Podcasts about unitarian universalist minister

Rebecca "Artie" Throop reflects on what art has taught them about mistakes--how to make better mistakes, enjoying the process, and showing others imperfections.   They are a member of our congregation and a senior at Rice University, double majoring in Religion and Studio art. They plan to attend seminary after graduation and become a Unitarian Universalist Minister.

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. Beth Dana answers questions from our members and friends. Learn more about Rev. Beth, get tips on how talk to your teenagers that don't want to come to church, and hear what Rev. Beth is looking forward to in the coming church year. 00:00 - Rev. Beth is ready to answer your questions 01:02 - If you hadn't gone into ministry, what career would you have pursued? 03:22 - What do you advise parents when they tell you that their high school age kids who participated in church school for many years no longer want to come to youth group or church 07:15 - Can you share a particularly memorable or impactful moment from your ministry? 10:46 - What are you most looking forward to for the 2024-2025 church year? Tiny Pulpit Talks is a podcast series from First Unitarian Church of Dallas that takes a behind-the-scenes look at ministry from a Unitarian Universalist perspective. This is a rare opportunity to see what goes into crafting meaningful and inspirational sermons, learn how worship comes together each Sunday, and explore the many facets of spiritual leadership. Subscribe to get updates about new episodes on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. 

“Ministers are spiritual leaders of our faith communities. They help us explore life's questions, challenge us to live out our values, and comfort us in times of suffering. Ministers teach, preach, listen and learn by leading congregations, serving as chaplains, and working for justice in the community. Unitarian Universalist (UU) ministers are a diverse group. They include people of different genders and sexualities, and those who are single or partnered. Ministers have different racial identities and ethnicities, different abilities, and come from many ages and stages of life. Their personal beliefs are as diverse as Unitarian Universalism, and all are committed to UU values. Rather than telling others what to do or believe, ministers encourage people to make sense of the world in their own way, supporting them on their life's journey. Ministers serve in a variety of settings—in congregations and beyond. Ministers with the Unitarian Universalist Association are highly trained and highly capable. They go through demanding training and preparation outlined in the fellowshipping process with the UUA, and after being fellowshipped, most get ordained by a UU congregation. Ministry in Congregations and in the Community UU ministers serving congregations act as the spiritual and administrative leaders of their congregations. They lead worship services and give sermons, challenge and guide the congregation's spiritual focus, provide pastoral care and counseling, conduct special services, and represent Unitarian Universalism in the community. Ministers work closely with congregations' volunteer leaders to providing vision, direction, and day-to-day administration, often supervising staff. Some ministers specifically serve a congregation's religious education or social justice program. All congregationally-based ministers lead in partnership with members of the congregation because the members get to choose whom they will call and settle as their minister, because of our commitment to congregational polity. There are growing number of UU community ministers who typically serve outside of congregations. They may serve in hospitals, hospices, nursing home, universities, prisons, or military bases as chaplains. They may serve as an executive director of a non-profit organization or work as a religious community organizer. Some community ministers work as pastoral counselors or are seminary professors. All UU community ministers bring their UU values to their work, holding up the UU spirit of personal growth and social justice.” -https://www.uua.org/careers/ministers. “Explore the links below to learn how Unitarian Universalists weave these traditions and identities into who they are today. Atheist and Agnostic Buddhist Christian Earth-Centered Hindu Humanist Jewish Muslim.” -https://www.uua.org/beliefs/what-we-believe/beliefs. “Unitarian Universalists believe more than one thing. We think for ourselves, and reflect together, about important questions: The existence of a Higher Power Life and Death Sacred Texts Prayer and Spiritual Practices.” -https://www.uua.org/beliefs/what-we-believe. “Unitarian Universalism values deeds not creeds and we need not think alike to love alike.” -Antonio Myers. Link: https://uunashua.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/100questions.pdf. In the PDF file, I must state that everyone as Unitarian Universalists don't have the same beliefs on each and every topic. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald answers questions from our members and friends. Learn more about Rev. T. J., what it's like to be a Unitarian Universalist minister, and how to talk about Unitarian Universalism with your friends. 00:00 - Rev. T. J. is ready to answer your questions! 00:27 - How do our online members experience church life? 01:34 - Do you surf? Do you play the ukulele? And what is your favorite Hawaiian food? 03:06 - What is a typical work day like for a minister at our Unitarian Universalist church? 06:03 - How do I explain Unitarian Universalism to my friends? 07:43 - How do we respect other faiths and love across differences? Tiny Pulpit Talks is a podcast series from First Unitarian Church of Dallas that takes a behind-the-scenes look at ministry from a Unitarian Universalist perspective. This is a rare opportunity to see what goes into crafting meaningful and inspirational sermons, learn how worship comes together each Sunday, and explore the many facets of spiritual leadership. Subscribe to get updates about new episodes here on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

