What Can We Learn From The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?
|
|
- Virginia Ryan
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 1 What Can We Learn From The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? Rev. Dr. Jim Culver Sermon at UUSP on January 17, 2010 To the reader: This sermon was only part of a service of worship with many components working together, all of which were designed to be experienced in a community context. In our "free pulpit" tradition, its concepts are intended not as truths to receive, but as spurs to your own thought and faith. CALL TO WORSHIP (In loving memory of my former colleague & mentor, Rev. Dr. Duncan Littlefair) This is a day for us to live. Let s celebrate it and make a difference in the world. Let s be grateful for the incredible gift of life, And let us be especially grateful for the love which brings us together Giving dignity, meaning, worth and joy to all of our days. READINGS Our readings this morning speak to the lessons we may learn from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Of our 5 readings, the first 4 are printed in our programs. We covenant to affirm and promote: The inherent worth and dignity of every person. Justice, equity, compassion in human relations. - The first two of Seven Principles of the UUA No matter what we feel or know, no matter what our potential gifts or talents, only action brings them to life. Many of us understand concepts such as commitment, courage and love, but we truly know only when we can do. Doing leads to understanding, and action turns knowledge to wisdom. Dan Millman, The Laws of Spirit
2 2 Be the change you want to see in the world. - Mahatma Gandhi An individual has not started living until he or she can rise above the narrow confines of individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Our last reading, the one not printed in the program, is usually a joke. This morning s topic, though, warranted something a bit more serious, and so I offer this final quote in the hope that it might be fitting for a discussion of the work of Dr. King, yet hopefully still bring a wry smile to your faces. From a fundamentalist preacher in 1964, in reaction to the 1963 civil rights march on Washington D.C., denouncing the participation of a preacher, the Rev. Dr. King, in a political march. "Preachers are not called to be politicians but soul winners. Nowhere are we commissioned to reform the externals. The gospel does not clean up the outside but regenerates the inside. Ministers should stay in their pulpits and spread the Good News rather than attempt to influence the government." - The Rev. Jerry Falwell SERMON What can we learn from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? This morning, let s briefly explore this question together, which will require an examination of the values that served as the foundation of the messages of Dr. King, the separation of church and state, the religious right, and ourselves.
3 3 For our guests here today, please allow me a moment to provide you with a framework in which to listen to this sermon on a subject which at first glance does not sound like the stuff of religion. Here at UUSP, we don t tell you what you must believe. We don't ask you to check your mind at the door. Instead we invite you to join in a conversation about the meaning of life, love, and service. My sermons are intended not as truths to receive, but as spurs to your own thoughts. I only ask that you can embrace the concept that we are a faith community of shared values, not shared religious beliefs. Of deeds, not creeds. Religion gives us a way to make our lives, our values and our beliefs harmonize with one another, within the context of a loving community. Love binds us to one another. The true value of being a religion or looking at theological ideas is to see how they transform our character and guide our behaviors. In order to address this morning s topic with integrity, then, I ask us all to please remember to differentiate between shared values and shared beliefs. We Unitarian Universalists can and should proudly acknowledge the commonality of values between our religious community and our country s government. Yet we could not nor would not attempt to impose our beliefs upon others under that government. We can certainly acknowledge the shared values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness while understanding that religious beliefs and patriotic values should be absolutely separate. So, with that, let s do the work of today and ask, what can we learn from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? Although our message this morning is broader than any one issue, no matter how important an issue that is, it s impossible not to begin a discussion of the contributions of Dr. King without beginning with the issue of racism s predecessor, slavery. By the year 1800, approximately 15 million blacks had been transported as slaves
4 4 to the Americas, representing only about one third of those originally seized in Africa. The conditions of capture included marches to the coast, often up to 1,000 miles, with human beings shackled around the neck, under whip and gun. Once on the coast, people were kept in cages until they were picked and sold for transport. Then they were packed aboard slave ships in spaces not much bigger than coffins, chained together in the dark and wet slime from the ships, choking in the stench of their own excrement. It s roughly estimated that Africa lost 50 million human beings to death and slavery in those centuries historians term the beginnings of modern Western civilization, primarily at the hands of the countries deemed the most advanced in the world. This era began over 500 years ago in 1503 when the first Africans were brought into Hispaniola for the Spanish governor. 460 years later in 1963, this still young nation s capitol saw gathered the ancestors of slaves and slave owners to hear a Christian Baptist preacher speak of a dream. Forty two years have now passed since he died, a martyr to his dream. A bit of progress has been made. In civil rights today, this nation is truer to its origins, which Dr. King invoked so often, than it was back in "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all are created equal. The original American ideal is at least a little closer to a reality for all Americans than it was forty seven ago. Yet today, Martin Luther King s dream remains only that, a dream. Though his birth is celebrated respectfully as a national holiday, it is noted only with patriotic tokenism. Though his name is seen on street signs in many cities and towns, those streets most often travel through the poorest of neighborhoods. Though his words are often repeated, his values that formed the foundation of those words are currently threatened from all sides, as much from the left as from the right. It is this threat that I wish to examine today the threat from us. The
