Podcasts about uua

with Rev. Meredith GarmonThe living tradition we share draws from many sources. One of them, explicit in the UUA bylaws adopted in 1985, is: "Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason ad the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of mind a spirit." We'll celebrate our humanist heritage, exploring especially this warning against idolatry.Support the show

Big episode today, an important conversation about the three decision categories candidates can receive after their MFC interview. My guests are the current panel chairs for the UUA's Ministerial Fellowship Committee: Alison Aguilar Lopez Gutierrez McLeod, Michael Tino, and Beth Norton. You will not want to miss this conversation. *Notes from the episode*MFC Decision Categorieshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1MfKquIrM4YuKg6Vx6VGA3PU0p8TiKR1GC9f1lBEIWus/edit#heading=h.qpmsv28d2rmvThank you for listening. Many Windows: Conversations on Ministry is a production of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Theme music is “Destination” by Justhea. This episode is produced by Jules Taylor.(Justhea: spoti.fi/2NycVfd and apple.co/3u51z2V)

Welcome to Many Windows! This episode continues the New MFC Paradigm series. My guest is the Rev. Amanda Poppei, co-chair of the UUA's Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC). We're discussing the areas of ministerial competence, and the addition or re-addition, of a competency in theology. *Notes from the episode*MFC Requirements Appendix - Areas of Competence found here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tW27RJcYIe7lmCglSGKP6guJ6BZ2Ka51t5v9pWypRH8/edit#heading=h.ez6vyw58uykpThank you for listening. Many Windows: Conversations on Ministry is a production of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Theme music is “Destination” by Justhea. This episode is produced by Jules Taylor.(Justhea: spoti.fi/2NycVfd​ and apple.co/3u51z2V)

Welcome to Season 4 of Many Windows: Conversations on Ministry! My guest for this episode is the Rev. Dr. Michael Tino, executive committee member and “Transformation Shephard” of the UUA's Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC). Our topic is the new shift from the old MFC Required Reading list to the NEW Educational Resources paradigm. This is my first conversation in a series - "The New MFC Paradigm." More episodes on related content to follow.*Notes from the episode* MFC Requirements Appendix https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tW27RJcYIe7lmCglSGKP6guJ6BZ2Ka51t5v9pWypRH8/editMFC Sample Resource Listshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1mOuT9e8y1gU9ZUGYQT64CozyAZMPJ6H4pq0tjhakGE4/editThank you for listening. Many Windows: Conversations onMinistry is a production of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Theme musicis “Destination” by Justhea. This episode is produced by Jules Taylor.(Justhea: spoti.fi/2NycVfd​ and apple.co/3u51z2V)

Sunday, July 14th, 2024 Rev. Justin M McCrearyDuring the summer I decided I would preach a series on the UU valuesrepresented in the UUA's article II. Last week we explored the value of Generosity, and this week we will be exploring the Values of Justice and Equity.

“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

Welcome Rev. Darrick Jackson, the UUA's new Ministerial Credentialing Director! If that name seems familiar, Darrick has just come from the executive team at the UU Minister's Association. Same person, new job. I spent a few minutes talking with Darrick about his new role.Resources from the episode:https://www.uua.org/offices/staff/mfd/credentialingThank you for listening. Many Windows: Conversations on Ministry is a production of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Theme music is “Destination” by Justhea. This episode is produced by Jules Taylor and as always, a special thank you to Tomo Hilbo.(Justhea: spoti.fi/2NycVfd​ and apple.co/3u51z2V)

Continuing her sermon series on the proposed changes to Article II of the UUA bylaws, Pastor Emma Peterson gives this message, "Pluralism: It Means More Than One."

Continuing her sermon series on the proposed changes to Article II of the UUA bylaws, Pastor Emma Peterson gives this message, "Transformation: A UU Value and Spiritual Practice."

“Repent” is a religious word with a lot of baggage. It brings to mind shame and threats of punishment. But there is another side to it: one that has to do with healing, repair, and peace. This sermon draws from the UUA's Common Read, On Repentance and Repair by Danya Ruttenberg. You can learn more about the Common Read program here. (https://www.uua.org/read) Music: Lydia Clark & Tom Godfrey

The Article II Commission of our tradition is proposing significant changes to our UUA statement of purpose and principles that includes a re-articulation of our core values, stating “Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values.” What does it mean to understand Love at the center of our faith and to live our values through the “spiritual discipline of Love"

The UUA is currently in the process of revising Article II of its bylaws. This is the section where the principles and sources currently reside. In this service, we consider what the proposed changes to article say about Unitarian Universalist theology and how they might help encourage each of us towards a deeper sense of spirituality.

