Conejo Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Audio Sermons

Hello/Goodbye

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 20:22:44 GMT

by The Reverend Helen Carroll

Hello - Family, furniture, pets and stuff have followed me down the coast to settle in a new home in Oxnard. We are mostly unpacked, mostly moved in, mostly acquainted with local amenities and mostly ready to begin a new year. And Goodbye - As I prepare to leave you, we have covenants to experience and plans to explore.

UUnconditional Love

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 21:47:11 GMT

by Brian Balke - CVUUF Member

Among scholars of the traditions of Abraham, the Christian promise of Unconditional Love is often held as “too difficult” by adherents to Islam and Judaism. Certainly many of the ideas (The Holy Trinity, for example) are confusing to begin with. This confusion was the soil in which both Unitarian and Universalist theology took root. The speaker will examine how the attempt by UU thinkers to make sense of the Christian promise led through Humanism to Atheism(!?). Brian will then explain how his spiritual experiences at CVUUF led him to a renewed interest in Christianity, and share how UU goals and priorities have influenced his relationship with the spiritual movement that dominates our community. Of course, his prejudice is that UUnconditional Love is an unstoppable force for good in the world!

Jesus and Buddha Walk into a Bar

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 21:58:21 GMT

by Dr. Merlin Snider

This is the story of a chance meeting of two pivotal figures in the history of world religion, in a twenty-first century Los Angeles bar. Why there? Both are known to associate with regular people wherever they congregate. They have much to talk about. Each great teacher finds in the other a talent for listening to others. While they come from divergent cultural backgrounds and speak different religious language, they also share remarkably similar paths and outlooks.

The Threshold of Transition – Crafting the Journey

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 22:16:22 GMT

by Lisa Bennett
published with permission.

In many spiritual traditions around the world, the threshold, the hingepoint where two realities meet, has always been seen as the place of sacred mystery, where truth is revealed. One of the most powerful thresholds in our lives is, ironically, our death. No matter your thoughts about the afterlife, the exploration of what the ancients believed and practiced is worth contemplation and may inspire new or different ways to approach the caretaking of the dying and the dead, while crafting our legacy which will be worthy of telling, remembering, and tending. Lisa Bennett is Senior Druid of Raven’s Cry Grove, ADF. Music for the service will be provided by the Bards of Raven’s Cry Grove, ADF.

Finishing Life Well

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 22:14:31 GMT

by The Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford

A great deal of our advertising and media seem to emphasize the importance of staying young. But what does it mean to find value in our lives as they get nearer to their end point? How do we make the most of the last quarter of our lives — however long that may be? Maybe we need to start practicing now so that we will be prepared when that time comes. On this Sunday we will explore some ways to transform our physical, spiritual, and intellectual lives in preparation for the future, whatever it may bring.

The Shades of God

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:35:58 GMT

by Rev. Barbara H. Gadon
published with permission

Many of us have a yes-or-no, black-or-white, do-or-don’t-believe notion about God. On one end of the spectrum is the traditional divine punisher and creator, and on the other end, nothing at all. Our guest preacher, Rev. Barbara Gadon, will explore the shades in between - and the diversity of belief in Unitarian Universalism. Soulstice will play for the service.

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!