5 5 threat not of what we re doing, but of what we re not doing. So, what can and should religious liberals of the 21 st century do to make a political difference in our nation s government? To insist on the recognition of the inherent worth and dignity of every person? To ensure justice, equity, and compassion in human relations? To bring about equality for blacks, Hispanics, gays and lesbians, women, physically or emotionally challenged persons, and all the disenfranchised of society? To make a difference in all aspects of our daily reality? Preachers are not called to be politicians but soul winners," said the Rev. Jerry Falwell didn t you love that quote? The founder of the Moral Majority and thousands of Right Wing Christian pastors led their congregations into the political wars of the late 70s and 80s, during which the United States took a hard right turn. Rev. Falwell called the local church "the organized army equipped for battle, ready to charge the enemy. The Sunday School is the attacking squad. The church should be a disciplined, charging army. Christians, like slaves and soldiers, ask no questions." Some 30 years later that fundamentalist mentality has evolved into the type of appalling rhetoric we heard this week following the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh said that the earthquake played in President Obama s hands, allowing the president to look compassionate and humanitarian. Televangelist Pat Robertson stated that the earthquake hit Haiti because it is cursed. Rev. Robertson said that the Haitians swore a pact with the devil to serve Satan if he would set them free from the French, and that this pact has cursed the island nation. This from the same minister who, immediately after the tragedy of September 11, 2001, insisted that the planes that flew into New York city s twin towers did so because the passengers on board were sinners
6 6 upon whom God took his wrath. And what has been our response? For years now, religious liberals have been crying foul, even as Rev. Falwell did in the 60 s. We invoke the founders opinions regarding the seperation of church and state, yet almost never admit, as Dr. King constantly did, to the founders equally valid opinions that the nation was created on what was construed in mid 18th century language as a sacred principle: or as we know it today, that value named in the Declaration as that all "are created equal and endowed by their creator with inalienable rights." In Unitarian Universalist language, the inherent dignity and worth of every person. However, rather than continuing to consistently advance our values, religious liberals today are defensively crying foul in hopes of riding out the tide of today s prevailing fundamentalist faith. We have forgotten the lessons learned from Dr. King and Mahatma Gandhi, from Jesus and from the Buddha and from Mohammed, and it is time to remember, and reenter the political arena to work for justice, equality and dignity. I see Don and Jack sitting in the choir scratching their heads saying didn t Jim just rabble rouse about keeping the church and state separate a few weeks ago? OK, you got me. So the question now is how do we reconcile our responsibility to make a difference in the world (and in our own government) with our equally adamant adherence to a separation of church and state? One lesson to be remembered from Dr. King is that there is a difference between the separation of church and state and the separation of religion and politics. Martin Luther King, Jr. boldly integrated his faith s values with his political convictions. The moral values upon which an individual s faith is established cannot be separated from his or her politics. On the other hand, to be faithful to the
7 7 principles on which the nation was founded, while citizens can and should influence their government according to their values, they must always be prevented from shaping that same government according to their personal religious beliefs. * Both the yin and the yang of this discussion, the interrelationship of religion and politics and the separation of church and state, have been around since the beginning of our experiment in democracy. The founders goal was to establish a moral government, one grounded in the laws of nature and, in 18 th century understanding and language, nature s God that would offer liberty and equality to all its citizens. To ensure such liberty and equality, the founders insisted upon a separation between church and state. Freedom of religion, including freedom from religion, is the centerpiece of American democracy. For this very reason, the United States is not and cannot be a Christian nation. To remain true to the founders vision, however, we must work to be a moral nation and for this, active spiritual values are not only appropriate but necessary. Today in 2010, those Fundamentalist Christians who base their moral values and understandings on the Christian Bible cannot be expected to divorce their faith from their politics. But neither should we sit on the sidelines crying foul and allow them to believe that they will one day be able to impose upon this nation their specific beliefs and religious will. According to our founders vision, such an imposition is and will always be un-american. This, then is a crucial lesson from Dr. King that we must remember. This lesson also highlights the difference between Dr. King and Rev. Falwell. Dr. King sought to infuse spiritual values into a set of laws that would be more just to all regardless of their faith, while Rev. Falwell sought to impose his religious beliefs upon a nation.
