Like most human beings we Unitarian Universalists have a mixed history when it comes to racial oppression and justice. With UU’s from around the mid-Atlantic gathering here for a Racial Justice Conference let us own our history. It involves the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful. Let us also create circles of respect and […]
Category Archives: Sermons
10.27.23 Day of the Dead, Rev. Kent Matthies
For our annual Day of the Dead service we will celebrate our sense of connections to deceased loved ones. How have those who have gone before taught you how to live? How do their memories or spirits stay connected to you and direct you? Do you feel a sense of dedication or belonging to them? […]
10.20.13 I Doubt It!, Reverend Kent Matthies
In a world with too much hunger, poverty, war, and oppression of various groups we are called to work for better ways of being one human family. Some religious traditions implicitly or explicitly teach that we should accept the way things are as “God’s plan”. Our religious tradition leads us to say “I doubt it!” […]
10.13.13 Standing on the Side of Education, Joan Javier-Duval
The public education crisis in Philadelphia can leave us doubting our public officials and our state and city governments as a whole. Doubtful questioning of the system is an important part of change, but it is not the final step. How can we turn this doubt into action that stands on the side of education? […]
10.06.13*99 ½ Won’t Do, Rev. Kent Matthies and Debbie Ward
In many ways our religious tradition was built on doubts, which created openings for exciting and empowering new religious beliefs and principles. It is also true that the central role of doubt has created significant disadvantages. At times we have overly doubted the importance of community with the outcome of excessive individualism. At times we […]
9.29.13 Book of Mormon, Rev. Kent Matthies
Developing connections across religious lines can be difficult. How has a play called “Book of Mormon” helped or hurt this cause? No matter what this play sure is educational, hilarious and worthwhile. If we look closely it provides a model for helping us to laugh, cry, and learn about many of the world’s faith traditions. […]
9.22.13 They vs. We, Rev. Kent Matthies
The world is wracked by we vs. they thinking. Right now Egypt burns with violence and hostility as a result of searing polarities. Here in the United States we know the pains of red states vs. blue states tensions – with many micro red vs. blue factions within the states. Humans have developed factions along […]
9.15.13 Life Renewed, Consulting Minister Joan Javier-Duval
Come celebrate the conclusion of the Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. As we acknowledge our personal and communal failures, we are reminded of our responsibility for one another. Join in renewing your heart’s resolve to live rightly with yourself, your loved ones, and the broader community.
9.8.13 Why are we doing this? Rev. Kent Matthies
Go to school, go to work, do your homework, do your chores, buy a birthday gift for your friend – there sure do seem to be a lot of “should and musts” in our lives. Oh, did I mention go to church? As we begin a new church year let’s pause and ask ourselves why […]
9.1.13 Hush, Rev. Kent Matthies
The spiritual theme of the month is deepening connections. This is especially important at a time when many studies show that Americans are significantly disconnected from one another socially and emotionally. Many agree that in order to be connected with one another we need to feel seen, heard, and respected. In order to achieve this we […]