Our Pulpit
These works are offered with some rights reserved,
and others given freely through the Creative
Commons.
Read our requirements here:
Attribution-Noncommercial-Share-Alike 3.0 Unported Licence
2008
"The Good Enough Mother"
by Karen Gustafson, Minister
presented May 12, 2008
Mothers’ Day 2008 is the day when, for better and for worse, we are commanded by the media, the greeting card companies and the local florists to pay homage to the mythical mother, ever-loving, ever-present, ever- patient, ever-kind and almost non-existent. Most mothers are, in fact, more complex and imperfect than the greeting cards would imply. Those of us who are and have had mothers know this and struggle more or less successfully to reconcile the myth with the reality. With the help of participants in last winter’s “Mothering and Identity” workshop, we explore the possibility of a more whole and compassionate view of motherhood.
(PDF) (MP3)
Coming of Age Services 2008
Sunday, May 4 and Saturday, May 11
The Coming of Age program in our Society is the culmination of our Children’s Religious Education program before these 14 and 15 year olds “graduate” from our program. This service honors that step, and can truly be an unforgettable experience for those who attend. The magnificent young adults who give this service share their performance talents with the congregation and, in a real sense, themselves as well. All will write, and most will speak, a faith statement, an expression of their beliefs.
Note: Due to technical problems, we were unable to capture a recording of the Sunday, May 11, service a 9 a.m. We apologize. Also we lost a small part of the end of the 11 a.m. service. Since these files represent the most of the service, they are rather large. Downloads can be slow!
Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 11 a.m. (slightly truncated) 23.7 mb
Saturday, May 11, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. 31.3 mb
"Putting Greatness to the Test"
by the Rev. Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented Sunday, April 27, 2008
What does it take to make a difference in the world? Some would say history is made by individuals exercising exceptional power or exhibiting uncommon brilliance. Others contend that “being in the right place at the right time” is what matters. Is heroism a matter of timing or of talent? Do we give the great souls of the human race too much or too little credit? (PDF) (MP3)
"A Declaration of Interdependence"
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented Sunday, April 20, 2008
This weekend marked our annual observation of Earth Day, and the services focused on the principle of interdependence as a necessary corrective to the ethos of rugged individualism and ruthless competition that that has informed modern Western behavior. Our services were complimented with a variety of earth-centered activities arranged by our Environmental Action Committee. Green is the name of the game this Saturday and Sunday.
(PDF)
“Morality: Opinion, Preference or Imperative?”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented Sunday, April 4, 2008
Morality is a given in human affairs, but where do moral values originate? Are they genetically or culturally determined? Does morality, like life itself, evolve or is there some timeless moral code we are obliged to heed? Can we find some middle ground between moral absolutism and moral relativism? These are some of the questions we pondered this weekend.
"Perfect Love, Imperfect Relationships"
by Kelly J. Crocker, Minister of Religions Education
presented Sunday, March 30, 2008
Love may be perfect, but people, and relationships, clearly are not. We’ll look at love from a different perspective – not as a feeling but as a way of being in the world. We won’t focus on finding that ideal mate but on becoming a more loving, realistic, and mindful person. Love is a spiritual and heroic journey. Join us as we try to find insights into the lifelong journey of love.
Salvation: For What and by Whom?
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented March 23, 2008
For orthodox Christians, Easter celebrates the risen Christ as a sure sign of the defeat of death and guaranteed salvation. For most Westerners, therefore, “salvation” has come to mean one thing: an eternity of care-free living in the company of God. However, this narrow reading of the term may make it difficult to perceive other ways in which we might individually or collectively be “saved.”
“Who’s The Decider?”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented March 16, 2008
The fifth Principle of Unitarian Universalism guarantees freedom of individual conscience and encourages UUs to practice and promote democracy both within and beyond our movement. But how absolute a standard are we talking about here? Are there instances where, as a religion or as a society, we might want to embrace a different approach to decision-making?
