Sermons
Explore our collection of sermons from Sunday services
Upcoming Sermons
July 2026
Jul 19, 2026
Sacred Noticing
Rev. Carole Yorke
Wonder and Reverence in Everyday Life, without supernatural claims. Awe doesn’t require deities. Fireflies, first tomatoes, late night conversations can be enough.
Jul 26, 2026
It's Complicated
Rev. Kathy Schmitz
In the modern world we often yearn for simplicity, and yet, we often find that things are more complicated than they appear at first glance. Today, we explore the UU value of Interdependence.
Past Sermons
July 2026
Jul 12, 2026
Show and Tell, Part 3
Three people from our congregation will share a bit of their life stories. They’ll talk about moments that have shaped who they are. It’s a chance for all of us to listen, connect, and get to know each other a little better.
Jul 5, 2026
The Art of Unclenching
Rev. Carole Yorke
Releasing the grip we keep on certainty, outcomes, grudges on each other. Summer asks us to loosen up—sandals and shorts, schedules, shoulders. What about our spirits?
June 2026
Jun 28, 2026
TriUU Coffee House
Myra Symons
Join us for a relaxed, conversation‑centered service as we explore our newly adopted Article II values together. With coffee and shared reflection, we’ll look at what we already know about our UU values and what they mean for us as a TriUU community. Come ready to talk, listen, and discover new insights with one another. Bagels to follow.
Jun 21, 2026
Fathering, Power, and the Promise of Partnership
Rev. Carole Yorke
We gather today on Father's Day; a day that holds joy, grief, absence and complexity for many in this room. Let’s look at fatherhood not as a fixed role, but as an evolving relationship, shaped by history, feminism, and by the political winds of this very moment.
Jun 14, 2026
Freedom Delayed & Freedom Denied
Rev. Kristina Spaude
This Sunday we will honor Juneteenth and observe how this travesty is echoed by the recent gutting of the Voting Rights Act.
Jun 7, 2026
Pride & Prejudice (The Gay Kind)
Rev. Kristina Spaude
The state may insist on removing Pride flags painted on our streets and sidewalks, but they can never take it from our hearts. This morning we will name the challenges of and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.
May 2026
May 31, 2026
Something Beautiful May Be Beginning
Dr. Jes Martinez-Hunt
In a time that invites us to brace and rush to certainty, this sermon explores curiosity as a quiet spiritual practice that keeps us open to one another, to transformation, and to love. We are invited to notice where something in our lives may still be unfolding, and to trust that even small openings can lead to meaningful change.
May 24, 2026
Never Lose a Holy Curiosity
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Curiosity is not just for children and cats. It can shape our lives: we learn to ask good and better questions, to seek for the truth, to explore how we, across difference, can be together. This morning we'll explore stories of people who have never lost their holy curiosity and what we might learn from this.
May 17, 2026
Learning How to Fall
Rev. Carole Yorke
All of us fall at some point in our lives — physically, mentally, spiritually. We will look at ways to overcome those times — how to respond, how to “pick ourselves up,” dust ourselves off, and move forward.
May 10, 2026
Unfurling Beauty
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Unitarian Universalists have two primary rituals that are all our own: water communion, typically held in the autumn, and the flower ceremony, typically held in the spring or summer. This morning we will celebrate the flower ceremony, this beloved congregation, and our shared faith. Please bring a flower or two (or more!) to share in the service.
May 3, 2026
Awakening Curiosity
Rev. Kristina Spaude
As children, we are naturally very curious about the world. As we age, sometimes this fades. During this service, we will explore our monthly theme of Awakening Curiosity in reflection and an interactive exercise.
April 2026
April 2026 - Spiritual theme: Embracing Possibility
Apr 26, 2026
We're Here to Build Love's House
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Years ago, some ministers on Twitter challenged each other and other people of faith and no faith to write their stories in 6 words. Rev. Kristina wrote several but has kept coming back to this one both as her personal story and the story of Unitarian Universalism. Join us as we explore stories of faith and what they can teach us about this month’s theme of “Embracing Possibility.”