8 8 As a sidebar to this sermon, it s amazing how often loving, caring liberal congregations leave a service dedicated to Dr. King with a quest to be more racially and culturally diverse. In a genuine yet awkward attempt to encourage members to invite people of color to their churches, they bring minority guests, mob them when they walk in the door and greet them with that underlying tone of yes, we are welcoming of people like you, without thinking about how that feels if you are that person being put in such a position. No black, no gay, no lesbian, no minority of any color or orientation will be attracted to a congregation that is more interested in their uniqueness than in their character. From my youth spent making money as an organist and piano player in 7 different church denominations, including Roman Catholic and Baptist, I believe that the reason many other religions enjoy a higher level of racial and cultural diversity is that they have an authoritative center around which the church operates. Authority comes from the church leaders and not from the church members. Their statements of faith are not democratically created. The common agreement and conformance to those statements, the acceptance of authority and teachings overcome any differences. Add to this a missionary orientation that demands that all people must be saved and made members of their church, and it s easy to see that those congregations actively embrace anyone who believes as they do, while offering the seductive path of eternal life to those of any race or creed seeking answers to life s questions. Unfortunately for UU s in the arena of cultural diversity, we are the church of individualism. Supremely democratic, we lack an authoritative center as well as a statement of beliefs that must be conformed to for membership. We can only continue to love and serve, offering our rich brand of religious community to those whose values and character harmonize with us, regardless
9 9 of their beliefs, their orientation, or their color. * So, what can we learn from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? Perhaps, that we UU s in this 2 nd decade of the 21 st century should not and can not remove religion from politics. As we continue to insist on the continuation of our founders creation of a separation between church and state, we must infuse our political efforts with our Unitarian Universalist values. I have a vision for this special place and its amazingly loving and compassionate people. Being extraordinary is what this religious community in Saint Petersburg is all about. We are called to fully live out the privilege and responsibility that comes with being among the most creative, world-changing, liberal religious communities on the planet. This center for spiritual growth and development needs you. This city, this state and this country need you to wed your religious values to your strong political voices with the knowledge that only action can bring values to life. It s time once again to ask of ourselves, as many of us did back in the 1960 s, IF NOT US, WHO? IF NOT NOW, WHEN? During our earlier readings, we heard Dr. King s quote that an individual has not started living until he or she can rise above the narrow confines of individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. As our choir so wonderfully sang this morning, our sense of urgency both as a religious community and as a nation must be so strong that we feel we ain t got time to die. Our sense of joy to do the work of infusing our values into our daily reality must be so inspiring that we all join in singing when we re feeding the poor, when we re healing the sick, when we re aiding the Haitians, when we re collecting food and clothing for migrant workers, when we re marching for those without equal rights, when we re giving our all, we ain t got time to die. We ain t
10 10 got time because we re too busy bringing Dignity, Meaning, Worth and Joy to all our days. Waves of love.
What Kind Of Love is The Spirit Of This Church?
1 What Kind Of Love is The Spirit Of This Church? Rev. Dr. Jim Culver Sermon at UUSP on February 13, 2011 To the reader: This sermon was only part of a service of worship with many components working together,
More informationIs God Necessary For Religion? Easter Sunday
1 Is God Necessary For Religion? Easter Sunday Rev. Dr. Jim Culver Sermon at UUSP on April 4, 2010 To the reader: This sermon was only part of a service of worship with many components working together,
More informationChristian History in America. The Rise of the Christian Right Major Themes and Review
Welcome to Week 14 As you enter class this week please Get yourself some snacks and coffee Fill out a name tag and introduce yourself to others at the table Begin reading the documents from this week.
More informationPalm Sunday Worship April 13, 2014 Matthew 21:1-11
Palm Sunday Worship April 13, 2014 Matthew 21:1-11 A couple of weeks ago I was having a conversation with Nic Gibson, pastor of High Point, our nearest chuch neighbor. Nic and I get together regularly
More informationTHE ELEVATOR QUESTION. A sermon preached by the Rev. John H. Nichols to First Parish of Wayland on November 10, 2013.
THE ELEVATOR QUESTION A sermon preached by the Rev. John H. Nichols to First Parish of Wayland on November 10, 2013. The elevator question is essentially this: Imagine you have boarded an elevator on the
More informationENDS INTERPRETATION Revised April 11, 2014
ENDS INTERPRETATION Revised April 11, 2014 PART 1: MONITORING INFORMATION Prologue to The UUA Administration believes in the power of our liberal religious values to change lives and to change the world.
More informationOur Second Principle: Justice, Equity and Compassion in Human Relations Unitarian Universalist congregations together affirm and promote seven
Our Second Principle: Justice, Equity and Compassion in Human Relations Unitarian Universalist congregations together affirm and promote seven Principles. 1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity
More informationKEY CONCERN: EARTH-BASED SPIRITUALITY
KEY CONCERN: EARTH-BASED SPIRITUALITY AND UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST PRINCIPLES As the philosophical basis of the expansive and open tradition of Unitarian Universalism seeks to respond to changing needs and
More informationand to celebrate 45 years after the March on Washington- 45 years after King s I Have a Dream speech
KEEPING HOPE ALIVE! A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Strauss Oh, What a privilege is ours this day! To honor the legacy of a great prophet, a man who gave his life for freedom- to praise and give thanks for the
More informationIt Matters What We Believe Rev. Lisa Doege September 2, 2018 Nora UU Church, Hanska, MN
It Matters What We Believe Rev. Lisa Doege September 2, 2018 Nora UU Church, Hanska, MN Well, historically the Unitarians believed...and the Universalists believed...but now we have a wide range of beliefs.
