Podcasts about First Unitarian Universalist Church

What is faith in such times as these? Caught in the spin cycle of tortured truths, and the siren call of influencers, where do we put our trust? How do we ground our faith? This Sunday we explore faith, stripped down and essential. About Rev. Ruth MacKenzie Rev. Ruth served First Universalist Church of Minneapolis for ten years as Minister of Worship and Pastoral Care, and received Minister Emerita designation upon her retirement in 2020. Having served as Minister in Residence at First Unitarian of Dallas in 2021/2022, Ruth is happy to return in February to this congregation that she holds dear during Rev. Daniel's sabbatical. Ruth has continued her ministry as Adjunct Minister at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Rochester MN, adjunct professor of worship at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and volunteers as a chaplain at Lino Lake prison of Minnesota. Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Ruth moved to Minnesota to pursue a singing career. She toured the country and began to write her own plays and music in her late thirties with much success, produced by major theaters of the Twin CitIies. In her late forties, Ruth answered an insistent calling of a deeper spiritual life and ministry. She attended seminary and embarked on a new professional journey of discovery about how the arts and creativity can enliven the life of worship, and the life of the spirit, while bringing our imaginations and resolve to the work of racial justice, and healing this broken and beautiful world. It is with much joy and anticipation that Ruth joins our community of faith.

First Unitarian Church of Dallas is pleased to welcome guest preacher Rev. Ruth MacKenzie. Stepping into Risk and Landing in Trust We often want to know the answers before we are tested. We want to know the ending before the story has even begun. Yet that is not the way of life, nor the way of faith. Risk and trust are entwined in an intricate webbing we navigate everyday. In the days ahead, how will we risk trust and trust risk? About Rev. Ruth MacKenzie Rev. Ruth served First Universalist Church of Minneapolis for ten years as Minister of Worship and Pastoral Care, and received Minister Emerita designation upon her retirement in 2020. Having served as Minister in Residence at First Unitarian of Dallas in 2021/2022, Ruth is happy to return in February to this congregation that she holds dear during Rev. Daniel's sabbatical. Ruth has continued her ministry as Adjunct Minister at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Rochester MN, adjunct professor of worship at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and volunteers as a chaplain at Lino Lake prison of Minnesota. Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Ruth moved to Minnesota to pursue a singing career. She toured the country and began to write her own plays and music in her late thirties with much success, produced by major theaters of the Twin CitIies. In her late forties, Ruth answered an insistent calling of a deeper spiritual life and ministry. She attended seminary and embarked on a new professional journey of discovery about how the arts and creativity can enliven the life of worship, and the life of the spirit, while bringing our imaginations and resolve to the work of racial justice, and healing this broken and beautiful world. It is with much joy and anticipation that Ruth joins our community of faith.

While mainline denominations are seeing a overall decline in attendance, exvangelicals, a term that denotes former evangelical status, are part of a growing online community who are outspoken about why they've left the church. In Nashville, evangelical culture is everywhere — think Bible verses on your favorite donut store's boxes, prayer at social gatherings or the common practice of incorporating a gospel song into a set. With guest host Marianna Bacallao, we explore the experiences of exvangelicals in Nashville. Are the city's exvangelicals finding support from one another, and if so how? This episode was produced by Magnolia McKay. Guests: Marianna Bacallao (host), Reporter, WPLN Holly Meyer, religion news editor, Associated Press Rev. Diane Dowgiert, Reverend, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville Mike Maeshiro, ex-pastor, consultant for queer and deconstructing Christians Heather Mae, artist, activist, and songwriter Eve, ex-evangelical content creator, and host of Chewed Gum Live Dr. Laura Anderson, therapist, religious trauma resolution coach & consultant, author of *When Religion Hurts You: Healing From Religious Trauma and the Impact of High Control Religion.* Further Reading and Listening Reorganized Religion by Bob Smietana and The Great Dechurching, by Jim Davis and Michael Graham. For more about dechurching trends in the United States, Pew Research released two studies fairly recently: In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace and How the Pandemic Has Affected Attendance at U.S. Religious Services. Last fall, the AP released a report called, The Nones, about people who self-identify as “nonbelievers or unaffiliated with any organized religion.” You can find additional background coverage by listening to the past This is Nashville episodes: The growth of LGBT-affirming churches 1. *[The role of Black churches in Middle Tennessee](https://wpln.org/post/episodes/the-role-of-black-churches-in-middle-tennessee/)* 2. *[The Southern Baptist Convention report: What it means for abuse survivors and the faithful](https://wpln.org/post/episodes/southern-baptist-convention-sexual-abuse/)*

The Texas Impact team has toured the state, talked with, and resourced thousands of Texans of faith in the last two months.  This week, we are going to bring you some of the content from our Houston Faith Votes event earlier this week. We thought you might enjoy the Faith Leader panel featuring Rev. Dr. Colin Bossen, Senior Minister, First Unitarian Universalist Church, Rabbi Josh Fixler, Associate Rabbi, Congregation Emanu El and President of the Faith Leader's Coalition of Greater Houston, Rev. Leslie Jackson, Texas Impact Board Member and Senior Pastor St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Kim Mabry, Texas Impact Board Member, and Rev. Dr. Angela Ravin-Anderson, leader with the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Social Justice Ministry.

