Podcasts about Senior Minister

Scripture: Luke 2:22-35; Series: A Thrill of Hope; Speaker: Monte French, Senior Minister

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20; Series: A Thrill of Hope; Speaker: Monte French, Senior Minister

Les Chapman, Senior Minister

Scripture: Luke 1:56-79; Series: A Thrill of Hope; Speaker: Monte French, Senior Minister

John's monologue this time is about the competition groups for the FIFA world cup having a ceremony that involved bestowing a brand-new Peace Prize to Donald Trump. Then, he welcomes back Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis who is the Senior Minister for Public Theology and Transformation at Middle Church in New York City's East Village. She is a womanist whose preaching, teaching, speaking, writing, and activism are aimed at racial equality, gun control, economic justice, and equal rights for all sexual orientations and genders. And then, TV's Frank Conniff jokes with John and listeners about the latest news and Trump's twisted trickery.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The message was delivered on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. Description: What if the Divine made mistakes? From Eden's miscalculation to Noah's devastating flood, journey through a startling reimagining of ancient stories where an all-powerful creator grapples with the messy consequences of wielding absolute authority. Watch as cosmic power confronts its own limitations through Job's unanswerable questions and Abraham's bold negotiations, leading to a revelation that challenges everything: some truths can only be learned by becoming mortal. The answer to divinity's greatest limitation arrives not in thunder from above, but in the vulnerability of a newborn child—and it changes where we must look to find the sacred. Subscribe: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/all-souls-unitarian-church/id193096943 Watch this message on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EdPkg3SdyqE Give a donation to help us spread Love Beyond Belief: https://www.allsoulschurch.org/GIVE or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 Let's connect: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allsoulstulsa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allsoulstulsa All Souls Church Website: https://www.allsoulschurch.org

Scripture: Luke 1:39-55; Series: A Thrill of Hope; Speaker: Monte French, Senior Minister

“The Art of Waiting” Sunday, December 7, 2025 In Christian liturgy this is the season of waiting and preparation—of Advent. It is perfectly scheduled in the depths of winter, when so much feels like it is waiting, preparing, quietly under snow until the light draws it out again. Times of preparation are important and hard sometimes and are the places where transitions and change are made possible. What does Advent mean for you and us right now? How do you make space to meet it?   Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Carmen Barsody, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Moderator, Board of Trustees; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric ShackelfordJonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

“The Art of Waiting” Sunday, December 7, 2025 In Christian liturgy this is the season of waiting and preparation—of Advent. It is perfectly scheduled in the depths of winter, when so much feels like it is waiting, preparing, quietly under snow until the light draws it out again. Times of preparation are important and hard sometimes and are the places where transitions and change are made possible. What does Advent mean for you and us right now? How do you make space to meet it?   Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Carmen Barsody, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Moderator, Board of Trustees; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric ShackelfordJonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

It's A Wonderful Life part 2: The Gift of Light - Dan Walter, Senior Minister

Les Chapman, Senior Minister

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38; Series: A Thrill of Hope; Speaker: Monte French, Senior Minister

When we think about deception in our world today, we might think of the political realm where a piece of legislation might carry an appealing name, yet when you examine it, in at least some way, it does just the opposite of what the name communicates. This is just one of the many forms of deception, but the one that is most egregious is that which attempts to distort God's Word. These are modern attempts that mimic what Satan did in the garden when he asked, "Yea hath God said...?" Such attempts are even more sinister when the target audience is children, as was shown on this edition of Crosstalk, as Jim interviewed Dale Mason who presented his thoughts on the recently released book, The Just Love Story Bible. Dale is a dad, father, grandfather, a researcher and a writer. Though now retired, he served two decades as a vice president at Answers in Genesis. Dale and his wife homeschooled their four children and now all 21 of his grandchildren are being homeschooled. The authors of The Just Love Story Bible are Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis and Rev. Dr. Shannon Daley-Harris. Lewis is Senior Minister at Middle Church in New York City while Daley-Harris is the Associate Dean of Auburn Theological Seminary. The authors are social justice activists. Not surprisingly, they weave this into numerous biblical accounts while also including gender and LGBT ideology as well. While this Crosstalk is certainly a warning, it isn't about merely cursing the darkness. Jim and Dale light a candle as they discuss an alternative, The 10 Minute Bible Journey, that can be of great spiritual benefit for young families as it points to and upholds the authority of the Scriptures.

