Our ancestors -- of blood, family, faith, and community -- often share life lessons and values with us. These gifts teach us about the world and hopefully assist us in surviving and thriving. In dialogue with Philip Booth's First Lesson, let us consider some of these lessons ourselves. Delivered July 23, 2023

Our ancestors -- of blood, family, faith, and community -- often share life lessons and values with us. These gifts teach us about the world and hopefully assist us in surviving and thriving. In dialogue with Philip Booth's First Lesson, let us consider some of these lessons ourselves. Delivered July 23, 2023

From Their Hands

"Let us measure success by how many of us can say: I am living a life I don’t regret. A life that will resonate with my ancestors"     -adrienne maree brown   Join us for a reflection on heavy suitcases, surprise turning points, and attending to the complexity of our times with love and resilience.   Matt is a musician and traveling worship leader who has led hundreds of services for UU congregations across the country. He has a degree in hand drumming and serves as Director of Community Life for Sanctuary Boston. This is a multi-generational service. Delivered: Sunday, July 16, 2023

"Let us measure success by how many of us can say: I am living a life I don’t regret. A life that will resonate with my ancestors"     -adrienne maree brown Join us for a reflection on heavy suitcases, surprise turning points, and attending to the complexity of our times with love and resilience. Matt is a musician and traveling worship leader who has led hundreds of services for UU congregations across the country. He has a degree in hand drumming and serves as Director of Community Life for Sanctuary Boston. This is a multi-generational service. Delivered: Sunday, July 16, 2023

Lessons for Future Ancestors

All of us have experienced moments or periods of lonliness, pain, or loss. We also know, therefore, the wonder and power of being truly welcomed. Part of our purpose of being a community at UUCA is to welcome each other, sometimes in small ways and sometimes in large ways. Come be welcomed, and hear Rev. Anastassia share how we can welcome again and again. (Delivered: Sunday July 9, 2023)

All of us have experienced moments or periods of lonliness, pain, or loss. We also know, therefore, the wonder and power of being truly welcomed. Part of our purpose of being a community at UUCA is to welcome each other, sometimes in small ways and sometimes in large ways. Come be welcomed, and hear Rev. Anastassia share how we can welcome again and again. (Delivered: Sunday July 9, 2023)

Come, Yet Again Come, to Your Place of Welcome

Poetry is More Than a Spiritual Luxury: The prophetic poet Audre Lorde in her 1985 essay reminds us that "poetry is not a luxury" in a world that desperately and insistently needs liberation. Come hear Rev. Anastassia share more of Lorde's wisdom and about how poetry can be a meaningful companion to us in our spiritual work and in our quest for liberation. Music by Josh Long. Delivered: 7/02/23

Poetry is More Than a Spiritual Luxury: The prophetic poet Audre Lorde in her 1985 essay reminds us that "poetry is not a luxury" in a world that desperately and insistently needs liberation. Come hear Rev. Anastassia share more of Lorde's wisdom and about how poetry can be a meaningful companion to us in our spiritual work and in our quest for liberation. Music by Josh Long. Delivered: 7/02/23

Poetry is More Than a Spiritual Luxury

The climate crisis has become painfully real after wildfire smoke from Canada covered the east coast. There are some who believe that it is too late to do anything about the ecological emergency. People of faith are called to have a different response. Climate justice is not solely about saving the environment but rather it is about creating something new for the entire web of existence. Joshua Long, Congregational Organizer for Interfaith Power &amp; Light AND our Director of Music ensembles will help us explore the difficult landscape of climate change.

The climate crisis has become painfully real after wildfire smoke from Canada covered the east coast. There are some who believe that it is too late to do anything about the ecological emergency. People of faith are called to have a different response. Climate justice is not solely about saving the environment but rather it is about creating something new for the entire web of existence. Joshua Long, Congregational Organizer for Interfaith Power &amp; Light AND our Director of Music ensembles will help us explore the difficult landscape of climate change.

Hope Through the Smoke

In this sermon, Rev. John tells the story of Juneteenth and shares what reparations might look like in Anne Arundel County and all of Maryland. (Delivered: Sunday June 18, 2023)

In this sermon, Rev. John tells the story of Juneteenth and shares what reparations might look like in Anne Arundel County and all of Maryland. (Delivered: Sunday June 18, 2023)

Juneteenth, Father's Day and Reparations

Since the Stonewall Riots, we Americans have both confronted and celebrated the reality that life is not nearly as simple or set as we had once held it to be. We aren't at the end of this journey of unfolding, emerging, becoming, and fully living, but we know that the world is queerer in every sense of the word than we once thought it to be. Come let us consider how this shift is one that reflects our faith and points to liberation.