How do we navigate grief and process it? Most significantly, how do we handle emotional triggers when they seem to reinvigorate past grief? Podcast Host CJMiller sits down with Reverand Lora Brandis, a Unitarian Universalist Minister with experience as a congregational minister, hospital chaplain, and spiritual director. Lora shares her personal experience navigating grief after the loss of her daughter, stepdaughter, ex-husband, and college friend in the space of only two years. It's essential to talk about our grief and death. We are afraid of the sadness we see in others. When Lora tells her story, she recognizes that it does stop the conversation. There's something about acknowledging death; it gives us space to understand that we are all dying. It's going to be sad, and people will miss us. Denial of death runs through religion and our society.  Lora continues to serve as an on-call hospital chaplain, providing spiritual support for those in hospital emergency rooms as a witness to their experience. She shares a recent experience that triggered her memory of the loss of her ex-husband, including a situation with an emergency vehicle, the ride to the hospital, and the final realization that nothing could be done to save the patient.  She introduces the term "metabolize grief." Lora lost her daughter only months before COVID-19, and she found herself isolated in grief. She shares how something would trigger her, and she would stop midstride and sob. It's essential to give your whole self time to process the loss. Lora lists several practices to walk through her sadness, including journaling, meditation, prayer, reading, painting, and gardening. Her spiritual practice includes journaling, and she consciously decided to write down every detail from the day of her daughter's death. A way to save it but not keep it active in her mind.  However, she cautions against getting stuck in your story. It's crucial to monitor ourselves if we feel caught in grief and retelling our story repeatedly. Sometimes, we don't have as much choice as we think when our emotions are triggered; we have to surrender to them. She suggests finding your squad of several close friends to walk you through the process with good boundaries. Lora reminds us that we are meaning-making creatures. We make meaning from our experiences. The question to ask about a trigger is, "How am I making meaning now in this moment?" We can change the meaning of triggers if we let them, and we can change how we make meaning of our lives.  The conversation references Megan Devine's "It's OK That You're Not OK" and Eckhart Tolles's "The Power of Now." She also recommended www.refugeingrief.com. For more information on Lora's spiritual coaching or to book her as a speaker, visit www.lorabrandis.com. For more information on CJMiller's book, speaking, and spiritual art retreats, visit www.spiritualartisttoday.com.  

Hey listeners! While our co-hosts are away on vacation this summer (doing who knows what!), we are thrilled to present you with an archived episode. One of our favorite interviews from this season is back. So sit back and enjoy!   We're delighted to welcome back the wonderful Rev. Dr. Gregory C. Carrow-Boyd, a Unitarian Universalist Minister of Religious Education who received his EdD from the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education. He serves on the General Assembly Advisory Council of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Rev. Dr. Carrow-Boyd is a sexuality and racial justice educator in the greater Los Angeles and metro O'ahu areas. He just started as Executive Minister of Religious Education at the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, HI.   Greg's research interests include critical theory, social media, Black liberation theology, effective sex education for Black teens, teacher education, and adult education. Today, we are specifically inviting Rev. Dr. Carrow-Boyd back to Our Better Half to discuss the findings of his dissertation research.   Find out more about Rev. Dr. Carrow-Boyd's work at https://uuhonolulu.org/.   If you like our show or have any questions contact us here at our website, and you can subscribe to our podcast any way you'd like. We love our listeners and welcome your feedback, so if you love Our Better Half, please give us a 5-star rating and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. It really helps support our show!   As always, thanks for listening!

