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

Join Rev. John on Christmas Day for more stories about the origins of Christmas and why it is a holiday for all souls not just for Christians. Music by Joshua Long, and the UUCA worship ensemble. Sunday, December 25th, 2022.

Direct download: Christmas_Day_clip.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:16am EDT

Christmas, the holiday of new hope, comes even when hope is hard to find. In this season when the night grows long, let us remember where we find hope and the holy. With Revs. Anastassia Zinke and John T. Crestwell, Jr. Music by Emily Sergo.

Direct download: Christmas_Eve.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:02am EDT

On this choir Sunday, from December 18th, listen to "Frostiana", seven of Robert Frost's poems put to music by composer Randall Thompson. Celebrate the incredible talent of Rob Redei, our many musicians, and our fabulous UUCA Choir!

Direct download: Frostina.mp3
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Today the ministers look at widening the circle of privilege and the UUA’s Article II proposal and what it means for our faith and values.  Member Graham Smith from our BBC Antiracism Committee offers a response to the message.  Enjoy!

Direct download: 8th_Principle.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:49pm EDT

Our 7th Principle, "respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part," likely falls short in capturing how fundamental and sacred our relationship with all existence is (which naturally includes each other as well as nature). Let us celebrate this deep interdependent web. Rev. Anastassia preached, and Scott Eden gave a testimony. Delivered Sunday December 4th, 2022.

Direct download: 7th_Principle.mp3
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Rev. John T. Crestwell Jr. today explores what peace, liberty, and justice for all mean in light of current events. Evelyn Curran gives a reflection on the sixth principle. Delivered November 20th, 2022.

Direct download: Sixth_Principle.mp3
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In the 2022 election, we saw both how threatened and how important "the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process" was. This principle is meant to be alive within our congregations and in society at large. Let's consider how we can strengthen our conscience and our democratic processes. Rev. Anastassia preaching, music by Rob Redei and our UUCA choir. Delivered Nov. 13th, 2022.

Direct download: 5th_Principle.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:56pm EDT

In this message, Rev. John reflects on the 4th UU principle in light of the mid-term elections, recent comments by Kanye West, and Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter.  He also discusses the principle from a BIPOC perspective and adds insight into how we search for what is true for us in life. Delivered Sunday, November 6th, 2022. #ElonMusk #Kanyewest #Freedom #Fourthprinciple #Twitter #midtermelection
 
Direct download: 4th_Principle.mp3
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Our Second Principle calls for “justice, equity, and compassion in human relations,” each of which seems particularly lacking in our democracy and society today. How as Unitarian Universalists can we be faithful to this principle and bring it more into the world? Rev. Anastassia preaching, with music by Josh Long and our Worship Ensemble. Delivered on October 23rd, 2022. 

Direct download: 2nd_Principle.mp3
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What is the meaning of our first UU principle? What was the context surrounding its development? How do we square it with people and groups we don't agree with? Join Rev. John as he explores what the "worth and dignity of all" means for us today. Delivered Sunday, October 16th, 2022.

Direct download: 1st_Principle.mp3
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A pilgrimage may reach its destination but the hope, the wisdom, and the lessons learned along the way offer a new starting point. What have we learned and what transformation — what “other way” — are we called to in the name of the right
relationship in our lives? Let's hear from our Camino pilgrims! Grateful for the reflections of Jenn Pollitt Hill, Tricia Hopkins, Jeanne Jehl, Jane Carrigan, Caroline Hadley, and Dianne Moreau. Delivered Sunday, October 9th, 2022. 

Direct download: Camino_Service.mp3
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In your life pilgrimage your tripping stones are also your stepping stones. As you level up in your fractal climb to "heaven", those higher steps require courage and acceptance of unknown spaces. Sermon delivered by Rev. John. T. Crestwell, Jr. on Sunday, September 25th, 2022. 

Direct download: Pleasure_and_Pain.mp3
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All who wander are not lost. Being lost is being found. Let's explore the story of the Prodigal Son and the story of the Alchemist. Delivered by Rev. John T Crestwell, Jr. Delivered on Sunday, September 18th, 2022. 

Direct download: You_are_the_Alchemist.mp3
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As we begin another church year together, let us gather ourselves and our blessing for our journey ahead with our annual water communion ceremony, and backpack blessing. Rev. Anastassia Zinke preaching. Delivered on Sunday, September 11th, 2022. 

Direct download: Our_Communal_Pilgrimmage.mp3
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In this sermon, Rev. John highlights many of the themes the ministers will lift up this church year and the vision/mission for continuing the quest of building a Beloved Community at UUCA and beyond. Music by Joshua Long and the Worship Ensemble. Delivered Sunday, August 28th, 2022.