Since the Stonewall Riots, we Americans have both confronted and celebrated the reality that life is not nearly as simple or set as we had once held it to be. We aren't at the end of this journey of unfolding, emerging, becoming, and fully living, but we know that the world is queerer in every sense of the word than we once thought it to be. Come let us consider how this shift is one that reflects our faith and points to liberation.

Its a Queer World After All

In this message Rev. John helps us understand a post-modern perspective on what ‘God’s will’ and ‘blessings’ mean in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. (Delivered Sunday May 29, 2023)

Insha Allah Gods Will and Bless You

On this very special Mother's Day, join Rev. as he examines the Civil War, Julia Howe, Lincoln, Douglass, religion and the human quest for freedom; and how authenticity can only be achieved through pain and suffering. (Delivered: May 14, 2023)

On this very special Mother's Day, join Rev. as he examines the Civil War, Julia Howe, Lincoln, Douglass, religion and the human quest for freedom; and how authenticity can only be achieved through pain and suffering. (Delivered: May 14, 2023)

Authenticity Freedom Pain and Suffering

Our most deeply centered and understood theology comes in those moments of greatest challenge. In short, they emerge from our own authentic life experiences. Come hear what Rev. Anastassia Zinke learned about surrender, love, and not needing to be enough. (Deivered Sunday May 7, 2023

Our most deeply centered and understood theology comes in those moments of greatest challenge. In short, they emerge from our own authentic life experiences. Come hear what Rev. Anastassia Zinke learned about surrender, love, and not needing to be enough. (Deivered Sunday May 7, 2023

Surrendering on the Doorstep of Grace

Sermons from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapoliswww.uuca-md.org

I love listening to these UU podcasts when I go walking on Sunday afternoon. The closest UU church to me is DUUF, Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. I can’t always make it there, but I can always walk and listen and always feel better after doing so. Thank you so very much.

Walk and Listen

After listening to just two episodes, I&#39;m in love!  This really helped me discover who I am.

Absolutely amazing!

Sermons from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis <a href="http://www.uuca-md.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.uuca-md.org</a>

UU Church of Annapolis Podcast

UUCA PODCAST                                                                           Ralph Waldo Emerson's disciple, Henry Thoreau wrote from Walden Pond: "We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aids, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn." Thoreau's expectations were and remain robust in our nation, and in Unitarian Universalism. Join me as I continue looking at how our way of faith has been a harbinger of America's path.

UUCA PODCAST Ralph Waldo Emerson's disciple, Henry Thoreau wrote from Walden Pond: "We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aids, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn." Thoreau's expectations were and remain robust in our nation, and in Unitarian Universalism. Join me as I continue looking at how our way of faith has been a harbinger of America's path.

AWAKE

If Unitarian Universalist were reviewed in a local magazine would it read "the best kept secret in town?" If so, why is that? Why is it, when people discover Unitarian Universalism, they exclaim: "where have you been all my life?" If the nature of religious life is to make the "invisible visible" then there is much spiritual work to be done. In this sermon, Rev. Kathleen Rolenz sheds light on how we as Unitarian Universalists can become more visible in a way that is true to our values.

If Unitarian Universalist were reviewed in a local magazine would it read "the best kept secret in town?" If so, why is that? Why is it, when people discover Unitarian Universalism, they exclaim: "where have you been all my life?" If the nature of religious life is to make the "invisible visible" then there is much spiritual work to be done. In this sermon, Rev. Kathleen Rolenz sheds light on how we as Unitarian Universalists can become more visible in a way that is true to our values.

The Invisible Religion

We all think about our own life and how it will change over time. It is prudent to think about how our church will change. Even though we are addressing our documents and taking an inventory of our activities today, we have taken a major step in adopting the 8th Principle. How will this affect the church community and help us grow our faith? How will this expand the breadth of our reach?

