Psychologists Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald’s groundbreaking book “Blindspot” will be the basis for a two part sermon series (April 10 & 17). As we explore our spiritual theme of April, Privilege, we will “explore hidden biases we all carry from a lifetime of exposure to cultural attitudes about age, gender, race, ethnicity, […]
Author Archives: usguu
4.3.16, Not For Ourselves Alone, Rev. Daniel Gregoire
How might we live if we realized that our lives were not for ourselves alone? Would we buy less stuff, eat differently or use different products? What if this was not our world, but a world on loan to us by yet unborn generations? This worship encourages us to remember the interdependent web of life […]
3.27.16, “Is not this Joseph’s Son?” Easter Sunday, Rev. Kent Matthies
Jesus shared that he himself, was “bread come down from heaven.” The gathered crowd was significantly impressed with his preaching. However, they asked, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” In other words: wait a minute! Isn’t this the kid we saw growing up in the neighborhood? Now he seems too big for his britches. On Easter […]
3.20.16, “Here I Am!”, Rev. Kent Matthies
Did you ever play a game of hide and go seek and realize you really wanted to be found? It happens in my house. Sometimes the person hiding sticks out a toe or makes a little noise. In life we all want to be found and to find. At USG Community Day – and on […]
3.13.2016, Spreading Ashes, Rev. Kent Matthies
Ever since the cavemen (and cavewomen!) human beings have searched for meaning and purpose. As Unitarian Universalists, with heart and intellect, Humanism has richly informed our religious tradition since our founding. Humanism continues helping us live with extraordinary purpose in knowing we are alive and we will die.
3.6.16, Stewards of the Dream, Rev. Kent Matthies
For 150 years people have given of themselves in making the dream of our congregation come to life. This is not your dream. This is not my dream. Collectively we inherited this dynamic and life saving congregation. Those who went before us bequeathed this collective dream of building beloved community with compassion, service and empowerment. […]
2.28.16, The Story of Bilal ibn Rabah, Imam Abdul-Halim Hassan
The topic of the Khutba (sermon), in keeping with the month of February and Black History month, is the role of belief in the Unity of G-D and the Elevation of Man as seen though the eyes of a Black Muslim and that belief’s impact on his society and today’s world. The story is of Bilal ibn Rabah who through Faith went from humble beginnings as […]
2.14.16, Part of the Sacred Chain, Rev. Anne Mason
Living a life of faith means that we see ourselves as connected to that which is greater than us. We are the ones who choose what is precious enough to pass along. What is the greater story of which we are a part? How do we choose to frame the stories of our creation? On this […]
2.7.16, Freedom from the Chains We Choose, Rachael Pontillo
We can never be free if we don’t believe we are free. We can allow ourselves to become and stay trapped in negative thought patterns based on societal or cultural conditioning, but staying trapped or breaking free is a choice. We must push past our own limiting beliefs to achieve personal freedom. Rachael Pontillo is […]
1.31.16, Courage through Vulnerability, Rev. Kent Matthies
As we look toward February and its spiritual theme of courage, Brene Brown’s message resonates. Ms. Brown is a writer and teacher who for good reason has become tremendously popular with spiritually progressive folks. She writes: “Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that […]