Preaching and Sermons
While I have indicated that a worship service is about much more than the preacher and the sermon, still preaching is central to effective worship, and effective worship can significantly shape congregational life during periods of transition. I approach any worship experience as fundamentally transformative and realize that the sermon can be key to this transformation. Paralleling my commitment to including a variety of elements within any one worship service to touch both heart and head of listeners, I also offer a balanced rotation of sermon/service topics to support the goals of transitioning, as well as particular issues in the congregation. In this rotation I include UU identity (history, polity, theology); social and environmental justice; and pastoral care and spiritual development. In each sermon, to the extent possible, I also try to include references to UU theology, history, and polity as appropriate: sermons are one means of helping congregants grow in understanding what it means to grow in understand Unitarian Universalist identity. I also choose service themes that are relevant to the current life of the community. Certainly, when particular circumstances arise in the days before a service, I respond by changing my service plans as circumstances allow.
I strive to provide good preaching. I devote much time and attention to research, reading, and meditating on my sermon topics. In theory, I aim for the advised equation that each minute of sermon presentation represents one hour of sermon preparation. In practice, I also know that often unexpected events in congregational life often cut sermon preparation time, and I adjust my planning accordingly. Having trained in preaching at a Presbyterian seminary, I learned a manuscript-based approach, also used by many of my UU colleagues. While I pay careful attention to sermon writing, even as I preach from a prepared manuscript, I also respond to the mood of the room as I preach, frequently inserting comments that arise during the spiritually-inspired twenty minutes of sermon time.
Often I make sermons available for persons not able to attend the worship service, since the sermon is one of my primary vehicles for conveying information about the goals of my transitioning ministry. While as an interim minister I do not post sermons on websites, pre-pandemic, I often would make paper copies available on Sunday mornings. I do this in part for congregants who are at church but otherwise are occupied in activities other than in the sanctuary: in particular, the teachers of children and youth in Religious Education classes held at the same time as worship. My sermons are on file for pick up any time.
I include here a variety of recent sermons which reflect different topics and tools of transitioning ministry.
“Worship is the mystery within us
reaching out to the mystery beyond.” - Jacob Trapp
EXAMPLES OF SERMONS (click on titles for full text pr pm video button)
Sermons Delivered at the UU Fellowship of Durango, 2024
"Is This a Faith for the Few?" serfeb11faithforfew-2024.docx
"Stewardship as a Circle of Trust" sermar10stewardship-2024-3.docx
"Is This a Faith for the Few?" serfeb11faithforfew-2024.docx
"Stewardship as a Circle of Trust" sermar10stewardship-2024-3.docx
Renewing Faith: A Sermon Series Inspired by Souls Matters 2022
March 13: “The Language of Faith”
March 20: “What Do We Mean by ‘Faith Development’?”
March 27: “Risky Business: Faith Without Certainty”
March 13: “The Language of Faith”
March 20: “What Do We Mean by ‘Faith Development’?”
March 27: “Risky Business: Faith Without Certainty”
January 26, 2020: "What If Roe Were Overturned?” (Video)
On January 22, !973 the US Supreme Court declared that women have a fundamental right to choose whether or not to continue a pregnancy. A momentous decision like this evokes the wholeness that a woman is, taking into account a range of factors --- economic, professional, relational --- that make up the total of a woman’s life. In particular since 2016 there has been consistent chipping away at reproductive rights in this country. Our UU values call us to take a stand to keep reproductive justice in the hands and hearts of women, not subject to the power of lawmakers. I will include memories of my tenure as chaplain of Planned Parenthood of Austin a decade ago.
January 19, 20120: “Recognizing All That Martin Was” (Video; see also text for a few gaps in sound on the video)
On this weekend when we honor Martin Luther King for all he did to advance racial justice, let us also consider that there are many facets, many stories which make up the total of King’s legacy. We have a tendency --- rightly so --- to create “heros” or “saints” of those who have made monumental contributions to our lives. But is a “heroic” or “saintly” image the total of any given human being? Is any human being one dimensional? How do we reconcile diverse features to assess a complete image of another person? How do we recognize integrity?
