We are all members of the same human family. The ocean looks different to us now too. We look to it and to the new year, not knowing what will come; knowing only what we have to give. It may be all we can know; that there is something we can do.
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.**
January 2, 2005 - 4:00pm
The Plague
The Rev. Judith Meyer, speaker
December 26, 2004 - 4:00pm
Dangerous Ideas? A Spiritual Social Justice Agenda for the New Year
Daniel Sokatch, guest speaker
Our guest speaker is the Executive Director of the Progressive Jewish Alliance, California's leading social justice organization focusing on advocacy, education, and organizing on issues of equality, diversity, dialogue, and peace. His sermon will address the challenges of doing progressive faith-based social justice organizing and advocacy work in a world where religious voices seem increasingly fundamentalist in their approach.
December 24, 2004 - 4:00pm
Christmas Eve Services
6:00 p.m. Family Vespers Service
A service of carols, music and stories especially for children and their families.
8:00 p.m. Candlelighting Vespers Service
A quiet service of reflection and music concluding with a candlelight ceremony.
December 19, 2004 - 4:00pm
Winter Holiday Pageant: 12 Days of Winter
This year we celebrate our annual Winter Holiday Pageant with a twist, celebrating 12 different holidays from a host of different traditions, all wrapped up in one (more or less) tidy pageant. This is an intergenerational service—be forewarned: there may be a part for YOU to play. (Who wants to be Rama?) So what do you get when you cross a Bodhi tree, ligonberries, Yule logs, and Sikh gurus with a chorus of Friendly Beasts? Here’s a hint: it’s something you won’t want to miss. Join us in celebrating the spirit of the season.
December 12, 2004 - 4:00pm
The More the Merrier
The Rev. Judith Meyer, speaker
Our Unitarian Universalist approach to the holiday season is a wide embrace of different customs. This practice says a lot about who we are.
December 5, 2004 - 4:00pm
An Unrepentant Liberal
The Rev. Judith Meyer, speaker
When Unitarian minister A. Powell Davies pronounced himself an unrepentant liberal in 1946, he was speaking of the need for a progressive faith to save the world. Over 50 years later, his words?and our Unitarian Universalist faith?still ring true.
November 28, 2004 - 4:00pm
An Isherwood Life
The Rev. Judith Meyer, speaker
Writer Christopher Isherwood exemplified many of the qualities of a good life. He was honest, intelligent, and talented. He was also very spiritual. Our service will add to the many celebrations of his centenary this year and explore Isherwood?s life in all its fullness and originality. Music: Victor Lawrence, cello
November 21, 2004 - 4:00pm
Thanksgiving Service
The Rev. Judith Meyer, speaker
Images of abundance seem to come with the Thanksgiving holiday, suggesting that prosperity and spirituality are rooted in the history of our nation. This notion deserves closer examination. Music: Sara Andon, flute
November 14, 2004 - 4:00pm
The Universalist Gospel
Presented by Amy Thiel and Patrick Meighan and the UU Community Church Choir Come enjoy a narrative history of Universalism celebrated in words and music, adapted by Patrick Meighan and Amy Thiel for our Sunday service. Music: Chancel choir (both services)
November 7, 2004 - 4:00pm
Democracy Still Matters
The Rev. Judith Meyer, speaker
The service offers some post-election reflections inspired by Cornel West. His new book, Democracy Matters, is timely and provocative, no matter who wins. Music: Julie Millett, singer