In 1983 the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston became one of the first congregations in the United States to offer sanctuary to refugees fleeing violence and civil war in Central America. We'll mark the anniversary of the congregation's commitment with a service devoted to the Rev. Bob Schaibly's historic sermon that helped launch a national movement.

Dorothy Day was both a mentor and mentee while crafting the three core Catholic Worker principles: voluntary poverty, personalism, and pacifism. How do these principles resonate in American churches and culture 90 years later? Request the weekly eNewsletter by subscribing at https://firstuu.org/subscribe/ Support our online and in-person programming by making a donation via text message: Send a text to 73256 and send the following: FIRSTUU Or you may make your tax-deductible contribution online at https://firstuu.org/donate/ First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston 5200 Fannin St Houston, TX 77004 713-526-5200 Sunday Services start at 9:30 am and 11:30 am (CST) https://www.firstuu.org/  info@firstuu.org #firstuuhouston #legacy

Our annual Bread Communion service, foreshadowing Thanksgiving, honors those ancestors who are remembered through the bread they baked. This year, we also hone in on the Work of Mercy: “Feed The Hungry”. Request the weekly eNewsletter by subscribing at https://firstuu.org/subscribe/ Support our online and in-person programming by making a donation via text message: Send a text to 73256 and send the following: FIRSTUU Or you may make your tax-deductible contribution online at https://firstuu.org/donate/ First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston 5200 Fannin St Houston, TX 77004 713-526-5200 Sunday Services start at 9:30 am and 11:30 am (CST) https://www.firstuu.org/  info@firstuu.org #firstuuhouston #legacy

December 1st will be the 35th World AIDS Day, created to raise HIV awareness and mourn those whom we've lost. Since so-called ‘lepers' in the Bible, causes of disease have been speculative and victims of disease have been stigmatized. COVID continues to make itself known in our community. Causes and effects of disease are now politicized, and victims and those who disagree are villainized. How can we do better? Request the weekly eNewsletter by subscribing at https://firstuu.org/subscribe/ Support our online and in-person programming by making a donation via text message: Send a text to 73256 and send the following: FIRSTUU Or you may make your tax-deductible contribution online at https://firstuu.org/donate/ First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston 5200 Fannin St Houston, TX 77004 713-526-5200 Sunday Services start at 9:30 am and 11:30 am (CST) https://www.firstuu.org/  info@firstuu.org #firstuuhouston #legacy

In this episode of the Hope and Heresy podcast, Rev. Peggy and Rev. Sarah are joined by Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, Ninth President of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and Carey McDonald, Executive Vice President at the UUA, to discuss the question at the heart this season of the podcast: What is the Central Task for Humanity at this Moment in History? In this episode, we phrased the question a bit differently, asking, "If you could wave a magic wand and fix or change one thing about the world, what would it be?"Our hosts and guests discuss the impacts of intergenerational trauma, the transformative potentials of imagination and justice-centered love, and the power of relationships built around shared values to motivate us to keep showing up and fighting in an environment of oppressionAbout this week's guests: Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray is the ninth president of the Unitarian Universalist Association. She was elected in June 2017 to a six-year term after serving congregations in Arizona, Ohio, and Tennessee. After leading the Unitarian Universalist response to Arizona's anti-immigrant laws in 2010, she became lead organizer for the Arizona Immigration Ministry, among her other activism. She now lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray, and their son, Henry.Carey McDonald is the UUA's Executive Vice President, helping to lead the organization in fulfilling its mission and overseeing staff operations. He previously served as the UUA's Outreach Director and as the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and is a former lay member of the UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee and the Skinner House Books Board. Prior to joining the UUA, Carey worked in educational policy with the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Department of Education. Carey is a seventh generation Unitarian Universalist and a member of First Parish in Malden, MA and the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus, Ohio. He was active in Columbus as a youth leader in the Ohio Meadville District Youth Adult Committee and with Diverse and Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM). Carey holds a bachelors in Economics from Pomona College in Claremont, CA, and a masters in Organizational Leadership from Wheelock College in Boston, MA (now a part of Boston University). He lives Malden, MA with his family.

"Compassion" Sunday, May 28, 10:50 am Features COMPASSION DUO integrating music and message into a special service. Internationally-acclaimed concert artists Christoph Wagner, cellist, and Joanne Kong, pianist, weave together live music, reflections and imagery in an inspiring event that will illuminate how embracing the connections we have to the natural world and all beings can bring about transformative spiritual growth, positive change and planetary healing. They have given presentations at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston, Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Galveston County, First Unitarian Universalist Church, Richmond, VA, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax and River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Christoph Wagner, cellist; Joanne Kong, pianist; Richard Davis, Worship Associate; Mark Sumner, pianist; Ben Rudiak-Gould, songleader Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

Dr. Bossen will preaches about the Eighth Principle and why he believes it is important for the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston to adopt it if we are going to live into our vision of widening love's circle.

