Communities have a spiritual life, just as individuals do. It grows through developmental stages and evolves
Sermons
This is a full list of sermons presented at UUCCSM since mid-1999. Links to sermon texts are included when made available by their authors. Audio recordings are also available for most sermons presented after September, 2007 by our staff ministers and others directly affiliated with our church (just click the speaker icon next to each sermon where it's available*). Audio from guest speakers is posted only when we have their permission to share it.
Hard copies of sermons by Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae are available in the church office. Contact office assistant Sibylla Nash at office@uusm.org if you have a request.
"Leaving Room for Hope: Sermons for Uncertain Times," a book of Minister Emerita Judith Meyer's sermons, is available here.
**Please Note: Video recordings are available for sermons with a small TV icon showing at the bottom of the sermon listing. Just click the icon to watch the service.**
September 29, 2002 - 5:00pm
The Spiritual Life of a Church
The Rev. Judith Meyer, speaker
September 22, 2002 - 5:00pm
Acting on Faith
The Rev. Judith Meyer, speaker
How can a church like ours reach out beyond ourselves to the larger community? With so many individual points of view, collective action takes patience and a democratic process. Over the years we have demonstrated that the effort is worth it. Music Scott Roewe, multi-instrumentalistHow can a church like ours reach out beyond ourselves to the larger community? With so many individual points of view, collective action takes patience and a democratic process. Over the years we have demonstrated that the effort is worth it. Music Scott Roewe, multi-instrumentalist
September 15, 2002 - 5:00pm
How a Broken Place Becomes Strong
The Rev. Judith Meyer, speaker
Throughout our history, our church community has experienced both the pain of conflict and the process of healing. How did we get strong again? The answer teaches us not only about church, but also about life. Music Christine Mourad, singer/songwriter Throughout our history, our church community has experienced both the pain of conflict and the process of healing. How did we get strong again? The answer teaches us not only about church, but also about life. Music Christine Mourad, singer/songwriter
September 8, 2002 - 5:00pm
This Story of Ours
The Rev. Judith Meyer, speaker
Our ingathering service celebrates our 75th anniversary with a look at why it is important to know our history and tell our story. Music Ginger Murphy, cello
September 1, 2002 - 5:00pm
Labor Day Service
Father Mike Gutierrez, speaker
Our guest speaker, Father Mike Gutierrez, is pastor of St. Anne's Parish in Santa Monica. About his sermon, he says, The workplace should be a place of dignity and respect. That should be reflected in the amount that workers get paid, and the benefits that they are provided. Music Jonathan Davis, oboe
August 25, 2002 - 5:00pm
Bread and Roses - The Laborer's Dream
Jo'Ann De Quattro, guest speaker Kathy Cook, pulpit host
In anticipation of Labor Day, current Justice Outreach Director at Neighborhood Church (in Pasadena), shares her reflections on work and its reward. Music Sara Andon, Flute
August 18, 2002 - 5:00pm
The Insider Portrait in Sacrifice
Silvio Nardoni, speaker
The struggle to bring the truth to light is often a long and lonely one. The cost may be higher than initially considered, and the cost may not be measured in dollars alone. What part of our lives would we give up for the sake of truth? Music David Ellis, Guitar
August 11, 2002 - 5:00pm
Star Wars: Metaphors Be With You
Silvio Nardoni, speaker
The original Star Wars trilogy is more than just a pop cultural icon, but a myth about redemption and hope. The source of that redemption and hope is The Force, whose ways are mysterious but not impenetrable. Music: The Tempest String Quartet
August 4, 2002 - 5:00pm
Born on the Fourth of July: Evolution of a Patriot
Silvio Nardoni, speaker
A month after the celebration of our nation's birthday, the issue of the meaning of love of country continue to reverberate long after the glow of the fireworks has died out. Music: Judy Schonebaum & Friends, singers
July 28, 2002 - 5:00pm
What Authentic Religionists Must Do
The Rev. James Lawson, guest speaker
About himself, the Rev. James Lawson says "he is persuaded that life is a constant struggle." He is also known as a prominent civil rights activist, authority on nonviolence, and Minister Emeritus at Holman United Methodist Church here in Los Angeles. Dr. Lawson asks, "In a very religious time, when religion means any sort of chaos, what is expected of the authentic religionist?"