UU Church of Annapolis Podcast

Just war theory ( jus bellum iustum ) is a doctrine, also referred to as a tradition, of military ethics studied by theologians, ethicists, policy makers, and military leaders (Wikipedia). Today I will look at this concept and determine if there is such thing as a "just war".

In this message, Rev. John shares his worldview of oneness, interconnection and shared realities admonishing us to "Be like water." 

Noticing our mistakes, honoring them, and trying again and again is what it means to be a covenantal people. We will come together this Sunday to remember when we as a people, historically and in the present, have made mistakes, to sit, and to move forward. Sometimes, we just need some silence.

Rev. Fred discusses why we must go deeper in our understandings to "test" them and see if we are getting to know things on the surface or in a personal and intimate way.  Test your experiences by thinking deeper about them.

As we enter our Freedom season in worship, we will explore how we can have hope for freedom even in trying times

On this Passover and Earth Day Sunday let's remember that there are still modern plagues that threaten our human existence and commitment to building a Beloved Community.

I haven't heard a presidential candidate (or any political candidate) who doesn't have a plan for justice and prosperity.  So, I wonder, just how does that work? Depending on your place, family of origin, faith, etc., these can look very different.  Join me this morning as I look at prosperity through the lens of justice.

On this day we typically look at the man on the cross and consider what new life might mean for us. Today, instead, we'll be looking at the women-- the ones who stayed; loyal, heartbroken, and supportive-- and consider their message to us, 2000 years later.

In this sermon Rev. John looks at emotional intelligence/literacy  as it relates to the use of force in our world.  He shows that true power calibrates at a much higher level of energy than force.  He also shares with us two books that support his findings.  Enjoy...

Intern Minister, Hannah Villnave takes us on a journey through public transportation showing us how there are lessons we learn from the space(s) we take up.

I'm often asked by newcomers (and longtime Unitarian Universalists) where our community's commitment to justice-making comes from.  Last Sunday I started an exploration of one chapter in this commitment; this Sunday continues that exploration. You decide how we're living up to our heritage.

As we move into our "season of justice," join me as I share one chapter in the story of Unitarian Universalism's shaping commitment to "the inherent worth and dignity of every person ... [with] justice, fairness and compassion." Learning the "talk" and then "walking the talk" has been a long time badge of honor among UUs. Over the next two Sundays, you decide how we're doing.

Sometimes our individual efforts to build a more just world can feel disconnected and disjointed. How can we feel less like a single drop and more like part of a mighty ocean? Come join us as we explore that question

The ideas of Charles Darwin changed everything. They continue to challenge us in new and exciting ways. On our annual Darwin Sunday let's explore the understandings and misunderstandings of what he started.

In this message, Rev. John Crestwell takes a hard and close look at expectations, dysfunction and solutions facing the poor and neglected in our society.

On this special Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday we learn that our dear brother's true final speech was in his briefcase revealing a side of the great civil rights leader that is neither passive nor resistant. These evolving contrasts in Dr. King can also be seen in the contrasts and complexities in our world's language, geography and visual imagery, leaving "us" versus "them" as our greatest human...

How do we awaken our Love Force? Exploring "satyagraha" -- the power and strength of love in the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi.

in this season where many look at the darkness and light as religious expressions, Rev. John examines dark and light, blackness and whiteness and the language we use to express love and hate.

With most religious observances/celebrations, there is a good story behind them. So also with Christmas. The contemporary implications of its story are many, so join us this morning as we unpack life with Christmas.

As we continue our seasonal theme of love, today we'll explore whether or not you can "buy" love -- especially at this season of giving that can be so easily commercialized. We'll explore the 5 Love Languages in the context of the holidays.

With most religious observances/celebrations, there is a good story behind them. So also with Hanukkah. The contemporary implications of its story are many, so join us this morning as we unpack life with Hanukkah.

I love vampire shows because most of them tend to be very romantic. They are all over the TV these days. I got sucked in to one a few days ago when I accidentally watched the last episode of the Vampire Diaries with my daughter. I was instantly hooked!   By the way, how is your love-life? This Sunday we will talk about how to make love come alive in your life. Let's awaken or re-awaken the love in...

It's been said that we should hold our "no" as sacred as our "yes." Saying "no" and honoring our own boundaries can even be an act of love to ourselves. But how can we maintain a posture of gratitude and abundance while still honoring our "no"? Come and learn to honor your "no" with gratitude.

Join us - young, old, and in-between - for our first "Celebration Sunday" of the church year. You might have noticed we're honoring "seasonal" themes instead of monthly ones. Today we'll celebrate the end of our Abundance Season with story, song, ritual, and a special surprise you won't want to miss!

Unitarian Universalism is not a "peace church" like the Quakers, but we do have a strong thread of pacifism in our heritage. How do we honor our pacifist leanings, oppose war, and simultaneously support and honor our veterans? Military veterans or their families are encouraged to bring a photo or item from military service for our altar this morning.