Sermons

Faithful Journeys: Something About Harry

Sun, 01/22/2012

“Myths are clues to the spiritual potentialities of the human life,” writes Joseph Campbell. We’ll consider selections from the Harry Potter stories as telling signposts on our human journeys of faith development. Yes, you may wear your Harry Potter costumes! (Speakers: Rev. David A. Johnson and Rev. Sue Sinnamon)

Difficult Dialogues: The Impossible Will Take a Little While

Sun, 01/15/2012

“Empires may be born by force,” writes former UUA president Bill Schulz, “but they are not long sustained by it. They are sustained by a capacity to peddle a better idea and to practice what you preach, to resolve disputes equitably.” Biology does not condemn humanity to adversarial combat. How might we shift the emphasis from “survival of the fittest” to altruism and cooperation? (Speaker: Rev. David A. Johnson)

Beyond Categorical Thinking: Two Perspectives

Sun, 01/08/2012

“Will the new minister hear me? Will my concerns and needs be met? Will the minister understand what I’m living with, what my life is about? How will the community respond to our new minister?” These and other questions are addressed by our two guest speakers, Rev. Ann Marie Alderman and Jacqui Williams, in their preamble to the “Beyond Categorical Thinking” workshop.

Compassion Fatigue: Dealing With Burnout

Sun, 01/01/2012

Burnout has been around for eons, even though the word “burnout” appeared in the literature only about 25 years ago. Burnout reflects the dislocation between what people are and what they feel compelled to do. It can become a downward spiral. How might we recognize the symptoms and restore a healthy balance? This service includes our annual Service of the Living Tradition, during which we will name significant milestones and life transitions occurring during 2011. (Speaker: Rev. David A. Johnson)