On this weekend when we honor Martin Luther King for all he did to advance racial justice, let us also consider that there are many facets, many stories which make up the total of King’s legacy. We have a tendency --- rightly so --- to create “heros” or “saints” of those who have made monumental contributions to our lives. But is a “heroic” or “saintly” image the total of any given human being? Is any human being one dimensional? How do we reconcile diverse features to assess a complete image of another person? How do we recognize integrity?
December 22, 2019: "Celebrating Advent in the Taize Tradition" (Video of complete service)
Today, resonate with the sounds and spirit of Taize music, a worship tradition which originated around 1940 among the Taize Monastic Order in Burgundy, France, a tradition which brings Catholics and Protestants together. An authentic Taizé worship service involves sung and chanted prayers, meditation, silence, and readings rather than a sermon. We incorporate elements of Taize worship into the UUCL Order of Service as we celebrate the arrival of winter.
Today, resonate with the sounds and spirit of Taize music, a worship tradition which originated around 1940 among the Taize Monastic Order in Burgundy, France, a tradition which brings Catholics and Protestants together. An authentic Taizé worship service involves sung and chanted prayers, meditation, silence, and readings rather than a sermon. We incorporate elements of Taize worship into the UUCL Order of Service as we celebrate the arrival of winter.
November 10: “I Walked to the Sea: Attention and Transformation in Pilgrimage” (Video)
I have just returned from walking El Cmino do Santiago in Spain, on one of the many pilgrimage routes to the sacred destination city of Santiago da Compostela, traveled by countless pilgrims for the past thousand years. Pilgrimage calls us to the spiritual practice of attention, our worship them this month, and opens up to deep listening and transformation. Come hear about just a few of my transformative experiences as I walked westward to the sea, to what the ancients believed was the “End of the Earth” (Finisterre).Walking El Comino is indeed what Joseph Campbell called a “hero’s journey.”
I have just returned from walking El Cmino do Santiago in Spain, on one of the many pilgrimage routes to the sacred destination city of Santiago da Compostela, traveled by countless pilgrims for the past thousand years. Pilgrimage calls us to the spiritual practice of attention, our worship them this month, and opens up to deep listening and transformation. Come hear about just a few of my transformative experiences as I walked westward to the sea, to what the ancients believed was the “End of the Earth” (Finisterre).Walking El Comino is indeed what Joseph Campbell called a “hero’s journey.”
October 13, 2019: "1619, Not 1492" seroct13-1619-2019-text.docx
In the decade or two, many Americans have revised recognition of the year 1492, marked this weekend by the holiday still called by many “Columbus Day.” Many now note this date not as a celebratory event of discovery but instead as the beginning of colonial European empire building in the New World. Another important “origins” date under current revision is 1776 as the founding of the United Stated. A recent project spearheaded by the New York Times has revised the founding date of American culture to 1619, the year of the arrival of the first African slave ship on the Virginia shore. The project places slavery and racism at the center of the American story. What we define as our origin stories and what we leave out is significant for how we see ourselves today and move into the future. Four hundred years after the arrival of that first ship, defining who belongs in this country is still controversial.
In the decade or two, many Americans have revised recognition of the year 1492, marked this weekend by the holiday still called by many “Columbus Day.” Many now note this date not as a celebratory event of discovery but instead as the beginning of colonial European empire building in the New World. Another important “origins” date under current revision is 1776 as the founding of the United Stated. A recent project spearheaded by the New York Times has revised the founding date of American culture to 1619, the year of the arrival of the first African slave ship on the Virginia shore. The project places slavery and racism at the center of the American story. What we define as our origin stories and what we leave out is significant for how we see ourselves today and move into the future. Four hundred years after the arrival of that first ship, defining who belongs in this country is still controversial.
May 5, 2019: "A Sermon in Baltimore: Two Hundred Years Ago Today"
Today we celebrate an important milestone in the history of liberal religion. Two hundred years ago today --- on May 5, 1819 --- William Ellery Channing preached what is known as the “Baltimore Sermon” for the ordination and installation of Rev. Jared Sparks as the first minister of what became First Unitarian Church in Baltimore. Let’s review the importance of this sermon, one of the most influential ever preached in the United States and published widely, in seven languages, and consider how it continues to inspire Unitarian Universalists today.
