UU Church of Annapolis Podcast

"The Curosity Cabinet"  We all have one of some sort, a curiosity cabinet that is.  Charles Darwin had many, from childhood on - I've seen them!  One important question is:  What do you do with its contents?  Where doese it take you? For Darwin, it took him to extraordinary places.  This is Darwin Sunday.  Join us!

When asked the often quoted question, "If you were charged for being a Unitarian Universalist, would there be enough evidence to convict you", how would you respond? Come close our month of “Justice” with intern Kimberly Tomaszewski, in praise of the works of this community and the efforts still to engage.  

During Dr. King's life the word integration was used often as way of mainstreaming American culture toward multiculturalism and equality.   We have succeeded as a country in integrating most of our social systems. We should be proud.   However, there are still groups of Blacks, Whites and others who still wonder if they are a part of the American Dream.   Toward the end of his life King sought to...

  I hope your Christmas Holiday was a good one!   Did you ever wonder how you (we) got to this point in the holiday festivities?   I have and I have been surprised by what I have found.   On this day after Christmas, take a step away from your routine and join me for a fun and spirited look at the way we celebrate Christmas.

On this Sunday, Rev. John takes a UU look at the Christian holy day “Advent” to see if there’s a message for Unitarian Universalists in Annapolis.

With Thanksgiving past and the “Christmas machine” reaching full throttle, this Sunday let’s pause for a moment to take a deep breath and consider this thing called Christmas.   How did we get to this?   Is there hope for your ideal holiday?   Please join with me to reflect on the meaning of the coming month.

The motivation to do good works can vary from faith to faith.   Some have suggested that being good for nothing – that is, without a God or     Ultimate punishment – is a characteristic of our progressive way of religion.   But aren’t we good for something?   And how does this shape the way we move through life and the world?   Join me on this United Nations Sunday as I explore right relations and...

In recent weeks we have lost too many young lives to fear, shame, and distrust.  As a faith community we must respond to our Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender and Queer youth.  What does it mean to be a Welcoming Congregation in the midst of this crisis?   How does Unitarian Universalism answer to this pain?   Join us, Sunday November 7th, as we remember those we’ve lost and covenant with those...

Theodore Parker spoke of the “transient and permanent” in religion.   What did he mean?   How can our understanding of his words help us to have a more generous spirit?

Recently I was asked what brought me to Unitarian Universalism.   Though I was raised in this faith, my upbringing was not the answer. Do you remember the story of David and Goliath?   David prevails over his biggest challenger with one smooth stone that he carried with him into battle. I came to Unitarian Universalism by the generosity of our people; the stones I carry with me.

“What the world needs now is” …Generosity!   And that fits just perfectly with us because Unitarian Universalism is spiritually and theologically built on the foundation of generosity – actually a conspiracy of generosity.   Join John, Kimberly, Fred and “Girls Night Out” as they describe how you can be a member of this conspiracy.   After the service there will be an opportunity to learn more and...

“What the world needs now is” …Generosity!   And that fits just perfectly with us because Unitarian Universalism is spiritually and theologically built on the foundation of generosity – actually a conspiracy of generosity.   Join John, Kimberly, Fred and “Girls Night Out” as they describe how you can be a member of this conspiracy.   After the service there will be an opportunity to learn more and...

“What the world needs now is” …Generosity!   And that fits just perfectly with us because Unitarian Universalism is spiritually and theologically built on the foundation of generosity – actually a conspiracy of generosity.   Join John, Kimberly, Fred and “Girls Night Out” as they describe how you can be a member of this conspiracy.   After the service there will be an opportunity to learn more and...

“The gaps are the thing” wrote Annie Dillard.   Pay attention to the gaps because it’s there where you will find opportunities for generosity (this month’s theme).   Join me this morning as we set aside some time to explore and reflect on the gaps in our lives.  

Our theme this month is unity and this message shares how you and others can unite the “jangling discords” inside and outside of you into a symphony of tranquility and harmony so that mountains in your life can be moved.   Don’t miss this service!  

  Fox news entertainer Glenn Beck has been sharing a very confusing and misinformed understanding of western theology.   But this is nothing new – theology changes and we are often running to keep up.   In spite of what you may read or hear, there is a unity to theological progress.   Where it’s moving is quite different from where UUs have been!   Are you ready for a miracle?   Join me and let’s...

As Americans and as Unitarian Universalists, we talk and sing about the wonders and beauty of individuality and the freedoms that sustain it.   At the same time, we talk about diversity and difference and how it too is wonderful and beautiful.   How can this be?   Can we – as a nation and as a religion – really have both? Can we find unity in our diversity?  

This is our Intern Minister's last Sunday with us.  Christina Leone, looks back on how she's grown and learned and changed and how our ministry together has been a joyous dance.  She reminds us that change is a part of life but it can be a beautiful dance if we are aware of life's lessons.

We believe not in a celestial savior but in a very human one.   We are the one's we've been waiting for!   We know we have the power to change the social condition of others.   We can create communities, neighborhoods and cities we desire-- places that are safe, warm, loving and diverse.   We can change our corner of the world!    Come hear more.  

Demons are everywhere!   But the language we use is guarded and indirect.   Join me this morning as I explore what one author has called "Demons in a land of plenty."

Today Rev. John catches us up on his summer reading with two books Community--The Structure of Belonging by Peter Block and Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.  The insights he learned from these two books, among others this summer, are significantly changing his social justice ministry with UUCA!  Check it out...

Chistina has spent the last couple of months with a team of dedicated volunteers planning this year's maiden voyage of Camp Beagle, a Darwin-inspired day camp to be held at UUCA from July 26-30. Come hear what the Camp was about, and how everyone of all ages can “Explore Our World with Wonder.”

This sermon topic was purchased at this year’s auction by Ken Apfel and Caroline Hadley! In response to their prompt, Christina will be examining what it means to be an American in this day and age, as well as how that relates to what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist.  

  The year is 1540 and a fictional Martin Luther and Francis David (Unitarian religious ancestor) meet in a bar, debate their differences, and affirm their commonalities. What would they think of their religious offspring nearly 500 years later? Christina Leone, Intern Minister, and her friend Chris Halverson, Vicar at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baltimore, struggle together to come...

Unitarian Universalists are diverse in their outlook on life, beliefs about death, and understanding of God. So it stands to reason that Unitarian Universalists wouldn't have one single view of prayer. Should we pray? Why? How?