22 April 2012- Every year, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) holds a general assembly to discuss issues that concern its members and society.  This year, in the wake of the passages of several extreme pieces of legislation concerning immigrants in Arizona, Alabama, and other states, the UUA will be holding this meeting in Phoenix, AZ and focussing on immigration as a social justice issue.  In this sermon, Rev. Bruce Marshall eplains why this topic is so important to us, and to the UUA's president, Rev. Peter Morales. Join us Sundays, in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

Renowned Unitarian minister and writer Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "Within us is the soul of the whole." As Unitarian Universalists, we explore our relationship to each other and to the larger world in a variety of ways. We ask questions, walk many paths and open many doors. How might we understand ourselves to be whole?

April 29, 2012- How often do we find ourselves making assumptions about others (and about ourselves) based on appearances? In the wake of the tragedy surrounding the death of Trayvon Martin, let's take a moment to explore the difference between what we look at and what we often fail to "see" in one another. Rev.Natalie Fenimore, candidate for the ministry at Davies, will present the first of the two Sunday sermons which frame candidating week. This will be our first opportunity to greet Natalie and introduce Davies to her.  Join us Sundays in Camp Springs, MD and online at http://www.dmuuc.org.  For more information about Natalie and a chance to meet her check out the candidating week schedule here: http://www.dmuuc.org/candidate-week-schedule.html#axzz1tSlR5Zqk

15 April, 2012: Rev. Bruce Marshall offers his thoughts on forgiveness: What it is? Why should we forgive? How do we forgive? When might forgiveness be inappropriate? Join us Sundays in Camp Springs, MD and online at http://www.dmuuc.org.

April 8, 2012, On Easter, most church-goers will gather to hear the story of Jesus-the Son of God, who was

crucified and then arose in defiance of death, offering eternal life.  This Easter, I too would like to talk

about Jesus, but I have a different story to tell. It is the story of a human Jesus who, nonetheless, might

offer inspiration, a glimpse of the eternal, and maybe even an encounter with God.  Come join us in Camp Springs, MD or on-line at www.dmuuc.org.  

April 1, 2012 -- Rev. Bruce Marshall and church members Liz Echols, Joyce Dowling and Mike Papantones report on the Unitarian Universalist Assocation's annual General Assembly.

Each year in the springtime, we celebrate the "flower communion," a service that has has its origins in the Czech Unitarian Church. This week, Rev. Bruce Marshall considers flowers and gardens and what they mean to us.  Join us in Camp Springs, MD and online at http://www.dmuuc.org.

March 18, 2012- Ours is a faith guided by covenant.  As Unitarian Universalists, we believe that some things are better accomplished in community.  A spiritual life is one of those.  Social justice work is another.  Join us for a service of rhythm, music, covenantal community and collective action.

Matt Meyer is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music and has studied abroad in Cuba, Ghana, and Central America.  Matt has led hundreds of services for UU congregations across the country and lives in Boston where he plays with several world music groups.  He is also a member of the UUA's Council on Cross Cultural Engagement.  For more information, check out his website http://rhythmrevelations.com/. 

Please come join us at our church in Camp Springs, Maryland or on-line at www.dmuuc.org. 

Years ago, the members of Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, MD, sponsored the family of Mali Phonpadith as they fled their native Laos to the United States. Today Mali is a successful entrepreneur and author of the memoir, "A Million Fireflies." In this talk, she reflects on what the generosity of Davies meant to her family, and the opportunites she has had because of it.

4 March 2012: Cosmology has to do with the origins of the univers, of reality. Traditionally, cosmology has been the domain of religion, myth, story, belief. But for the past two centuries, science has surpassed religion as a source of truth about origins.  Today, cosmologists and physicists are reporting remarkable discoveries that tell us much about the beginnings and the nature of this universe we call our home.  In his sermon Rev. Bruce Marshall makes an attempt at articulating these, while also considering their religious implications.  Please join us Sundays at 10:30am in Camp Springs, MD and online at http://www.dmuuc.org.

Feb. 26, 2012 - In contributing to Davies-our time, our talents, and our resources-we help continue this congregation's presence, but we also contribute it its ongoing mission. What might a mission for the future look like? Rev. Bruce Marshall talks about going to the heart of who we are as a church and who we try to be. Please join us in Camp Springs, MD or on-line at www.dmuuc.org.

February 12, 2012-In my Unitarian Universalist polity series this year, I have considered how we as UUs go about basic activities of the church.  In this sermon I'll turn my attention to social justice: the church's involvement in work to create a better society.  Specifically, I'll consider the liberal religious vision of a better world and how we have sought to realize it. Please join us in Camp Springs, MD or on-line at www.dmuuc.org or

5 February 2012: Rev. Bruce Marshall offers his thoughts on the roles of loss in our lives. He explores the importance of allowing ourselves the time and space to grieve that loss, and offers advice on how to eventually recover and move on with our lives. Visit us in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

***re-released with complete sermon, sorry for any inconvenience.

The Spirituality of Needlework with the Stitch and Bitch Group (led by Sandy Greenberg and Lynne Godfrey) will address how creative activities can enhance your spiritual life, encourage a meditative state, open your eyes to the beauty of the world - even lower your blood pressure!  Here is a link to the song used for the offeratory http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLgCh7GELtw and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2K1VI6sLdY this one is for the world in knit.

Please come and join us at Camp Springs, Md or online at www.dmuuc.org

Jan. 15, 2012 - Rev. Bruce Marshall and Participants in Davies' A.D.O.R.E. It has been over 48 years since Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. Much has changed since then-and much hasn't. In this service, I have asked members of Davies' ADORE forum to join me in offering their personal reflections on the status of Martin Luther King's dream. Text and more photos here.

12-18-11: Rev. Bruce Marshall shares his thoughts on a play adapted and presented by the Davies Action Players entitled "The Foundling." In the story a large, wet, hungry, pregnant dog comes to find an unsuspecting family, who realize that she was just what they had been missing: the very embodiment of Love. Come join us in Camp Springs and online at www.dmuuc.org.

Dec. 11, 2011 - Religious holidays pose a dilemma for Unitarian Universalists. If we don't understand these occasions literally-and we don't-then what are we celebrating? If, for example, we are skeptical that Jesus was born in a stable, with angels singing, visited by wise men guided by a star, then why do we gather on Christmas Eve to sing those carols? And what about Hanukkah, Easter, Passover, any of a number of such observances? In this sermon, part of our Unitarian Universalist polity series, we consider the question of why and how we might address religious holidays that may not be our own. Come join us in Camp Springs, MD or online at www.dmuuc.org.

Dec. 4, 2011 - Davies Youth Class From smoke signals, newspapers, to the world wide web, humans have been inventing different ways to communicate for ages. So what is social media, and what exactly is this "revolution" about? Come listen to the Davies' Youth share how social media affects individuals, communities, and how it relates to our UU principles. The video should be available on our YouTube account. Come join us in Camp Springs, MD or online at www.dmuuc.org.

