April 20, 2008: “What About God?” by the Rev. Dr. Lisa Presley. In most religious traditions, God is at the center. But what about Unitarian Universalism, where we have no set creed, and where the responsibility for belief is in the individual? What about God? Second in Theological Exploration Series
April 13, 2008: “Not About God” by the Rev. Dr. Lisa Presley. A theological revolution happened in Unitarian Universalism in the 1940s and 50s—something that has left deep marks on our Association. But what is the history of humanism? First in Theological Exploration Series
March 30,2008: A Rite of Spring by the Rev. Dr. Lisa Presley. It’s taken me years to admit out loud that I love sports. By now, spring training is underway, and soon the Giants and the A’s will be out on the fields. What is it that we can learn about life from a simple nine-inning game? Come and find out.
March 9, 2008: Significant Choices by Bob Miess, PCD Ministerial Settlement Representative. In life, as persons, and as a congregation, we sometimes come to moments when we must make significant choices. What makes a choice significant? How does the significance of a choice affect the way we approach the choice? What strategies might we use to improve our chances of a “successful” choice? What does “successful” mean when we’re talking about significant choices?
March 2, 2008: Weaving our Web by the Rev. Dr. Lisa Presley. We Unitarian Universalists often talk about the interdependent web of existence, yet rarely do we talk about how that web is woven together, nor both how fragile and strong it is. This morning as we begin the annual stewardship campaign, I will explore the nature of webs.
February 24, 2008: Hear Nothing, See Nothing by the Rev. Dr. Lisa Presley. Unitarianism and Universalism, and our current UUism, are optimistic religious traditions. We believe in the worth of every person. We believe that people are basically good. For too long we’ve ignored wrestling with evil. This morning I’ll begin wrestling with this angel.
February 17, 2008: Leftover Love by the Rev. Dr. Lisa Presley. Valentine’s Day has come and gone. So what is it that we do with love after the roses have faded and the chocolate’s been consumed?
February 10,2008: Deep Yearning by the Rev. Stan Stefancic. The philosopher Jacob Needleman maintains that philosophy has a heart. There is a deep yearning in the human heart that is nourished by “real philosophy,” and without that nourishment we starve intellectually and spiritually. It is the striving for understanding of and connection to the mystery and awesome reality of being alive in the world.
February 3, 2008: The Children by the Rev. Dr. Lisa Presley. Most of the time when we hear the stories of the Civil Rights era, we hear the stories of the adults who shaped the movement. But there were many, many children who were actors in their own right. This morning I will explore their contributions to the movement.
January 20, 2008: What Are You Looking For? by the Rev. Tom Traylor. What are we looking for in our individual and shared spiritual journeys? How can we gain greater clarity? This Sunday we will consider the value of a clear sense of spiritual purpose and direction and look for inspiration in the spiritual and ethical vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 13, 2008: The “G” Word by the Rev. Lisa Presley. Although there is much conversation about god in our congregations, this morning I’ll be discussing that other “g” word—growth. What does it mean for congregations to begin, or continue, talking about growth? And what is growth, after all?
January 6, 2008: Tangled Threads by the Rev. Dr. Lisa Presley. As Unitarian Universalists, we have no set creed—rather, we have so many different views of religion and the answers to the big questions. This morning I’ll explore some of the threads we weave together in our religious communities.
December 16, 2007: Spending Your Soul by the Rev. Dr. Lisa Presley. By this time of the holiday season, you may have completed your search for the perfect holiday gifts for everyone. You may have spent every penny you’re going to spend. So this morning I’ll focus on spending something else—our souls. Where do we play them out? Where do we give them away, and where do we stint ourselves in their spending?
December 2, 2007: Anticipation by the Rev. Dr. Lisa Presley. The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is both a time of hectic scurrying and a time of anticipation and waiting. Within the Christian tradition, it is known as Advent, a time of waiting for what will be next. It can also be a hard time, especially if we are alone or far from home. How do we balance this mix, and, more particularly, what is it that we are waiting for?
November 11, 2007: Eleventh Hour, Eleventh Day by the Rev. Dr. Lisa Presley. Armistice Day. Remembrance Day. Veterans Day. All three of these names have been used to describe November 11th. Today I will be looking at this day, what it stands for, and how we live in a world where we desire peace, but where it rarely seems to come.
November 4, 2007: More Precious Than Gold by the Rev. Dr. Lisa Presley. For years, gold has been seen as one of the most precious things on this universe. I contend that there are many things more precious than gold—and this morning I’ll be talking about at least one of those!
October 14, 2007: Weaving the Web by the Rev. Dr. Lisa Presley. As UUs, we talk about the value of the interdependent web of existence, and how we are all connected. This morning I will reflect on these themes as we join with hundreds of UU congregations to celebrate Association Sunday.
October 7, 2007: Fooling Around by the Rev. Dr. Lisa Presley. Did you hear about the UU who wanted to change the light bulb? Today we’ll take a lighter look at Unitarian Universalism, and our place within the fold. What road are we taking, and where might it take us? And is there room for laughter along the way?
September 30, 2007: Harry Potter, Balaam's Ass & the Future of Marin by Rev. Betty Pagett. Reflections on real community, sustainability and the role of faith congregations.
September 16,2007: Turn, turn, turn by the Rev. Dr. Lisa Presley. We are in the midst of the most holy days for the Jewish community. It is the time between the New Year and the Day of Atonement. How do these holy days effect us, and what can we learn from our religious neighbors?
September 2, 2007: Day of Labor, Day of Rest by the Rev. Dr. Lisa Presley. Labor Day marks the “official” end of the summer season, but there is also deeper meaning to our work and our play. We will explore these deeper meanings as we mark endings and beginnings.
August 26, 2007: The Nature Of Reality-based Community by Wendy and Ray Meluch. Each of us builds our own view of the world. Understanding this can help us build community.
