
Photo by Marilyn Humphries is from the cover of Courting Equality: A Documentary History of America's First Legal Same-Sex Marriages, published by Beacon Press.
I gave a sermon with this title five years ago, when same-sex marriage was still not legal in Florida. Now as we are renewing our commitment to being a welcoming congregation, I want to remind us of the road Unitarian Universalists have traveled over the past fifty years, in our effort to define acceptable human sexual behavior.
Click on the image to hear Roger's sermon.
Click here to hear his reading from a sermon that changed his mind...
Photo by Marilyn Humphries is from the cover of Courting Equality: A Documentary History of America's First Legal Same-Sex Marriages, published by Beacon Press.
October 14:
What Is SURE?
Should We Join?
Sermon by Rev. Roger Fritts
The service will be about SURE (Sarasota United for Responsibility and Equity). I will share my positive experience with a similar organization in Montgomery County, Maryland, (AIM). I will mention that of the five UU congregations in that county only two are active in AIM. This is not something that every UU congregation does. I will introduce the organizer for SURE, Will Newton, ask him a few questions and then invite brief comments and questions from the congregation.
What Is SURE?
Should We Join?
Sermon by Rev. Roger Fritts
The service will be about SURE (Sarasota United for Responsibility and Equity). I will share my positive experience with a similar organization in Montgomery County, Maryland, (AIM). I will mention that of the five UU congregations in that county only two are active in AIM. This is not something that every UU congregation does. I will introduce the organizer for SURE, Will Newton, ask him a few questions and then invite brief comments and questions from the congregation.
October 7:
Learning about Alcohol Abuse
Sermon by Rev. Roger Fritts
In August I planned a sermon on the Unitarian roots of the ACLU, which I still will give in the near future. However, watching the news is upsetting. I have found comfort in the wisdom of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon. Indeed, the whole country could benefit from an Al-Anon meeting. Step four of the 12 steps is "make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves." Perhaps, (I hope) I can minister to my congregation by doing a little personal inventory of my own. I want to examine what I have learned about alcohol abuse disorder and what I think and feel about it.
Learning about Alcohol Abuse
Sermon by Rev. Roger Fritts
In August I planned a sermon on the Unitarian roots of the ACLU, which I still will give in the near future. However, watching the news is upsetting. I have found comfort in the wisdom of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon. Indeed, the whole country could benefit from an Al-Anon meeting. Step four of the 12 steps is "make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves." Perhaps, (I hope) I can minister to my congregation by doing a little personal inventory of my own. I want to examine what I have learned about alcohol abuse disorder and what I think and feel about it.
September 30:
Restore Voting Rights Sermon by Desmond Meade Meade is a formerly homeless returning citizen (previously incarcerated) who overcame many obstacles to eventually become the current Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), Chair of Floridians for a Fair Democracy, Chair of the Florida Coalition on Black Civic Participation’s Black Men’s Roundtable, and a graduate of Florida International University College of Law. Read more... |
Desmond Meade
The following video was played before the sermon: |
September 23:
Over the Rainbow
For many years the Welcoming Congregation program has assisted congregations like ours in becoming a safe spiritual home for the LGBTQ community and Interweave has provided an LGBTQ support group. Now same sex couples can legally marry. It was a big step forward for the LGBTQ community. The ability to marry has led to a complacency among many people, including some Unitarian Universalists. The Supreme Court recently declared that it is permissible to deny service to a same sex marriage under the concept of a personal religious belief. Our work is not done. Thus, renewing our Welcoming Congregation status affirms our dedication to providing a safe spiritual home for the LGBTQ community. Hear Ron Brown's presentation... Hear Edie Kaplan's presentation...
Hear Bill Geller's presentation... Hear Wilda Meier's presentation... Hear Fran Gaglianello's presentation...
Over the Rainbow
For many years the Welcoming Congregation program has assisted congregations like ours in becoming a safe spiritual home for the LGBTQ community and Interweave has provided an LGBTQ support group. Now same sex couples can legally marry. It was a big step forward for the LGBTQ community. The ability to marry has led to a complacency among many people, including some Unitarian Universalists. The Supreme Court recently declared that it is permissible to deny service to a same sex marriage under the concept of a personal religious belief. Our work is not done. Thus, renewing our Welcoming Congregation status affirms our dedication to providing a safe spiritual home for the LGBTQ community. Hear Ron Brown's presentation... Hear Edie Kaplan's presentation...
Hear Bill Geller's presentation... Hear Wilda Meier's presentation... Hear Fran Gaglianello's presentation...