Apr 19, 2026
Building a New Way
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Communities have weakened over the last few generations, which is part of how we’ve gotten to where we are as a country today. Building new communities is a way for us to move forward. So what might that look like? We’ll explore that idea together in this service.
Apr 12, 2026
Spark Your Soul, Move Your Body
Rev. Samara Powers
Whether you are staying in your lane or following your bliss, there is wisdom in selectivity. This service lifts up the role of spiritual discernment in the process of embracing possibility.
Apr 5, 2026
Redemption in All Things
Rev. Kristina Spaude
It’s Easter Sunday, and despite all odds, a miracle has occurred — the tomb is empty, and new life is present everywhere... But it’s different than many of us have been taught. Let’s celebrate the triumph of life over death and love over hate together.
March 2026
Paying Attention
Mar 29, 2026
The Gift of Hospitality
Rev. Kristina Spaude
With Passover beginning this week, we'll consider lessons and practices, both contemporary and ancient, about being hospitable to each other and our neighbors. Story: Always Room for One More by Sorche Nic Leodhas, illustrated by Nonny Hogrogian. Music: #104 When Israel was in Egypt's Land, #407 We're Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table.
Mar 22, 2026
Memories Fade; Belonging Shouldn't
Frank Kelly
Around 11% of adults over 65 have dementia, and for those over 75 it's 14%. But through myths and misconceptions, they are often marginalized, withdrawing from or shunned by society. But music can provide a long-lasting link. Melodies in Mind is a dementia-friendly chorus that does just that, letting these singers share their joy of connection and fellowship through their voices, in song. Memories may fade, but belonging should not.
Mar 15, 2026
Paying Attention
Rev. Kristina Spaude
The spiritual theme we're considering this month is "Paying Attention." We'll explore this theme weaving silence, reflection, and lectio divina elements in the service. Music: #389 Gathered Here, #298 Wake Now My Senses.
Mar 8, 2026
Cracking Up
Liz James
What do you do when the life you'd imagined for yourself is stuck in committee? Join us for the story of the UU Hysterical Society... The practical joke that accidentally turned into a three hundred thousand person UU community on Facebook. It's a story of feeling lost, finding yourself, and UUism-outside-the-box with UUHS founder Liz James. Liz James is the founder of an online UU community called the Unitarian Universalist Hysterical Society (UUHS); half of The Cracked Cup podcast; and is working on a book with Skinner House Press. Story: After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again by Dan Santat. Music: #188 Come, Come Whoever You Are, #1024 When the Spirit Says Do.
Mar 1, 2026
Tricksters, Mischief-Makers, and Bringing Good Trouble
Rev. Kristina Spaude
The Berry Street Essay of 2025 was offered by the Rev. Leela Sinha, titled "Tricksters and Tyrannies." This morning we'll consider some of Rev. Sinha's wisdom about paying attention to subversive stories and building equitable and generous communities. New member ceremony. Music: #131 Love Will Guide Us, #30 Over My Head.
February 2026
Embodying Resilience
Feb 22, 2026
Embodying Resilience: Practices
Rev. Kristina Spaude
The word resilience gets used a lot these days. We will explore what it means, including practices and tools that can help us cultivate it in our lives.
Feb 15, 2026
Seasons of Resilience
Rev. Kristina Spaude
The Christian liturgical season of Lent and the Muslim month of Ramadan both begin this week. We will consider what these sacred times might teach us about practicing resilience.
Feb 8, 2026
An Autobiographical Chat
Rev. Dr. Howard Roberts
Rev. Howard will share his journey from Biblical literalist to critical thinker as he continues learning what it means to be human.
