Service

We remember them

Summary:

This sermon explores the enduring connection between the living and the deceased, emphasizing how memories and inherited traits keep ancestors present. It suggests that loved ones continue to influence us through shared history, cherished objects, and even physical resemblances. The speaker draws on literature and personal anecdotes to illustrate how reflecting on the past can enrich our present and guide our future. Honoring our ancestors, even with their imperfections, enables us to appreciate their impact and pass on blessings to future generations. The text reflects on the idea of “coming home” to one’s true self through faith, family history, and recognizing the continuity of life across generations. Ultimately, it proposes that remembering and celebrating our ancestors deepens our sense of belonging and purpose.

Service

Of, By, and For All the People

Summary:

This sermon discusses the climate crisis and the need for democratic action. It references Theodore Parker’s ideal of a government “of, by, and for all the people” as inspiration. The speech highlights the unsustainable practices of fossil fuel corporations and the resulting environmental and social consequences. It stresses the urgency of addressing climate change, pointing out the limited amount of fossil fuels that can still be burned without catastrophic warming. The speaker advocates for policy changes like a carbon fee and dividend, and encourages individual and community-level action. Ultimately, it argues that realizing a true democracy is essential to tackling the climate crisis and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

Service

Surprised by Joy

Summary:

This sermon is about marriage equality and the landmark Loving v. Virginia case. It highlights Mildred and Richard Loving’s struggle against racial discrimination and their fight for the right to marry. The speaker draws parallels between the Loving’s case and the fight for same-sex marriage, emphasizing the importance of fairness and equal rights for all. They celebrate the recent Supreme Court decision allowing same-sex marriage in Virginia and reflect on the congregation’s active support of marriage equality. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to continue advocating for justice and fairness in housing, employment, and other areas.

Service

Be Here Now, Together

 

Summary:

This sermon presents a sermon exploring the concepts of mindfulness, community, and engagement with the present moment. It draws inspiration from various spiritual and philosophical works, including Ram Das’s “Be Here Now” and teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being present in daily activities and fostering meaningful relationships within families, communities, and the wider world. It encourages listeners to recognize both the beauty and the struggles around them and to actively participate in creating a better world together. The speaker uses personal anecdotes and references current events to illustrate the interconnectedness of individual journeys and collective well-being.

Service

Only as Good as the Shoes on my Feet

Summary:

This sermon explores the speaker’s personal journey of understanding and managing emotions. The speaker reflects on how emotions, like garments or shoes, have defined their self-perception, particularly in relation to their father’s influence and expectations. The narrative recounts experiences with baseball cleats and work boots as metaphors for identity and self-worth. A pivotal moment arrives when the speaker realizes emotions are tools that can be managed rather than defining traits. The key takeaway is embracing emotional awareness and taking ownership of feelings to break free from self-imposed limitations. The speaker emphasizes that our emotions help shape who we are and impact our relationships with others. Ultimately, the message champions self-empowerment and living authentically by navigating emotions consciously.

Service

The Upside Down Church

Summary:

This sermon reflects on a previous sermon about community and encourages the congregation to embrace the church’s potential for conflict as a necessary part of spiritual growth. Using the example of a resort developer’s excessive spending, the speaker contrasts this self-centered ambition with the church’s focus on making a difference in the world and finding deeper meaning. The church is presented as a transformative space, challenging societal values and offering a community where individuals can discover their gifts, practice love, and support each other through difficult times. Forgiveness is emphasized as essential for personal and communal healing, while recognizing the inherent challenges in creating a covenant of mutual support and understanding. The speaker acknowledges the potential for pain and joy as part of a shared spiritual journey and extends an invitation to embrace the “upside down church,” where lives can be transformed through service and connection.

Service

Community

 

Summary:

This sermon explores the multifaceted nature of community, particularly within a Unitarian Universalist context, acknowledging both its supportive and challenging aspects. The discourse emphasizes that communities, like individuals, are imperfect and can cause pain. Personal anecdotes illustrate the speaker’s evolving understanding of community, from initial disillusionment to recognizing its potential for spiritual growth through navigating difficulties. The speaker draws parallels between religious community and marriage, highlighting the inevitability of conflict and the importance of managing one’s reaction to it. The story of Kisa Gotami is used to emphasize the universality of grief and the power of shared experiences in fostering compassion. Ultimately, the message encourages embracing the messiness of community, finding value in every member, and learning from moments of hurt to foster personal and spiritual development.

Service

Who we are, what we do

Summary:

This sermon captures the beginning of a new church year at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun. The speaker reflects on the church’s identity, drawing inspiration from the Wegman’s company mantra of “who we are, what we do.” The congregation engages in a discussion to define the core values and actions of their community, emphasizing inclusivity and spiritual growth. The sermon connects these values to their covenant, mission, and principles, advocating for a “works theology” where actions reflect beliefs. The speaker encourages the congregation to strive for continuous improvement in loving others and addressing societal challenges. The message concludes with a call to action for the new year, urging the congregation to resolve to embody their values through love, justice, and care for the planet.

Service

Worker’s rights

Summary:

This sermon advocates for wage justice and a more compassionate society. It draws inspiration from biblical stories and personal anecdotes to illustrate the power of faith, love, and collective action. The speaker highlights the plight of low-wage workers and criticizes the economic disparities in affluent communities. They endorse the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s efforts to promote a living wage and workers’ rights. The sermon urges listeners to connect with marginalized individuals, challenge unjust systems, and embody the change they wish to see in the world. Ultimately, it is a call to moral action, urging the community to prioritize human dignity and economic fairness.

Service

Justice

Summary:

This sermon explores the multifaceted nature of justice, drawing from personal anecdotes, philosophical viewpoints, and religious texts. It begins with a meditation, followed by an a cappella song. The speaker reflects on justice as a concept that evolves over time and varies across cultures. He uses examples from his legal career to illustrate the complexities and challenges in achieving justice. The sermon examines both ancient and modern perspectives, questioning the origins of our sense of justice and urging the congregation to cultivate “right relations” within their community. Finally, he notes the scales of justice signify more than the balance of crime and punishment, but signify relations between people.