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.**

March 15, 2020 - 10:00am
Love is the Spirit (A Special Online Worship Service)
Monthly Theme: Wisdom
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae
Join us online this Sunday as we co-create beloved community together in the midst of a global pandemic. We are temporarily suspending congregational worship gatherings to protect vulnerable members of our congregation and the larger community. We will be providing more information soon so you can watch our special live-streamed service on the church’s Facebook page on Sunday morning. We will consider how we spiritually prepare and fortify ourselves in uncertain times. Help us spread the word about these changes. We look forward to being with you virtually and in spirit on Sunday morning. If you need help getting online, please contact board member Eileen McCormack for assistance.
 
Note:  the service originally scheduled for today, with DeReau K. Farrar, unfortunately had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 closures.
March 8, 2020 - 10:00am
Let There Be Light
Monthly Theme: Wisdom
Rev. Kikanza Nuri-Robins

As you look forward to The Vernal Equinox, the Coming of Spring, and the presence of more light in the world, look around yourself and notice.  What is dancing in the shadows?  What is in the shadows that you might shine more light on?  Come worship with us as we consider what aspects of ourselves we turn to the light and what remains in the shadows.

March 1, 2020 - 10:00am
We the People...
Monthly Theme: Wisdom
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae

The democratic principles of our society have been distorted, threatened, and ignored over the centuries. Our religious ancestors played a critical role in establishing democracy in the United States and our fifth Unitarian Universalist Principle affirms: “The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” Join us this Sunday as we explore the state of our democracic republic and what these times are demanding of us.

February 23, 2020 - 10:00am
Hindu Dharma
Monthly Theme: Resilience
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae
Hinduism is the oldest of the world’s major religions and it has grown to encompass a vast diversity of traditions, scriptures, philosophies, and practices. The Third Source of Unitarian Universalism is: “Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life.” This Sunday we will begin our exploration of this ancient wisdom and its great influence on our liberal religious tradition.
February 16, 2020 - 10:00am
Share the Love
Monthly Theme: Resilience
Rev. Kikanza Nuri-Robins
Love is an overused word. How can my mother, my lover, and mac and cheese all be objects of my love? Some writers say love is a verb and without right action there is no love. Others say love is an ideal that can never be realized. Whom or what do you count as your Beloved? Are your Love Languages what your Beloved longs to hear?
 
The Rev. Dr. Kikanza Nuri-Robins is a consultant to people and organizations in transition.  She works with non-profits and faith-based organizations around the country helping them address issues of leadership, communication and cultural competence.  Her most recent book is Fish Out of Water, and she is currently collaborating on a book about Gender Identities.  She is a member of our UUSM community. www.KikanzaNuriRobins.com
February 9, 2020 - 10:00am
Worship with a Guest Minister
Monthly Theme: Resilience
Guest Speaker
We welcome to our pulpit a special message from a guest minister who will lead us in worship as we sing, reflect, grieve, and celebrate together. More information about this special service will be forthcoming. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome to Santa Monica!
February 2, 2020 - 10:00am
Spiritual Practice
Monthly Theme: Resilience
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae
Spiritual exercises can open us to the numinous and bring profound meaning to our lives. We can encourage our own spiritual growth through practices which keep us in touch with our highest selves, community, and that which we hold to be sacred. As a multireligious tradition, we are all free to adopt practices which we find helpful and sustaining. Join us this Sunday as we explore these exercises of the spirit.
January 26, 2020
Our Humanistic Faith
Monthly Theme: Integrity
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae

Our Unitarian Universalist tradition has six sources which serve as the foundation of our liberal faith. Last month we considered our 1st Source--transcending mystery and wonder--and this month we continue this series with a meditation on our 5th Source: "Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit." 

Note:  No audio recording is available for this service.

January 19, 2020
Five Wishes
Monthly Theme: Integrity
Kikanza Nuri-Robins

Many of us start the new year making plans for our futures.  We have plans and hopes and dreams for our lives -- none of which is certain, but seldom do we spend as much time thinking about or preparing for our deaths...  Something that we know will happen to each of us.  What then, do you wish for yourself and your loved ones in your death and your dying?  Have you told them?  Sharing the wisdom gleaned from Death Doulas, let us consider your Death Wishes during the month that more people in America die than any other in the year. 

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January 12, 2020
Thresholds to Spiritual Leadership
Monthly Theme: Integrity
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae

Our beloved community offers many opportunities to step into spiritual leadership. Join us as we express appreciation for the many volunteers who sustain and lead our community and explore the ways we minister to eachother and the larger world.  

 

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