Sermon by Rev. Diana Smith
December 13, 2020
Rev. Diana Smith reflects on how our sense of hurry and desire for quick results helps perpetuate systems that are oppressive, non-inclusive, and anti-democratic. Practicing stillness can help us better align ourselves with the larger goals of justice we seek.
Oct. 25, 2020 sermon. Rev. Diana Smith reflects on how our individual talents and gifts build a strong community as we wrap up our 2021 operating budget pledge drive.
Jan. 3, 2021 sermon. This New Year’s ritual, led by UUS Worship Asscociate Dan Gall, is an opportunity to release the past year and find hope as we enter the next.
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.
Sept. 20, 2020 sermon. “You must meet the outer world with your inner world or existence will crush you,” says spiritual teacher Mark Nepo. Developing practices where we can meet the world with our hearts is all the more needed in these pandemic times. UUS Community Minister Lois Cole shares lessons in resilience from her ministry as a hospital chaplain at the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
Nov. 1, 2020. Celebrating a Day of Remembrance for all those we love and care about who have died, human and non-human. Rev. Diana Smith also reflects on searching for emotional and spiritual grounding, community, reconciliation, and the shadings of love and hope in a time of grief, uncertainty, waiting, and tension.
Sept. 27, 2020 sermon excerpts. Discussion of the UU the Vote campaign, with perspectives from UUS member Jim Olson and Donna Hirst, the chair of the Voter Engagement Committee of the Johnson County Interfaith Coalition.