Author, cultural ecologist, and geo philosopher David Abram has been an inspirational leading voice at the intersection of ecology and philosophy for over 25 years. A close student of the traditional ecological knowledge of a diverse array of Indigenous peoples, his work articulates the interconnection of humans both with the varied sensitivities of the plants and animals upon whom we depend, as well as with the agency of the places that surround and sustain our communities. In this episode, David is joined by CIIS philosophy faculty Matt Segall for an inspiring conversation on the wild intelligence of our bodies, the ecological depths of our imagination, and the ways in which sensory perception and wonder inform the relation between the human animal and the animate Earth. This episode was recorded during an in-person and live streamed event at First Unitarian Universalist Church & Center in San Francisco on May 19th, 2022. A transcript is available at ciispod.com. We hope that each episode of our podcast provides opportunities for growth, and that our listeners will use them as a starting point for further introspection. Many of the topics discussed on our podcast have the potential to bring up feelings and emotional responses. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health care and support, here are some resources to find immediate help and future healing: -Visit 988lifeline.org or text, call, or chat with The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 from anywhere in the U.S. to be connected immediately with a trained counselor. Please note that 988 staff are required to take all action necessary to secure the safety of a caller and initiate emergency response with or without the caller's consent if they are unwilling or unable to take action on their own behalf. -Visit thrivelifeline.org or text “THRIVE” to begin a conversation with a THRIVE Lifeline crisis responder 24/7/365, from anywhere: +1.313.662.8209. This confidential text line is available for individuals 18+ and is staffed by people in STEMM with marginalized identities. -Visit translifeline.org or call (877) 565-8860 in the U.S. or (877) 330-6366 in Canada to learn more and contact Trans Lifeline, who provides trans peer support divested from police. -Visit ciis.edu/counseling-and-acupuncture-clinics to learn more and schedule counseling sessions at one of our centers. -Find information about additional global helplines at https://www.befrienders.org/.

"Shaking the Blue Flamingo"-- Kindred Spirits Fundraiser--Houston Women's GroupWe speak with Gwen Flager, writer of “Shakin' the Blue Flamingo“. This is the story of older women who maneuvered and managed the social stigma and prejudice of their sexual identities.  They once ran naked across golf courses, ate plates of greasy fried chicken and survived whispered sorority scandals. Twenty years later, while organizing the first LGBTQ prom for the local high school seniors, these non-traditional women are spun to the brink when their successful sorority sister returns to town determined to romance the woman she has loved all of her life. Women of all shapes, sizes and flavors are invited to see their own likeness of and similarities to the women of Shakin' the Blue Flamingo when Dirt Dogs UNLEASHED in association with Sweet Darlin' Productions present Shakin' the Blue Flamingo, written by Gwen Flager, directed by Bonnie Hewett at MATCH (Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston), 3400 Main Street, Houston TX 77002. August 12 – 20, 2022. GUEST: Gwen Flager https://sweetdarlinproductions.com/shakin-the-blue-flamingo/Finally, we speak with Kennedy Loftin about the Kindred Spirits reunion dance and Decadent Desserts. Kindred Spirits returns With 500+ LGBTQ women and friends Dance the night away to your favorites songs from the 70s & 80s Elegant chandeliers & balconies overlooking Downtown. Kindred Spirits Dance takes place Saturday, August 27  7PM-Midnight VIP Decadent Desserts Reception  6-7PM The Ballroom at Bayou Place  500 Texas St Featuring DJ Lotus Inferno New! VIP Decadent Desserts Reception Like the AssistHers' Decadent Desserts event, the reception will feature delicious desserts from local LGBTQ chefs. A decadent spread of deliciousness, plus hosted wine & beer bar, 6-7PM. GUEST: Kennedy Loftinhttps://secure.givelively.org/event/the-montrose-center/2022-kindred-spirits-dance-vip-decadent-desserts-receptionWe speak with folks from the Houston Women's group. The Houston Women's Group is a diverse multi-generational feminist group for all women, that has been meeting since 1975. Currently meets every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. via Zoom.  In-person meetings, once they resume, will be at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5200 Fannin at Southmore Blvd., 3rd floor, room #302 (elevator accessible). We have a featured presenter and/or general discussion about our lives and current events. Each woman defines her own feminisms. After the group adjourns, those that choose to may gather at a nearby restaurant to enjoy a meal and further conversation. Guest: Sharon Princehttps://firstuu.org/2022/03/02/houstonwomensgroup/

Winter in the spring, changes all around us. The ability to be flexible kind and compassionate helps us to improve our lives. What holds us back? What frees us?   The Rev. Dr. Leon Dunkley ministers to the North Universalist Chapel Society in Woodstock, VT.  He is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist, raised in the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Monmouth County in Lincroft, New Jersey. He received his undergraduate degree from Tufts University and his Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from the University of Pittsburgh, where he studied the traditional drumming of Ghana and the Republic of Zaire, the Kora tradition of Senegal, the Gamelan traditions of Java and Bali in Indonesia, and the African American Blues and Jazz traditions throughout the Americas.  Recently, he has taken an interest in Bluegrass and Country Blues. Rev. Leon asks, If the joy of life is the best within us becoming possible, how does one foster and defend the joy of life?  How do we commit ourselves to our highest hopes and aspirations?  How do we challenge the barriers, the impediments within our hearts? He is currently writing a book entitled The Flower of Impossible Soul.  It explores the meaning of spiritual growth and radical forgiveness in the presence of violence and racial strife.    Prayer by David Whitford

