First Unitarian Society
Sermons (2004-2005)
By
Rev. Kendyl Gibbons
Sermons on tape and as printed booklets are available in the
FUS Bookstore
*Sermon in Spanish/Espanol*
Cheerful Subversion
May 29, 2005
I find myself heartily in sympathy with Emma Goldman's famously misattributed phrase, "If I can't dance, I don't want to be in your revolution." She may never have said it that succinctly, but it was her philosophy after all, and I think she was quite right. The more pressing the problems we face, the more daunting the challenges that lie before us, the more important it is to keep sight of the pleasures and satisfactions of life. In fact, I would suggest that there is a kind of credibility check that is measured by joy; people who are not, at some deep level, capable of losing themselves in some sort of sheer delight, ought to be regarded with suspicion. And religious traditions that produce a dour, joy-killing, hyper-earnest life stance, are more likely to be expressions of human hubris than of divine creativity
New Visions
April 17, 2005
The story of Radiant (about a new Arizona mega-church) has everything to do with how we are going to go about envisioning the purpose and future of our own congregation. I think that Thomas Bandy is correct when he observes that "People of the church today... find themselves disturbed by religious movements within their own community that are thriving. Such groups seem to attract all ages, all races, all cultures. They grow in participation and membership; their financial resources seem inexhaustible and they take incredible risks; their presence seems to be felt in the coffee shop next door, and their missions seem to extend to other countries. It is easy, too easy, to accuse them of pandering to the public with a "soft gospel". It is too easy to retreat into self-righteous identity primarily defined as opposition to others. There is something profound happening in the religious world today, if only [we] could grasp it."
Myths of War
April 10, 2005
With the help of our own FUS folk musicians, we will explore some of the mythology that underlies the ancient human practices of warfare. Why is it that no generation, no matter how badly wounded by the ugly realities of war, is ever able to communicate its disillusioned suffering to its grandchildren? How comes it about that human beings so readily, almost eagerly, construct Enemies? Is war an inevitable byproduct of human culture, or if we really wanted to bring this historical curse to an end, what might be the best ways of going about it? Mary Ann Lundquist, the successful bidder for the sermon topic at last fall's service auction, has proposed this subject.
The Easter of the Old Gods
March 27, 2005
Late March in Minnesota is often less the presence than the promise of springtime. Still, the vernal equinox has come and gone, the cold loosens its grip, and new life begins to stir out on the prairie. What is needed to bring new life to the weary, jaded, long-frozen heart? Can we take the coming of spring for granted, or does it require something of us? The clue, as usual, is hidden in the stories; with the help of some special music, we shall trace the path of the spirit into the mystery, terror, wonder and power of earth's annual resurrection.
Writing the Last Chapter
March 13, 2005
As hundreds of thousands of tsunami victims mutely testify, we do not always have a great deal of choice about the circumstances of our own death; it may come to us suddenly, without warning, obviating any plans or wishes we may have had. Yet we can't count on that, either. As citizens of modern western civilization, we may find ourselves confronted by any number of crucial decisions in the last days of our own lives, or in the lives of our parents, friends, or family members. How we have learned to think about issues around death and the qualities of life will shape the ways in which we make those decisions, and our ability to live with ourselves, or die with dignity. By remembering the reality of death, we enhance the value of our lives, and become able to give the gift of understanding and compassion to those we love.
Being Liberal in a Post-Liberal World
February 27, 2005
Now that the dust has truly settled from the election and inauguration, it is time to take stock of the world in which we find ourselves. While faith communities should not be confused with political parties (each does the other's job very poorly!), nevertheless the constellation of liberal values has both religious and political implications. Issues such as marriage inequality, the approved use of torture, and threats to our freedom of speech are symptomatic of a state that has become confused about its legitimate function. Does this represent a shift in our nation's underlying culture, and how ought we as religious liberals to be responding?
Really, What IS This Spirituality Stuff?