“A Date With Destiny”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented March 9, 2008
Mythology and/or religion frequently suggest that individuals (Frodo Baggins), communities (the Jews) and countries (the United States) are assigned a role in history that they cannot easily evade and are morally obliged to fulfill. Is there merit in that idea? Are we free to shape our own destiny, or are we players working from someone else’s script?
“But What Makes it Spiritual?”
by Karen Gustafson, Minister
presented March 2, 2008
Critics and seekers alike often find Unitarian Universalism to be a tradition lacking in “spiritual depth.” Let us consider yet another definition of “spirituality” that focuses as much on outcomes as upon practice.
“Practicing Pluraism:
How Our Differences Can Enrich and Not Divide”
by Karen Gustafson, Parish Minister
presented February 24, 2008
The closing line of our Unitarian Universalist statement of Principles and Purposes says, “Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision.” This weekend we will explore the possibility that in order to be truly grateful and enriched, we need to continue to seek opportunities to move beyond mere tolerance of difference and into authentic engagement.
“On Whose Authority?”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented February 10, 2008
Religions vary widely over the question of authority: whose words, teachings and instructions, and which bodies of doctrine are followers obliged to heed? The Buddha famously urged seekers to “be lamps unto themselves.” Hierarchical religions, on the other hand, vest significant authority in a small council of elders (Mormonism) or a single figurehead (Roman Catholicism). Although Unitarian Universalists are often said to have “authority problems,” there are sources to which we, too, appeal.
"Afraid of the Dark"
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented February 3, 2008
One of Simon & Garfunkel’s better known songs begins with the line “Hello darkness my old friend, I’ve come to talk with you again…” The fact is, though, darkness is not considered the least bit “friendly” by most of us. The vast majority of our cultural metaphors for goodness, holiness and safety refer to light. Moreover, our preference for a well-lit environment has made it difficult, in many parts of the country, to recognize familiar constellations in the night sky. Darkness as a physical and figurative fact is our focus at our services this weekend.
"When Religion Gets It Wrong"
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented January 27, 2008
Over the years a number of well-known commentators have placed the blame for many, if not most, of this planet’s problems at the doorstep of religion, including Mark Twain and most recently Christopher Hitchens. Such sweeping condemnations are typically based on selective evidence, but the fact remains that when religion goes bad, it really stinks up the place. Nevertheless, the solution is not the elimination of religion but mindful cultivation of its better varieties.
"The Meaning of Peacemaking"
by Karen Gustafson, Minister
presented January 20, 2008
Having tackled “community” and “justice” in her first two sermons at FUS, our newest minister, Karen Gustafson joins with a group of committed lay people to take up the question of “peacemaking.” The Unitarian Universalist Association has selected this topic as its four year “study/action issue” Come and find out what that means and what any of might do to more effectively speak truth to unreasonable power.
"Accepting and Encouraging… At the Same Time?"
by Kelly j. Crocker, Minister
of Religious Education
presented January 13, 2008
Our third UU principle is “we covenant to accept one another and encourage each other toward spiritual growth.” At first glance this may seem like two disparate goals lumped together. Can we encourage and challenge while accepting one another fully where they are? We’ll explore what this principle means for ourselves, our religious community, and our larger world.
"Unplanned Obsolescence"
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented January 6, 2008
The concept of “planned obsolescence” acquired a certain notoriety several decades ago when it became apparent that increasing numbers of durable products were being replaced with ones with a much shorter life-expectancy. Today, a piece of electronic equipment can become obsolete in a matter of months. According to some, human beings past the age of forty suffer a similar fate. At the end of another year we’ll explore our options in this era of rapid change.
2007
“The Unfairness of It All”
Presented December 30, 2007
Although many people take pleasure in the holidays and find them to be quite satisfying, others experience them as stressful and disappointing. Indeed, all the tinsel, gaiety and good cheer may deepen the latter’s negative mood by making them feel odd and excluded. Some congregations have attempted to address this issue by observing a “Blue Christmas.” What are our options when life lets us down?.