More informationSelf Evident. The conscious stars accord above, The waters wild below, And under, through the cable wove, Her fiery errands go.
Self Evident On July 4, 1858 the air was hot in the Music Hall of Boston. Though the windows were open the humidity in the pews was oppressive. The room was packed with men, women, and children uncomfortable
More informationCommitted. Delivered at the UU Fellowship of Raleigh on February 11, 2018 Raleigh, North Carolina. The Rev. Dr. Justin Osterman
Committed Delivered at the UU Fellowship of Raleigh on February 11, 2018 Raleigh, North Carolina The Rev. Dr. Justin Osterman Committed Committed Fifty years ago, in 1968, the summer Olympic Games were
More informationFaith and Freedom: Where Do We Go From Here? A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Strauss
Faith and Freedom: Where Do We Go From Here? A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Strauss Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. remains the prophet of our time. We can recall the passion and timbre of his voice; we can still
More informationSOCIAL EVOLUTION for UUs Part 1: BLACK AND RAINBOW HISTORY
Rev. Bob Klein UUCLR February 19, 2012 SOCIAL EVOLUTION for UUs Part 1: BLACK AND RAINBOW HISTORY I was a little young to be in any of the marches, having been born in December of 1956, but I am certainly
More informationRace in America: Finding Common Ground A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Thomas Strauss
Race in America: Finding Common Ground A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Thomas Strauss It may be a good thing that the ugly truth of racism has reared up so blatantly in America in recent weeks. Perhaps dragging
More informationUnitarian worship and Unitarian community a personal vision
First thoughts Unitarian worship and Unitarian community a personal vision from a Worthship service led at Glasgow Unitarian Church on 4 September 2011 by Barry Bell I would like to pass on a couple of
More informationThe Ties That Bind. June 23, 2013
The Ties That Bind June 23, 2013 I This past week, thousands of Unitarian Universalists from hundreds of Unitarian Universalist congregations across North America gathered together in Louisville, Kentucky
More informationPS 150 American 20 th Century Political History, John F. Settich, PhD
PS 150 American 20 th Century Political History, John F. Settich, PhD Faith and Religion in 20 th Century America: Sacred & Profane America believes in God, Democracy and Capitalism Each has the features
More informationSermons from a church with a conscience
February 23, 2014 Commemoration of Black History Month Sermons from a church with a conscience What Do We Tell Our Children? by The Reverend Jonyrma R. Singleton The Church of the Covenant Presbyterian
More informationMotion from the Right Relationship Monitoring Committee for the UUA Board of Trustees meeting January 2012
Motion from the Right Relationship Monitoring Committee for the UUA Board of Trustees meeting January 2012 Moved: That the following section entitled Report from the Board on the Doctrine of Discovery
More informationThe Power and Poverty of Freedom Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray October 11, 2015
The Power and Poverty of Freedom Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray October 11, 2015 Reading Is This Your Religion? by A. Powell Davies. Our reading this morning is from an essay by Unitarian Minister, A. Powell
More informationIf They Come for Your Guns, Do You Have a Responsibility to Fight?
If They Come for Your Guns, Do You Have a Responsibility to Fight? Posted on January 3, 2013 by Dean Garrison I feel a tremendous responsibility to write this article though I am a little apprehensive.
More informationA TIME FOR RECOMMITMENT BUILDING THE NEW RELAT IONSHIP BETWEEN JEWS AND CHRISTIANS
A TIME FOR RECOMMITMENT BUILDING THE NEW RELAT IONSHIP BETWEEN JEWS AND CHRISTIANS In the summer of 1947, 65 Jews and Christians from 19 countries gathered in Seelisberg, Switzerland. They came together
More informationIs Our Glass Half Full Or What?
1 Is Our Glass Half Full Or What? Rev. Dr. Jim Culver Sermon at UUSP on Sunday, December 13, 2009 To the reader: This sermon was only part of a service of worship with many components working together,
More informationI. Introduction. B. I thought of my friend when Pope Francis visited the United States last month.
Pope Francis: Renewed Vision of Religious Freedom Most Reverend William E. Lori International Religious Liberty Award Dinner Mayflower Hotel - Washington, D.C. October 8, 2015 I. Introduction Senator Hatch,
More informationWho in the World Are Baptists, Anyway?
