UU Lake Norman Sermon Podcast

March 17, 2013: "Give To What You Love", Rev. Amy Brooks

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:43:06 PDT

What is it that you love about the UU Fellowship of Lake Norman? Who do you love to see here on a Sunday morning? Where would you love to see this community go? Love is big word, but I am not using it lightly. It is the generosity of our love and no less that creates this community.

Nancy Brower and Chris Johnson joined Rev. Amy Brooks in presenting this topic.

March 10, 2013: "I'm not Rubber; You're not Glue", Mary Frances Comer

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:52:34 PDT

Words! In one ear and out the other? Not likely. We all know the power of words, but we tend to forget this great lesson. Reflections on the Rubber/Glue Model from the poetic wisdom of Shel Silverstein to humanists and religious icons alike. There is one thing we all seem to have in common!

Mary Frances Comer is from Rock Hill, SC, and is a candidate for ordination with the UUA. She has previously served as a Chaplain Intern at a level-I Trauma Center in Charlotte, and as an Associate of Pastoral Care with the Church of the Larger Fellowship. Mary Frances is a full-time college instructor who teaches sociology.

March 3, 2013: "Our Principles and Purposes", Rev. Amy Brooks

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 18:00:09 PST

Ever wonder what Unitarian Universalism is all about? We don’t adhere to a creed or even a specific theology, yet there is something that binds us together. Join us as we explore some of the ideas that UUs hold dear and give us shape and texture as a community of like-minded believers.

February 17, 2013: "The Importance of Being Seen: Wisdom from Hinduism", Rev. Amy Brooks

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 18:38:22 PST

Hinduism is a religion that relies on the senses, particularly sight. Darsan means "seeing" and devotees go to the temples in order to see and be seen by the gods. What does this aspect of Hinduism offer us, curious to learn from other traditions and "see"-kers on our own spiritual path? How important is it to us to see and be seen?

February 10, 2013: "Good Boundaries, Good Relationships", Rev. Ann Marie Alderman

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:56:45 PST

Do you know where you end and your loved one (life partner, wife, husband, best friend) begins? We can all benefit from a reminder of how good form makes for good loving as we get ready for Valentine's Day. Boundaries are important!

The Rev. Ann Marie Alderman served the UU Congregation of Greenville, N.C., for the last 5 1/2 years. She moved to Charlotte to be with her life partner, the Rev. Robin Tanner, who serves the Piedmont UU Church.

February 3, 2013: "What Does 'Diversity' Mean?", Rev. Amy Brooks

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:56:55 PST

UUs value diversity very highly. Does diversity refer to age, gender, sexual orientation, class, race, religion - or all of the above? Our association has spent many years looking at the issue of diversity, yet our congregations remain relatively homogenous. What does the future hold for us in terms of diversity?

This sermon was recorded using a different method than previous ones. Please let us know at admin@uulakenorman.org if it is better, worse, or the same. Thanks!

January 20, 2013: "The Power of the Human Spirit", Rev. Amy Brooks

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 17:38:18 PST

Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy abides because his message touched the core of our humanity. The power of the human spirit to rise up for good in the face of injustice is a message to consider again and again in our own spiritual lives.

January 13, 2013: "A Whirlwind History of UUism through the Evolution of Sunday Worship", Rev. Amy Brooks

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:57:02 PST

Unitarian Universalism has changed a lot in 200 years. These changes can be documented by looking at how our Sunday services have evolved over the years. Join us for a UU history to understand what we do, and why, when we gather together on Sunday morning. This service will incorporate some of the great feedback we received in our recent congregational survey.

December 16, 2012: "Celebrating the Solstice", Rev. Amy Brooks

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 18:33:24 PST

As the days grow shorter and darkness prevails, we seek ways to bring light and hope into our lives. This struggle to balance light and dark takes many forms throughout the world, and this morning we take time to celebrate some of the traditions and stories that have been passed down to us from the pagan tradition. So join us as we deck the halls, light the yule log and celebrate the solstice!

December 2, 2012: "What is Yet to Be", Rev. Amy Brooks

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 17:56:03 PST

Advent marks a time of preparation as Christians await the birth of the Christ child. Although Unitarian Universalists do not celebrate this birth in the same way, we recognize the power of new life and hope in our lives. As we travel this spiritual journey, what are we anticipating and how do we prepare for what is yet to be?

November 18, 2012: "Giving Thanks", Rev. Amy Brooks

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 17:49:25 PST

It’s our national tradition to remember and give thanks this time of the year for the bounty in our lives. Beginning with the Pilgrims, eating together with friends and family has become perhaps one of our greatest holidays. Giving thanks is also a great religious practice. Join us as we give thanks for another year, for community, for all that is in our lives.

The congregations' participation in the service was not well recorded by the mic, so it was edited out. Apologies to the podcast listener.

November 11, 2012: "Parable of the Prodigal Son", Rev. Charlie Kast

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:02:13 PST

A retired UU minister tells a story of forgiveness and true family values that is inspired by a Rembrandt painting now hanging in the State Hermitage Museum of St. Petersburg, Russia.