 (recording not available)
September 16:
The Five Smooth Stones of Liberal Religion Sermon by Rev. Margaret L. Beard Unitarian theologian, minister and social ethicist James Luther Adams wrote a famous essay by this title toward the end of WW II as a response to attacks against liberal religion. What is the enduring truth of his message? Is it useful today? |
Rev. Margaret L. Beard
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 Shofar
September 9:
What Do the High Holy Days Mean to Me? Sermon by Rabbi Judah Hungerman How do the approaching High Holy Days call us to think about how we are living? Our Unitarian Universalist faith draws on "Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves." These are recognized as among the six sources of our "living tradition" of wisdom and spirituality which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote. With that in mind, we invited Rabbi Judah of Beth Messiah to speak. |
Rabbi Judah Hungerman
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September 2:
The sermon will be based on a children’s book “Unhurry Harry” by Eve Merriam and the writings of the Vietnamese Buddhist Thich Nhat Hanh (pictured here). He writes Buddhist meditation has two aspects: looking deeply, and stopping. We tend to stress the importance of looking deeply because it can bring us insight. But the practice of stopping is fundamental. If we cannot stop, we cannot have
Insight.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Geoff Livingston
The sermon will be based on a children’s book “Unhurry Harry” by Eve Merriam and the writings of the Vietnamese Buddhist Thich Nhat Hanh (pictured here). He writes Buddhist meditation has two aspects: looking deeply, and stopping. We tend to stress the importance of looking deeply because it can bring us insight. But the practice of stopping is fundamental. If we cannot stop, we cannot have
Insight.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Geoff Livingston
August 26:
With the departure of Justice Kennedy, Roe v. Wade may be overturned. Public opinion on abortion has been relatively stable since Roe was decided. A total abortion ban has consistently garnered roughly 20 percent in the Gallup Poll since 1976. From one quarter to one third of Americans favors legal abortion under all circumstances (29 percent says that now). The middle 50 percent to 60 percent says it should be legal “under certain circumstances.” Sunday, I will share my own perspective.
Allison's story is available by clicking here. Roger's sermon is available by clicking on the picture. Photos used under Creative Commons from www.cemillerphotography.com, Elvert Barrnes
With the departure of Justice Kennedy, Roe v. Wade may be overturned. Public opinion on abortion has been relatively stable since Roe was decided. A total abortion ban has consistently garnered roughly 20 percent in the Gallup Poll since 1976. From one quarter to one third of Americans favors legal abortion under all circumstances (29 percent says that now). The middle 50 percent to 60 percent says it should be legal “under certain circumstances.” Sunday, I will share my own perspective.
Allison's story is available by clicking here. Roger's sermon is available by clicking on the picture. Photos used under Creative Commons from www.cemillerphotography.com, Elvert Barrnes
August 19:
What movies, if any, have shaped your morality, your ethics? "Casablanca” -- sacrifice of individual happiness for the greater good? “To Kill a Mockingbird”-- fighting for justice against a mob? “Schindler’s List” (pictured here) -- Risking death to save over 1,000
Jews from death in concentration camps? “It’s a Wonderful Life” -- An honest, sincere, depressed man learns he is important to the average, common people around him. I will share the movies that have played a role in shaping my life.
Audio is not available for this sermon.
What movies, if any, have shaped your morality, your ethics? "Casablanca” -- sacrifice of individual happiness for the greater good? “To Kill a Mockingbird”-- fighting for justice against a mob? “Schindler’s List” (pictured here) -- Risking death to save over 1,000
Jews from death in concentration camps? “It’s a Wonderful Life” -- An honest, sincere, depressed man learns he is important to the average, common people around him. I will share the movies that have played a role in shaping my life.
Audio is not available for this sermon.
August 12:
We make sense of the world by the stories we tell ourselves. This is particularly so when it comes to the issues of Immigration and the separation of children from their parents. The sermon will be a mixture of statistics and stories.
We make sense of the world by the stories we tell ourselves. This is particularly so when it comes to the issues of Immigration and the separation of children from their parents. The sermon will be a mixture of statistics and stories.
Video test: We are testing a system of creating video recordings of the sermons for posting to this page. Here is our first result. While the quality is not what we would like, it still gives a good sense of what the sermon was. First, the meditation reading, then the sermon. High quality audio is available by clicking on the picture above.