Direct download: This_Church_Year.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:47pm EDT

Civility, humility, kindness, sharing, and modesty are some of the things we learned in Kindergarten but in our world today these words have seemingly lost their meaning and value. Let's examine ancient and modern civilizations and why we are just beginning to learn how to build community. Sermon delivered by Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr. Music by Betsy Kranning.

Direct download: Civilizations.mp3
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We all seek to become somebody or achieve success according to our definition of the word. But what if the ultimate goal is not to become anything? Sermon by Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr.  Music by Sara Jones. Delivered on Sunday, August 14th, 2022. 

Direct download: Becoming_Nobody.mp3
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Unitarian Universalists are questioners. We honor this by having our ministers answer your questions. What are the questions that are gripping your spirit these days? You may submit them in advance by emailing Karen Murphy-Keddell. This is Rev. John's first Sunday back from sabbatical, so we know that you are curious. Music by Sara Jones. Delivered on Sunday, August 8th, 2022. 

Direct download: To_Question.mp3
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The Webb telescope recently provided us with the earliest look into the origins of our universe. This cosmic nursery was also the beginning story for our Earth, for life abundant, and for human life. Let us consider the grand story of which we are a part. Sermon delivered by Rev. Anastassia Zinke. Music by Josh Long and the UUCA worship ensemble. Delivered on Sunday, July 31st, 2022. 

Direct download: From_the_Beginning.mp3
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Explore two narratives about encountering starfish. Let us consider how they might help us discern how we want to meet the world at this moment. Rev. Anastassia preaching, with music offered by Betsy Kraning. Delivered Sunday, July 24th, 2022.

Direct download: Starfish.mp3
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The US political, social, and medical landscape changed dramatically with the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe vs Wade and cleared the way for several states to highly restrict or ban abortion services. For us at UUCA, what are the implications of this decision? How will our faith guide us through this time? Rev. Anastassia preaching. Music by Rob Redei and the UUCA choir. Delivered Sunday, July 17th, 2022.

Direct download: Dobbs_Decision.mp3
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This is the story of a good death. We faced it with song and memories and kung pao chicken. It was achieved with intention and mindfulness. It was meant to face Mom's final journey in joy instead of fear. I hope we all learn to be the master of our final moments from this loving example.  By Jane Carrigan, Board of Trustees President, Worship Leader. Delivered on Sunday, May 29th, 2022.

Direct download: Moms_Final_Journey.mp3
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We Only Have Now. Love is an action word that is often expressed as collective action. NOW is the operative word since we only have now. Examples and questions are what drive us to social justice, but only if we truly believe in the 7 Principles and live the 8th Principle in our private and public lives. Thornell Jones is an active member of UUCA who has been a lay leader, is a member of the 8th Principle Practice Team, and is an active social justice leader in the community. Delivered on Sunday, June 19th, 2022.

Direct download: Now_is_the_time.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 10:25am EDT

Carrie Baquie explores a few pivotal crossroads she encountered on her road to recovery from sudden traumatic illness. We learn through her story that within us all is the power to transform our experience. Following the service at 11:15 am in the Angebrandt Room, we invite you to join Carrie for an After Hour GOING DEEPER session to explore the feelings and emotions around this topic.

A 20-year IT Project Manager and spunky mother of three teens, in early 2019 Carrie experienced a stroke compounded by Lyme disease and Mold Illness. She successfully struggled through misdiagnoses and a lack of agency to emerge as a chronic illness coach. Carrie empowers others with long-term health challenges to rediscover hope, learn to advocate for their own needs, and build wellness at the physical, emotional and spiritual levels. Music by guest pianist-singer and activist Alice Mayne-Ashworth. Alice performs with Strangers That Clique, a DC-based fusion original funk-soul-hip-hop-rock band, and Joyous Voices carolers. Alice has worked with the Debt Collective and other causes to incorporate creative tactics including music and art in designing effective, imaginative collective actions. Delivered Sunday, July 10th, 2022. 

Direct download: UUCA_7-10-2022.mp3
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On July 3, the eve of our nation's birthday, Max Ochs led a service titled: "I HEAR AMERICA SINGING". With help from some gifted UUCA musicians, using a pastiche of folksongs and readings from Mark Twain, Abraham Lincoln, Sophia L. Fahs, Reed Whittemore, and others, Max offers his vision of The America I Believe In.

