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

Christmas, the holiday of new hope, comes even when hope is hard to find. Thank goodness it does, especially this year as we are entering into another coronavirus wave. At 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, come join Rev. Anastassia and be in community as we find hope in messages of our faith, in holiday music, and in being in community together. Online only. Audio of the full service, recorded on December 24th, 2021. 

Direct download: UUCA_Christmas_Eve_Full_Audio.mp3
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As we continue to explore the theme of love, Rev. Anastassia will lead us through considering how we can use our minds, thought analysis and organizing, and hearts, through love and forgiveness, to create the possibility of a better future. Delivered on December 12th, 2021.

Direct download: UUCA_12-12.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:00am EDT

We hold our first congregational meeting immediately following the service. Today the ministers will give their State of Our Union" sermon sharing highlights from the last six months of ministry at UUCA. Delivered on December 5th, 2021. 

Direct download: UUCA_12-5.mp3
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Join us this Sunday for a magical telling of Stone Soup. Audience participation will be expected so come ready to join in the fun. After service, we will gather for soup and celebration of this annual event that begins our holiday season. Music by the UUCA Choir. Delivered 11-28-2021. 

Direct download: UUCA_Stone_Soup_11-28.mp3
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Every life has challenges, and yet no matter the pain and struggles, we can choose to pay attention to a narrative of gratitude. In the process, we can discover joy, health, and a new sense of belonging, not only to the universe as a whole but also to ourselves. Rev. Anastassia preaching with our Worship Ensemble. Delivered on Sunday November 21st, 2021.

Direct download: UUCA_11-21.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:50am EDT

Have you ever been disappointed? How did you resolve it? Rev. John shares 4 things that helps him move from sadness to grace every time. Music by Rob Redei and the UUCA Choir. Delivered on November 14th, 2021. 

 

Direct download: UUCA_Sermon_11-14.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:54am EDT

Non-violent social movements and actions have effective outcomes, while also reducing risk and harm. Come join us as we consider the strategic nature of non-violence and the spiritual and personal practices that support it. Rev. Anastassia preaching, with music by Josh Long and our Worship Ensemble. Delivered November 7th, 2021. 

Direct download: UUCA_Sermon_11-8.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:14am EDT

As a community, we make many covenants, inherent in them all is to be a gift to one another. When we hurt or harm each other that disrupts our connection with one another. Let us recognize that there have been moments of harm in our community, and grow to understand how such moments land. Together, let us commit ourselves anew to being a community that seeks to contribute to each other's lives, including by reducing harm among ourselves. Music by Sarah Jones. Rev. Anastassia Zinke. Given on October 31st, 2021. 

Direct download: UUCA_10-31.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:08am EDT

The Hindu concept of Ahimsa teaches that when we do harm to another person we do harm to ourselves. "Hurt people hurt people." Today Rev John explores the origins of conflict and violence from the individual to the culture and how we can overcome this tragic pattern. Delivered Sunday October 24th, 2021. 

Direct download: Reading_Sermon_Oct._24th_UUCA.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:29pm EDT

Join Rev. John as he explores a pattern in humanity's evolution that links us to the Buddha's awakening and our potential as evolved beings who do no harm on the planet. Joshua Long and the UUCA Ensemble will provide music. Delivered on Sunday October 17th, 2021.

Direct download: Prayer_Reading_Sermon_Sunday_October_17th_2021.mp3
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When we have done something important wrong, or worse harmed someone, we carry that burden. Confronting it, engaging our failure to live our values, feels like a wrestling match. Why is that? And what blessing can come from wrestling with our worthiness for forgiveness and self-forgiveness? Rev. Anastassia preaching, with music by Josh Long. Delivered on Sunday October 3rd, 2021.

Direct download: Sermon_for_Sunday_October_3rd.mp3
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We know giving forgiveness is an important human virtue, yet whether, how, and when to forgive are challenging questions. What is the spiritual work that proceeds our ability to forgive? Rev. Anastassia preaching, music by Rob Redei and the UUCA Choir. Given on Sunday October 10th, 2021

Direct download: Reading_Sermon_Sunday_October_10th.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:01pm EDT

Did you know that the earth is 70% water and you are 60% water?  That is a close comparison.  Does this mean anything to you?  If it does or doesn't listen to Rev. John's message on water and why understanding this element is a way to better understand ourselves.