We're delighted to welcome back the wonderful Rev. Dr. Gregory C. Carrow-Boyd, a Unitarian Universalist Minister of Religious Education who received his EdD from the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education. He serves on the General Assembly Advisory Council of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Rev. Dr. Carrow-Boyd is a sexuality and racial justice educator in the greater Los Angeles and metro O'ahu areas. He just started as Executive Minister of Religious Education at the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, HI.   Greg's research interests include critical theory, social media, Black liberation theology, effective sex education for Black teens, teacher education, and adult education. Today, we are specifically inviting Rev. Dr. Carrow-Boyd back to Our Better Half to discuss the findings of his dissertation research.   Find out more about Rev. Dr. Carrow-Boyd's work at https://uuhonolulu.org/.   If you like our show or have any questions contact us here at our website, and you can subscribe to our podcast any way you'd like. We love our listeners and welcome your feedback, so if you love Our Better Half, please give us a 5-star rating and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. It really helps support our show!   As always, thanks for listening!

Aside from the fascinating, and ultimately tragic, true story of Francis David and Transylvania's too-brief period of mandated religious tolerance, this episode includes: New Member inductions; Our Music Director's Round Tuit awards; and an unforgettable Pet Eulogy. Along with the usual announcements ("Cake!") and fabulous musical accompaniment. And as a bonus: If you listen to Rev. Dave's sermon, you'll likely know more about the "blessed Trinity" than most who profess to believe in it. A note about the sound: due to some inattentiveness at the sound board, there is more mic hum than there should be. Audio software noise reduction has been applied, but it's still noticeable. Next week's should be better. Piano accompaniment and choir direction by Alex Pietsch. "Whispered in the Wind", Here, Now May It Be So," and "Awaken" composed by Alex Pietsch. Copyright 2023. Intro and outro background music by Tim Moor at Pixabay.* UUMAN is a welcoming congregation and we thank you for taking the time to get to know us a bit better. You can learn more about us by visiting our website at www.UUMAN.org Unitarian Universalism is a religion based on seven moral principles which promote the inherent worth of all people and each individual's search for truth and meaning. Learn more at uua.org UUMAN is a 501(c)3 organization under the Internal Revenue Code. Your contribution is deductible to the full extent provided by law. https://www.uuman.org/donate/ UUMAN - Unitarian Universalist Metro Atlanta North 11420 Crabapple Rd, Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 992-3949 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcRwJlKGVhksTvxKeCXhxeQ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UUMAN.ATL Twitter https://twitter.com/UUMAN_ATL #UUMAN #Unitarian #Universalist #Universalism #UU _____ * We do NOT include portions of the service that contain copyright-protected material, for which we have secured live performance rights (and viewable on our YouTube channel, should you wish.) Thus, for example when a hymn is about to be sung, you will only hear a short excerpt, for continuity's sake. For more information about what's allowed, see https://copyrightalliance.org/how-to-avoid-copyright-infringement-on-podcasts/

“What exactly are the requirements for ordination? Does the minister pledge celibacy, poverty, and obedience, and declare their adherence to a strict creed? As you might imagine, they do none of these things. Matters of celibacy would generally be considered none of the congregation's business (as would matters of gender or sexual orientation). There is no vow of poverty—ministers draw salaries, like other professionals. And obedience is out of the question, although ministers do have a mutual covenant through which they agree how they will relate to one another. It involves matters of support and mutual accountability, and very much does not involve obedience. As for adherence to a strict creed, that's not only not a requirement, it's explicitly stated in the Unitarian Universalist Association bylaws that it cannot be a requirement. What happens at an ordination service? Does the bishop lay hands on the new minister? Well, this would be tricky, because there is no UU bishop. There is often a laying on of hands, but it usually involves everyone. There's usually a Charge to the Minister and a Charge to the Congregation (these are marching orders of a sort, given by someone the new minister chooses). There's usually the offering of a collegial blessing such as the right hand of fellowship, where another minister welcomes the new minister into the collegial group. And there's always the act of ordination, which is performed by the members of the congregation and is usually a reading led by the congregational president. There is no magical moment of ethereal transformation where the minister takes their place as an intermediary between God and humankind. UUs do not all agree on whether there is a God, much less where such a God might be located. But we definitely agree that whatever transcendental forces exist, ministers do not have a special place in controlling or mediating those forces. Ministry is not a supernatural state of any kind. It's a choice, a process, and an ongoing relationship.” As I child, I was willing to lose my entire life, money, housing, vehicles, my health care, my insurances, materialism, possessions, power, statuses, pleasure, comfort, praise, approval, and my acceptance for Jesus! As a child, I believed that I would gain eternal life with Christ! I think of being a theologian, and a lawyer. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/antonio-myers4/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/antonio-myers4/support

