“The mystery of life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced,” writes Aart Van Der Leeuw. This sermon will address the question of what the “realm of mystery” is and isn’t, exploring the difference between “mystery” and “puzzle” and what this distinction means for how we live.
The root of religion, as in the root of the word “religion” itself, has to do with connecting – or re-connecting – the part to the whole. The sermon message on this First Sunday of Christmas when we light the Candle of Faith will have to do with how the part has become separated from the whole and how it might be reattached.
In this sermon, Rev. Bode reflects on this past week’s election results, addressing the following questions: How do you account for the election results? What have you learned? What do you think this means? What do you fear? What do you hope for? What do you intend? How are you sustained? Following his reflections, there will be a time of congregational sharing, inviting you to consider the same questions.
“Don’t worry, be happy” was the often-repeated maxim of the Indian mystic and sage, Meher Baba, that in 1988 morphed into a worldwide hit song by musician Bobby McFerrin. Among other things, this sermon will explore whether happiness is worth worrying about.
There’s been plenty of recent public conversation about walls. One wall I’ve operated with throughout my ministry in religiously liberal congregations is a “wall of separation” between “religious liberalism” and “political liberalism.” What has happened to that “wall of separation” in the last half-century and what are its current implications for us?
On this Sunday as we return to two services and begin a new year at QUUF, we formally welcome the Rev. Florence Caplow as the second minister on our ministerial staff. She and Rev. Bode explore ideas of “shared ministry,” both specifically in their work together as a new ministry team, and, more broadly, how each of us can practice “shared ministry” in how we care for others and the world.
QUUF Member Victoria Pohling also speaks about her plans to attend seminary to become a UU minister.
Led by Evan Millman at the piano, this sing-along service will feature a number of the Beatles’ well-known songs, such as “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” “The Long and Winding Road,” and “Let It Be,” interspersed with brief remarks from Rev. Bode and Marj Iuro. Listen to the homilies here.
Establishment politicians have been swept aside in this bizarre political year, and so have what may be called “establishment religious values.” What does this upending of traditional religious values signify, and how do we live in the midst of such a churning? Listen to the sermon here.
What is courtesy? What are the values that the forms of courtesy are meant to bring forward? How are politeness and courtesy related? I will suggest that there is a religious dimension to courtesy, as in the Hindu greeting “Namaste”. Listen to the reading and sermon here.
For our final service of the regular church year Joseph Bednarik and Rev. Bode invite you to submit any questions you may have – either for Joseph, Bruce, or both to answer. During the sermon portion of the service, they will read your question (without name) and give a brief response. Listen to the reading … Continue reading I’m Glad You Asked That Question