Feb 1, 2026
Active Hope
The Reverend Kristina Spaude
Drawing on the wisdom of Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone in Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We're In Without Going Crazy, we will explore this month’s spiritual theme of “Embodying Resilience.
January 2026
January 2026 - Spiritual theme: Transformation
Jan 25, 2026
Pious Profanity
Rev. Dr. Steve Burt
Do you ever find yourself watching the news and reeling off a string of Mom's wash-your-mouth-out-with-soap words? Are the words of politicians any less profane? Rev. Dr. Steve Burt will explore this lively topic.
Jan 18, 2026
A Better World
Rev. Kristina Spaude
At the 2025 national UU gathering, General Assembly delegates voted to study "Abolition, Transformation, and Faith Formation," raised by the Church of the Larger Fellowship, which serves about 2000 incarcerated members. On this MLK Jr. Sunday, we'll explore a more just vision of the future.
Jan 11, 2026
Dreams and Dares
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Today our annual Stewardship campaign kicks off. Rev. Kristina will challenge us to consider our hopes and dreams as we turn our minds toward the future.
Jan 4, 2026
The World is Changing… So Must We
Rev. Kathy Schmitz
One of our shared values is Transformation. As we look to the new year, we'll reflect on what transformation means for our hearts and minds in a rapidly changing world.
December 2025
Dec 28, 2025
Love Them Anyway
Rev. Dr. Tracie Barrett
What did Jesus mean by "love your neighbor"? Diving into the Greek, Rev. Dr. Tracie discovers the word for neighbor means anyone you might ever meet. Drawing from Dr. Kent M. Keith's Paradoxical Commandments, she explores how actively choosing love is a revolutionary act—even when loving from a distance is what loving yourself requires.
Dec 24, 2025
Mystery and Miracle
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Join us for this special service at 4 pm, when we celebrate Christmas Eve with a mix of contemporary readings and traditional carols. Together we will wonder at the mysteries and miracles of this day, that we will carry into our daily lives.
Dec 21, 2025
Choosing Hope on the Longest Night
Rev. Kristina Spaude
On the longest night, Rev. Kristina weaves together Van Gogh's "Starry Night" painted from an asylum window and Catherine May's "Wintering" on embracing difficult seasons. She reflects on how beauty and sorrow coexist, and how the darkest night promises returning light.
Dec 14, 2025
Choosing Hope
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Rev. Kristina wrestles with the question of theodicy (why G-d permits evil) in the context of Hurricane Melissa, answering congregation questions on the theme of "Choosing Hope." Story: The Feather.
Dec 7, 2025
Waiting for Advent
Rev. Kristina Spaude
December's theme is "Choosing Hope." Rev. Kristina considers hope through the lens of Advent, the Christian liturgical season of expectant waiting leading to Christmas. Story: Waiting is Not Easy.
November 2025
Nov 30, 2025
We're in this Together
Rev. Dr. Tracie Barrett
What's the difference between charity and mutual aid? Rev. Dr. Tracie explores how mutual aid—people helping people without proving worthiness—builds solidarity and addresses systemic roots of need. From the Black Panther Party's free breakfast program to a Venmo request that paid the rent, she invites us to build networks of care.
Nov 23, 2025
Don't Let the Perfect be the Enemy of the Good
Cindy Grossman
Perfectionism fuels capitalism and can normalize authoritarianism. Drawing from Brene Brown and psychologist Albert Ellis's advice to "stop 'shoulding' on yourself," Cindy invites us to embrace vulnerability, resist the "never enough" culture, and remember that in beloved community, we are valued for who we are.
Nov 16, 2025
In Gratitude of Stories
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Our lives are changed and shaped by stories. Rev. Kristina celebrates the stories we have loved through a book communion - bring a book you loved to share with someone in the congregation. Story: God in Between.
Nov 9, 2025
Nurturing Gratitude
Rev. Kristina Spaude
This service invites us to consider practices for nurturing gratitude, November's spiritual theme. Story: Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed.
