UU Church of Annapolis Podcast
Religion & Spirituality
About
Sermons from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapoliswww.uuca-md.org
Episodes
- "Dear Patriot"
Join us as Rev. Fred explores a timely question: What does it mean to be a patriot? With the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding approaching, conversations about patriotism are everywhere but do we all mean the same thing when we us…
- Remembering Remembrance
In this Memorial Day Weekend service, Rev. Dayna Edwards invites us into wisdom through shared ritual and reflection. In this service we gather to reflect on memory, remembrance, and the stories that shape us. We honor those we have lost,…
- Coming of Age Service
Missed Sunday's inspiring Coming of Age service? Our youth shared powerful personal credos—deep reflections on the beliefs, values, and experiences shaping their lives. Their honesty, wisdom, and courage moved our community deeply. Listen…
- The Illusion of Certainty
In this sermon, Rev. John explores the tension between what changes and what endures. Drawing on the theme of "the transients and the permanents," this message invites us to reflect on how we find grounding, meaning, and even faith in a wo…
- The World on Fire: A Sermon on Hope
Back by popular demand, Rev. John re-shares his powerful April sermon on transformation and hope. In a time when so much feels like it's burning, this message reminds us that fire doesn't just destroy—it refines, awakens, and calls us to c…
- The Worst Thing We Ever Did
Cindy Atlee invites us to talk about a surprising root cause of many troubles in our world today through her message, The Worst Thing We Ever Did. Join Cindy Atlee to explore how an awakened brain and spiritual consciousness--along with th…
- Ordination of Ryan McCray Ely
In this special episode, Rev. Anthony Jenkins, Lead Minister of Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church and U.S. Navy Chaplain delivers the Homily for the ordination of Rev. Ryan McCray Ely Offered in the spirit of joy, calling, and com…
- A Living Prayer
Guest minister Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd, Director of Communications and Public Ministry at the Unitarian Universalist Association delivers the sermon, A Living Prayer. The message invites us to reimagine prayer not as a task to complete, b…
- All the Colors
In this homily from our beloved Flower Communion service, Rev. John Crestwell reflects on the beauty and meaning of all the differences that make up our shared community. Rooted in a Unitarian Universalist tradition dating back to 1923, Fl…
- A Sharp Refusal
UUCA President Nicole Bruno shares a powerful message, A Sharp Refusal. Civil disobedience is rooted in the courage to say "no" to injustice. Through the stories of women in our Unitarian history who challenged slavery, exclusion, and viol…
- Poetry Pals led Service
In this collaborative arts worship service, the UUCA Poetry Pals led us in an exploration of paying attention through poetry enriched by musical accompaniment and shared community experience. This episode showcases the service framework fo…
- The Power of Symbols
Rev. John reflects on the power of symbols and the ways they shape our shared spiritual life. Centered around our Blessing of the Chalices service, this message explores how simple objects can carry deep meaning, connecting us to one anoth…
- Blackness, the Original Other #BlackLivesMatter
From the earliest days of this nation, Blackness has been cast as "other"—marginalized, feared, exploited, & resisted. Yet, within that imposed otherness lives resilience, brilliance, faith, and an unbreakable insistence on dignity. This S…
- I Live to Give!
What if giving isn't about obligation—but about living in alignment with our deepest values? This Sunday, together with Rev. John, we'll explore how giving becomes an expression of who we are and the loving, just world we're helping to cre…
- The Disappearance of Childhood Wonder - HS Youth Led Service
HS Youth Led Service (with guidance from our Director of Lifespan Faith Formation) HS Youth Lily Kendall asks us to honor and hold onto our childhood wonder during a powerful and inspiring Youth-Led Service centered on the theme of Resilie…
- Anti-trinitarian to Woke
We honor our justice journey in Rev. John's message, "Anti-Trinitarian to Woke." From our roots as bold religious dissenters to today's urgent calls for justice, Unitarian Universalism has never been afraid to question, to resist, and to r…
- That None Who Take Refuge In Love Shall Be Lost
Rev. Dr. Betancourt shares a powerful message of love, connection, and Beloved Community in the face of evil. Tune in to hear reflections of resistance and resilience in the Twin Cities and be reminded how our shared faith calls us to keep…
- Is it Faithful?
In the early months of her retirement following two decades of parish ministry, Rev. Paige Getty had been wrestling with the question of what it means to be productive in this chapter of her life. A wise guide offered an alternative, out o…
- Snowballs in Hell
Led by Rev. Leika Lewis, this service considers the legacy of ancestors in resistance, the ways we support each other in practicing resistance today, and how we create space for growth in the midst of challenging times.
- The Thinking of Martin Luther King Jr
Led by Rev John Crestwell, join UUCA as we explore the mind of the man who became the moral conscience of the 21st century—and how his vision continues to actively reshape our moral narrative.
- Our AI/AGI Future
From fear to faith, from chaos to connection—learn how artificial intelligence may be the next step in humanity's spiritual evolution. Rev John delivers a hopeful vision for the age ahead.
- The Question Box
As we step into a new year, what questions are stirring within you? In this message, Rev. John invites our Beloved Community to ask the questions that matter most to them & he responds to as many as time allows.
- You Were Made to Give Hope
In this message, Rev. John tells the story of Jesus and why his message gave and gives hope when taken in proper context.
- Tending the Heart
In a season that urges us to rush and perform joy, join us for a gentle, reflective service that embraces the pace of the heart and the presence we so often forget to notice. Service led by Nicole Bruno, Seminary Student & UUCA President.
