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Sermons from The Unitarian Universalist Church-Rockford, Illinois.
Episodes
Jan 18, 2016
Jan 18, 2016
1hr 9 min
The Rev. Ashley Horan
When we recount our Unitarian Universalist history, it is often a story of leaders, pioneers, and crusaders for change. But what is our role when the movement for justice intentionally centers voices other than our own, and we are asked to follow, rather than lead? This MLK Day, we will focus on the deep spiritual grounding required of us to work as followers, companions, and supporters in solidarity with movements for racial justice.
Rev. Ashley Horan is the Executive Director of the Minnesota UU Social Justice Alliance (MUUSJA). Before moving back to her home state in 2014, she served for two years as the Consulting Minister of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Joliet, IL. She lives in Minneapolis with her partner, the Rev. Karen Hutt, and their two children.
Jan 11, 2016
Jan 11, 2016
22 min
The Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson
What does it mean to resist the power of empire in our time? Our faith teaches us to be counter-cultural, but how do we choose and sustain that life?
Jan 4, 2016
Jan 4, 2016
38 min
Intern Minister Michelle Lattanzio
What happens if we stop resisting, like the rock in the stream, and instead be like the water, and flow around the rocks, following the path of least resistance? Water seeks to find its level, always -- it seeks balance and equilibrium, and takes the path of least resistance (which is how our basements get flooded, but perhaps that is a different sermon). What can happen in our lives if we seek to be more like the water and less like the rock?
Jan 4, 2016
Jan 4, 2016
21 min
The Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson, Matthew Fields, Betsy Urbik, & Barb Chidley
As we wrap up 2015 and enter 2016, what expectations did you have? Did they come true, or not so much? How do we hold our hopes with tender care, and not cling to them?
Jan 4, 2016
Jan 4, 2016
1hr 4 min
The Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson
We mark, in story and song, this sacred night. We tell the story and remember the truth: that every night a child is born is a holy night. We welcome hope and love into our heart,s and pledge to be the choir of peace for the world we share.
Dec 21, 2015
Dec 21, 2015
47 min
Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson
We celebrate and draw connections between some of the many holidays that religious and secular people observe at this time of year. In our multi-faith world, we gather with curiosity, joy, and discovery.
Dec 14, 2015
Dec 14, 2015
18 min
Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson
In this season of expectation, what does it mean to wait for a miracle? When we can't always take matters into our own hands, or when things are not "ripe" yet, what are the spiritual practices that can make this a fruitful and enlightening time?
Nov 30, 2015
Nov 30, 2015
40 min
Misha Sanders, Intern Minister
Many of us have a complicated history with the faith of our childhood and youth. This week, we will explore grace, ancestry, weaving together a present that honors the pieces of our past worth honoring, and taking back language that can be beautiful when given fresh meaning.
Nov 23, 2015
Nov 23, 2015
28 min
Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson
In our ancestry, all of our stories include migration stories. Those might have been recent, or ancient. They may have been chosen or forced. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, thoughts about the meaning of these stories, the obligations and gifts of spiritual hospitality, and the demands of justice.
Nov 16, 2015
Nov 16, 2015
1hr 53 sec
Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson
We are all, for good and ill, woven into the fabric of our families. How are we shaped by "the house[s] that built [us]"? How can we shape our relationships with our families in ways that are good and healthy for all? Whether you are happy to be seeing family for the holidays, regretted that you're not, or dreading it, this sermon is for you. Tracey Armstrong sings "The House That Built Me."