Nov 2, 2025
Grief and Gratitude
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Today is All Souls Day, a time to acknowledge and remember loved ones who have died. Rev. Kristina considers the connection between grief and gratitude. Story: The Memory Tree.
October 2025
Oct 26, 2025
Myths and Monsters
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Myths and monsters regularly draw Rev. Kristina's attention. Today we explore what we can learn about ourselves and the world by engaging these narratives, and what they teach us about compassion. Story: The Great Monster Hunt.
Oct 19, 2025
Lost, Found, and now I'm Woke
Rev. Kathy Schmitz
What do Amazing Grace and being "woke" have in common? Both describe a journey from not knowing to understanding. Drawing from Paul Tillich's writings on grace and the NAACP's resolution reclaiming "woke," Rev. Kathy shares her ongoing awakening and asks: what if we spoke of the wonderful day ahead instead of banging pots?
Oct 12, 2025
A Free and Responsible Search for Truth and Meaning
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Drawing lessons from journalists Maria Ressa and Masha Gessen about freedom of the press, Rev. Kristina explores what it means to search for truth and meaning when journalists and news media are demonized. Story: Fire, Water, Truth, and Falsehood.
Oct 5, 2025
Strong Like Water
Rev. Kristina Spaude
We have all experienced trauma. Many are still grappling with it. This Ingathering and Water Communion service considers what lessons we can learn from water about being strong yet adaptable. Story: Higgins: A Drop with a Dream.
September 2025
Sep 28, 2025
Blessing of Our Animals
Rev. Carole Yorke
Why would UUs hold animal blessing services? Rev. Carole explores how blessings go far deeper than "bless your heart," drawing from the Talmud's teaching of 100 daily blessings and Thich Nhat Hanh. In blessing, she reminds us, we are blessed—and we are healed as we offer healing to all creatures.
Sep 21, 2025
Building Belonging
Rev. Kristina Spaude
As the Jewish New Year approaches, Rev. Kristina considers how the practices of the High Holy Days might inform our congregation's practices of belonging. Story: Stellaluna.
Sep 14, 2025
Belonging to Unitarian Universalism
Rev. Kristina Spaude
September's theme is Building Belonging. What does it mean to belong to Unitarian Universalism? Considering this question helps us understand both our faith and our work in the world. Story: Strega Nona.
Sep 7, 2025
We Cannot Turn Away
Rev. Kristina Spaude
The war in Gaza has continued for almost two years, with difficult conditions lasting far longer. Rev. Kristina considers this humanitarian crisis and local efforts to support Palestinians. Story: A Map for Falasteen.
August 2025
Aug 31, 2025
Lessons from Youth Camp
Rev. Dr. Tracie Barrett
After three years as camp chaplain, Rev. Dr. Tracie returns with an urgent message: our youth know our faith deeply and are ready to change the world—but 90% now say "camp is my congregation" because home churches aren't feeding them. She shares ten lessons for congregations willing to listen.
Aug 24, 2025
The Emergence of Humanism
Rev. Kristina Spaude
A Humanist Manifesto was signed in 1933, with at least half of its signers being Unitarian. In this service, we'll consider how our faith shaped this new tradition and our continual mutual regard.
Aug 17, 2025
Dramatic Portrayal of Corrie ten Boom
Dee Collier
Dee Collier gave a dramatic portrayal of Corrie ten Boom, the Dutch Christian whose family hid over 700 Jews and Jewish sympathizers during World War II, helping them escape the Nazis. The only member of her family to survive the concentration camps, Corrie's story of faith, courage, and eventual forgiveness of her captors has inspired millions worldwide.
Aug 10, 2025
Unitarian Universalism: Answering Your Questions
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Who do UUs pray to? (To whom it may concern.) Are we even a religion? In this interactive Q&A, Rev. Kristina fields questions on everything from the new congregational study to how we worship without a creed, and what it means to build beloved community when we all have at least two opinions about everything.
