Previous Sunday
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Gatherings
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November 10, 2019 Rev. Roger Fritts will speak to us on “Living with Disabilities” and we will have a New Member Welcome.
Summary -- Everyone is flawed, everyone has disabilities, everyone is designed imperfectly. It is not a question of being unblemished, but of how we adapt to the adversities that are bound to arise out of the human condition.
Summary -- Everyone is flawed, everyone has disabilities, everyone is designed imperfectly. It is not a question of being unblemished, but of how we adapt to the adversities that are bound to arise out of the human condition.
Nov. 3, 2019 Rev. Budd Friend-Jones will speak to us on "Dreams That You Dare" I plan to explore the importance of maintaining hope in difficult circumstances. Hope is not to be confused with optimism. Hope gives us a reason to live and work for something because it is good, not because it will be successful.
Oct. 27, 2019 A MATTER OF PRINCIPLES by Rev. Beth Miller. The preamble to the Unitarian Universalist Association statement of principles says: "We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote." The seven principles are then listed. Each principles is fodder for many sermons, but this one will explore what it means to “covenant” and to “affirm and promote” the principles of our faith tradition.
October 20, 2019 - The Stirrings of Compassion by Rev. Brock Leach While our American society struggles to articulate the shared values that will guide us in confronting the gargantuan challenges we face, we are preoccupied with debating and demonizing one another in a fight for those particular values that underlie our own narratives. As usual throughout American history, Unitarian Universalists are at the bleeding edge of that struggle. What are we learning about how to move forward together?
October 6, 2019 Rev. Roger Fritts will speak to us about "Atonement--Making Amends"
Making amends is not easy. Under Jewish law there are five steps. We must recognize the sins we have committed. we are to resolve not to repeat the sin. We are to reconcile ourselves with the persons we have sinned against. We are to confess our sin in the Temple. We are to be tempted to repeat the sin and not do it. Good rules, but do they apply to political leaders?
Making amends is not easy. Under Jewish law there are five steps. We must recognize the sins we have committed. we are to resolve not to repeat the sin. We are to reconcile ourselves with the persons we have sinned against. We are to confess our sin in the Temple. We are to be tempted to repeat the sin and not do it. Good rules, but do they apply to political leaders?
Sept. 29, 2019 THIS I BELIEVE by The Reverend Beth Miller How have you come to believe what your currently believe about the nature of ultimate reality? And is your mind still open to ideas you haven’t considered before? Borrowing the title from the weekly National Public Radio series of the early 2000s, I’ll share some of my faith journey and core beliefs that guide my life. In doing so, I invite you to consider yours.
Sept. 22, 2019 John Brackett will speak to us on "UU Spirituality: Lukewarm Religion or New Age Psychology". Our Third Principle States 'Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations". What does this mean exactly? Do UU's have a real spirituality that is different from other belief systems and if so how could it be described. Using William James and other authors this sermon seeks to explore UU spirituality in more detail.
Sept. 15, 2019 Rev. Roger Fritts in "Going to Church" will share a few stories about why people attend UU congregations
Sept. 8, 2019: Rev. Budd Friend Jones will begin our church year with the following sermon: LA CONVIVENCIA? La Convivencia describes a fabled period between 711 and 1492 of the Common Era when the three major "Abrahamic" faiths shared most of the Iberian peninsula. During that era, often under Islamic governance and tutelage, a very high civilization flourished. Jews have called this their “Golden Age”. While other Europeans were suffering through the so-called Dark Ages, Iberians of differing faiths enjoyed remarkable advances in art, science, architecture, medicine, music, languages and literature, philosophy, commerce and the graces of living. Sadly La Convivencia could not be sustained, but the dream never completely faded. Can it become a guiding vision for our times?
May 26, 2019 Kathleen Konicek-Moran: UU of Lakewood Ranch Reflections
As we bring our congregational year to a close for the summer, we look back on where we have been and then look forward to where at least some of us are going!
As we bring our congregational year to a close for the summer, we look back on where we have been and then look forward to where at least some of us are going!
May 19, 2019 Michael McGee - From Snout to Atman: A Spiritual Evolution The sailing of the HMS Beagle in 1832 with the Unitarian scientist Charles Darwin on board was one of the most world-shaking journeys in our history. Almost two centuries later the theory of evolution is still disputed by some. But for the rest of us, evolution is not only an amazing reality but a demanding challenge that requires a risky spiritual journey of our own. Are you ready to set sail?
