Sermon Archive 2019
Previous years' archives: 2014-2018, 2011 - 2013
(Click on the links (sermon titles) below to hear or download the sermons and readings or to see the video clips.)
(Click on the links (sermon titles) below to hear or download the sermons and readings or to see the video clips.)
October 20:
World Community: Our 6th Principle
Sermon by Beth Miller
United Nations (UN) Sunday celebrates the work of the United Nations and our Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO). This seems a good time to consider the 6th of our 7 Principles, the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.
(Recording not yet available.)
World Community: Our 6th Principle
Sermon by Beth Miller
United Nations (UN) Sunday celebrates the work of the United Nations and our Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO). This seems a good time to consider the 6th of our 7 Principles, the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.
(Recording not yet available.)
October 13:
Art and Religion
Sermon by Roger Fritts
This morning I want to talk, as a student of religion and an amateur in art, about the relationship between art and religion. Why do people paint pictures or take photos?
Art and Religion
Sermon by Roger Fritts
This morning I want to talk, as a student of religion and an amateur in art, about the relationship between art and religion. Why do people paint pictures or take photos?
October 6:
"Till by Turning, Turning, We Come 'Round Right" Sermon by Budd Friend-Jones This Sunday's worship precedes Yom Kippur by only two days. Known as the "Day of Atonement", Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year. For our Jewish friends it is a day for "turning" and introspection. It is a time to seek and to practice forgiveness. This deeply Jewish holy day is about healing broken hearts and broken relationships. Yom Kippur seeks to awaken us to the spiritual unity in which we all particiate. |
The following video preceded the sermon: |
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September 29:
The Religion of Our Founders Sermon by Roger Fritts For many evangelical Christians, there is no political figure whom they have loved more than our president. However, looking back at the religious beliefs of our founders, it is hard to imagine that they would be happy with the current state of our nation. |
A man smoking a pipe.
September 22:
Definitions of Maturity
Sermon by Roger Fritts
A professor of psychology wrote “I remember as a student that to me and my classmates it was apparent that being mature had something to do with maintaining an air of equanimity and smoking a pipe. These were among the more conspicuous characteristics of our elder role models whom we considered most mature, those professors who had somehow ‘arrived’ in life and in the world of psychology. Needless to say, many of us took up pipes.” How would you define maturity? Send me your ideas.
Definitions of Maturity
Sermon by Roger Fritts
A professor of psychology wrote “I remember as a student that to me and my classmates it was apparent that being mature had something to do with maintaining an air of equanimity and smoking a pipe. These were among the more conspicuous characteristics of our elder role models whom we considered most mature, those professors who had somehow ‘arrived’ in life and in the world of psychology. Needless to say, many of us took up pipes.” How would you define maturity? Send me your ideas.
 Florida children involved in a lawsuit on climate change.
September 15:
The Children Will Lead Us Sermon by Rev. Beth Miller Have you heard that there is a call for a global climate strike on Friday, September 20? This is not just for students and youth, but for all of us. The call says, in part: People all over the world will use their power to stop ‘business as usual’ in the face of the climate emergency... Yes, this is my first sermon as one of your new associate ministers and you probably were expecting something more personal, but this is personal for all of us and especially for our children and grandchildren. I promise it won’t be just facts and stats, and no guilt trip. I hope to see you there. |
The following video was shown before the sermon: |
September 8:
Keeping Calm Sermon by Roger Fritts Those of us who watch or read the news can get caught in a cycle in which our anxiety can grow. It starts with a real event that stimulates our fear. The news people rush to report on this event. We see the reports, and seeing them we become more anxious. Our feelings themselves become the news and the media does stories about our fears, which can make us more anxious. Sunday’s sermon will offer (drug free) suggestions of how to create and maintain some degree of serenity. |
Roger ended his sermon with UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray's beginning of the church year pastoral message:
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Rev. Brock Leach
September 1:
A Horizontal God
Sermon by Rev Brock Leach
People around the world overwhelmingly profess to believe in God. Of course their specific conceptualizations are almost limitless, but most imagine an animating force alive in the world with purpose. While many of us find good reasons to argue about whether various depictions of the Divine have validity, maybe the more important question for humanity is how we understand that animating force to actually work in the world. Unitarian Universalists have answered the latter question in some unique and profoundly important ways. What does that mean for us?