Tools for dealing with death and grief that help us connect more deeply with life. 1:50 Reading from Unitarian Universalist Minister the Rev. Kate Tucker about what to expect when a loved one dies. 4:45 Rev. Elaine Aron-Tenbrink shares about navigating the loss of someone we love. 11:53 Rev. Elaine talks with Rev. Sean Neil-Barron about Joanna Macy's work, which comes from Engaged Buddhism and natural systems ecology, to help us orient ourselves in the natural systems. 35:00 Katie Watkins shares her experience at the Halloween Lizzo concert. Join our email list at https://foothillsuu.org/newsletter

Hello friends! Parker Woodland singer, songwriter and bass player, Erin Walter is my guest for episode 1065! Parker Woodland's debut EP, the Jonas Wilson produced, The World Is On Fire (And We Still Fall In Love) is available now on all platforms. They're also playing their first full-band show in 15 months tomorrow, Sat 6/26 at Meanwhile Brewing here in Austin. Go to parkerwoodland.com for music, show dates and more. Erin and I have a great conversation about being a Unitarian Universalist Minister, making the EP during a pandemic, Her 100 + show virtual tour she's done since Sept 2020, writing songs with messages of resilience, anti-racism, disability activism and much more. I had a great time getting to know Erin. I'm sure you will too. Let's get down! Get tickets to Johnny Goudie and The Belle Sounds on Fri. June 25th at 3TEN in Austin HERE Get set up or repair on your guitars with J. Scott Lutherie! Find millions of songs and thousands of podcasts including How Did I Get Here? on Spotify. If you feel so inclined. Venmo: www.venmo.com/John-Goudie-1  Paypal: paypal.me/johnnygoudie    

Roger Butts is a hospital chaplain in a 500 bed hospital in Colorado Springs. An ordained Unitarian Universalist minister for nearly 20 years, he is a member of the International Thomas Merton Society and the Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship. He enjoys tennis, reading, and music. His wife, Rev. Marta Fioriti, is minister of Black Forest Community Church. He has three teenagers and a black lab named Gracie. He attended Appalachian State and Wesley Theological Seminary (DC). Seeds of Devotion is his first books.  To buy a copy of Roger's book, please visit https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08WRXCWSS/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

For some of us, there are barriers that exist along the path of religious engagement, finding a sense of belonging, or cultivating wholeness in our lives.  Catharine Clarenbach is on a mission to remove these barriers and to nurture deep spirituality in those who are ambivalent about or alienated from religion.  As a Unitarian Universalist Minister and Priestess of Stone Circle Wicca, her love-driven mission is about nourishing the fundamental needs we all share as human beings: connection, love, and community.  My interview with Catharine couldn’t have come at a better time in my life, as it opened up space for me to reflect and remember that we are all doing the best we can with the tools we have.  So if you’re looking to find a moment to pause, breathe, and enjoy a meaningful conversation about authentic spirituality and self-discovery, this episode is for you.

In February of 2015 I went to the Unitarian Universalist Minister's Association Institute for Excellence in Ministry, and I had the opportunity to spend a week in a workshop with activist, eco‐philosopher, writer, and spiritual elder Joanna Macy.

In February of 2015 I went to the Unitarian Universalist Minister’s Association Institute for Excellence in Ministry, and I had the opportunity to spend a week in a workshop with activist, eco‐philosopher, writer, and spiritual elder Joanna Macy.