Today we celebrate an important milestone in the history of liberal religion. Two hundred years ago today --- on May 5, 1819 --- William Ellery Channing preached what is known as the “Baltimore Sermon” for the ordination and installation of Rev. Jared Sparks as the first minister of what became First Unitarian Church in Baltimore. Let’s review the importance of this sermon, one of the most influential ever preached in the United States and published widely, in seven languages, and consider how it continues to inspire Unitarian Universalists today.
March 3, 2019: "The Power of Story"
Stories can be a powerful means of communication: to open the storyteller to her deepest joys and hurts, to invite the hearer to ever deeper, more active listening. Through story we can move past old brokenness and hurts to new places of joy and hope. What stories about your life journey you have told over and over? What stories would you like to tell others?
Stories can be a powerful means of communication: to open the storyteller to her deepest joys and hurts, to invite the hearer to ever deeper, more active listening. Through story we can move past old brokenness and hurts to new places of joy and hope. What stories about your life journey you have told over and over? What stories would you like to tell others?
February 24, 2019: "New Plantings Watering the Seeds of Trust"
In worship this month we have defined qualities of trust and studied a case of lost trust in Unitarian Universalist history. Today let us consider how we may reframe communications with one another so that we may plant new seeds of trust. Let's consider how we can learn to trust paradox: the reality that two apparent opposites can both be true,
In worship this month we have defined qualities of trust and studied a case of lost trust in Unitarian Universalist history. Today let us consider how we may reframe communications with one another so that we may plant new seeds of trust. Let's consider how we can learn to trust paradox: the reality that two apparent opposites can both be true,
February 10, 2019: "Growing through 'Circles of Trust'"
The quality of Trust is central to building Beloved Community. Through the lens of the "Circle of Trust" program based on the spiritual writing of Quaker Parker Palmer, we explore some of the habits of trust in the work of the Center for Courage and Renewal and how to practice these habits in daily life.
The quality of Trust is central to building Beloved Community. Through the lens of the "Circle of Trust" program based on the spiritual writing of Quaker Parker Palmer, we explore some of the habits of trust in the work of the Center for Courage and Renewal and how to practice these habits in daily life.
March 20, 2016: “Creating God in Our Own Image”
As we explore this month the many concepts of “God,” let us consider how humans create their Gods in their own (human) images: indeed, images of the divine are diverse and wide-ranging. The “old white man with a beard” came from patriarchal culture. More recently, identities which had previously been marginalized --- women, persons of color, the economic underclass --- exerted influence on understanding the divine, generating religious systems as diverse as feminist theology, liberation theology, and black theology to include Gods who looked more like more of us. Parents, please take a few minutes this week to ask your children about their ideas of God. We will revisit this during Time for All Ages.
As we explore this month the many concepts of “God,” let us consider how humans create their Gods in their own (human) images: indeed, images of the divine are diverse and wide-ranging. The “old white man with a beard” came from patriarchal culture. More recently, identities which had previously been marginalized --- women, persons of color, the economic underclass --- exerted influence on understanding the divine, generating religious systems as diverse as feminist theology, liberation theology, and black theology to include Gods who looked more like more of us. Parents, please take a few minutes this week to ask your children about their ideas of God. We will revisit this during Time for All Ages.
January 10, 2016: “The Paradox in Liberal Religion: Self and/or Community”
The liberal approach to religion presents a number of dilemmas or paradoxes. Perhaps most compelling is the tension of creating communities made up of individualistic, self-reliant people who may be suspicious or questioning of organization, leadership, and hierarchy. Let’s consider the “both/and” of this tension in congregational life and how too much preference for uncertainty can impede growth.
The liberal approach to religion presents a number of dilemmas or paradoxes. Perhaps most compelling is the tension of creating communities made up of individualistic, self-reliant people who may be suspicious or questioning of organization, leadership, and hierarchy. Let’s consider the “both/and” of this tension in congregational life and how too much preference for uncertainty can impede growth.
