4.10.16, Homo Categoricus, Rev. Kent Matthies

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, religion, sexuality, disability status, and nationality.”  Dr. Seuss wrote about how the Star Bellied and Plain Bellied Sneetches continually engaged competition for superiority.  How can we escape our inner Sneetch?

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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 of which we are a part our 7th UU Principle. We have a visible and invisible impact on the people around us and on the world through the choices we make.  Let us explore how developing an ecological sense of self can become an antidote to the privilege of unbridled consumerism and materialism.

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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 Sunday Unitarian Universalists proclaim that we all have power to rise up with sustaining love and courage, again and again and again.

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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 all days – we recognize those encounters as opportunities for bonding with others, growing spiritually and helping to make the world a better place.

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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.

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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.  What kind of steward of the dream are you?

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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 a slave to become one of the most revered Shahabbs (Companions) of the Prophet Muhammad.

Asa Imam Abdul-Halim Hassan is a member of Masjidullah in the West Oak Lane section of the city. He was the Resident Imam for 7 years but because of health concerns he stepped down to concentrate on his main passion and focus, Inter-Faith Fellowship. He is a founding member of the group POWER (Philadelphians Organized to Witness Empower and Rebuild.) He speaks at Inter-Faith gatherings all across the country and has traveled though out the Middle East strengthening relations between people of faith. Imam Hassan has worked in the Cheltenham school district for 25 years before retiring in 2011. He has worked with the youth of the city of Philadelphia as a coach, mentor and advocate. He has taught Arabic classes to seniors and children.
Imam Hassan is married to Vernessa Hunt-Hassan, a member of the Bahai faith. He is the father of 4 adult children, a grandfather and a great-grandfather.

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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 Sunday together, let us take time to explore our connection to the Sacred Chain.

Rev. Anne Mason is the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster.  She is a graduate of Lancaster Theological Seminary, and previously served her congregation as Director of Music and Pastoral Care.

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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 a certified holistic health and image coach, and is an ordained minister with the International Metaphysical Ministry. She’s the creator of Holistically Haute™, bestselling author of Love Your Skin, Love Yourself, and co-writer of The Sauce Code with her husband, Chef Joe Pontillo. She’s also the proud mama of two daughters, and two bearded dragons.

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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 make us the most vulnerable.”  As individuals and a community how can we counter-intuitively lead with our vulnerabilities on our way to courage?

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