We owe a debt to our planet, our community, our families, our ancestors that we can never hope to repay. This unending debts is not a cause of sorrow, but rather a call to celebrate and a call to receive the many gifts of life and community as a harvest of grace.
Category Archives: Sermons
8.2.15, Race Matters: Reflections of a White Parent of Black Children, Eli Scearce
I always thought I had been antiracist in practice, living as an adult in Germantown for over 20 years. The last ten years I have come a long way in my understanding of race and how it affects my children and how I have been complicit by not understanding my white privilege and biases. I […]
7.26.15, Change is Beautiful, Rev. Daniel Gregoire
Beautiful things are constantly changing, growing and adapting. What might we learn from the beauty of the natural world and the beauty of spiritual practice? Let’s come together to open ourselves to the energy of beauty.
7.19.15, Accepting Change, Maria McCabe
Human beings are hard-wired to resist change, especially rapid change that occurs beyond our control. Should our faith help us stay comfortable in the knowledge that some things never change? Or should it encourage us to change the things we can? We will explore how the principles of Unitarian Universalism and the vision of Beloved […]
7.12.15, Perspective Therapy, Lori L. Tharps
Change is often difficult and met with fear and anger. It’s only natural to want to take refuge in the comfort of the familiar, but with just a tiny shift in perspective, change can be embraced and appreciated. Lori L. Tharps is an assistant professor of journalism at Temple University, an author and mother of […]
7.5.15, Thank You, Caitlyn Jenner, Rev. Kent Matthies
We are blessed to live in a nation with many freedoms. In front of the entire world, Caitlyn Jenner has bravely transitioned from male to female. On this weekend where patriotic and religious ideals can support a
6.28.15, What Does the “Inherent Worth and Dignity of Every Person” Really Mean? Alan Windle
Our first UU principle states that we affirm and promote the “inherent worth and dignity of every person.” But what does that really mean? When do we first get it? Do those who torture or commit other evil acts lose it? This sermon wrestles with the challenge of understanding the first principle and ends with an affirmation that […]
6.21.15, Fatherhood, Rev Kent Matthies
Wonder is the spiritual theme of the month. Fatherhood opens a window to much awe, humility and wonder. Paying attention to the little moments (eating breakfast together or telling jokes) as well as the big moments (the child grows up and leaves the home or gets a job) can open us up to receive life’s […]
6.7.15, Fading Light, Rev. Kent Matthies
Life, Love and Death are fundamental elements of religion. Dying and death can involve wonderful experiences. Yet, many ways of thinking in modern society attempt to push away death as much as possible. How can we feel wonder for death and dying in ways that allow us to be fully human?
5.31.15, Return to Our True Song, Rev. Daniel Gregoire
What is your “lullaby”? Parents everywhere sing songs of comfort to soothe both their children and themselves. Each of us has experiences that can offer us comfort, like a lullaby, and bring us back to life. If only we could recall them in times of distress and remember to sing our true song. This service […]