- Origin Stories Finding y/Our Roots
The holidays are here which means—among so many other things—it's story time! I recently read a poem that begins: "it is our human tendency to think of life in terms of story arcs." (Whitney Hanson) What is the story arc you are reciting?…
- Happiness, A Journey Toward Freedom
In this revised and reprised sermon, Rev. John help us remember what happiness is and why we must cultivate it even when times are hard.
- Values and Sacred Wisdom - Our Navigation Tools
Needed in all times, but especially in tumultuous ones, our values and the wisdom we identify as sacred serve as guiding lights, helping us do the next right thing. UUCA Board Member, Ruthie Bowles, delivers this powerful message that both…
- Community: The Structure of Belonging
Building on the work by Peter Block, Rev. John explores what the new religion and new America will look like in the coming years. Join the UUCA Beloved Community as, together, we look ahead in faith and connected by the shared belief that…
- Say Something Biblical
How's your Bible literacy? Biblical citations and references have been in the news lately. But how accurate they are depends on … on what? Join Rev. Fred and the UUCA Congregation as we explore uses (and misuses) of Scripture.
- Invitation to Healing
As we enter the Fall season, we also enter the season of forgiveness and atonement. Led by Rev. John, this service will offer a ritual for moving forward toward healing, reconciliation and restoration.
- Die Before You Die
The phrase "die before you die" is attributed to the Prophet Muhammad as a famous Hadith (saying); and Muhammad Rumi, 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic also coined the phrase. Together, with Rev. John, Let's explo…
- Being with Suffering
In this very personal message, Rev. John reflects on death and suffering and compassion. A Poem is shared in the beginning by Rev. Dayna Edwards "The Dinner Party", then he launches into a message that will ground you if you are in a place…
- Remembering Difficult Knowledge
The process of disremembering so-called "difficult knowledge" —history that makes some uncomfortable—started years ago and is now moving forward at breathtaking speed. As we move toward our nation's 250th anniversary celebration next July…
- Thriving: Bold & Compassionate Living
In this sermon, Rev. John discusses several core spiritual competencies that can provide a sense of belonging and community to anyone seeking to thrive and/or feel more grounded in life.
- Try Kindness
Have you ever tried to be radically kind? What does that even mean? Join Rev. John in examining what it means to be radically kind.
- All We Have To Do Is Dance
Sorrow and grief find us all. If we let it, our mourning can turn to joy, and we can learn to dance again. Not because we have forgotten what has been lost, but because we have survived. Join Traci Huges, Esq., Seminarian & Executive Direc…
- This New Church Year
As he has done in past years, join Rev. John as he shares his summer learnings and updates the congregation on what to expect in the 2025-2026 church year.
- Beyond the Brain: The Perceptive Powers of the Heart
We have been conditioned in this society to locate our consciousness in our brains. Yet ancient practices and spiritual traditions, as well as modern science reveal that the central mechanism of our consciousness and biological system is t…
- Bearing Witness: Do Not Look Away
Join Bob Ertman to explore the three tenets of the Zen Peacemakers: Not Knowing, giving up our fixed ideas; Bearing Witness, not looking away; Right Action, the actions that should arise naturally when we really pay attention.
- Is It a Beautiful or a Broken World?
What can a 16th century Jewish mystic, an Episcopal priest who frequents the Burning Man Festival, and the alien from the Resident Alien sci-fi TV series teach us about brokenness and beauty? Join Cindy Atlee to find out—and why we need bo…
- Special Announcement! Spirit Punch
Hey good folks, your intern/summer minister Ryan McCray Ely started a really cool podcast: Spirit Punch! You can find the full unabridged version of last sunday's sermon on the Spirit Punch feed. Find Spirit Punch on Apple iTunes and Spoti…
- Freethinker? Humanist? Naturalist? What Am I?
Exploring these concepts in the context of spiritual life at UUCA. Join Dr. Cliff Andrew, MD, Ph.D, Rev. Dr. Fred Muir and Peter Morse for local history and lively discourse.
- Trinitarian Mischief with Rev Dr. Fred Muir
"Trinitarian Mischief":On May 8th, weeks of speculation ended with the election of Pope Leo XIV. This was, of course, not the first time that a gathering and decision of the Roman Catholic hierarchy had been anticipated; it was just one of…
- Membership Sunday 8 June 2025
What does membership mean, at first and through the decades? We want to honor the act of committing to a community of faith. Come welcome new members, hear several UUCA members share stories, music, and reflections about their journey with…
- Lifespan Service
This Sunday, our congregation gathers to celebrate the sacred milestones that weave together the fabric of our shared journey. In a special Lifespan Service, we honor the blessings of our youngest members, the courageous steps of our youth…
- Kindness as an Act of Resistance with Rev. Dayna Edwards
Kindness as an Act of Resistence: When those in power wield cruelty as a policy mandate, we can resist their inhumanity with intentional and meaningful kindness for ourselves and each other. We will explore several of the tenets from the b…
- Imagine Us Free
Connect with us at www.uuannapolis.org
- The Power of Symbols with Rev John Crestwell
John delivered this short sermon during our first anual blessing of the chalices.
- Turning Points with Rev. Fred Muir
Led by Rev. Fred Muir, Minister Emeritus Join UUCA every Sunday: In-person or Zoom https://www.uuannapolis.org/ Support Us: Donate