May 12, 2019 Rev. Bill Morgan, will speak to us on: What Is Your Value?
Who are you? Who am I? Who are we? Values are risky things. Values can’t be subject to risk-management. We’ll look at an old story of people who weren’t certain that their values could hold up before a leader who demanded their total commitment. It’s a story as modern as it is ancient.
Who are you? Who am I? Who are we? Values are risky things. Values can’t be subject to risk-management. We’ll look at an old story of people who weren’t certain that their values could hold up before a leader who demanded their total commitment. It’s a story as modern as it is ancient.
May 5, 2019 Richard Konicek; Finding inspiration in Leonardo Da Vinci, the father of modern technology. Leonardo was a man ahead of his time and as was the habit of the time, he worked for anyone who could supply him with money, workspace and time. He worked for some pretty nasty people for a time and designed weapons of war but in the end, he found inspiration from his art and put the knowledge of his studies into his art. His life was an adventure. His art lives on as a tribute to his genius but his art is only part of the story.
April 28, 2019 - Richard Herring, Ph.D - Creating Belief!
Synopsis: If you've taken part in a religious service at a church or another house of worship, you may have stopped to think about how it all came to be. What is it about human behavior that causes us to become believers? How do religious rituals maintain their resilience over centuries? And most of all, what purpose does it all serve?
Synopsis: If you've taken part in a religious service at a church or another house of worship, you may have stopped to think about how it all came to be. What is it about human behavior that causes us to become believers? How do religious rituals maintain their resilience over centuries? And most of all, what purpose does it all serve?
April 21, 2019 Gail Nealon - "Is Life a Random Walk?" Lessons Learned from a Tour of the Florida Everglades National Park. "A Time of Enlightenment." Gail's talk is about how this trip inspired her to appreciate the Everglades and to better understand the problems that plague our naturalists and park rangers. She now wants to spend a lot more time in our green spaces and to help try to protect them. The second part of her message is about how being surrounded by nature has helped her to center herself and make some important life decisions which are changing her priorities.
Charles Lee - The Fourth Quarter…living life fully and sometimes even dangerously. “The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it.”
April 7, 2019. "What's Up With All the Stuff?" by Mindy Simmons. In her talk, Mindy will give us some clues on how to clean house physically, mentally, and emotionally to bring more peace into our lives. Mindy has travelled the country as a singer songwriter since 1980. She spoke as a lay minister over 20 years ago when she was called by the Unitarian Universalist Church in Broward County and asked if she would bring a Musical spiritual perspective to their service. Mindy has been serving Unitarian Church as a music minister ever since that first fateful event.
March 31, 2019. Unitarian Universalists in a Divisive World. A conversation with June and Ron Hertenstein. There is so much talk of divisiveness, living in tribes, and unwillingness or inability to see the other side. But, we as Unitarians come together in community from different experiences, different beliefs, and with open minds. Or do we? In this conversation, June and Ron explore the source of divisiveness and unity, and, as relatively new Unitarians, explore ways to find personal peace in a troubled world.
March 24, 2019 Sharing and Caring: Volunteering with the Homeless by Bob and Wanda McCaa
Volunteering with the homeless has a UU connection for both Bob and Wanda. Upon retirement, Wanda began volunteering with the homeless in Minneapolis, through outreach by the First Unitarian Society. Several years later, shortly after moving to Lakewood Ranch, a Sunday sermon at the UU-LWR introduced them to Turning Points, an extraordinary social service agency serving the homeless and near-homeless in Bradenton. Bob has now been volunteering weekly at Turning Points for two years.
Turning Points is a remarkable asset to our community and UULWR has an ongoing relationship with it. UULWR donations of clothing, hygiene products, food, backpacks and even bicycles are greatly appreciated by Turning Points clients. Volunteers are the corner stone of Turning Points mission as a “One-Stop” center, particularly in the laundry, clothes closet, computer center, hair salon, and cafeteria.
Reflecting on their experiences, they see change over time, but also differences of place. Volunteering with the homeless has enriched their lives. They will share thoughts and stories about volunteering as well as possible solutions to homelessness.
