September 9, 2019
The unifying themes of this program are justice, love, learning and hope. The messages come from sermons and readings from Unitarian-Universalist sources. The program title comes from a beloved Unitarian-Universalist hymn, “Spirit of Life,” which includes the words, “Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion” and “Move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.”
Why is it so difficult to do the one thing that makes life more savory – slowing down and taking a moment? Also, carving out hope amidst the daily struggles with pain and the discovery of joy. Find these sermons listed below.
Commentary
Written by Orlando Montoya
One of our former ministers at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Savannah, the late Rev. Joan Kahn-Schneider, was fond of a message that she delivered in many different ways over her decades in ministry. It was about listening to other people and the fact that not listening to other people just might be the greatest sin of all. It occurred to me recently that I haven’t listened to a politically conservative person, really listened, in many years. It used to be my job to listen. As a journalist, I had to talk with politicians of all stripes and present their messages with the utmost care to do right by their intent. That required listening. Well, I haven’t worked at that job for five years. My work has changed. And now that I choose what I say and how I say it, I speak for myself. The result is that I haven’t sought to converse with a conservative person about politics for many years. Of course, I talk to them all the time at the bar, on the job, in my Rotary Club. They’re at least a third to half the population, depending on how you measure it. You can’t avoid them. You just can avoid talking politics, especially the topic of Trump, a toxic wrinkle in this conversation. I’ve had bad experiences online. And there’s a Trumpie at the bar whom I avoid because of a nasty argument that required bartender intervention. It makes me think, could I even do it now? Really talk and listen in my former way? It’s an esoteric question, since politicians had to respect my questions, however difficult. That’s not the case with ordinary folks. I’m pretty sure that I could do it, though. Just give me the spirit of that diminutive minister with open ears.
Sermon
“Beauty, Emancipation, Freedom” (6/16/19)
David Breeden
First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sermon
“Building Hope” (8/18/19)
Rev. Kate Walker
Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, Virginia
Sermon
TBD
Sermon
TBD
Braver Wiser
Used by permission of Braver Wiser, a publication of the Unitarian-Universalist Association
Quest Monthly
Used by permission of Quest Monthly, a publication of the Church of the Larger Fellowship
UUA Statements
Messages from the Unitarian Universalist Association
Natural Silence
Used by permission of ListeningEarth.com
UUA Principles and Sources
Our liberal faith as defined by the Unitarian Universalist Association
World Religions
Written by Orlando Montoya
Interfaith Calendar
Written by Orlando Montoya
UU FAQ
Written by and used by permission of John Sias from interviews with Rev. Steve Edington
Published by the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Nashua, NH
