UU Church of Annapolis Podcast
Sermons by the ministers and guests at UUCA -Living boldly and compassionately in Annapolis, MD for over 60 years!
 

Does God exist? Perhaps we've all thought about this question? I have, often, and have drawn a few conclusions. Are you atheist, deist, theist, or none of the above but still believe in a greater good? How do you celebrate the holidays when they are based upon a narrative that says God entered the world through the birth of Jesus to lead humanity to salvation? In this holiday service, Rev. John will tackle the mystery of God and posit that everyone believes in a higher power.

Direct download: John_12_9_18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:59pm EDT

We spend much of our life trying to figure things out - where we came from, who and what are we and where we are going; yet woven in and amongst all of these questions persists randomness, uncertainty and deep mystery. This sermon will explore the spiritual practice of engaging with the unknown.

Direct download: 20181202_9AM_Sermon.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:03am EDT

The holidays can be a time of joy and also a time of struggle. This service will open space for all the complicated feelings we carry during this season of light and darkness.

Direct download: R_20181125-900AM_Sermon.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:54am EDT

Unitarian Universalists 5th principle encourages us to affirm and promote: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large. In a joint sermon following the mid-term election, Revs. John and Kathleen will reflect on the meaning of democracy in a nation divided by the threat of tribalism. Can this election serve as a wake-up call for a new era of civic engagement?  Or, is democracy in deep peril? 

Direct download: 9-30-18_900AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:49am EDT

"Be welcoming" we are told.  It's actually hard to be truly welcoming. Why?  As religious people, however, it is what we do.  It's who we are.

In this message, Rev. John tells the story of UUCA's Black Lives Matter sign and the confession of a young man who stole it.  He ends with the call for UUs to not think small and even though it's counter-intuitive, to open its doors even wider to welcome the strangers looking for our UU sanctuary.  Enjoy...

 

Direct download: welcomingthestranger.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:51pm EDT

In the midst of the fight for justice, how do we care for the spirit? This sermon will examine the history of armistice, and what that means for the ways we create sanctuary.

- Leika Lewis-Cornwell, Intern Minister

Direct download: Leika_10_14_18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:34pm EDT

In liberal circles being woke is a popular saying these days.  It's in to be aware-but aware of what? Rev. John delves into why there are woes and wows as we awaken to the true realities of what life really is.

Direct download: John_9_30_18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:22pm EDT

There are plenty of misconceptions about the role of forgiveness in our lives.  Some of these are indeed grounded in religious teachings; others are secular attempts to express the need to forgive.  But what about the commitment of acts which are unforgivable?  What do we do with those?  Rev.Kathleen delivers a message that explores forgiveness, resentment, and moving through some of life's most difficult and heartbreaking moments. 

Direct download: Kathleen_9_16_18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:58pm EDT

Shauntee Daniels, Worship Lay Minister, examines the words of Frederick Douglass It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. Right now, children of color are at risk, we know that for sure. But when we examine the facts all children are at risk. What are the risks? How can we look at ourselves to help all children be strong?

Direct download: Sermon_Shauntee_8_26_18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:36pm EDT

Current science is discovering that trees and other organisms can and do communicate with each other. Hear how Lisa Fleeharty explores how this informs our understanding of our seventh principle and its connection to the first (and eighth!).

 

Direct download: R_20180819-095943_Lisa_Fleeharty_Sunday_Sermon.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:08am EDT

Listen to UU seminarian and former DRE Dayna Edwards as she explores the ways in which life and death conspire to keep us in balance whether we like it or not.   Her words are timely given our recent tragedy.


 

Direct download: Dayna_Edwards_Worship_Service.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:05am EDT

We all think about our own life and how it will change over time. It is prudent to think about how our church
will change. Even though we are addressing our documents and taking an inventory of our activities today, we have taken a major step in adopting the 8th Principle. How will this affect the church community and help us grow our faith? How will this expand the breadth of our reach?
 
Direct download: Thornell_August_5_2018.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:34pm EDT

When our bodies are wounded, the body kicks into high gear to begin the process of healing. From the common cold to more serious diseases or injuries, our body intuitively knows how to heal itself.  When we are faced with trauma, grief and/or loss we need to pay equal attention to how our we heal emotionally and spiritually.  The good news is that healing can, does, and will occur.   As we seek to heal from a collective trauma, we'll look at ways to continue that process in the days, weeks, months and years ahead.

Direct download: Kathleen_sermon_july_22_2018.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:54am EDT

This interactive service will draw from multiple sources and traditions to examine the "golden rule" and what we can learn from each other about embracing the joy in life.
Reading is by Whitney Houston, The Greatest Love of All
Read by Worship Leader Alethea Shiplett 
 
 
 
Direct download: Leika_Joy_7_15_18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:12pm EDT

Join Worship Leader, Jane Carrigan and she explores forgiveness, letting go and reconciling her relationship with her sister through the spiritual practice of "Ho'oponopono".

