Previous Sunday
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Gatherings
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May 20, 2018: John Brackett will present a sermon entitled "What happened to the Goddess(s) and God(s): Are they still with us?"
Is the ancient goddess really gone? What about the ancient gods? Do we only have the god of western monotheism as a model for our spiritual lives? Is Atheism the only alternative? Does modern pschology have something to add to this discussion?
This sermon explores the possible links between the ancient goddess and gods and the ongoing evolution of modern spiritual belief systems.
Is the ancient goddess really gone? What about the ancient gods? Do we only have the god of western monotheism as a model for our spiritual lives? Is Atheism the only alternative? Does modern pschology have something to add to this discussion?
This sermon explores the possible links between the ancient goddess and gods and the ongoing evolution of modern spiritual belief systems.
May 13, 2018 This Sunday we welcome our own Jane Keil Yoder who shares a special Mother's Day sermon, 'Unconventional Motherhood'. In her talk, Jane explores the history of Mother's Day as well as her personal experience about what being an unconventional mother means to her, other women, men, and animals.
May 6, 2018 Mary Lou Keller Presents "Reflections on the Book of Joy." A thoughtful gift at the right moment can brighten a life forever. The Book of Joy was such a treasure. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu share a deep friendship and a great sense of humor and they engaged in an enlightening conversation on how to find lasting happiness in a changing world. Mary Lou will share some highlights and how she’s applying this teaching.
April 29, 2018 - Dr. Richard Herring treated us to a sermon on "The Unbearable Lightness of Progress."
Traditionally, progressive thought and activism have had a profound effect in shaping our country and culture. But human progress may be more noticeable in its absence. Even in the darkest of times, progressive thinkers could coalesce around a vision of positive change. Bearing the burden of progress is an obligation that shifts with generational change. Dr. Herring drew upon historic and contemporary events with humor and purpose. Observing the changing attitudes and motivations of each new generation, he asked, "Who will carry that weight into the future"?
Traditionally, progressive thought and activism have had a profound effect in shaping our country and culture. But human progress may be more noticeable in its absence. Even in the darkest of times, progressive thinkers could coalesce around a vision of positive change. Bearing the burden of progress is an obligation that shifts with generational change. Dr. Herring drew upon historic and contemporary events with humor and purpose. Observing the changing attitudes and motivations of each new generation, he asked, "Who will carry that weight into the future"?
April 22, 2018 - This Sunday Kathleen Konicek-Moran will bring us a special message entitled 'Finding Your Soul in Nature Part Three: Conservation'.
Earth Day, 2018. In the past two sermons of this series, Kathleen Konicek-Moran has attempted to investigate the thesis that being in nature is essential for our health, general well being, and even our souls. What then should we be doing about conservation in Florida, the United States and further? Kathleen will explore the state of conservation areas in our area and beyond, with some suggestions for future actions.
Earth Day, 2018. In the past two sermons of this series, Kathleen Konicek-Moran has attempted to investigate the thesis that being in nature is essential for our health, general well being, and even our souls. What then should we be doing about conservation in Florida, the United States and further? Kathleen will explore the state of conservation areas in our area and beyond, with some suggestions for future actions.
Sunday April 15, 2018 Our minister, Rev. Roger Fritts will bring a special sermon on 'The Origins of Unitarianism'.The origins of Unitarian theology, are in an ancient theological debate that is seldom discussed these days. Nevertheless, surrounded as we are by thousands of conservative Christians, all Unitarians should be aware of our roots so that we can explain and, if necessary, defend our name. And the story is not boring. During our service on Sunday, we'll welcome 5 new members to our UU community.
April 8, 2018, Nancy Janus and Brian Berry will bring us a very special program titled 'Building An Intentional Community'.
Brian and Nancy spent nearly four months living with 570 college students, 27 professors, 27 staff and 15 lifelong learners traveling around the world last fall. 'Despite the wonder of visiting nine European, African and Asian countries, both of us agree that the intentional community that was built on the ship was the most meaningful part of the voyage. Our sermon will explore what elements go into the creation of such a community and what it gave to us.'
