Sermons, 2024-25
Sermons 2024-35
The People’s Peace – May 18, 2025
Rev. John Haynes Holmes served the Community Church of NY for decades. He was a staunch pacifist, and notably a co-founder of both the NAACP and the ACLU. Yet he was a controversial figure, his relationship with Unitarianism and his colleagues was tumultuous. Certainly a role-model!
Poetry of Joy and Laughter – April 27, 2025
Let’s have a little fun. Let’s have some words that feel good in our mouths like good poems. We could be smiling and laughing more if we want that. Sometimes that’s just what we need. Sometimes, that’s just what the whole world needs.
Spending Your Privilege – March 23, 2025
What can we each do regularly to build a more inclusive and diverse society? What actions can we offer to live into the values we espouse? Can we even talk about them as ‘spiritual practices’ that make us better people and the world a better place? (And we revive our Annual Social Justice Sunday!)
The Chrysalis Space – March 9, 2025
The threshold of change is a time of uncertainty and unknowing. We have not arrived; we are not done – but we are close. The caterpillar in the chrysalis does not just sprout wings, it must completely dissolve and reform. It can be hard to trust the change as it is happening.
Berries of Abundance – March 2, 2025
Dr. Kimmerer’s latest book The Serviceberry describes a natural world of abundance and reciprocity. What might that look like in our congregational microcosm? How might we be like a berry bush in full season?
The Substance of Things Hoped For – February 23, 2025
Faith is a tricky topic among Unitarian Universalists. But let us consider our way into the topic, consider it through the lens of trust. We can focus on believing in God if you want; and we can also focus on believing in Justice, Goodness, and Love.
Spiritually Queer – February 9, 2025
Most of us do not fit in the boxes society provides for us. The LGBTQ+ community has shown people of faith a path toward ‘coming out’ as our authentic selves. Every faith community can learn to be more accepting, more honest, more affirming and authentic.
Martin and Malcom in America – January 19, 2025
Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X were often portrayed as opposites, with contrasting ideals and goals. But the two men had a rich and nuanced relationship over the years. How they navigated the struggles can inspire us in our fight against racism and oppression today.
Spirit Ablaze – December 15, 2024
Annie Dillard offered a warning to spiritual seekers that sometimes the lure of the light can blind us to dangers. Yet like moths we drawn all the same. Do we need a little more ‘fear and trembling’ in our spirituality?
It Was Always about the Kindness – December 8, 2024
Don’t be fooled by the individualistic teaching that only the strongest survive. Our species was built on connections and kindness. We are only strong together. We must lean into the true teaching that it is through kindness that we will thrive. Only kindness matters.
To Show An Affirming Flame– November 10, 2024
W.H. Auden wrote “September 1, 1939” about WWII. Our work remains: to build solidarity, to uphold justice, to shine our light, and love bravely in a world too full of desperate loneliness and alienation.
All I Know So Far – October 27, 2024
They say every preacher has only one sermon they keep repeating and reframing and revising over and over. I think mine might be something about healing or maybe grace. Or more likely it is about loving and being loved (I am a Universalists after all.)
Prevailing Green – September 29, 2024
Join us for the 2024 UU Climate Justice Revival in which we are called to “Reimagine Together: From an Extractive Age to a New Era.” This ‘new era’ needs our connections, our nourishment, and our vision for the blossoming future.
Listening for the Healing Shift – October 6, 2024
The Jewish High Holy days are a excellent time for non-Jews to also notice and attend to the work of forgiveness and reconnection. This First Sunday, with the theme of “Deep Listening” will be our invitation into the season.
“You Did Not Create Us to Kill Each Other” – September 22, 2024
The International Day of Peace is the 21st. And Wars continue around the world. Religion is mis-used and perverted into a tool to perpetuate war. We must call up the truth found in each of our various faiths leading us to peace.
How to Disagree with a Friend – September 15, 2024
We’re deep into the ‘politically divided’ time of the year. Many people struggle between taking a stand or keeping things calm, rocking the boat or going with the flow. It is one thing to be strident on social media or with your poster board at a rally. But how do we navigate ‘hot button’ issues with a friend?
The Answer is Love – August 25, 2024
How do Unitarian Universalists – with all our different theologies – come together as one faith? A fresh articulation of our values says Love is the answer. So, how does that work?
Moon Song – August 18, 2024
Poets tell us the moon is mysterious, beautiful, compelling, strange, romantic, and hidden. Why do we love the moon so? What is the draw we feel toward it?
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Rev. Douglas Taylor 