Volunteering with the homeless has a UU connection for both Bob and Wanda. Upon retirement, Wanda began volunteering with the homeless in Minneapolis, through outreach by the First Unitarian Society. Several years later, shortly after moving to Lakewood Ranch, a Sunday sermon at the UU-LWR introduced them to Turning Points, an extraordinary social service agency serving the homeless and near-homeless in Bradenton. Bob has now been volunteering weekly at Turning Points for two years.
Turning Points is a remarkable asset to our community and UULWR has an ongoing relationship with it. UULWR donations of clothing, hygiene products, food, backpacks and even bicycles are greatly appreciated by Turning Points clients. Volunteers are the corner stone of Turning Points mission as a “One-Stop” center, particularly in the laundry, clothes closet, computer center, hair salon, and cafeteria.
Reflecting on their experiences, they see change over time, but also differences of place. Volunteering with the homeless has enriched their lives. They will share thoughts and stories about volunteering as well as possible solutions to homelessness.
Rev. Brock Leach will speak on "A Horizontal God". People around the world overwhelmingly profess to believe in God. Of course their specific conceptualizations are almost limitless, but most imagine an animating force alive in the world with purpose. While many of us find good reasons to argue about whether various depictions of the Divine have validity, maybe the more important question for humanity is how we understand that animating force to actually work in the world. Unitarian Universalists have answered the latter question in some unique and profoundly important ways. What does that mean for us?
March 10, 2019 - Reverend Bill Davis will speak on the subject of "An Unexpected Journey". Bill's theological journey began as a young child in the Southern Baptist church believing in God, the Trinity and Jesus as savior of the world. After ordination and a 40 year career that spanned congregational ministry and hospital chaplaincy, his faith has opened to a wider, more inclusive belief system that honors the Buddhist tradition.
March 3, 2019 - Kathleen Konicek-Moran will speak on Embracing the Spectrum: II. Welcoming Transgender People into our UU Community. Transgender life has come out of the closet with Caitlyn Jenner and shows like Netflix's "Transparent". But many of us in the older generation are bewildered by the why's and wherefores of becoming transgender even as more and more of our children and grandchildren take this path for themselves. This talk will look into transgender issues and reflect on how we can welcome trans people into our lives.
February 24, 2019 - Doug Muder will speak on “Men and #MeToo”: As the high-profile cases of sexual harassment and assault mount up, blaming the problem on a few bad men becomes less and less credible. In this talk, I look at systemic issues in our culture’s portrayal of romance and acceptable male behavior, with an eye to how I have tolerated and perpetuated those patterns in my own life.
February 17, 2019 - Barbara Walker is our guest speaker who will bring a message titled 'The Rise of Sexism: Women in Western Civilization". As a writer of 25 books and numerous articles on comparative religion, feminism and history, Barbara Walker's talk will present a survey of how attitudes toward women have changed over the centuries.
February 3, 2019 - Carrie Seidman, will be speaking on "Creating a Trauma-Informed Community."I will be talking about the effect of ACES (adverse childhood experiences) on both mental and physical health outcomes and discussing current efforts underway to make Sarasota a "trauma informed community," that is, one that facilitates recovery from adverse childhood experiences and builds resiliency in residents by promoting connection, healing and transformation. The core of this talk is based on a book by Nadine Burke Harris, "The Deepest Well".
January 27, 2019 Kathleen Konicek-Moran will speak on Embracing the Spectrum: Welcoming LBGTQ People into our UU Congregations. Unitarian Universalist congregations have supported LGBTQ people since 1970, but despite recent laws enacted in some states, LBGTQ individuals are still threatened by ignorance and homophobia. By understanding recent research and thought in the area of the gender and sexual preference, we can find a way to welcome LGBTQ individuals into our community.
January 20, 2019 - Richard Herring will speak on:
Vital Differences Between Pride and Dignity: What It Means to Truly Honor Ourselves
Maintaining our mental and emotional health requires that we feel good about ourselves. We don’t have to look around very long for evidence that we live in a culture of self-affirmation. But when that self-affirmation morphs into a rigid sense of pride, it can damage our dignity and cause people to become distant from each other.
Dignity is an expression of who we are. It's not about our social status, financial assets, or worldly achievements. Whether we experience successes or failures, we maintain self-compassion. Our dignity derives from doing our best to live as an ethical human being. We live with a nourishing sense of gentle dignity as we become honest with ourselves, kind toward others, and respectful of life in all its forms.