A Horizontal God
Sermon by Rev Brock Leach
People around the world overwhelmingly profess to believe in God. Of course their specific conceptualizations are almost limitless, but most imagine an animating force alive in the world with purpose. While many of us find good reasons to argue about whether various depictions of the Divine have validity, maybe the more important question for humanity is how we understand that animating force to actually work in the world. Unitarian Universalists have answered the latter question in some unique and profoundly important ways. What does that mean for us?
August 25:
The Origins of Unitarianism
Sermon by Roger Fritts
Those of you who have attended our “Discovering UU” class may recall that I briefly speak about a debate in the early years of the Christian church about the identity of Jesus, as the beginning of what came to be called Unitarianism. The service will tell this story, and equip you with an answer next time someone asks you to define “Unitarian” in a few words.
The Origins of Unitarianism
Sermon by Roger Fritts
Those of you who have attended our “Discovering UU” class may recall that I briefly speak about a debate in the early years of the Christian church about the identity of Jesus, as the beginning of what came to be called Unitarianism. The service will tell this story, and equip you with an answer next time someone asks you to define “Unitarian” in a few words.
August 18:
Our Need for Community
Sermon by Roger Fritts, Susan Brucklacher and participants in our Chalice Groups
The service will describe our Chalice Groups, lay-led small groups that expand the ministry of our congregation. The groups help build community and provide opportunities for deeper relationships and opportunity for spiritual exploration and search for meaning.
Our Need for Community
Sermon by Roger Fritts, Susan Brucklacher and participants in our Chalice Groups
The service will describe our Chalice Groups, lay-led small groups that expand the ministry of our congregation. The groups help build community and provide opportunities for deeper relationships and opportunity for spiritual exploration and search for meaning.
August 11:
I Missed Woodstock
Sermon by Roger Fritts
Does every generation think back to age eighteen, turn those years over, remembering who they were with, what they were doing, during certain landmark dates? I know that the depression and the Second World War affected my parents profoundly. Those who became adults in the 1930s and 1940s seemed to acquire a philosophy of living that guided them through the years. And I know I feel a desire to better understand what it meant for me to become an adult during the 1960s. Of course, it is impossible to talk about Woodstock without also talking about Vietnam.
I Missed Woodstock
Sermon by Roger Fritts
Does every generation think back to age eighteen, turn those years over, remembering who they were with, what they were doing, during certain landmark dates? I know that the depression and the Second World War affected my parents profoundly. Those who became adults in the 1930s and 1940s seemed to acquire a philosophy of living that guided them through the years. And I know I feel a desire to better understand what it meant for me to become an adult during the 1960s. Of course, it is impossible to talk about Woodstock without also talking about Vietnam.
August 4:
Wings Set Us Free
Sermon by Roger Fritts
July 20 we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. August 4 the sermon explored the question, is flying a religious experience?
Wings Set Us Free
Sermon by Roger Fritts
July 20 we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. August 4 the sermon explored the question, is flying a religious experience?
July 28:
Living as a Person of Faith in Today's World - A Jewish Perspective
Sermon by Rabbi Michael Werbow from Temple Beth Sholom
Jews and Unitarians: Rick Sandler, Worship Leader, referred to the following article of interest to those with Jewish connections:
Friday Night Fever: Sundays, I am a Unitarian. But now I realize that I am always a Jew.
By Naomi Luft Cameron
Living as a Person of Faith in Today's World - A Jewish Perspective
Sermon by Rabbi Michael Werbow from Temple Beth Sholom
Jews and Unitarians: Rick Sandler, Worship Leader, referred to the following article of interest to those with Jewish connections:
Friday Night Fever: Sundays, I am a Unitarian. But now I realize that I am always a Jew.