February 6, 2005
It is commonplace for people who are visiting UU congregations, or planning their weddings here, to announce," I'm not a religious person, but I'm very spiritual." I generally take this to mean that they have had experiences of personal yearning, wonder, gratitude, or connection that feel vaguely 'cosmic' or 'transcendent', but their associations with organized religious institutions have not been particularly positive. When long-time UUs or people who grew up in our congregations complain that "we need more spirituality," I hear them asking to have the physical, emotional, and aesthetic aspects of their humanity touched upon in the context of UU community. We pride ourselves on not asking people to 'check their brains at the door' when they come to our Society on Sunday morning- -but do we ask them to leave other, equally important, qualities outside? We will consider this question with the help of special music from the chorus.
Conscientious Assent - by Victoria Safford, Minister, White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church
January 30, 2005
Recently the White Bear congregation held an evening conversation for teens and their parents, in response to their concerns about the possible reinstatement of a military draft. This may or may not happen, but either way, these are troubling times, with troops committed abroad, and each of us must wrestle with the questions that our young people may have to face: to what do we give our assent? Victoria Safford is minister of White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church. A native of New York State, she came to Minnesota in 1999, following a ten-year ministry at Northampton, Massachusetts and five years of work with the American Friends Service Committee. A graduate of Vassar College and Yale Divinity School, she lives in Mahtomedi with her husband Ross and their eleven year-old daughter, Hope.
Broken Chords
January 23, 2005
Not all great musicians have been tormented souls, but there is a clearly traceable connection between genius and madness; a boundary that is always permeable and at times dissolves. This morning we will explore several works in which composers express their inner anguish through musical forms, and talk about the longing for life and wholeness that drives human creativity, even for those of us who may not be quite so artistically gifted.
The Power of One
January 16, 2005
On this Sunday celebrating the anniversary of the birth of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., we pause to remember the ways in which one person can transform the world. Like snowflakes in the storm, each unique, and each by itself negligible, individual actions, principles and commitments can accumulate in ways that change our lives forever. What is your own uniqueness, and to which crucial issue are you adding the featherweight of your own determination?
Clean Sweep
January 2, 2005
The proverb has it that "A new broom sweeps clean," and several hit reality TV shows offer the vicarious gratification of watching other people's unmanageable homes and lives undergo transformation through the gentle bullying of outside experts and camera crews. With the incentive of a new year before us, what mental/emotional/spiritual clutter might we be ready to remove from our own lives? What would it mean to let someone else see the disarray of our private worlds, and what hope might we offer one another?
Within the Shining of the Star
December 19, 2004
As the season of darkness gathers toward the longest night, human custom insistently celebrates light, peace, and the promise of new life. Are we fools, or sometimes wiser than we know? At this service for all ages, we rejoice with parents in the ritual of dedication for children and families, affirm the heritage of the Santa Lucia procession, and renew our own hope, courage and generosity in the promise of remembered and returning light.
Hold High the Flame
December 12, 2004
Unitarian Universalists prize individuality, and the integrity of personal belief and conscience, which are some of the great gifts of our tradition. But what gives our faith presence and power in the world is the ability to work together, to build institutions,and to bring our own little lights into a gathered brightness. We do this in part through the work of the Prairie Star District of the Unitarian Universalist Association, which provides many services to our own congregation and many others. These organizations are dedicated to the spread of the liberal religious option, yet they are only as effective as we make them. Let's all become lighters of the public chalice of our faith!
Back to Basics
November 28, 2004
Before we head into the seductive glamour of the holiday season, a quick review of the foundational principles of a humanist perspective on life, truth, and the world around us. What is it that makes us unique, and how does that translate into good news that we have to share with others? How would the world be better if our values were more widely shared? What do we want our lives to look like by the time we are done with them? If someone you know doesn't quite 'get' how humanism can work as a spiritual path, this might be a good Sunday to invite them to explore it with you.
