USGUU Sermon Podcast

Revelation is the spiritual theme of the month and manifests in many forms. Sometimes we walk upon a burning bush. Many times revelation is continuous. But at times we have to go out and make revelation happen. In the 1500’s Michael Servetus didn’t believe in the teachings of the church regarding scripture, liturgy and God. He believed that if we courageously search for truth we find it within and around us at the most compelling and inopportune times.

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Many of us have experienced “prayer” in our former lives where we (sometimes) mindlessly repeated a proscribed prayer. This type of prayer was one of the things that we put aside as a result of, or prior to, our becoming involved in our UU faith. But prayer, properly executed, is a useful and powerful way to connect with the “still, small voice” imbedded in our subconscious mind.

What might “UU-Style” prayer look like? Meditation and Contemplation are two kinds of prayer that allow us to connect with our innermost perceptions of the mystery and spirit of life. This sermon will address how prayer, “UU-Style,” allows us to clear our mind through meditation and connect with our inner voice through imagining and visualizing of spiritual texts drawn from “wisdom from all of the world’s religions which inspire us in our ethical and spiritual life”.

Charles Gabriel has been a member of USG since 2004 and has addressed the congregation in Sunday services on numerous occasions. He grew up Catholic, wandered aimlessly as a practicing atheist for 35 years and now has a strong Universalist bent. He is a retired (sort of) engineer, the lucky husband of Betsy and a committed participant in the life of our beloved community.

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Many Unitarian Universalists believe that Thanksgiving is “America’s most sacred non-religious holiday.” In that spirit let us live prayers of thanks and giving.

In our congregation we will 
once again celebrate this with a bread communion where the children will bake and share bread. Together we are more powerful in our gratitude and generosity!

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We search for meaningful connection in ordinary moments and at times of profound loss, pain, wonder, and joy. How can prayer bring us closer to the connection we seek?

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Two days away from a major election we will motivate as many folks as possible to go to the polls and exercise their democratic right of voting. We also know that no matter who wins the Presidency there will be many extremely important issues that need our involvement after election day. What needs our attention and how can we make a difference on local and state issues in the months to come?

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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? Please bring photos of deceased loved ones to share on our altar during worship.

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We are part of an interconnected world. On this International Justice Sunday, we consider our role as Unitarian Universalists in the global movement for social change. We celebrate the work of the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO) and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) and consider together how we can participate in the world’s work of global justice-making. Joan will be at USG for a year as our intern minister. She grew up in Chicago, IL and received her BA from Swarthmore College and her Masters of Divinity from the Yale Divinity School. Joan has a strong background in progressive, interfaith organizing. Read more about Joan on our Staff page.

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Numerous studies show that a growing number of Americans want nothing to do with formal religion. At the same time a growing number of people want spiritual values, growth and community in their lives. Unitarian Universalist congregations can be a great choice if you are looking for a place to belong, learn about the meaning of life, love and death. If you pick the right one you can be a part of a collaborative effort and make a significant, positive impact on the world.

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Nothing builds community like eating together, but sometimes sharing our food is a scary proposition. Leni will use a few familiar stories to talk about how we take can the risk of being in beloved community. Leni Windle came to USG in the fall of 2004, almost exactly 8 years ago, and knew she had come home. Since that time, Leni has been involved in Stewardship, Religious Education, Small Group Ministry, and is now a member of the Board of Trustees. In her other life, Leni is a high school guidance counselor, wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, not necessarily in order of importance.

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Gandhi often taught how we can improve our awareness of where the self belongs in the world, and its relationship to community.  Economic challenges, fast-paced life, and keeping up when other personal problems arise all create strain on
our ability to be self aware.  How do we find and repair to the wholeness of our beings?

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