Brian and Nancy spent nearly four months living with 570 college students, 27 professors, 27 staff and 15 lifelong learners traveling around the world last fall. 'Despite the wonder of visiting nine European, African and Asian countries, both of us agree that the intentional community that was built on the ship was the most meaningful part of the voyage. Our sermon will explore what elements go into the creation of such a community and what it gave to us.'
This Sunday, April 1, 2018 Dick Konicek-Moran will speak on the subject 'Flowers, the Universal Gift'. In his talk, Dick will explore the role of flowers in our society. 'Flowers are metaphors for just about anything. They bring joy and happiness and are welcome as gifts and symbols. They are uplifting and provide a way of looking at our lives as well.' Please bring a flower from your garden to use in our service. We'll have extras available if you don't have one handy.
Venus as depicted by William Blake Richmond
March 25 2018 - What Happened to the Goddess:
From Cleopatra to #MeToo
Sermon by John Brackett
Why do we in Western religions (Christianity, Islam and Judaism)
not have a female goddess? What is it about our culture that not only deprecates the goddess but now also seems replete with abusive exploitation of women. The sermon seeks to investigate the possible correlation between the ancient loss of the Western Goddess and the struggles of modern women.
From Cleopatra to #MeToo
Sermon by John Brackett
Why do we in Western religions (Christianity, Islam and Judaism)
not have a female goddess? What is it about our culture that not only deprecates the goddess but now also seems replete with abusive exploitation of women. The sermon seeks to investigate the possible correlation between the ancient loss of the Western Goddess and the struggles of modern women.
March 18, 2018: 'What Makes Life Worth Living in the Face of Death' is Lucy Kalanithi's reflection on life and purpose, sharing the story of her late husband, Paul, a young neurosurgeon who turned to writing after his terminal cancer diagnosis. Her moving video presentation is summed up in her statement "Engaging in the full range of experience -- living and dying, love and loss -- is what we get to do. Being human doesn't happen despite suffering -- it happens within it."
March 11, 2018 - we are very pleased to have the Rev. Dr. Roger Ray return to the River Club as our guest speaker. His subject will be “What I Know About the Afterlife”.This sermon addresses the religious and philosophical acceptance of mortality rather than asserting the existence of a personal and individual afterlife. This message is not going to be easy for everyone to hear but it deserves to be considered by both progressive people of faith and those who hold to more traditional beliefs.
March 4, 2018 A video presentation by Stephen Johnson: "Where do Good Ideas Come From?" People often credit their ideas to individual "Eureka!" moments. Steven Johnson tells a different side of the story by exploring such notions as “the slow hunch,” in which an idea evolves and becomes clearer over time. Serendipity (or what Johnson calls “happy accidents”) accounts for other breakthroughs. He includes dreams, contemplative walks, long showers, and carving out time to read a variety of books and papers that might lead to “serendipitous collisions” of ideas. All of us have great ideas waiting to emerge. The challenge is to stop, calm our minds, participate in the collective creativity all around us, and allow those “Eureka Moments” to come together.
February 25, 2018This Sunday we're very happy to welcome Doug Muder back as he speaks about 'Owning My Racism'.
February 11, 2018: in honor of Valentines Day, we'll enjoy Kathleen Konicek-Moran reading the sermon 'Love is Like a Box of Chocolates' written by the Rev. Sarah Movius Schurr. The Rev. Sarah Movius Schurr began as Congregational Life Staff for the Unitarian Universalist Association's Pacific Western Region in July of 2016. Prior to working for the UUA, Sarah was a parish minister specializing in congregations who were new to ministry, most recently West Hills UU Fellowship in Portland, Oregon.