Direct download: Water_Metaphors-podcast.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:42pm EDT

Theology and Practice. Rev John continues part 2 of his discussion on why, after 20 years, he is still a UU.

Direct download: 05302021_Rev._John_T._Crestwell_Jr._-_Why_I_Am_Still_a_UU__Part_II.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

I became a Unitarian Universalist in 2001. It's been 20 years. I have changed--a lot. I want to share this story with you and how I see the purpose of our faith today in the religious landscape.

Direct download: 05232021_Rev._John_Sermon_Why_I_am_Still_a_UU_After_20_Years.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

What has membership meant to UUCA over through the ages? We want to honor the act of committing to a community of faith. Come join Joshua Long, the Membership Team, and several UUCA members as they share stories, music, and reflection for this special service.

Direct download: 05162021_Rev._Anastassia_Zinke_Members_Sunday.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

At the heart of this and every Beloved Community is love, always love. But love isn’t just a feeling, it’s a practice—a shared practice of affection and care. In congregational life, it matters how we tell the story of our love. This Sunday we’ll consider some “love stories” and what they have to teach us about the practice of love at church. Music by Rob Redei and the UUCA Choir.

Rev. Rob Hardies is a preacher, teacher, and an experienced leader of retreats and pilgrimages. From 2001 to 2020, he was Senior Minister of All Souls Church, Unitarian in Washington, DC, a large, multiracial congregation. During his ministry at All Souls, Rob helped create organizations that advocated for marriage equality and for voting rights. He lives in Washington with his husband and son.

Direct download: 05092021_Rev._Dr._Robert_M._Hardies_Sermon_Love_Always.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie states that the danger of the single story is "the ability not just to tell the story of another person, but to make it the definitive story of that person." One single story that has been part of American history is that Black lives are expendable. We have seen again and again that this single story is not only dangerous, but deadly. In this service, we will consider the Derek Chauvin trial, and how many worked to counter the single stories that informed this case. We will highlight how we need to continue to counter racist and problematic stories, and re-story our way towards Beloved Community. Music by Joshua Long.

Direct download: 05022021_Rev._Anastassia_Zinke_The_Dangers_of_the_Single_Story.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Ralph Waldo Emerson recognized that the world is meant to be savored and we are designed to savor it. Why is the act of savoring essential for our spiritual lives? Once we have seen the world and savored its beauty, then we know we are called it save it, both for itself and for ourselves. Let us dedicate ourselves to saving this earth.

 

 

Direct download: 04.25.2021_Rev_AZ_Dedicate_Ourselves_to_Save_this_Earth.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Today we examine Naomi Klein's most recent book while also examining "regenerative economies" and how UUCA can adopt and adapt some of its current social justice practices. Music by Rob Redei and the UUCA Choir.

Direct download: 04.18.2021_You_are_the_Earth.mp4
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr., Minister
Rev. Anastassia Zinke, Minister

The early Jesus followers believed that they would be with Jesus again in an idyllic, earthly community. On this Easter Sunday, we celebrate the paradise that our Earth is meant to be and dedicate ourselves to be evangelists for this earth. Music by Rob Redei and our UUCA Choir.

   

Direct download: 04042021_Our_Earth_is_the_Home_of_the_Beloved_Community_Sermon.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

We yearn for freedom but what does ultimate freedom look like? In this service Rev. John will look at integrative spirituality as a framework for your spiritual freedom.

Direct download: 03282021_Rev._John_Sermon_Liberation_Accountability_Yin__and_Yang.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Join Rev. John as he examines the value of being authentic while also being accountable to the relationships around you. The message will also address the pros and cons of "Cancel Culture" and why respect is at the heart of the matter.

Direct download: 03.21.2021_Message__Authenticity_Keeping_it_Real_and_Cancel_Culture.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Mutuality exists when we live in such a way that we extend the same level of respect, care, and compassion for one another. When we "live for one another" as our Sunday covenant states, we extend this mutuality to our choices beyond the one-to-one relationship. For example, when we wear COVID masks or quarantine to keep one another safe, or when we increase access whether by adding ramps or by shifting away from being a mono-culture towards being multicultural. We can live in mutuality by truly getting to know one another. This Sunday, we will recognize the profound loss and impact of COVID over the past year, and also lift up how sustaining being in mutual relationship with one another is. Rev. Anastassia Zinke, preaching. Music by Rob Redei and the UUCA choir.

