First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin

Rev. Meg Barnhouse's sermon delivered on October 4, 2020. We will talk about how to step into a conflict with an open heart, armed with ways to listen and to speak our truth. There are ways to disagree with one another without being disagreeable. Resilient rather than reactive.

Rev. Meg Barnhouse's sermon delivered on September 27, 2020. Forgiveness isn't easy. Sometimes we can only make a beginning in our process of forgiving others or even ourselves. If you will, please bring a little piece of ribbon or string with you when you join us for worship. We will use knots in the ribbon to represent the knots in our spirit that holding a grudge creates.

Rev. Meg Barnhouse's sermon delivered on September 20, 2020. It's Celebration Sunday! We ask for your support so that First UU can continue to provide the Sunday Worship services and Music Programs you have come to love.

Assistant Minister Rev. Chris Jimmerson's sermon delivered on September 13, 2020. During times of anxiety and stress, we often need more rest. Physical, mental and spiritual renewal can become even more important for us. We'll explore stories of renewal, ways we might find it and how sometimes when our life circumstances change dramatically, we may be able to reimagine ourselves.

Rev. Meg Barnhouse's sermon delivered on September 9, 2020. Autumn is upon us, school is starting back up, and we hope life is getting back to as regular a rhythm as can be in these days. All of that means it is time for us to gather together and share water communion. Join Rev. Meg as she speaks about letting joy flow through us rather than binding it to us and holding it all for ourselves.

Assistant Minister Rev. Chris Jimmerson's sermon delivered on August 30, 2020. In this time of Covid-19 and witnessing the violent treatment of protestors, it can seem hard to find our balance. Especially when the protestors are rising up against the violence and other horrible things being directed at black, brown and native people in the first place. Sometimes, we tend to think of balance as a s...

Rev. Meg Barnhouse's sermon delivered on August 23, 2020. While we are approaching things differently with Chalice Circles, they still remain an integral part of our community and individual spiritual growth and development. Chalice Circles help us tell our stories. What happens and what do our stories say what happens? Let us explore the idea of story, courage, community, and connection through C...

Rev. Meg Barnhouse's sermon delivered on August 16, 2020. On this 100th anniversary of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, we will look at strategies and tactics of people who irritate and horrify each other.

Rev. Meg Barnhouse's sermon delivered on August 9, 2020. So many of us feel ourselves unraveling, from time to time, feeling helpless, or traumatized, or horrified at what has been revealed about our neighbors' view of the world. What do we do with the anger we feel? How do we hold on to our hope?

Rev. Meg Barnhouse's sermon delivered on August 2, 2020. Rev. Meg is back from her study break and starting off strong with sermon questions from a box. Join Rev. Meg as she answers your questions.

Assistant Minister Rev. Chris Jimmerson's sermon delivered on July 26, 2020. Engaging our creativity may be one way we can deal with living through a pandemic and sheltering in place. What are some creative pursuits you might like to engage? How might we creatively enhance our spirituality?

Ministerial Intern Lee Legault's sermon delivered on July 19, 2020. Stoics were warriors of the mind who trained to build unbreakable will and character. Roman emperors, enslaved persons, and Vietnam POWs alike have dealt with challenges using Stoic techniques. What might we learn about surviving in this day and age from the ancient mindset of the Stoics? Are your habits helping you build your Inn...

Senior High Youth service delivered on July 12, 2020. Join our senior youth group as they lead worship and explore the theme of Sanctuary. We celebrate our graduating seniors as they transition to young adults and welcome our Middle School kids into High School with our annual bridging ceremony.

Assistant Minister Rev. Chris Jimmerson's sermon delivered on July 5, 2020. In this challenging time through which we are living, it is important that we offer ourselves and others many blessings. Let us comfort one another and accept one another's comforting. We do not have to pretend everything is ok.

Guest Speaker Kye Flannery's sermon delivered on June 28, 2020. A celebration of pride from the perspective of queerness and queer theologies - exploring belonging, solidarity and deep acceptance of our collective history, and the possibilities of our collective power.

Assistant Minister Rev. Chris Jimmerson's sermon delivered on June 21, 2020. One of First UU Austin's stated values is compassion - which we defined as "to treat ourselves and others with love". What does living out that value look like, especially in these challenging times?

Rev. Meg Barnhouse's sermon delivered on June 14, 2020. All eyes are on the brutality of many law enforcement interactions with people of color. How did we get the system of policing that we have today? What are its roots in US history?

Rev. Meg Barnhouse's sermon delivered on June 7, 2020. In Zen Buddhism, it is called beginner's mind. Thoreau called it useful ignorance. When we choose to approach scary things with curiosity instead of defensiveness, suddenly our mind and body are open to adventure and transformation.

Rev. Meg Barnhouse's sermon delivered on May 31, 2020. It is once again time for one of our most beloved traditions. In a more usual year we would gather and bring a flower from somewhere along our path to share and take one from the altar. Bring a reminder of new life and the movement of the seasons and sharing it with the others gathered is a beautiful way to enjoy the bounty and goodness of our...

Assistant Minister Rev. Chris Jimmerson's sermon delivered on May 24, 2020. It seems like we cross into new territory all of the time these days. As we cope with a pandemic, we are in the midst of crossing a threshold, but we cannot yet see what the other side of that threshold may be like. Still, there may be opportunity in the uncertainty. We may have the agency to influence the other side of th...

Rev. Meg Barnhouse's sermon delivered on May 17, 2020. The human brain has its ways to react to trauma, either one big one or an ongoing series of daily dramas. It makes us react differently, and understanding trauma might help us understand ourselves and one another a bit better.

Rev. Meg Barnhouse's sermon delivered on May 10, 2020. "All Will Be Well" This song is my "hit single" in the Unitarian Universalist world. I feel like it came through me, and that it changes its meaning somewhat in my life as I get more experience. From the letters people write me about it, I see that it has a life of its own, and shift its meanings for each person who listens.

Rev. Meg Barnhouse's sermon delivered on May 3, 2020. Join Rev. Meg as she talks about how the rise of Punk gave outlets for marginalized voices and new ways to cry out against opression.

R.E. Chaplain, Bear Qolezcua's sermon delivered on April 26, 2020. Growing up a sceptic, I questioned the faith I was told to have and why I would ever want to be a part of it. Join Bear W. Qolezcua, as he speaks about atheism and the power of prayer. Where does it have a place and how can we use it when we don't believe anyone or anything is listening?

Assistant Minister Rev. Chris Jimmerson's sermon delivered on April 19, 2020. Sometimes when we hold on too tightly to expectations of ourselves and others, it can lead to added suffering. In these difficult times, what are some of the things for which it might be liberating to let go or at least hold less fixedly?