UU Church of Annapolis Podcast

When vulnerability is the first thing we look for in others and the last thing we want to show, how do we find each other? Join guest minister Rev. Christin Green for an exploration of grace, peace, vulnerability, and authenticity. (Delivered 4/16/23)

The biblical story of the Tower of Babel in essence says God divided humankind by preventing us from understanding each other. In this sermon Rev. John will share his interpretation of the story and how it reveals what happens when human communication breaks down, using the tools of the brilliant psychologist Marshall Rosenberg.  This was auction sermon paid for by Mickey Goldberg.   Tags: #nonvio...

American religion is going through a rapid change. How can we as Unitarian Universalists engage with that change and deepen our spiritual lives? In this service, we explore how being radically welcoming could actually change us and our world. Rev. Dr. John Morehouse is the Senior Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, CT. Music by Rob Redei and the UUCA choir. (Delivered...

Generosity is one of the core practices proposed by our UUA's Article II Study Commission, and yet in comparison to those in other faith traditions, UUs tend to be less financially generous. In contrast, Rev. Anastassia found that being a UU congregant and leader fostered her practices of generosity within and beyond our faith. Let us consider what it means to be a generous people. Music by Joshua...

Today we celebrate and give thanks for all that we are to each other. And we will address areas of growth for our congregation. There will be a celebration luncheon after service. Music by Rob Redei and the UUCA choir. (Delivered March 5, 2023)

The past is gone. We've come back from the pandemic successfully.  We have a new embodiment of what our beloved community can be.  Let's celebrate community and abundance together.  Sermon by Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr.  Delivered on Sunday, February 26th, 2023.     

Rev. Dr. Forrest Church described religion as "our human response to the dual reality of being alive and having to die." How can we reconcile these dual realities, and what is the spiritual involved in preparing for death? Led by Rev. Anastassia, with music by Josh Long and the Worship Ensemble. Delivered on Sunday, February 19th, 2023.

Reconciliation is not something taken lightly, in fact, just considering it is spiritual work. What is the pre-work, the prayerful work, that informs whether and how to move towards reconciliation? Led by Rev. Anastassia, with music by Rob Redei and the UUCA Choir. Delivered Sunday, February 12th, 2023.

Reconciling my relationship to Christianity and religion, in general, was a long, difficult process of growth. My faith, trust, and hope were broken. But I recovered. This Sunday, in light of recent events surrounding the death of Tyre Nichols, Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr. will discuss what we must do to build a nation of trust and reconciliation; and how to address the systems that use oppression...

  Being able to trust and experiencing trust is fundamental to human flourishing, collaborative efforts, and to creative and generative efforts. Let's consider what it is to trust, why it is necessary, and how we can be more trusting and trustworthy. Rev. Anastassia preaching with music by Rob Redei and our UUCA choir. Delivered Sunday, January 29th, 2023.                                    

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. sought nonviolent means to make democracy work. Given what happened to us on January 6 and the violent rhetoric in our society, let's talk about why we can achieve more through peaceful protest. Sermon given by Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr.  Music by Rob Redei and the UUCA Choir. Delivered Sunday January 15, 2023.

Our new year begins at the beginning of winter. Earth lies fallow and animals rest in their borrows or nests as they recover from the energy of the fall Harvest time. Collectively we trust that this will lead to a new or renewed life come Spring. How is this season inviting you to rest? How can reflecting how help you determine what structures to give life to in the year ahead? Rev. Anastassia Zin...

Join Rev. John on Christmas Day for more stories about the origins of Christmas and why it is a holiday for all souls not just for Christians. Music by Joshua Long, and the UUCA worship ensemble. Sunday, December 25th, 2022.

Christmas, the holiday of new hope, comes even when hope is hard to find. In this season when the night grows long, let us remember where we find hope and the holy. With Revs. Anastassia Zinke and John T. Crestwell, Jr. Music by Emily Sergo.

On this choir Sunday, from December 18th, listen to "Frostiana", seven of Robert Frost's poems put to music by composer Randall Thompson. Celebrate the incredible talent of Rob Redei, our many musicians, and our fabulous UUCA Choir!

Today the ministers look at widening the circle of privilege and the UUA's Article II proposal and what it means for our faith and values.  Member Graham Smith from our BBC Antiracism Committee offers a response to the message.  Enjoy!

Our 7th Principle, "respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part," likely falls short in capturing how fundamental and sacred our relationship with all existence is (which naturally includes each other as well as nature). Let us celebrate this deep interdependent web. Rev. Anastassia preached, and Scott Eden gave a testimony. Delivered Sunday December 4th, 2022.

Rev. John T. Crestwell Jr. today explores what peace, liberty, and justice for all mean in light of current events. Evelyn Curran gives a reflection on the sixth principle. Delivered November 20th, 2022.

In the 2022 election, we saw both how threatened and how important "the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process" was. This principle is meant to be alive within our congregations and in society at large. Let's consider how we can strengthen our conscience and our democratic processes. Rev. Anastassia preaching, music by Rob Redei and our UUCA choir. Delivered Nov. 13th, 2022.

In this message, Rev. John reflects on the 4th UU principle in light of the mid-term elections, recent comments by Kanye West, and Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter.  He also discusses the principle from a BIPOC perspective and adds insight into how we search for what is true for us in life. Delivered Sunday, November 6th, 2022. #ElonMusk #Kanyewest #Freedom #Fourthprinciple #Twitter #midtermelec...

Our Second Principle calls for "justice, equity, and compassion in human relations," each of which seems particularly lacking in our democracy and society today. How as Unitarian Universalists can we be faithful to this principle and bring it more into the world? Rev. Anastassia preaching, with music by Josh Long and our Worship Ensemble. Delivered on October 23rd, 2022. 

What is the meaning of our first UU principle? What was the context surrounding its development? How do we square it with people and groups we don't agree with? Join Rev. John as he explores what the "worth and dignity of all" means for us today. Delivered Sunday, October 16th, 2022.

A pilgrimage may reach its destination but the hope, the wisdom, and the lessons learned along the way offer a new starting point. What have we learned and what transformation — what "other way" — are we called to in the name of the right relationship in our lives? Let's hear from our Camino pilgrims! Grateful for the reflections of Jenn Pollitt Hill, Tricia Hopkins, Jeanne Jehl, Jane Carrigan, Ca...

In your life pilgrimage your tripping stones are also your stepping stones. As you level up in your fractal climb to "heaven", those higher steps require courage and acceptance of unknown spaces. Sermon delivered by Rev. John. T. Crestwell, Jr. on Sunday, September 25th, 2022. 

All who wander are not lost. Being lost is being found. Let's explore the story of the Prodigal Son and the story of the Alchemist. Delivered by Rev. John T Crestwell, Jr. Delivered on Sunday, September 18th, 2022.