A sermon is an oral presentation by a live speaker to a live congregation. It always involves a bit of interaction, even if it’s just eye contact and facial expressions. Reading the text of a sermon, then, is like reading the script of a play to yourself. The live, communal experience is gone.

Nevertheless, please enjoy reading these text versions of sermons and other presentations made at the UU Fellowship of Topeka during our worship services. You may find that there are additional notes and/or commentaries to the original text.

Archive for October, 2008

The Right to Vote: The Struggle Continues

October 28, 2008 at 11:00 am · Filed under All

October 28, 2008 — Bill Lucero
The use of the democratic process in society and in our congregations is included in the UU principles, and the issues remain relevant. Bill Lucero recalls the spring of 1965, when he journeyed to Greenville, Mississippi to assist in securing the right to vote for African-Americans. Forty-three years later a new series of roadblocks have resumed across the country to disempower non-white voters.

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Scandal and Revolution: Really Good News

October 20, 2008 at 4:35 pm · Filed under All

October 18, 2008 — Rev. Lisa R. Schwartz

Many faiths are rooted in the Bible, including both Unitarians and Universalists. And the diversity of views on the Bible’s message is immense, and confusing. It’s safe to say that among Unitarian Universalists (even the Christians and Jews among us) we’ve all had our fill of the domesticated drivel that too often passes for the Bible’s “good news.” Does that mean that we have to dispense with the Bible altogether, or is there still a transformative word for post-modern people like us? Rev. Lisa Schwartz is the service leader today.

Listen to the sermon: Scandal and Revolution

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Sweet Dreams of Autumn

October 18, 2008 at 10:53 am · Filed under All

October 12, 2008 — by Rev. Lisa R. Schwartz

Seasonal changes are like life changes. Contrary to what the fixed dates on the calendar seem to imply, most shifts are subtle, and take time. Fall is a time to take stock of the year’s harvest, and to examine what Unitarian Percival Chubb called “A harvest of reverence for the wondrous power of life at work in things that grow, and in the soul.” Today’s service, led by Rev. Lisa Schwartz, features music, poetry, and reflections on autumn.

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Nurturing the Beloved Community

October 5, 2008 at 11:10 pm · Filed under All

October 5, 2008 — by Rev. Lisa R. Schwartz

Fellowship members have consistently ranked “community” as the most valued aspect of being associated with the UUFT. What does that mean? Rev. Lisa Schwartz will explore the theme, and how we can better care for ourselves and each other as we grow and change.

Listen to the sermon: Nurturing the Beloved Community

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