One of the most enriching elements of Kent’s sabbatical was learning about and practicing mindfulness, commonly defined as “paying attention to the present, without rejecting or attaching”. He will share some of his experiences, which include the simple, but powerful truth that he can always come back to his breath. You can too.
Author Archives: usguu
8.27.17, Soul of the Nation, Rev. Kent Matthies
The attack on protestors in Charlottesville is yet another in an endless series of tragic incidents. We have entered a new phase of great struggle for the soul of our nation. Our most important values of liberty, democracy and justice are at risk. Each of us must find ways to participate with love, courage and hope.
8.13.17, Mind the (Divine) Gap, Charles Gabriel
God is found in that narrow space where our human relationships elevate our human experience into a spiritual experience. Judeo/Christian scripture, as well as other religious sources, teaches us how to maximize this experience by expanding our relationships into caring for others in need.Charles joined USG in 2004 and has held many leadership positions.
8.6.17, Coming Clean, Rev. Lee Paczulla
Spirituality isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being honest so we can know the true power of grace and love in our lives. Spiritual practices can help us “come clean” and live more intentionally – awake and aware to what’s really happening, within us and around us. Rev. Lee serves the WellSprings congregation.
7.30.17, Faith in Love’s Imperfection, Rev. Joan Javier-Duval
We all long to receive and give love. Yet, living in loving relationship can be messy and heart-breaking. Can grappling with and accepting love’s imperfections lead us to the love we seek? Joan now serves the Unitarian Church of Montpelier, VT. From 2012-14, she was a beloved intern and consulting minister at USG.
7.23.17, People Get Ready, Davy Knittle
Our lives continuously pivot at the meeting point of our experience of selfhood and the regular transformation of the contexts in which selfhood develops. Unitarian Universalism celebrates our lives as periods of constant change. How can our commitment to change spur us through uncertainty toward active and deliberate participation? Davy grew up at USG and joined in 2005.
7.16.17, Poems: A Retrospective
Peter will read a number of his poems written over the past 35 years. He has been a member of the Unitarian Society of Germantown since 1973, when he, his wife, Marny and their children, moved to Philadelphia from England. He has worked at Temple University School of Medicine as a physician and scientist.
7.9.17, Sowing The Seeds of Beloved Community, Andrea Durham
Unitarian Universalism embraces 7 Principles grounded in the humanistic teachings of the world’s religions. How do we translate these ideals into daily practices so that we actively engage in cultivating Beloved Community? One option is to build character traits that transcend boundaries with guidance from the Christian concept of the Fruit of the Spirit.
7.2.17, Not Motivated to Get Motivated, Rev. Dr. Neal Jones
In the dubious tradition of motivational speakers, this sermon will be an anti-motivational speech. Rev. Neal is the Senior Minister of Main Line Unitarian Church, his fifth congregation as a pastor. Originally from North Carolina, he is also a clinical psychologist and the President of Americans United for Separation of Church & State.
6.25.17, The Shared World, Rev. Mara Dowdall, Livestream from GA
Poet Naomi Shihab Nye speaks of “the shared world,” in which we connect deeply with one another in and through our differences. What does it mean to live in “the shared world”? As we navigate this time of peril and possibility, beauty and anguish, despair and resistance, how might a theology and practice of “the shared world” help us find our way?