Upcoming Services in Sarasota
(Past sermons are in our archive.)
This Sunday, January 26:
Services at 10:00 am and 11:30 am
"You're Fired?"
Sermon by: Roger Fritts As I watch the news from Washington, I think back to the many times I served as what we in the Unitarian Universalist Ministry call a “Good Officer.” My role was to be available to help colleagues who were in trouble with their congregation. I participated in 16 negotiated ministerial resignations. I have also been involved in dismissing a small number of staff members from the churches I have served. It is never easy, but sometimes it is necessary. In Sunday’s sermon I want to reflect on the experience of dismissing and being dismissed. After the sermon I will give you an opportunity to send letters (or e-mails or make a phone call) to our two Senators, so that you can advise them on whether they should vote to terminate Mr. Trump’s employment. We are not helpless. Senate staffs do count letters and report the results to the Senators for whom they work. |
Music
Dan Jordan, violin
Don Bryn, piano
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Religious Education for Children at 10:00 am
Nursery Care: Loving care provided by our nursery staff and volunteers for those 6 years and younger.
Pre-K through 1st Grade: Chinese New Year - The children will hear the story of Dragon Dance and learn about the customs of Chinese New Year. Then they will help with the Dragon Dance in the Courtyard after the service.
2nd through 5th Grade: Chinese New Year - -5 The children will learn about the Chinese New Year, making symbols of kindness, and sharing Chinese moon cakes and tea with the congregation after church.
Youth Group: Religious music - The youth will explore how music impacts the worship service.
Read more about our Religious Education programs for children and youth...
Pre-K through 1st Grade: Chinese New Year - The children will hear the story of Dragon Dance and learn about the customs of Chinese New Year. Then they will help with the Dragon Dance in the Courtyard after the service.
2nd through 5th Grade: Chinese New Year - -5 The children will learn about the Chinese New Year, making symbols of kindness, and sharing Chinese moon cakes and tea with the congregation after church.
Youth Group: Religious music - The youth will explore how music impacts the worship service.
Read more about our Religious Education programs for children and youth...
Forum at 10:15 am
Wealth Inequality - Does the Dow Show the Real Picture?
University of South Florida economist Dr. Michael Snipes will present information on the disjuncture between positive Dow economic data and the actual economic well-being of average Americans. Moderator, Jane Rose
University of South Florida economist Dr. Michael Snipes will present information on the disjuncture between positive Dow economic data and the actual economic well-being of average Americans. Moderator, Jane Rose
Coffee and Conversations at 11:00 am and 12:30 pm
Enjoy coffee, juice and other refreshments as you converse with old friends and make new ones. Join a welcoming and loving community as you bask in the sunshine and relax in our lovely garden setting.
Zen Study Group at 7 pm
A group focusing on "The Study and Practice of Zen" meets every Sunday evening at 7 pm in the Reeb Room. Each session is organized into two components:
1) The study of Zen. Explore a Zen topic for roughly 30 minutes. During this time we either (a) hear part of a recorded lecture, (b) view a short video on Zen Buddhism, or (c) listen to an excerpt from a tract written by a classic Zen master as read by one of the leaders or a class member.
2) The practice of Zen. Meditate for roughly 20 minutes, then we finish by chanting the centuries-old Heart Sutra. All are welcome, beginners as well as experienced Zen practitioners. Read more...
1) The study of Zen. Explore a Zen topic for roughly 30 minutes. During this time we either (a) hear part of a recorded lecture, (b) view a short video on Zen Buddhism, or (c) listen to an excerpt from a tract written by a classic Zen master as read by one of the leaders or a class member.
2) The practice of Zen. Meditate for roughly 20 minutes, then we finish by chanting the centuries-old Heart Sutra. All are welcome, beginners as well as experienced Zen practitioners. Read more...
Subsequent Sundays:
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Roger Fritts speaks at a recent Sunday service at our Sarasota church.
Where is the church? See map below. Click here for directions and picture...