By Naomi Luft Cameron
 Catherine Bonner
July 21:
Dishonest Diversity Sermon by Catherine Bonner What is the definition of diversity and who gets to define what that means? Is there room for "Others" or are we destined to always be "Us" or "Them"? Inspired by the book, "Don't Label Me" by Irshad Manji, Catherine will help us explore the concepts of Honest and Dishonest Diversity and how in our divisive world all of us need to consider and practice better ways of communicating with each other to effect positive change. All but the endings of the following two videos were shown as part of Catherine's message: |
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 Vickie Oldham
July 14:
Newtown Alive: Courage, Sacrifice, Giving Message by Vickie Oldham, She is a local journalist spearheading a groundbreaking historic preservation project called “Newtown Alive.” It began as an initiative to trace the 100-year history of Sarasota’s African American community and expanded into an effort that is causing residents and visitors to take a second look at the neighborhood through the lens of history and heritage tourism. |
July 7:
The Fourth Quarter: Living Life Fully and Sometimes Dangerously
Sermon by Charles Lee
The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it. The Lees are entering the fourth quarter of life enjoying many things that make life fun, rewarding and fulfilling. Charles will share many of those with you while adding the perspective of people like Ric Masten, Mary Oliver and former Unitarian Universalist Minister and author Bruce Marshall.
The Fourth Quarter: Living Life Fully and Sometimes Dangerously
Sermon by Charles Lee
The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it. The Lees are entering the fourth quarter of life enjoying many things that make life fun, rewarding and fulfilling. Charles will share many of those with you while adding the perspective of people like Ric Masten, Mary Oliver and former Unitarian Universalist Minister and author Bruce Marshall.
Mindy Simmons
June 30:
If It Were Up to Me
Sermon by Mindy Simmons
Think globally, act locally! If it were up to you what would you do to change the world for the better? Guess what, It is up to us. But we can’t do it all. In this musical service, we explore what one person can do to make a better world.
(Our recording is of the spoken sermon only. Copyright restrictions limit internet publication of Mindy's rendition of the following songs: "We Are the Ones," "Get Together," "If I Had a Hammer" and "Put a Little Love in Your Heart." However, we include YouTube versions of the last three with the understanding that Mindy sang the songs with words projected on screen, inviting the congregation to sing along. The following videos were not shown. )
If It Were Up to Me
Sermon by Mindy Simmons
Think globally, act locally! If it were up to you what would you do to change the world for the better? Guess what, It is up to us. But we can’t do it all. In this musical service, we explore what one person can do to make a better world.
(Our recording is of the spoken sermon only. Copyright restrictions limit internet publication of Mindy's rendition of the following songs: "We Are the Ones," "Get Together," "If I Had a Hammer" and "Put a Little Love in Your Heart." However, we include YouTube versions of the last three with the understanding that Mindy sang the songs with words projected on screen, inviting the congregation to sing along. The following videos were not shown. )
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Rev. Budd
June 23:
A Very Big Deal
Sermon by Rev. Budd Friend-Jones
We talk of a "clash of civilizations" but the real clash begins with our lack of respect for the other, our lack of dialogue, and our lack of effort to understand the other. Is there a way out of the resulting chaos and disunity? Can we identify a universal guiding principle? We can do worse than turn to Albert Schweitzer for guidance even now.
A Very Big Deal
Sermon by Rev. Budd Friend-Jones
We talk of a "clash of civilizations" but the real clash begins with our lack of respect for the other, our lack of dialogue, and our lack of effort to understand the other. Is there a way out of the resulting chaos and disunity? Can we identify a universal guiding principle? We can do worse than turn to Albert Schweitzer for guidance even now.
Moses as depicted in "The Ten Commandments" movie.