(PDF) (MP3)“A Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols”
Recorded at 11 p.m. December 24, 2007
This is an edited version of our traditional candlelit service a Unitarian Universalist variation of this venerable holiday tradition. The Rev. Karen Gustafson leads the celebration. Holiday music will be sung by our FUS quartet: soprano Kelda Roys, alto Ann Puser, tenor Nick Schweitzer and bass Alan Heitman, with Dan Broner on the keys is included.
"Angels, Oysters, and Blessing the Pain"
by Drew C. Kennedy,
Senior Minister, First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee, WI
presented December 16, 2007
Drew writes that his sermon this weekend will focus on spiritual “soul-work,” and in particular the need to find ways to bless our pain and to somehow transform the struggles of our lives into wisdom. This is, arguably, a perennial spiritual challenge.
(MP3)
An All Music Sunday Holiday Choral Festival
presented December 9, 2007
For this Holiday Choral Festival, the Society Choir, with guest singers directed by Dan Broner, we sing excerpts from part I, the Christmas portion, of Handel's Messiah. Composed in 1742 in aid of Dublin charities, Messiah is the best known and best loved of all oratorios. An oratorio is a sacred opera, a collection of solos and choruses on a sacred theme, but done without costumes and staging. Despite a libretto that spans the lifetime of “the Anointed One,” from Jesus’ birth to resurrection, Messiah has become most associated with the Christmas season.
Joining the choir is tenor Ervin Young who sings the beloved recitative and aria combination Comfort Ye and Ev’ry Valley.
The Ancora String Quartet with guest bassist Ross Gilliland and harpsichordist Linda Warren then plays the Overture and provides the accompaniment. The Society Choir sings two familiar choruses, And the glory, the glory of the Lord and For unto us a Child is born.
After this memorable music we will switch directions with the Meeting House Chorus singing the rousing gospel anthem Go Where I Send Thee. This striking anthem relates Christian evangelism to the Nativity.
Our Jewish holiday roots are heralded by the Meeting House Chorus’ rendition of the charming anthem, What Chanukah Means to Me, by the contemporary composer Eric Ewazen.
Must the Winter Come So Soon, a haunting solo by Samuel Barber sung by soprano Heather Thorpe, reminds us of the season of winter, a time of darkness and mystery, that preceded all the claims to the season by the world’s religions.
For our instrumental edification, the Ancora String Quartet will play two dances from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet: Waltz of the Flowers and Dance of the Flutes.
To conclude our two FUS adult choirs, the Society Choir and Meeting House Chorus, join forces in The Shepherds’ Chorus from Gian Carlo Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” Singing the roles of the Three Wise Men are John Kruse, Dennis Reece and Nick Schweitzer.
| File | download size |
|---|---|
| The Shephards Chorus from Amahl and the Night Visitors |
|
| The Full All Music Sunday program |
* Right click this link to download the file
“Is There Real Power In Positive Thinking?”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented December 6, 2007
Are we more likely to realize our dreams, fulfill our ambitions, find happiness if we cultivate optimism? Does a negative outlook or so-called “stinking thinking” increase the odds of failure. I’ve heard more than one person say they prefer pessimism to hope because it keeps disappointment at bay.
(PDF) (MP3)
For All That Is Our Life: A Service for All Ages
with Kelly J. Crocker, Minister of Religious Education
and Karen Gustafson, Minister
presented November 25, 2007
During the Thanksgiving season, our minds naturally turn toward thoughts of abundance. We think of all that is present in our lives for which we are grateful. Join us for this service (suitable for ages 5 years and up) in which, through story and song, we will examine abundance and perhaps realize, as John Petit-Senn once wrote, “It is not what we have but rather what we enjoy, which constitutes our abundance.