Links:Unitarian Universalist Church of Readinghttps://uureading.org/about-us/our-minister-and-staff/All Ages - Boston Hardcore the Film Trailerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koNf6c80J6gJunkyard Promo Photohttps://www.wolfgangs.com/concert-and-band-photos/junkyard/promo-print/ZZZ029401.htmlFrank Lloyd Wright - Unitarian Faith Designer’s Leaking Buildings of The Worldhttps://fusmadison.org/wrighttheroof/https://www.utrf.org/unity-temple-restoration/#https://www.rrstar.com/article/20131215/SPECIAL/131219666https://www.theledger.com/news/20140124/fsc-gets-grant-to-restore-annie-pfeiffer-chapel/1https://www.theledger.com/news/20180603/fscs-annie-pfeiffer-chapel-honored-even-as-aging-takes-tollhttps://www.flatlandkc.org/news-issues/community-christian-church-launches-campaign-to-rekindle-steeple-of-light/https://www.thebluebook.com/iProView/14958/mara-restoration-inc/subcontractors/construction-projects/beth-sholom-congregation-3983.htmlOther FLW leaky buildingshttps://old.post-gazette.com/lifestyle/20011208lowry1208fnp3.asphttps://www.wsj.com/articles/SB856219311753501500https://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/10/arts/guggenheim-museum-seeks-to-restore-its-most-valuable-asset-itself.htmlI. M. Peihttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I._M._PeiAlso leakinghttps://ithacavoice.com/2015/05/cornell-sues-world-famous-architect-i-m-pei-over-johnson-museum-of-art/See a Pennyhttps://www.groveandgrotto.com/blogs/articles/pennies-acorns-and-cracks-the-magickal-truths-behind-7-old-superstitionsHarvey The Invisible Rabbithttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvfXvW2wsuQYoung Life Culthttps://www.younglife.org/GetInvolved/Pages/Become-a-Volunteer-Leader.aspxUnitarian Universalismhttps://www.uua.org/Henry Ward Beecherhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Ward_BeecherKrishnacorehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2A7B6t6jLIhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KrishnacoreStraight Edge -  “2 out of 3 ain’t bad”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiVTsHzvs2kFastest-Growing Gang in Utahhttps://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jan-29-mn-13171-story.htmlCaffeine shortageshttps://www.reddit.com/r/ToFizzOrNotToFizz/comments/78qdvd/anyone_ever_been_to_utah_re_caffeine_free_soda/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyJYWsZ-Ls8Meadville Uhttps://www.meadville.edu/Boston Globe Article about Covid and Religionhttps://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/08/27/opinion/pandemic-is-making-people-more-religious/First day of gay marriage Bostonhttp://archive.boston.com/news/specials/gay_marriage/gallery/051704scenes?pg=11General Assemblyhttps://www.uua.org/gaHot Stove Reporthttps://www.facebook.com/HotStoveReport/Trade rumorshttps://www.nhltraderumors.me/What is WAR?https://library.fangraphs.com/misc/war/Whisky Priesthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Power_and_the_GloryFather Karrashttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damien_KarrasFather Damien (Not mentioned, Bill is just really into him)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_Damien

Welcome to Season Two! We are thrilled to open with Stan Stefancic, a retired Hoffman teacher and former Director of Special Projects for the Institute. Stan shares his stories of the Process (including working with Bob Hoffman), as well as his life's work in helping to create a more socially just and caring world. For Stan, "...the Hoffman Process was a life-changing experience. I made many profound discoveries. I also encountered my Spiritual Self, and my own intrinsic worth and value. This meant that I could enjoy what I was doing for its own sake rather than proving through achievement that I was lovable.” Stan initially studied Civil Engineering while working as a bricklayer/stonemason apprentice. Upon completion of his apprenticeship, he changed direction, earning a BA in English and American Literature. Stan became active in politics and social change in college. He then earned an M.Div. degree at Harvard Divinity School. While studying for a Ph.D., he began working with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King inspired Stan to leave his graduate study and become a Unitarian Universalist Minister. He was able to become deeply involved with the Civil Rights Movement and participate in meaningful social and political change. A minister for more than 40 years, Stan has served churches in six states. He served on many nonprofit Boards, including Common Cause, ACLU, and Planned Parenthood. Stan has also served as a citizen lobbyist focusing on Campaign Finance reform and ethics and conflict of interest legislation. Stan was honored as Citizen Activist of the Year in 1998 for his contributions to the passage of a Citizen's Initiative resulting in Arizona being one of four states to pass Public Funding of all elected State Officials. Bob Hoffman & Stan Stefancic in 1986 A Major Life Turning Point A major turning point in Stan’s life occurred when he participated in the Hoffman Process. He had recently resigned his position as Senior Minister after five tumultuous years and was trying to determine what to do next. Then a friend introduced him to Bob Hoffman, who invited him to experience the first 8-day residential Process and become Vice-president of the Institute. Immediately after completing the Process, Stan also began training as a Teacher. After teaching and training teachers for six years in the USA, Europe, and Australia, Stan left the Institute for a time to pursue other interests. He was a business consultant and did “crisis interventions” with churches where he was able to heal the wounds, repair the organizations, and stimulate growth. “I could not have been successful in those crisis situations had I not done the Process and learned how to stay present, authentic, focused, and deal with transference and projections.” Stan rejoined the Institute in 2000 as Director of Special Projects and Process teacher. He retired in 2011. Presently, he is writing a Memoir. Stan and his wife Marianne, who is a psychotherapist, live in San Rafael, CA. Subscribe on Apple/iTunes