June 16:
Ten Suggestions
Sermon by Roger Fritts
On Father’s Day I remember that one of the ten commandments is “"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you,” which suggests that respect for Dad and Mom will lead to a longer life. Because as a Unitarian Universalist I know that human beings wrote the ten commandments (not God), I think, now that I have reached the wise age of sixty-eight with years of experience behind me perhaps I could come up with a better list.
The following videos were part of the sermon. The second clip was played from 8:26 to 14:27.
Ten Suggestions
Sermon by Roger Fritts
On Father’s Day I remember that one of the ten commandments is “"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you,” which suggests that respect for Dad and Mom will lead to a longer life. Because as a Unitarian Universalist I know that human beings wrote the ten commandments (not God), I think, now that I have reached the wise age of sixty-eight with years of experience behind me perhaps I could come up with a better list.
The following videos were part of the sermon. The second clip was played from 8:26 to 14:27.
June 9:
The Genius of George Orwell
Sermon by: Roger Fritts
The renewed interest started January 20 2017 -- Over the next four days, US sales of 1984 rocketed by almost 10,000%, making it a No 1 bestseller. Now with cameras on our streets and Alexi in our homes civil liberty groups have expressed unease about technology’s potential abuse, fearing that it may shove the United States in the direction of an oppressive surveillance state.
The Genius of George Orwell
Sermon by: Roger Fritts
The renewed interest started January 20 2017 -- Over the next four days, US sales of 1984 rocketed by almost 10,000%, making it a No 1 bestseller. Now with cameras on our streets and Alexi in our homes civil liberty groups have expressed unease about technology’s potential abuse, fearing that it may shove the United States in the direction of an oppressive surveillance state.
June 2:
Leaves of Grass
Sermon by: Roger Fritts
Born May 31, 1819, Walt Whitman self-published “Leaves of Grass” when he was 36. Sales were poor and the few reviews that appeared were unfavorable. Whitman was saved from despair by a letter from Unitarian Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson wrote, “I find it the most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom that America has yet contributed.” Today Whitman is considered the inventor of modern American poetry.
Leaves of Grass
Sermon by: Roger Fritts
Born May 31, 1819, Walt Whitman self-published “Leaves of Grass” when he was 36. Sales were poor and the few reviews that appeared were unfavorable. Whitman was saved from despair by a letter from Unitarian Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson wrote, “I find it the most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom that America has yet contributed.” Today Whitman is considered the inventor of modern American poetry.
Fredd Atkins
May 26:
Pollution
Sermon by Fredd Atkins
On this Memorial Day weekend, Atkins tells the story about his brother going to Vietnam and him staying home.
Pollution
Sermon by Fredd Atkins
On this Memorial Day weekend, Atkins tells the story about his brother going to Vietnam and him staying home.
 Swimmers beginning a race.
May 19:
Knowing How to Begin Sermon by Roger Fritts The sermon title is from a passage by Martin Buber. He wrote “I was the guest of a noble thinker. To be old is a glorious thing when one has not unlearned what it means to begin; this old man was not at all young, but he was old in a young way, knowing how to begin. |
This service included a number of elements contributed by our Religious Education volunteers and chidlren. The service ended with the following song:
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Anonymous people embracing.
May 12:
Can I Give You a Hug?
Sermon by Roger Fritts
The Mother's Day sermon will explore the rules about touching.
Can I Give You a Hug?
Sermon by Roger Fritts
The Mother's Day sermon will explore the rules about touching.
May 5:
Democracy and Churches
Sermon by Roger Fritts
A humorist asks “How many Unitarians does it take to change a light bulb?” The twelve members of the board set up a special committee of nine that decides to send out a questionnaire to 600 members and then tally the responses and prepare a light bulb changing resolution to take to the board meeting which will be debated, and amended and finally approved. Joking aside, I believe the practice we get conducting democracy in small groups such as a Unitarian Universalist Church is why our national democracy works-- when it does work.
