Conejo Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Audio Sermons

Be the Change You Want to See: Speaking Truth to Power

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:05:01 GMT

by Charlie Clemens published with permission

On this Sunday morning, we will have the honor of welcoming Dr. Charlie Clements, the president and CEO of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, to share the service with Rev. Betty. They will be exchanging insights about the importance of our speaking and acting on issues of justice in our community, our country, and the world from a UU perspective.

The Advantages of Chaos

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:16:42 GMT

by The Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

We often think of chaos as a negative quality. But it can provide us with the opportunity for creativity and unique possibilities. If we use it to expand our ways of dealing with the world and our own lives, we may find our chances for growth and creativity enlarged and enhanced. So buckle your seatbelts. We could be in for an exciting ride.

In the Shadows Of Sacred Words

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:37:54 GMT

by Janet Brooks, Justine Fischer, Candy Gantka and Ellen Smith, CVUUF Members

What do you think of when you hear religious words? Should Unitarian Universalists use religious words? Using themes from the book “Dangerous Words, Talking about God in an Age of Fundamentalism” we look at these questions, and more. Can we begin to use these words with comfort? Can we take back the religious words? Let’s explore our feelings and thoughts together.

Unexpected Adventures: Vasalisa the Beautiful

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:40:49 GMT

by Jonathan Young, published with permission

Claiming our inherent worth and dignity is an intricate process. We will explore the Russian wisdom tale Vasalisa the Beautiful to reflect on the surprises and wonders of the inner journey with psychologist Jonathan Young, founding curator of the Joseph Campbell Archives.

Stretching for All That is Possible

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 22:21:18 GMT

by Julie Sullwold - published with permission

What is addiction, in all its forms, if not a search for release from pain? It always begins as innocuously as a sip of beer, a toke on a joint, a cigarette...just for fun, because of peer pressure, out of curiosity, whatever. But it eventually becomes the solution to life’s problems for too many of us. Recovery from addiction is the recovering of self, a journey into facing our fears, and moving from living defensively, protecting ourselves from pain, to stretching for all that is possible.

Objects in the Mirror May Be Closer Than They Appear

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 21:20:50 GMT

by The Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

As a statement on the right side mirror of a car, the sermon title above is a warning that we need to adjust our perception of distance to avoid a collision. Or, as a commentary on life, it could warn us that we need to anticipate problems before they occur. However, this seeming threat may also give us the opportunity to move ahead in positive ways because we have a clear vision of where we want to go. Then we can choose the direction and speed for ourselves. If that is true, let’s get started!

Don't cover the world with leather, buy a pair of shoes

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:49:56 GMT

by Rev. Kusala Bhikshu
published with permission

Rev. Kusala returns to our fellowship to discuss how and why to meditate in the Buddhist tradition. He is an American born monk ordained in the Zen Tradition of Vietnam. He received full ordination in 1996 and lives at the International Buddhist Meditation Center in the Korea town section of Los Angeles. He has given presentations to local high schools, colleges and churches on Buddhism and social action. Check out his website at UrbanDharma.org. After the second service, Rev. Kusala will spend 45 minutes in meditation with anyone who is interested in practicing.

The Flip Side of Service

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:04:28 GMT

by Mary Hester, CVUUF Lay Minister

It is better to give that receive. But some how we never give a thought to being served by others— especially in the American culture’s theme of self reliance. In this service we will explore the other side of service — receiving it. Let’s look at this aspect of service, and what it can give us both as individuals and as a community.

The Path of Mussar

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:05:57 GMT

by Rabbi Ted Riter - published with permission

On this Sunday morning our speaker will be sharing his insights about how we can turn curses into blessings and find holiness within others. Hopefully we can then evolve past tolerance to acceptance. Even if . . . . Rabbi Riter serves Temple Adat Elohim in Thousand Oaks, and we welcome him as our guest speaker while Rev. Betty is attending our UUA General Assembly.

Supporting All Our Families

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:15:22 GMT

by The Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

On this Mother’s Day, we will be exploring the meaning of “family” and the ways we can actively work to make families more secure. In particular, we will be looking at the methods our government has been using to separate undocumented women and men from their children. Our special guests on this Sunday will be the husband and children of the young woman who is living in sanctuary at the United Church of Christ in Simi Valley. Theirs is certainly a compelling story.