Nov. 27, 2011, A family service to which we can bring visiting friends and family members young and

old.  Thanksgiving is a time to focus on what we receive, especially the gift of life and the gift of

food that sustains us.  We also all have unique gifts that grow out of our talents and our

experience.  For them, we express our thankfulness by nurturing them in each other and by

sharing them when we are young and not so young!  The essence will be shared in "The Legend

of the Indian Paintbrush" as retold and illustrated by Tomie dePaola.  Come join us in Camp Springs, MD or 

online at www.dmuuc.org

More photos from this service here

Nov. 13, 2011, Friendship might not seem to be one of the great themes of existence-not like love, honor, truth, salvation.  And yet, our lives may depend upon friendship, literally.  Study after study finds that those with a networks of friends live longer and are happier than those who do not.  In this service I would like to consider friendship as a spiritual discipline, that is a way of bringing intentionality to our search...

"What's the difference between Unitarian Universalist worship and a service club meeting?"  That's how the issue was posed, and it's not a bad question.  To some, what we do on Sunday morning doesn't look much like worship.  And yet, there is a long tradition supporting our approach.  In this service - part of the polity series - I would like to take a look at the history, meaning and theology of worship in the Unitarian Universalist tradition.  

30 October, 2011- Ron Verdonk, a member of the congregation, shares some thoughts about religion in the war zone.  Ron will share his viewpoints on his experiences living in Iraq over the past two years.  Join us in Camp Springs, MD or online at www.dmuuc.org.

During a service last spring when we asked for suggestions of hymns to sing, the top vote-getter was Ric Masten's "Let It Be a Dance." That got the Rev. Bruce to remembering Ric, who died in 2008. He was a singer, songwriter and poet as well as a Unitarian Universalist minister. Ric's was a troubador ministry: he appeared in more than 500 UU congregations -- including Davies -- offering songs and stories that illuminate the joys and sorrows of the human condition. In this service, Rev. Bruce draws from the wit of wisdom of Ric Masten.

Join us on Sundays in Camp Springs, MD or at dmuuc.org.

The founders of the churches that would become today's Unitarian Universalist congregations drew upon an image of a covenant among members as the essential act of creating these organizations. At Davies we will be entering into a process of defining the nature of the covenant that brings us together. In this service, Rev. Bruce Marhsall considers the covenant at the center of Unitarian Universalist congregations, what it means, and how it might be articulated.

Visit us in Camp Springs MD or at dmuuc.org.

John Michael Greer, noted author on peak oil and spirituality, discusses the myths of progress and apocalypse, the realities of peak oil and alternative energy sources, and the value of a spirituality rooted in nature, such as his own Revival Druidry. Greer is the Grand Archdruid of the Ancient Order of Druids in America. His recent books include "The Druidry Handbook: Spiritual Practice Rooted in the Living Earth," "The Long Descent," about the end of the industrial age, and "Apocalypse Not: Everything You Know About 2012, Nostradamus and the Rapture is Wrong."

Part Two of the program includes the question-and-answer portion. To hear John Michael Greer's full formal presentation, download Part One.

John Michael Greer, Grand Archdruid of the Ancient Order of Druids in America and a noted author on peak oil, technology and economics, delivered a special Saturday evening program at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Md. concering the value of a spirituality based in the living Earth as diminshing supplies of fossil fuels change the world in which we live. Part One includes the entire formal talk, in which Greer shows the errors behind the myth of progress, the myth of apocalypse and discusses the shape of time.

Greer's recent books include "Apocalypse Not: Everything You Know About 2012, Nostradamus and the Rapture is Wrong," and "The Wealth of Nature: Economics As If Survival Mattered."

9 October, 2011-   The focus of this year's "Association Sunday" is ministry: the "care of souls" through which we serve each other and the larger society.  In his sermon, Rev. Bruce Marshall continues this year's UU polity focus by looking at the role of ministry in our tradition: what it is, where it came from, and what it calls us to do.  Join us Sunday mornings in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

2 Oct. 2011 Rev. Greg Chute, a Unitarian Universalist minister visiting from Delaware, explains his understanding of Buddhism and the Buddha.  Following the sermon, he fields questions from members of the congregation.  Join us Sundays at !0:30 am in Camp Springs<MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

Sept. 25, 2011 -  "I've been waiting 44 years to do this sermon-since the summer of 1967 when the Beatles came out with their Sgt. Pepper's album. That album featured the song, When I'm 64, when 64 seemed to me a long way off. But I reached that milestone in August and now find myself wondering: What looks different now than it did then? What have I learned between then and now? What have I failed to learn?" Join us Sundays in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

Sept. 18, 2011 - Congregational polity is the most basic building block upon which Unitarian Universalist congregations are constructed. In this service Rev. Marshall introduces the UU polity focus for this year by talking about what "congregational polity" is, where it comes from, and the implications for us today. Join us Sundays in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

Sept. 11, 2011 - On the 10th anniversary, Rev. Marshall gives a short reflection on what we've learned. This sermon followed a play for our annual ingathering water communion. Water is a potent symbol of healing, of renewal, of life itself. Healing and renewal is needed after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Are we stuck in the trauma? Can we bring forth renewal and let go? Join us Sundays in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

Laura Walker, a member of the Mt. Vernon Unitarian Universalist Church, describes her need to find a place for peace through trust in what she calls "Divine Oversight."  She states that Unitarian Universalism is a religion largely ruled by reason and she longs to find room for surrender to a larger plan which is beyond reason.  Join us Sundays in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

Church members Adrienne York-Minor and Lynne Godfrey give a brief overview of the Adult Religious Education class entitled "Spirit in Action."  This class is design as a survey of eight categories of spiritual pratices and is being offered over ten weeks after services at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church. These categories include personal spiritual practice, mind practice, body practice, communal worship, and soul practice, to name a few.  Visit us in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org/

August 14, 2011 - The Surprising Secrets of Americans Living Happily Below Their Means. Jeff will talk about his experiences traveling around the country, interviewing and surveying hundreds people who are living happily and comfortably below their means to discover common characteristics among cheapskates everywhere: what they buy and own and how they work, earn and spend their money.   Visit us at Camp Springs, MD and  on-line at www.dmuuc.org.

August 7, 2011 - We're all living stories, but do we see ourselves as authors? Do we ride along wherever narrative flow takes us, or are we directing the plot? Perhaps if we don't like the stories we're in, we have the power to tell a better one. Visit us at Camp Springs, MD or on-line at www.dmuuc.org

July 31, 2011 -- Got questoions? Rev. Bruce has answers. In this sermon, members of the congregation submitted questions for the minister.