Democracy and Churches
Sermon by Roger Fritts
A humorist asks “How many Unitarians does it take to change a light bulb?” The twelve members of the board set up a special committee of nine that decides to send out a questionnaire to 600 members and then tally the responses and prepare a light bulb changing resolution to take to the board meeting which will be debated, and amended and finally approved. Joking aside, I believe the practice we get conducting democracy in small groups such as a Unitarian Universalist Church is why our national democracy works-- when it does work.
Tina Rose at Boston Pride 2017
April 28:
A Ministry of
Outrageous Openness
Sermon by Tina Rose
As a shy second grade boy who chose to dress up as Henny Penny for Halloween, Tina Rose always knew she was different. But growing up in a small town in the 1960's and 70's wasn't the time to be exploring. Even while being married and raising two children as a devoted husband and father, Tina knew something wasn't right, something was missing. When a life-changing event happened at San Francisco Pride in 2007, she started a journey that continues today. Come hear more of Tina's story filled with pain and sorrow, yet ultimately joy and peace.
Tina Rose first attended Arlington Street Church (an historic Unitarian church in Boston) for Pride Day in 2011 and she’s never looked back. Since becoming a member in 2013, Tina has been involved in many church activities. She served for three years on the Prudential Committee (Arlington Street Church’s Board of Directors), acting as Chair for the final two years. She served as a member of the Ministerial Intern Committee; helped to plan and volunteer at Indulge, the annual church fundraiser; and has washed dishes after services on Sundays for years. Tina is very involved in the Boston LGBTQI community where she recently completed a four-year term on the Board of Directors of GBPFLAG (Greater Boston Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and serves as a member of the Leadership Circle for Fenway Health, an LGBT health care, research and advocacy organization. Tina enjoys adventures, meeting new people, riding her bike to raise money for great causes, playing in and watching soccer games, baking, reading, movies, and music.
A Ministry of
Outrageous Openness
Sermon by Tina Rose
As a shy second grade boy who chose to dress up as Henny Penny for Halloween, Tina Rose always knew she was different. But growing up in a small town in the 1960's and 70's wasn't the time to be exploring. Even while being married and raising two children as a devoted husband and father, Tina knew something wasn't right, something was missing. When a life-changing event happened at San Francisco Pride in 2007, she started a journey that continues today. Come hear more of Tina's story filled with pain and sorrow, yet ultimately joy and peace.
Tina Rose first attended Arlington Street Church (an historic Unitarian church in Boston) for Pride Day in 2011 and she’s never looked back. Since becoming a member in 2013, Tina has been involved in many church activities. She served for three years on the Prudential Committee (Arlington Street Church’s Board of Directors), acting as Chair for the final two years. She served as a member of the Ministerial Intern Committee; helped to plan and volunteer at Indulge, the annual church fundraiser; and has washed dishes after services on Sundays for years. Tina is very involved in the Boston LGBTQI community where she recently completed a four-year term on the Board of Directors of GBPFLAG (Greater Boston Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and serves as a member of the Leadership Circle for Fenway Health, an LGBT health care, research and advocacy organization. Tina enjoys adventures, meeting new people, riding her bike to raise money for great causes, playing in and watching soccer games, baking, reading, movies, and music.
April 14:
Finding Our Center
Sermon by Roger Fritts
Thirty years ago a friend sent me a self help book called The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. It is not a book I would normally read. The publisher filled the cover with words like “success,” “profit,” and “power.” However, the friend who sent me the book is not into profit or success or power. He is a minister with the Volunteers of America and oversees management and fundraising for homeless shelters and shelters for battered women and their children.
So on my friend’s recommendation, I read the book. The author, Steven Covey, suggested that each of us has a center. He says our center has an all-encompassing influence on our lives.
Finding Our Center
Sermon by Roger Fritts
Thirty years ago a friend sent me a self help book called The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. It is not a book I would normally read. The publisher filled the cover with words like “success,” “profit,” and “power.” However, the friend who sent me the book is not into profit or success or power. He is a minister with the Volunteers of America and oversees management and fundraising for homeless shelters and shelters for battered women and their children.