Sunday Sermon given November 5, 2023 Prayer by Ruben Hopwood, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 About the service: Unitarian Universalism is a living faith, honoring tradition and evolving over time. The Unitarian Universalist Principles are stated in Article 2 of the bylaws of the Unitarian Universalist Association. The UUA is currently in the process of amending Article 2.  Perhaps questions of faith should always be considered and tested by war and peace, life and death, love and loss. Amidst the poignancy and complexity of war in the Middle East this week, Rev. Marta Flanagan will consider what is central to our faith. This Sunday is the second sermon in a two part series. Part I was delivered on October 15 and is available on YouTube. Offering and Giving First For the month of November, half of the offering supports the work of Centro de Esperanza (Shelter for Hope) is a migrant family shelter in Sonyata, Mexico, on the Arizona border. The shelter provides a safe refuge for families fleeing gang violence, religious persecution, and dire economic circumstances. In most cases, families have traveled hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to keep their families alive and safe. El Centro provides safe shelter, food, medical care, education, and legal and technical assistance and protects families from drug cartels, human traffickers, and others who would take advantage of them. Centro de Esperanza is unique in that all these families are attempting to seek asylum in the United States through legal channels. The average wait time for a hearing with a U.S. administrator at the border is 4-6 weeks. Currently the shelter can support 30 families with an expansion plan in the next few months for an additional 30 families. The annual operating cost is approximately $100k and the cost of the expansion is approximately $25k. The shelter was started by U.S. citizens in Ajo, Arizona but is managed by co-directors who are Mexican citizens.   The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

This is the first message in a series about the UU values as outlined in the recent updates to Article II of the UUA bylaws. Pastor Emma Peterson gives the message, "Caring for Each Soul: Equity as a UU Ethic."

Welcome back to "Cults in the Community"! This month, Jordan and Dan discuss the Unitarian Universalist Association. Following the same rough outline, they address the origins of the UUA. Also, Jordan makes a cultural reference. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/flyoverministry/message

For Unitarian Universalist aspirants and candidates the Ministerial Formation Network (or MFN) is a source of vocational support, spiritual engagement, practical information, and collegial care. The MFN is a collaborative project of the UUMA and UUA, with the goal of supporting every aspirant and candidate in their process. My guest today is the Rev. Michelle Favreault, manager of the Ministerial Formation Network.Notes from the episode:UUMA Membership: https://uuma.org/join/MFN (Ministerial Formation Network): https://uuma.org/collegiality/mfn/MFN Retreats: https://uuma.org/collegiality/mfn-retreat-dates-and-information/MFN Fall 2023 Offerings (including Seminarian Wellspring information): https://uuma.org/latest-news/fall-mfn-program-offerings/ Contact Rev. Michelle Favreault: favreault (at) uuma (dot) orgMany Windows: Conversations on Ministry is a production of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Theme music is “Destination” by Justhea. This episode is produced by Jules Taylor and as always, a special thank you to Tomo Hilbo.(Justhea: spoti.fi/2NycVfd​ and apple.co/3u51z2V)

From our service on Sunday, June 11, 2023, Pastor Emma Peterson talks about the proposed changes to Article II of the UUA bylaws. Later this season, she will also discuss the substance of those changes in a series about our UU values.

This year marks the two hundredth anniversary of the Supreme Court case Johnson v. McIntosh. The court's decision in the case used Catholic theological doctrine to form the basis for much of US property law. In 2012, the UUA repudiated the doctrine at its General Assembly. In this service, we'll reflect on what it means to live in a supposedly secular country where some of the central laws are of a theological nature. Can we imagine a different world?