Scripture: Luke 1:5-25; Series: A Thrill of Hope; Speaker: Monte French, Senior Minister

"The Spiritual Practice of Birding" Sunday, November 23, 2025 Like so many things we love, we are drawn to them because of the worlds they open up to us—outside us and within. In a month when we discuss gratitude, let's journey to how one person's relationship to the hobby, the avocation of birding, is a source of joy and so much more too.   Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Linda Enger, Vice-Moderator, Board of Trustees; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eli Boshears, Camera Operator; Jonathan Silk, OOS; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

Les Chapman, Senior Minister

"The Spiritual Practice of Birding" Sunday, November 23, 2025 Like so many things we love, we are drawn to them because of the worlds they open up to us—outside us and within. In a month when we discuss gratitude, let's journey to how one person's relationship to the hobby, the avocation of birding, is a source of joy and so much more too.   Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Linda Enger, Vice-Moderator, Board of Trustees; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eli Boshears, Camera Operator; Jonathan Silk, OOS; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

The message was delivered on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. Description: Inspired by @sterlinharjo's hit Tulsa-based series The Lowdown, this Sunday's message wrestles with the same timeless questions: When do you try to be the hero in your relationships and sometimes make things worse? When do you make assumptions about others thinking that you know best? When have your good intentions led you to hurt someone else?t shape a just and compassionate life. Subscribe: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/all-souls-unitarian-church/id193096943 Watch this message on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PnDnsbF7yt4 Give a donation to help us spread Love Beyond Belief: https://www.allsoulschurch.org/GIVE or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 Let's connect: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allsoulstulsa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allsoulstulsa All Souls Church Website: https://www.allsoulschurch.org

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; Speaker: Monte French, Senior Minister

Congregational Affirmation - Dan Walter,Senior Minister

We can't wait for this Sunday as we celebrate and officially covenant with Rev. Chrissy Tatum Williamson, our new Senior Minister! It's sure to be a joyful and spirit-filled morning as we welcome Rev. Dr. Amy Butler, a dear friend and former colleague of Rev. Chrissy, to the pulpit. We're certain Amy will share faith-filled words for both Chrissy and our congregation to carry forward together.Link to Livestream: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLrH12ssIG8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLrH12ssIG8&t=3154sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

"Roots and Wings of Hope: Emergent Wisdom from the Interdependent Web" Sunday, November 16, 2025 adrienne maree brown teaches, “We are part of a natural world that is constantly changing, and we need to learn to adapt together and stay in relationship if we hope to survive as a species.” Emergent strategy is “the way complex systems and patterns arise out of a multiplicity of relatively simple interactions.” How can UUs find hope from nature—birds in synchronized flight, entangled oak tree roots, and the structure of dandelions and fungi—and apply these lessons in biomimicry to our collective organizing against fascism, racism, and all forms of oppression? Rev. Kevin Alan Mann, Guest Preacher; Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Lori Lai, Worship Associate; Julia Wald, Trustee; Bell Choir led by Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eli Boshears, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, OOS; Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

Les Chapman, Senior Minister

Roots and Wings of Hope: Emergent Wisdom from the Interdependent Web Sunday, November 16, 2025 adrienne maree brown teaches, “We are part of a natural world that is constantly changing, and we need to learn to adapt together and stay in relationship if we hope to survive as a species.” Emergent strategy is “the way complex systems and patterns arise out of a multiplicity of relatively simple interactions.” How can UUs find hope from nature—birds in synchronized flight, entangled oak tree roots, and the structure of dandelions and fungi—and apply these lessons in biomimicry to our collective organizing against fascism, racism, and all forms of oppression? Rev. Kevin Alan Mann, Guest Preacher; Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Lori Lai, Worship Associate; Julia Wald, Trustee; Bell Choir led by Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eli Boshears, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, OOS; Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