 

Max Ochs began his association with UUCA’s Liberal Religious Youth (LRY) in 1956, when he was fifteen. He worked for decades at Anne Arundel County’s anti-poverty agency, and the A.A. Conflict Resolution Center. He has a Masters in Humanities from St. John’s College. Max styles himself as a “primitive American” guitarist, with several recordings. His book of poems "Just Caws" is available on Amazon. He and Suzanne enjoy their nine grandchildren. Flowers provided by Audrey Lengbeyer.

Direct download: uuca_7-3.mp3
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With Special Guest Speaker, Leika Lewis-Cornwell!

With the climate and weather, ongoing waves of pandemic, court decisions, and other justice issues, sometimes it seems like the same experience over and over again. So how do we keep going--and growing--when it can be so easy to feel stuck? Music will be provided by Joshua Long and the UUCA Ensemble. Delivered on Sunday June 26th, 2022. 

Direct download: UUCA_6-26.mp3
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Our favorite songs, whoever the artist or whatever the style, were created in a strange alchemy of study and inspiration, of strict practice and of letting go. Spiritual practice is a similar combination of dedication, muscle memory and perhaps a little divine inspiration. Join us for a musical exploration of learning to risk, building the muscle memory of courage, and a spiritual practice of relationship when things around us are changing fast. Speaker Matt Meyer. Delivered on Sunday, June 12th, 2022.

Direct download: It_Takes_Practice.mp3
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During this Membership Sunday service, we will reflect together on the meaning we find as part of the UUCA community. We will hear reflections from Rev. Anastassia and members of our congregation. One-year reflection from McKendre Jay. Ten-year reflection from Linda Mundy. Twenty-five-year reflection from Ted Hall. Finally, forty-year reflection from Cindy Curtis.  Music by Rob Redei and the UUCA Choir. Delivered on Sunday June 5th, 2022. 

Direct download: UUCA_6-5-22.mp3
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We will celebrate our Bridging High School seniors as they cross this life stage milestone. We will honor and bless our faith formation volunteers for their incredible service over the past year. Rev. Anastassia preaching, with music offered by Rob Redei and our UUCA Choir. Delievered Sunday May 22nd, 2022. Congratulations Senoirs: Fiona Coleman, Lillian Davis, Maeya Devlin Tremble, Teddy Fleming, Nathaniel Hill, Haven Hitchcock, Isabella Roman, Simmone Wallace, and Will Whitaker.

Direct download: UUCA_5-22.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:17pm EDT

There are many issues that Unitarian Universalists are interested in engaging, so much so the issues sometimes almost define us. But perhaps even more defining is the how of how we do collective action. This Sunday, Rev. Anastassia will draw upon the thought work of adrienne maree brown (writer, a pleasure activist, Octavia Butler scholar, facilitator, speaker and singer, and doula) to unpack some key practices that in brown's words can "grow our capacity to embody the just and liberated worlds we long for." Rev. Anastassia preaching, with music offered by Josh Long and our Worship Ensemble. Delivered on Sunday, May 15th, 2022. 

Direct download: UUCA_5-15.mp3
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For over a year Rev. Fred Muir partnered with a team of UU colleagues to review and write about “Widening the Circle of Concern” (the Report of the UUA Commission on Institutional Change, 2020). It’s a bold, comprehensive, and “frame-bending” appraisal of our multicultural, anti-racism commitments with many recommendations. This morning Rev. Fred will share some of his insights—institutional and personal, religious and spiritual—inspired by our work with particular attention as to how these might shape our sustaining affirmation of the 8th Principle. (This sermon was purchased at UUCA’s auction by Olga Pabon, Angelique Berry, Thornell Jones, and Stan Keeve. If you can, please look at these two links: Widening the Circle of Concern and 8th Principle. Music by Rob Redei and the UUCA Choir. Delivered on Sunday, May 8th, 2022.

Direct download: UUCA_5-8.mp3
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All the major world religions have a theology that narrates humanity's relationship with the Earth, and that often manifests in certain environments or landmarks being recognized as sacred and, therefore, not to be violated. Come hear what a UU sacred text might sound like, and help identify what local places on this Earth we want to recognize as sacred. Rev. Anastassia preaching, with music by Josh Long. Delievered Sunday, May 1st, 2022.

Direct download: UUCA_5-1.mp3
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Through voluntary or forced migration, most people in the United States don't live on their ancestral land, and in the process, the sacred wisdom traditions and practices of living entwined with the earth have become lost. Utilizing Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by indigenous botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer, let us reflect on how we can have the Earth become of primary teacher again. Rev. Anastassia preaching, music by the UUCA choir. Delievered on Sunday, April 24th, 2022. 

