“Movin’ On” by Mark W. Harris – June 2, 2019
“Movin’ On” by Mark W. Harris
June 2, 2019 – It is time to say farewell to church and community. How do we accept the transition to retirement, and move on?
Sermons
“Living with Ghosts” by Mark W. Harris – May 26, 2019
“Living With Ghosts” by Mark W. Harris – We all live with ghosts. What ghosts from your past do you live with, and how do they affect you?
“How Are the Children?” – Mark W. Harris – May 19, 2019
“How Are the Children?” – Mark W. Harris May 19, 2019 – First Parish of Watertown Opening Words – “Beyond Borders by Rick Hoyt Go forth Because we are always going forth from somewhere Going from our homes, our childhoods Going from our cities and countries Going from innocence to experience to enlightenment Going […]
May 10, 2019
“Expressions of Ministry” – Mark W. Harris – May 5, 2019
“Expressions of Ministry” by Mark W. Harris – I have spent the last many weeks discussing with students where they derive their authority as ministers. Mostly we conclude that authority is drawn from the communities we serve. We must live with people and engage with people. As I disentangle from 23 years of ministry in Watertown, we all must ask what our expressions of ministry are in a congregation where we teach that we are all ministers to each other.
“Holy Envy” by Mark W. Harris – Easter Sermon – April 21, 2019
“Holy Envy” by Mark W. Harris – UUs often say that we don’t believe in that resurrection story, but that we believe in science where dead people don’t come back to life. Yet do we sometimes long for one transforming belief, and have holy envy towards those who do believe?
“The Power of Ideas” by Mark W. Harris – April 14, 2019
“The Power of Ideas” by Mark W. Harris – I have long been fascinated by the power of ideas, and how certain “truths” get inside our heads and remain there as gospel, even if they only contain a kernel of truth. How much does the power of an idea have a hold on you?
“Tidying Up and Sparking Joy” by Mark W. Harris – March 31, 2019
Tidying Up and Sparking Joy” by Mark W. Harris – Do you ever feel overwhelmed with stuff? Getting ready to move to Maine has meant an ongoing purge of books, furniture, clothes and files. What items have I kept because they bring me joy, and what does tidying up do for my sense of balance, letting go and spiritual growth? Let’s explore the religious implications of Marie Kondo’s quest for tidiness.
“Living Your Values” by Mark W. Harris – March 10, 2019
“Living Your Values” by Mark W. Harris – The theme of this year’s pledge drive is “Living Your Values” – How do you make your values manifest in your life?
“Nothing Left Unsaid” by Mark W. Harris – February 24, 2019
“Nothing Left Unsaid” by Mark W. Harris – How often do our words become a reflection of what we think others want to hear? How often are they a projection of our own fears? How often do words get in the way, or too much is said?
“Rewarding the Responsible” by Mark W. Harris – February 17, 2019
“Rewarding the Responsible” – Mark W. Harris – Is there any reward for being responsible? For those who answer emails promptly and are on time, what is the benefit? The responsible people often end up waiting or not hearing from someone, but there is no penalty for irresponsibility. What to do?
“Among the Cloud of Witnesses: David O. Rankin” by Mark W. Harris – February 10, 2019
“Among the Cloud of Witnesses: David O. Rankin.” In another chapter of First Parish history we will look at the ministry of David Rankin in the 1960’s – What did he show us about UU evangelism? What about justice?
“Dream On” by Mark W. Harris – January 20, 2019
“Dream On” by Mark W. Harris – People often remember Dr. King for his I Have a Dream speech. Do you dream? I don’t mean those odd, colorful and strange visions at night, but rather visions for your life, or the life of the church, or the life of the world.
“An Ageist Story” by Mark W. Harris January 13, 2019
“An Ageist Story” by Mark Harris – Is American society ageist? Old people are put out to pasture, and no one pays any attention to them. To compensate we all pretend that we are forever young. Many us, even if we are old, can be ageist, too.