Visit us in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

July 24, 2011 - A personal journey of going from Unitarianism to Universalism with a profound love of God who loves everyone. He then incorporates it into a Unitarian Universalism that we can relate to. Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed shared about his books and this sermon includes some of what is in his latest book by the same title as the sermon. Visit us in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

July 17, 2011 - Our guest minister, Rev. Heather Janules, is the Associate Minister and Minister for Pastoral Care at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church in Bethesda. She speaks of brokenness as part of life and finding light coming through the crack. Visit us in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

July 10, 2011 - We didn't make it to the moon by ignoring the laws of gravity, yet the world wide impacts on the planet’s ecosystem threaten our safety and security. UU Mount Vernon member and EPA Attorney Mike Walker gave us a thought provoking mid-summer report card. Visit us in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

July 3, 2011 - A lay summer service about community, touch, and hugs. Visit us in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

The New York Times columnist, David Brooks, has recently produced a book called The Social Animal in which he tells a story that he claims is the happiest you'll ever read.  It involves two fictitious people who negotiate the challenges and opportunities of adulthood and thereby create successful lives.  In telling this story, David Brooks draws upon a vast amount of research looking at various aspects in play as we make our way through the stages of our lives.  In this sermon I'll draw upon these to convey what it might take to create "The Happiest Story You'll Ever Hear."

12 JUNE 2011: Near the White House is a stone marker that was intended as the point of reference for all United States highways; each was to be measured from that marker.  It didn't actually work out that way, but this image does indicate how we draw upon such milestones to determine where we are in our lives.  In this service,  we'll observe some such marker and reflect upon what these might mean. Visit us in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

June 5, 2011 - Who are we and who do we want to be? Reflections on a year of analysis and looking to our future as a member of the Search Committee. Visit us in Camp Springs, Maryland or online at www.dmuuc.org.

The United States puts people in jail at a higher rate than any other country, and many of these prisoners are young men.  How do we accolunt for this? Is at least one of the reasons that mean have lost a clear sense of their role in society? Visit us in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

May 22, 2011 - Diversity = differences. Differences = conflicts. We're known as being friendly and hospitable, but is that all we want in our relationships? We will explore the challenges brought about by broadening multiculturalism. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org or Sun. morning in Camp Springs, MD.

May 15, 2011 -- A debate about universalism has been brewing in an unlikely quarter: evangelical Christian churches, where some are questioning the traditional teaching that the only way to salvation is through Jesus. What about non-Christians who have made substantial contributions to the world, such as Gandhi? Would a loving God assign Gandhi to hell? In this sermon, Rev. Bruce Marshall looks at the surprising upsurge in universalism and what it might mean to us.

May 8, 2011: How the best gift you get is the one you give and it all startged from the one you got from your mother. A Mother's Day message with bits of ordinary life lessons tossed in. Visit us in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org

May 1, 2011- With the arrival of Spring, Americans take to our yards and gardens.  There we can be found digging and planting, weeding and fertilizing, mowing and trimming.  Important things are at stake when we garden: life, death, beauty, and our relationship with the natural world.  In this sermon, I would like to offer a theology of gardening, that is, what gardening means to us and what that says about our connection to the world of nature. 

This year, Passover and Easter occur within a week of each other. Monday evening, April 18 is the first of the two nights of Passover.  The Easter observances follow, culminating with Easter Sunday.  There is a historical relationship between Passover and Easter, and also shared themes.  I'll reflect on these as we gather for the Passover/Easter servuce. Visit us in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org

April 17, 2011 -- The Red Cross, FEMA and local agencies recommend preparing a go-kit -- a backpack containing items that will help you survive the 72 hours of chaos after a disaster. But how do we prepare for the long disaster of climate change and its continuous aftermath? What tools should we put in our spiritual go-kit to help us survive on a new planet?

April 10, 2011 - A special sermon for recent events effecting the congregational search. See text sermon on our web site. Visit us in Camp Springs,MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

March 27, 2011 - what to do and topics that come to mind when walking in a meditative state.

Visit us in Camp Springs,MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

March 13, 2011 -  Rev. Bruce Marshall says, "In this final installment of my series about options in Unitarian Universalist belief, I consider the Jewish tradition. It can be difficult for Jews to feel at home in Unitarian Universalism: our order of service is descended from the Protestant tradition, as are many of our hymns. Our terminology derives from Christianity, and many of our congregations are called 'church.' Yet, many Jews do find a religious home among us. I consider why that is – and how in many ways we are closer to Judaism than we are to Christianity." Visit us in Camp Springs, Maryland, and online at www.dmuuc.org.

March 6, 2011 - If there were a competition for the world's most boring sermon title, this would win it, hands down.  That's the problem: Infrastructure- that is, the basic structure or features of a system or organization - is boring, which is why it gets neglected.  Pledge campaigns are about a congregation's "infrastructure" making sure that the essential structures are intact so that we can enjoy what we most value about the church.  In this sermon, I'll try to address challenes of the Davies' infrastructure (and I'll try not to be too boring). Visit us in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

Feb. 27, 2011 - Further exploration of the spiritual strands available to Unitarian Universalists. In this sermon, Rev. Marshall considers paganism and mysticism, ancient spiritualities that still resonate for many in our era.

Feb. 20, 2011 - Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice (UUSJ) is a parnership of 25 UU congregations in the No. VA-Washington-Baltimore area. UUSJ acts as a regional social justice coordinator advancing the social justice work of UU congregations, organizations, and individuals and increasing the frequency, impact, and visibility of  UU collaborative social justice efforts in the region. UUSJ provides leadership and coordination for effective social action based upon UU principles. UUSJ's current focus areas are freedom to marry and environmental justice. UUSJ conducts workshops, training and facilitates sharing of information through its website and e-newsleeter. Go to ww.uusj.org or contact Terrie Barr 301-279-9292. Visit us in Camp Springs, Maryland and online at www.dmuuc.org.

Feb. 13, 2011 - Religious humanism addresses spiritual concerns from the perspective of responding to the pain and possibilities of being human. Even among UUs who would identify themselves with other faith perspectives, humanism has become our shared language. Visit us in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

February 6, 2011 In this winter sermons, we are considering varieties of belief found in Unitarian Universalism.  Theism offers beliefs in a power greater than any of us that draws us toward what we can do and be.  Theism might involve belief in a traditional God, or might be more of a sense of participating in a Mystery that offers a deeper wisdom that is available to one's conscious mind.  We'll consider what Unitarian Universalist Theism might look like and its implications.

Jan. 30, 2011 - Most Christians are not Unitarian Universalists, and most Unitarian Universalists are not Christians - but some are. We'll consider why. Visit us in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

December 12, 2010 - "The musical group, Bare Naked Ladies, has a song about a window-washer who works on tall buildings, watching what goes on inside as he is contemplates his own vulnerability. This is a service auction sermon in which I was asked to reflect upon the lyrics of this song. It strikes me as a reflection on being, nothingness, and the relationship between them. In this sermon I'll follow those themes and see where they might take us." This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

December 5, 2010 - "I saw a movie a few months ago that I've been thinking about ever since. It's called The Invention of Lying and takes place in a community in which residents always tell the truth: they don't know how to lie. While this might seem ideal, these people are, in fact, miserable–until someone discovers how to lie, and everybody becomes much happier. Then the topic turns to religion and interesting questions are raised. In this sermon, I'll share thoughts on truth and lies and their place in life, religion, and the pursuit of happiness." This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

November 28, 2010 - You know, the descendants of those Native Americans who celebrated the first THANKSGIVING with the Pilgrims? Come out and hear more. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Nov. 21, 2010 - Thanksgiving serves to remind us of what must be the most basic religious affirmation: gratitude. Gratitude for what has been given to us, gratitude for life itself. In this sermon I would like to reflect on these themes of Thanksgiving and how they might both challenge and renew us. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