Direct download: 03_14_2021_Rev__AZ_Commitment_to_Mutuality.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Have you ever noticed that we don’t have a word for nonviolence in itself? In all our languages, this ancient though often untapped practice, has been referred to linguistically as the opposite of violence. It is more than that. Let us consider what nonviolence is, not merely as a political strategy, but more as a personal and spiritual practice. How can nonviolence disrupt patterns of harm, and help move us into the spiritual wholeness and right relationship. Rev. Anastassia Zinke preaching. Music by Joshua Long, UUCA Ensemble & UUCA Choir.

Rev. Anastassia Zinke

Direct download: 03.07.2021_Rev__AZ_Commitment_to_Non_Violence.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Emergent Strategy means that we practice biomimicry. That is, we do what nature does in our religious, social, and political associations. How can this way of life transform our planet and our Beloved Community? Rev. John and Rev. Anastassia will share the pulpit. Music by Josh Long.

Direct download: 02.21.2021_Rev._Anastassia_Sermon_-_Emergent_Strategy.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Emergent Strategy means that we practice biomimicry. That is, we do what nature does in our religious, social, and political associations. How can this way of life transform our planet and our Beloved Community? Rev. John and Rev. Anastassia will share the pulpit. Music by Josh Long.

Direct download: 02.21.2021_Rev_John_Emergent_Strategy_audio.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

In a popular Unitarian Universalist hymn (also found in many other hymn collections), one verse speaks about the promise of a better tomorrow (Beloved Community) shaped by the "flame of freedom in [our] souls and the light of science in [our] eyes." Beloved Community, freedom, and science. This trio has meaning that vibrates in our way of faith and in our nation - all three were publicly named at President Biden's inauguration. Let's hold these up in the light for greater clarity. Music by Rob Redei and the UUCA Choir.

Direct download: 02142021_Rev._Dr._Fredric_Muir_Sermon_-_Staying_in_the_Struggle.mp4
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

What does Beloved Community actually mean to you? What does it look like and feel like? In this message, Rev. John will take us on a journey toward our own realization of what BC is, means, and requires.

Don't let the title fool you. This sermon is about my personal spiritual journey as a Unitarian Universalist minister and why I'm now more nature-based and Zen about my faith and message for humanity.

Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr.

Direct download: Eschatological_Exegesis.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

The best way to teach our children is to be and to show: how we behave and how we engage with the world are much better predictors of how our children will do than all the books we’ve read about parenting could teach us. Rev. Anastassia preaching. Music by Joshua Long.

Rev. Anastassia Zinke

Direct download: 01.31.2021_Worship_Service_Wholehearted_Parenting.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Brené Brown holds that we disengage for two reasons: to protect ourselves and because we feel that the people who are supposed to be leading us are not living up to the social contract. In this age of polarization and violence upon our democracy, when our public leaders, neighbors, and family members have disappointed us, how can we courageously step into the gap between reality and our aspirational values? Rev. Anastassia preaching. Music by Rob Redei and the UUCA Choir.

Rev. Anastassia Zinke

Direct download: 01.24.2021_Service_Courageously_Engaging_the_Gap.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

What was Dr. King's secret to his success? Was it his education, family, timing, or something else? Let's explore this together as we look at what his message means to us in light of the state of our nation.

Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr.

Direct download: Sermon_and_Part_2._The_Thinking_of_MLK_Moving_From_Fear_to_Courage.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Rev. John responds to the events at the Capitol and shares the secret teaching of all ages which is the key to humanity moving forward toward beloved community. Abracadabra! "No one is sure as to the origin of the strange word 'abracadabra'. ... - The word is of Hebrew or Aramaic origin, being derived either from the Hebrew words 'ab' (father), 'ben' (son), and 'ruach hakodesh' (holy spirit), or from the Aramaic 'avra kadavra', meaning 'it will be created in my words'." (phrases.org.uk)

Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr.

 

Direct download: Message____Word_is_Bond_.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

With Rev. Anastassia. Though we don’t always recognize it, shame causes us to disconnect from love and belonging. We can restore connection when we embrace our own worthiness and demonstrate vulnerability and authenticity. Why is this particularly important as we seek to build the beloved community? Music by Rob Redei and the UUCA Choir.

Rev. Anastassia, Chalice

Direct download: 01.03.2021_Embracing_Vulnerability_Service_Pt._1_Audio.mp4
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT