Resources For A Long-haul People

Oct. 11, 2020 sermon. As we launch our 2021 operating budget pledge drive, Rev. Diana Smith reflects on how we create and strengthen our communities and our congregation.

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.

Jan. 10, 2021 reflection. UUS member Mary McCann describes the racial justice efforts that have led to “A Better Way Forward,” a movement to bring curricular, policy, and community-level changes in the Clear Creek Amana School District.

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.

Nov. 29, 2020 sermon. In Eastern thought three poisons are named: Greed, Anger, and Misperception; all three lead to individual and collective suffering. The antidote to suffering is compassion. To celebrate the environmental work of the United Nations, the Green Sanctuary Team invites Dr. Udaykumar’s reflections on how the environmental crisis can be addressed by cultivating and practicing compassion towards the planet and all sentient beings.

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.