Lesson one Who in the World Are Baptists, Anyway? Background Scriptures Genesis 1:26 27; Matthew 16:13 17; John 3:1 16; Ephesians 2:1 19 Focal Text Ephesians 2:1 19 Main Idea The doctrine of the soul s
More information1. To strengthen one another in a free and disciplined search for truth as the foundation of our religious fellowship;
A Principled Life: The First UU Principle Rev. Victoria Ingram September 25, 2011 In the 1950s, the Unitarians and the Universalists, then operating as independent religious institutions, engaged in intense
More informationMore Light. January 15, 2017: Epiphany II & Martin Luther King Memorial Sunday Tim Phillips, Guest Preacher at Newport Presbyterian Church
1 More Light Isaiah 49:1-7 January 15, 2017: Epiphany II & Martin Luther King Memorial Sunday Tim Phillips, Guest Preacher at Newport Presbyterian Church Isaiah 49:1-7 Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention,
More informationTHINKING IN BLACK AND WHITE A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Strauss
THINKING IN BLACK AND WHITE A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Strauss Ta-Nehisi Coates, author of a recently published book, Between the World and Me, writes a letter to his 14-year-old son about the risks and
More informationSpiritual Practices for Black Lives Matter: Discomfort, Humility, Imagination Discomfort Rev. Nathan Detering October 16, 2016
1 Spiritual Practices for Black Lives Matter: Discomfort, Humility, Imagination Discomfort Rev. Nathan Detering October 16, 2016 Let us begin our sermon together not with speaking or hearing, but with
More informationFirst Chalice. by Rev. Dr. Vicki Wiltse, Jon Cleland-Host, & the UUFOM R. E. Team
First Chalice by Rev. Dr. Vicki Wiltse, Jon Cleland-Host, & the UUFOM R. E. Team First Chalice - Basics Who? ~2-4 th Grades, ages ~7-9 Why? the First Chalice provides a UU Rite of Passage. How long is
More informationReformed Church. But we cannot forget a fifth strand, the Afro- Christian tradition, which
History and Polity Paper Angela Wells April 2012 Through reading, studying and praying about the denomination of the United Church of Christ, I have found that our historical roots inform our theology,
More informationNot Mere Puppets on a Divine String Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert Rev. Suzanne M. Marsh September 13, 2015
Not Mere Puppets on a Divine String Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert Rev. Suzanne M. Marsh September 13, 2015 As part of a sermon series on our Principles, today we will be considering our Fifth
More informationHealing Democracy Action Circles Unitarian Universalist Supplement
Healing Democracy Action Circles Unitarian Universalist Supplement Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes Together as Unitarian Universalist Congregations, we affirm and promote: The inherent worth
More informationThe Hell You Say? Rev. Dr. Jim Culver Sermon at UUSP on June 13, 2010
1 The Hell You Say? Rev. Dr. Jim Culver Sermon at UUSP on June 13, 2010 To the reader: This sermon was only part of a service of worship with many components working together, all of which were designed
More informationOur Faith ARLINGTON STREET CHURCH. A Guide to Unitarian Universalism. Unitarian Universalist
Our Faith A Guide to Unitarian Universalism ARLINGTON STREET CHURCH Unitarian Universalist Unitarian Universalism Arlington Street Church belongs to the Unitarian Universalist association, a denomination
More informationChurch Planting 101 Morning Session
Session 1: Church Planting 101 Participant Book - Morning Page 1 Church Planting 101 Morning Session Welcome to the first session of the Lay Missionary Planting Network, a training opportunity offered
More informationMulticultural Worship at the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh By David Herndon. October 2, 2014
Multicultural Worship at the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh By David Herndon October 2, 2014 We aspire to offer multicultural worship every Sunday at the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh. This
More informationSunday Sermon: UU Seven Principles: Is Something Missing?
August 14, 2016 Sunday Sermon: UU Seven Principles: Is Something Missing? Kent Smith In 1985, the General Assembly of the UUA adopted our current Principles by a nearly unanimous vote (there was one vote
More informationCalled to Community November 30, 2007 Arlington Street Church
Called to Community November 30, 2007 Arlington Street Church A light snow was falling and the streets were crowded with people. It was Munich in Nazi Germany. Sussie, a German Jew, had been riding a city
More informationSermon MLK,Jr.: Break down the Walls January 18, 2009 Scripture: I Samuel 3: 1-20, John 1: 43-51
Sermon MLK,Jr.: Break down the Walls January 18, 2009 Scripture: I Samuel 3: 1-20, John 1: 43-51 Every year, I have sought to explore the impact of the witness of Martin Luther King, Jr. on my life, the
More informationThe Fire of Commitment by Anna Olsen UU Fellowship of Rappahannock September 28, 2008
The Fire of Commitment by Anna Olsen UU Fellowship of Rappahannock September 28, 2008 I first walked into a Unitarian Fellowship about 33 years ago. A friend in the school district where I was a speech
More informationMarriage. Embryonic Stem-Cell Research
Marriage Embryonic Stem-Cell Research 1 The following excerpts come from the United States Council of Catholic Bishops Faithful Citizenship document http://www.usccb.org/faithfulcitizenship/fcstatement.pdf
More informationA Covenant of Care: What does it mean to be in a Covenantal Community? (Version 3a)
A Covenant of Care: What does it mean to be in a Covenantal Community? (Version 3a) A Sunday service led by the Reverend Michael Walker, Interim Minister Presented on February 28, 2016, at the Unitarian
More informationACTS OF FAITH: CONFRONTING RACISM. A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Thomas Strauss
ACTS OF FAITH: CONFRONTING RACISM A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Thomas Strauss Friends, you know it is harder to care about your neighbor if you don t know them; harder to understand a different religion or
More informationSERMON FIRE OF COMMITMENT REV. LAURA SHENNUM
SERMON FIRE OF COMMITMENT REV. LAURA SHENNUM At the heart of any individual's story lives the tale of their commitments. As children, we are committed to our families or adults who provide for us and keep
More informationIt Matters What We Believe UUFR UU Fellowship of Raleigh July 22, 2012 Rev. John L. Saxon
It Matters What We Believe UUFR UU Fellowship of Raleigh July 22, 2012 Rev. John L. Saxon I Last winter, I preached a sermon on Spirituality for Atheists. And when Lynda heard what the title of the sermon
More informationWhat the Heck, Mr. Beck?