November 14, 2010 - Author Simon Tugwell says that the story of Adam and Eve is a story of wrong growing up, but I would say it is not a story of wrong growing up,  it is simply a story of growing up.  It tells the truth that as we mature we lose our innocence.  We become adults, who as Nikki Giovanni  in her poem "Adulthood" says, "both feel and inflict pain." This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

November 7, 2010 - We are all aging all the time, but some of us do it better than others. In our society in which youth is valued, we don't receive much guidance in how to grow old well. And yet, many people report that they become happier and more at peace with life as the years add up. In this service Rev. Bruce offers thoughts about managing the challenges and opportunities of aging. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

October 31, 2010 - Our Halloween observances have roots in the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain which marked the end of the "lighter half" of the year and the beginning of the "darker half." During Samhain, the ancient Celts believed that the border between this world and the spirit world became thin, allowing both friendly and evil spirits to mingle with us. In this family service, we offered thoughts and activities in honor of this day. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

October 17, 2010 - As demonstration of what it might mean to be hate free, we had the Hiroshima Drawings on loan from All Souls Church in Washington. Facing Temple Hill Road at the edge of the Davies property is a big sign: "Hate Free Zone." What does that mean? What are we trying to say about ourselves to the people in cars that rush by? In this time when fear and bigotry seem to be on the rise, maybe we need more "Hate Free Zones?" This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

October 3, 2010 - Fifty years ago, the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America merged to become the Unitarian Universalist Association. In joining the Unitarians and the Universalists, a different kind of faith was created, something that hadn't existed before. On this anniversary, we reflect upon this 50-year journey and offer thoughts about what might lie ahead. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

9/26/2010 - "We tend to celebrate our strengths as good while we lament our weaknesses as regrettable. But it’s more complicated than that. In this sermon I would like to consider the paradoxical relationship between what we do well and what we don’t." Visit us in Camp Springs, MD and online at www.dmuuc.org.

September 19, 2010 - Are human beings by nature aggressive, materialistic, and ego driven? Or are we at our depths wired to feel compassion and concern for each other? The former assertion has guided our view of life for ages, but today there is interesting and surprising work suggesting that perhaps it's not so simple. Some claim that "empathy," that is, a sense of connection with each other, is also implanted in us and that this may lead us through the challenges of today's global society. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Sept. 12, 2010 - The Sunday after Labor Day marks the traditional start of the church year. As we come together with the hint of fall in the air, it feels like a new beginning. We brought a sample of water (or a virtual sample) from a place we have been during the summer for our water communion, and we reflected about what the year ahead might hold. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

September 5, 2010 - What do Harper's Ferry, the World Cup, and Complexity Theory have to do with each other? And what do all three have to do with working women and the new labor movement? Angel Savoy-James, a union electrician, explores these questions. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

July 18th -- Humanism is a philosophy that usually rejects supernaturalism and is centered on human dignity, interests, and values. Does this sound familiar? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

"Now who really wants advice: even good advice? Just about nobody. But this is Father's Day and, as a father, I figure people will grant me a one-day license. So in this sermon, I'll offer some reflections about what I've learned in my journey through life and my hopes for all of our children." This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

June 6, 2010 - Throughout this year, Rev. Bruce has presented an occasional sermon series addressing basic religious questions from a Unitarian Universalist perspective. In this, the last of the series, he poses the question of the church. What are we called to do and be as Unitarian Universalist congregations? Does the world really need us? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

May 30, 2010 - Margaret Fuller has been called "America's First True Feminist," a journalist, an editor, teacher, political activist who counted among her friends (and admirers) Emerson, Thoreau, Louisa May Alcott, and Bronson Alcott - all stars in early New England Unitarianism. She was regarded as one of the smartest people of her age and in exercising her intelligence ran headlong into barriers established to keep women "in their place." Margaret Fuller created pathways followed by generations of feminists and so we celebrate her in this month of her 200th birthday. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

May 16, 2010 - "I am all in favor of change-just as long as it doesn't affect me. Perhaps I am not unique in this. We applaud change as a value but resist when it actually alters our lives. In this time when the church is facing transitions, it might be helpful to take a look at how we might live with change, profit from it, maybe even enjoy it." This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

May 9, 2010 - Each May there is a Sunday set aside to honor our mothers, which we do with flowers and cards and a meal out. But it strikes me that our Mother's Day observances can be somewhat schizophrenic: our society honors motherhood while also disregarding its most basic values. How would the world be different if we actually listened to our mothers? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

April 25, 2010 - Isis talks about her personal evolution toward a life dedicated to conservation, explains some of the "ethics" that guide her, and what we can all do to save to world and save ourselves. She reflects on the words of Aldo Leopold, explaining what "A Land Ethic" is, and why we should care. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

April 11, 2010 - Soon after A. Powell Davies died in 1957, the fledgling Southeast Unitarian Center chose to honor him in its name: Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church. The choice at the time was obvious: Davies was among the most influential ministers of his generation. But what about now? Looking back more than fifty years, why does A. Powell Davies matter? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

April 4, 2010 - The Christian observance of Easter has roots in far older traditions. Our pagan ancestors saw that after the apparent death of winter, new life appeared in spring. The same pattern occurs in our everyday lives. After long cold harsh times, we can be surprised by the appearance of new life. Not only are we surprised, it brings us hope. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

March 21, 2010 - By way of a curious story from India, Rev. Scott Alexander explores one of the most important spiritual qualities we human beings can possess. This recording includes an introduction by Jesse Alexander (no relation) and children's story plus a musical interlude. Scott is known nationally as a dynamic speaker with a passion for human rights and the promotion of our faith. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

March 14, 2010 - As Unitarian Universalists, we have a proud history which in the Washington DC area extends back to at least 1815. In Rev. Bruce Marshall's new book, just published by Arcadia Press, he tried to tell the story of religious liberalism in this area through archival photographs, found literally by going through old boxes, scrapbooks, and files. In this service, he tells stories of those who have come before us. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

March 7, 2010 - In response to the earthquake that devastated Haiti, the evangelist Pat Robertson blamed the Haitians. God saw fit to punish them, Robertson said, because of the practice of voodoo. Such is one way to account for evil: "It's your own fault." Do we offer a different understanding? How does religious liberalism account for the dilemma of evil? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

February 28, 2010 - In the classic movie, It's a Wonderful Life, Jimmy Stewart (aka George Bailey) faces hard times and proclaims to the heavens, "I wish I'd never been born!" Through the miracle of movies, he is given a glimpse of what might have occurred without his presence in the world. What about Davies church? What about Unitarian Universalism? What if we had never been born? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

February 21, 2010 - Before Rev. Marshall came to Davies, he was consulting minister at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, where a gunman had entered the sanctuary during a children's play and opened fire. In this service, he reflected upon how we can respond when confronted with hatred and violence. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Feb. 14, 2010 - The Unitarian Universalist Association calls Standing on the Side of Love an expression of the Unitarian Universalist commitment to the inherent dignity and worth of all people.  There is a focus on Marriage Equality, but Standing on the Side of Love also embraces things like loving children as though they belong to us because they do, crossing racial divides, considering immigrants as people to welcome, and loving another for a long time even though it is not always easy or convenient.  Preston Mears hosts a sharing of several members who share with us just what Standing on the Side of Love entails in their lives. One of a gay multicultural couple with foster children, a single adoptive mother, and a couple who've been married almost 55 yrs. share their experiences with love.