This Sunday, we welcome guest minister Rev. Jen Crow as we celebrate Rev. Beth Dana's 10-Year Anniversary of Ordination. Across the generations, across the country, across theologies and untold multitudes of experiences, we name and nurture and sustain the faith that has the power to transform us individually and collectively. Today we celebrate the ties that bind us together and the part we play in building the world we long for. Guest minister Rev. Jen Crow is preaching. Music provided by the Sanctuary Choir & Kindred Voices Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY About Rev. Jen Crow Rev. Jen Crow currently serves as Senior Minister at First Universalist Church of Minneapolis. She lives in Minneapolis with her wife and teenage children. She is a hockey mom, a track parent, and an erratic gardener who cherishes morning walks, time with her wife, and live music. Her commitment to recovery, spirituality, transformative love and authenticity is at the center of her life and work. Rev. Jen's primary spiritual practice is writing, and her most recent work can be found in her book, Take What You Need: Life Lessons After Losing Everything. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do. We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at https://dallasuu.org/ New sermon every week. Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/1stchurchyoutubesubscribe Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stuchurch/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stUChurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/ Œ

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:9-22; Series: Finish Line Faith; Speaker: Monte French, Senior Minister

Morning of Baptisms Dan Walter, Senior Minister

Les Chapman, Senior Minister

"Presente!" Sunday, November 2, 2025 It has been a fall of memorial services for me, and fall has only just begun. That means a lot of things, as you might imagine: loss, wrestling with legacy, telling stories, making sense, paying attention to how each life pressed itself into the world and into us. Please bring your photo momento for our annual celebration of the time when the veil is thin, when we honor those who have gone before into the greatest mystery of life, death. And how standing at the veil and these particular lives shaped us. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mark Caswell, Ministerial Intern, Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Moderator, Board of Trustees; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, director; Hallie McDonologue, soprano; Akané Ota, mezzo-soprano; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford; Shulee Ong; Eli Boshears, Camera Operators; Desired Effect, Audio; Jonathan Silk, OOS; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

Les Chapman, Senior Minister

"Presente!" Sunday, November 2, 2025 It has been a fall of memorial services for me, and fall has only just begun. That means a lot of things, as you might imagine: loss, wrestling with legacy, telling stories, making sense, paying attention to how each life pressed itself into the world and into us. Please bring your photo momento for our annual celebration of the time when the veil is thin, when we honor those who have gone before into the greatest mystery of life, death. And how standing at the veil and these particular lives shaped us. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mark Caswell, Ministerial Intern, Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Moderator, Board of Trustees; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, director; Hallie McDonologue, soprano; Akané Ota, mezzo-soprano; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford; Shulee Ong; Eli Boshears, Camera Operators; Desired Effect, Audio; Jonathan Silk, OOS; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

TCH is a ministry of Gospel Broadcasting Mission.GBM's mission is to broadcast the message of Jesus, in their own language, to unreached people groups and tribes world-wide.So, for most of us, we have probably not pictured Jesus as a freedom fighter.But truth is, He was, in fact He liberated people from the powers of darkness so they could become who they were created to be.What was true then, is still relevant today! All this past month, Rick Atchley, Senior Minister with The Hills Church in Fort Worth Texas has been exploring what that liberation looks like in his series; “No Longer Slaves”.So, if Jesus is our rabbi, we need to be just as committed to His ministry of helping people claim “no longer slaves” status. In today's message: No Longer Slaves to the Futility of Mission Rick explores how our most fulfilling purpose for life can only be staying aligned with the assignment Jesus, our rabbi, has given us. Curious? Here's Rick to unpack what living with intent can mean. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/326/29

The Good And Beautiful God part 8: God Transforms - Dan Walter, Senior Minister

"Sacred Guardians of This" Sunday, October 26, 2025, 10:50 am Through history a lot has changed. The building we have met in has changed a few times, how we have explained our theology has changed, how we have worship has changed a bit, what we sing has changed, what our ministers have looked like has gotten more diverse, and how people find us and even access our Sunday morning services has, for some, changed. There are a few things that haven't changed. And one role, in particular, that we play that I don't think gets talked about enough but matters greatly. See you for service, for the luncheon and celebration, and for the auction! Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Gregory Stevens, Worship Associate; Linda Enger, Vice Moderator, Board of Trustees; Gino Fortunato with Mick Del Rosario, Legislative Aide to Shephen Sherill; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Maggie McGrann; Nancy Munn, soloists; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Eli Boshears, Camera Operator; Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Sacred Guardians of This" Sunday, October 26, 2025, 10:50 am Through history a lot has changed. The building we have met in has changed a few times, how we have explained our theology has changed, how we have worship has changed a bit, what we sing has changed, what our ministers have looked like has gotten more diverse, and how people find us and even access our Sunday morning services has, for some, changed. There are a few things that haven't changed. And one role, in particular, that we play that I don't think gets talked about enough but matters greatly. See you for service, for the luncheon and celebration, and for the auction! Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Gregory Stevens, Worship Associate; Linda Enger, Vice Moderator, Board of Trustees; Gino Fortunato with Mick Del Rosario, Legislative Aide to Shephen Sherill; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Maggie McGrann; Nancy Munn, soloists; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Eli Boshears, Camera Operator; Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-13; Series: Finish Line Faith; Speaker: Monte French, Senior Minister

