Selected Sermons
We have compiled a representative sample of sermons to give you a feel for what our beliefs and interests are. The initial sermons are by our minister Rev. Beth Johnson and they are followed by some lay sermons. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required, and it is a free download.
Transforming Conversations: The Voices of Animals in the Interdependent Web: Winner of the Unitarian Universalists For the Ethical Treatment of Animals
Albert Schweitzer Reverence for Life Sermon Award 2006. Dr. Rev. Beth Johnson
The Journey is Home: The idea of home stirs our memory. The idea of journey captures our imagination. This sermon will explore how we might understand our place in the world. Dr. Rev. Beth Johnson
Spiritual Literacy: Inspired by a book with the same title, this sermon will launch a sermon series in which we will explore finding meaning in everyday life. To begin, we will consider various understandings of spirituality and religion and the relevance that they have for Unitarian Universalists. Dr. Rev. Beth Johnson
Tiny Dancing Spiders: Lessons in Attentiveness: This continues the Spiritual Literacy series and we'll be considering ABCs of experiencing the sacred in everyday life. We're starting with exploring attentiveness. Dr. Rev. Beth Johnson
On Navel Gazing: Naming the Sacred/Sacred Reclaiming There has been some conversation lately among Unitarian Universalists about engaging in the language of reverence. This service will use readings from three theological traditions - Womanists, Goddess, and Buddhist - to bring these perspectives into that conversation. Dr. Rev. Beth Johnson
Creating Something of Beauty: Shared Ministry: We each have unique and special gifts that we bring to our congregational life. In this service, we will explore how these gifts embody our shared ministry in the Beloved Community. Dr. Rev. Beth Johnson
Living with a Heart of Compassion: Letter C on the spiritual literacy sermon series will focus on developing and practicing compassion. Dr. Rev. Beth Johnson
Living in Hope: Letter H on the spiritual Literacy sermon series will explore hope as a process, a way of being that informs our lives. Dr. Rev. Beth Johnson
An Examined Faith: We will explore how we might understand our faith tradition and the ways we have experienced faith in our lives. Dr. Rev. Beth Johnson
States of Grace: We will look at this universally aspired state that comes as a gift to those who are prepared. Dr. Rev. Beth Johnson
Imagine… Letter I in the spiritual literacy sermon series will look at the power of imagination to change us, our community and our world. Dr. Rev. Beth Johnson
Redeeming Dark: As we move into the dark time of the year this sermon will explore how we view and engage the notion of "dark," both culturally and spiritually, and suggest ways in which this time productive. Dr. Rev. Beth Johnson
Surprised by Joy: Letter J in the Spiritual Literacy sermon series what it means to be joyful; to have joy as a constant part of our lives, even as we acknowledge that there is suffering and sadness in our own lives and the world. Dr. Rev. Beth Johnson
Theologies of India in the West: Traces the influence of one branch of early Hinduism on classical Western thought, including on the rise of Gnosticism in the Roman Empire. This history provides a disturbing new perspective on the origins of Christianity, suggesting that Jesus of Nazareth may have had little to do with its founding. Bruce Thompson, PHD