(MP3)
"Equity, Justice and Compassion"
By Karen Gustafson, Minister
presented November 18, 2007
The second of the Unitarian Universalist statement of Principles challenges our congregations to “affirm and promote justice, equity and compassion in human relations.” Well,” we might say, “of course. Why not?” As a tradition whose participants are largely white and middle class, what makes this Principle a particular challenge?
(PDF)
(MP3)
"Sacred Sensuality"
by Michael A Schuler, Parish Minister
presented November 11, 2007
The topic around which this service will revolve was suggested by the highest bidder for a “sermon of your choice” at last spring’s Cabaret Service Auction. What might it mean to cultivate a spirituality of the senses, as well as of the mind and emotions?
(PDF) (MP3)
“Beyond Basic Courtesy to Radical Hospitality”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented November 4, 2007
These days, hospitality is often characterized as a minor virtue, a gesture
meant to grease the gears of human interchange. However, many traditional cultures
place far greater emphasis on this principle and regard modern Western morays
as crude and insensitive. This weekend we’ll give hospitality a second
look. We will also celebrate All Souls Day this weekend and honor those members
of our congregation who have passed in the last year.
(PDF) (MP3)
“Community: Promise and Practice”
by Karen Gustafson, Minister
presented Sunday, October 28, 2007
The word “community” appears frequently throughout literature and
conversation about Unitarian Universalism. On our FUS web-page we refer to
FUS as a “religious
community”; in our UU Statement Principles we refer to “the goal
of world community”;
in the New UU classes participants often speak of “seeking community” as
a reason for coming to FUS. What might “community” mean in those
contexts? When we seek it, how do we know we have found it? Does community
exist independent of our participation in it?(PDF) (MP3)
“The First Principle in Theory and in Fact”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented Sunday, October 21, 2007
Once a month, throughout the year, worship and religious education will focus
on one of Unitarian Universalism’s seven core principles. Hopefully,
this will give families an opportunity to engage in deeper and more meaningful
conversation about these key spiritual concepts. We begin with a consideration
of the “inherent worth
and dignity of every human soul."(PDF) (MP3)<
“Responsibility: To Whom and to What?”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented October 14, 2007
We follow up last weeks reflections on “rights” with a consideration of responsibility – the other side of the moral coin. Regrettably, all the public clamor for rights is seldom accompanied by comparable agitation for greater responsibility. Many people prefer to think they are accountable only to themselves and/or their closest loved ones. But without responsibility, rights soon begin to erode and are rendered meaningless.
(PDF) (MP3)
“What Rights Do You Have?”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented October 7, 2007
The notion that human beings possess certain rights – inalienable or otherwise – is relatively modern. For much of history and in many cultures the idea didn’t sink in. But the question “what is a human right” still has not been settled and has been muddied by claims that animals and ecosystems also possess them. Today we’ll try to shed a bit more light on rights and their implications.
(PDF) (MP3)
“Gather the Spirit”
by Kelly J. Crocker, Minister of Religious Education and Karen Gustafson, Minister
presented September 30, 2007
This is our fifth and final service of our series focused on the elements. We will be exploring that less tangible element of Spirit. In Native American spirituality, the center is the Spirit, it is the metaphysical other, that invisible essence that lives and moves throughout all life. Join us as we look at ancient and modern wisdom teachings about spirit and how it informs our understandings of our lives and our world.
(MP3)
“It's a Natural Gas”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented September 23, 2007
I’m not a chemist but the 18th century British Unitarian minister Joseph Priestly was and he deserves credit for some of the most important early discoveries about the composition of the earth’s atmosphere. In our fourth in this series on the Elements we’ll learn more about this fascinating figure, as well as the connection humans have routinely made between air and spirit.
(PDF)(MP3)
“Heat, Light and Life”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented September 16, 2007
From the metabolic processes that take place in the tiniest of human cells to the nuclear reactions that bathe our planet with life-giving solar energy, we encounter (literally, if not metaphorically) the ancient element of Fire. The ancient Zoroastrians worshiped it and the flame continues to be symbolically significant for both Unitarian Universalists and Christian Pentecostals. Join us for the third in our series on the classic elements.
