The Times, They Are a Changin’
Alan Watts once wrote: “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” This Sunday we celebrate the courage of letting go and embracing change.
Archives: Services
I’m Glad You Asked That Question… (2018)
For the final service of the program year and for his final service as a QUUF minister, Bruce invites us, as has been his practice on the concluding Sunday in which we have two services, to submit questions (philosophical, practical, personal, whatever). During the sermon portion of the services, Bruce reads selected questions (without name) … Continue reading I’m Glad You Asked That Question… (2018)
Bridging Service 2018
Religious communities are traditionally places where we celebrate transitions in life. In our culture, graduation from high school is one such transition. Unitarian Universalists honor our seniors with a Bridging Ceremony; they are crossing the bridge to young adulthood. Through ritual, song and words, we honor this transition in life. This year we have two … Continue reading Bridging Service 2018
The Ache of Memory
The title of this Memorial Day message is taken from a Robert Frost poem titled “On the Sale of My Farm” that concludes with the lines: Only be it understood, It shall be no trespassing If I come again some spring In the grey disguise of years, Seeking ache of memory here. Click here to … Continue reading The Ache of Memory
Taming the Serpent
Unitarian Universalism is nothing if not the sum total of all the “freedom froms,” such as freedom from authority, freedom from fear, and freedom from orthodoxy. There is a shadow side to all these “freedom froms”, however, which can show up in unhealthy ways. Rev. Kate Lore and Dr. Tim Berry offer a dialogue on … Continue reading Taming the Serpent
If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking
The sermon this Mother’s Day Sunday brings forward some themes in the poems of Emily Dickinson, poems such as: “I’m ceded – I’ve stopped being Theirs – ”, “The Soul has Bandaged moments – ”, “Bring me the sunset in a cup – ”, and “For largest Woman’s Heart I knew – ”. Click here … Continue reading If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking
Living With Uncertainty
No matter how much we may want our lives, relationships, and future to remain the same, nothing in life ever does. How do we find the courage to let go of all we know and step into the uncertain future?
The Blame Game
An exploration of five different kinds of blame and what it might mean to live by a principle of “no blame”. Click here to listen to the reading and sermon. Click here to read the reading and sermon.
The Song That Can Save Us (Earth Day Sunday)
This special Earth Day service compares and contrasts the Creation stories of the Bible with those of indigenous peoples to more fully understand the root causes of – and solutions to – climate change. This cross-cultural service draws upon the book Braided Sweetgrass and includes local calls to action.
Forgiveness
A summary sermon by Rev. Bode of numerous sermons on the theme of forgiveness. Click here to listen to the reading and sermon. Click here to read the reading and sermon.