The Perils of Abundance
November 21, 2004
Thanksgiving is traditionally thought of as a season for appreciating the profusion of resources and choices that characterizes our lives; we are so well provided for, and have so many options, compared to the rest of humankind throughout the ages and around the world. But the interesting question is, are we actually happier, living amongst this welter of possibilities? Recent research suggests that at a certain point, increasing choices creates tension and anxiety rather than satisfaction. How does this dynamic affect our lives, and what are the spiritually mature ways of responding to it? At this assembly we will recognize the newest members of our Chalice Lighters club.
Singing for Our Lives
November 14, 2004
Public singing is a disappearing cultural phenomenon. Early societies were deeply structured by rituals of dance and song in which all were expected to participate, because they passed on the collective memory and the history and values of the community. Printed books made it possible to transmit intellectual knowledge silently, and for over a century now, sound recordings have freed us from the necessity of making and listening to music in real time. What does this mean for our essential humanity? Does being humanists mean that we no longer want to, or should, or can sing? The FUS chorus will be on hand to help us with songs old and new.
Hallowed Evening
October 31, 2004
The world does not come to us untouched; we stand always on the shoulders of those who came before us, and climb by the stairs they built. The tradition of Dia de los Muertos invites us to contemplate, and celebrate, the many ways in which we continue to be connected to those who have died. Its cheerful and even mocking acceptance of the reality of death contrasts with the denial and avoidance that often characterizes our culture. We are surrounded, it suggests, by so great a cloud of witnesses, whose testimony has shaped our own lives, and in this awareness we should both remember and rejoice. Children are invited to wear their Halloween costumes to the Assembly as part of the celebration.
The Qualities of Leadership
October 24, 2004
It is difficult to think about, or to speak about, anything other than the election, only days away, with so much at stake. There are good reasons why tax-exempt religious organizations and their officials are not allowed to endorse particular candidates; however, we are called upon to raise collective discussion of the issues before us as a nation, and the characteristics that make for competent, inspiring leadership. What have we come to expect from our politicians and our government -too little? too much? Is there a role for religious conviction in the process of democratic decision-making?
Duties of the Citizen in Times of Trial and Danger - William Ellery Channing
October 17, 2004
On this Heritage Sunday, so close to the upcoming elections, the words of William Ellery Channing in response to what he perceived as the unjustified war of 1812 ring with all the dilemmas of the present day. How are we called as people of faith and moral commitment to hold our own government accountable, and to build a world community of justice? How can we make our viewpoints heard, if we find ourselves in the minority? These struggles have a long history, that can make us feel less alone in our own day.
Sound Bite Politics and Liberal Religion
Speaking: Cary Eustis, Student Minister
October 3, 2004
Our airwaves are filled with sound bites defining the essence of our current presidential candidates. Unitarian Universalists are encouraged to define themselves with brief "elevator speeches." How are we strengthened as a religious community when we seek to define ourselves in limited terms? Are there ways we compromise ourselves in this process of self definition? What difference does the self definition of a religious institution make in these polarized political times?
The Cultivation of Peace
September 26, 2004
A situation of war too easily becomes the "normal" condition of human cultural existence, and changes the way we see the world. It has even been suggested, "war is the health of the state. "Why is it that human nature is so easily seduced by the promises of glory, victory, and vengeance? How can we maintain the perspective of a commitment to peace through- out the human community, even when the forces of violence and aggression gain popular approval? Today we honor the United Nations International Day of Peace, which is celebrated on Tuesday, September 21.
Sources of Power
September 19, 2004
Amidst the chaos of a divisive election campaign, a faltering economy, global crises from terrorism to AIDS, and an ill- advised war, how do we begin to make sense out of the world, and find any feeling of confidence? Can religious community really help? This morning we celebrate our return from the summer 's adventures and slower pace, and bring our water to share in the fountain of our gathering, as we renew our commitment to the values of the liberal tradition.