(PDF)(MP3)
“This Good Earth”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented September 9, 2007
This is the second in a five-part series focused on the four classic elements (Water, Earth, Fire and Air) and a less tangible fifth element (Spirit). For the first time in my ministry at FUS, September activities in the children’s religious education program will complement the themes of adult worship. Join us as we revisit ancient wisdom teachings on the five elements, explore new information and deepen our appreciation and understanding of the world about us.
(PDF)(MP3)
“Water Communion”
with Kelly J. Crocker and Karen Gustafson
presented September 2, 2007
This is our end-of-the-summer celebration of that ubiquitous liquid that serves so many important purposes in our lives and the life of planet Earth. During this intergenerational service we “mingle the waters” of many places and enhance our appreciation for this liquid gold through stories, poetry, music and commentary. This recording includes two songs by singer/songwriter Josh Roth.
(PDF)(MP3)“The Personal Journey with Racism: Sharing Our Stories”
by Community Minister Jody Whelden
presented August 26, 2007
In this service we explore the idea that we have each had a personal journey with racism. We look together at when and how we learned racism’s invisible rules. We hear stories from others, and have time to consider our own. The Rev. Jody Whelden, Community Minister, leads worship and offers reflections. Members of the newly formed ‘FUS Journey Toward Wholeness Task Force’ participate in the service.
(MP3)
“Skeptical, Yet Spiritual”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented August 19, 2007
I suspect that most Americans, if asked, would place skepticism and spirituality in separate, oppositional categories. Spirituality, we suppose, requires faith, trust and suspension of disbelief. Unitarian Universalism doesn’t share this perspective. Without a healthy dose of skepticism, an honest, mature spirituality may not be possible. The trick, however, is to find the proper balance.
“The Living Tradition”
by Kelly Jane Crocker, Minister of Religious Education
presented August 12, 2007
It is said that Unitarian Universalism is "A Living Tradition." Our hymnal is
even titled Singing the Living Tradition. What does it mean to say that our tradition
lives and grows? How do we live within a faith that is not firmly planted in
the beliefs of our ancestors but looks to our own experiences and our own reason
to adapt, change, build and rebuild? We’ll explore what all of this means
for us as Unitarian Universalists seeking truth and meaning for our FUS community
and how we live and grow together.
“Capturing the Moment – A Poetic Collaboration”
by Michael A. Schuler, Andrea Potos, Karen Updike & Friends
presented August 5, 2007
This service has a decidedly poetic flavor. In addition
to verses contributed by members of our own spiritual community, the music and
liturgical elements are drawn from poetic compositions. Like music, poetry
helps awaken us to the world around us and heightens our appreciation for hidden
gems and little gestures that in our busy-ness we tend to overlook. Michael Schuler
leads the service and provides appropriate commentary.
“Individual Spirituality in Working for Peace and Justice”
by Cheri Maples
presented Sunday, July 29, 2007
Cheri Maples is uniquely qualified to speak on this subject. A Madison police
officer for 20 years, she has also been Wisconsin Assistant Attorney General
and head of Probation and Parole. Cheri is also an attorney, a social worker,
and was the first Director of the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
This winter, Thich Nhat Hanh will honor Cheri by making her a dharma teacher
in his Order of Interbeing. She is now working as a private consultant and trainer,
focusing on translating the language and practice of mindfulness into a framework
criminal justice professionals can relate to.
“Living the Local Life”
by Joyce Carey, Kelly Crocker and Andrew Kerr
presented Sunday, July 22, 2007
Our world is becoming more and more global every day. It’s difficult to find products not “Made in China.” The ingredients in an average meal come from more than 1,500 miles away. Our local businesses are going out of business with the growth of large “big box” stores. In this climate, how do we live local? Where do we start? And why would we try? Join us as we explore family farms, local economies, the importance of knowing what you’re
eating and knowing your neighbors.
