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.)
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.
(Recording not yet available.)
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.
(Recording not yet available.)
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.
(Recording not yet available.)
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.
(Recording not yet available.)
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