“Faith In Times of Crisis” Sunday, October 19, 2025 Our forebears in liberal religion here in San Francisco endured crises long before the present one we now face. As we continue to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of UUSF, our former Senior Minister and resident historian will share stories of faith and endurance. The service will include a visit from one of the most colorful characters in our history: Emperor Norton! After the service, copies of John's history of UUSF, A Religious Center with a Civic Circumference: Unitarians in San Francisco Since 1850, will be available for sale and signing during another celebratory coffee hour.  Rev. John Buehrens; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Moderator, Board of Trustees; UUSF Bell Choir led by Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, director; Emanuela Nikiforova, violin; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

Les Chapman, Senior Minister

“Faith In Times of Crisis” Sunday, October 19, 2025 Our forebears in liberal religion here in San Francisco endured crises long before the present one we now face. As we continue to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of UUSF, our former Senior Minister and resident historian will share stories of faith and endurance. The service will include a visit from one of the most colorful characters in our history: Emperor Norton! After the service, copies of John's history of UUSF, A Religious Center with a Civic Circumference: Unitarians in San Francisco Since 1850, will be available for sale and signing during another celebratory coffee hour.  Rev. John Buehrens; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Moderator, Board of Trustees; UUSF Bell Choir led by Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, director; Emanuela Nikiforova, violin; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

The message was delivered on Sunday, October 13, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister.   When suffering strikes the innocent, where is divine justice? Throughout history, religions have offered comforting explanations—karma, God's plan, divine purpose—yet reality tells a different story. A mother loses her son to war, a child is taken by a drunk driver, families lose everything to circumstance beyond their control. If goodness cannot shield us from tragedy, is God a cosmic accountant, an indifferent force, or something we've misunderstood entirely? Through the ancient struggle of Job and the raw experiences of those who have faced life's cruelest inequities, discover why the question "why?" may not be the only question to ask—and what response actually matters when faith confronts unfairness.  SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF:  or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook:  Instagram:  All Souls Church Website: 

“The Rest of The Story” Sunday, October 12, 2025, 10:50 am We begin the celebration of our 175th anniversary as a congregation with a return visit from the very first woman minister in our history. Diane Miller served UUSF for several years starting in the bicentennial year of 1976. Like onetime radio personality Paul Harvey, who always ended his broadcasts with the tagline, “And that's the rest of the story,” Diane will share aspects of her ministry and experience here that few have heard before. She went on to serve as UUA Director of Ministry from 1993 to 2001. Rev. Dianne Miller, Guest Preacher; Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Lucy Smith, Board of Trustees Secretary; Joanne Kong, pianist; Christoph Wagner, cellist; Phil Browne, songleader, songleader; Mark Sumner, pianist Eric Shackelford; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

Les Chapman, Senior Minister

The message was delivered on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION: What does it truly mean to build a dream? Not just to chase what we want, but to create something that lifts others as we rise? Discover why the pursuit of personal goals leaves us empty when we seek only for ourselves—and how everything changes when we shift from "getting" to "giving." Explore the profound difference between achieving success and creating meaning. Learn why generosity isn't just about money, but about using every gift you possess—humor, strength, connections, time—to open doors for others. What happens when individual ambition meets collective purpose? In an era of rising authoritarianism, banned books, and threatened freedoms, some spaces become sacred. Some voices become essential. What makes a platform truly free? And what responsibility comes with that freedom? When spirituality meets the street and faith speaks to struggle, transformation begins. This isn't about comfort—it's about courage. It's about building the world we want to live in, together. The question isn't just what you dream for yourself. It's what you're willing to build for everyone. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website: