|
This is a small selection of sermons by Rev. Grace Simons,
which we will update on an irregular basis. We also have a
small collection of Guest Sermons.
You may also read the current version of
Grace Notes, a column Rev. Grace
contributes to the newsletter. It is less formal
than her sermons. Finally, we have a welcome and
biography.
|
A Green Thing - and More
Rev. Grace discusses our seventh Principle, "Respect for the
interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part."
This is the third of three sermons that look at our UU Principles.
The other two are
That's Quite a Combination! and
Every Person - Like 'Em or Not.
Rev. Grace gave this sermon in October 2007, but we posted it
April 2008. Our Web master is human, and subject to error.
UU Myths and Sacred Cows
Does "anything go" with UUs? Do we have limits or boundaries?
Does our breadth of theology mean we're completely different
from other churches? Do we overdo our individualism? Maybe.
Maybe not!
(April 6, 2008)
Ambiguity –
Slippery, Sometimes Confusing Stuff
Each year, Rev. Grace offers a sermon at our Spring auction.
The topic is the bidder’s choice. Last Spring, Eugene Conrotto
was the successful bidder. He wanted a sermon on ambiguity. What
do you suppose that means?
(February 24, 2008)
Out of Slavery
A new book, entitled "Slave No More" prints recently
discovered journals of two men who escaped from slavery about
the time of the Civil War. Their accounts are remarkable
tales of determination, perseverance and courage. Even the
finding of their accounts are remarkable tales.
(February 3, 2008)
What's Your Issue?
We often speak of the interdependent web and the ways our
actions affect it. We want to help the world become a better
place. But so many organizations and opportunities call for
our attention! How do we choose? It's an ongoing challenge.
Rev. Grace discusses some possibilities. (January 13, 2008)
What Makes a Gift?
This Sunday is Beethoven's birthday - you may have seen the recent
Peanuts strip with Lucy lamenting the fact she wouldn't be getting
gifts. But what is a gift, really? Wouldn't Beethoven's music qualify?
Each of us - in our own uniqueness - has special gifts. How will we
use them? In this season, we're almost obsessed with giving. Is there
a difference between a gift and a present? What might that be?
(December 16, 2007)
That's Quite a Combination!
This is the second in a series of three sermons looking closer at our
UU Principles. Third and Fourth in our set of Principles, we find words
encouraging us to accept each other and encourage spiritual growth and
to search for truth both freely and responsibly. In some ways, those
things seem contradictory. What's going on here? Can we make sense of
it? (September 23, 2007)
Every Person - Like 'Em or Not
This is the first in a series of three sermons looking closer at our
UU Principles and what they mean in our lives. We often cite our first
Principle - affirming "the inherent worth and dignity of ever person" -
but how well do we understand and apply it? What about those who are
strangers, really difficult, untrustworthy or violent? We consider
that question and also look at the other Principles that grow out of
the first one. (September 16, 2007)
The Flaming Chalice
By Rev. Grace Simons and Jewel Whitaker.
We light our UU chalice at the beginning of our services and many of our other
gatherings. It's become our main UU symbol. How did that happen? What meanings
does the symbol have for us? This service had its start in an assignment given
in one of Jewel's CSUS courses. We'll tell you about that and look at the
origins and meaning of the flaming chalice. (August 26, 2007)
Making a Difference
Rev. Grace wrote this one in 2002, but we posted it in May, 2007.
We can all make a difference, to someone.
To Build the Common Good
America is often seen as a country of individual freedoms, rights and
responsibilities. It is. But it's also a country built on a commitment
to work together for the common good - famously phrased, "We must hang
together or we'll all hang separately." In this election season, how
can we see, and choose to build, the common good?
(15 October 2006)
Affluence, Effluents and Population Growth
The past year's weather has been enough to convince most everyone that global
climate change is a real problem. On this Earth Day Sunday, let's look at
factors that contribute and consider what we can do.
(23 April 2006)
Dangerous Voices
These days, it sometimes seems that the loudest voices are
ones that undermine or threaten religious freedom, the
democratic process and the idea that every person is
inherently worthwhile. And somehow, being loud sometimes
gets equated with being right. Isn't it time to do
something about that? (26 March 2006)
UU Spirituality and Purpose
We'd like to see many changes in our world, our surroundings, our personal
lives. UUFSC can play a role in bringing these changes to reality. UUs haven't
talked a lot about transformation, but maybe we should. Are we serious about
making a difference, about transformation? What would that look like?
(26 Feb 2006)
Skis, Skates and Superbowls
On Superbowl Sunday and eve of the Winter Olympics, Rev Simons considers sports
spectacles and their attraction for us. Why do we get so involved with teams
and athletes we know only through the media? And how can they do such amazing
things? What about the role of fate? (05 February 2006)
Call to Selma
On March 8, 1965, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. put out a message. "The people
of Selma will struggle on for the soul of the nation but it is fitting that
all Americans help to bear the burden. I call therefore on clergy of all
faiths to join me in Selma." Many UU ministers responded. This is a sermon
about those fateful days. (15 January 2006)
Comfort and Joy
These words come from an old carol, but they've been borrowed for all
sorts of (mostly seasonal) uses. Probably because they sound so good.
Where do you look for "Comfort and Joy"?
(11 December 2005)
Beyond Biblical Literalism
I was fortunate to hear, at different times, both Elaine Pagels and Bishop
John Spong. They reminded me of things I'd previously learned about the Bible
and introduced ideas completely new to me. I'd like to share some of them
with you. (28 August 2005)
Thomas Starr King
Nature Lover, Activist, Preacher; the courageous Unitarian minister who
saved California for the Union. (06 February 2005)
|