"Recovering the Discarded Legacy of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper"
by James A. Jaeger, Ministerial Student
presented July 15, 2007
The history of Unitarian and Universalist movements in the struggle for human rights has often been the story of one person standing up for freedom and justice. This service will examine the life and writings of the African American Unitarian, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. An abolitionist, teacher of freed slaves and advocate for women's rights, Ms. Harper can be an example for modern day UU's engaged in the ceaseless struggle for justice.
"How Happiness Happens"
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented July 8, 2007
Although people will oftem remark that their objective in life is "be happy," they
frequently are frustrated with the attempt. Happiness is, in fact, a rather paradoxical
emotion; it requires us to take our eyes off the prize in order to experience
and retain it.
"Reveries of a Cancer Survivor"
by Denis Collins
presented June 24, 2007
Everyone lives his or her life according to a set of principles, whether intentional
or not. What principles would guide your life after you survived a medical death
sentence against all odds? Learn about Denis Collins' journey in answering
that question a decade later.
“Fatherhood: Lessons From Life and From Legend”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented June 17, 2007
In September, our son Kyle turns twenty-one. According to most prevailing cultural norms, he will, at that point, have "officially" entered adulthood. I find myself wondering whether the father-son relationship will shift and what the nature of that connection will then be. Kyle was only an infant when I last sermonized on this subject. I have a few fresh thoughts on the subject in both the physical and metaphysical spheres.
“What the Minister Learned Here”
by Scott Gerard Prinster, Associate Minister
presented June 10, 2007
A large portion of the ministerial role is that of “teacher,” but ministry is also about learning and growing throughout our careers. In my last sermon to First Unitarian before I leave to pursue my doctorate, I’ll explore how valuable a community of teachers our congregation has been to me.
"The Myths That Shape Us"
by Scott Gerard Prinster, Associate Minister
presented June 3, 2007
What do we, who often think of ourseleves as "self-made" have to learn from the
stories of the ages? How can ancient symbols and narratives inspire and shape
our own stories? Join Scott as he explores the power of the Great Stories to
enrich and enliven life in the modern day.
"A Need to be Noticed"
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented May 27, 2007
The craving for attention is something most of us never outgrow. As children,
we demanded it, but even as adults we feel diminished when it’s missing. To
not receive one’s due in this department leaves us feeling discounted and superfluous.
Today we’ll explore how this basic need can better be met. Ultimately, it’s all
about having realistic expectations and clarity about what we owe one another.
"Flower Communion"
by Michael A. Schuler, Kelly Crocker and Karen Gustafson
presented May 20, 2007
Our annual Flower Communion services and intergenerational celebration is truly lovely and afford a stellar opportunity for community buliding. This recording includes Michael Schulers remarks on the passing of Jerry Falwell, conservative christian leader, who died jut a few days before.
“Rethinking God Talk ”
by Scott gerard Prinster, Associate Minister
presented May 13, 2007
Is there a God, or isn’t there? Don’t expect this sermon to try to
answer that question! Rather, we’re going to explore why the topic is such
a hot potato in our congregations and in society at large. What do the theologian,
the poet, the scientist, the skeptic, the dreamer and the laborer all have to say about the marvelous, complex world we live in, that we could all celebrate together?
“Remember the Ladies ”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented May 6, 2007
It was Abigail Adams, wife of America’s second president and mother of
its sixth, who lobbied her husband to take women’s interests and rights
into account in the drafting of the new nation’s founding documents. “Remember
the ladies,” the Unitarian First Lady wrote. Since then, Unitarianism and
Universalism have produced many women of note, including Susan B. Anthony, Clara Barton, Jane Addams, Margaret Sanger, Louisa May Alcott and Beatrix Potter. Less famous but no less
effective were the woman ministers who established and served dozens of our frontier congregations in the latter half of the 19th century. Join me for a commemoration of our rich feminine heritage.