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Rev. Sarah Movius Schurr
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February 4, 2018: In last Sunday's sermon, Richard Herring let us know that 57% of Americans believe in the Devil. Universalism's tenet that a loving God would not sentence anyone to eternity in hell has been debated since the early days of Christianity and the Gnostics. Join us this Sunday as Rev. Kalen Fristad speaks to the history and significance of that religious theme in his sermon “Universalism: Past, Present and Powerful”. Together, we'll learn how John Murray's famous words, "Do not give them hell but hope" has helped shape our religious tradition as Unitarian Universalists.
January 28, 2018 Richard Herring will bring a special message to the River Club entitled: “Sympathy for the Devil?” Belief in the mythical figure of Satan has historically been used as a tool to demonize and segregate groups by race, religion, and ethnicity. Associating others with evil has been justification for dividing people into camps of “us” versus “them.” The longer we cling to strong beliefs about the existence of pure evil, the more aggressive and antisocial we become. That may be the greatest trick the devil has ever pulled.
January 21, 2018 Join us this Sunday as Rev. Roger Fritts shares a message for our time; 'Polarization: Can a Republican be a UU?' Roger writes, In 1960 in my childhood Unitarian Universalist Church there was diverse mixture of Republicans and Democrats. As a student minister in Charlotte in 1976, I remember that the UU church President had a "Ronald Reagan for President" sign in his yard. Gradually liberal churches have became overwhelmingly Democrat, while religiously conservative congregations became overwhelmingly Republican. The sermon will reflect on this and suggest that we work to treat each other with respect, with the goal of restoring our diversity.
January 14, 2018 Serving a Purpose by Bill Payton. Bill Payton describes himself as an ordinary guy. He has lived an ordinary life including the military service, college, a career, raising a family and retirement. Now Bill wonders if there should have been something more. Should there have been more purpose to his life. In his mid-70’s, he wonders what he can do that makes a difference.
January 7, 2018 Finding Your Soul in Nature, Part Two: The Everglades by Kathleen Konicek-Moran. She will explore three different ways that the Everglades National Park, a treasure of the National Park system and the largest subtropical preserve in America helps us to experience the transcendent power of nature. Kathleen and her husband, Dick, were volunteers in the Everglades for 15 years, wintering in the Park for 12 of those years. They both served as tour guides, and Kathleen worked further as a botanical illustrator, while Dick served as a biologist on several projects, including research on invasive pythons and native lichens. Kathleen will analyze how the unique environments and activities found in the Everglades allows us to find the “anima mundi” - the soul of the world.
December 31, 2017, Mary Onna Bode will present an interactive sermon entitled 'Envision Youtopia'. Mary will help us think about what the people of the world really want. She notes that we're seeing an influx of movements across the globe bringing people together in peace and harmony. Together, we'll explore how to create a world that works for everyone and how we can create joy and compassion with our mind, body and speech. Join us as create a vision of Youtopia-Now! It begins with you!!
December 17, 2017, William Morgan's sermon speaks to the question, 'A Little Unsure About Christmas?'. Amidst the old carols, sparkling lights, joyful gift-giving, and soft candles, maybe it would be interesting to glimpse again, or for the first time, the radical economic and social vision the early Jesus’ Movement presented to the world – a vision that the Church later tamed to make into a sweet story with only personal dimensions. But recent actions in the politics of our nation may remind us that we need to hear that vision again. Join us!
December 10, 2017 Say Your Truths and Seek Them in Others
In a lyrical and unexpectedly funny talk about heavy topics such as frayed relationships and the death of a loved one, Elizabeth Lesser describes the healing process of putting aside pride and defensiveness to make way for soul-baring and truth telling. "You don't have to wait for a life-or-death situation to clean up the relationships that matter to you" she says. "Be like a new kind of first responder . . . the one to take the first courageous step toward the other."
Sermon by Charles Lee: Optimism, the Indispensable Asset
How do we remain optimistic as we face life's many challenges?
How do we remain optimistic as we face life's many challenges?