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August 5:
Much of our public discourse presumes that economic indicators like employment and income overwhelmingly determine our happiness. If that were the case, we should be feeling pretty great and living in harmony right about now. But while there's good evidence about what actually contributes to human flourishing, not much of it is reflected in our public policy or our reality. What would it mean to build a society that nourishes wellbeing? |
Rev. Brock Leach
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July 29:
Everyone is either in a storm, about to be in a storm or coming out of a storm. Sometimes hopelessness sets in when the skies are dark and grey, when our world and our lives are not full of sunshine and rainbows. It can be frightening and gut wrenching to witness lightning strike and destroy. When things are falling apart, how do we survive the storm? Is it possible to harness the power of the storm and use it for good? |
Rev. Katie Culbert
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July 22:
The art of the story teller is to invite the listener into a shared experience, to make them feel something. A good story can offer new perspectives on everyday experiences or it can open up visions of how we might recreate the world. Now completing his fourth year serving the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples, the Reverend Tony Fisher was ordained into the Unitarian Universalist ministry in 2014 after a successful 35-year career in educational publishing. |
Rev. Tony Fisher
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 Charles Lee
July 15:
Optimism, the Indispensable Asset Sermon by Charles Lee Lee considers himself to be an optimistic person and hopes that everyone is. Lee has an undergraduate degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Health Administration from UNC Chapel Hill. He was the first Executive Director for the National Kidney Foundation of North Carolina. He became the Southeast Regional Director for NKF and finished his career as the National Affiliate Development Director serving 52 affiliates in 50 states. While with the NKF he was president of the Professional Staff Association. |
The sermon included clips from this video:
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 Brian and Nancy, right, with students
July 8:
Building an Intentional Community Sermon by Brian Berry and Nancy Janus We spent nearly four months living with 570 college students, 27 professors, 27 staff and 15 lifelong learners traveling around the world last fall. Despite the wonder of visiting nine European, African and Asian countries, we both agree that the intentional community that was built on the ship was the most meaningful part of the voyage. Our sermon will explore what elements go into the creation of such a community and what it gave to us. |
The sermon ended with the following video, produced by the students:
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July 1:
Bill Payton describes himself as an ordinary guy. Those of you that know Bill also know that he is anything but ordinary. He says he has lived an ordinary life including the military service, college, a career, raising a family and retirement. Now Bill wonders if there should have been something more. In his mid-70’s, he wonders what he can do that makes a difference. Join us as we welcome Bill back to our pulpit. |
Bill Payton
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June 24:
A Taste of GA: General Assembly Live
We had a unique opportunity this year to join thousands of Unitarian Universalists at General Assembly (GA) live on Sunday morning. Their Worship Service took place from 10 am to 11:30 our time, coinciding with our regular worship time. Since this rarely happens, we took advantage of it this year to give you a taste of GA. This Sunday morning service was the largest gathering of UU's anywhere. It featured a sermon by Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, President of the UUA. She shared the pulpit with her colleague, Rev. Natalie Fenimore. Music was provided by a 180-member choir and professional musicians, performing selections by artists as varied as Dolly Parton, Adolphus Hailstork, MILCK and Jason Shelton. Click on the image to watch the Sunday morning worship service. Click here for a list of more events from GA 2018.
A Taste of GA: General Assembly Live
We had a unique opportunity this year to join thousands of Unitarian Universalists at General Assembly (GA) live on Sunday morning. Their Worship Service took place from 10 am to 11:30 our time, coinciding with our regular worship time. Since this rarely happens, we took advantage of it this year to give you a taste of GA. This Sunday morning service was the largest gathering of UU's anywhere. It featured a sermon by Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, President of the UUA. She shared the pulpit with her colleague, Rev. Natalie Fenimore. Music was provided by a 180-member choir and professional musicians, performing selections by artists as varied as Dolly Parton, Adolphus Hailstork, MILCK and Jason Shelton. Click on the image to watch the Sunday morning worship service. Click here for a list of more events from GA 2018.
June 17:
Why Care about Diversity? Sermon by Jody McBrien, Ph.D. The sermon will indicate ways in which many residents in the US remain opposed to multiculturalism, followed by ways in which residents who open themselves to diversity both benefit personally and help new and/or diverse residents feel welcome in the US. I will review the 8-week series on diversity held at our church in February-March 2018 to consider ways in which our own congregation considered how they engage with diversity issues such as age, race, LGBTQ, religion, special needs, and immigration. |
Jody McBrien, Ph D
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Growing Older:
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May 27
In 1993, when I was 42, I asked for advice from older people in the congregation regarding the fears people in their 40s have about growing older. In one question I wrote: Some in my generation fear that growing older means a steady decline in health ending with a long stay in a nursing home. What would you say to these people based on your own experience? In the sermon I will share some of the answers I receive and reflect on the question now that I am 67.
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June 3
In 1993, when I was 42, I asked for advice from older people in the congregation regarding the fears people in their 40s have about growing older. In one question I wrote, "Some in my generation fear that growing older means growing uglier. What would you say to these people based on your personal experience?" In the sermon I will share some of the answers I received and reflect on the question now that I am 67.
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June 10
In 1993, when I was 42, I asked for advice from older people in the congregation regarding the fears people in their 40s have about growing older. To the older members of the church I was serving I wrote, Some in my generation fear that growing older means a loss of interest in sexuality and the end of sexual activity. What would you say to these people based on your own experience? In the sermon I will share some of the answers I received and reflect on the question now that I am 67.
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May 20:
With a reference to the "The Emperor's New Clothes" and the March 24 protests. |
Presentation by our Youth Group
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May 14:
A sermon about religious language--about the meaning of words like God and spirituality.