January 24, 2010 - Rev. Bruce T. Marshall explores personal spirituality and how it may develop in a Unitarian
Universalist context. The traditional term for this process is "Spiritual Formation" and is defined as deepening one's relationship with God. There has not been much attention given to personal spirituality in the liberal religious tradition, but maybe there ought to be. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Jan. 17, 2010 - We welcome Joyce Turner to our pulpit for Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday. Joyce is author of Caribbean Crusaders and the Harlem Renaissance, selected by the Association of College and Research Libraries as an "Outstanding Academic Title" for 2006. She is the daughter of Richard
B. Moore, an active participant in the Harlem Renaissance and a charter member of the Harlem Unitarian Church, established by Rev. Ethelred Brown in 1920. Joyce spoke about her personal experience with civil rights from Martin Luther King, Jr. to Barack Obama. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Jan. 10, 2010 - Who is in our circle? Who is beyond it? The issue of inclusion and exclusion are central to any religious community. Exploring the ideas of those advocating a radical hospitality, that is, an openness to the strangers we encounter as well as to the stranger who resides deep inside each one of us. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

January 3, 2010 - Rev. Bruce T. Marshall turns to the question of hope. While hope is a central concept for all religious traditions, it doesn't look the same from one faith to the next. In this sermon, we consider how religious liberalism responds to the question, "What Brings Me Hope?". This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Dec. 13, 2009 "When December rolls around, I find myself thinking about the Wright brothers. (Doesn't everybody?) Because it was on December 17, 1903, that they dragged an unlikely-looking contraption from Ohio to North Carolina and made the thing fly. Looking back from the perspective of over 100 years, it's clear that they should not have succeeded–but they did. It makes me wonder about other things that shouldn't work–but they do." This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Nov. 15 - Maurice Sendak, the author of children's books, once observed, "There must be more to life than having everything." In that sense of something "more to life" is a yearning that can be expressed as having a ministry. In this service, Rev. Bruce offers some thoughts about the nature of ministry and how each of us might find the ministry that is ours. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Nov. 8 - As part of the congregation's visioning process, we will be considering our name-Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church-and whether it ought to be changed. In this service Rev. Bruce Marshall offers some background on each element of this name. His intent is not to take a position but, rather, to offer perspective on issues involved in considering a name change. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Nov. 1 - All religions address the question of trust. What do we rely upon to guide us through life's uncertainties? Is our trust centered in a holy book? The creeds of a specific tradition? A guru or a priesthood? Or...is there another way? In this sermon, Rev. Bruce tries to articulate a liberal religious response to the question of trust. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Oct. 25 - We often know little of our history.  Knowing our history and how new beginnings happened in the past can be instructive to us as we consider our possibilities in the present.  The guest minister, Rev. John Gaffney, is a retired Unitarian Universalist minister now living in Bowie, Maryland.  He comes to us with a diverse background having started off in ministry as a priest in the Roman Catholic Church who found his home in the Unitarian Universalist Church.  He has a website at: www.reverendjohngaffney.net This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Oct. 18 - A book Rev. Bruce found quite fascinating is entitled, "A History of the World in Six Glasses," by Tom Standage. The book's premise is that by looking at the development and meaning of six beverages, one can span the course of human civilization. He shares some of these insights, as well as add a seventh beverage that will be crucial in shaping the future. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Oct. 4, 2009 All religions address the same questions. The answers vary, but the questions don't. In this sermon I would like to begin a series that I'll continue all year with one sermon a month. In this series, I'll state those basic questions and then offer the responses I find in our own liberal religious tradition. I hope this will be a way to clarify, affirm and celebrate the long and powerful religious tradition in which we participate as Unitarian Universalists. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Sept. 27, 2009 Sometimes it would be nice to start over: put things behind and get a fresh start. But is that possible, really? That's a theme of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, which begins at sundown today. In this sermon anticipating Yom Kippur, Rev. Bruce Marshall reflects on repentance, renewal, and what guidance this tradition offers during those times when we might yearn to put the past behind and start anew. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

09/20/09 - Bruce starts by having a conversation with the children to introduce himself as their new minister. What guides us through life's challenges? The process of doing crossword puzzles helps give us some insight. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

During the first service of the fall season, new interim minister, Rev. Bruce Marshall, talks about how church can be like coming home and also like not-home. "Home/not-home. Comfort/challenge. The warmth and acceptance that enables us to relax into ourselves. The awareness of things that are wrong that spurs us back into the world, into action." This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Perspectives on President Abraham Lincoln were offered with spirituals, readings and reflections from Van Caldwell and Chris Bell. Great blues music was provided by the Swamp Dog Blues Band http://www.myspace.com/anthonyclarkakaswampdog

Over 500,000 children and youth remain in foster care each year in America due to abuse and neglect, while over 50,000 youth annually sleep on our streets as homeless youth.  What does research tell us about the plight of these youth and what has been the national policy response?  What are the solutions offered to nurture foster youth and end youth homelessness?  Find out what the 'youth and child advocacy' circle within the beltway is doing to meet our moral and legal obligations to these vulnerable populations.
    
Richard Hooks Wayman, Davies church member, foster parent, and children's advocate, shares his insights from his own advocacy work for a part of our population that does not always have a voice. From a lay sermon/discussion he gave on Aug. 26, 2009.

The photo shows Rich with foster children who are now adults as minor foster children are not allowed to be pictured. His powerpoint presentation is available in PDF here: http://dmuuc.org/lay/vulnerableyouth_pp.pdf

June 28, 2009 - Sheri Verdonk, who has carried much and crossed many boundaries, says "We are not bound by the baggage we carry." The service supported Prince George's Child Resource Center which "helps create healthy and nurturing environments for children by supporting their families and educating their caregivers." This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

I was at Davies 7 years 8 months.  Today I ramble a bit about what the ministry needs to do to get pass some of its most pressing concerns, as well as what the congregations has meant to me and my spiritual development.

This sermon is a reading from an upcoming book this fall by Skinner Publications.  Here I lay out suggestions and share stories about how to create a multicultural congregation.

This message includes a sermon discussion from members of the Davies congregation. 

How do you find meaning in life when you experience or hear about a tragedy?  Financial corruption, economic disruption, kidnappings, murders, and robberies leave us with a feeling of hopelessness and despair.  How do you find meaning with this madness?

This sermon was given during our annual Flower Communion / Earth Day service.  The All Souls Jubilee singers were present and there was also a special presentation where members' gardens were shown to the congregation.  It was a great service.

So, do plants and people have similarities?  Sure.  Check out this special Earth Day sermon and some good singing from the Jubilee Singers.