So on my friend’s recommendation, I read the book. The author, Steven Covey, suggested that each of us has a center. He says our center has an all-encompassing influence on our lives.
April 7:
Introduction of next Fall’s Ministerial Team
Sermons: Three Odysseys
Introduction of next Fall’s Ministerial Team
Sermons: Three Odysseys
March 31:
Science and Prayer Sermon by Roger Fritts I pray. Why do I do so? Is there scientific evidence of of the benefits of prayer? The sermon will answer these questions. Photo: JFXie CC BY 2.0 |
Reading:
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March 24:
Sermon
by Roger Fritts
“We take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”
The Unitarian Universalist Association publishes small collections of short prose and poetry put together mostly by Unitarian Universalist ministers. Those that are in print are sold online by the UUA bookstore on a web page called “The inSpirit series.” One meditation manual, published in 1985, and now long out of print, that I turn to every few months is called The Gift of the Ordinary, pictured here. The message in Sunday’s sermon is from this little book.
Sermon
by Roger Fritts
“We take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”
The Unitarian Universalist Association publishes small collections of short prose and poetry put together mostly by Unitarian Universalist ministers. Those that are in print are sold online by the UUA bookstore on a web page called “The inSpirit series.” One meditation manual, published in 1985, and now long out of print, that I turn to every few months is called The Gift of the Ordinary, pictured here. The message in Sunday’s sermon is from this little book.
 Asters and Goldenrod
March 17:
What Does the Earth Ask of Us? Sermon by Robin Kimmerer Distinguished Teaching Professor and Director, Center for Native Peoples and the Environment Dr. Kimmerer is a mother, plant ecologist, writer and SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, New York. Her research interests include the role of traditional ecological knowledge in ecological restoration and the ecology of mosses. In collaboration with tribal partners, she and her students have an active research program in the ecology and restoration of plants of cultural significance to Native people. She is active in efforts to broaden access to environmental science education for Native students, and to create new models for integration of indigenous philosophy and scientific tools on behalf of land and culture. She is engaged in programs which introduce the benefits of traditional ecological knowledge to the scientific community, in a way that respects and protects indigenous knowledge. Photo: Asters and Goldenrod, courtesy ellishollow.remarc.com/?p=53. "Why do Asters and Goldenrod look so beautiful together?" is a question Kimmerer addresses in her writings. |
Dr. Kimmerer serves as the founding Director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment whose mission is to create programs which draw on the wisdom of both indigenous and scientific knowledge for our shared goals of sustainability.
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March 10:
Religions of the Earth
Sermon by Roger Fritts
Our speaker March 17, Robin Wall Kimmerer, is an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, and combines her heritage with her scientific and environmental passions. The week before her arrival the sermon will be an introduction to the native religions of North America.
Pictured here is the annual Family Reunion Festival of Citizen Potawatomi Nation, a celebration of native culture for the Potawatomi. Source: www.potawatomi.org/culture/family-reunion-festival/
Religions of the Earth
Sermon by Roger Fritts
Our speaker March 17, Robin Wall Kimmerer, is an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, and combines her heritage with her scientific and environmental passions. The week before her arrival the sermon will be an introduction to the native religions of North America.
Pictured here is the annual Family Reunion Festival of Citizen Potawatomi Nation, a celebration of native culture for the Potawatomi. Source: www.potawatomi.org/culture/family-reunion-festival/
March 3:
Acceptance
Sermon by Roger Fritts
In her book “On Death and Dying” Elisabeth Kubler-Ross said that after a loss eventually we reach a stage she called acceptance. The sermon will explore how we move from loss to acceptance.
Acceptance
Sermon by Roger Fritts
In her book “On Death and Dying” Elisabeth Kubler-Ross said that after a loss eventually we reach a stage she called acceptance. The sermon will explore how we move from loss to acceptance.