Members of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston celebrated Pride Month with a powerful, family-friendly service including social justice songs, readings and interactive meditations. The offering was organized by the Rev. Dr. Colin Bossen and Music Director Mark Vogel, joined by Rev. D. Scott Cooper, Tawanna Grice, Alma Viscarra, Karen Carlson, and Carol Burrus. In the Chapel's 2020-2021 season, each Twelve Moments highlights the role of music and sound in spiritual practices, and how these practices sustain us in the face of current challenges and injustices. About the Twelve Moments series Since 2005, the Rothko Chapel has shared a monthly contemplative practice featuring different spiritual and faith traditions. Taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, this series engages teachers and religious leaders from the greater Houston community, providing opportunities to learn more about specific traditions and participate in a contemplative practice. About the presenters The Rev. Dr. Colin Bossen is senior minister of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston. He has a PhD in American Studies and master's degree in History from Harvard University, an MDiv. from Meadville Lombard Theological School (affiliated with the University of Chicago), and an undergraduate degree from Denison University. A scholar and organizer as well as a religious leader, he has been active in the labor movement and human rights work for many years. He has led worship, workshops or given lectures for congregations, community centers, unions, and academic institutions throughout North America and Europe. He keeps a blog at www.colinbossen.com Mark Vogel received his master's degree from Manhattan School of Music. He serves as Music Director at both First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston and Congregation Beth Israel, and is Artistic Director for International Voices Houston, a multicultural community choir of singers from over 35 different countries. His work also includes regular performance lectures at the Texas Medical Center, exploring how music relates to science and health.

“You are beautiful. You are strong. You will go through some things just know you will get through it.” These are just a few words Pam Illar, mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, proud Out woman, warrior, would say to her 11-year old self. Life has a way of defining us for us. Others tell you who you are before you even know it for yourself. What would you tell you, the you you were before the world told you who you were? This week's Guest is… Pam Illar, a Senior Associate with Ernst & Young LLP and has been with the firm since 2006. She is a long-standing member of EY's professional networks Unity, LGBTQ+ and AccessAbilities a resource for people with disabilities. Pam has been an advocate surrounding both communities.  She has coordinated EY's participation in one of the Northern Virginia National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Northern Virginia) marches.  In support of EY's commitment to diversity and inclusiveness priorities, Pam joined the AccessAbilities professional network in showcasing the firm's WeCare (formally, R U Ok) program to inform employees of EY's resources surrounding the invisible wounds of mental health.  Pam served as a panelist at the Out & Equal conference in the session An Intimate Conversation with Women of Color.  Pam is also a member of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio in Texas.  She helped plan and participate in their June 2020 virtual Pride event and signified the intersectionality of being an African American gay woman, in recovery and living with a mental health diagnosis.  Through San Antonio UU, Pam has also used her passion for mental health awareness by designing a “Black Healing Space” with other members and licensed professionals.  The initiative was fostered given today's deteriorating climate on race relations, exacerbated following the deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and the painful list of others.  She and her wife Linda have been married for thirteen years are the proud parents to Justin, Alex and four grandchildren. Pam and Linda live in San Antonio with and their four-legged fur babies, a German Shepherd named Gus and their Rottweiler Ruthie (named after Ruth Bader Ginsburg). Ways to Connect Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scoots.Illar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pam-illar-292b96140/ Resource: The Intersectionality of Pam: https://an-intimate-conversation-with-women-of-color-podcast.mailchimpsites.com/elevating-voices-of-woc

