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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.**

Sabbath Economics or What Would Jesus Do With His Dollar?
The Rev. Altagracia Perez, speaker

Inspired by the booklet by Chad Myers and distributed to whoever had need (Acts 245) The Biblical Vision of Sabbath Economics, the Rev. Altagracia Perez will reflect on the biblical roots of economic justice as it applies in our society today. The Rev. Altagracia Perez is rector of Holy Faith Episcopal Church in Inglewood and a community activist.

Your Scripture, or Your Life
The Rev. Ricky Hoyt, speaker

In the UUA statement of Principles and Purposes the first of the six listed sources of our faith is direct experience. While we learn from other teachers, scriptures, and traditions, our own sense of spiritual truth is the foundation of our spiritual lives and the source of the other sources. The Rev. Ricky Hoyt, a former lay member of this congregation, now serves the Unitarian Universalists of the Santa Clarita Valley as their half-time minister.He lives in Burbank with his partner and two Dalmatians.

Dangerous Ideas? A New Spiritual Social Justice Agenda
Daniel Sokatch, speaker

Daniel Sokatch is the Executive Director of the Progressive Jewish Alliance, California's leading Jewish social justice organization focusing on advocacy, education and organizing on issues of equality, diversity, dialogue and peace.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
The Rev. Silvio Nardoni, speaker

Very few movies have a scene in which Nietzsche and a Pope (even if it is only Alexander) are mentioned together. This thought-provoking film explores the role of memory (and deeper parts of the soul) in the elusive dimension of life we call love.

The Terminator Fate and Judgment Day
The Rev. Silvio Nardoni, speaker

The "Terminator" trilogy of films examines the notion of fate in a way that is helpful for religious liberals to appreciate. A strong sense of fate is one way of understanding that history- making is not a spectator sport, but instead part of what it truly means to be human.

God's Politics
The Rev. Judith Meyer, speaker

Greg Germann, story for all ages According to Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners and author of the book "God's Politics Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It," religious liberals must bring our values and morals into the public square. This Sunday is also Choir Appreciation Sunday. Please join us to thank our dedicated choir for their contribution to the Sunday music program.
My Life in Church
The Rev. Judith Meyer, speaker

I've spent nearly my entire life as a member of a Unitarian Universalist congregation. Today I'll offer a few candid observations about the experience.
Building Bridges
DRE Catherine Farmer, speaker

UU Young Adults walk between worlds in many ways. What do our congregations stand to gain by recognizing ministry to 18 to 35-year-olds as a vital part of their mission? We'll also celebrate the young adulthood of this year's graduating high school seniors in a special Bridging Ceremony.

Religious Exploration (RE) Sunday

Join us in celebrating UUCCSM's educational ministry to children and youth, with participation from each RE class and including a very special RE volunteer recognition.

El Cuento de Tres Iglesias: A Reflection on El Salvador
The Rev. Jim Conn, guest speaker

From Savior of the World to the Cathedral in central San Salvador, we walked with 40,000 people to honor the memory of Archbishop Romero - assassinated 25 years ago by death squads paid for by American tax dollars. Three churches in the core of the city tell the story of life at the edges of the Empire. You may enjoy the architecture, but the anthropology is another story.

Jim is Director of New Ministries for the California-Pacific Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Chalice Lighting: "I'm Straight; He's Gay," by Jeff Greenman

Music Bronwen Jones, clarinet