Sunday Sermon given October 15, 2023 Prayer by Loren Gomez, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 About the Sermon: Unitarian Universalism is a living faith, honoring tradition and evolving over time. The Unitarian Universalist Principles are stated in Article 2 of the bylaws of the Unitarian Universalist Association. The UUA is currently in the process of amending Article 2. Perhaps questions of faith should always be considered and tested by war and peace, life and death, love and loss. Amidst the poignancy and complexity of war in the Middle East this week, Rev. Marta Flanagan will consider what is central to our faith. This is Part I of a two part Sermon Series; Part II will be offered on Sunday, November 5. Offering and Giving First For the month of October, half of the offering supports the work of the Arlington Youth Counseling Center (AYCC), a welcoming and inclusive community-based mental health center and the leading provider of outpatient and school-based mental health services for Arlington youth and their families. Central to its mission, AYCC offers individual and family counseling, group therapy, psychiatric evaluation and medication treatment to Arlington youth, ages 3-21, and their adult caregivers. The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

One purpose of any Unitarian Universalist congregation is to help its members grow spiritually, but many Unitarian Universalists also struggle with how to understand spirituality and are wary of anything woo woo. This morning, the Rev. Dr. James Kubal-Komoto shares a liberal religious understanding of spirituality and talks about how each of us can become a more spiritual person in 15 minutes a day or less! Bio: The Rev. Dr. James Kubal-Komoto has been the Lead Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh since 2019. He is the author of the recently published A Liberal Religious Path: A Short, Personal Introduction to Unitarian Universalism, which is now available as a paperback or an e-book. He previously served a congregation in the Seattle suburbs and worked on UUA staff. He currently lives with his wife and teenage son in Cary.

The call to ministry outside of a conventional congregational setting is growing. Chaplaincy within the military is among the vocations that is attracting the attention of seminarians as well as seasoned clergy. Season 3 begins with a series of podcasts on military chaplaincy. In this episode, I have the honor of speaking with Rev. Dr. Sarah Lammert, Ministry and Faith Development co-director and Ecclesiastical Endorser at the Unitarian Universalist Association. What is an ecclesiastical endorsement? Many professional work and volunteer environments require endorsement from a denomination or faith group affirming that a member is in good standing and qualified for that ministry. Chaplains who work in federal systems: military, veteran's administration, and federal prisons all require ecclesiastical endorsement. Rev. Lammert brings great information on chaplaincy not only in the military but also at the Veteran's Administration (VA), the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and auxiliary military chaplaincy with the Civil Air Patrol and Coast Guard Auxiliary. Notes from the episode:Dept of Defense Endorsers list: https://prhome.defense.gov/M-RA/MPP/AFCB/Endorsements/Information on ecclesiastical endorsement from the UUA: https://www.uua.org/careers/ministers/militaryUU Military Ministry at Great Lakes https://uummgl.org/ Fantastic organization that brings UU worship services each week to trainees attending the Navy's Recruit Training Command (boot camp) at Naval Station Great Lakes.Many Windows: Conversations on Ministry is a production of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Theme music is “Destination” by Justhea. This episode is produced by Jules Taylor and as always, a special thank you to Tomo Hilbo.

With Rev. Clay Nelson Piano:- Frank Chen Recorded at Auckland Unitarian Church 23rd July 2023 You might remember me telling you the story of the 1969 UUA General Assembly in Boston. It was at the height of the Black empowerment movement in America. For that reason, many Black UUs attended instead of the token few who usually came. White UUs were shocked and wondered where they all came from. They had always been there since the 18th century but had been generally ignored or discounted. We were more diverse than we had been aware of or at least acknowledged. But in 1969, systemic racism reared its ugly head, undermining that diversity and many Black UUs walked out the door, never to return. Much has happened within Unitarian Universalism since then. So, it was highly newsworthy when Sofia Betancourt, a woman, a person of colour and openly queer, was overwhelmingly elected as president of the UUA. For more information see:- https://aucklandunitarian.org.nz/whiteness-the-gift-that-keeps-on-giving/

After several conversations with Unitarian Universalist leaders throughout Season 5 of the podcast, our hosts are ready to think through some of the big themes and threads that emerged, and to offer up their own answers to the question, "What is the Central Task for Humanity at this Moment in History?"Some of the questions that come up for them include: How do we move our focus from individual to community, and how do we expand our understanding of community beyond humans? What are the first steps toward building the better world that we dream of? And, what does it take for us as humans to take action in the face of crisis? About our hosts: Rev. Peggy Clarke began her ministry at Community Church of New York the summer of 2019. She came to us after serving as solo minister at the First Unitarian Society of Westchester in Hastings on Hudson for eight years. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies and Peace Studies and a Masters in Historical Theology from Boston College. Her doctoral work was in American Religious History. Rev. Clarke has served on the board of the UUA's climate justice initiative Commit2Respond, the UU Environmental Justice Collaboratory and as chair of the UU Food Justice Ministry. She was one of the denomination's Observer Delegates at the 2015 United Nations Climate Summit in Paris, represented our denomination at Standing Rock and most recently at the Mexican American border, calling attention to the crisis of separated families. In 2021, she served as UU Delegate at the United Nation's Climate Summit in Glasgow.The Reverend Doctor Sarah Lenzi was ordained to the Unitarian Universalist Ministry in 2012. Before turning full time to ministry, Rev. Lenzi, who holds a BA from Williams College and an MDiv from Harvard Divinity School, completed her doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania. Her work, published as “The Stations of the Cross: The Placelessness of Medieval Christian Piety” focuses on ritual practice and the integration of imagination, memory, the physical, the visual and the aural in creating transcendent experience. Rev. Lenzi brings her academic study of ritual to her worship leadership.Rev. Lenzi's ministry focuses on the value of the worship experience as a means of community building and encouraging personal growth along the spiritual journey. She hopes that participation in the communities she serves will help individuals to realize their capacity for love and compassion, to strengthen their sense of justice and power, and to affirm their own and others' beauty and worth.