Aug 3, 2025
Lessons from General Assembly
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Rev. Kristina shares highlights from UUA General Assembly 2025, covering the election of new co-moderators, Actions of Immediate Witness, and the new study on Abolition and Faith Formation. She explores insights from powerful lectures on organizing theology, trans rights, and "transformative mischief" in resisting tyranny.
July 2025
Jul 27, 2025
Becoming Who I've Always Been
Jes Martinez-Hunt
What happens when the life you carefully constructed starts to unravel—and you discover something sacred underneath? With holy mischief, Jes shares their journey through grief, queerness, and neurodivergence. This is a story about returning to truths buried under layers of survival—and finding joy on the other side.
Jul 20, 2025
All Flourishing is Mutual
Erin Powers
Nearly 400 years ago, the Cambridge Platform established that churches need each other. Drawing from Robin Wall Kimmerer's "The Serviceberry," Erin explores how individualism has crept into our congregational relationships, calling us back to mutual care: pulpit swaps, shared resources, and the expectation of reaching out.
Jul 13, 2025
Queering Religion: Faithful Beyond The Straight and Narrow
Samara Powers
What does it mean to "queer" something? To shake up ideas about normal and replace them with spaciousness and wonder. In three parts—queering the body, religion, and community—Samara reimagines Joseph as "God's metamour" and finds in starling murmurations a model for connection that rigid systems cannot contain.
Jul 6, 2025
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
Rev. Kathy Schmitz
As we enter our nation's 250th year, Rev. Kathy invites us to return to the preamble as our north star. Drawing from this year's GA theme and Deepa Iyer's "Social Change Now," she names ten roles we might play in activism, asking us to find the thing we can do with joy because this is a marathon, not a sprint.
June 2025
Jun 29, 2025
Renewal: The Courage to Begin Again
Jes Martinez-Hunt
When was the last time you rested without guilt? Drawing from Trisha Hersey's "Rest is Resistance" and Robin Wall Kimmerer on gift economies, Jes offers a radical idea: renewal isn't a luxury earned after we've done enough—it's a birthright and an act of defiance in a culture built on grind.
Jun 22, 2025
Renewal or Revival?
Rev. Trish Schwartzberg
Do you ever feel stuck? After vowing never to take on leadership again, Rev. Trish had to step up when no one volunteered as treasurer. Taking a leap of faith, she discovered unexpected purpose. Using life as an onion metaphor—building layers up rather than peeling away—she explores how learning something new can uplift the spirit.
Jun 15, 2025
Rest for Renewal
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Drawing from The Nap Ministry and other sources, Rev. Kristina reflects on rest as both spiritual practice and a matter of social justice. Story: Frederick by Leo Lionni.
Jun 8, 2025
Everything Possible
Rev. Kristina Spaude
June is PRIDE month! Rev. Kristina reflects on all that our queer siblings and ancestors have taught us about relationships, authenticity, and community. Story: Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress.
Jun 1, 2025
Holy Now
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Both our Unitarian and Universalist heritages encouraged living into wonder, mystery, and beauty. As bodies face threats from legislation and hate, Rev. Kristina celebrates the diversity and miracles our bodies are. Story: The Skin You Live In.
May 2025
May 25, 2025
Inclusion: The Great and The Gritty
Samara Powers
Two ice cream cones kiss, exchanging superficial sweetness. True inclusion, Samara suggests, requires transformation, not assimilation. Drawing from Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd's call to "choose mutuality" and the Gospel of Thomas, she asks: Who is already here? What must we do to earn the trust of those absent?
May 18, 2025
One Flame for Many Paths: Our Now
Rev. Kristina Spaude
US-American UU history has taken a different path than our European siblings, moving from narrow membership to ever-widening appreciation of faiths finding a home among us. Story: The Flaming Chalice.
