This month’s theme invites us to view our life as sacred text. What exactly does that mean? And how might we go about doing it? Arif Mamdani and Worship Associate Shawn Neel open up this question and explore how this theme might come alive in the text of our lives.

Call to Worship- Shawn Neel (:30)

Readings- Arif Mamdani (4:19)

Sermon- Arif Mamdani (6:02)

Ten more years of the century have passed. What have we learned about ourselves, our church, and our country?

Call to Worship- Arif Mamdani (:22)

Wisdom Story- Arif Mamdani and Rev. Karen Hutt (2:03)

Sermon- Rev. Karen Hutt (8:13)

In this season of darkness, we are invited to rest and be at home in the stillness and winter quiet, trusting that the light, birdsong, and blossoms will return. As the season turns, the darkness at this threshold moment holds both blessing and belonging. As we rested in such a moment, we welcomed our guests from Families Moving Forward, offered a blessing for Rev. Justin, Rev. Jen, and the entire congregation as they collectively prepared for Justin’s 6-month sabbatical. This Sunday, we readied ourselves for love to be born again in the world, and to be surprised and delighted by what the New Year brings. 

Call to Worship, Monique Wentzel (:21)

Reflection, Bryana French, (3:20)

Reflection, Rev. Justin Schroeder (7:43)

Sabbatical Blessing, Rev. Jen Crow (20:34)

Led by the music ministry of our choir and orchestra, we are held by exquisite voices and sounds, as we prepare our hearts to make our Holiday Gifts to BLUU (Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism.) Back on November 17, we invited the congregation to consume less this holiday season, to live into our core values, and to re-imagine what joy and justice might look like this holiday season. This Sunday, we pooled our gifts (from the money we didn’t spend this holiday season) to support the work of BLUU. 

Call to Worship by Holiday Giving Team Members (:31)

Fantasia on Christmas Carols, Part 1, Shelley des Islets, Libretto (2:12)

Holiday Giving Team Members Reflection (6:16)

Fantasia on Christmas Carols, Part 2, Shelley des Islets, Libretto (10:32)

Homily, Rev. Justin Schroeder (13:00)

Holiday Giving Offering to Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (23:00)

Fantasia on Christmas Carols, Part 3, Shelley des Islets, Libretto (26:22)

The greatest problems of philosophy are the most common and mundane aspects of everyday life. Why is the idea of home such a gripping metaphor that evokes deep desire, angst and comfort?  Let’s get past the platitudes and mind numbing nostalgia about home and take a deep dive into the philosophical nature of home.

Call to Worship - Daryn Woodson (:21)

Sermon - Rev. Karen Hutt (5:45)

Thanksgiving is behind us. December stretches out in front of us. Some of us are entering the season of Advent, looking forward to Christmas. Others in our community look forward to celebrating the Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa. While our celebrations are diverse and many, home will be a part of all of our celebrations. Whether we're preparing our homes (and hearts) to receive guests, or visiting others, we'll be moving in and between experiences of home.

Call to Worship - Sara Smalley (:32)

Homily - Arif Mamdani (4:45)

When have you felt like you truly belonged somewhere? What did it feel like? If you’ve rarely or never had that feeling of belonging, what made you keep showing up in places that didn’t feel comfortable? We claim that Universalism is grounded in a love big enough to hold us all, no exceptions – but how are we doing living into that core belief, and what might we do to become even more radically welcoming?

Call to Worship- Rev. Jen Crow (:29)

Sermon- Rev. Jen Crow (3:51)

Ever wonder why and how our church was founded? What does it mean to celebrate the anniversary of a minister’s ordination and installation? Are we consciously using our history to inform our future as a faith movement? This week, we remember and dream together.

Call to Worship- Monroe Chumklang

Sermon- Rev. Karen Hutt

One of the most important and powerful longings of the human heart is for belonging. Perhaps more important even than food or shelter, belonging can offer us a sense of purpose, meaning, and connection that can sustain us no matter what ups and downs life may throw our way. On this episode, we explore what it might mean to honor that human longing for belonging, for ourselves and each other. 

Call to Worship- Satya Mamdani (:30)

Sermon - Rev. Jen Crow (4:40)

A “Why Church?” case study by the Rev. Karen Hutt. Come journey back in time and hear a story about how a UU church was founded to serve the needs of those who wanted church, but were denied. 

Call to Worship - Monique Wentzel (:32)

Sermon - An Open Door - Rev. Karen Hutt (4:30)