Sermons

Rev. Shayna Appel preaching, with Charlyn Bethell and Guy Urban.  
We are in for a treat as we welcome Rev. Shayna to the pulpit. Humanism has played a prominent, some might say dominant, role in UU culture and faith.  But what is it, and does our current understanding of it do Humanism, or Unitarian Universalism, justice?  Moreover, as the world around us is changing at heart rendering speed, what might the forebears of this rich tradition have by way of guidance for us today? Come to worship and let’s ask this together.

Rev. Sophia preaching, with Djalai Babazadeh, Dani Nordin, Jean Gauthier, Charlyn Bethell and Guy Urban.

It’s easy to conclude that the spiritual life, religion, and all those big theological musings about faith are separate from the mundane comings and goings of our lives. But what if this isn’t the case at all? What if life, right now, is what it’s all about? Let’s reflect on these questions together as we close out the month of May. We will also listen to the beautiful song “Imagine,” by John Lennon, sung by Jean Gauthier–a worship service not to be missed! See you on Sunday.

Rev. Sophia preaching, with Carole Katz, Caroline Lee, Charlyn Bethell, Guy Urban and the FPW Choir! 

Many brilliant activists tell us that radical, change-making movements are driven by creative imagination. Let’s consider this as Unitarian Universalists, whose history reminds us about pushing boundaries, venturing into the unknown, and dreaming good dreams! Our choir will be singing, and the beauty of our church and community will be thrumming–come worship with us this Sunday and be renewed.

Rev. Sophia preaching, with Morris Sullivan, Patti Miliotis, Charlyn Bethell, Guy Urban and a special guest musician!

Practicing imagination, which is our month’s theme, requires an orientation towards awe and surprise. What else does it take to practice imagination in our lives? What keeps us from it, and what does it mean when we open ourselves to it? We will ask these questions together and see what we find! Come to church–the sanctuary is beautiful, the music is transformative, and the fellowship is renewing. See you on Sunday!

Guest Rev. Erica Long preaching, and Lynn Bratley, Eileen Ryan, Charlyn Bethell and Guy Urban.
It is hard to keep fighting for our values when it doesn’t feel like we are winning. But, nothing will change if we give up. This Sunday we take inspiration from our courageous ancestors, our tenacious children, and our resilient planet. It’s not over and we are not giving up!

Rev. Sophia preaching, with Carole Katz, Eileen Ryan, Beth Tappan de-Frees, Kathy Button, Charlyn Bethell, Guy Urban, the FPW Choir, and more! Let’s come together to celebrate Easter Sunday and Earth Day–there is much Joy to be felt and found in all that is rising. This is going to be a worship service filled with many voices, stunning music, and spring flowers–so slow down and give yourself the gift of church! See you on Sunday. Reading: Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front by Wendell...

Rev. Sophia preaching, with Laura Horn, Kevin Burchby, the Hand in Hand Singers, Charlyn Bethell and Guy Urban.

The Palm Sunday story really is a Call to Love story. Let’s consider how this ancient, holy procession is still teaching us about joy, courage, hope and love amid overwhelming odds. We will also be blessed by the special music of the Hand in Hand Singers, and Kevin Burchby will offer us his Journey of Faith. Slow down and come to church–there is so much love and joy to draw from here! Please note that our Annual Meeting will take place following worship.

Rev. Sophia preaching, with Jean Gauthier, Charlyn Bethell and Guy Urban. April’s worship theme is Joy.
It would be easy to conclude that, in days such as these, Joy is frivolous, maybe even irresponsible. However, there is much wisdom that teaches us about joy as an act of resistance and defiance–something that many rely on for survival. Let’s reflect on this together! Friends, something magical is happening on Sundays. Won’t you come to church and be a part of it? See you in church!

Rev. Sophia preaching, with Djalai Babazadeh, our Membership Committee, Charlyn Bethell, and Guy Urban.

We will consider how being a covenantal, relational faith is the greatest embodiment and expression of Trust, Love and Belonging. It’s Membership Sunday, where 14 new friends will enter into covenant with us and sign our membership book! Let’s celebrate the blessed gifts they bring and think about who we are as a community of travelers. This really is a worship service for us all, so come to church!

Rev. Sophia preaching, with Lynn Bratley, Charlyn Bethell and Guy Urban.

Being spontaneous can sometimes feel like a terrifying trust fall! This worship service is going to be a bit unscripted and offer us the opportunity to reflect on and practice not knowing what comes next. We will also sing about not knowing where we are going but trusting that we will get there in the end….Woyaya! Woyaya! Come to church and draw from the deep well that is this beautiful community of travelers and friends.