A sermon about religious language--about the meaning of words like God and spirituality.
Rabbi Caminker
May 6: An "Ordinary" Hero
Sermon by Rabbi Harold Caminker
I'm talking about what one German (Nazi) businessman did during the Holocaust to save "his" Jewish workers from being taken by the Nazis and put on the death trains heading to Auschwitz. Similar to Oskar Schindler and Raoul Wallenberg. The question for us today is: "What would I have done? Would I have taken the risk to act heroically -- saving innocent lives -- or would I have remained a silent bystander in the face of evil?"
Sermon by Rabbi Harold Caminker
I'm talking about what one German (Nazi) businessman did during the Holocaust to save "his" Jewish workers from being taken by the Nazis and put on the death trains heading to Auschwitz. Similar to Oskar Schindler and Raoul Wallenberg. The question for us today is: "What would I have done? Would I have taken the risk to act heroically -- saving innocent lives -- or would I have remained a silent bystander in the face of evil?"
April 29
Sermon by Roger Fritts: I like the humor of religion. I know there are serious matters to consider -- angels, miracles, trinities, resurrections — to name only a few. But a good laugh is a saving grace. Pictured here is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which I've attended. It is the single biggest celebration of arts and culture on the planet, with 3,269 shows, of which 1,294 are comedy shows, ranging from stand-up routines to scripted plays. All this laughter encouraged me to explore the relationship between laughter and religion. |
Video clip shown:
Click on the picture to go to the Service of the Living Tradition at the 2017 General Assembly. We showed the first 5 1/2 minutes of the sermon (1:20:41 to 1:26:14). The complete text of the service is shown below the video on that page. |
April 22
I have made several walking trips in the Grand Canyon. The canyon is a giant open cemetery of life, containing the fossils stacked in layers of algae, worms, reptiles and mammals. It invites me to reflect on my relationship to the earth.
Click on the picture to hear and/or download..
Read about upcoming services...
I have made several walking trips in the Grand Canyon. The canyon is a giant open cemetery of life, containing the fossils stacked in layers of algae, worms, reptiles and mammals. It invites me to reflect on my relationship to the earth.
Click on the picture to hear and/or download..
Read about upcoming services...
April 15: "The Sound of Spirit"
This service was a special celebration of music, featuring our choir; Don Bryn, piano; Robert Lischetti, tenor; Jan Dorsett, piano; John Steinspring, bassoon; Hermann Berndt, cello; and Fred Sirasky, clarinet. Music performed included Verdi's Va Pensiero: Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, You Raise Me Up, Bring Him Home from Les Miserables, April Showers by Silvers and instrumental numbers by Tirindelli, Mozart, Schubert and Scriabin. Hymns included Bring, O Morn, Thy Music, to the tune of the classic Holy, Holy, Holy, and My Life Flows On in Endless Song, otherwise known as How Can I keep From Singing?
(Copyright restrictions and lack of high fidelity recording facilities preclude us from posting recordings of the music.)
This service was a special celebration of music, featuring our choir; Don Bryn, piano; Robert Lischetti, tenor; Jan Dorsett, piano; John Steinspring, bassoon; Hermann Berndt, cello; and Fred Sirasky, clarinet. Music performed included Verdi's Va Pensiero: Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, You Raise Me Up, Bring Him Home from Les Miserables, April Showers by Silvers and instrumental numbers by Tirindelli, Mozart, Schubert and Scriabin. Hymns included Bring, O Morn, Thy Music, to the tune of the classic Holy, Holy, Holy, and My Life Flows On in Endless Song, otherwise known as How Can I keep From Singing?
(Copyright restrictions and lack of high fidelity recording facilities preclude us from posting recordings of the music.)
April 8
Click on the picture to hear and/or download.. Charter for Compassion video at right is viewable and dowloadable. |
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April 1
Click on the picture to hear and/or download. The video to the right is the song we sang during the sermon. (0:53 to 1:38) The song was used in the closing scene of The Life of Bryan, as he hung on the cross with numerous other convicts. |
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March 25
(Click on the picture to hear and/or download.)
One of the tensions in liberal religion is that between individuality and community. How do we build a responsible religious community on the basis of a radical respect for individuality? Is the individual supreme? Is the community supreme? Or is there a way to balance the conflicting authorities?
Photo used under Creative Commons from VaughnSaball
(Click on the picture to hear and/or download.)
One of the tensions in liberal religion is that between individuality and community. How do we build a responsible religious community on the basis of a radical respect for individuality? Is the individual supreme? Is the community supreme? Or is there a way to balance the conflicting authorities?
Photo used under Creative Commons from VaughnSaball
March 18
Click on the picture to hear and/or download.
Click on the picture to hear and/or download.
(Click on the links below to hear or download the sermons or to see the video clips)
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March 4 - "Women, Men and Communication"
Rev. Roger Fritts (read by Paul Lewis)
Rev. Roger Fritts (read by Paul Lewis)
February 25 - "Can Money Make Us Happy?"