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.

In this episode of the Hope and Heresy podcast, Rev. Peggy and Rev. Sarah are joined by Dr. Janice Marie Johnson and Rev. Sarah Lammert, Co-Directors of Ministries and Faith Development at the Unitarian Universalist Association (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?Our hosts and guests discuss what it means to put love at the center, and how to "widen the circle of care."About this week's guests: Dr. Janice Marie Johnson and Rev. Sarah Lammert serve as Co-Directors of Ministries and Faith Development at the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). They support, sustain, and advance multicultural, anti-oppressive, justice-centered, and innovative Unitarian Universalist lay and professional leadership and ministry for all ages. She supports the professional lives of religious professionals, especially those of color, those from the trans community, and other marginalized groups.Dr. Janice Marie Johnson is excited about the UUA's commitment to dismantling white supremacy culture and building the Beloved Community. Janice is a Jamaican, a New Yorker, an internationalist, and a “third-culture kid” who grew up all over the world. She has worked with UU congregations worldwide. As an educator. she previously served as Director of Lifespan Religious Education at the Community Church of New York for many years.Janice—mother, grandmother, aunt, sibling, and so much more—treasured a unique relationship with her twin sister, Rev. Dr. Hope Johnson.Rev. Sarah Lammert has served congregations in California, Utah, and New Jersey. She believes that Unitarian Universalism has transforming power to share with a world in need.

Al Weger will lead a panel discussion dedicated to the UUA's Article II Commission Report recommendations.  

Sunday Sermon given April 23, 2023 Prayer by Marta Morris Flanagan, Lead Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Offering This Sunday half of the offering supports Household Goods, Inc (https://householdgoods.org/) The remaining half supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu offering” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive. Or give online: https://firstparish.info/give/ About the Sermon: From "Don't Say Gay" bills to the swath of laws criminalizing gender affirming and abortion-related care, attacks on bodily autonomy in the US are escalating at an alarming pace. And, this nation has always targeted certain kinds of bodies as less worthy of protection and freedom than others. How can our UU theologies of bodily autonomy and the sacredness of all bodies serve as an antidote? This year's Alliance Sunday considers the power and resilience of embodiment, intersectionality, radical spiritual imagination, and the liberation of all our sacred bodies. The Rev. Ashley Horan (she/her) serves as the Organizing Strategy Director at the Unitarian Universalist Association. There, she leads the Organizing Strategy Team that holds all the outward-facing justice work of the Association under the banner of Side With Love and its related campaigns: UU the Vote, Create Climate Justice, Love Resists, and UPLIFT Action for LGBTQ, Gender & Reproductive Justice. Prior to her work at the UUA, Ashley served as the Executive Director of the Minnesota UU Social Justice Alliance, and the Curriculum Developer for Beloved Conversations. She also served congregations in Joliet, Illinois and Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. She lives in Minneapolis, MN with her partner, the Rev. Karen Hutt, and their two youngest children--Aspen, 8, and Eden, 3.

