The relationship of the part and the whole is, as I think of it, the central concept in my personal religious philosophy. This sermon is an attempt to say how this is so.
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In Marcia Lewton’s novel, Hello Gorgeous, one of the characters, Bess Kingman, is portrayed as follows: “Despite the continual commercial touting of the notion that a person can make herself into whatever she wants, Bess knew a few important things.” This sermon, as we bid goodbye to the old year and welcome the new year, will be a commentary on the “important things” that Bess had learned about re-making herself.
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Since Christmas Eve fell on Sunday this year, there were no services Christmas Eve Sunday morning. However, there were three services in the evening. At the 5pm service, geared to children, their parents and grandparents, each child received his or her own candle for the service. At the 7pm and 7pm services, both Rev. Bode … Continue reading Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
(Third Sunday of Christmas) Joy is an assumed element of the holiday season, and yet, truth be told, it often eludes us, especially when we’re suffering illness, loss, economic stress, and/or loneliness. Drawing upon the wisdom of the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, and Jesus, we will examine ways to nurture joyousness that is deep, courageous … Continue reading Joy in the Face of Hardship
(Third Sunday of Christmas) Sometimes, as poet Mary Oliver writes, “The great door opens a crack, a hint of the truth is given – so bright it is almost a death, a joy we can’t bear – and then it is gone.” This sermon is based on a personal experience of such an occasion.
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Note: “How We Love”, the closing song sung by the congregation, is composed by Beth Nielsen Chapman, on Twitter: @bncmusic and Instagram: @beth_nielsen_chapman, and is added with her permission.
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(Second Sunday of Christmas) Michael Meade says, “The heart of the human drama depends upon whether we are moving towards a greater life or moving away from it. Either we are becoming a greater vessel for the flow of life or we are shrinking and secretly feeding the chaos in the world. Liberation happens each time we become more connected to the contents of our souls. What matters most to us has the power to change, not just ourselves, but the world around us.”
Click to listen to the song “All Will Be Well” by Rev. Meg Barnhouse, followed by Michael’s sermon from the first service | second service.
(First Sunday of Christmas) For a number of years I’ve wanted to bring the research and ruminations of Dr. Gary Nelson on science and religion and matter and mind to the pulpit by way of an interview with him. If this interview is going to happen, it needs to be soon. So this first Sunday … Continue reading Spirit, Matter, Consciousness: A Conversation
Thanksgiving Day Sunday. Some previous sermons I’ve given on Thanksgiving Sunday at QUUF have been titled “The Origin of Gratitude” or “The Basis of Gratitude” or “The Necessity of Gratitude” or “The Way of Gratitude” or “Can Gratitude Be Taught?” or “Suppose You Don’t Feel Gratitude”. This sermon will pick up aspects of a number of these previous sermons and is simply titled “Gratitude!”.
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One of the greatest myths in American culture is that vulnerability is a weakness. Yet within each of is a “Broken Hallelujah” from which comes our greatest strength.
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Why “just say ‘no’” doesn’t work … and a consideration of what might work.