May 11, 2025
The Blessings of the Flowers: Flower Communion Celebration
Rev. Kristina Spaude
The Flower Communion is a distinctly UU holiday. Rev. Kristina shares its story and celebrates our history. Please bring flowers to share! Story: Miss Rumphius.
May 4, 2025
Many Paths to One Flame: Our History
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Rev. Kristina explores Unitarian history in Europe. While it didn't directly impact our faith's US formation, it has influenced us recently - and it's very cool! Story: Faith is the Gift of G-d.
April 2025
Apr 27, 2025
To Demand or to Dance
Rev. Kathy Schmitz
E.B. White wrote he arose torn between improving the world and enjoying it—but must we choose? Drawing from Emma Goldman's insistence on joy in activism, Rev. Kathy offers volleyball as a model: sometimes you spike, sometimes you setup. When we disagree about tactics, let's figure out how to set each other up for success.
Apr 20, 2025
Practicing Resurrection
Rev. Kristina Spaude
It's Easter Sunday! Rev. Kristina reflects on Jesus' resurrection and the question his followers faced: How do we live his legacy? Together we wonder about building the Beloved Kin-dom.
Apr 13, 2025
Marked for Liberation
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Each year, Jewish people worldwide celebrate Passover, when the Israelites were liberated from enslavement in Egypt. Rev. Kristina considers what wisdom and strength we might take from this story into our lives.
Apr 6, 2025
Stronger Together: The Sacred Work of Interdependence
Jes Martinez-Hunt
What if the things we've been taught to hide—our needs, vulnerability, hunger for connection—are what weave us together? Drawing from Christina Cleveland's "God is a Black Woman," Jes challenges messages that needing others is weakness. Interdependence is resistance, healing, and good trouble.
March 2025
Mar 30, 2025
Little Things
Rev. Dr. Steve Burt
In 1983, Steve arrived at a struggling Vermont church—28 at worship, steeple blown off. The church transformed: soup kitchen, new steeple. But what he remembers is asking his daughter's forgiveness after punching through her door. "When you forgive somebody, it doesn't mean what they did was all right." Little things are not small.
Mar 16, 2025
Immortality Projects: The Common Ground We Share
Linda Starkweather
For nine years, Linda struggled to understand MAGA support—until Ernest Becker's "The Denial of Death." Becker argues mortality awareness drives us to create "immortality projects." What if supporters are simply searching for significance? Linda calls us to open our circles, reserving judgment and resisting "we told you so."
Mar 9, 2025
For Such a Time as This
Rev. Kristina Spaude
The Jewish scriptures devote a whole book to Queen Esther, who becomes a hero called by her people and her role to save them. Rev. Kristina celebrates the wisdom of this Purim story. Story: Tomorrow I'll be Brave.
Mar 2, 2025
Remember You are Dust
Rev. Kristina Spaude
"Remember you are dust" - the Ash Wednesday blessing. As UUs, we remind each other we are stardust. Rev. Kristina explores how Lent informs our understanding of transformation, also recognizing the congregation's volunteers.
February 2025
Feb 23, 2025
Justice and Equity for Every Body
Rev. Kristina Spaude
With a new administration and Florida's legislature being what it is, Rev. Kristina addresses the challenging year ahead as restricted healthcare options and other measures take away personal rights, making all of us less safe. Story: Bodies are Cool.
Feb 16, 2025
Digging Into the Depths of Gratitude
Friction Farm (Aidan Quinn and Christine Stay)
Friction Farm (Aidan Quinn and Christine Stay) presented their message "Digging Into the Depths of Gratitude."
Feb 9, 2025
Disrupting the Narrative
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Stories help us make sense of the world, but sometimes we create dangerous narratives by making complex stories too simple. Rev. Kristina explores how to disrupt our most dangerous narratives. Story: The Seagull and the Garbage Dump.