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February 2, 10 am only:
The World's Funniest Joke
Sermon by: Roger Fritts
I like the humor. I know there are serious matters to consider, especially in religion such as the Apocalypse the Rapture and the Antichrist — to name only a few important topics. But a good laugh is a saving grace. For example -- A shipwreck survivor washes up on the beach of an island and is immediately surrounded by a group of native warriors. 'I'm done for,' the man cries in despair.
'No you are not,' comes a booming voice from the heavens. 'Listen carefully, and do exactly as I say. Grab the spear from the one who is beside you and shove it through the heart of the chief.' The man does so, and the remainder of the band stare in disbelief.
'Now, what?' the man asks the heavens.
'Now, you are done for.'
More on Sunday.
Music: Choir
The World's Funniest Joke
Sermon by: Roger Fritts
I like the humor. I know there are serious matters to consider, especially in religion such as the Apocalypse the Rapture and the Antichrist — to name only a few important topics. But a good laugh is a saving grace. For example -- A shipwreck survivor washes up on the beach of an island and is immediately surrounded by a group of native warriors. 'I'm done for,' the man cries in despair.
'No you are not,' comes a booming voice from the heavens. 'Listen carefully, and do exactly as I say. Grab the spear from the one who is beside you and shove it through the heart of the chief.' The man does so, and the remainder of the band stare in disbelief.
'Now, what?' the man asks the heavens.
'Now, you are done for.'
More on Sunday.
Music: Choir
February 2, 11:15 am:
Serendipity Auction Buffet |
February 2, 11:45 am: Serendipity Auction
Read more about the auction... 
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God as depicted in Michelangelo's The Creation of Adam
February 9, 10 am and 11:30 am:
What Do We Mean
When We Say "God"
Sermon by: Roger Fritts
Unitarian Universalism does not require that a person hold a particular definition of God. With the support and encouragement of friends we are each free to develop our own beliefs independent of any dogma. For example, to describe her experience of God, The Rev. Carolyn Owen-Towle writes:
"Have you ever listened to music and felt yourself drawn into it to the point where you simply seem to merge with the sound, the density, the rhythm, the vibrations? I have sensed the edges blur between myself and sound until it felt as if I and the music were one. There was no me. I was lost, yet acutely aware. It is similar to the ecstasy that can be found in sexual union. Call it 'God' or some other name, may we be ever available for the divine to enter us through our encounters with life, with others, and with the natural world."
The service will look at some examples of how people define the word God.
Music: Joshua Horne
What Do We Mean
When We Say "God"
Sermon by: Roger Fritts
Unitarian Universalism does not require that a person hold a particular definition of God. With the support and encouragement of friends we are each free to develop our own beliefs independent of any dogma. For example, to describe her experience of God, The Rev. Carolyn Owen-Towle writes:
"Have you ever listened to music and felt yourself drawn into it to the point where you simply seem to merge with the sound, the density, the rhythm, the vibrations? I have sensed the edges blur between myself and sound until it felt as if I and the music were one. There was no me. I was lost, yet acutely aware. It is similar to the ecstasy that can be found in sexual union. Call it 'God' or some other name, may we be ever available for the divine to enter us through our encounters with life, with others, and with the natural world."
The service will look at some examples of how people define the word God.
Music: Joshua Horne
February 16, 10 am and 11:30 am:
Sermon by Budd Friend-Jones
Music: 10: choir, 11:30 Mindy and Ed Kinder
Sermon by Budd Friend-Jones
Music: 10: choir, 11:30 Mindy and Ed Kinder
February 23, 10 am and 11:30 am:
2020 Vision
As I approach retirement I want to reflect on how the transition between ministers is an exciting time for churches. The next two years is a time to affirm what is going well (many things), and explore what is itching in the life of the church community. I hope to inspire you to get excited about the future and to make a generous financial pledge for the coming fiscal year (April 1 -- March 31 2021).
Music: State College of Florida Presidential Jazz Quartet
2020 Vision
As I approach retirement I want to reflect on how the transition between ministers is an exciting time for churches. The next two years is a time to affirm what is going well (many things), and explore what is itching in the life of the church community. I hope to inspire you to get excited about the future and to make a generous financial pledge for the coming fiscal year (April 1 -- March 31 2021).