Vital Differences Between Pride and Dignity: What It Means to Truly Honor Ourselves
Maintaining our mental and emotional health requires that we feel good about ourselves. We don’t have to look around very long for evidence that we live in a culture of self-affirmation. But when that self-affirmation morphs into a rigid sense of pride, it can damage our dignity and cause people to become distant from each other.
Dignity is an expression of who we are. It's not about our social status, financial assets, or worldly achievements. Whether we experience successes or failures, we maintain self-compassion. Our dignity derives from doing our best to live as an ethical human being. We live with a nourishing sense of gentle dignity as we become honest with ourselves, kind toward others, and respectful of life in all its forms.
January 13, 2019, Rev. Roger Fritts - Universalism: The Gospel of Inclusion
Those of you with access to Netflix may wish to watch the movie "Come
Sunday" in preparation for this sermon.
Those of you with access to Netflix may wish to watch the movie "Come
Sunday" in preparation for this sermon.
January 6, 2019 - Ed Loomis: Are you a Goat or a Sheep? Are we like goats or sheep? Matthew, in the New Testament, states that the goats were condemned to eternal punishment and the sheep to eternal life. Yet the goats and sheep mingled together and were watched over the by same shepherd, ate the same grass and lived in the same pasture? Why should the goats be damned, and the sheep celebrated?
Dec. 23, 2018 John Yoder: "Contemplating Life and Death, An Opportunity for Learning and Sharing". As important as it is to think about the event of death, the real heavy lifting comes in thinking about the process that leads up to it. Thinking and talking openly about our fears and aspirations with our spouse and children is a good place to start in planning what some have called the fourth quarter of our lives.
Dec. 16, 2018 Terry L Root will speak to us on Changing Climate: Changing … Well Everything Since the mid-1970s, the average global temperature has increased about 1.7 degrees F. In response to this rapid warming, much is changing on our planet, including earlier spring warming so flowers are blooming and birds are breeding earlier, species moving to cooler areas on land and in the oceans, many more extremely hot events and fewer exceptionally cold events are happening and, of course, sea level is rising. There is a lot we can do to slow the rapid warming and protect our planet, upon which we and our descendants, as well as enumerable species, depend. We can stop our fossil-fuel addiction to avoid irreparably damaging our planet, because we care and it is certainly not too late for us all to make a difference. We just all need to do what each of us can do--it will truly make a difference.
Dec. 9, 2018 Richard Herring will be our speaker. In his sermon, Inventing Religion, Part 2, we learn that successful religions typically begin as cults, which then increase in power and inclusiveness until they achieve tolerance outside the circle of believers. Often a mystery, a set of secret instructions and formulas, is available to members who have worked their way to a higher state of enlightenment. Devotees often compete as a tribe with those of other religions and harshly resist the dismissal of their beliefs by rivals. This sermon continues the discussion of notable figures, past and present, whose inspiration expands to foment systems of belief.
Nov. 25, 2018 We are happy to welcome Henry Warren back to our pulpit this Sunday as he speaks on 'Painting a Mandala For Today’s World'. This talk provides a simple method for evaluating the various religions of the world, and then applies that method to Unitarian-Universalism. Henry hopes to provide some answers for the UU place in that world, and leave the congregation with some questions for future thought.
On Sunday, November 18, 2018 we welcome Kathy Brackett to our pulpit for the first time. She will speak on the topic 'Getting it Right! The Spiritual Implications of Positive Psychology'. In the past twenty years, the field of Positive Psychology has made discoveries that have provided important information about how to live our best lives. As those studies evolve, they have also begun to both converge and conflict with some of the teachings of the world’s great religions. From the perspective of my career in psychiatry and in my role as a parent, Kathy will share some of what has been learned in this relatively new area of study and how these insights can impact your life.
Nov. 11, 2018 Elaine Silver brings us a very special music inspired program: "Spirituality and the Beatles". In this service, Elaine will sing many of the Beatles best known songs which reflect strong beliefs in the positive nature of human potential, love and community. She uses energies of the heart, body, mind and spirit, as well as some refreshing humor for a delightful and deeply sacred experience. Elaine is a seasoned and award-winning performer, songwriter, touring musician and recording artist. Her voice has been described as stunningly clear, supple, rich and like fine crystal. Join us as we celebrate our higher selves in a service that will take you back to the day.
