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.**

May 2, 2021 - 10:00am
What's Your Story?
Monthly Theme: Story
Rev. Kikanza Nuri-Robins
Our stories, or narratives, are complex, intertwined and constantly evolving. it is important to avoid a single story about anyone or anything. We are more than our labels. How has your story changed? How have you changed your story about how you interpret your world? Listen here to how Chimamanda Adichie has moved away from a single story.
April 25, 2021 - 10:00am
Earth Sunday: A Spring for Change (Online Service)
Monthly Theme: Becoming
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae
 
Climate Change is already happening, and we need immediate, comprehensive change to avoid complete climate disruption and mass species extinctions and human migrations as large parts of the Earth become uninhabitable. We’ll discuss how we face the future and the challenges of avoiding Climate Crisis.
April 18, 2021 - 10:00am
Light Upon Light (Online Service)
Monthly Theme: Becoming
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae
 
“O lovers of Love, come let us swim in the waters of the beautiful Ocean of Love which is the Sacred Month of Ramazan…” writes shaykh Ibrahim Baba. Join us for this special holiday service exploring the wisdom of this sacred time in the Islamic tradition. Our service will be perfumed with the liturgy and music of the Jewish and Sufi Muslim counter-oppressive devotion of Makam Shekhina.
April 11, 2021 - 10:00am
Becoming You (Online Service)
Monthly Theme: Becoming
Rev. Kikanza Nuri-Robins
 
Be who you are on purpose. Have you spent any time thinking about who you are? Or why you are the way you are. Who helped to shape and form you? Who or what is inviting you to become the next iteration of yourself? What is your plan for your becoming? Or are you finished?
April 4, 2021 - 10:00am
Easter (Online Service)
Monthly Theme: Becoming
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae
Easter reminds us that our spirits can blossom like the flowers of the springtime. Many of us are ready to shake off the long winter and emerge as a community resilient in faith and love. Join us for this special holiday service that will also mark the beginning of our annual stewardship campaign.
March 28, 2021 - 10:00am
"Transgender Day of Visibility" (Online Service)
Monthly Theme: Commitment
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae
 
Today we celebrate transgender people everywhere and explore the beautiful diversity of gender identities and expressions in our world.  We also mark Passover and Palm Sunday and consider what our Jewish and Christian heritages really teach about gender and queerness.  Don’t forget your Bibles this Sunday!
 
The Transgender Pride Flag was first displayed in 2000.  Designer Monica Helms describes it:  “The light blue is the traditional color for baby boys, pink is for girls, and the white in the middle is for those who are transitioning, those who feel they have a neutral gender or no gender, and those who are intersexed. The pattern is such that no matter which way you fly it, it will always be correct. This symbolizes us trying to find correctness in our own lives.”  For some UU perspectives, consider the resources on a page that begins with “10 Ways to Be More Welcoming and Inclusive of Transgender People.”
 
March 21, 2021 - 10:00am
"Higher Love" (Online Service)
Monthly Theme: Commitment
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae
 
 
Universalism declares love has the power to restore and transform all things. Our religious ancestors believed a great compassion would someday save all souls. Today we explore our historical theological doctrine in greater depth and its potential impact on our faith and the world.
March 14, 2021 - 10:00am
"Making Promises" (Online Service)
Monthly Theme: Commitment
Rev. Kikanza Nuri-Robins
 
Promises feed hope.  Commitment is fed by passion.  Covenants are sustained by love.  What does it mean when you break a promise or make a commitment?  Are the criteria you are using serving you and your relationships?  This morning we will explore how your word nurtures, sustains, or erodes your relationships and spotlights your character.
 
 
 
 
Note:  Daylight Savings Time begins today - don't forget to set your clocks ahead!
 
 
 
March 7, 2021 - 10:00am
"Spiritual Armor" (Online Service)
Monthly Theme: Commitment
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae
 
The wisdom scriptures hold that faith can be worn as spiritual armor in difficult circumstances.  With growing threats of domestic terrorism, fascism, and white supremacy in our culture, how can our liberal religious faith equip us to be successful in the struggle for justice and beloved community?  We will also honor the Hindu holiday Mahashivaratri this week, so be sure to join us for worship!
 
February 28, 2021 - 10:00am
Be Ours a Religion (Online Service)
Monthly Theme: Beloved Community
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae
Be ours a religion which, like sunshine, goes everywhere...Sharing the good news of Unitarian Universalism is an important way to grow our liberal religious movement and increase its impact on our world.  Our religious tradition has a long and complex relationship with reaching out to spread our faith and we will explore the challenges and opportunities of such endeavors this morning.  (The sermon topic this morning was chosen by church leader Larry Weiner after winning this opportunity at our winter church auction.)