Joe and Drew talk just a little bit more about hell (these guys have got some some real issues with that whole thing), then about universalism and how Drew's brother actually got ordained as a Unitarian Universalist Minister so he could marry his friends and somehow they also find time to talk about that one time when Joe tried to peer-pressure Drew into smoking cloves. It's a really a lot but somehow it all fits into one conversation. Oh, and there's a theme song to this episode! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/crisisoffaith/message

The Rev. Dr. Lynn Ungar was Inspired to answer the need for poetry in these uncertain times. In three days, her poem "Pandemic" had gone viral.

Do people turn to religion in order to find and secure immortality?  Do we need to learn how to deal with the little deaths in life in order to face our final days?  What should faith traditions be teaching about death?  Host Ahriana Platten engages in a lively conversation with Rabbi Walli Carranza, Unitarian Universalist Minister, Rev. Dr. Nori Rost, and “Stevangelical” (Rev. Dr. Steven Todd) this week on In Good Faith Conversations. The post In Good Faith – Immortality appeared first on Studio 809 Radio.

Why is 11 am on Sunday the most segregated time in America?  Martin Luther King asked this question in the 60’s – and we are still asking it today!  Host Ahriana Platten discusses church segregation with Unitarian Universalist Minister, Rev. Dr. Nori Rost and Evangelical Leader, Rev. Dr. Steven Todd this week on In Good Faith Conversations. The post In Good Faith – Segregation appeared first on Studio 809 Radio.

Sermon delivered by Tony Mitchell on August 28, 2016. An Oak Park resident and Chicago area native, Tony joined Unity Temple in the spring of 2015. He currently is enrolled in the Masters of Divinity program at Meadville Lombard Theological School, where Tony is in formation to become a Unitarian Universalist Minister. A Soul Connections leader in the congregation, he plans to become a Unity Temple intern in the fall of 2017. Tony graduated from Yale University and has been a communications and public relations leader for much of his career. He currently serves as Vice President of Communications for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs – an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight and influences the public discourse on critical global issues. Tony has long been active in community advocacy and action – particularly as it affects the African American community. He serves on the boards of Housing Forward, an organization comprehensively addressing homelessness on Chicago’s West Side and in western Cook County, and Rush Oak Park Hospital. He will begin the Clinical Pastoral Education phase of his seminary work this fall by providing chaplain services in support of The Night Ministry – a Chicago-based organization that works to provide housing, health care and human connection to members of our community struggling with poverty or homelessness. The theme for August is how to take a path of growth. To read about our theme-based ministry, please visit http://www.unitytemple.org/faith-development/soul-connections on our website.

Sermon delivered by Rev. Aidan McCormack on July 6, 2014. Aidan McCormack is the Community and Congregational Relations Coordinator at The Night Ministry. He is a Unitarian Universalist Minister and a 2011 graduate of Meadville Lombard Theological School where he was awarded the Charles F. Billings Prize for Preaching. In addition to ministry, Aidan is a writer involved in the live literary scene in Chicago.

Rosemarie Smurzynski MTS '80, retired Unitarian Universalist Minister, on Saturday, March 9, 2013.