Thanks,

Rev. John

This is my Easter 2009 sermon where Joe Jencks performed, however, we lost the audio so this is a studio version of it where I read the text.  Hope you still get the spirit of the message!  Easter = Hope.  Peace and love.

Here are a few songs from my friend Joe Jencks, a folk singer and songwriter who travels the country moving people with his melodic tenor voice, guitar and powerful lyrics!  

I used my facebook friends for this message to help me define what organic spirituality means to me.  Check it out...

James Luther Adams was perhaps one of Unitarian Universalism's most well-known theologians.  Today I study his teachings around giving for Davies' annual Stewardship Sunday--what we call the "sermon on the amount" ;-).  This message was preached on March 8, 2009.

In this podcast you will hear some of the music and liturgy that add to our spirit-filled service at Davies Church.  The sermon will play afterward...

Who is the master?  I use an old Chinese tale along with Hindu concepts to weave this message together about finding the master within you.  Enjoy!
This sermon was preached at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church, an intentionally diverse congregation in Camp Springs, MD.

Hello again.  This is some of my personal story of why I chose this faith and some of what I gave up to be a UU.  This sermon was preached at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fairfax, VA.  Stay tuned at the end for my favorite hymn "Building a New Way" with the UUCF Choir and House Band.  They rock!  Enjoy!

http://cdn1.libsyn.com/uucf/3.15.09_Podcast.mp3?nvb=20090317221829&nva=20090318222829&t=01263f7a8d3557667adea

So how do we get off the wheel and create the life and world we want?  Eric Holder's statement "nation of cowards" lifted up in this message.  This sermon was preached at All Souls Church, Unitarian.  Enjoy.

 

This sermon focuses on how the UU liberal principles challenge us to maximize the minimum and NOT minimize the maximum by reinventing ourselves time and time again until we reach Beloved Community.

You will also hear "Amazing Grace" and "I Believe I Can Fly" performed by the Davies Choir and House Band, featuring guest soloist Precious Joubert.  Enjoy.

 

This sermon was preached during a family service and it's interactive so I called on our new DREAM --Director of Religious Education & Music Director to help me share why creating a salad bowl society and church is the true American ideal.  Check out why I love salad so much and why our faith is at a critical point of needing to become diverse in many facets if we are to be vibrant and vital in this new century.

Four Decades after King's death we witness his dream as more real today than ever before.  In this sermon, I look at how our hope and faith in Democracy has been restored with this remarkable election of President Obama.

This sermon was preached at the White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church in Minnesota, an absolutely beautiful congregation.  Enjoy!

This sermon is on alcoholism but focuses on the importance of community and why radical individualism still requires communal support.  Enjoy! 

This sermon was preached at Davies Memorial UUC an intentionally racially diverse congregation in Camp Springs, MD. near Andrews AFB.

These are words King Solomon used many years ago and they are apropos for today.  Life is hard, brings us tragedy and sadness often times however there is a way to maintain in the midst of misery.  Listen in for details...

Here's what I wish for in 2009.  Enjoy!

These are words Sophia Fahs spoke some years ago and they are apropos even today.  Some beliefs lift us and others up while others depress and diminish us and others.  It does matter what we think and what we believe.  Listen in for more details...  The hymn I use in this sermon, "We Utter Our Cry", is simply beautiful and the words are powerful as well.  Peace and love.

Rev. John

On November 23 when I gave the "Tipping Point" sermon, we debuted the Davies House Band which provides more contemporary music for UU services at Davies.  This has been part of my plan to diversify our music program. We now have a Davies Choir, Children's Choir, Family Choir, and House Band, along with serveral others who provide instrumental guitar, flute, clarinet, and the like.  There is something for everyone.  Our faith must have theological, racial, liturgical, and also musical diversity if it is to stay vibrant and vital in this new age.  Please check out the Davies House Band and see what a keyboard, sax, drums and lead singer can do for UU services across the country...

To tip something toward massive growth you must have a message and meat working together...

We are in a time of purification which offers liberal faiths an opportunity for rapid growth and expansion.  What could TIP the growth of Unitarian Universalism?  And are we ready?

This sermon continues my chat on moving beyond our prejudices by seeking to see life through others' lenses.  I also discuss the election and the blue and red issues.  Enjoy...

www.dmuuc.org

This is from my radio show "The Barbershop".  This conversation is with a good friend, Duane McClure, a therapist and diversity trainer.  We discuss Obama's image as the "hero" and as a modern day representation of the ancient archetypes that have existed for centuries.  Has he chosen the path that many sages before him chose or does our President have a choice in fulfilling his destiny?  Freedom or fate?  Listen in to one of my very private conversations about life...

The color that has been oppressing is GREEN.  Let us look at how we are moving toward a post-racial society and how the elite have used power and money to oppress  us all!

This reflection is on why Jefferson wrote his version of the Bible.  I compare Thomas Paine's "Age of Reason" to Jefferson's Bible.  Enjoy...

We are at a critical point as Unitarian Universalists.  We must change our faith to reflect a changing nation or risk dying as an irrelevant faith.  But we were once a known religion and a major player on the public stage.  What happened?  How can we find our "mojo"?  Listen to this sermon for details...

Blessings,
Rev. John

Here is the controversial sermon by Rev. Jeremiah Wright.  I think you will see, it has been taken out of context and is quite accurate in its description of some the hypocrisy we've demonstrated as a nation.  Please listen to all of this to understand Rev. Wright's full message.  Blessings!

New sermons coming in a few days but until then--Check out Aretha reminding us that "A Change is Gonna Come!"

The last in the series... Rev. John reminds us that even in the face of hardship, pain and loss we were made to be and give hope.  Check it out...

"Be like water...  Adjust to the object."  Water teaches us many lessons about life.  Learn the way of water.  Check it out...  This sermon was preached at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church an intentionally diverse congregation in Camp Springs, MD.  www.dmuuc.org

In this sermon I look at the possible origins of good and bad, moral and immoral using the teachings from Kant and Aristotle.  Is there a reason why we do good?  What motivates our good?  Check it out... 

This sermon was preached at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, MD an intentionally racially-diverse congregation.

The esoteric religion Kabbalah has been in the news recently and I've been studying its beliefs for some time.  In this sermon, you will find that although it is a rather complex religion it's still basic in its belief and in its understanding of the purpose of life.  Go to the links below to see two diagrams of the Kabbalah Tree of Life which represents the core of its teachings.  Enjoy.

This sermon was preached at Davies Memorial UUC an intentional racially and theologically diverse congregation in Prince George's County, MD.

---

TREE OF LIFE

http://www.alt-psyche.com/images/Chakrastree.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~chakra_system/images/treeoflife.jpg

Level 1 (Crown) also called Source; Level 2 (Wisdom) also called Purpose; Level 3 (Understanding) also called Spiritual Love; Level 4 (Kindness) also called Mercy; Level 5 (Strength) also called Will; Level 6 (Beauty) also called "I" or Self; Level 7 (Victory) also called Feeling; Level 8 (Self-Esteem) also called Thinking; Level 9 (Sexuality) also called Subconscious; Level 10 (Foundation) also called Sensing Domain or Body

Space teaches us so much about diversity.  This sermon looks at what science teaches us about differences.  This sermon was preached at Davies Memorial UU Church an intentionally diverse congregation in Prince George's County, MD.