November 26, 2017: Dan Gilbert, author of "Stumbling on Happiness," challenges the idea that we'll be miserable if we don't get what we want. Our "psychological immune system" lets us feel truly happy even when things don't go as planned. Join us as we watch this very engaging speaker discuss ‘The Surprising Science of Happiness’.
November 19, 2017: Charlie Bradt will speak on "Revisiting the Garden" The story we all grew up with has us as descendants of our "first parents" who were banished from a beautiful garden by an angry, judgmental God. I'll offer a rendition of the story more consistent with a kind, loving "God" I've come to know over the years.
Ron Hertenstein, Air Force days
November 12, 2017:
War and Morality
In this presentation, Ron Hertenstein will explore the nature of war and whether such action can be justified. He will look into the underlying question of religion and morality and its role in international relations. Ron will provide some analysis of the problems of conflict resolution in the international environment and how Unitarian Universalists have the underlying philosophical tools to resolve conflicts without war.
War and Morality
In this presentation, Ron Hertenstein will explore the nature of war and whether such action can be justified. He will look into the underlying question of religion and morality and its role in international relations. Ron will provide some analysis of the problems of conflict resolution in the international environment and how Unitarian Universalists have the underlying philosophical tools to resolve conflicts without war.
November 2, 2017: A Breach Too Far? by Rev. Margaret Beard
There is an increasing gulf between segments of our society in terms of how we see each other and the world. How do we reach out and talk with (not at) people we care about and people we do not even know, yet? Can we be a part of the change that needs to occur so that our country can fulfill its highest aspirations.
There is an increasing gulf between segments of our society in terms of how we see each other and the world. How do we reach out and talk with (not at) people we care about and people we do not even know, yet? Can we be a part of the change that needs to occur so that our country can fulfill its highest aspirations.
October 29, 2017: Future Forms of Liberal Religion Sermon by Rev. Brock Leach
A couple years ago I spoke at the UU’s of Lakewood Ranch about a denominational effort just getting underway to education and support “entrepreneurial ministers”, and I shared some example ideas. We’ve learned quite a bit since then and have many more insights into the future of religion generally and, particularly, the emerging forms that Unitarian Universalist communities might take in the future. Because yours is is an intentional start-up congregation in formation, some of these ideas might be particularly interesting to you. Overall they make me optimistic about the future of our faith in a world that so desperately needs it.
A couple years ago I spoke at the UU’s of Lakewood Ranch about a denominational effort just getting underway to education and support “entrepreneurial ministers”, and I shared some example ideas. We’ve learned quite a bit since then and have many more insights into the future of religion generally and, particularly, the emerging forms that Unitarian Universalist communities might take in the future. Because yours is is an intentional start-up congregation in formation, some of these ideas might be particularly interesting to you. Overall they make me optimistic about the future of our faith in a world that so desperately needs it.
October 22: 'How to Live a Happy Life?' Listen as Dr. Robert J. Waldinger, MD describes the results of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which has followed two groups of people (one group from Boston’s poorest neighborhoods and the other, advantaged Harvard undergrads) from their teenage years into old age. Today, a handful are still alive, and the average age is 96. It wasn't white sand beaches. It wasn't sunshine. It wasn't pink flamingos. Learn what the single key to happiness in life is and maybe you'll be able to replicate it in yours.
October 15, 2017 We are very pleased to have our founding member Dr. Kathleen Konicek-Moran bring our sermon this Sunday @ 10am. A life-time lover of all things out-of-doors, Kathleen will speak on the subject 'Finding Your Soul in Nature'.
October 8, 2017 We are very pleased to have our church minister, the Rev. Roger Fritts bring our sermon this Sunday. Another terrible shooting in our country prompts Roger to speak on the subject 'Coping With Tragedy'. The role of religion is to provide us comfort and support in our grief. Yet in our Unitarian Universalist tradition, comfort and support are not enough. The role of religion is also to encourage us to take action to make the world a better place.