Good morning, RVA! It’s 31 °F, and today you can expect colder temperatures. Still no rain though, but looks like we should plan on highs in the mid 40s until about Tuesday. Cozy up and have a great weekend—much warmer temperatures in store for next week, though.Water coolerThe Richmond Police Department reports that Grayson Babbs, a man in his 20s, was found shot to death on the 900 block of St. Paul Street this past Saturday.As of this morning, the Virginia Department of Health reports 1,300 new positive cases of the coronavirus in the Commonwealthand 31 new deaths as a result of the virus. VDH reports 40 new cases in and around Richmond (Chesterfield: 30, Henrico: -14, and Richmond: 24). Since this pandemic began, 1,098 people have died in the Richmond region. Negative numbers in Henrico aside, I think we’re through the winter death certificates data reporting issue. 31 total deaths across the state is a lot, but, compared to the seven-day average (99), it at least seems plausible. Here’s this week stacked chart of new reported cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Ignoring that the deaths chart is utterly broken, I think we can finally see all three of these indicators trending in the right direction. The case counts show the same thing on the local level, too. I keep saying it, but, whew/big sigh of relief/light at the end of the tunnel.By now, everyone should have filled out either a vaccine interest form with their local health district or the newish statewide vaccine pre-registration form (if not, tap the link and do so immediately—even if you’re not yet eligible for vaccination). Those two databases have been mushed together, and you can now look yourself up on the statewide pre-registration site to verify that you’re in there. Not only that, but you can now edit your information! Everyone should also probably go ahead and do that immediately, too, to make sure they’ve got the most accurate information.Just another quick reminder to encourage all the seniors out there (or the seniors in your lives) to check their email if they’ve pre-registered for a COVID-19 vaccine but haven’t yet gotten vaccinated. The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts and Henrico County are holding mass vaccination events over the next couple of days, and seniors can make appointments now. Also, if they sign up for the event on the 8th they’ll get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine—one and done!The Mayor will present his FY22 budget to City Council today at 3:00 PM. I think you’ll be able to find a link to tune in on the City’s legislative website. Budgets reflect your priorities in a real and concrete way, and it’ll be interesting to check in on what the Mayor wants to get done in the middle of…all of this. Given his past priorities, I think we will see a focus on RPS and educational programs, something about affordable housing, a continued commitment to street paving, maybe a interesting new position or two, and a general goal to maintain until the pandemic ends (whatever that means). I’ll also be looking for how the Mayor’s recently released equity agenda pairs with his budget. Budget season!Do you remember Abbie Arevalo? She sought asylum in First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond and had been living there for the last three years. Ali Rocket at the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that on February 25th, she was “granted a one-year stay of removal from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.” I appreciate this quote from First Unitarian’s minister, “During the past 32 months, I was impressed with the way Abbie handled her ordeal with grace, dignity, courage and faith…We all could learn a lesson on how to deal with adversity from Abbie, as I most certainly did.”Folks interested in learning more / weighing in on RPS’s proposed year-round school calendar have four opportunities to do so next week via some virtual town halls. Last we spoke, the RPS School Board wanted to make their calendar decision on Monday, March 15th, so get your thoughts and opinions in front of the decisions makers before then!Wyatt Gordon, writing for Style Weekly, reminds me that the Richmond Black Restaurant Experience kicks off today and runs through March 14th. This is the fifth year that the organizers—Kelli Lemon, Amy Wentz, and Shemicia Bown—have put on this week of delicious food. That’s incredible. Check out the list of special events and the list of participating restaurants. I know you’re planning on ordering food this coming week, why not make it from one of these Black-owned restaurants?This morning’s longreadNo I’m Not ReadyWe’re on a cusp! The smart and lovely writing has started to pivot away from AUGHHH THINGS ARE HORRIBLE REMEMBER THE BEFORE TIMES to WHAT HOW ARE WE EXPECTED TO BE PEOPLE IN THE AFTER TIMES?You’re probably going to feel exhausted when you want to feel exhilarated, panicked when you thought you’d feel safe, combative when all you want is to feel soothed. Your social skills have atrophied and you’re probably going to get in some big fights that will seem like they’re about nothing but are actually about everything. You’re going to crave some of the parts of quarantine life you swore you never would. You’re probably going to over-plan and over-schedule and feel an alarming and unexpected need for solitude and have to pull back and re-evaluate.If you’d like your longread to show up here, go chip in a couple bucks on the ol’ Patreon.

Words are powerful, they help us make sense of the world and many times can help us see things with more clarity. This message is about a word coined by the Spanish Philosopher Adela Cortina that was selected as the word of the year in 2017. Let’s explore together what this word offers us and how it challenges us, too.Rev. Tania Y Márquez is the assistant minister of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego. She is also a group leader of the UU College for Social Justice. She has a background on Latin American Literature and Spanish Linguistics, is married and has two teenage daughters. She has lived most of her life in the border region and her fronteriza experience has greatly influenced her ministry.Music: We will sing the contemporary Spanish-language hymn Cuando el pobre: “Cuando el pobre nada tiene y aún reparte…va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar. When the poor ones, who have nothing, still are giving…we see God, here by our side, walking our way.”Unitarian Universalist, liberal religion, iTunes The Rev. Tania Márquez, iTunes uuabq.video, sermon.

We're joined this week by friend of the show, Dr. Isabel Call, to discuss the fine, finnicky art of Sabbath and Jenny Odell's book How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy. Dr. Isabel Call is a community economist, disability activist, and Assistant Minister for Pastoral Care at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus, OH. She holds a PhD in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of California at Davis and a Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry. Watch: Jenny Odell, "How to Do Nothing" --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/godlycommunists/message

Rev. Jeanne Pupke's sermon, "Forgiven and Forgiving" on March 1, 2020 at First Unitarian Universalist Church, Richmond, VA.

"Compassionate Candor"--sermon by Rev. Jeanne Pupke on February 2, 2020 from First Unitarian Universalist Church, Richmond, VA.