What the Heck, Mr. Beck? America has recently been abuzz about Glenn Beck and his rather large contingent of followers. Ever since somewhere between 90,000 and a billion people showed up at his Restoring
More informationAN OPEN LETTER TO ALL UNITED METHODIST BISHOPS SERVING IN THE UNITED STATES
June 1, 2014 AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL UNITED METHODIST BISHOPS SERVING IN THE UNITED STATES Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Greetings, grace, and peace in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
More informationWalt Gable Comments on Martin Luther King Day January 19, 2009
Walt Gable Comments on Martin Luther King Day January 19, 2009 History is indeed made up of significant events which shape our future and outstanding leaders who influence our destiny. The Reverend Martin
More informationMessage New Year, New Road Pam Rumancik
Message New Year, New Road Pam Rumancik 1-4-15 All of life is a journey; it s the journey not the destination; we are all sojourners on this earth. Lauren Bacall said Standing still is the fastest way
More informationPort-au-Prince, Haiti OPPORTUNITY PROFILE SENIOR PASTOR
Q U I S Q U E Y A C H A P E L Port-au-Prince, Haiti OPPORTUNITY PROFILE SENIOR PASTOR What is Quisqueya Chapel? An international, interdenominational, evangelical church ministering in the English language
More informationJoining All Souls. New Member Orientation Harvard St NW, Washington DC
Joining All Souls New Member Orientation 2017 1500 Harvard St NW, Washington DC 20009 202.332.5266 www.all-souls.org All Souls Mission and Vision Mission Statement To create a diverse, spirit-growing,
More informationTO ARTISTS, MUSICIANS, PREACHERS, POETS and MEMBERS OF THE MARIANIST FAMILY
TO ARTISTS, MUSICIANS, PREACHERS, POETS and MEMBERS OF THE MARIANIST FAMILY This month we offer something to stimulate your artistic creativity around our Marianist saints. These items, - a portrait, a
More informationExploring Concepts of Liberty in Islam
No. 1097 Delivered July 17, 2008 August 22, 2008 Exploring Concepts of Liberty in Islam Kim R. Holmes, Ph.D. We have, at The Heritage Foundation, established a long-term project to examine the question
More informationYour signature doesn t mean you endorse the guidelines; your comments, when added to the Annexe, will only enrich and strengthen the document.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Below is a declaration on laicity which was initiated by 3 leading academics from 3 different countries. As the declaration contains the diverse views and opinions of different academic
More informationv o i c e A Document for Dialogue and Study Report of the Task Force on Human Sexuality The Alliance of Baptists
The Alliance of Baptists Aclear v o i c e A Document for Dialogue and Study The Alliance of Baptists 1328 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 Telephone: 202.745.7609 Toll-free: 866.745.7609 Fax: 202.745.0023
More informationSharing a Journey. Lisa Sargent
the Unitarian Universalist School of the Graduate Theological Union Sharing a Journey Lisa Sargent Sargent works as a chaplain for Planned Parenthood. She delivered this sermon Jan. 15, 2006 at the Mt.
More informationThe Selma Awakening. Rev. Tim Temerson. UU Church of Akron. January 18, 2015
The Selma Awakening Rev. Tim Temerson UU Church of Akron January 18, 2015 Part One March 7, 1965. Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama. 600 mostly African American protesters marching across the Edmund Pettis
More informationA Covenant of Shared Values, Mission, and Vision Agreement Between BAPTIST GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF VIRGINIA & NORTHERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
RECOMMENDATION XI: PARTNERSHIP COVENANT A Covenant of Shared Values, Mission, and Vision Agreement Between BAPTIST GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF VIRGINIA & NORTHERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY I. PROLOGUE This
More informationUUFP October 2, 2016
At the Center or the Margins Rev. Walter LeFlore UUFP October 2, 2016 You ve just heard MLk s definition of the Beloved Community. In one form or another my professional life has been grounded in helping
More informationJustice: Not Just a Political Virtue Rev. Chris Rothbauer Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship September 24, 2017
Justice: Not Just a Political Virtue Rev. Chris Rothbauer Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship September 24, 2017 At the age of 23, Giovanni Bernadone, the son of a wealthy merchant, went on a pilgrimage
More informationOUR GOSPEL. Sovereign Grace Church (Rev. 08/2018)
1 OUR GOSPEL Gospel means good news. The good news of Christianity comes from God. It details His actions. It contains what we need to experience life with God. It nurtures and shapes the lives of Christians.