February 24:
February 24:
This Finite Earth
A Musical Service with Musician Jim Scott
Jim intersperses songs and personal reflections on a spiritual ecological awareness. Drawing on his own music and other songs of ecology, diversity, community and peace, Jim turns the congregation into the choir, with an invitation to all to join in the joyful music. Jim holds that churches can offer the "spiritual response" so timely now, as "the spirit of life on earth is in crisis." Jim's uplifting songs provide the balance to the "wake up call," leaving participants with a vision and inspiration to take the healing into our own hands.
A Musical Service with Musician Jim Scott
Jim intersperses songs and personal reflections on a spiritual ecological awareness. Drawing on his own music and other songs of ecology, diversity, community and peace, Jim turns the congregation into the choir, with an invitation to all to join in the joyful music. Jim holds that churches can offer the "spiritual response" so timely now, as "the spirit of life on earth is in crisis." Jim's uplifting songs provide the balance to the "wake up call," leaving participants with a vision and inspiration to take the healing into our own hands.
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In the pictures above, Jim sings "This Web of Life" as the children create their own web with ribbons. (Click on the images to enlarge.).
February 17:
Religious Humanists in the Heart of Sarasota Sermon by Roger Fritts We do not require you to agree to a creed to be a member. We have a wonderful diversity of backgrounds in this congregation. Members self-identify as Christian, Jewish, Buddhist and other traditions. However, one identity stands out. In Sarasota no other established organization with a building and a staff welcomes humanists. In a 2011 survey 62.4 percent of this congregation said they had an affinity for Humanism. The sermon will reflect on this important role we play in our community. (Pictured above is Charles Darwin, honored by humanists on Charles Darwin Day, February 12.) |
Two of the songs by Dirty Cellow during second service (recorded elsewhere):
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February 10:
The Madness of Love
Sermon by Roger Fritts
During February human beings celebrate a passionate madness called romantic love. The month of February may have been picked because in the northern hemisphere, in places like Italy, February is when birds begin to pair off and build nests. Whatever the reason, I have often felt the Sunday before Feb 14 is a good day to give a sermon about the relationship, (and Feb 15 is a good day to buy chocolate).
The Madness of Love
Sermon by Roger Fritts
During February human beings celebrate a passionate madness called romantic love. The month of February may have been picked because in the northern hemisphere, in places like Italy, February is when birds begin to pair off and build nests. Whatever the reason, I have often felt the Sunday before Feb 14 is a good day to give a sermon about the relationship, (and Feb 15 is a good day to buy chocolate).
February 3:
The Struggle for the Leadership of America
Sermon by Roger Fritts
Many of you may have read the Dec 31 essay in the New York Times by Katherine Stewart about how some in the Christian Right view leadership in our country. The sermon will explore the issues raised by the article.
The Struggle for the Leadership of America
Sermon by Roger Fritts
Many of you may have read the Dec 31 essay in the New York Times by Katherine Stewart about how some in the Christian Right view leadership in our country. The sermon will explore the issues raised by the article.
January 27:
When the Earth Turns Upside Down Sermon by Rev. Bill Morgan What do you do when everything is suddenly different? When disease attacks, death strikes, or its shadow looms – any of those twists of life that turn your world upside down? Where do you go then? When the way it was no longer is, who do you become? |
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Rev. Bill Morgan
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Before his sermon, Morgan read an excerpt from Palmer's book. Click the link above to hear or download the reading.
You may read or download the sermon script below.
You may read or download the sermon script below.
January 20:
"Oh My God! I Am 68!"
Sermon by Roger Fritts
I share with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. the dubious distinction of having been born in the month of January. At the risk of being called narcissistic, the sermon will be a personal meditation on becoming a so-called “senior citizen.”