Hello everyone and welcome to episode 49 of Up Yours with More, the official podcast of the worlds greatest comic shop, Up Up and Away Comics in Cincinnati, OH!  Your friendly neighborhood BC is once again joined by the man who's let all of the recent movie and Alex Ross cover fame give him Big Head Syndrome (no, literally, he's just a giant head): UUA's very own MODOK! As always, they're here to deliver your comic book and pop culture fix! They've got headlines, the top 10 books from last week, the exciting books headed your way this week, a recap of Star Wars Celebration, and a quick review of The Super Mario Bros Movie! So, strap in, kids, and lets-a-go! Show Notes News Highly Anticipated W0rldtr33 #1 On-Sale Date Adjusted To Wednesday, April 26 Spider-Boy's Spectacular Debut Scores a Second Printing Batman #135: The Iconic Series Reaches its 900th issue with an Incredible Conclusion to "The Bat-Man of Gotham" Batman Beyond: Neo-Year Team Reunites for Batman Beyond: Neo Gothic Star Wars Celebration 2023: Everything Announced ‘Super Mario Bros. Movie' Box Office: All the Records Smashed on Opening Weekend Find Us Online at the Following Outlets Website :: upupandawaycomics.com Facebook ::  facebook.com/upupaway and facebook.com/uuablueash Instagram :: instagram.com/upupawaycomics Twitter :: twitter.com/upupawaycomics

Generosity is one of the core practices proposed by our UUA's Article II Study Commission, and yet in comparison to those in other faith traditions, UUs tend to be less financially generous. In contrast, Rev. Anastassia found that being a UU congregant and leader fostered her practices of generosity within and beyond our faith. Let us consider what it means to be a generous people. Music by Joshua Long and the UUCA worship ensemble. (Delivered 3/19/23)

On February 23rd, Rev. Schuyler Vogel and Ember Kelley sat down for a conversation about the changes the UUA is considering to Article 2 at General Assembly 2023, which contains the UU Principles. https://www.uua.org/files/2023-01/a2sc_rpt_01172023.pdf Check out the proposed changes here. This is a recording of the event

Rev. Ryan “Mango” Althaus is the Minister of Interfaith Relations for the UUA of Santa Cruz and Regional Inclusion Affiliate for the National Presbyterian Church USA. Ryan dove into the field of mental health following an eating disorder relapse which landed this one-time professional marathon runner and certified Psych Chaplain in an in-patient psych unit. You can learn more about his journey to reclaim his faith, life, and laugh in his recently released memoir From Emaciated to Emancipated, and find his podcast, blog, past sermons archive, and coaching practice by visiting thesurfingmango.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rev. Ryan “Mango” Althaus is the Minister of Interfaith Relations for the UUA of Santa Cruz and Regional Inclusion Affiliate for the National Presbyterian Church USA. Ryan dove into the field of mental health following an eating disorder relapse which landed this one-time professional marathon runner and certified Psych Chaplain in an in-patient psych unit. You can learn more about his journey to reclaim his faith, life, and laugh in his recently released memoir From Emaciated to Emancipated, and find his podcast, blog, past sermons archive, and coaching practice by visiting thesurfingmango.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amanda and Rev. Gray discuss: Dave Matthews Band songs on the organ; the UUA's proposed rewrite of the UU principles; embracing change; I want my inherent worth and dignity language back; the ultimacy of love; the hardest sermon to write; ministerial boundaries around chronic illness Sermons written by: Rev. Laurel Gray Theme music: Antidepresseur by Patchworker | @patchworker Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall

https://youtu.be/5SxBje-jQnw Tim Brennan served as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Unitarian Universalist Association – he has been part of the UUA's Investment Committee, Socially Responsible Investing Committee, Retirement Plan Committee, and the UUA Health Plan Board of Trustees. Tim led the UUA's shareholder advocacy efforts, pressing companies to address such issues as climate change, BGLTQ rights, political spending, and corporate governance. Tim came to the UUA after seven years with Ceres, the national network of institutional investors working to advance corporate responsibility for the environment. https://uucef.org/ UUCEF What is the Unitarian Universalist Common Endowment Fund (“UUCEF”)? It is an investment fund – highly diversified – it is available to UUA organizations, primarily congregations. We are all independent entities, we came out of the 19th Free Church movement. Each congregation makes its own decision about how it wants to handle its assets. Who can invest in it? It is just for institutions, we are exempt from most security laws – we are prevented from taking individual assets for that reason. What is the mix of investments?  US individual stocks, bonds, international? How much trading is done (turnover ratio)? It is highly diversified– it includes, us equities large caps, small caps, emerging markets, fixed income strategy, alternative strategies, private equities – we employ about 20-25 managers. How is the fund set up? Everyone invests into the same mix? Pooled investment? We pool investments. How much is in the fund? 200 million dollars- about half of that belongs to the congregations and the rest is the UUA endowment. What are the fees? Fees tend to step down as investments go up. Our positions may vary- which allows us to get pretty good fees. SRI What are the values being addressed by the UUCEF? I would say that our investment committee brings UUA values to bear in mind in every investment position – there are 7 core principles that undergo UUCEF- which are considered to make all our decisions. What does UUCEF do for “Engagement” – shareholder advocacy? Examples of issues? Team with other organizations? (ICCR)? On advocacy, we have a long history. The UUA was a co-filer of the first ever shareholder resolution issue. This resolution asked for companies to give actions and opportunities to people of color. We've had a lot of engagements with companies and had success. We also ask companies to incorporate protections for LGBTQ people and stricter non-discrimination policies. Do you hold companies that might not be ‘responsible' so that you can engage with these companies? (Marathon Petroleum, Exxon Mobile) In those cases, with other companies, we have small pools – we buy small pieces, small holdings. We can engage selectively this way. We are able to do some movement there as well.   What are some examples of Community investing that UUCEF invests in? Boston Impact Fund, Ujima (Boston?) – how much of the fund is in community investing? We do a fair amount – back in the 90s the Social Investment Forum recommended that its members allocate 1% to community investing – which we have done ever since, it is a couple million. We do a lot of micro finance, community funds housing. We created BlueHub Now which is a Boston community fund – we do a lot of different things. More recently we did Ujima, we help tiny local businesses in communities in Boston that are predominated by people of color. They have people in those communities who actually vote on the investments – what they think they want in their communities and we love these people. We invest in businesses primarily led by people of color and women. How does “Investment selection” make an impact? I think it's just aligning your investments with your values – it's how you feel about making money. We screen out tobacco companies – but they don't l...

Today the ministers look at widening the circle of privilege and the UUA's Article II proposal and what it means for our faith and values.  Member Graham Smith from our BBC Antiracism Committee offers a response to the message.  Enjoy!

As our Unitarian Universalist Association once again considers its Principles and Purposes, the Article II Bylaws Commission asks us to center Love as the enduring force that holds us together. What are your thoughts on the re-visioning of the Principles and Purposes of our Association? How might we move love to the center of the mission and vision of our faith?Sunday, December 4, 2022

My guest this week is Reverend Todd Eklof, author of The Gadfly Papers: Three Three inconvenient essays by one pesky minister. Rev Eklof was removed from fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist church as a result of complaints made by members of the church in response to his dissemination of The Gadfly Papers at a Unitarian Universalist Alliance in Spokane in 2019. We discuss his claims the UUA has succumb to safteyism and PC culture in a way that undermines the core UU principles of questioning orthodoxy. We also discuss his suggestion that a "divorce" between Unitarians and Universalists might be necessary.Convocation: https://www.uua.org/beliefs/what-we-believe/sacred-textsMusic by GW RodriguezSibling Pods:Philosophers in Space: https://0gphilosophy.libsyn.com/Filmed Live Musicals Pod: https://www.filmedlivemusicals.com/thepodcast.htmlSupport us at Patreon.com/EmbraceTheVoidIf you enjoy the show, please Like and Review us on your pod app, especially iTunes. It really helps!Recent appearances: Had several recent appearances you should check out!Dentith had me on their show to discuss the Better Way antivaxxer conference: https://conspiracism.podbean.com/e/circling-the-void-with-aaron-rabinowitz/other discussions of that conference:I doubt it pod (discussing luck): https://dollemore.com/2022/06/02/801-aaron-rabinowitz-from-embrace-the-void-and-philosophers-in-space-podcasts/Skeptics with a K: http://www.merseysideskeptics.org.uk/2022/06/skeptics-with-a-k-episode-330/Next Episode: Woke Antisemitism with David L. Bernstein

“Whose Land Is This?” Sunday, October 9, 10:50 am, Worship Service Livestream Woody Guthrie sang, “This land is your land, this land is my land, from California to the Gulf Stream waters.” Yet Indigenous Peoples' Day, observed on the second Monday of October (but not as a holiday), suggests that we acknowledge the unceded rights of this continent's first peoples. Doing so might even shed light on some of our society's deepest problems. John Buehrens is both our past Senior Minister and a former President of the UUA. He will also reflect on his recent visit to Alaska, where descendants of the Inuit, Aleut, Athabascan, Tlingit, and other peoples constitute 22% of the population. Rev. John Buehrens, Preacher; Daniel Jackoway, Worship Associate; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir; Mark Sumner, Music Director; Wm. García Ganz, Pianist; Rosalie Alfonso, Percussionist; Ka'ala Carmack, Ukulele Shulee Ong, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Joe Chapot, Live Chat Moderator; Thomas Brown, Sexton; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher; Ralph Fenn, Les James, Tom Brookshire, Zoom Coffee Hour