The Rev. Rob Hardies of All Souls Church, Unitarian, and I share the pulpit in his church to share our vision for diversifying Unitarian Universalism.  We each tell personal stories of transformation as well as explain our thoughts on being a White, Gay, man, and a Black, Straight man who both want to grow a faith that is inclusive, pluralistic, and for ALL SOULS. 

Using the Hindu Chakras, Rev. John explains why you have the power to transform your life!  This message was shared March 30, 2008 at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church, an intentional multi-racial congregation in Maryland.
www.dmuuc.org

Visit my radio show website to listen to my newest podcast "THE BARBERSHOP" that features Senators and Delegates in the State of Maryland discussing all the issues.  I appreciate your support!
www.barbershopradioshow.com
Click on SHOWTIME

Continuing his series, Rev. John's sermon discusses why it is possible to be blissful even in the midst of a hardship or personal struggle.

This sermon was preached at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church www.dmuuc.org , an intentional multi-racial congregation in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, MD.

This sermon was preached at the UU Church of Annapolis April 6 for their Journey Toward Wholeness Anti-racism annual service.  They are in the midst of many exciting things and have great vision for their future.  Indeed when we have a vision of what we want there is also anxiety.  The traditional passage in Proverbs used as a guide in this message. 

Peace and love,

--Rev. John

My Easter 2008 sermon covers Mithras, Jesus, Obama, Rev. Wright, and the Black Church.  A mixed bag indeed!

In this time where race and mis-perceptions and misunderstanding have reemerged, I want to share a sermon preached some time ago about what love requires from us all...   This sermon was preached at All Souls Church, Unitarian in Washington, D.C.

Preached in Philadelphia, PA at the Germantown UU Church, this sermon helps us to move beyond race by seeing ourselves in others. 

This sermon covers Emerson's struggles, our struggles, and the quest for truth and meaning.  Emerson's "Self-Reliance" essay guides this sermon.  This message was delivered at Davies Memorial UUC, a multi-racial caring community in Prince George's County, Maryland.

This sermon was developed using the teachings of Judaism.  It is part 2 of my 12 part series: "You Were Made for So Much More!"  Enjoy.  This sermon was preached at Davies Memorial UUC where we are building a multiracial congregation in Prince George's County, MD.  "Room for different beliefs--YOURS!"

This is a new sermon series.  I'll share a few parts of it with you.  My hope is to create a new book out of this series titled: "You Were Made for so Much More!" It will be a secular book with spiritual teachings from the world's religions.  This sermon uses the teachings of Taoism.  Enjoy.  This sermon was given at Davies Memorial UUC where we are working to build a multiracial congregation one person at a time!

On this special MLK, Jr. Sunday we look at the other side of love.  We do all the good we can in life but sometimes we get back hate and envy.  We wonder sometimes if the sacrifice was worth it.  Dr. King had these thoughts too...

Editorial note:  Dr. King's Brother A.D. King died mysteriously 1-year after Martin King not 1 day.  Oops :-)

This is a sample of my new book about the Davies Memorial growth & diversity story, and how we grew from 5% racial diversity to over 35% in three years.  The audio version includes music, live sermons, and the story of our development into a diverse church. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org to order copies of the printed, pdf, or audio version, send checks to: Movement Ministries, 7400 Temple Hill Road, Camp Springs, MD 20748.

Do you believe in sin?  How about "original sin"?  Rev. John gives a brief history on the origins of sin and how we can reinterpret it for our time.  This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

The wheel goes round and round and round...  How do we get off and redefine our lives?  Samsara reveals its secrets!  This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

This sermon I've preached a few times...  It's one of my favorites---my "rah rah rah" for Unitarian Universalism.   Share this one with those who you want to convert to our marvelous faith! 

This sermon was preached at the UU Church of Williamsburg, VA.

Some options for a merrier Christmas. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Affirming our worth and dignity requires belief that we do indeed have worth.  This sermon is about that age-old issue of developing our self-esteem, and how our growth and spiritual development require trust, faith, and belief in ourselves to find and follow the right path. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org

The Seasons give our life meaning
As I write this it is October 8th and the leaves have not fallen yet.  Could Al Gore be right about Mr. Global Warming?  Well, even though the leaves have not begun to fall in quantity, this is still a  good time to learn lessons from the seasons and why being aware of them gives us cause to pause. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org

What it Means to be Human
 "To be human is to see yourself in others.  I'm
not better.  I'm not more superior.  I am you and
you are me."  That's what I believe.  However,
come hear words from various voices around the
globe, past and present, including your voice, on
this subject. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org

 Today you get Part III of my ongoing sermon about how to effectively share the UU message with others.  I will do my best to give very simple but practical advice in this sermon.This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org

What Did Columbus Discover?

 Short answer:  That he knew very little about
the world.  The more we grow and explore, the
more we realize how much we do not know,
indeed! This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org

Law of Detraction
 We desire happiness, bliss, peace and joy in our lives.  Why does it seem as if we attract the opposite?  If there is a law of attraction, there is a law of detraction as well. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org

 Have you ever watched a great athlete in any sport?  S/he usually has a basic or complicated routine that gets him/her focused and ready before or during a match or game.  Some of these routines are weird, some are funny, and some are just very basic, but either way, they are all helpful because they create a pattern of success that, when followed, usually leads to the athlete producing his/her "A" game or match.  Come hear how you too can create a routine for success in life. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org

Rev John discusses Dr. Paul Rasor's book "Faith Without Certainty."  He helps us to see what "liberal religion" is theologically and historically.  He
shows that as great as the theological and philosophical tenets are, there are major theoretical flaws in the liberal praxis of religion. This has led to a paradox because, as he sees it, with great freedom comes great responsibility. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian
Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County,
Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community.
Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org

LIFE'S REFRESHING WATERS
Rev John delivers our annual "Welcome Back" Ingathering Service and Water Communion. Water can symbolize purification, healing, renewal, and
restoration.  After a summer of amusements and rest, I have been refreshed and renewed for a new church year.  How about you? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org

FROM A FATHER TO A FRIEND
When you are engaged in the work you love, there comes a time when you must take time to rest and reflect.  In ministry it is called "self-care".  When you end your career and decide to retire so you can enjoy life more, this too is "self-care".  On this special Father's Day Sunday, as we move toward the heat of summer, which slows us all down, let's reflect on the past church year--the work we've done, the successes we've had, and the challenges yet to come, keeping in mind that even though we've done great things and have more to do, we still must take time to stop and stare.
This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

 Rev John explores the influence of Theodore Parker on early Unitarianism. How while he believed in the abolition of slavery, he also believed in his race as superior to the others.  How could he be so outspoken for the freedom of all and yet so intent on maintaining separatism?  How does UUism deal with this dichotomy?