January 13:
If we can’t dance, what good is the revolution? Sermon by Josh Leach Starting out a career in human rights, I thought I knew the first rule of the struggle: no fun allowed. My work with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's grassroots partners over the past two years, however, has shown me I had it backward: the people closest to the struggle know better than most the importance of keeping joy and laughter alive. This sermon is about those times in the human rights movement when karaoke and dance fever are as essential as – and an inseparable part of – the work of bearing witness in solidarity. Before his sermon, Josh made these comments before showing the following video: |
Josh Leach
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UUSC Honduras from Nathan.works on Vimeo.
Josh Leach is Policy Analyst at the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, which he joined after a ministerial internship at First Parish in Bedford, Massachusetts, and completing his Master of Divinity degree at Harvard in 2015. Josh is the son of Julie and Brock Leach, long-time members of the UU Church of Sarasota. Josh's family first joined this church in 2000, after they moved to Florida, and Josh grew up attending here through middle and high school. He is a proud member of the congregation to this day.
As a policy analyst, Josh Leach supports UUSC’s programs and campaign work through strategic research, analysis, writing, and organizing. As the policy analyst for programs, research, and advocacy, he works closely with program leaders and the research team to identify partners, develop program strategy, and engage in research and advocacy initiatives that advance UUSC’s mission and vision, with a particular focus on the human rights of refugees and migrants.
Before joining the staff full time, Leach worked for 18 months as a research consultant and program intern at UUSC, where his work centered in particular on Central America and the Syrian refugee crisis. He has also served as a consultant on advocacy and education projects for the Unitarian Universalist Association and the UU College of Social Justice, where he worked as a field education student while in graduate school.
Leach received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago, where he studied modern European history. He also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard University.
As a policy analyst, Josh Leach supports UUSC’s programs and campaign work through strategic research, analysis, writing, and organizing. As the policy analyst for programs, research, and advocacy, he works closely with program leaders and the research team to identify partners, develop program strategy, and engage in research and advocacy initiatives that advance UUSC’s mission and vision, with a particular focus on the human rights of refugees and migrants.
Before joining the staff full time, Leach worked for 18 months as a research consultant and program intern at UUSC, where his work centered in particular on Central America and the Syrian refugee crisis. He has also served as a consultant on advocacy and education projects for the Unitarian Universalist Association and the UU College of Social Justice, where he worked as a field education student while in graduate school.
Leach received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago, where he studied modern European history. He also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard University.
January 6:
As we approach the birthday of Dr. King, I want to reflect on the story of a Sarasota Unitarian Universalist family in the 1960s who showed great courage in the simple act of buying a house.
This will be an “Auction Sermon.” For many years my offer at our annual church service auction has been lunch with the minister and an opportunity to suggest a sermon topic. Last year Marie Keeney was the high bidder and she suggested a sermon about courageous people, moral heroes. Last August Rev. Brock Leach invited me to attend the dedication of a portrait of Dr. John Chenault at Sarasota Memorial's medical office in Newton. I learned about the story of three people, Elizabeth Moore and Dorothy and John Chenault. I realized that this was my auction service, and also my annual January service honoring the civil rights movement during the month that Dr. King was born. January 6, with the help of several members of our congregation, we will tell this story about Sarasota in the early 1960s. Image: lorireinalda.com
As we approach the birthday of Dr. King, I want to reflect on the story of a Sarasota Unitarian Universalist family in the 1960s who showed great courage in the simple act of buying a house.
This will be an “Auction Sermon.” For many years my offer at our annual church service auction has been lunch with the minister and an opportunity to suggest a sermon topic. Last year Marie Keeney was the high bidder and she suggested a sermon about courageous people, moral heroes. Last August Rev. Brock Leach invited me to attend the dedication of a portrait of Dr. John Chenault at Sarasota Memorial's medical office in Newton. I learned about the story of three people, Elizabeth Moore and Dorothy and John Chenault. I realized that this was my auction service, and also my annual January service honoring the civil rights movement during the month that Dr. King was born. January 6, with the help of several members of our congregation, we will tell this story about Sarasota in the early 1960s. Image: lorireinalda.com