This episode is audio captured from Texas Impact's San Antonio Interfaith Advocacy Training on November 17 at First Unitarian Universalist Church. The panelists on the Policy Panel include: Dr. Annaliese Cothron, AIDPH Program Director Morgan Craven, IDRA Smaranda Draghia, Justice for Our Neighbors

This episode is audio captured from Texas Impact's San Antonio Interfaith Advocacy Training on November 17 at First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio. The panelists on the Faith Panel include: Abel Vega, Rio Texas Conference UMC Fulya Seker, PhD Scholar Rabbi Mara Nathan, Temple Beth-El Sister Denise LaRock, Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul

Two Bodies, One Heart (May 19, 2019) Ralph Waldo Emerson told us, "Friendship demands a religious treatment.” In this sermon guest minister the Rev. Dr. Colin Bossen will offer of a spirituality of friendship that draws upon Unitarian Universalism Transcendentalist roots. Dr. Bossen currently serves as the interim senior minister of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston. He is in San Francisco to give the second of his Minns lectures: “The Social Question: Unitarian Social Ethics in the Progressive Era.” His blog can be found at www.colinbossen.com. Rev. Dr. Colin Bossen, Guest Minister Shari Halliday-Quan, Ministerial Intern Sam King, Worship Associate Christine Tulis, harp and vocals Wm. García Ganz, piano Ariel Andrew, song leader Carrie Steere Salazar, Moderator Don Shearer, video camera Jonathan Silk, Sound, Podcasting, OOS, Livestream, Videos

Two Bodies, One Heart (May 19, 2019) Ralph Waldo Emerson told us, "Friendship demands a religious treatment.” In this sermon guest minister the Rev. Dr. Colin Bossen will offer of a spirituality of friendship that draws upon Unitarian Universalism Transcendentalist roots. Dr. Bossen currently serves as the interim senior minister of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston. He is in San Francisco to give the second of his Minns lectures: “The Social Question: Unitarian Social Ethics in the Progressive Era.” His blog can be found at www.colinbossen.com. Rev. Dr. Colin Bossen, Guest Minister Shari Halliday-Quan, Ministerial Intern Sam King, Worship Associate Christine Tulis, harp and vocals Wm. García Ganz, piano Ariel Andrew, song leader Carrie Steere Salazar, Moderator Don Shearer, video camera Jonathan Silk, Sound, Podcasting, OOS, Livestream, Videos

Leadership Advisor, Karl Bimshas speaks with busy professionals in various stages of their career, and along different paths of their leadership journey on the “Leadership Spotlight” In this episode, Tony Bianca, an educator of many hats including the Lead Early Childhood Teacher at Recreational Music Center in San Diego, the Interim Director of Religious Education at First Unitarian Universalist Church, as well as several other Director positions. Tony talks about self-reflection, empathy, and how he adjusts to different audiences, from young children to accomplished musicians. Learn about Recreational Music Center => rmcsandiego.org Learn about First Unitarian Universalist Church => firstuusandiego.org *** Read the Reflections on Leadership blog here => bimshasconsulting.com/blog *** Join the "Reflections on Leadership" group page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/reflectionsonleadership/ If you're listening on the Anchor.fm platform you can leave an audio comment or make a donation and become a podcast supporter https://anchor.fm/karlbimshas *** Learn more about Karl Bimshas Consulting and stay up to date when you join the mailing list http://www.bimshasconsulting.com/contact/sign-up/ *** Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarlBimshas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KarlBimshas/ LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/karlbimshasconsulting/ *** Leadership Swag: Visit Leadershirts and wear your leadership philosophy on your sleeve. Books by Karl Bimshas: http://bit.ly/BimBooks *** Thank you. Keep advancing confidently in the direction of your dreams and help others along the way. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/karlbimshas/message

Mayoral Climate and Energy Candidate Forum - October 2, 2018 in Austin, Texas Climate change is happening now and local governments must play a significant role in reducing emissions and helping people cope with the impacts. Austin has existing climate commitments and has made progress in expanding its use of renewable energy, but many challenges remain. Solar Austin, 350 Austin, Earth Day Austin, Shades of Green, and the Green Sanctuary Ministry of the First Unitarian Universalist Church hosted a forum for mayoral candidates to speak about their climate change and energy priorities for Austin, Texas. The forum took place on October 2, 2018 and it included: Mayor Steve Adler, Laura Morrison, Travis Duncan, and Alex Strenger.

If we are dedicated to positive social change, and if we are also dedicated to freedoms of speech and thought, this directive is a provoking and difficult challenge: Whom you would change, you must first love. How do we love those who seem only to hate? And even if we do love them, how does that allow us to change their minds or their behavior? Let’s follow the prophetic voice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the pastoral example of Dr. Viktor Frankl, and look together at the role of radical love in creating radical justice. The Rev. Dr. Christine Tata has been exploring progressive religion and spirituality for as long as she can remember. Starting from early childhood memories of First Unitarian Universalist Church in Dallas, she was ordained in the forward-looking United Church of Christ, serving UCC and UU congregations as minister and consultant for the past two decades. She now writes on platforms such as Medium (https://medium.com/@mct2051) and other forums, and she enjoys serving UU congregations as preacher and worship coach. In all her endeavors, she hopes to engage hearts, minds, and souls—and get people to laugh in church more.

Let's go to the heart of honesty by exploring where we are honest with ourselves and where we are truthful in relationships.  We will explore ways to develop honesty authentically within ourselves.  How do we honor our inner truth?  And there are times when being honest with others can feel like a risk.  How do we discern where to be honest and where to keep out thoughts to ourselves? Rev. Lane Campbell, Minister of Religious Education, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus, Ohio preaching, with the All Souls Choir.