Rev. Roger Fritts
Rev. Roger Fritts
February 18 - "Grief and Action after School Shooting in Parkland"
Rev. Roger Fritts
Rev. Roger Fritts
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February 11 - "Against the Stream: The Search for Meaning Beyond Reason" with poetry by Wendell Berry and excerpts from the Heart Sutra read by Paul Lewis
Lea Hall, PhD |
Leonhard Cohen's "Anthem" was our closing hymn, led by Mindy Simmons and Ed Kinder:
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January 28 - "No Time for a Casual Faith"
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association |
"Where to Find Unitarian Universalist Ministers"
(Click on the picture to play the video played during the service.) |
January 21 - "Harnessing This Moment, Together"
Rachel Freed, UU Service Committee
Rachel Freed, UU Service Committee
January 14 - "The Ministry of Rev. Lewis McGee"
Rev. Roger Fritts
Rev. Roger Fritts
January 7 - "Welcome! It's Good to Have You with Us!"
Rev. Roger Fritts
Rev. Roger Fritts
2017 Sermons |
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| Dec 31 | "Not the Future We Ordered: Staying Sane in Crazy Times" | Rev. Michael Dowd | Video: Nature Is Speaking / Words for Contemplation / Sermon video | |
| Dec 17 | "The Birth of Jesus" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| Dec 10 | "The Nicest Gifts You Ever Received" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading / Sermon | |
| Dec 3 | "What Is Holy?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| Nov 26 | "Am I a Symbol?" | Rev. Levente Lázár and Rev. Erika Demeter | Sermon | |
| Nov 19 | "Do We Welcome People Who Do Not Believe in God?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| Nov 12 | "From Luther to Unitarianism" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| Nov 5 | "A Conversation with Martin Luther" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| Oct 29 | "Women and Witch Hunts" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| Oct 22 | "Partnering for a New Tomorrow" | Rev. Dr. Tracy Sprowls | Sermon | |
| Oct 15 | "Are Groups Smarter Than Individuals?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| Oct 8 | "Got Joy!" | Rev. Jennifer Dant | Sermon | |
| Oct 1 | "Are Groups Smarter Than Individuals?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading / Sermon | |
| Sept 24 | "Tidewell - It's More Than You Think" | Lisa Wright, Tidewell liaison & care giver | Sermon | |
| Sept 17 | "The Faith of a Religious Liberal" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Children's Story / Sermon | |
| Sept 10 | Services cancelled due to Hurricane Irma | |||
| Sept 3 | "Harvey and Universalism" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading / Sermon | |
| Aug 20 | "Liberal Religion and Empowerment" | Rev. Brock Leach | Sermon | |
| Aug 13 | "Welcoming the Stranger" | Jody McBrien | Sermon | |
| Aug 6 | "Can't Afford to Continue" | Rev. Khleber Miller Van Zandt V | ||
| July 30 | "Keep It Simple" | Preston Boyd | ||
| July 23 | "A Community of Risk" | Rev. Patricia Owen | ||
| July 16 | "Meditations of a 'Quaker-tarian'" | Kathleen Konicek-Moran | ||
| July 9 | "Reflections on Hinduism" | John Brackett | ||
| July 2 | "Holding Truths and Declarations" | Rev. Margaret Beard | ||
| June 25 | "Poison or Antidote?" | Rev. Bill Morgan | ||
| June 18 | "Honour Thy Father" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| June 11 | "The Joy of Solitude" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| June 4 | "How to Grow Young - Exploring the Wisdom of Ashley Montagu" | Mary Lou Keller | ||
| May 28 | "Why Do Religious People Live Longer?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| May 21 | "Religious Education Sunday" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| May 14 | "A Universalist Hymn Sing in Honor of Women" | Rev. Roger Fritts | ||
| May 7 | "Confessions of a White Liberal Minister" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon / Reading | |
| April 30 | "Music service with piano dedication" | Rev. Roger Fritts | ||
| April 23 | "The Power of Forgiveness" | Rev. Katie Culbert | ||
| April 16 | "What Is Religion?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| April 9 | "Are There Just Wars?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| April 2 | "The Biggest of All Questions" | Rev. Michael McGee | ||
| March 26 | "Supporting Communities Under Siege" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Video / Sermon / Video | |
| March 19 | "Was Charlie Brown a Humanist?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| March 12 | "Jesus Loved Healthcare" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| March 5 | "My Favorite Poet" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| February 26 | "A Cure for Social Isolation" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| February 19 | "Life's Lessons and Their Tuition" | Nancy Janus | ||
| February 12 | "Mating Rules" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| February 5 | "The Future of Liberal Religion" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| January 29 | "Different, Not Broken" | Olivia Babis | ||
| January 22 | "Narcissism and Leadership" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| January 15 | "A Model for Ministry" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| January 8 | "Prophetic Religion" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| January 1 | "New Year's Traditions" | Bill Payton | ||