“Four Simple Principles for Sustaining
Ourselves, Our Community, Our World”
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented April 29, 2007
In recent years I’ve thought long and hard about the planet and its future. The knowledge and virtuosity of our
species is awesome, and our Western lifestyle (from a
material standpoint, at least) is enviable. But the cost
of creating so much abundance has been considerable. To create
a sustainable future we need more than new technologies, we also
need to “recycle” a few traditional values. The four I plan to discuss
this weekend are particularly relevant.
"Mental Health and the Spiritual Community"
by Scott Gerard Prinster, Associate Minister
presented Sunday, April 15, 2007
Many of us count “wholeness” as one of the qualities
we seek to nurture in ourselves, but when this also means
struggling with serious mental illness, participation in a
spiritual community can be quite complicated. Although
mental illness is more common than cancer, diabetes or
heart disease, it often remains hidden and a source of
shame for sufferers and their families. What role can a
congregation such as ours play in supporting our friends
with mental illness, and what are the limits to helpfulness?
"Easter Unorthodoxy"
by Michael A Schuler, Parish Minister
presented on Easter, Sunday, April 8, 2007
We are all familiar with the “orthodox” take on Easter:
by dying on our behalf the Son of God atones for
human sin, and his subsequent resurrection conveys
to believers the prospect of eternal life. That, in a
nutshell, is the “good news” Christians from the Apostle
Paul to Rick Warren have been preaching. I offer an
alternate vision of the “saving work” of Jesus of Nazareth.
"Holy Play"
by Scott Gerard Prinster, Associate Minister
presented on Sunday, April 1, 2007
Because religion deals in part with weighty matters
like evil and morality,
one might get the impression
our communty is intended to humorless, rule-bound
and serious. But what about the playful side of
spirituality and religion?
Yes, playful! In this program
Scott explores how humor, spontaneity and creativity
all contribut to the possibility of "Holy Play."
"The Secret to It All"
by Kelly Jane Crocker,
Minister of Religious Education
presented March 25, 2007
A recent book and DVD entitled The Secret
promises to give you the instructions
to getting everything you need: money, health,
relationships, happiness. It claims to hold a Great
Secret that has been known
by the
powerful and wealthy throughout the
ages. Now that secret is available to you as well.
We’ll explore their ideas, some
interesting and some potentially dangerous and ask
ourselves “what is the secret
to a good life?”
“Great Gambles”
by Michael Schuler, Parish Minister
presented March 18, 2007
I am not, by nature, a gambler. Taking chances,
betting on long-shots holds little
appeal. Indeed,
I’ve yet to buy my first lottery ticket and I’ve
never
risked more than a roll of pennies on a poker game.
My rule of thumb for
investing is simple: a bird in hand is
worth more than two in the bush. But while
it may
behoove us to exercise caution in money management,
it may not serve us
quite so well in other aspects of life.
When, and on what, is it legitimate to
gamble?
“How to Grow a Great Garden”
by Michael A Schuler, Parish Minister
presented March 11, 2007
As spring approaches and much of the world turnsits attention to the care and cultivation of the soil,
it seems an opportune time to explore the metaphorical
meanings of gardening. Having been raised in a bucolic
country setting, the parallels between growing healthy
crops and maintaining robust communities are perhaps
more apparent to me than to some of you. I would suggest
that to become better stewards of the communities we
cherish, the principles of gardening are a good place to start.
"People Gathered Together in Covenant "
by Kelly J. Crocker, Minister of Religious Education and
Stacy Harbaugh, Jim Jaeger and Vicky Jones
presented March 4, 2007
What happens when 4,000 or more Unitarian Universalists
gather in one place?
They sing, they dance, and they create
a community that covenants to dwell
together in peace, seek
the truth in love, and help one another. Last year’s
General
Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association met in St.
