Oh Dear, This Isn’t What I’d Planned…
Aug. 23, 2020 sermon. Rev. Diana Smith reflects on how we cope with missed expectations and hopes as we begin a new church year and a new ministry in a way none of us imagined or wanted.
Response-Ability
Aug. 16, 2020 sermon. The racial justice movement has accelerated with new energy in 2020, and it asks each of us to become aware of our role, our privilege, our shortcomings, our conflicts, and our challenges. UUS member Kirk Witzberger explores the contradictions we’ll face, the wisdom we’ll need to address them, and how deep “response-ability” is called for.
Finding Common Ground
Aug. 2, 2020 sermon. Guest speaker Christopher Peters, a surgeon and former political candidate, discusses some of the negative aspects of campaigning, and especially his positive experiences serving as the state coordinator for Braver Angels. Braver Angels is a national volunteer organization dedicated to reducing political polarization, fostering civil discourse, and helping all Americans find common ground in the political sphere.
We Hold These Truths To Be Self-Evident
July 26, 2020 sermon. Iowa Senator and longtime UUS member Zach Wahls shares his thoughts on the perilous relationships among our governments, the people, and the Truth during these challenging and highly polarized times. This service will reflect on both American history and contemporary events in our community and country and offer a vision for moving forward into our brave new world.
Sexuality Through a UU Lens
July 19, 2020 sermon. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Education, this service explores the Unitarian Universalist perspectives on sexuality and our internationally acclaimed Our Whole Lives curriculum. Dr. Melanie Davis is the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education Program Manager.
Three Guys Talk About Privilege
July 12, 2020 sermon. UUS members Ron Pile, Jim Olson, and Dave Martin, who have all volunteered in community programs, offer their thoughts on white privilege and trying to be anti-racist.
Beyond the Cowpath
July 5, 2020 sermon. UUS member Hilary Higgens shares a perspective created from her observation of cows on her family’s farm in northwest Iowa in the 1960s. A retired nurse and educator, Hilary invites us to use levity and trust to explore our paths and see where we wish to continue and where we wish to choose a new path.
From Trauma to Truth: My Story
June 28, 2020 sermon. How do we get through traumatic issues that scar us? Trying to make sense of them can create new levels of scars. Confronting them can also lead us to discoveries of self struggle and survival. Julia Lohrman Audlehelm, a UUS member since 1977, shares her story of childhood sexual assault and growing beyond the scars.
On Becoming Allies & Antiracists
June 14, 2020 sermon. UUS member Kirk Witzberger explores the current racial justice protests and movements that merit attention, and reflects on his own process for becoming a more effective antiracist.