More informationSeven Into Three. A Sermon by the REV. JEFF BRIERE
Seven Into Three A Sermon by the REV. JEFF BRIERE Unitarian Universalist Church of Chattanooga November 9, 2008 I m just curious were you here last week when I spoke about our creedless religion? Raise
More informationJohn Murray s Big Decisions Rev. Kim D. Wilson Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Poconos October 1, 2017
John Murray s Big Decisions Rev. Kim D. Wilson Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Poconos October 1, 2017 I love doing genealogy work. I research my own family, and I do it for friends, too. I have
More informationBuilding Bridges, One Relationship at a Time
Building Bridges, One Relationship at a Time March 18, 2018 Jim Cavenaugh Reading: Ruby Bridges Demonstrates Moral Imagination Kathy Stewart, reader Our first reading is from Cultivating Empathy: The Worth
More information8 Connected: my life in the church LifeWay
8 Connected: my life in the church I am a Christian. Therefore, I am connected. Let s make a quick list of pressing issues we face on a regular basis: Making wise career choices. Raising a family. Keeping
More informationLets talk about liberty and justice for all.
And Justice for All Walter LeFlore UUFP March 30, 2014 When was the last time you said the pledge of allegiance? I m afraid to ask if you remember it because I don t want to embarrass anyone. It goes like
More information"I Dream a World: Stewardship, Economic Justice, and Beloved Community" Mark Ewert Sunday March 20, 2016
"I Dream a World: Stewardship, Economic Justice, and Beloved Community" Mark Ewert Sunday March 20, 2016 I dream a world where man No other man will scorn, Where love will bless the earth And peace its
More informationThe Direction of Freedom
George A. Mason 6 th Sunday after Pentecost Wilshire Baptist Church 26 June 2016 Dallas, Texas The Direction of Freedom Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62 For freedom Christ has set us free. With Independence
More informationHispanic Members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): Survey Results
Hispanic Members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): Survey Results Teresa Chávez Sauceda May 1999 Research Services A Ministry of the General Assembly Council Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 100 Witherspoon
More informationWGUMC October 1, 2017 Colossians 1:15-20 John Calvin and the Supremacy of Christ. For me, theology is like genealogy. Instead of researching
WGUMC October 1, 2017 Colossians 1:15-20 John Calvin and the Supremacy of Christ For me, theology is like genealogy. Instead of researching where your people come from, theologians study where your beliefs
More informationKeep Awake! Text: John 6:60-69 Dr. Stephen D. Jones, preaching First Baptist Church, KCMO July 19, 2015
Keep Awake! Text: John 6:60-69 Dr. Stephen D. Jones, preaching First Baptist Church, KCMO July 19, 2015 This sermon is a preacher s dream! Instead of saying, Why don t you just go ahead and take a nap?!,
More informationBishop s Report To The Judicial Council Of The United Methodist Church
Bishop s Report To The Judicial Council Of The United Methodist Church 1. This is the form which the Judicial Council is required to provide for the reporting of decisions of law made by bishops in response
More informationA Sermon on Sermons September 1, 2013 Roger Fritts Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota
1 A Sermon on Sermons September 1, 2013 Roger Fritts Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota The first Sunday in his new church, the new minister did his best to give a strong spirited message that would
More informationJefferson, Church and State By ReadWorks
Jefferson, Church and State By ReadWorks Thomas Jefferson (1743 1826) was the third president of the United States. He also is commonly remembered for having drafted the Declaration of Independence, but
More informationThe Filson Historical Society. Kentucky Council of Churches Records,
The Filson Historical Society Kentucky Council of Churches For information regarding literary and copyright interest for these papers, see the Curator of Special Collections. Size of Collection: 3 cubic
More informationBefore my family moved to the Philadelphia suburbs, I had always heard. that Philadelphia had the worst sports fans of any city in the United States.
