UU Church of Annapolis Podcast

Where does grace come from, and what is it anyway? Is it coincidence? Luck? Can we make our own grace? Let's talk about grace and consider ways to bring grace into our lives.

Mayor Thomas Menino of Boston said he would proclaim November 28, 2013, 'Thanksgivukkah', saying through a spokeswoman: "This is a big deal, a once-in-a-lifetime event."  The Mayor's office is right: the next Thanksgivukkah will be in 80,000 years! Still in the holiday spirit? Come join us as we explore this unique moment of grace and opportunity.

I, like thousands of others, came to our way of faith as a UU Humanist, which was synonymous with Liberal Religion for at least seventy years. Like many other ideas and customs of the last hundred years, humanism has either died or morphed. Join me this morning as I explore this important part of our faith heritage and what has happened to it.

Peggieline Bartels - a U.S. citizen, a secretary in Washington D.C. - reluctantly answered a call early one morning several years ago. The caller informed her she had been elected King of her ancestral home, a village in Ghana. The joys and challenges she faced are lessons for us. Join me as I share the story and wisdom of King Peggy. Today we will also recognize our international partners.

"To question is the answer" is a tried and true UU motto, which sums up our willingness to test old ideas and ponder new ones. Let's dig a little deeper into the idea of a "free and responsible search for truth and meaning". Come with an inquiring mind and a good question for a round of stump the intern.

In the spirit of the Mexican Day of the Dead, we will come together to celebrate life, honor the memories of the dead, and practice our Spanish a little! Bring a photo or memento of someone who has died to place on our Ofrenda, or offering table.

We are the captains of our souls, but are we really in control? What about the ship? Who is on the crew?  How can we use the winds that have tossed us around to our advantage?

As I see and feel the seasons change, I am filled with the wonder of creation. My world - our world - is filled with wonders of all kinds. As the leaves turn and fall, I know the seasons of my life are changing too:  a new grandson is on the way and soon my mother will pass on. I am immersed in the seasons of life; wonders surround me. Join me this morning as I explore our world of wonder.

Join us as we welcome our newest members to the UUCA community, as well as honoring those who have been members for 40 or more years! We'll explore why membership, or "belonging to the church" matters at all... What's the point?

We are in the Jewish season of Sukkot, a time where many Jews make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, their ancient and holy city.  We must all go home at times to remember who and what we are. Let's explore this more...

"Sin" is not a word that UUs are prone to use. Some suggest that we don't believe in sin, which might mean it doesn't exist? What's that about? Judaism's High Holy days just concluded and their observance has a lot to teach us about sin. This morning we will explore sin and "The Days of Awe".

Trust is an important part of living.  Can you live without trust?  Join us this Sunday as we look at who, and what, we trust.

One of my favorite songs is entitled "Soul Meets Body", by a band named "Death Cab for Cutie".  This song reminds me, in the face of our incredibly physically-overanxious society, to live where my soul meets my body. How can we live in a way that honors our physical bodies, as a piece of our UU spiritual lives?

Rev. Fred handed me this little book and said "It's one of my favorites. There are many sermons in it."  He was right!  Let's talk about the blessings of an imperfect life.

Our time together in the same space has come to an end, but our time together has not ended. In this farewell sermon Daniel will consider the meta-narrative and the metaphysics of the messages he has shared as Intern Minister and Summer Minister in Annapolis. And, how they point him, and us, along a transformative path.

Home is not so much about where we are; it is where we create it. How do you create a sense of home amidst the tumult and ambiguities of a world that seems to offer so few places to drop anchor? It's time to reset our GPS -- Recalculating.

These are words commonly misattributed to the founder of American Universalism John Murray. Even though he may not have said these words, they have inspired generations of people. Let's explore one of our own prophets along with the mythos and the reality of Universalism through the centuries and connect with the special meaning of Universalism in the present day.

On this summer Sunday, Rev. Christina gives you the power to steer the direction of the service. You'll have the chance to ask the questions you've always wanted answered. Is there a heaven? What to tell my children when kids at school tease them for not "believing in Jesus"? How much wood can a woodchuck chuck?

John discusses his cat's faith and the story of Elizabeth Gilbert, best-selling author of the book "Eat, Pray, Love."

As the nation's birthday recedes into the past for another year, let's reflect together on the changing character and vision of our country and its citizenry. It goes without saying that our nation's mothers and fathers could never have imagined where their early dreams have taken us. Would they recognize what they started? What might they think? Could we say the same thing for our beloved Unitari...

Speak truth to the powers, especially the power of Fear, in all of its' disguises. Join us for a service exploring the many ways to unmask the fears that rob us of our inner brilliance and keep us from living lives of dignity and joy.

Just one more book, just one more objet d'art, just one more magazine, just one more dress? Perhaps we are already past the tipping point, in our homes, our workplaces, our lives: with towers of STUFF. How does a UU faithfully navigate the goat-paths and constant churning in a materialistic culture that says more is better; when more has become too much? Let's de-clutter our lives and our spirits...

We do things a little differently at church. Church isn't like the rest of the world. And that's a good thing. Come learn Rev. Christina's vision for your engagement with UUCA, and why it will be a healthy, loving, and fulfilling thing.

As you prepare your summer plans, just think of all the opportunities you'll have to tell people about the church you attend - family, friends, strangers. Before you say anything, learn the lingo! Join me in this lesson of how to speak UU.

Let's talk about the God of our understanding and how to find the authentic self.