October 1, 2017 'Spirituality in Intimacy'. What is intimacy? The different kinds of relationships in modern culture can make understanding intimacy a challenging process. A recent column in the New York Times gave a relative endorsement to Open Marriage. Is that OK? The sermon explores the meaning of intimacy in both open and closed relationships and attempts to find common patterns.
September 24, 2017 Dr. Roger Ray will be our guest speaker. His sermon, 'America Will Be Great When......' comes from the title of his forthcoming book.
We will have our "Homecoming Service" September 17, 2017. Bring some water and memories to share from your travels. Richard Herring will speak on: "A Candle in the Dark: Science and Spirituality". Science and spirituality are sometimes considered mutually exclusive entities. Science is an instrument for thinking, knowing, and integral to the U.U. principal of a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Like democracy, it’s far from perfect, but remains the best tool we have in an age of change. While science serves to evaluate mysticism and dispel superstition, it’s also a means to determine that which we don’t know and to illuminate the explainable.
This Sunday May 28, will be our final service of this church season. Robert Seyler will bring a special message on 'The Surprising Joyfulness of Nonself', a core belief in all branches of Buddhism. This belief and practice offers a deep sense of freedom and joy when we are able to detach from a view of the self, which inevitably leads to suffering. The practice of meditation and the challenging of the ingrained desire to attach to a view of our 'selves' in a static way can bring a sense of freedom and a much deeper joy than most think possible. We shall explore this surprising belief and what it might mean for our daily lives.
May 21, 2017 Mary Lou Keller shares a personal reflection on the work of a friend and mentor in her presentation, How to Grow Young - Exploring the Wisdom of Ashley Montagu - Mary Lou met Dr. Ashley Montagu at a youth group weekend in Princeton 22 years ago and they became good friends. He was 90 and his last book, Growing Young, expounded a theory of continuing to grow young as we age. By retaining some of the qualities we had as children, such as curiosity, open-mindedness, and playfulness, we can expand our productive years far past what society currently dictates. Dr. Montagu was a renowned anthropologist who helped define many aspects of our society through more than 80 books and hundreds of articles. He was also a founding member of the Princeton UU Church and had a transformative effect on many of the people he met. Come learn how to Grow Young.
May 14, 2017 Richard Herring presents a perspective on Ralph Waldo Emerson..... 'Stranger in a Strange Land'. Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist, lecturer, and poet who led the transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century. He published dozens of essays, and delivered more than 1,500 lectures that include his analysis of societal pressures that distract us from our personal essence and the “oneness” of mankind and nature. Would his philosophical assertions still resonate today?Would he find peace in contemporary society, or would would he find himself as as............
April 30, 2017: Olivia Babis will speak to us on the subject Different, not Broken - Exploring the Complexities of Life with Disability. Having been born with a physical disability, Olivia has spent a lifetime advocating for her needs within the limited scope of disability rights in America. Twenty-seven years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), our society still has a long way to go to adequately accommodate people with disabilities. Come learn about what needs to be done to improve the situation locally and in the broader community.
April 23, 2017: In recognition of Earth Day, Dick Konicek-Moran will speak on 'Prophet of the Everglades'. Often called the father of the Everglades National Park, Ernest Coe's role in forming the Park was made difficult by his prickly personality and his stubbornness. In the end, history has proven him right.
April 16, 2017 will be our Flower Sunday Service. Bring a flower from home and help make our centerpiece, while taking a moment to share a special Joy, Concern or Milestone from the last year (we'll have extra flowers if you need one).
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Kathleen Konicek-Moran will read an award winning sermon entitled 'Flower Power', which offers an ode to the wonders of nature's perfect springtime gift, the flower. The sermon was written by The Rev. Gary Kowalski, a Unitarian Universalist minister and author of many books, including Revolutionary Spirits, Science and the Search for God, and The Bible According to Noah. He has served congregations in Vermont, Washington, Tennessee, Massachusetts, and New Mexico.