What Will UUCA Be Like in 2025? with Thornell Jones

Stories are the ties that bind us together at UUCA. In this last Sunday service as our senior minister, Rev. Fred Muir shared stories from my 34 years of ministry with you, stories that will bind us forever. Included in this podcast is the ceremony commemorating Fred's 34 years of service to our congregation. He is named Minister Emeritus along with the wood behind the church building are now called "Muir Woods." Finally a blessing and laying on hands to send the Muirs off to the next chapter on life's journey.     Music:  "Hush, Somebody's Callin' my Name" - African American Spiritual "Natural Woman" written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King "I've Got You Under My Skin" written by Cole Porter   UUCA does not own any of the rights to music performed during the service. 

Stories are the ties that bind us together at UUCA. In this last Sunday service as our senior minister, Rev. Fred Muir shared stories from my 34 years of ministry with you, stories that will bind us forever. Included in this podcast is the ceremony commemorating Fred's 34 years of service to our congregation. He is named Minister Emeritus along with the wood behind the church building are now called "Muir Woods." Finally a blessing and laying on hands to send the Muirs off to the next chapter on life's journey.  Music:  "Hush, Somebody's Callin' my Name" - African American Spiritual "Natural Woman" written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King "I've Got You Under My Skin" written by Cole Porter UUCA does not own any of the rights to music performed during the service.

Blessed Be The Ties That Binds

The late Rev. Martin L King Jr.'s arrival as a leader and messenger of peace marked the apex of a repeating paradigm shift in America; a pattern that Rev. John believes occurs every 50 or so years.  Obama/Trump is part of this historical pattern as we reconcile our original sin from 1619 when the first blacks arrived to the New World (which of course wasn't "new").  In this sermon, Rev. John gives new insight into old problems about race and human relations and offers his simple solution.  Enjoy.

The late Rev. Martin L King Jr.'s arrival as a leader and messenger of peace marked the apex of a repeating paradigm shift in America; a pattern that Rev. John believes occurs every 50 or so years.  Obama/Trump is part of this historical pattern as we reconcile our original sin from 1619 when the first blacks arrived to the New World (which of course wasn't "new").  In this sermon, Rev. John gives new insight into old problems about race and human relations and offers his simple solution.  Enjoy.

90 Years later (MLK Sunday 2020)

Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, Interim Minister  Robin DiAngelo's best selling (Beacon Press) book "White Fragility" has continued to stay on the Washington Times Best Seller List for weeks. For those who identify as white, it can be a challenging but illuminating read, as we begin to see the many ways in which white defensiveness about race keeps us from fully engaging in the work of dismantling racism. Building Beloved Community (BBC) will host an all-church Middle and After Hour conversations about the key points of the sermon informed by DiAngelo's work. 

Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, Interim Minister <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ozhu8ZHmyFdsjNl4duK_DMtX8iD1BpipQjtqyVkIJGfBITgoXv5vbEYsspr8BfpUwXNCnWTxOUPf3WYgzt1G2QrxbGTjpWaP_lsBPTtCHYl7AnHAjhdhJMRplR5OrifpdweEV_zgPL4jDY5OH2qpgnc-Ot0etT5p4PW-LaR79rmy96dQ_qp1elmfeBxv6R2nXkL_t79bRXnIWJjJC62blw==&amp;c=yFHrndEAZXnHbSCPDPc867eAr6pvVns2E_J_LbwoK6y7qir2ksHDoQ==&amp;ch=uptudHS1r_-xefDuGmD0un0eIZDy_whnOP7gTGznQrpDNdW6N5US-w==" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Robin DiAngelo's best selling (Beacon Press) book "White Fragility" has continued to stay on the Washington Times Best Seller List for weeks. For those who identify as white, it can be a challenging but illuminating read, as we begin to see the many ways in which white defensiveness about race keeps us from fully engaging in the work of dismantling racism. Building Beloved Community (BBC) will host an all-church Middle and After Hour conversations about the key points of the sermon informed by DiAngelo's work. </a>

Can We Talk about White Fragility?

In this message, dedicated to Rev. John Crestwell's mentor and colleague, Rev. Dr. Fredric John Muir, John tells the story of how he found Unitarian Universalism and why he remains a UU even though his faith has waned and even faulted in the process.  He boldly proclaims that his religion gives him the space for this questioning and evolving as a human being--space we all need to grow.

