Listen to selected sermons.

Click play button or highlighted title to listen to audio/mp3 of selected sermons.  (updated monthly)

April 1, 2012  “Generosity and Foolishness”, Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

On April Fools Day, we most often think of all kinds of mischief and practical jokes. But supporting our congregation through generous contributions is not a joke. On this kickoff Sunday for our Annual Pledge Campaign, we will bring out the lighter side of giving and getting what we want and need - without being “penny wise and pound foolish.”

April 8, 2012  “Our Unitarian Universalist Chalice & Flower Communion”, Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

Easter can be a problematical day for us as UUs; but on this particular Sunday, we will celebrate the importance of the chalice as the symbol of our living tradition and the Flower Communion as a way of honoring our history and community. Bring a flower to share as a way of connecting to our past and our future together.

April 22, 2012  “Rest In Peace – Managing a Good Death”, Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

Given our fondest wishes, most of us would probably rather not think about the possibility that we or someone we love might be in a situation that would require a life or death decision. Unfortunately, we don’t always get what we wish for. This morning’s sermon will address the way in which we might think about such situations as Unitarian Universalists and people of compassion.

March 18, 2012  “Seeing Our Own Shadows”, Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

The inspiration for this Sunday’s service is a book by Quaker writer and teacher Parker Palmer from his book Let Your Life Speak. In this book Palmer challenges his readers to find the core truths of who they are and the ways in which those values can be expressed through their vocations and their lives. This Sunday’s sermon will challenge all of us to find the foundations of our lives as Unitarian Universalists and the ways in which we can put that understanding into action as individuals and a congregation.

March 4, 2012  "My God Is a Verb", Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

As Unitarian Universalists, we try to stay away from the “G” word as much as possible. In fact, we even get anxious when anyone brings it up in conversation or, “God” forbid, in worship. This morning, however, the whole sermon will be on the topic (gasp), as a way of opening a dialogue on this seemingly problematic subject. Maybe we need to explore more fully what our UU Principles mean when they encourage us to “affirm and promote a free and responsible search for truth and meaning”.

 

February 19, 2012  “How Will Your Life Speak?”, Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

The inspiration for this Sunday’s service is a book by Quaker writer and teacher Parker Palmer from his book Let Your Life Speak. In this book Palmer challenges his readers to find the core truths of who they are and the ways in which those values can be expressed through their vocations and their lives. This Sunday’s sermon will challenge all of us to find the foundations of our lives as Unitarian Universalists and the ways in which we can put that understanding into action as individuals and a congregation.

February 12, 2012  “Diversities ‘R Us”, Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

Unfortunately, the scourge of racism and classism, along with various other “isms,” is still alive and well in our country. Even we Unitarian Universalists are not always immune to its influences. We have only to look at the membership in our congregations to discover that. So what can we do to address these issues as people who believe in the “inherent worth and dignity of every person?” This is not just a political issue; it can also be a moral and spiritual one.

“Loving Ourselves”, Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

We are often told that we should love others and take care of their needs before our own, and that is certainly a worthy aspiration at times. But airplane safety instructions encourage us to take care of our own oxygen supply before helping others, something that could save both lives. On this Sunday, we will look at the ways that self-love can be a positive for both ourselves and others. Maybe it is all about us.

“God’s Politics; Separation of Church and State”, Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

In recent years in this country, we have been encouraged to believe that God has a particular political agenda and that there are those who know what it is. However, most Unitarian Universalists don’t believe that is true, and our federal laws prohibit any congregation with tax-exempt status from endorsing a particular political candidate. This Sunday’s service will invite your participation in exploring what some of the issues are that we can and do support.

“The Joys of the Winter Solstice”  Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

On this Sunday nearest the Winter Solstice or Yuletide, we will celebrate the shortest day of the year with story, ritual, and music to welcome the return of the light to our world and to our lives. It will be a service filled with both remembrance and expectation.

“Becoming a Welcoming Congregation”  Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

Although our congregation welcomes people with great enthusiasm, we have never been officially recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association as a “Welcoming Congregation.” For that to happen, we would need to be intentional about our covenant with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and hold an official congregational vote supporting that commitment. So what are we waiting for?

“Home Is Where the Home Is” Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

What does it mean to have a home? It is not just a bed to sleep in but also a place where we feel safe and welcome. On this Sunday before Thanksgiving, we will express our gratitude for our homes and our compassion for those who do not have homes – the homeless in our community. In this service we will look at some of the ways we can expand our dreams of service with and for others.

"What Is Spirituality Anyway?" Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

We hear a lot of people talking about spirituality as though we all know what it is and agree about what it means. But it doesn't take us long when we get into discussion about it to discover that it is much more complex than we thought. During this service, we will try to demystify the word and discover the many and various ways it can influence and inspire our lives.

"The Goal of World Community" Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

The United Nations has been controversial since its formation in 1945. On this United Nations Sunday, we will look at the ways in which our 6th Unitarian Universalist Principle calls us to join with other countries of the world to make life better for all the people. Our youth and members of our congregation will share some of their stories about the challenges of life in a global community.

"Gathering the Waters of Remembrance" Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

At our Ingathering Service we will be bringing and pouring together samples of water from our summers, at home or away, and sharing short descriptions of their significance for us. Come and welcome new and old friends as we begin a new church year together. In addition, this year we will honor the memory of those who lost their lives on this significant date ten years ago in the destruction of the Twin Towers and the Pentagon.

 

“Labor and Liberation” Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

On this Sunday before Labor Day, we will be looking at the subject of labor in both its historical and modern context. Current unemployment figures may leave us with a sense of foreboding, and the days when lifetime job security seemed to be guaranteed are certainly a thing of the past. But there may be hope for us, if we join together to support those in need and ourselves in ways that provide us with courage for the days and years ahead.

 

“Finishing Life Well”  Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

We hear a lot today about beginning life well, and a great deal of our advertising and media seem to emphasize the importance of staying young. But what does it mean to find value in our lives as they get nearer to their end point? How do we make the most of the last quarter of our lives – however long that may be? Maybe we need to start practicing now so that we will be prepared to transform our physical, spiritual, and intellectual lives in preparation for the future, whatever it may bring.

 

“Unitarian Universalist Sin and Atonement”  Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

We Unitarian Universalists often avoid talking about sin, perhaps because of some of the negative baggage that we have accumulated during our lives. But we can’t deny that people do some pretty terrible things to each other and themselves. Catholics, Muslims and Jews have ways to acknowledge when they have fallen short of their best selves. Maybe it is time for us to look at our lives and find a UU sense of at-one-ment.

 

"Taoism as a possible life path"  Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

The ancient philosophy of Taoism has garnered a great deal of interest in the last decade or so in the United States, even leading to such books as The Tao of Pooh and The Te of Piglet by Benjamin Hoff. But what is the draw of the teachings in the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tse, and how can they guide our lives as Unitarian Universalists? Are you a Taoist without even knowing it? These and other questions will be the basis for our service this morning. Also, here is a transcript of the Intergenerational Story which preceded this sermon.