1 DATE: APRIL 17, 2011 SERMON TEXT: MATTHEW 21:1--11 SERMON TITLE: Fair Weather Christians? Before my family moved to the Philadelphia suburbs, I had always heard that Philadelphia had the worst sports
More informationPHILOSOPHY AND AIMS STATEMENT BUNDABERG CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
PHILOSOPHY AND AIMS STATEMENT BUNDABERG CHRISTIAN COLLEGE INTRODUCTION Bundaberg Christian College is a non-denominational Christian School seeking to provide excellence in education within the context
More informationConfirming Our Covenant with God. Deuteronomy 8: 7-18
Confirming Our Covenant with God Deuteronomy 8: 7-18 I have come to hold a deeper appreciation for the book of Deuteronomy as I have continued to walk along my faith journey. Not only does it contain some
More informationImmanuel Baptist Church Membership Covenant
1 Immanuel Baptist Church Membership Covenant The Immanuel Baptist Church membership covenant was created out of a desire to inform and equip members of IBC as to their responsibilities to the church and
More informationPERIOD 2 Review:
PERIOD 2 Review: 1607-1754 Long-Essay Questions Directions: Write an essay to respond to one of each pair of questions. Cite relevant historical evidence in support of your generalizations and present
More informationQuestions and Answers Regarding Bethany s Relationship with the PC(USA)
Questions and Answers Regarding Bethany s Relationship with the PC(USA) Background/History 1. Q. The motivation behind recent statements and decisions by Session seems to be linked with changes in the
More informationSummer Devotions 2015
Summer Devotions 2015 Mount Olive Lutheran Church Anoka, MN Welcome Welcome to the Summer Devotion Book for 2015. The devotions included have been written for weekend worship for individuals and families
More informationThe Funniest Pledge Sermon Ever. Rev. Arthur G. Severance, Interim Minister First Unitarian Universalist Church of Stockton, California April 15, 2012
The Funniest Pledge Sermon Ever Rev. Arthur G. Severance, Interim Minister First Unitarian Universalist Church of Stockton, California April 15, 2012 There s a story about Mark Twain attending a church
More informationOne Heart and Soul April Rev. Stephanie Ryder
One Heart and Soul April 8. 2018 Rev. Stephanie Ryder Acts 4:32-35: Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything
More informationThe Ravens and the Steelers Should Be Friends The Rev. Phyllis L. Hubbell Unitarian Universalists of Gettysburg October 7, 2018
The Ravens and the Steelers Should Be Friends The Rev. Phyllis L. Hubbell Unitarian Universalists of Gettysburg October 7, 2018 Song The Ravens and the Steelers should be friends. (Adapted from The Farmer
More informationAPPOINTMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF OPEN DOORS UK AND IRELAND. Strengthen what remains Revelation 3:2
APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF OPEN DOORS UK AND IRELAND Strengthen what remains Revelation 3:2 INTRODUCTION The Open Doors UK and Ireland Board of Trustees is now looking to appoint our next
More informationLOVE FOR HUMANITY: 50 ACTS OF SERVICE OR KINDNESS CAMPAIGN MONDAY, JANUARY 15, TUESDAY, AUGUST 28TH, 2018
TOOLKIT 1. Welcome and Overview 2. How do I Participate? 3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) including EXAMPLES of kindness and service 4. Sponsors and Partners 5. The March Information Welcome and Overview
More informationThe Hunger for Diversity. January 19, Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota. Roger Fritts
The Hunger for Diversity January 19, 2014 Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota Roger Fritts A study was done of our membership in a few years ago. Our religious backgrounds are diverse. We have in
More informationSources of Our Living Tradition: Humanism by Christine Robinson
Sources of Our Living Tradition: Humanism by Christine Robinson The decade of the 70s, with its emphasis on human potential and the overthrow of authorities, was very congenial to the Humanists in the
More informationTitle: Because Somebody Loved Me Preacher: Rev. Anthony Makar Preached: At the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta on Oct.
Submission for the 2018 Skinner Sermon Award Title: Because Somebody Loved Me Preacher: Rev. Anthony Makar Preached: At the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta on Oct. 29, 2017 Because Somebody
More informationB y J o y J. M o o r e
Copyright 2010 Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University Race in Evangelical America B y J o y J. M o o r e Even the best efforts among Christians have not overcome racial segregation during Sunday
More informationSeptember 19, Dear Members of the Candler Community,
September 19, 2013 Dear Members of the Candler Community, I have heard a number of concerns expressed about Candler School of Theology presenting a Distinguished Alumni Award to the Rev. Dr. H. Eddie Fox
More informationShould the Belhar Confession be Included in the Book of Confessions? John P. Burgess. March 26, 2011
Should the Belhar Confession be Included in the Book of Confessions? John P. Burgess March 26, 2011 In this presentation, I will offer some brief considerations on: (1) the historical backdrop to the Belhar
More informationThere are three essential questions that guide my faith journey. I encourage you to ask them of your life as well.
SACRED TEXT AND THE SUSPENSION OF ENDING A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Strauss There are three essential questions that guide my faith journey. I encourage you to ask them of your life as well. Who are you?
More informationBarack Obama: Victory Speech, November 2012
Barack Obama: Victory Speech, November 2012 US President Barack Obama addresses his supporters after defeating Mitt Romney and winning a second term as president. The transcript can be downloaded from
More informationITEM P.002 FOR ACTION
ITEM P.002 FOR ACTION FOR PRESBYTERIAN MISSION AGENCY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR S OFFICE USE ONLY A. Audit E. Executive Committee I. Ministerial Teams B. Personnel & Nominating F. Resource Allocation & Stewardship
More informationOrder From: CEI Bookstore 220 S. Marion St Athens, Alabama BOOKS or
Kyle Pope (1963- ) preaches for the Olsen Park church of Christ in Amarillo, Texas where he conducts a preacher training program and serves as an elder. He has been preaching the Gospel since 1987 for
More informationCHARTER FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE. Edmund Rice Tradition. Our Touchstones
CHARTER FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE Edmund Rice Tradition Our Touchstones ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of Australia as the Traditional Owners
More information