All Souls Unitarian Church

The message was delivered on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION What would it take to turn the page on the pain, mistakes, and struggles that have held you back? Through the lens of Nelson Mandela's extraordinary journey, we explore the profound act of forgiveness—not as a passive release but as a powerf...

This sermon by Rev. Dr. Nicole Kirk reflects on the themes of winter, both as a literal season and a metaphor for the challenging phases of life. Drawing on the symbolism of the winter solstice, the message emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, the importance of introspection, and the quiet preparation for renewal and growth. It concludes with a call to embrace the "winters" of life as opportuni...

IN THE BROADWAY MUSICAL WICKED, WE FIND A NEW TWIST ON THE OLD CLASSIC, THE WIZARD OF OZ. IT TURNS OUT THE GOOD WITCH IS NOT SO GOOD AFTER ALL AND THE WICKED WITCH, WELL, SHE AIN'T SO BAD. IN THIS DELIGHTFUL TALE THE COMPLEXITIES OF WHAT CAUSES ONE PERSON TO BE DEEMED GOOD AND ANOTHER TO BE SEEN AS EVIL IS BROUGHT TO LIFE IN AN UNFORGETTABLE WAY.

REV. MARLIN LAVANHAR EXPLORES THE CONCEPT OF FINDING PEACE AMIDST LIFE'S COMPLEXITIES AND SOCIETAL CHALLENGES THROUGH PERSONAL ANECODOTES, STORES AND PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTIONS. REV. MARLIN EMPHASIZES THE PURSUIT OF MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT WITH THE WORLD RATHER THAN ESCAPISM. HE UNDERSCORES THAT PEACE COMES FROM ALIGNING ONE'S PERSONAL VALUES WITH PURPOSEFUL ACTIONS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE GREATER GOO...

IN THIS SERMON, REVEREND GERALD SPEAKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERDEPENDENCE-THE IDEA THAT WE ARE ALL INTERCONNECTED AND RELY ON EACH OTHER FOR SUPPORT. HE REFLECTS ON HOW COMMUNITY BUILDING, WHETHER IN CHURCH, IN TIMES OF CRISIS, OR IN EVERYDAY LIFE, IS ESSENTIAL FOR COLLECTIVE STRENGTH AND SALVATION. DRAWING FROM HIS EXPERIENCES, SUCH AS SEEKING HELP DURING A CRISIS AT HIS CHURCH, HE EMPHASIZE...

The sermon reflects on the symbolic and spiritual significance of a painting central to the church's identity, portraying its values and heritage. It emphasizes the Unitarian Universalist principles of inclusivity, love, and continuous revelation, drawing connections between faith, American democratic ideals, and the diversity within the community. Through elements like an antique table, books, fl...

In this sermon conversation, the main themes center around understanding tribal nations, citizenship and cultural pluralism within the Muscogee Creek, Osage and Cherokee Nations in Oklahoma. Eli Grayson and Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar discuss how tribal identity transends race, religion and nationality. Being part of a tribe like the Muscogee Creek or Cherokee is a matter of legal and political statu...

The message was delivered on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION Explore the emotional landscape following a transformative election, where ideals of equality and justice are put to the test. Reflect on the enduring struggle for human rights and the essence of American patriotism as a commitment to s...

The message was delivered on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION: This sermon addresses the pervasive fear and division facing America, especially around elections and major societal shifts. It explores how both personal and societal fears can lead to division and alienation, often exacerbated by medi...

The message was delivered on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION: This service explores the theme of unity in diversity and the role of religion in fostering love and healing in the world. Using the story of the Tower of Babel, Marlin illustrates how the focus of religion should be on creating a heave...

The message was delivered on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION What if the most absurd conspiracy theory could reveal profound truths about our deepest human needs? In a world where divisions run deep and conversations can feel like battlegrounds, how do we reach across the chasms that separate us? Join...

The message was delivered on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION: In this service, Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar emphasizes the importance of embracing one's authentic self in a world that often pressures individuals to conform to others' expectations. Through the African folktale of Anansi the Spider, we d...

The message was delivered on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION: This service explores the importance of embracing our unique "genius"—the individual talents, gifts, and spirit that make each person one-of-a-kind. While society often pushes conformity through standardized education and culture, we...

The message was delivered on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION Ever wonder what stories hide behind neglected homes or the faces we avoid at stoplights? This message invites you to look beyond the surface of everyday life and confront the quiet cries for help we often overlook. Let's explore how small...

The message was delivered on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Barbara Prose, Guest Minister. DESCRIPTION: This service centers on the theme of personal empowerment and the recognition of one's inherent power. Rev. Barbara Prose shares her own journey of overcoming self-doubt and learning to embrace her voice and influence. The message explores t...

The message was delivered on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION: In this service, Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar shares the significance of finding a "third place" in life—a space distinct from home and work where individuals can truly be themselves. Marlin emphasizes the value of having a community like...

The message was delivered on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Nicole Kirk, Programs Minister. DESCRIPTION: In this service, Rev. Dr. Nicole Kirk reflects on her transformative experience at the Subaki Grand Shrine in Japan, focusing on the ritual of sweeping as a metaphor for personal and spiritual purification. The act of sweeping symbolizes...

The message was delivered on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar and Rev. Randy Lewis. DESCRIPTION: In this service, Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar and Rev. Randy Lewis engage in a thoughtful dialogue with the congregation. The discussion touches on a range of topics, including the impact of religious upbringing and the evolution of thei...

The message was delivered on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION: This message addresses the recent mandate by Oklahoma's superintendent requiring public schools to include the Bible in their curricula. Rev. Dr. Lavanhar argues that this mandate is unconstitutional and distracts from more pressing educ...

The message was delivered on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION In a world often divided by fear and misunderstanding, we come together to reaffirm the values that unite us and delve deep into the principles of DEI—not as mere buzzwords, but as the essential building blocks of a more just and compassionate...

The message was delivered on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION In his thought-provoking message, Reverend Marlin explores the reasons why humanists, atheists, rationalists, agnostics, and many others find a spiritual home at All Souls Unitarian Church. Here, love transcends belief, and we embrace the...

The message was delivered on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION In a world filled with divisive triggers, we are inviting you to embrace peace, understanding, and compassion. Rev. Randy Lewis explores how we can transform moments of conflict into opportunities for growth and connection. By practicing empathy...

The message was delivered on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Nicole Kirk, Guest Minister. DESCRIPTION: This message explores the transcendentalist ideas of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Howard Thurman, focusing on their spiritual connection to nature. Emerson emphasized the divine presence in nature, challenging traditional religious authority and adv...

The message was delivered on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION: This sermon explores the evolving relationship between humanity and technology. We discuss the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on society, emphasizing the potential benefits and risks. The message advocates for maintaining genuine human...

The message was delivered on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Gerald L. Davis, Affiliate Minister. DESCRIPTION: This message emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and understanding across diverse backgrounds, advocating for collective action to overcome challenges and create a better world. Rev. Davis encourages listeners to embrace love as a guidi...