Feb 2, 2025
Threshold: Chaos or Community
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Reflecting on Justice and Equity, Rev. Kristina begins with one of King's final questions from 1967: will we choose chaos or community? A question resonating strongly again today. Story: Walking with the Wind (John Lewis memoir adaptation).
January 2025
Jan 26, 2025
Keep on Loving Boldly
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Rev. Kristina grounds this stewardship sermon in love as the center of UU faith, tracing the "great Universalist heresy" that God's nature is love. She connects Theodore Parker's "Transient and Permanent in Christianity" to new Article 2 values, calling us to use power through love, resistance, and support for marginalized communities.
Jan 19, 2025
Three Inspiring Members
Jolyn Joslin
This sermon celebrates the stories of three inspiring members, reflecting on art, resilience, and cultural identity. From the craft of rug hooking to the power of music and the influence of family history, we explore how creativity, perseverance, and storytelling shape our lives and communities.
December 2024
Dec 24, 2024
Mystery and Miracle (Christmas Eve)
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Join us for this special service at 4 pm, when we celebrate Christmas Eve with a mix of contemporary readings and traditional carols. Together we will wonder at the mysteries and miracles of this day, that we will carry into our daily lives.
Dec 8, 2024
In Praise of Mystery
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Rev. Kristina hosts an interactive Q&A on mystery, fielding questions about UU beliefs and the new values. The conversation turns to the United Healthcare CEO shooting, exploring the tension between condemning violence and understanding desperation caused by healthcare injustice, with compassion for all involved.
Dec 1, 2024
Opening to Mystery
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Rev. Kristina reflects on doors as spiritual thresholds, from Advent calendar flaps to hospital doors during her chaplaincy work. She explores how wondering and curiosity are essential spiritual practices, celebrating the Article 2 revision as UUs opening doors of wonder to envision liberatory transformation through love.
November 2024
Nov 24, 2024
UU Values: Generosity
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Rev. Kristina invites questions about the new UU value of generosity: "We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope. We covenant to freely and compassionately share our faith, presence, and resources. Our generosity connects us to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality."
Nov 17, 2024
Generosity and Hope
Rev. Dr. Tracie Barrett
Generosity and hope hold hands—each fueling the other. Returning to the congregation that ordained her, Rev. Tracie explores four types of generosity (including the one we forget: toward ourselves) and shares how a Thanksgiving box given 33 years ago still shapes her understanding of being seen and moved to give.
Nov 10, 2024
Love Builds a Bridge
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Part one of "Love in a Time of Fascism" introduces Jason Stanley's ten fascist tactics from "How Fascism Works": mythic past, propaganda, anti-intellectualism, unreality, and more. Rev. Kristina wrestles with maintaining humanity while resisting those who cause harm, asking: what does love ask us to do?
October 2024
Oct 27, 2024
The Masks We Wear
Rev. Kristina Spaude
For Halloween, Rev. Kristina explores masks throughout history: Greek theater honoring Dionysus, Venice Carnival allowing class mixing, and Halloween masks that evolved from warding off death. She examines the metaphorical masks we wear daily, guided by James Baldwin: "Love takes off the masks we fear we cannot live without."
Oct 20, 2024
Tongues of Fire
Rev. Misha Sanders
What does it mean to speak in tongues? Drawing from their Pentecostal upbringing, Rev. Misha reinterprets Pentecost as a call to radical inclusion—celebrating common ground through diversity. Reading: Gate A-4 by Naomi Shihab Nye, where speaking someone's language transforms an airport gate into beloved community.
Oct 13, 2024
The Waters of Life
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Water ceremonies have a long tradition in UU congregations. Rev. Kristina celebrates this heritage through the Water Communion and Ingathering service, also honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Oct 6, 2024
A New Year
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Rev. Kristina leads the annual Water Ceremony, sharing her lifelong love of water from growing up near Lake Erie to the soothing sound of rain on a CVS metal roof. She honors the 1980 origin of the UU water ceremony created by Carolyn McDade and Lucille Schuck Longview, then guides the congregation through pouring waters symbolizing life's droughts (salt), currents (lemon), lapping waves (honey), and storms (parsley) - plus an empty jar for those without water access in Gaza and Asheville.
