Listen to the sermon here: We Were Made For This or watch and listen to the sermon on Facebook I’ve gotten lots of questions about what today’s sermon will be about. I’ve deflected all of them — partly because, well, I wanted people to show up. And partly because, I think, I wasn’t sure where … [Read more…]
Listen to the sermon here: We Are Groot Or, watch and listen to the sermon on Facebook When I was initially working on this sermon, as evidenced by the description of the worship service from January, I thought the focus should be more on our first principle, the inherent worth and dignity of every person. … [Read more…]
Listen to the homily here: Ten Days of Returning Or, watch and listen to the homily on Facebook I spent this summer working as a chaplain at Vanderbilt. And one of the most heartbreaking encounters I had was with a person I’ll call Alex. Alex had been admitted for observation, as they had a lot … [Read more…]
Listen to the sermon here: Jeanne D’Arc Or, watch and listen to the sermon on Facebook Joan of Arc. The name has passed into legend around the world, the Maid lifted up into sainthood. Her story has been re-imagined, retold, and adapted over and over again, from Mark Twain’s novelization of the historical records in … [Read more…]
Watch and listen to the sermon on Facebook The Book of Revelation. It’s a letter written by a person who called themselves John, meant for seven communities in Asia that had gathered around a belief in Jesus Christ. Unlike today, when Christian identity is linked with power and empire, Christian communities (even before they were … [Read more…]
Listen to the sermon here: We Ask the Church Or, watch and listen to the sermon on Facebook I used to be a screenwriter. Almost ten years ago, the Writers Guild of America went on strike, right when my career was about to take off. I’d sold a project to a big studio AND it … [Read more…]
This is the text of a sermon given at First UU Nashville on May 8th, 2016. Listen to the sermon: Pay No Attention to That Man Behind the Curtain The Wizard of Oz started out as a harmless showman in our world, one who entertained people with tricks and illusions. Then he crashed, literally and … [Read more…]
This the text of a homily given at Riverbend Maximum Security Prison on March 25th, 2016. The supreme irony of the whole crucifixion scene is this: He who was everything had everything taken away from Him. He who was perfect was totally misjudged as “sin” itself (Romans 8:3-4). The crucified Jesus forever tells power and … [Read more…]
Listen to the sermon: Ask for the Stars
Listen to the sermon: Bodies in Motion I’ve been blessed to spend time this week with Suzanne and Arnie Reed, who were lifted up in our Joys & Concerns this morning. Since I’m new to this congregation, Arnie’s been telling me wonderful stories about how they came to this community, and about why he loves … [Read more…]