Music: State College of Florida Presidential Jazz Quartet
March 1, 10 am and 11:30 am:
Can't We All Just Get Along?
Sermon by Roger Fritts
Sunday I will explore the current polarization in the United States. It is not the first time our nation has been divided. The election of 1800 was strongly polarized between two Unitarian candidates. John Adams was a Christian Unitarian. Thomas Jefferson was a member of the Episcopal Church in Charlottesville, but was Unitarian in his beliefs. In 1798 Yale University President Timothy Dwight predicted that, if Jefferson was elected in 1800, “. . . our churches may become temples of reason . . . the Bible cast into a bonfire . . . we may see our wives and daughters the victims of legal prostitution . . .”
When the votes were counted, Jefferson carried eight states and John Adams carried seven. Somehow the country survived.
Music: 10: choir, 11:30 Mindy and Ed Kinder
Can't We All Just Get Along?
Sermon by Roger Fritts
Sunday I will explore the current polarization in the United States. It is not the first time our nation has been divided. The election of 1800 was strongly polarized between two Unitarian candidates. John Adams was a Christian Unitarian. Thomas Jefferson was a member of the Episcopal Church in Charlottesville, but was Unitarian in his beliefs. In 1798 Yale University President Timothy Dwight predicted that, if Jefferson was elected in 1800, “. . . our churches may become temples of reason . . . the Bible cast into a bonfire . . . we may see our wives and daughters the victims of legal prostitution . . .”
When the votes were counted, Jefferson carried eight states and John Adams carried seven. Somehow the country survived.
Music: 10: choir, 11:30 Mindy and Ed Kinder
March 8: 10:00 am and 11:30 am
Occasion: Daylight Savings Time starts. If you forget to change your clock you’ll be one hour late for church
The Need to Feel at Home
Sermon by Roger Fritts
Anais Nin wrote in her diary, “The paradise of my childhood was under a library table covered to its feet by a red cloth.” The sermon will explore the need we have all our lives for special safe places.
Music: Betsy Traba, flute Photo courtesy Wisteria.com
Occasion: Daylight Savings Time starts. If you forget to change your clock you’ll be one hour late for church
The Need to Feel at Home
Sermon by Roger Fritts
Anais Nin wrote in her diary, “The paradise of my childhood was under a library table covered to its feet by a red cloth.” The sermon will explore the need we have all our lives for special safe places.
Music: Betsy Traba, flute Photo courtesy Wisteria.com
Rev. Olympia Brown
March 15: 10:00 am and 11:30 am
Perseverance:
In It for the Long Haul
Sermon by Beth Miller
March has been designated Women's History Month here in the United States since 1987. These observances lift up women’s contributions in history and culture and advocate for women’s equality. Unitarian Universalism’s history includes suffragette and Universalist minister Olympia Brown, first woman ordained by a denomination, who persevered despite great odds.
Music: 10: choir, 11:30 Bill and Kate Isles:
Perseverance:
In It for the Long Haul
Sermon by Beth Miller
March has been designated Women's History Month here in the United States since 1987. These observances lift up women’s contributions in history and culture and advocate for women’s equality. Unitarian Universalism’s history includes suffragette and Universalist minister Olympia Brown, first woman ordained by a denomination, who persevered despite great odds.
Music: 10: choir, 11:30 Bill and Kate Isles:
 Rev. Fritts at the time of his ordination in 1978
March 22: 10:00 am (One service only)
Occasion: Annual Meeting after the service Would I Do It Again? Sermon by Roger Fritts Reflections of choosing our lives work. Music: CY Hong, violin |
Fritts performs a wedding in Bethesda, MD
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March 29: 10:00 am and 11:30 am
A Fond Reminiscence
Sermon by Roger Fritts
This will be my final sermon in Sarasota.
Music: 10: choir, 11:30 Mindy and Ed Kinder
A Fond Reminiscence
Sermon by Roger Fritts
This will be my final sermon in Sarasota.
Music: 10: choir, 11:30 Mindy and Ed Kinder
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Lakewood Ranch
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