September 2024
Sep 29, 2024
Climate Justice Revival Program | A Future Where We Can Thrive
Cindy Grossman, President of TCUU
Part of the national UUA Climate Justice Revival, this sermon by Andrew Baxter reframes climate action as a spiritual struggle—not just political—calling us to build intersectional coalitions for a thriving future our children will inherit. Reading: On Children by Kahlil Gibran.
Sep 22, 2024
How Universalists Saved God and the World
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Rev. Kristina explores the Jewish High Holy Days through Rabbi Danya Rutenberg's "On Repentance and Repair," examining how to make amends by centering those we've harmed. She reflects on Rosh Hashanah, the 10 Days of Awe, and Yom Kippur as time for reflection, repentance, and transformation.
Sep 15, 2024
Faith in Uncertain Times
Samara Powers
What if uncertainty isn't something to endure, but something to believe in? Drawing from Carl Jung and a personal medical scare, Samara invites us to flip the script—finding faith not despite the unknown, but because of it. In liminal times, possibility and community become our anchors.
Sep 8, 2024
The Once and Future Church
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Rev. Kristina uses a Buddhist meditation on sudden snow melt as a metaphor for rapid change, examining the fall of Blockbuster and Kodak as cautionary tales. She introduces "Disrupt Church" and challenges congregations to focus on mission over maintenance, being the church rather than just doing church.
Sep 1, 2024
We All Rise by Lifting Each Other
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Rev. Kristina honors UU civil rights history through Rev. James Reeb, Viola Liuzzo, and Whitney Young, who answered the call to Selma. She introduces Deepa Iyer's ten roles in social change movements and reminds us there is no one right way to make change.
August 2024
Aug 25, 2024
Moving from Hopeless to Hopeful
Helene Kirschbaum
When asked to share a memory of fun, Helene couldn't think of one. As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, she'd absorbed the message: don't enjoy life or it will be taken. From writing a letter refusing to let Hitler claim another Jewish life, she traces her path from victim to survivor to thriver.
Aug 18, 2024
For A New Beginning
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Inspired by the Paris Olympics, Rev. Kristina celebrates sportsmanship: Simone Biles bowing to gold medalist Rebecca Andrade, and athletes rallying behind boxer Imani Khelif. Drawing on Emergent Strategy and time banking principles, she explores how we build beloved community by lifting each other.
Aug 11, 2024
Getting to Know You
Rev. Kristina Spaude
Inspired by the Paris Olympics, Rev. Kristina celebrates moments of sportsmanship: Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles bowing to gold medalist Rebecca Andrade, pommel horse specialist Stephen Nedoroscik helping the team medal, and women rallying behind boxer Imani Khelif. Drawing on Adrienne Maree Brown's Emergent Strategy and Edgar Kahn's time banking principles ("We have what we need if we use what we have"), she explores how we build beloved community by lifting each other rather than competing.
Aug 4, 2024
Reflections in Sea Glass
Rev. David Pyle
What began as a beach walk became an 18-month spiritual practice. Rev. David explores how searching for sea glass—trash transformed by tide into jewels—mirrors our search for truth and meaning. He discovers that some truths aren't yet "fully cooked," and no matter how often you cover ground, you haven't found it all.
July 2024
Jul 28, 2024
Farewell
Rev. Cynthia Snavely
In her farewell sermon, Rev. Cynthia Snavely reflects on newly adopted Article 2 values centered on love as spiritual discipline. She explores the six shared values—interdependence, pluralism, justice, transformation, generosity, and equity—and how they grow from love. Her parting message: when faced with a choice, choose love.