Louis
with many of our own FUS members in attendance.
The theme was “Right
Relations.” Join us as we examine
what it means to covenant with one
another, what it takes
to build the beloved community, and why to do this together
as people of faith.
"The Power and Peril of Metaphorical Language "
by Scott Gerard Prinster, Associate Minister
presented February 25, 2007
There is one inclination in us to use language as clearly and
precisely as
possible, in hope of controlling completely our
expressions and how others
understand us. Another
opposing impulse, however, is to use metaphors and other
poetic language to introduce a distinctive richness and
playfulness into our
communication. We’ll explore together
the risks and rewards of metaphorical
language, with the
goal of enjoying its slippery and inexact consequences.
"Silver Linings"
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented February 18, 2007
While it is entirely true that unmitigated tragedies
occur in our world - the devastation of New Orleans,
the death and displacement of millions in Darfur - in
many instances disaster spawns unexpected opportunities for
growth and renewal. Our successes, on the other hand, often
turn out to be tainted - their rewards hollow or misleading.
The truly wise understand and have learned to accept the inherent
ambiguity of both victory and defeat.
"Reflections on the Flexible Spirit"
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented February 11, 2007
The observance of Abraham Lincoln's 198th birthday on
February
12 offers an opportunity to consider a feature
of this president's character
that contributed significantly
to his success and placed him in the pantheon
of America's
greatest heroes. A man of high moral principle, Lincoln was
also
patient, intellectually humble and open-minded. The
lessons to be drawn from
his "flexible spirit" seem particularly
relevant today.
"Hubris: The Curse of Too Much Confidence"
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented February 4, 2007
Ours is a society with a strong bias in favor of confidence. We like political leaders who don’t dilly-dally around, but are
strong and decisive. It is to generations of confident engineers
and entrepreneurs that credit must be given for America’s
military and economic prowess. Success, we suppose, depends
on confidence – a sound principle, I would agree. But how
do we know when we’ve carried that principle too far?
"The Meeting of Our Truest Selves"
by Scott Gerard Prinster, Associate Minister
presented January 28, 2007
Although covenental relationships are an unfamiliar form of connecting for many of us, I believe they are an effective
antidote for much of what plagues our culture: isolation,
anxiety, inauthenticity, cynicism and mistrust. Living in
covenant with one anothe not only shapes how we treat
each other, it reshapes who we are.
"Life Lessons from Atypical Teachers"
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented January 21, 2007
In one of his earlier books, Carlos Casteneda describedhis struggles with a "petty tyrant" – a person with whom
he often felt angry, confused, frightened and frustrated.
Carlos’ friend and mentor, Don Juan, told him he was
fortunate to have found a petty tyrant, for they often
prove to be an invaluable source of insight. Who pushes
your buttons? What have you learned from them?
Dr King Had a Dream; What's Ours?"
by Michael A. Schuler, Parish Minister
presented January 14, 2007
A newly-elected Congressman from the Twin Cities hasrun into some stiff criticism for his open espousal of Islam.
The public at large continues to be roiled by the immigration
debate. After fifty years of court-ordered desegregation,
America’s schools, prisons and churches are more racially
homogeneous than ever. Despite a “healthy” economy,
a large percentage of African Americans languish in poverty
and their share of the nation’s private assets remains
embarrassingly low. As Unitarian Universalists, what part
should we play in changing this picture?
"Striving for Perfection"
with Kelly J. Crocker, Minister of Religious Education
presented January 7, 2007
Perfection figures prominently in Unitarian Universalism. Our Unitarian and Universalist forebears preached a message
that emphasized the perfectibility of human nature. William
Ellery Channing, a 19th century Unitarian minister, said, “Our
supreme good is the perfection of our being... Nothing can
make us truly happy but our perfection.” On this first weekend
of the New Year, when many are making resolutions to help
them get to some form of "perfection," we'll take a look at what
it really means.