In this message, dedicated to Rev. John Crestwell's mentor and colleague, Rev. Dr. Fredric John Muir, John tells the story of how he found Unitarian Universalism and why he remains a UU even though his faith has waned and even faulted in the process.  He boldly proclaims that his religion gives him the space for this questioning and evolving as a human being--space we all need to grow.

Why I am (still) A UU

John Crestwell

Surrendering is seen as cowardice by many but it actually is very courageous and is one of the hardest things in life to do. We hold on--sometimes too long--and in the process lose the very thing we wanted so badly. Using strategies from Dr. David Hawkins, Rev. John will help us with one of the hardest lessons of all--letting go. 

Surrendering is seen as cowardice by many but it actually is very courageous and is one of the hardest things in life to do. We hold on--sometimes too long--and in the process lose the very thing we wanted so badly. Using strategies from Dr. David Hawkins, Rev. John will help us with one of the hardest lessons of all--letting go.

Law of Surrender with Rev. John Crestwell

"The end is near!"  What does it all mean?  In this sermon, Rev. John tackles old ideas with new insights to tackle the hard topic of fundamentalism and symbolism as the primary and secondary story, respectively, of humankind.  He shows us that the world we seek is inside of us.  "The Kingdom we seek is within and manifests inside before it does outside" he says.

"The end is near!"  What does it all mean?  In this sermon, Rev. John tackles old ideas with new insights to tackle the hard topic of fundamentalism and symbolism as the primary and secondary story, respectively, of humankind.  He shows us that the world we seek is inside of us.  "The Kingdom we seek is within and manifests inside before it does outside" he says.

The Aquarian Gospel, Eschatology, and The New Age

Join Revs Kathleen and John as they discuss the past, present and future of our congregation.  Rev. Kathleen begins with honest dialog about her experience at UUCA; while Rev. John shares his personal vision for the congregation.

Join Revs Kathleen and John as they discuss the past, present and future of our congregation.  Rev. Kathleen begins with honest dialog about her experience at UUCA; while Rev. John shares his personal vision for the congregation.

The State of Our Union 

"It only takes a spark to get a fire going...That's how it is with love.." Kurt Kaiser's words guide this message about generosity--lighting the flame within; and the power giving has on people, places and things!  Check out Rev. John's message on Father's Day 2018. Note:  This message was not recorded live so this is a re-recording.

"It only takes a spark to get a fire going...That's how it is with love.." Kurt Kaiser's words guide this message about generosity--lighting the flame within; and the power giving has on people, places and things!  Check out Rev. John's message on Father's Day 2018. Note:  This message was not recorded live so this is a re-recording.

Light the Flame

Why do we sleep?  Why did Arianna Huffington leave her job to devote her life to teaching people to live healthier lives through sleep and intentional self-care?  Here's why we sleep and why we must prioritize it in our lives.

Why do we sleep?  Why did Arianna Huffington leave her job to devote her life to teaching people to live healthier lives through sleep and intentional self-care?  Here's why we sleep and why we must prioritize it in our lives.

Why We Sleep

Every day we hear about a new crisis arising; whether the threat to women’s reproductive freedoms, measles outbreaks, looming tensions in the Middle East, asylum-seeking families being cruelly separated or deported, white supremacy asserts itself at every term, glaciers melting – it’s a Hot Mess! Every day we must practice a few core principles of our faith which allow us to persist and resist. Buy Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd’s new book: After the Good News: Progressive Faith Beyond Optimism for some advance reading!

Every day we hear about a new crisis arising; whether the threat to women’s reproductive freedoms, measles outbreaks, looming tensions in the Middle East, asylum-seeking families being cruelly separated or deported, white supremacy asserts itself at every term, glaciers melting – it’s a Hot Mess! Every day we must practice a few core principles of our faith which allow us to persist and resist. Buy Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd’s new book: <a href="https://www.uuabookstore.org/After-the-Good-News-P18460.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">After the Good News: Progressive Faith Beyond Optimism</a> for some advance reading!

A Theology for Hot Mess Times Rev. Kathleen, Interim Minister

Leika Lewis-Cornwell, Intern Minister asks, "What is the cost of life freely lived?"    This message will explore the stories of those who have been asked to live hidden--to "pass" in race, gender, and/or sexuality.  We will consider, together, the price they paid to fit in, and the space we create to belong.  This is an auction sermon purchased by Carrie Kotcho,  and will be in observance of National Coming Out Day.

