UU Church of Annapolis Podcast

Drawing from the writings of UU theologian James Luther Adams, Rev. Judith Morris explores how our assumptions about the word God can sometimes keep us from recognizing the sacred. What if those who reject religion are often responding to too small a definition of the divine?

Dr. Scott Eden describes a worldview called Cosmic Dynamism, which emphasizes the importance of community, relationships and our power to create positive social change.

What does membership mean, at first and through the decades? We want to honor the act of committing to a community of faith. This episode, several UUCA members share stories, music, and reflections about their journey with UUCA.

Join us as Rev. Fred explores a timely question: What does it mean to be a patriot? With the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding approaching, conversations about patriotism are everywhere but do we all mean the same thing when we use the word? Together, we'll reflect on patriotism, belonging, and the values that shape our civic and spiritual lives.

In this Memorial Day Weekend service, Rev. Dayna Edwards invites us into wisdom through shared ritual and reflection. In this service we gather to reflect on memory, remembrance, and the stories that shape us. We honor those we have lost, especially those lost to war.

Missed Sunday's inspiring Coming of Age service? Our youth shared powerful personal credos—deep reflections on the beliefs, values, and experiences shaping their lives. Their honesty, wisdom, and courage moved our community deeply. Listen now to witness their journeys and celebrate the voices of the next generation.

In this sermon, Rev. John explores the tension between what changes and what endures. Drawing on the theme of "the transients and the permanents," this message invites us to reflect on how we find grounding, meaning, and even faith in a world shaped by uncertainty and unpredictability.

Back by popular demand, Rev. John re-shares his powerful April sermon on transformation and hope. In a time when so much feels like it's burning, this message reminds us that fire doesn't just destroy—it refines, awakens, and calls us to courageous change within ourselves and the world we share.

Cindy Atlee invites us to talk about a surprising root cause of many troubles in our world today through her message, The Worst Thing We Ever Did. Join Cindy Atlee to explore how an awakened brain and spiritual consciousness--along with the core UU values of interdependence and transformation--can shape an evolutionary way forward and change how we live together.

In this special episode, Rev. Anthony Jenkins, Lead Minister of Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church and U.S. Navy Chaplain delivers the Homily for the ordination of Rev. Ryan McCray Ely Offered in the spirit of joy, calling, and community, this message reflects on the sacred journey to ministry, the relationships that sustain it, and the deep commitment to faith and service at its core. Whe...

On the occasion of his ordination, Ryan McCray Ely returns from Brazil to share a powerful story of transformation. Through the life of José Ramos do Nascimento, known as Traíra, Ryan invites us to reflect on our shared values of equity and growth.

Guest minister Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd, Director of Communications and Public Ministry at the Unitarian Universalist Association delivers the sermon, A Living Prayer. The message invites us to reimagine prayer not as a task to complete, but as something woven into the fabric of our daily lives. What does it mean to "pray without ceasing" in these times? How might our shared congregational life be...

In this homily from our beloved Flower Communion service, Rev. John Crestwell reflects on the beauty and meaning of all the differences that make up our shared community.  Rooted in a Unitarian Universalist tradition dating back to 1923, Flower Communion invites us to celebrate diversity, connection, and renewal. As each person brings a unique flower and leaves with another, we are reminded that n...

UUCA President Nicole Bruno shares a powerful message, A Sharp Refusal. Civil disobedience is rooted in the courage to say "no" to injustice. Through the stories of women in our Unitarian history who challenged slavery, exclusion, and violence, we'll explore what love, courage, and conscience ask of us today. Tune in as we ground ourselves in faith, community, and the call to live our values boldl...

In this collaborative arts worship service, the UUCA Poetry Pals led us in an exploration of paying attention through poetry enriched by musical accompaniment and shared community experience. This episode showcases the service framework followed by five poems.

Rev. John reflects on the power of symbols and the ways they shape our shared spiritual life. Centered around our Blessing of the Chalices service, this message explores how simple objects can carry deep meaning, connecting us to one another and to the values we hold dear. Together, we honor the chalice as a symbol of warmth, hope, and unity in the Unitarian Universalist tradition. As we bless the...

From the earliest days of this nation, Blackness has been cast as "other"—marginalized, feared, exploited, & resisted. Yet, within that imposed otherness lives resilience, brilliance, faith, and an unbreakable insistence on dignity. This Sunday, we explore what it means to name Blackness as the "Original Other" and why proclaiming Black Lives Matter is not a political slogan, but a moral and spiri...

What if giving isn't about obligation—but about living in alignment with our deepest values? This Sunday, together with Rev. John, we'll explore how giving becomes an expression of who we are and the loving, just world we're helping to create. Come discover what it means to say: I live to give.

HS Youth Led Service (with guidance from our Director of Lifespan Faith Formation) HS Youth Lily Kendall asks us to honor and hold onto our childhood wonder during a powerful and inspiring Youth-Led Service centered on the theme of Resilience. 

We honor our justice journey in Rev. John's message, "Anti-Trinitarian to Woke." From our roots as bold religious dissenters to today's urgent calls for justice, Unitarian Universalism has never been afraid to question, to resist, and to reimagine what's possible. Resistance isn't new for us—it's part of our spiritual DNA. Join us as we explore how our faith has always stood on the side of love, t...

Rev. Dr. Betancourt shares a powerful message of love, connection, and Beloved Community in the face of evil. Tune in to hear reflections of resistance and resilience in the Twin Cities and be reminded how our shared faith calls us to keep showing up, marching forward TOGETHER in love and justice so that none shall be lost. We get there together, or never get there at all. 💛✊🏾

In the early months of her retirement following two decades of parish ministry, Rev. Paige Getty had been wrestling with the question of what it means to be productive in this chapter of her life. A wise guide offered an alternative, out of his Quaker tradition, suggesting that she ask instead, "Is it faithful?". In this service, Paige will reflect on what it means to be faithful, regardless of pr...

Led by Rev. Leika Lewis, this service considers the legacy of ancestors in resistance, the ways we support each other in practicing resistance today, and how we create space for growth in the midst of challenging times.

Led by Rev John Crestwell, join UUCA as we explore the mind of the man who became the moral conscience of the 21st century—and how his vision continues to actively reshape our moral narrative.

From fear to faith, from chaos to connection—learn how artificial intelligence may be the next step in humanity's spiritual evolution. Rev John delivers a hopeful vision for the age ahead.