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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.**

December 11, 2016 - 5:00pm
Heart and Soul: A Contemplative Worship Service
Monthly Theme: Presence
Kikanza Nuri-Robins, Joyce Holmen, and Karen Hsu Patterson
In consultation with our minister, we are continuing the Heart and Soul services, now led by Kikanza Nuri-Robins, 
Joyce Holmen, and Karen Hsu Patterson. With singing and instrumental music, statements and questions, silence and sharing, we’ll explore the theme of  "What does it mean to be a community of Presence?
December 11, 2016
Door into the Dark
Monthly Theme: Presence
Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur

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December 4, 2016
Here and Now
Monthly Theme: Presence
Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur

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November 27, 2016
Your Happy Place
Monthly Theme: Story
Kathleen Hogue
Have you ever been told, Don't worry, be happy"? How can one be happy in times of stress, pain or turmoil? Who defines happiness? Come find out the answers to these questions and more. Join us in music, story, and ritual as Kathleen Hogue-DRE shares her "Six Keys of Happiness."

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November 20, 2016
The Real Challenge of Gratitude
Monthly Theme: Story
Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur and Kathleen Hogue
Activist and author Barbara Ehrenreich reminds us that gratitude isn't only a personal feeling, it's also a call to value the lives of real people, many of whom are unseen and underpaid, who do the work that supports our lives. Is solidarity the real challenge of gratitude? 
 
[Please Note:  No audio recording is available for this service.]
 
November 13, 2016 - 5:00pm
Heart and Soul: A Contemplative Worship Service
Kikanza Nuri-Robins, Joyce Holmen, and Karen Hsu Patterson
In consultation with our minister, we are continuing the Heart and Soul services, now led by Kikanza Nuri-Robins,
Joyce Holmen, and Karen Hsu Patterson. With singing and instrumental music, statements and questions,
silence and sharing, we’ll explore these themes:
 
November 13 — A Community of Story
December 11 — A Community of Presence
November 13, 2016
What Just Happened?
Monthly Theme: Story
Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
Rev. Rebecca will offer post-election reflections and we will celebrate all those who have joined our church as members since the spring with a ceremony of affirmation and welcome.
 
[Note: no audio recording is available for this service.]
November 6, 2016 - 6:00pm
Remembrance Vespers
Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At this contemplative evening service, we will remember those dear to us who have died in the past year—with music interspersed with moments of silence and candle lighting. For inclusion of your loved one’s name, please email Music Director Dr. Zanaida Robles at music@uusm.org by noon on Wednesday, November 2.
 
November 6, 2016 - 11:00am
The Larger Circle
Monthly Theme: Story
Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
YRUU Group, chalice lighters
Len Harris, special guest
 
As our 2017 Pledge Campaign takes off, we'll explore generosity as a spiritual practice deeply grounded in our UU values. Our YRUU Youth Group will light the chalice and our service will include a special presentation with church member Len Harris on "Generosity for The Children of the World," in which Len will share some of the lessons he's learned about love and generosity in his 93 years on this earth. 
 
[NOTE:  No audio recording is available for this service.]
 

 
October 30, 2016 - 12:00pm
Dedication Service in Garden of Eternity
Monthly Theme: Healing
Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur
All are invited to share in a special dedication service in the Garden of Eternity immediately following the 11 am service, at which we will dedicate all memorial bricks that have been installed since November 2015. Rev. Rebecca will lead a brief service of memory and gratitude.