Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville

What kind of mark will you leave on the world, and how do you handle the hand you’ve already been dealt? In this sermon, Peter Racine explores the complex, often “mixed bag” of generational legacy—from our biological ancestors to our spiritual forefathers and foremothers. Moving from the collective historical reflections of Juneteenth to deeply personal

What makes a space sacred? Is it the walls, the architecture, or the meaning we bring to it? In this special dedication service, Minister Peter Racine explores the profound concept of “sacred space”—moving beyond traditional boundaries to celebrate the grand reopening of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville’s (UUCJ) newly renovated social hall and campus.

What does Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream look like when viewed through the lens of 2026? In this powerful and timely sermon, speaker Todd Bettis revisits the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, interweaving Dr. King’s original, revolutionary words with contemporary commentary. From addressing modern pushbacks on diversity initiatives to confronting systemic inequalities, this

In this sermon, longtime UUCJ member and Navy veteran Jeff Funderburk reflects on the true meaning of Memorial Day weekend. While sharing the distinct histories behind the “Big Three” military holidays—Armed Forces Day, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day—Jeff honors the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Through the lens of his own military

What does the word “prayer” mean to a Unitarian Universalist? For many, the word can carry a sense of hesitation, often associated with hypocrisy or empty words. In this thought-provoking sermon, Peter Racine explores how we can reclaim prayer not as a passive plea, but as an active, powerful force in the world through service

What does it mean to be brave when the world feels like it’s shaking? Is courage something we are born with, or is it something we build, one small decision at a time? Rev. Linda Hart Green explores the “spiritual toolkit” required for survival and action in difficult seasons. Drawing on the powerful examples of

In this sermon, “The Sangha: The Power of Community,” we explore the Unitarian Universalist role in a world filled with shifting truths and powerful structures. Drawing on the wisdom of Thich Nhat Hanh, who suggested that the “next Buddha” might be a sangha (a community) rather than an individual, we look at how our collective

In honor of National Poetry Month, this week’s sermon will be poetry. We’ve once again gathered voices from the latest anthology by Women Writing for (a) Change, (a) river rising, Vol. 7, inspired by the theme Spaces and Places. The collection is anchored by the poem “Praise the Broken Promise of America” by Alison Luterman

“What is truth?” It’s the question Pontius Pilate asked 2,000 years ago, and it’s the question we are still wrestling with today. In this Easter Sunday message, we explore the “death of truth” in our modern world—from political evasion and media spin to the historical silencing of those who speak out against power. Drawing on

“When you leave home, whether by choice or by force, you carry more than just your belongings. You carry your faith, your values, and your sense of who you are.” In this sermon, Pierre Uwimana, the Florida State Refugee Organizer with the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC), shares his personal journey from a displaced immigrant to

In this thought-provoking sermon, David Keel explores the elusive yet transformative concept of Oneness. Drawing from his background in theology and his journey through various spiritual traditions, David challenges us to move beyond the limitations of the “rational mind” to experience a deeper connection with the cosmos and each other. Is “oneness” just a metaphor,

Rodney Lawrence Hurst, Sr., is a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, a widower, a cancer survivor, a civil rights activist, a Black historian, a military veteran, and the award-winning author of four books. His first book, It was never about a hot dog and a Coke®! is a personal account of the 1960 sit-in demonstrations

A practice of gratitude is healthy and often brings focus and empathy. We can deepen our experience of gratitude when we connect the privileges that may be buried underneath each thing we are grateful for. If we can also find ways to hold these truths, along with the gratitude, without guilt or shame we may

Why does Halloween continue to be one of the most popular holidays in the United States, with Americans projected to spend almost 1.5 billion dollars on decorations, costumes, and parties — including an estimated $500 million for pet costumes?  What is it about this particular holiday that attracts both children and adults?  Speaker Bio: Penny