Swallow the Stars

Cishet, pansexual, genderqueer, aromantic... As a Welcoming Church, we invite people to bring their full selves, but the spectrum of beautifully diverse identities can sometimes feel confusing to allies and some members of the LGBTQ+ community alike. This sermon will use the Gender Unicorn, a graphic by Trans Student Educational Resources, to explore identity, expression, and attraction.

Cishet, pansexual, genderqueer, aromantic... As a Welcoming Church, we invite people to bring their full selves, but the spectrum of beautifully diverse identities can sometimes feel confusing to allies and some members of the LGBTQ+ community alike. This sermon will use the Gender Unicorn, a graphic by Trans Student Educational Resources, to explore identity, expression, and attraction.

Scotland, Silicon Valley, and Jesus Christ--Or, How Unicorns Got Their Stripes with Intern minister Leika Lewis-Cornwell

Memory lingers long - until it doesn't. When memory fails or fades, what happens to the person or the institution? How does memory shape our understanding of the past and prepare us for the future? This sermon, Rev. Kathleen explores the persistence of our memories and how we make meaning of them.

Memory lingers long - until it doesn't. When memory fails or fades, what happens to the person or the institution? How does memory shape our understanding of the past and prepare us for the future? This sermon, Rev. Kathleen explores the persistence of our memories and how we make meaning of them.

The Persistence of Memory

In the midst of the fight for justice, how do we care for the spirit? This sermon will examine the history of armistice, and what that means for the ways we create sanctuary. - Leika Lewis-Cornwell, Intern Minister

In the midst of the fight for justice, how do we care for the spirit? This sermon will examine the history of armistice, and what that means for the ways we create sanctuary. - Leika Lewis-Cornwell, Intern Minister

A Holy Pause

It’s taken us a long time to realize our value and our worth. It’s easy to forget how a social justice movement can forget or simply fail to acknowledge the other. When UUs raise our Black Lives Matter banners, this sermon will give a voice to the forgotten.  

It’s taken us a long time to realize our value and our worth. It’s easy to forget how a social justice movement can forget or simply fail to acknowledge the other. When UUs raise our Black Lives Matter banners, this sermon will give a voice to the forgotten.

Who Do You think You Are to Tell Me I Don't Matter?

Does God exist? Perhaps we've all thought about this question? I have, often, and have drawn a few conclusions. Are you atheist, deist, theist, or none of the above but still believe in a greater good? How do you celebrate the holidays when they are based upon a narrative that says God entered the world through the birth of Jesus to lead humanity to salvation? In this holiday service, Rev. John will tackle the mystery of God and posit that everyone believes in a higher power.

Does God exist? Perhaps we've all thought about this question? I have, often, and have drawn a few conclusions. Are you atheist, deist, theist, or none of the above but still believe in a greater good? How do you celebrate the holidays when they are based upon a narrative that says God entered the world through the birth of Jesus to lead humanity to salvation? In this holiday service, Rev. John will tackle the mystery of God and posit that everyone believes in a higher power.

Does God Exist w/ Rev. John Crestwell

"Be welcoming" we are told.  It's actually hard to be truly welcoming. Why?  As religious people, however, it is what we do.  It's who we are. In this message, Rev. John tells the story of UUCA's Black Lives Matter sign and the confession of a young man who stole it.  He ends with the call for UUs to not think small and even though it's counter-intuitive, to open its doors even wider to welcome the strangers looking for our UU sanctuary.  Enjoy...

"Be welcoming" we are told.  It's actually hard to be truly welcoming. Why?  As religious people, however, it is what we do.  It's who we are. In this message, Rev. John tells the story of UUCA's Black Lives Matter sign and the confession of a young man who stole it.  He ends with the call for UUs to not think small and even though it's counter-intuitive, to open its doors even wider to welcome the strangers looking for our UU sanctuary.  Enjoy...

Welcoming the Stranger

The best podcast episodes of anyone with an interesting story. With famous guests like Obama, LeBron James, Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, to anyone who has a unique and interesting story to tell. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Personal Stories & Great Interviews

The best podcast episodes on non-current politics. Covering topics such as universal basic income, democracy, poverty & justice and more. For anyone interested in learning more about politics that affect that world, not just now, but in the longer term. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!