During the winter holidays, I hear of many lights. Hanukkah flames, the Yule log, solstice rituals that balance light and dark, and lights on trees inside and out, houses, wreathes and Advent candles. Today, that other great light from the Christmas legends, the star which the planetarium might say was a conjunction of planets, but to the Romans and Greeks who originally heard the story, would have appeared to be a rather horrific event. Come hear the wonderful preacher Rev. Dr. Mark Belletini unpack what this message this morning.   Rev. Dr. Belletini is the Minister Emeritus of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus OH. He served our congregations in Hayward and San Francisco CA before that. He was in the first wave of open and out GLBTQ ministers in the UUA, ordained in 1979.

Getting 30 minutes with Rev. Jeanne Pupke this particular week was an honor and nearly miraculous since there are just seven days left in her 18-month presidential campaign! Rev. Jeanne will be in New Orleans this week for the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association. In exactly one week, Saturday June 25th, 2017, all three candidates will be sweating it out as the votes are counted. And while my title won't change based on the votes, I'll be at the assembly praying it out as well. Your prayers are welcome too. While I cannot give an adequate presentation of the powerful impact Unitarian Universalists have had on the United States, I know that UU clergy can. What I can do is share some of my remarkable experience being part of Rev. Jeanne Pupke's church this year. I, a Baptist minister, and my wife, Kelli, arrived at First Unitarian Universalist Church in September 2016. My wife was a dual-degree student at Baptist Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity) and Virginia Commonwealth University (Master of Social Work). Kelli was the Social Justice Intern as part of her social work degree program so we knew we would be at this church every Sunday for the school year. I had very little expectation when I arrived. I was a veritable tabula rasa. The only expectation I believe I brought was that I would likely be, at best, a fringe member of the community that was not declaratively Christian. I could not have been more wrong. The senior pastor, the associate pastors, the religious educator, the assistants, the interns, and the other Christian clergy in the congregation(!) were fast colleagues. But colleagues in what? How would they lead worship with a community that did not all profess to follow God in general, let alone Jesus Christ? How could I worship Jesus Christ in my seat, as someone next to me worshiped the God of Judaism, next to someone who was an atheist? How would we pray? What songs could we sing? I won't answer these questions except to say that there are indeed answers. I knew quickly that this was a place I could "work" as a pastor because I loved what they were about. It took me just a few more months to join the congregation, all the while remaining a Christian and a Baptist minister. I was able to ally myself with the people of First UU and the values of Unitarian Universalism, integrating my experiences with my Christian beliefs. This was very significant to me and a powerful statement about Unitarian Universalists. My wife's story is similarly powerful but I will leave that for Kelli to tell and turn focus back to today's guest. A Catholic nun in a previous lifetime, Rev. Jeanne Pupke has been the senior pastor at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond Virginia for over a decade. It is a religion and a congregation so radically open-minded that beliefs of different religions and no religion are embraced in the one community.  The church has grown in her time and continues its growth. In the era of donald trump they have experienced a particular surge. People are seeking community in a place that does not place them under the thumb of a narrow belief system. As most of my Richmond relationships revolve around Christian communities, I have found myself saying through this year that our church vastly congregates around social justice missions. Rev. Jeanne leads two Sunday services at 9 and 11AM. They are powerful and deeply meaningful. There are various other groups that meet to dive into specific spiritual education and worship every week - a Christian group, Buddhist group, Jewish studies and many more. Other groups are advocating for racial justice, women’s rights, LGBTQIA rights, immigrant rights through becoming a sanctuary congregation, and much more. I have also heard several critical voices that don't know Rev. Jeanne or this congregation tell me they had visited this church more than ten years ago. And I don't recognize the description. Every church has conflict; conflict is natural. There is healthy conflict happening today; the conflict of courageously moving forward. On one hand, we are not moving fast enough. On the other hand, I know that Rev. Jeanne is keeping a pulse on what we can handle, and pushing us. I knew that Rev. Jeanne had business experience before becoming clergy. I did not know that part of that experience was in this podcast's wheelhouse as a "coffee executive!" Mind blown. What else will we learn about Rev. Jeanne?!?! For example, who knew her exquisite drink of choice would be espresso con panna (hot espresso with cold whip cream on top)? What's more, I've been drinking in Rev. Jeanne's wisdom and inspiration Sunday after Sunday. I've been talking with her in the hallways of First UU and at meetings. She knows that sometimes things are more complicated than they seem. So when she delivers wisdom that is simple, do not miss its value. It's powerful and distilled to work in your heart and mind. When asked what she wanted to promote explicitly, it was simply this: we are one family. When we can remember and own this truth, "we are one family," then we will treat each other the way that we ought and the world will indeed be a better place. Links: Sponsor: United Faith Leaders First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond Rev. Jeanne for UUA President! Rev. Jeanne on Facebook Twitter: @Jeannepupke4uua Unitarian Universalist Association Expresso Con Panna