This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

 It's not Fair

Listen to Rev John remind us that while life serves up a varied array of events, we are the authors of what it serves based on our choices. We do have control over our choices and our actions and reactions. Do something about the things going on around you. Get involved.

This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

May 13, 2007 Sacrifice - Specifically the sacrifices that Mom's make. Also how life is not about the destination, rather that it is about the journey. And every trip starts with a single step. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community.
Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Apr 15 - Exploring Revelations and how we can save the world. Will we get to that place of peace and justice? Tiger Woods, Ghandi, & hip hop and rap stars are used as examples. What is the new heaven and new earth? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Apr 8, 2007 - Was the story of Jesus's resurrection about a great sacrifice for all human beings? What do the egg and the bunny represent? We explore the history, metaphor, and miracle of Easter. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Mar 25, 2007 - J. Paul Getty said, "I'd rather have one percent of one hundred people's effort than one hundred percent of my own." Is Getty saying that we must each do our part as a T.E.A.M (together each achieves more)? Is he saying that when we each do a little, a lot is accomplished? Or perhaps he is saying there is only so much one person can do, but that same person, if she is a part of a team, can multiply her effort, like compound interest, and collectively make great things happen? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Mar 4 - We can never take freedom for granted because so many have died so we can have the rights we so freely express today. In this sermon, as we prepare for this year's annual stewardship campaign, it is important to understand the significance of our faith, locally and nationally, and how our work to grow and expand our faith can have ripples worldwide! This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Feb 18, 2007 - I like my baths and showers lukewarm. Is the middle the best place to be religiously? This sermon deals with extremism and what choices we have. What can we live up to? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Feb 4 - Have you ever had one of those thoughts that "rocked your world" and changed your outlook on life? Have you ever had something pop in your head like "poof" and instantly there was clarity for where you needed to go? If you answered "yes" to either question then you will enjoy this sermon. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Jan 28 - I go to church because... I am the minister and I have to . Okay, but you don't have to come to church, so why do YOU come to church? I will share with you why I would come to church even if I weren't the minister because of what happens to me when I experience our faith when I look in your eyes each Sunday morning. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Jan 14, 2007 - Conspiracy theorists will love this sermon but I'm hoping to put a twist on it to really shock you! THIS IS A SPECIAL SUNDAY where, annually, we honor the life and legacy of my hero Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Dec 17, 2006 - When something you love is destroyed it hurts. You love it so much that you are willing to rebuild it if it is possible. The rare opportunity comes to rebuild and although the odds are against you, you fight with all you have to restore the love. It looks like it's all for naught, and then a miracle happens... This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Dec 10, 2006 - "This is the title of my book that tells the story of our growth into a diverse church. The symbol of the chalice is a call to serve. I have some thoughts to share with you around what the charge of the chalice means for us, and I need to share some recent news that has fired me up--but not necessarily in a good way." This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Dec. 3, 2006 - This is the Christian season of Advent but for some of us who do not claim Christianity as our faith, Advent may be meaningless. Joseph Campbell taught well, there is meaning found everywhere! Therefore, Advent can have meaning if we assign meaning to it. How about this: redefined, Advent can mean "second coming" or "arrival". What are we/you waiting for? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Nov 26, 2006 - During the dedication of many babies in this special family service, John shares with parents and all, "There's a hero if you look inside your heart." These words are from Mariah Carey's hit song, but they ring true. Find out how to find the hero in you and why being a hero is important for your children and for our society. Listen to the Jr. Choir sing a Swahili folk hymn "Bwana Awabariki" ("May God grant you a blessing") at the beginning of this recording. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Nov. 19, 2006 - Many say Unitarian Universalists (UUs) "don't believe anything". But if you ever get into a casual conversation with a UU about anything, within minutes, you will discover that we have lots of beliefs and particularly many opinions on God, religion, politics, and the like. Yet, in a big world, our small voice tends to get muted by very loud voices that seem to continually dictate the course of God, religion, politics, and the like. When you sit around the Thanksgiving Day table this year, how will you let your voice be heard? This sermon has advice about how to talk to our family, especially during holidays, with fewer blow-ups and without muting our voices to be respectful. "It's how we share our message." This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Oct 29, 2006 Halloween is upon us. BOO! Did I scare you? Halloween lives, in part, because of our fear of death. I want to make a statement that I cannot prove: There is nothing to fear with death because it is just the beginning of a never-ending journey of consciousness! This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Oct 22, 2006 - Our children are focusing on Judaism and its many traditions...  We should join them in their studies by examining the Jewish prophet motif and see what the role of the prophet was in ancient times and what that role looks like today in our post-modern culture. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Oct 1, 2006 - Life is a growth process. Our knowledge is ever-evolving. What we believe now may not necessarily be what we believe in the future. The purpose of life is to constantly expand the mind! This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Sept 17 - National pride, what it means to be an American, and our place in the World. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Aug. 13 - In times of trouble--DO NOTHING. This statement is at odds with the American slogan "No pain, no gain" and also challenges many of our modern lifestyles. How can doing nothing produce everything you need and want? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Myth holds that this century would provide human-altering events that would fulfill the belief that "no lie lives forever." But the "age of truth" is really any age, any time, any moment when justice rolls down and when peace prevails. "One hundredth monkey" science experience referenced about connections to each other and power of the mind. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

June 16 - On Father's Day, we honor the fathers in our congregation by looking at a popular poem in Unitarian Universalist circles, and its deep meaning that reveals we must be fully responsible for our decisions and accept the consequences that come from them. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

May 28 - Thomas Aquinas is known for using the words "Just War". The question is can there be a "just war"? In honor of all soldiers on this Memorial Day, I would like us to, in an affirming but honest way, look at this idea of "just war" and see if it has any validity. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

May 14 - She was once the most powerful deity in the cosmos but was dethroned by the patriarchal fathers. She was the giver of life, the caretaker, and protector, and now, too often, she has been dishonored by many generations. But "no lie lives forever" and the goddess is making a subtle but dramatic comeback. In this sermon, in honor of Mother's Day, I want us to look at the return of the goddess in post-modern mythology and how this may restore positive images of the feminine in our culture. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

May 7, 2006 - The Flower Communion service originated in 1923 and is perhaps the most widely-celebrated ritual in Unitarian Universalist congregations today. Members of the congregation bring a flower and leave with a flower that someone else has brought. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

April 23 - The Unitarians were stuck in the 19th century between literalism and symbolism. Today, we find ourselves stuck too--between social action and social club--between reason and passion--between hibernation and participation. The story from the past will speak to the story of today and remind us that our work for justice and love is ever-evolving but ongoing! Are we willing to change for and with the times to get the world we want? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

April 16, 2006 - This is Easter Sunday and it is an appropriate time to discuss the common denominator of us all--death. Are you afraid to die? Is it suffering that bothers you most? Is it possible to lose your fear of dying? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

April 2, 2006 - If you haven't seen this movie, rent it and watch it before the sermon OR listen to my version of it. Religion and other beliefs comfort and protect, but what are the risks of learning what's outside "the village"; learning what is beyond one's brand of faith or beyond one's understandings? Is ignorance bliss? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.