“Whose Land Is This?” Sunday, October 9, 10:50 am, Worship Service Livestream Woody Guthrie sang, “This land is your land, this land is my land, from California to the Gulf Stream waters.” Yet Indigenous Peoples' Day, observed on the second Monday of October (but not as a holiday), suggests that we acknowledge the unceded rights of this continent's first peoples. Doing so might even shed light on some of our society's deepest problems. John Buehrens is both our past Senior Minister and a former President of the UUA. He will also reflect on his recent visit to Alaska, where descendants of the Inuit, Aleut, Athabascan, Tlingit, and other peoples constitute 22% of the population. Rev. John Buehrens, Preacher; Daniel Jackoway, Worship Associate; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir; Mark Sumner, Music Director; Wm. García Ganz, Pianist; Rosalie Alfonso, Percussionist; Ka'ala Carmack, Ukulele Shulee Ong, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Joe Chapot, Live Chat Moderator; Thomas Brown, Sexton; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher; Ralph Fenn, Les James, Tom Brookshire, Zoom Coffee Hour

Courage is the ability to do something that frightens you. It is not actually having no fear at all. From where comes the courage of this community? From the Jewish tradition of Yom Kippur we are asked to have the courage to examine our actions, reflect and repent – atone and begin again. Sunday, October 2, 2022

"Sexuality Through a UU Lens" Melanie Davis Phd Sunday, September 25, 2022 Explore the UUA's commitment to sexual justice and the Our Whole Lives program values of Self-Worth, Responsibility, Sexual Health, Justice and Inclusivity.

In the Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of Days of Awe, a 10-day period of prayer and reflection which culminates in Yom Kippur. How would you celebrate the birthday of the world? How would you begin anew? Held at UUCSR on Sunday, September 25, 2022.

Miranda's address "Turn and face the strange" begins with her reading from "My Commitments to Myself" by UUA minister, Rev. Laura Mancuso - "Taking care of oneself in order to maintain the capacity to help others." This reading can be found at the following link:  https://www.uua.org/worship/words/meditation/my-commitments-myself. Miranda asks a question: "Were you and I to have the courage to live our lives beyond our comfort zones, what would this other you/me - look like...sound like...feel like"? "What might we still become were we to begin to live our lives - more courageously, beyond our comfort zones? With the advent of new leadership and new possibilities for living outside the leafy green comfort zone of our Church Community, Miranda's question becomes a challenge: "It's only as we stretch ourselves or 'turn and face the strange' that we can transform into better versions of ourselves" - as individuals - as a Church community. And "How might we achieve this?" Miranda suggests three steps…. Listen on for much, much more!

In Unitarian Universalism, our congregations, and specifically the members of our congregations, are the only body that can ordain a minister, calling out and lifting up one whose ministry is formally recognized and named in the act of ordination. This Sunday, we gather to formally lift up the ministry of Stephanie Vos. Through word, song, and story, we'll share some of her journey, tell a bigger story about what ministry can be in the world, and formally ordain Stephanie to the Unitarian Universalist ministry. Join us for this joyous and celebratory service. Words of Welcome- Rev. Jen Crow (:31) Interlude- Aimee K. Bryant and Franco Holder Call to Worship- from Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer- Cedar Schimke (6:39) Time for All Ages- Toolbox of Faith- Lauren Wyeth (9:24) Prayer and Cycle of Life- Rev. Jen Crow (16:42) Homily- Rev. Jen Crow on behalf of Rev. Karen Hutt (21:06) Invitation to Give to the Living Tradition Fund of the UUA (34:47) The Ordination of Stephanie Vos- Daryn Woodson, Rev. Jen Crow, Rev. Arif Mamdani (37:08) Hymn- Wake Now My Senses (51:30) Benediction- Rev. Stephanie Vos (53:16)  

As the UUA's Article II commission explores the inclusion of our 8th principle it is simultaneously exploring an expansion of our 1st principle to include the inherent worth and dignity of all beings. In our faith with no dogmatic tests, what new avenues of spiritual growth might emerge were we to adopt such an expansion? What challenges might we face? What new depths of compassion might we be called into? *NOTICE* In most cases, the podcast consists only of the primary presentation. From time to time, our “Story For All Ages” is also included; a question and answer period is sometimes included as well. Due to copyright law regarding music performances, music is never included.