Wondrous Music In The Face of Wrongs Dr. Buehrens, homilist Dr. Mark Sumner directing the UUSF Choir and Soloists and the Jubilate Instrumental Ensemble and Reiko Oda Lane at the organ keyboard. Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Worship Archives/Podcast Bring your music loving friends! Our “Big Music Sunday” this year features works by J.S. Bach, centered on Cantata 79, his “Reformation Cantata” --a fitting prelude to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, 1517 to 2017. The cantata includes a chorale, “Nun danket alle Gott,” praising, in the face of enduring ills, the “wondrous things” already done to rectify many ancient wrongs. On the day after International Human Rights Day, we both celebrate and recommit ourselves – with the Human Rights Working Group bringing forth our UUSF “Black Lives Matter” banner. As part of the service at First Unitarian Universalist Church in SF, many members of the UC Alumni Chorus will join the Unitarian Universalist Choir. Directed by Mark Sumner Includes Jubilate/Magnificat Orchestra, David Wilson, conductor. Soloists: Kate Offer Alex Jerinic Asher Davidson Gilead Wurman Jiun-Chyi Yew Features an all Johann Sebastian Bach programme: Orchestral Suite No. 1 in C Major, BWV 1066 Ouverture; Heute noch lieber Vater from The Coffee Cantata, BWV 211; Gott der Herr und Sonn und Schild, Cantata No. 79 and Immortal Bach arranged by Knut Nystedt

Wondrous Music In The Face of Wrongs Dr. Buehrens, homilist Dr. Mark Sumner directing the UUSF Choir and Soloists and the Jubilate Instrumental Ensemble and Reiko Oda Lane at the organ keyboard. Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Worship Archives/Podcast Bring your music loving friends! Our “Big Music Sunday” this year features works by J.S. Bach, centered on Cantata 79, his “Reformation Cantata” --a fitting prelude to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, 1517 to 2017. The cantata includes a chorale, “Nun danket alle Gott,” praising, in the face of enduring ills, the “wondrous things” already done to rectify many ancient wrongs. On the day after International Human Rights Day, we both celebrate and recommit ourselves – with the Human Rights Working Group bringing forth our UUSF “Black Lives Matter” banner. As part of the service at First Unitarian Universalist Church in SF, many members of the UC Alumni Chorus will join the Unitarian Universalist Choir. Directed by Mark Sumner Includes Jubilate/Magnificat Orchestra, David Wilson, conductor. Soloists: Kate Offer Alex Jerinic Asher Davidson Gilead Wurman Jiun-Chyi Yew Features an all Johann Sebastian Bach programme: Orchestral Suite No. 1 in C Major, BWV 1066 Ouverture; Heute noch lieber Vater from The Coffee Cantata, BWV 211; Gott der Herr und Sonn und Schild, Cantata No. 79 and Immortal Bach arranged by Knut Nystedt

Sermon by Rev. Dr. Mark Belletini, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus, OH

Finding Meaning and Purpose from a Science Based Perspective. Are you using the three broad area of activities to gain meaning and purpose? 1. self reflection 2. community bonds and community belonging 3. serving others   UUs do a great job in these 3 areas but we could do more especially in interfaith activities.   Bio Gleb Tsipursky, PhD, is the Co-Founder and President of Intentional Insights (www.intentionalinsights.org), a UU-friendly nonprofit that empowers people to refine and reach their goals through providing research-based content about improving thinking, feeling, and behavior patterns. He is also a tenure-track professor at Ohio State University and a member of the Decision Sciences Collaborative there. As a historian of science working at the intersection of history, psychology, and cognitive neuroscience, he researches emotions, decision-making, meaning and purpose, agency and conformism, community, youth, social control, fun and leisure, and civic engagement in historical contexts. He published dozens of peer-reviewed essays in academic venues in the US, UK, France, Germany, Russia, and elsewhere, as well as numerous popular articles, and serves on a number of boards.   He has been active in the Unitarian Universalist movement for a number of years, and currently worships at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Columbus, where he has participated in and led a number of Religious Education Classes and Covenant Groups. His nonprofit is collaborating with the UUA Faith Development Office and the UU Humanist Association to provide resources for UU youth, young adults, and adults.   Get in touch with him at gleb@intentionalinsights.org intentionalinsights.org Facebook Page Gleb TsipurskyTwitter Youtube Gleb Tsipursky Pinterest Gleb Tsipursky   Final Credits: music thanks to: "Carefree", "Open Those Bright Eyes", "Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The late Spring 2015 issue of the CUUPS Podcast includes the sermon "Dancing To a Living Drum" by ministerial intern Randy Partain from First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston. We also have news about two new CUUPS Chapters: White Oak Grove CUUPS of Rockford, IL and CLF CUUPS which is associated with the Church of the Larger Fellowship which is the UUA's online congregation for people who don't live near a UU congregation. There's is also a preview of our activites at the upcoming UUA General Assembly in Portland,  OR (June 24-28) and some information on our Facebook Page, Twitter account @CUUPS_Media, and the Nature's Path blog on Patheos.com's Pagan Channel.

Sermon delivered by Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray on February 17, 2008.  Susan is a life-long Unitarian Universalist minister, serving at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Youngstown in Ohio. She is a graduate of Harvard Divinity School and the University of Wisconsin, where she studied molecular biology. Susan's ministry centers around worship, leadership development, personal growth, and community organizing.