Inspired by the musical “Wicked” as part of the summer theme – Broadway and Beyond: A Musical Journey of the Spirit!
Summary:
In this reflective sermon, the speaker explores the themes of transformation and belonging by weaving together personal anecdotes with the narratives of The Wizard of Oz and Wicked. She describes her thirteen-year journey within a Unitarian Universalist congregation, explaining how the community’s welcoming spirit allowed her to grow from a nervous visitor into a confident leader. The sermon highlights a philosophy of mutual change, suggesting that true inclusion occurs when both the individual and the group are permanently altered by one another’s presence. By referencing the song “For Good,” the speaker emphasizes how meaningful relationships act as catalysts for discovering the internal strengths we already possess. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a poignant farewell, expressing deep gratitude for a faith community that reshaped her life’s trajectory as she prepares for a new professional chapter.