 

Direct download: JaneCarriganFinal.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:34pm EDT

This is the entire service save the first 15-minutes, unfortunately.  There is a live stream and also a videotape version coming soon.  This version is 2:22 minutes but worth every second.   Thank you Wendi for your bravery and love of what you do!

Direct download: Wendimemorialservice.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:52pm EDT

On June 28 at 2:33pm, We lost an incredible member of our congregation, Wendi Winters.  Her service was too large to be held in our sanctuary with a 250 capacity.  We moved the service to Maryland Hall which holds 726.  There were over 1000 in attendance (standing room only); and another 1,000 watching our live-stream.  "This is the biggest thing to happen in the life of our congregation to date," many said..  We have all been profoundly hurt and changed.  

On this UUCA podcast, Rev. John Crestwell, shares his Eulogy to/for/of Wendi Winters, our hero.  He wants all of us to do what Wendi would, "Not cower in tough times" and to "Be the change we wish to see," as Gandhi said.  We will never forget you Wendi!

Below is the picture she took of Rev. John in 2008. It's a good picture!

 

Direct download: WintersEulogy-Crestwell.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:10pm EDT

In 1920, Olympia Brown gave her final sermon entitled, "The Opening Doors," few weeks after the passage of the 19th Amendment which gave women the right to vote in America. This victory sermon was a reminder to the Universalists in Racine, Wisconsin to remember their shared salvation and how they are called to be a blessing to others. A century later, this message may still ring true for us.

Direct download: Josh_Universalism_our_saving_Grace.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

"It only takes a spark to get a fire going...That's how it is with love.." Kurt Kaiser's words guide this message about generosity--lighting the flame within; and the power giving has on people, places and things!  Check out Rev. John's message on Father's Day 2018.

Note:  This message was not recorded live so this is a re-recording.

 

 

 

Direct download: flame2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:25pm EDT

Rev.Kathleen Rolenz & Leika Lewis-Cornwell
What do you do when you find yourself between a rock and a hard place? As we look at the monthly theme of "Blessing" we find that many blessings aren't visible until we are going through troubled times. The Worship leaders reflect on blessing and struggle in this sermon. This was a multi-sensory service in which the entire worship team was involved so we do acknowledge their dedication for producing such a meaningful service. 
 
Direct download: Between_a_rock_and_a_hard_place.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:30pm EDT

SSECCUS with Rev. John Crestwell, Jr. 
 
Is this title creative?  Creativity is our monthly theme.  I spelled success backward because I think many have it all wrong. Today I examine ideas and definitions of  success that may be opposite to what you may have considered success to be. 
 
NOTE:  Sermon wasn't recorded live so Rev. John did a manual recording for this podcast.  
 
Direct download: SUCCESSBackward2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:08am EDT

Surrendering is seen as cowardice by many but it actually is very courageous and is one of the hardest things in life to do. We hold on--sometimes too long--and in the process lose the very thing we wanted so badly. Using strategies from Dr. David Hawkins, Rev. John will help us with one of the hardest lessons of all--letting go. 

Direct download: John_5_20_18_law_of_surrender.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:07pm EDT

Mum's the word is British slang for "keeping quiet." Today, however, we're not keeping quiet about the role that our Mums (or moms) play in our lives. This multigenerational service celebrates Mother's Day and included our annual Flower Ceremony. 

Direct download: Kathleen_Mothers_day_2018.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:29pm EDT

We are restless souls yearning to be understood and evolve. What is emerging in ourselves and in humanity? Inspired by the words of the Chilean Poet Pablo Neruda, Rev. John explores how learning to understand our emerging selves and each other allows us to live into the Beloved Community. 

 

 

Direct download: John_4_29_18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:29pm EDT

Heloise's household hints column was begun in 1959 to help readers clean up life's spills, stains and stinks. Our greatest household - the planet - is desperately in need of action if we want to preserve the home for present and future generations. Rev.Kathleen Rolenz shares her thoughts in this Earth Day Sermon. 

Direct download: Kathleen_4_22.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:47am EDT

This Sunday combines two seemingly opposite holidays; the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth from the tomb and April Fool's Day - a day of pranks, merriment and the opportunity for those in positions of power to be foolish or to be exposed as fools. Yet, much of Jesus' ministry was to show those in power how foolish they truly were.  Regardless if you identify as a Christian or not, the practice of resurrection is both a foolish hope and a possibility still in the making.

Direct download: Kathleen_Easter_4_1_18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:34pm EDT

Are you angry? Have you struggled with anger? There are many schools of thought about anger and its productive and counter-productive qualities. Rev. John Crestwell analyzes the many angles of anger and how we can balance our own internal fire, productively, before it becomes fury and does harm to ourselves and others.  This is a continuation of last week's message focusing on the success of the March for our Lives, toxic masculinity, and transmuting our anger energy into positive change. 