2016 Sermons |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 25 | "Singing at Christmas" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| December 18 | "Joseph's Christmas" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| December 11 | "Stone Circles" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| December 4 | "The Inherent Worth and Dignity of Every Person" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| November 27 | "Lies We Believe" | Jody McBrien | ||
| November 20 | "An Interpretation of the Lord's Prayer" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| November 13 | "The American Soul" | Rev. Roger Fritts | <Sermon / Printable copy | |
| November 6 | "Love or Fear" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| October 30 | "All Saints Day: A Time for Heroes and Heroines" | Rev. Katie Culbert | ||
| October 23 | "Church and State" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| October 16 | "Character for President" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| October 9 | "My Favorite Philosopher" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| October 2 | "Countering Islamophobia: Understanding our Muslim Brothers and Sisters" | Imam Azhar Subedar | ||
| September 25 | "In Quietness and in Confidence Shall Be Your Strength" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| September 18 | "The Sharps' War" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon / Video | |
| September 11 | "Grief Over the Years" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| September 4 | "Religious Ethics and Political Campaigns" | Rev. Roger Fritts | <Sermon | |
| August 28 | "What Do I Believe?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| August 21 | "Jazz Sunday" | Pine View HS Jazz Quartet | ||
| August 14 | "A Personal Theory of Change" | Rev. Brock Leach | ||
| August 7 | "Art Confronts a Frightened People" | Rev. Bill Morgan | ||
| July 31 | "What Do Evangelicals Have That We Don’t?" | Rev. Dr. Maureen Killoran | ||
| July 24 | "Don't Worry; Be Happy" | Rev. Dorothy Okray | ||
| July 17 | "Cobbling Together as Best We Can" | Rev. Margaret L. Beard | Please contact Rev. Beard for the audios. | |
| July 10 | "On the Events of the Past Week" | Rev. Brock Leach | ||
| July 10 | "Moccasins, Walking in Another's Footsteps" | Cork Hassell | ||
| July 10 | "Honesty Works for Me...Most of the Time" | Bill Payton | ||
| July 3 | "Listening with the Ear of the Heart" | Ed Loomis | ||
| June 26 | "Freedom! Spiritual, Social and Personal" | Mindy Simmons | ||
| June 19 | "Can We End Gun Violence?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| June 12 | "A Reflection on a Walk" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| June 5 | "The Summer Vacation as a Religious Experience" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| May 29 | "Faith and Feminism" | Rev. Katie Culbert | ||
| May 22 | "Eating Tortilla Chips with Cesar Chavez and Coretta Scott King" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon Part 1 / Video (begin at 5:33) / Sermon Part 2 | |
| May 15 | "Who Then Am I?" | Susan Cook-Hallock | ||
| May 8 | "Women We Admire" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon Part 1 / Video (begin at 23:43) / Sermon Part 2 | |
| May 1 | "Spirituality and the Beatles" | Rev. Elaine Silver | ||
| Apr 24 | "It's Not About You" | Rev. Katie Culbert | ||
| Apr 17 | "Is the Human Race Evolving to a Higher Consciousness?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | TED Talk by Kurzweil / Sermon | |
| Apr 10 | "You want justice, don't you? There isn't any. There is only love." | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading / Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Apr 3 | "Climateers - A Report from the Field - How to Be a Good Person on Earth in Light of Climate Change" | Lea Hall, Diane Cirksena and friends | Video: Grandmother Oak / Music Video: The Shadows by Sandel | |
| Mar 27 | "Honk If You Love Jesus, an Easter Sermon" | Rev. Roger Fritts | sermon | |
| Mar 20 | "The Dublin Unitarians" | Rev. Roger Fritts | reading and centering in words of J Flegg / sermon or access a printable copy | |
| Mar 13 | "The Candidates’ Religions" | Rev. Roger Fritts | reading from "Civil Religion in America" / sermon or access a printable copy | |
| Mar 6 | "From Ash Wednesday to Easter" | Rev. Roger Fritts | story / sermon or access a printable copy | |
| Feb 28 | "Welcome to Sarasota, Fellow Baby Boomers" | Rev. Roger Fritts | sermon or access a printable copy | |
| Feb 21 | "Creating Change Through Humanism" | Mr. Roy Speckhardt | ||
| Feb 14 | "Love, a German American Perspective" | Rev. Roger Fritts | sermon or access a printable copy | |
| Feb 7 | "From Unitarian to Anglican: T.S. Eliot" | Rev. Roger Fritts | sermon or access a printable copy | |
| Jan 31 | "What Would You Do If You Won the Lottery?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | sermon or access a printable copy | |
| Jan 24 | "Separation Anxiety: God and Government in 2016" | Rev. Barry Lynn | sermon | |
| Jan 17 | "Black Lives Matter, Police Lives Matter" | Rev. Roger Fritts | sermon or access a printable copy | |
| Jan 10 | "The Unitarian Presidents" | Rev. Roger Fritts | sermon or access a printable copy | |
| Jan 3 | "Finding a Happy Life" | Rev. Roger Fritts | sermon or access a printable copy | |
2015 Sermons |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 27 | "Woman Spirit Rising for Justice" | Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan | Sermon | |
