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Spirituality




Sermons: Summer 2008

The sermons on this website are the property of the writers. While we encourage you to read them, please give due credit to their authors and obtain permission before using them in any other fashion. You may contact the UUCDC for information on the authors. Thank you.

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Worshipping at the Altar of the Almighty Dollar
Heather Gehron-Rice -- August 31, 2008

Labor Day is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."

Originally from Lancaster, PA, Heather Gehron-Rice graduated from Hood College, Frederick MD, with a Bachelor of the Arts in Human Resource Management. Afterwards she enlisted in the Coast Guard, where she earned the Humanitarian Services Medal. In 1999, Heather returned Lancaster, PA, where she became active in the UU Church of Lancaster Recognizing her Call to Ministry in 2004, Heather responded by enrolling in the Lancaster Theological Seminary, earning her Masters of Divinity in May 2007.

Available in Audio Worshipping at the Altar of the Almighty Dollar only.

Saluer!
Rev. Peter Friedrichs -- August 24, 2008

The people of Togo engage in an elaborate ritual of greeting each other when they meet. Learn what it is, how it helps to build community, and what we might learn from this practice.

Available in Text Saluer and Audio Saluer.

Wag More, Bark Less
Rev. Libby Smith -- August 17, 2008

Every now and then, a clever bumper sticker evolves into a life philosophy. Could we really learn to respond to the world and the people in it with greater warmth, trust and enthusiasm? What would it take to bring that about, and why should we bother?

The Rev. Libby Smith grew up in the Unitarian Society of York, PA. She received her M.Div. from Harvard Divinity School and was ordained in 1992. Currently she serves in two half-time ministries: She is the chaplain at Unitarian Universalist House in Germantown; and she is the consulting minister to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Lower Bucks in Langhorne, PA.

Available in Audio Fine Lines only.

After Zion: Israel, Palestine and the New Jerusalem
Elliot Ratzman -- August 10, 2008

The Israel-Palestine conflict touches us all as world citizens and especially as Americans, yet the problems are less intractable than we think. Thinking about Israel and working for peace and justice in the Middle East tells us things about our own ideals and fears.

Assistant professor in the Religion Department at Swarthmore College. Elliot is the author of the forthcoming "After Zion" about his years studying and working for peace in Israel. He can be reached by email.

Available in Audio Fine Lines only.

Equipping the Saints
Kathy Ellis -- August 3, 2008

The ministry of all, knowing gifts

Kathy is a candidate for the Unitarian Universalist ministry and is a student in the Modified Residency Program at the UU seminary, Meadville Lombard.

Available in Audio Fine Lines only.

General Assembly in the Sunshine State: Orange You Curious About What UU's From Over 500 Congregations Did When They Got Together?
Elyse Bartlett, Penny Bartlett, Mark Bernstein, Mary Beth Hoffman, Jody Malloy, and Joyce McKee -- July 27, 2008

Each year, over 4000 UU's from across the country gather for the General Assembly (GA) of the UU Association of Congregations. One of the largest contingents ever from our church attended this year's GA in Fort Lauderdale. Hear about their experiences and what's going on with our Unitarian Universalist Association

Available in Audio General Assembly in the Sunshine State: Orange You Curious About What UU's From Over 500 Congregations Did When They Got Together? only.

Fine Lines
Deborah Ward -- July 20, 2008

There is often a fine line between acting for the good of others and causing harm, between taking a moral stand and remaining silent, between noticing a beautiful view and experiencing a spiritual moment. What is the nature of that fine line? Why are some lines easy to cross and others hard? How can an awareness of fine lines enrich the ordinary moments of our lives and help us to work more effectively for a better world?

Deborah Ward is a teacher and a nurse. She is member of the Unitarian Society of Germantown, where she has presented several sermons and, for many years, played an active role in creating worship services.

Available in Audio Fine Lines only.

Spiritual Ideas of Africa
Rev. Phil Passantino -- July 13, 2008

The peoples of Africa have a rich tapestry of indigenous spiritual traditions.

Let's immerse ourselves in these traditions and see how they resonate with our own lives, while we sing African songs and listen to West African folk tales. We will conclude with an African healing ritual. A very meaningful service!

Rev. Phil Passantino is an Interfaith minister. He enjoys traveling the world, researching ancient spiritual traditions, and has led Sunday services, inspired by his experiences, in UU Fellowships from New York to Cork, Ireland. He also sings and plays guitar in inspired concerts for seniors and the elderly, in addition to being a prolific songwriter. His website is www.amazingceremonies.com.

Available in Audio Spiritual Ideas of Africa only.

You Want Fries With That: The Role of Customer Service in Our Church Life
Mark Bernstein -- July 6, 2008

Members of UUCDC are both customers and customer service representatives. The quality of service we provide to each other and to the world reflects our principles and values and is a true measure of what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist

Mark Bernstein has been a member of UUCDC for nearly 15 years. He is currently the President of the Board of Trustees and only recently swore off "super-sizing."

Available in Audio You Want Fries With That: The Role of Customer Service in Our Church Life only.

Thoughts on Living Self Responsibly in an Unsafe World
Rev. Paula A. Maiorano -- June 29, 2008

Rev. Paula A. Maiorano will reflect on today's necessity for religious community. Her biological, family, and organizational systems understanding on the subject will be expressed theologically.

Paula is the new congregation organizer for our emerging Unitarian Universalist church in Dover, DE, founder and executive director of A Center for Relational Living in Wilmington, DE and a marriage and family clinician. She resides in Wilmington with her spouse, Giovanni Maiorano and her youngest son, Gianni. In August of this year, Paula will begin serving our congregation in Easton, MD for one year as Interim Minister.

Available in Audio Thoughts on Living Self Responsibly in an Unsafe World only.

Voices of Women
Anne Mason -- June 22, 2008

There are many stories about the strength of women who work for peace and justice. Come and hear about women who join together in the face of despair and injustice to create the world that God intended.

Anne Mason is a student at Lancaster Theological Seminary and the Director of Music at the Lancaster UU Church

Available in Audio Voices of Women only.


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