To view the painting, go to www.googleartproject.com, search for "prodigal son", and choose the one by Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn.

October 21, 2012: "Highlights from a GreenFaith journey", Rev. Amy Brooks

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 17:27:38 PDT

GreenFaith's mission is to inspire, educate and mobilize people of diverse religious backgrounds for environmental leadership. GreenFaith's work is based on beliefs shared by the world’s great religions, and that protecting the earth is a religious value, and that environmental stewardship is a moral responsibility.

October 7, 2012: "All Creatures Great and Small", Rev. Amy Brooks

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 18:10:28 PDT

Join us for a multi-generational service as we celebrate and bless our pets, which are often an integral part of our family.

September 23, 2012: "Where the Wild Worlds Are", Rev. Rodger Clark

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 17:40:48 PDT

J. Rodger Clark, a member of UUFLKN, will present us with a look at how we create our "worlds" and how they impact our lives. He currently serves as Director of Development for WDAV 89.9 Classical Public Radio, a service of Davidson College. With more than 20 years non-profit development experience, he has held similar positions with the Harrisburg (PA) Symphony Orchestra, Mann Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia, PA, and Church World Service. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park and Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY.

September 16, 2012: "Repentance and Atonement", Rev. Amy Brooks

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 17:48:42 PDT

The Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah begins on sundown this day and ends ten days later with Yom Kippur. These high holy days mark a time of introspection and personal inventory of the past year in the Jewish community. Join us as we learn about this time of repentance and atonement and what it might offer to us as Unitarian Universalists.

September 9, 2012: "The Upside of Being Wrong [What I Have Unlearned So Far]", Rev. Carol Anne Lawler

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 17:51:40 PDT

Growing up we have learned many things, verbally & non-verbally, consciously & non-consciously. As we grow and our spiritual journey deepens, the things we may have learned as children, we may need to unlearn. If we are seekers of truth, the convictions we hold about ourselves, the Holy and others may well change. Today, Rev. Carol Anne Lawler will share as the journey continues.

September 2, 2012: Celebrating Our Life's Work, Rev. Amy Brooks

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 19:27:32 PDT

This Labor Day let's reflect on the place work has in our lives. Is it just something we do because we have to, or is there a spiritual benefit to contributing to our community and our world?

August 26, 2012: We Are One, Rev. Amy Brooks

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 19:27:44 PDT

The ritual of sharing water reminds us that we are connected to one another in the most fundamental ways. Members and friends brought water collected from a special place over the summer (or stand-in water from closer to home).

August 19, 2012: Food is Love, Bethany Niebauer

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 18:58:21 PDT

Food is inherently spiritual but not often discussed. The one thing that all living creatures have in common is the need for nutrition. Food is necessary for all life. Many religions and cultures have rules about what to eat, how to eat it and when to eat it. Examining these rules can help us to become more grateful for the food we eat and develop a better relationship with the Divine. Growing and preparing food are excellent ways to show love for yourself, your family, your community and the Earth. When treated with respect and consumed in moderation food helps us to feel loved and connected to each other.

Bethany Niebauer is a UUFLKN attender and a member of our worship committee. She has just returned from studying international law in Europe.

August 12, 2012: Islam - A Universal Message, Imam John Ederer

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:14:59 PDT

Imam John Ederer will speak Sunday about Islam’s connection to our Judeo-Christian heritage.

Imam Ederer was born and raised in Oklahoma, and embraced Islam in 1998. In 2002, he started on a formal journey of seeking sacred knowledge from prominent scholars here and abroad in Egypt and Kuwait. He has various degrees and licenses in the Islamic sciences. He loves to research and study all branches of knowledge. He is an athlete who regularly plays basketball and disc golf and enjoys an occasional movie. The light of his life is his beloved wife and two sons.

August 5, 2012: The Still, Small Voice, Rev. Amy Brooks

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:12:55 PDT

At times we search for meaning and seek guidance in our lives. Where do we find the answers that we seek? Join us for a time of reflection on the sources of wisdom in our lives.

July 22, 2012: What are your deepest spiritual values?, Rev. Dick Weston-Jones

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:11:29 PDT

This was an experiential service led by Rev. Dick Weston-Jones, Minister Emeritus of the UU Church of Ventura, California. A 49-year veteran of UU ministry who spoke to us two years ago on “How To Know Your Beliefs Are Right,” Dick led us in a survey similar to one conducted among a randomly selected group of UU churches by a religious sociologist several years ago. In spite of our vaunted diversity, it showed that UUs are more like one another in values, throughout the country, than are the members of any other major religious group in America. Find out where you fit, and compare your results to those of other UUs.

July 15, 2012: Play, Play, Play

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 19:05:00 PDT

Rev. Amy Brooks discusses the spiritual and theological perspective on the role of play in our lives.

July 8, 2012: The Power of Your Word: Speaking to Yourself and Others

admin@uulakenorman.org — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 19:15:19 PDT

Despite the saying about sticks and stones, words can indeed do both great harm and great good, to ourselves and to others. John Morgan, a relatively new member of our congregation and a massage therapist and "spiritual seeker", will help us think about how to best use our words.