| Dec 24 | "Letting Go of the Details" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon | |
| Dec 20 | "A Unitarian Christmas" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Dec 13 | "How We Treat Our Children" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Dec 6 | "What Is Worship Like in this Congregation?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Nov 29 | "We Don't All Have to be Gryffindor" | Tracie Barrett-Welser | Sermon | |
| Nov 22 | "What Are Unitarian Universalist Views on Prayer?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Nov 15 | "What Are Unitarian Universalist Views on Spirituality?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Nov 1 | "What Are Unitarian Universalist Views on God?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Oct 25 | "Grace" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Oct 18 | "Spiritual Repurposing" | Rev. Sara Zimmerman | Sermon audio unavailable | |
| Oct 11 | "Are Unitarian Universalists Christians?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Oct 4 | "What Makes Us Different from Other Religions?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Sep 27 | "Cash and Contradiction" | Rev. Khleber M. Van Zandt | Sermon | |
| Sep 20 | "Here Comes the Pope!" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Sep 13 | "What Is Religion?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Sep 6 | "Security Deposit - Reflections on 9/11" | Preston Boyd | Sermon | |
| Aug 30 | "Seeking God - the Truth about God" | Rev. Dorothy Okray | Sermon | |
| Aug 23 | "A Shift from Thinking to Awareness" | Stephen Gillum | Sermon | |
| Aug 16 | "What's in a Sermon?" | Bill Payton | Sermon | |
| Aug 9 | "Wait AND See" | Rev. William Morgan | Words for Contemplation / Sermon | |
| Aug 2 | "Making Peace with Women's Bodies" | Katie Culbert | Sermon Part 1 / Video / Sermon Part 2 | |
| July 26 | "A Spiritual Response to Fast-Paced Change" | Dr. Jody McBrien | Sermon | |
| July 19 | "The Future of Religion: What the Nones and the Nuns Have to Teach Us" | Rev. Brock Leach | Opening & Centering / Reading / Sermon | |
| July 12 | "Superstition in Early America" | Bill Schustik | Sermon in Music | |
| July 5 | "Oh Wow Oh Wow Oh Wow" | Rev. Dr. Sara E. Zimmerman | Sermon | |
| Jun 28 | "Happiness and Flow" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Jun 21 | "What Is the African Methodist Episcopal Church?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Jun 14 | "Positive Psychology and Happiness" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Printable copy | |
| Jun 7 | "Chemistry and Happiness" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| May 31 | "The Pursuit of Happiness" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Centering / Sermon or access printable copy | |
| May 24 | "Karma Is a Funny Thing" | Earle Canfield | Words for Contemplation / Sermon / Closing Words | |
| May 17 | "Giving Thanks to Our Teachers" | Regina Bucher | Sermon | |
| May 10 | "I Like You Just the Way You Are" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| May 3 | "The Wedding, What Is the Minister Thinking?" | Rev. Roger Fritts and Katie Culbert | Reading1 / Reading2 / Reading3 / Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Apr 26 | "Risky Business" | Katie Culbert | Reading / Sermon | |
| Apr 19 | "The Best Hope for the Future" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Apr 12 | "Does AA's Third Step Exclude Agnostics and Atheists?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading/ Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Apr 5 | "The Kingdom of God is Within You" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Mar 29 | "Riding to Jerusalem for Passover" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading/ Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Mar 22 | "How Big Is God?" | Rev. Michael McGee | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Mar 15 | "Hiding in the Tumbleweeds" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading/ Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Mar 8 | "An Imperfect Hero" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon Part1 / Video: A Call from Selma, by A.B.Grace / Sermon Part2 or access printable copy | |
| Mar 1 | "Music As a Spiritual Experience" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon Part1 / Sermon Part2 | |
| Feb 22 | "Those Things We Hold Sacred" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading/ Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Feb 15 | "The Power of Refusal" | Patricia Owen | Reading / Contemplation / Centering / Sermon | |
| Feb 8 | "Our Main Crop Is the Forest That We Will Not Live to Harvest" | Rev. Roger Fritts and Rev. Brock Leach | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Feb 1 | "Are Sexual Taboos Useful?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading/ Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Jan 25 | "Black Lives Matter: Ways to Be an Ally" | Katie Culbert | Reading / Sermon Part 1 / Video / Sermon Part 2 | |
| Jan 18 | "Selma" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Prelude Video / Sermon / Video or access printable copy | |
| Jan 11 | "Sandburg's Universalism" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Poem / Reading / Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Jan 4 | "Using the Time We Have" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading/ Sermon or access printable copy | |