October 18, 2015: “Grace and Forgiveness in Life and Death”
UU minister Rev. Forrest Church defined religion as that human cultural practice that clarifies our awareness of existence and the reality that we will die. Indeed, ‘being mortal’ (also the title of a recent best-seller by Atul Gawande) may be one of the greatest sources of vulnerability that we experience as human beings. Let us consider how grace and forgiveness might lessen the sting of mortality and enhance this process called life.
UU minister Rev. Forrest Church defined religion as that human cultural practice that clarifies our awareness of existence and the reality that we will die. Indeed, ‘being mortal’ (also the title of a recent best-seller by Atul Gawande) may be one of the greatest sources of vulnerability that we experience as human beings. Let us consider how grace and forgiveness might lessen the sting of mortality and enhance this process called life.
September 21, 2014: “Both/And: Living With Paradox”
One grounding for my ministry this year is ‘Courage’ work: the spiritual practice system established by the Quaker writer Parker Palmer. An important component of Courage principles is the role of paradox: how we may grow and deepen as people of faith by living productively in paradox, becoming comfortable with a mindset of ‘Both/And’ rather than ‘Either/Or.’
One grounding for my ministry this year is ‘Courage’ work: the spiritual practice system established by the Quaker writer Parker Palmer. An important component of Courage principles is the role of paradox: how we may grow and deepen as people of faith by living productively in paradox, becoming comfortable with a mindset of ‘Both/And’ rather than ‘Either/Or.’
April 6, 2014: “The Spirituality of Dance”
We have many methods of spiritual practice: quiet contemplation, journaling, walking in nature, and more. One of my important spiritual practices is social dance. Dance illustrates embodied theology, as you will experience through the dancing presented by my colleagues from the Greater Washington English Country Dance community.
We have many methods of spiritual practice: quiet contemplation, journaling, walking in nature, and more. One of my important spiritual practices is social dance. Dance illustrates embodied theology, as you will experience through the dancing presented by my colleagues from the Greater Washington English Country Dance community.
October 12, 2014: “’Habits of the Heart’: Doors to Forgiveness”
This year I bring the spiritual practice called “Courage and Renewal” work to UUCR. This practice is based on the writings and workshops developed by Parker Palmer. Some of Palmer’s recent work involves living with what he calls ‘Habits of the Heart.’ These five practices of the heart build loving relationships and invite us to engage in authentic and honest conversation which can open many doors to forgiveness.
This year I bring the spiritual practice called “Courage and Renewal” work to UUCR. This practice is based on the writings and workshops developed by Parker Palmer. Some of Palmer’s recent work involves living with what he calls ‘Habits of the Heart.’ These five practices of the heart build loving relationships and invite us to engage in authentic and honest conversation which can open many doors to forgiveness.
March 23, 2014: “The Meaning of Membership in Free Religion”
Why do we have this process known as membership in Unitarian Universalist churches, or in churches of any denomination, for that matter? What is the meaning of membership in this free faith organized by congregational polity? How do we live out our commitment to membership? This service will include a ceremony welcoming new members to this congregation.
Why do we have this process known as membership in Unitarian Universalist churches, or in churches of any denomination, for that matter? What is the meaning of membership in this free faith organized by congregational polity? How do we live out our commitment to membership? This service will include a ceremony welcoming new members to this congregation.
March 9, 2014: “Why Should We Give?: Stewardship as Spiritual Practice”
‘Stewardship’ means ‘the managing of something entrusted to our care.’ We are all stewards of our free churches. Stewardship means all that you give, not just money and other tangible items, to sustain UUCR. Looking at stewardship as a spiritual practice may offer some new perspective on your participation in UUCR’s current stewardship drive. Stewardship is one way we live out the mission of liberal faith.
‘Stewardship’ means ‘the managing of something entrusted to our care.’ We are all stewards of our free churches. Stewardship means all that you give, not just money and other tangible items, to sustain UUCR. Looking at stewardship as a spiritual practice may offer some new perspective on your participation in UUCR’s current stewardship drive. Stewardship is one way we live out the mission of liberal faith.