Nov 4, 2018 Bill Morgan will be our very first guest speaker at the Hyatt Place. He'll speak on the subject 'No Reward, No Punishment, No Good People? (How “Eternal Life” Hijacked Religion.)' Many of us grew up hearing in churches or from the loud religious voices in the society around us that the goal of life was to prepare for heaven after death or to avoid Hell. It was in the very atmosphere. But how did a religion rooted in the early Hebrew vision of the creation of a livable world for all people and for nature itself -- a vision some later saw epitomized by the life of a Jewish man named “Yeshua,” who called his followers to give life to such a society -- get turned into a quest for a purely personal religion? How that happened and why we don't have to accept it.
October 28, 2018 Rev. Roger Fritts will speak to: What is Unitarianism Today?
Oct. 21, 2018 This Sunday, Rev. Dr. Toni LaMotta will share the message Embracing the Aging Process. The process of aging itself can be the fuel to help us advance on our spiritual journey. We’ll explore and debunk some myths about aging and consider new ways of looking at what society considers to be the major challenges of aging. This presentation will be an invitation to open our minds and hearts to a more conscious way of approaching the aging process.
October 14, 2018 Brock Leach will be speaking to us on: What about Wellbeing? Much of our public discourse presumes that economic indicators like employment and income overwhelmingly determine our happiness. If that were the case, we should be feeling pretty great and living in harmony right about now. But while there's good evidence about what actually contributes to human flourishing, not much of it is reflected in our public policy or our reality. What it would it mean to build a society that nourishes wellbeing?
October 7, 2018 Richard Herring will speak to us about "Inventing Religion" - Do we invent our moral absolutes in order to make society workable? Or are these enduring principles expressed to us by some transcendent or Godlike authority? Efforts to resolve this conundrum have perplexed, sometimes inflamed, our best minds for centuries, but the natural sciences are telling us more and more about the choices we make and our reasons for making them. This talk spans a range from the philosophic treatises of E.O. Wilson to the creative marketing of L. Ron Hubbard. Pastafarians Welcome!
Sept. 30, 2018 June Hertenstein will deliver a sermon "Moment of Truth" by Sara Campbell. This sermon by Sara Campbell looks at how we all have a tendency to look at people through our own settled beliefs, fears, and prejudices. We are sometimes wrong, and we can all do better, it is all part of being human. Sara is a retired UU minister having served congregations for thirty years,she has written four books and In 2012 she became a certified Spiritual Director. This talented lady lives with her husband near Asheville North Carolina, where they raise French Alpine Dairy Goats.
Sept 23, 2018 The sermon: "BE WHO YOU ARE" written by Peter A. Friedrichs will be delivered by Jane Keil Yoder. Rev. Friedrichs is a Unitarian minister in his ninth year of ministry at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, in Media, Pennsylvania. He was the 2015 Stewardship Sermon Award Winner.
Sept. 16, 2018 - Rules to Live By - Bill Payton has been attending a UU church for almost ten years. He says that the church is a place of peaceful sanctuary in a world running at Warp speed. He wonders why then is it so difficult to live the life we affirm?
Sept. 9, 2018 - On our first Sunday of the 2018-2019 season, Dr. Kathleen Konicek-Moran's sermon will focus on the importance of water in our lives, and how it unites us in many ways, not only as a community, but with our past and future. She will also welcome us back with a water ceremony.
May 27, 2018 Up, Up and Away by Dr. Kathleen Konicek-Moran.
UU of Lakewood Ranch is getting ready for their summer break, and Kathleen Konicek-Moran, a founding member of the UUs of LWR organizing team, will take a look both backward and forward - back at the accomplishments that our community has achieved over the past year, and forward to where we each are getting ready to fly away to.
It is a celebration of the home we have found with each other and a way for us to bid each other farewell for the summer.
UU of Lakewood Ranch is getting ready for their summer break, and Kathleen Konicek-Moran, a founding member of the UUs of LWR organizing team, will take a look both backward and forward - back at the accomplishments that our community has achieved over the past year, and forward to where we each are getting ready to fly away to.
It is a celebration of the home we have found with each other and a way for us to bid each other farewell for the summer.
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