UU Church of Annapolis Podcast

One person has defined a "calling" as "the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." Have you heard "a call" to this intersection of gladness and hunger? What are your tools of discernment? Join me as we explore "calling".  

This has been a question asked many different ways throughout the ages.   How is it that we must be twice born to become fully human and fully alive?

      In honor of Earth Day, Anastassia will explore ways that we can recommit ourselves to finding community-based actions aimed at living sustainably with our neighbors.

     A quick scan through any day's newspaper will tell of tragedy and horror and remind us of the suffering all around us.  And often, if you read beyond the stories, you can see and hear of the opportunities for renewal and redemption.  Yet, like the "unbearable lightness of being," can we absorb the idea - or the reality - of being connected, whole and loved? 

    Easter is a time to reflect on this difficult issue, and what the natural seasons, springtime, Christianity, and earth-centered religion might suggest we do with the problem of "bad things and good people." 

In times of difficulty and economic change, where in our lives can we discover the values that help us lead meaningful, affirming lives?

This Sunday we will look at our beliefs and addictions and how both can lead us away from living up to our best selves.

     Healing is a powerful idea and act; its expressions are many and our understandings diverse. From national to individual healing, from medical to faith healing, from healing by professionals to the unexplainable healing we hear and read about. It's a deep and rich subject to explore.

     I took my first trip to the Philippines in support of the UU congregations on Negros Island. I am different today because of my trip there. I wish to share with you why and how.

Join Reverend Christina Leone as we celebrate our annual Darwin Sunday. This year we will reflect on humanity's continual demotion from the center of the universe. First Copernicus, then Darwin, now scientists are telling us they have found a planet (Kepler-22B) that is similar enough to Earth as to perhaps harbor life. Why is this demotion a good thing?

  This weekend is celebrated in the Chinese calendar as the New Year, the welcome of the Water Dragon. What do Unitarian Universalists have in common with the sign of the Dragon? How can we learn from this particular form, the Water Dragon, as we witness in the world?

 In honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we will explore what we can do today to honor his legacy. How does this relate to our commitment to "create the Beloved Community by inspiring and empowering all souls to live bold and compassionate lives"?

Mary Oliver asks: "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" As we begin our New Year, consider answering Oliver's question with the answer, "I plan to do more witnessing"! Join me this New Year's Day to explore what witnessing in 2012 might mean for you.

Unitarian Universalists have long emphasized the humanity and teachings of Jesus, but for many of us it is difficult to see past the traditional portrayals of Jesus as a divine being. Two religious teachers who bring a Buddhist perspective-Thich Nhat Hanh and Paul F. Knitter can help us approach Jesus again.

Every great religion of the world has looked forward to the coming of a Messiah, and, what's more, most even share the story of a virgin birth.  From ancient Egyptian mythology to Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity, the stories are remarkably similar, and many are celebrated around the time of the winter solstice.  This Sunday the UUCA Choir will be exploring these stories through music a...

It has been said that "the most precious element of life is wonder". The December holidays call up wonders of all sorts: the change of seasons, Hanukkah, Christmas, a new year, family, friendships and more are all immersed in wonder. Is it too much for you, for us? Join me this morning to explore our sixth sense: the sense of wonder!

James Bovard is quoted as saying that democracy must be more than two wolves and a lamb deciding what to eat for dinner. How can the democratic process, which we Unitarian Universalists profess as a great ideal, serve us well, and when can it be a hindrance? How can people of faith speak up for the lambs of the world?

What is your spiritual practice and how can having one lead you to a more fulfilled life? As we enter the holiday season, I will share thoughts about my spiritual practice (singing) and how it helps me give thanks for the freedom to love and be loved in return.

From the UUA to the UN, from Annapolis to Doldol, the ancient Chinese proverb is being affirmed: "Women hold up half the sky". Join us this morning as we explore, affirm & deepen the meaning of "promoting the inherent worth and dignity of every person, promoting the use of the democratic process". The choir will be singing and there will be a special presentation on UUCA's work in the Philippines....

John Lennon wrote it, the Beatles sang it and many of us continue to sing the song "Imagine".  "Imagine no more countries, it isn't hard to do...And no religion too... Imagine all the people living life in peace..."  What did Lennon mean--'no religion too?'  'Living life in peace?'  What do we mean?  Rev. Fred Muir helps to shape our thoughts on this song. 

Sometimes people critique Unitarian Universalism as being a weak faith - one that would collapse in the face of adversity. My own faith was born in the face of difficulty. I will share my religious awakening with you, and suggest ways that our Unitarian Universalist faith can sustain us in trying times. What might be the "Good News" that Unitarian Universalism has to offer?

  This morning the Rev. Stefan Jonasson, the Unitarian Universalist Association's Large Congregations Director is visiting UUCA for the first time. About Stefan: "Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he still lives, he is one of only a handful of UU ministers who have been educated entirely in Canada, where he is one of few theologians to have won the Governor-General's Gold Medal for acad...

 We are fond of quoting our Unitarian Universalist Principles as the center of the UU faith. I agree: They are a wonderful vision! But they are not what hold us together. Join me this morning as I explore what is at the core of our way of religion.

We all know that one plus one equals two, but in a religious community, it can equal three! Join us as we explore the covenant we make with one another, and how in our spiritual and community lives, we are more than the sum of our parts.