Sermons
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(Video) What messages of fathering are still with us from the regions of the ancient world, where great changes were taking place? First-year seminarian Scott Youmans looks at these traditions and honors those who father today in this special Father's Day service.
Scott is studying at Starr King Unitarian Universalist Seminary in Berkekey, CA. He is also a member at First Unitarian in Philadelphia but strongly allied with our church, where his wife, Kelly LoGiudice, is a member.
(Video) As we end our regular service year, the worship associates share their experiences being Unitarian Universalists in the world. Bask in the uniqueness of our religion in a light-hearted celebration.
(Video) Church is one of the best places to practice being our best selves. How we are with one another in religious community will determine how we will be in the world. This Sunday, guest minister Rev. Howard N. Dana, minister at the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg, reflects on these and other ideas.
(Video) What does it mean to share the ministry of a church? How do we attend to our congregation in a way that speaks of faithfulness? We explore the many ways we serve one another and our larger faith. Rev. Dr. Richard Speck, District Executive, Joseph Priestley District of the Unitarian Universalist Association reflects on these important questions.
(Video) We welcome our guest speaker Gregory Pelley, ministerial intern at Wellsprings Congregation, as we struggle with the news this week and wish for peace and healing. The service includes a Healing Ritual for Boston.
(Video) It is just after Easter and hope is in the air — no more so than on the baseball field. As the season begins each year in April, fans of every team begin the year with hope. Even a long-suffering Cubs fan (yes, our guest minister is one of those; please show compassion, not pity) begins the season with hope. How does that tie into our Unitarian Universalist faith? How can it not?!
Rev. Mero is minister at the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester, PA.
For Easter Sunday, guest minister, the Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr. of the UU Church of Annapolis Maryland, shares his vision for Unitarian Universalism and his hope that we can rebirth and revitalize our salvific message. It was also a special day for our Religious Education children who participated in the annual "Easter Canned Goods Hunt" (see photo gallery) during first service RE classes, a fun event that benefits the Media Food Bank.
(Video) Rev. Elizabeth Ellis joins us to share her thoughts on the biblical "Holy Week". And what a week Jesus had! On Palm Sunday he was cheered and acclaimed, on Thursday he was abandoned and arrested, on Friday executed, and on Sunday reborn! Then there were all those days in-between -- teaching, challenging authority, an intimate meal with friends. And a range of deep emotions – love, joy, fear, anger, doubt, hope, faith, resolve. It’s a whole life struggle in one week! Our congregation’s own Rev. Ellis looks at Jesus, the paradigm of our own human struggles, and how we get to that place of hope and “resurrection”! Past president of the UU Christian Fellowship, Rev. Ellis has had a long career in urban and social-justice ministry.
(Video) Rev. Kathy Ellis, Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration, Philadelphia joins us to reflect on Easter, the most important Christian holiday of the year as it approaches. Mary Magdalene was an integral part of this story and yet much of her story of love and wisdom has disappeared or been discounted by church fathers. We reclaim wisdom from the Christian feminine perspective.
(Video) Rev. D. Michael Smith, Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware joins us to share his thoughts on “Shaking Off Winter.” Is there hope to be found in the lingering days of the winter season? Many suffer from depression, especially during what might be seen as cold, bleak hours. Rev. Smith guides us in ways to find joy and happiness. Look to the Snow Geese … and so much more. Our spirit need not suffer if we seek ways to let it out and explore.