February 2, 2014: “Diversity at the Winter Olympics”
It’s that time again: the every-four-year Winter Olympics, opening February 7 in Sochi, Russia. This year the official USA delegation includes gay athletes --- among them, Billie Jean King and Brian Boitano --- to remind Russia and the world that the United States welcomes all to its athletics. Unitarian Universalism has been in the forefront of promoting GBLT justice and community building through its ‘Welcoming Congregations’ program. Let us be reminded of this program as well as what it means more generally to be a congregation that welcomes diversity of sexual orientation.
It’s that time again: the every-four-year Winter Olympics, opening February 7 in Sochi, Russia. This year the official USA delegation includes gay athletes --- among them, Billie Jean King and Brian Boitano --- to remind Russia and the world that the United States welcomes all to its athletics. Unitarian Universalism has been in the forefront of promoting GBLT justice and community building through its ‘Welcoming Congregations’ program. Let us be reminded of this program as well as what it means more generally to be a congregation that welcomes diversity of sexual orientation.
February 9, 2014: “‘Twelve Years a Slave:’ Not Just a Movie”
You may recognize this listing as the title of a current block-buster movie about a free black man from up-state New York who ends up in slavery on southern plantations. It is also the title of an article in a Universalist newspaper of 1853 which recently caught my eye. Our Unitarian and Universalist ancestors frequently discussed slavery, not always in opposition. Perhaps some of this deeper ambiguity about taking a stand on racial justice has contributed to more recent challenges around racial diversity in Unitarian Universalism. Today we will consider the roots of the UU Empowerment Controversy which occurred a full century after antebellum slavery.
You may recognize this listing as the title of a current block-buster movie about a free black man from up-state New York who ends up in slavery on southern plantations. It is also the title of an article in a Universalist newspaper of 1853 which recently caught my eye. Our Unitarian and Universalist ancestors frequently discussed slavery, not always in opposition. Perhaps some of this deeper ambiguity about taking a stand on racial justice has contributed to more recent challenges around racial diversity in Unitarian Universalism. Today we will consider the roots of the UU Empowerment Controversy which occurred a full century after antebellum slavery.
October 13, 2013: “Our Heritage as Peacemakers: Lesson from Tribal ‘Truth and Reconciliation’”
A few summers ago I was part of a History Retreat at our Unitarian Universalist Camp at Ferry Beach on the coast of Maine. Our subject was peacemaking. Modern Unitarian Universalism enjoys a long and proud history of peacemakers. At our retreat, we were moved by the power of a ‘Truth and Reconciliation’ process in a case study from the Wabanaki tribe of native Americans and the state of Maine. This story of working for peace among original nations has lessons for all of us about the power of forgiveness and reconciliation.
A few summers ago I was part of a History Retreat at our Unitarian Universalist Camp at Ferry Beach on the coast of Maine. Our subject was peacemaking. Modern Unitarian Universalism enjoys a long and proud history of peacemakers. At our retreat, we were moved by the power of a ‘Truth and Reconciliation’ process in a case study from the Wabanaki tribe of native Americans and the state of Maine. This story of working for peace among original nations has lessons for all of us about the power of forgiveness and reconciliation.
December 16, 2012: “What Do We Owe Our Children?”
(On this weekend of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School I changed my homily to “What Do We Owe One Another?. I had originally announced that I would offer the following:)
In this mid-winter holiday season, stories of the birth of children remind us about new light and new life into a dark world. The children of this congregation represent our light, our hope, our future. What do we owe them? In this multi-generational service, we show our congregational responsibility of covenant as several families participate in our Ceremony of Child Dedication.
(On this weekend of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School I changed my homily to “What Do We Owe One Another?. I had originally announced that I would offer the following:)
In this mid-winter holiday season, stories of the birth of children remind us about new light and new life into a dark world. The children of this congregation represent our light, our hope, our future. What do we owe them? In this multi-generational service, we show our congregational responsibility of covenant as several families participate in our Ceremony of Child Dedication.