On Tuesday, December 7, Fourth Universalist Society hosted a panel discussion about the Climate Crisis, the urgency for action, and how we can begin to make important changes. Our panel discussion was moderated by Kamila Jacob, lead organizer for New York Unitarian Universalist Justice. Our panelists were: David Sayer, of Beyond Plastics Aly Tharp, Co-Director of Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth Rev. Peggy Clarke, Senior Minister, Community Church of New York and a formal UUA delegate to the recent UN Climate summit in Glasgow. Opening Prayer by Rev. Dr. Natalie Fenimore, Lead Minister, Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock Benediction by Rev. Dr. Audette Fulbright, Associate Minister, Unitarian Church of All Souls. The event was Cosponsored by: Fourth Universalist Environmental Justice Team, the Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth, New York UU Justice, Beyond Plastics, the Unitarian Universalist Association Office at the United Nations, and Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice. For more information about getting involved in Fourth Universalist Environmental Justice work, contact envirojustice@4thu.org

When we are young we think we have to figure out what we want to become, but becoming is something we do from the moment we are born until our last day on earth. We can't control the future, but we can control our intentionality around what we become. Jenny McCready returns as our visiting worship leader from Lakewood, Colorado. She is in the last stages of pursuing fellowship with the UUA and hopes to be an ordained UU minister by the end of the year.

In Paulo Coelho’s novel, Brida, the main character says, “I’m afraid of committing myself.” Coelho writes, "She wanted to follow all possible paths and so ended up following none.” How can making commitments help us focus and keep us on the paths we choose to travel? Is it better to commit to the wrong thing than commit to nothing? Jenny McCready is our visiting worship leader from Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver, her hometown. She just completed seminary at Meadville Lombard Theological School (Rev. John's alma mater) and is in discernment about her next steps into chaplaincy or parish ministry. She is in the last stages of pursuing fellowship with the UUA and hopes to be an ordained UU minister by the end of the year. Jenny has four biological children (Devon 21, Grainne 17, Conall 13, and Cliodna 11), and has become a mother to her fiance's 7 year old, Kyle as well. Jenny and Jason plan to be married this summer and continue to live in Lakewood with most of their combined collection of offspring, and a pet menagerie of three dogs, two rabbits and a pig named Maisy. Any moments that Jenny is not studying and working, you will find her learning to play her new banjo and hiking in the foothills. Jenny and Jason love New Mexico and visited UULA during the summer of 2019. She is excited to be back and nurture her connection with our UULA community.

BONUS I was granted permission by Douglas and Elle Harris... to read their book on my podcast. This is essentially an audio book version of their wonderful book. I may not be the perfect person to read this... but I was so inspired by reading it, and my kids loved it so much... I wanted to share this with you! www.americanhumanist.org www.amercianhumanist.org/what-is-himanism/manifesto3/ www.effectivealtruism.org www.campquest.org www.foundationbeyondbelief.org www.networkoasis.org www.sundayassembly.com www.UUA.org www.centerforinquiry.org www.ffrf.org www.eau.org www.secularstudents.org www.skeptic.com www.blacknonbelievers.com www.hafree.org www.ftsociety.org www.friendlyatheist.patheos.com www.freethinkingatheist.com www.atheists.org www.annabelleandaiden.com www.stardustscience.com www.shj.org www.openlysecular.org www.secular.org www.tieseducation.org www.richarddawkins.net www.harvardhumanist.org National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 24/7/365 - 1-800-273-8255 Secular Therapy Project - www.SecularTherapy.org Show art was provided by Megan Broughton, The_Girl_With_The_Paint_Brush Twitter - @DomDAtheist Email - DomDAtheist@gmail.com Patreon - Patreon.com/BurntChurchAtheist

Thanks-vision November 24, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Michelle Lattanzio Spiritual practices of gratitude can help us discern and keep to our mission and vision.  How do we cultivate the spirit of thanks-vision?   Michelle is currently serving as a Hospice Chaplain in Skokie, IL. Michelle is in Preliminary Fellowship with the UUA and a graduate of Meadville Lombard Theological School, and will be ordained here in Rockford next April. She holds a PhD in English from the University of South Florida and taught undergraduate classes at USF. She likes spending time with her dog Axel, creating art, reading, writing, dancing and rooting for her favorite roller derby teams.