Direct download: John_March_25.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:42am EDT

Leader of the Harlem Children's Zone in New York City, Geoffrey Canada, told his story of how things escalate into violence in his book  Fist, Stick, Knife, Gun. Canada was able to turn many New York blocks into safe zones for children to be educated. We can do the same in our own way if we develop the moral courage as a nation. As we prepare to march for our children on March 24th, let's discuss what de-escalation and balance could look like in our society.

 Note:  Rev. John said the first school shooting was in 1964--he meant 1764.  Here is the link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_school_shootings_in_the_United_States

Direct download: John_march_18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am EDT

If Unitarian Universalist were reviewed in a local magazine would it read "the best kept secret in town?" If so, why is that? Why is it, when people discover Unitarian Universalism, they exclaim: "where have you been all my life?" If the nature of religious life is to make the "invisible visible" then there is much spiritual work to be done. In this sermon, Rev. Kathleen Rolenz sheds light on how we as Unitarian Universalists can become more visible in a way that is true to our values.

Direct download: Kathleen_march_11.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:02am EDT

This past year the nation witnessed an unprecedented reporting of sexual harassment and assault against women as well as some men. The coverage has revealed not only the pervasiveness of inappropriate conduct, but a nation's own uncertainty about what the next steps should be in creating an environment where all people feel welcome, safe, and valued. Rev.Kathleen Rolenz receives a standing ovation for a message that acknowledges the pain, trauma, and abuse many people have experienced while calling us forward into more awareness, love, respect, and wholeness. 

Direct download: Kathleen_march_4_2018.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am EDT

Have you ever had your heart broken by life? English poet, David Whyte, says that "heartbreak is how we mature." It doesn't feel that way when it's happening does it? Rev. John will discuss how your setbacks are actually setups for spiritual growth.

Direct download: john_feb_26.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:10am EDT

Memory lingers long - until it doesn't. When memory fails or fades, what happens to the person or the institution? How does memory shape our understanding of the past and prepare us for the future? This sermon, Rev. Kathleen explores the persistence of our memories and how we make meaning of them.

Direct download: kathleen_2_18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:52am EDT

Charles Darwin gifted the world with the theory of evolution, which remains the gold standard by which we understand the evolution of the species. Understanding the ways in which human beings evolve emotionally and spiritually is no less complex, fascinating, or controversial. Rev. Rolenz shared the sermon with Leika Lewis Cornwell, currently in seminary studying for the Unitarian Universalist ministry. 
 
Direct download: Leika_Kathleen_2_11_18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:58pm EDT

In recognition of Black History Month and UUCA's traditional focus on humanism during the month of February, in this sermon, Rev. Kathleen reflected on the influence of humanism on people of color in Unitarian Universalism. It's a story filled with both triumph and tragedy and has telling implications for the future of this faith.

Direct download: kathleen_2_4.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:48am EDT

A spirit-filled service around our monthly theme of Intention - what it means to chose to intentionally see both sides of a conflict. Life is both intentional and ambiguous. This service Rev. John demonstrates how we as humans can be both complex while trying to meet our most basic needs 

 

Direct download: John_1_28_Both_And.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am EDT

UUCA has done much work on racial justice and engaging with the realities of white privilege and white supremacy. And yet, the struggle to turn our ideals into real, lasting institutional change continue to challenge us to dig deeper and to be more resilient in our resistance to everyday racism. There are two essential things we need to do to continue to build the world we dream about. Our Interim Minister Kathleen Rolenz enlightens us on this Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Service. 

 

Direct download: Kathleen_1_14_Beyond_the_Pale.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Join UUCA's new Interim Senior Minister, Kathleen Rolenz, in exploring change and transition in our lives.  When familiar routines are disrupted; beloved people move or die; what once seemed solid and predictable changes and shifts and with it, so must we.

Direct download: BestofIntentions.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:22pm EDT

Stories are the ties that bind us together at UUCA. In this last Sunday service as our senior minister, Rev. Fred Muir shared stories from my 34 years of ministry with you, stories that will bind us forever. Included in this podcast is the ceremony commemorating Fred's 34 years of service to our congregation. He is named Minister Emeritus along with the wood behind the church building are now called "Muir Woods." Finally a blessing and laying on hands to send the Muirs off to the next chapter on life's journey. 

 

Music: 

"Hush, Somebody's Callin' my Name" - African American Spiritual

"Natural Woman" written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King

"I've Got You Under My Skin" written by Cole Porter

 

UUCA does not own any of the rights to music performed during the service. 

Direct download: Blessed_be_the_tied_that_binds_Rev_Fred_12_31.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:05am EDT