Direct download: UUCA_4-24.mp3
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When Jesus needed to discern the next steps, he went into the wildness. When we celebrate Passover, we taste bitter herbs and horseradish from our Earth to recall the wisdom and experience of our ancestors. When the crocus opens its purple petals to the crisp air we are invited to experience a vision of Spring. This Easter Sunday, let's consider both what small deaths we can abide, and what revealed truths are speaking to us now. Rev. Anastassia preaching, music by Rob Redei, and the UUCA choir. Delivered on Sunday April 17th, 2022.

Direct download: Let_the_Earth_Speak.mp3
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UUCA member and Somatic Psychotherapist Jessie Rhines will share a top-down view of the current state of mental health, as well as some bottom-up practices she recommends to help us better care for ourselves and our communities. Join us for our last sermon on the theme of “Compassion,” woven throughout with experiential practice. Music by Josh Long. Delivered on Sunday, April 10th, 2022. 

Direct download: Jessie_Hines_4.10.mp3
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Send Rev. John off on sabbatical with a blessing and listen again to his vision for UUCA in the present/future. Music by The UUCA Choir. Delivered on Sunday, March 27th, 2022.

Direct download: See_Ya_Later_John.mp3
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For this service, Rev. John shares what the environment and world religions have to say about compassion and empathy. Music by the UUCA Ensemble. Delivered on Sunday March 13th, 2022. 

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This pandemic time has exposed fault lines around how individualism and community can come into conflict. Through the work of several contemporary ethicists, we’ll explore how we can make good choices, what we owe to each other, and how our foundational ideals inform those ideas. Guest minister, Rev. Christian Schmidt preaching. Music provided by Rob Redei. Delivered on Sunday March 6th, 2022.

Direct download: UUCA_3-6.mp3
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In this message, Rev. John Crestwell, shares his understanding of Casteism and Racism using the brilliant writing of author Isabel Wilkerson from her book Caste: The Origins of our Discontent.

 

Direct download: Caste_MP3_.mp4
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:02am EDT

Today let's learn why our auto-pilot biases against "them" are tearing our country apart--and how you can hack your mind to be anti-racist and anti-oppressive. Music by Nicole Rumeau. Delivered by John T. Crestwell Jr. on Sunday February 20th, 2022. 

Direct download: UUCA_2-20.mp3
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While political and social activism are essential components of antiracism, so too is spiritual work. How can we use the frame work of blessings to engage in behaviors that foster the Beloved Community? What are some of these practices? Rev. Anastassia preaching, music offered by Rob Redei and the UUCA Choir. Delivered on Sunday February, 13th.

Direct download: UUCA_2-13.mp3
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In 1907, Dr. Frank Scott Corey Wicks delivered a sermon “Good Men In Hell”, that was published and reprinted by the American Unitarian Association over thirty times. It was the most widely circulated Unitarian sermon, and posited the idea that the Unitarian mandate was to not to conform to places of personal comfort. Where would we go and whom would we be with if we lived this mandate today? How does our theology speak to this? Rev. Anastassia Zinke preaching, with music by Sara Jones. Delivered on Sunday February 6th, 2022.

Direct download: 2.6_UUCA.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:47pm EDT

Thoughtco.com says that "Equality is providing the same level of opportunity and assistance to all segments of society, such as races and genders. Equity is providing various levels of support and assistance depending on specific needs or abilities. Equality and equity are most often applied to the rights and opportunities of minority groups." As Ministers of Equal Standing how do we interpret this meaning? Today the ministers will answer questions about how they are engaging in mindful and equitable partnership. Delivered on Sunday January 23rd, 2022.

Direct download: Mindful_Partnership_UUCA.mp3
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Are you a skilled utilizer of words? I'm working on it! "Be careful of the words you say keep them sweet; because you never know which ones you'll have to eat". I learned that growing up. What does it mean to be mindful with our tongue? Let's examine the power of words today as we practice our theme of being reflective this month. Delivered by Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr. on Sunday January 30th, 2022.

Direct download: Wordsmithing_1-30_UUCA.mp3
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Today we will examine what came out of Rev. King's meditation in prison--his legendary letter that is as important today as it was in 1963. Delivered by Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr. on Sunday January 16th, 2022. 

Direct download: MLK_Sunday_UUCA_1-16.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 4:57pm EDT

Our ancestors have more nuanced understandings of love. Let us explore these various manifestions of love, and how specific and sacred forms of love can be found in our lives. Rev. Anastassia preaching, music by Max Ochs. Delievered January 2nd, 2022. 

Direct download: Layers_1-2.mp3
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