2014 Sermons |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 28 | "The Charter for Compassion" | Karen Armstrong | A TED Talk Video | |
| Dec 21 | "Who Is Santa?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Dec 14 | "Our Partner Church in Transylvania" | Cathy Cordes, John Dale, Bill Payton, Mary Fran Raynault, Eileen Higgins and Rev. Jennifer Emrich | Reflections | |
| Dec 7 | "The Sacred Tree" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading/ Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Nov 30 | "Thanksgiving" | Rev. Scott Alexander | Sermon read by Rick Sandler | |
| Nov 23 | "A Henry David Thoreau Thanksgiving" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Nov 16 | "A Conversation with Margaret Fuller" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Nov 9 | "Pacifists and Military Chaplains" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Nov 2 | "The Founder of American Uniarianism" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Oct 26 | "The Edge of Paradise" | Dr. Lea Hall | Sermon, including some Audios from Conservation International Films | |
| Oct 19 | "Staying Together: Long-Term Relationships" | Rev. Roger Fritts | access printable copy | |
| Oct 12 | "Are Partners Like Orca Whales?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading/ Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Oct 5 | "Forgiving Our Ex-Partner" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Sep 28 | "Should We Abolish Marriage?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Sep 21 | "Love Reaches Out" | Katie Culbert | Sermon audio not available | |
| Sep 14 | "Worship and Image Making" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading/ Sermon | |
| Sep 7 | "Advice for New Parents" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading/ Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Aug 31 | "Digging for Roots" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Aug 24 | "West Side Jazz" | Don Bryn Quartet, commentary by Rick Sandler | A CD of the entire service may be requested from the church office. | |
| Aug 17 | "Is Food a Religious Issue?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Aug 10 | "Living and Aging in a Messy World. Let's Dance!" | Rev. Bill Morgan | Reading/ Sermon | |
| Aug 3 | "Meditation" | Stephen Gillum | Reading/ Sermon | |
| Jul 27 | "Java and Judaism" | Rabbi Harold Caminker | Sermon | |
| Jul 20 | "Not Afraid, Not Alone" | Preston Boyd | Sermon | |
| Jul 13 | "What Is the Church Doing?" | Rev. John Walker | Sermon | |
| Jul 6 | "The Promise of America" | Bill Schustik | Tom Paine's thought in song | |
| Jun 29 | "Scotland and the American Declaration of Independence" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading/ Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Jun 22 | "Flower Communion" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading/ Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Jun15 | "Honor Thy Father" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Jun 8 | "Shattering the Glas Darkly (Using Brain Science to Keep Us Humble)" | Rev. Don Beaudreault | Sermon | |
| Jun 1 | "What Gives My Life Meaning?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading/ Sermon or access printable copy | |
| May 25 | "A Life's Work" | Rev. Brock Leach | Reading 1/ Reading 2/ Sermon | |
| May 18 | "Unitarian Universalist Humanism" | Katie Culbert | Sermon | |
| May 11 | "Mother's Day: What Is a Good-Enough Mother?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| May 4 | "May the Fourth Be with You" | John Irvin | Sermon | |
| Apr 27 | "Have the Climate Change Deniers Won?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Apr 20 | "Who Do People Say I Am?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Apr 13 | "Religious Pilgrimage - A Way to Spiritual Renewal?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Apr 06 | "Noah: A Unitarian Universalist Perspective" | Katie Culbert | Sermon | |
| Mar 30 | "Nonviolence in Everyday Life" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Mar 16 | "Imagination and the Irish" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Mar 09 | "The Religious Impulse" | Revs. Axel and Elaine Gehrmann | Sermon Part I / Sermon Part II | |
| Mar 02 | "Watching the Government Watch Us--Should We Be Afraid?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading/ Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Feb 23 | "The Power of a Nudge" | Katie Culbert | Sermon | |
| Feb 16 | "What Do Physicists Say About God?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Feb 9 | "What Do Neurologists Say About God?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Feb 2 | "What Do Geneticists Say About God?" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Reading/ Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Jan 26 | "The Adventure of Forgiveness" | Rev. Michael McGee | Sermon | |
| Jan 19 | "The Hunger for Diversity" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
| Jan 12 | "Sold on Soul -- Duke Ellington" | Rev. Roger Fritts and Dorothy Watson | Sermon | |
| Jan 5 | "20 Years of Singing the Living Tradition" | Rev. Roger Fritts | Sermon or access printable copy | |
If you would like to read or print some of Rev. Roger Fritts's sermons from 2011-2013, please click here.
If a sermon doesn't have an audio link, please request the link from the church office.
If a sermon doesn't have an audio link, please request the link from the church office.