April 2, 2017: Does the daily news make you depressed? Are you weary of the same-oh, same-oh Sunday service? If you need a lift, come to UUs of Lakewood Ranch on Sunday and hear Roger Fritts (in person) speak on the subject, 'The Church Where People Laugh'. Like every good humorist, Roger will need a partner to deliver his best material and our own Ron Hertenstein has agreed to fill the bill. Join us, kick back and enjoy a fun filled, light-hearted sermon designed to bring a smile to your face.
March 26, 2017: Roger Fritts invites us to consider 'Is the Human Race Evolving to a Higher Consciousness?'.
This video presentation will allow us to revisit a favorite congregational sermon, purchased by a church member in last year's Serendipity Auction. In it, Roger explores the many aspects of human consciousness and its potential for growth.
This video presentation will allow us to revisit a favorite congregational sermon, purchased by a church member in last year's Serendipity Auction. In it, Roger explores the many aspects of human consciousness and its potential for growth.
March 19, 2017: Kathleen Konicek-Moran speaks to the theme, 'On Forgiveness'. Some of the longest-running and most heartbreaking conflicts in history are based on wrongs committed and not forgiven. People are frozen, in what is usually a very uncomfortable limbo, by their inability to forgive others for wrongs done to themselves, their family, their race or ethnic group, or their country. Although Unitarian Universalists do not have a special day like the Jewish Yom Kippur to consider the state of their ‘sins’ and the need to forgive and be forgiven, it might be useful, during the Christian Lenten season, to ruminate on what great thinkers have come up with about, perhaps the greatest of all graces – forgiveness.
March 12, 2017:
Connie Goodbread asks, What at the center of Unitarian Universalism makes it 'A Faith Worth Living For?
Connie is in her eleventh year as UUA Field Staff serving the Southern Region on the Congregational Life Staff Team. She has studied Healthy Congregation development and congregational conflict identification and transformation with Rev. Dr. Peter Steinke. She has developed the Pathfinder Process that helps congregations to identify issues, lean into problems and come back into covenant. Connie is part of a team that redesigned and leads the Dwight Brown Leadership Experience and Southern Unitarian Universalist Leadership Experience. We are very happy to welcome Connie as an experienced and energetic member of our UUA Field Staff, back to Lakewood Ranch for her second visit.What is it that sustains you in times of sorrow? What is it that you celebrate in times of great joy? When someone asks you what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist what is it that you say? It is time for us to get very clear on what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist. The world needs the values at the center of this faith.
March 5, 2017:
William M. Morgan, Jr. will deliver the sermon: What Does a Human Being Look Like? Four Stories. "Four true moving stories that can stoke the imagination of what it means to be human, to discover who we are to one another, and to create a common life. Can four personal stories also challenge a nation?"
William M. Morgan, Jr. will deliver the sermon: What Does a Human Being Look Like? Four Stories. "Four true moving stories that can stoke the imagination of what it means to be human, to discover who we are to one another, and to create a common life. Can four personal stories also challenge a nation?"
February 26, 2017:
Doug Muder This coming Sunday, Doug Muder will invite us to respond to the question: 'Why Are We Here This Morning?". Joining a Unitarian Universalist congregation and attending its Sunday services won’t earn you a place in Heaven. It doesn’t forgive your sins. God doesn’t command it, and it won’t even win you the approval of a powerful hierarchy. So why do we do it? “Community” is the standard answer, but what kind of community do we mean, and what makes it worth the effort?
Doug Muder This coming Sunday, Doug Muder will invite us to respond to the question: 'Why Are We Here This Morning?". Joining a Unitarian Universalist congregation and attending its Sunday services won’t earn you a place in Heaven. It doesn’t forgive your sins. God doesn’t command it, and it won’t even win you the approval of a powerful hierarchy. So why do we do it? “Community” is the standard answer, but what kind of community do we mean, and what makes it worth the effort?
February 19, 2017 John Brackett: Reflections on Hinduism