Sermon Archive
Messenger, Passenger, Companion, Friend
May 5th is the first day of Ramadan, when roughly one-fourth of all human beings will begin a month of daytime fasting. How did this get started? What does it mean to those who participate? And why should we care? Service led by Rev. Craig Moro.
A Wisdom of the Elders Voice
Based in Portland, Kunu Dittmer Bearchum is a modern day storyteller who uses multiple mediums to communicate his message. Kunudraws from his roots for inspiration and guidance while navigating a society that too often ignores or silences an indigenous perspective.
Wisdom of the Elders, Inc. records and preserves traditional cultural values, oral history, prophesy and other messages of guidance from indigenous elders in order to regenerate the greatness of culture among today’s and future generations of native peoples. As First Peoples, we are humbled by the wisdom of our elders and the deep connection they share with Great Spirit, the world of nature and family. We regard our elders as rapidly vanishing, irreplaceable keepers of oral history, tradition and environment. Values they extol represent an ancient legacy of knowledge which has become as endangered as many disappearing species in our fragile ecosystem.
Wisdom of the Elders acknowledges the need for reconciliation between Indian and non-Indian. As part of its race reconciliation mission, Wisdom of the Elders strives to share with all peoples, using public radio and documentary production, book publishing and other educational venues in collaboration with diverse cultural organizations and educational institutions.
Learn more at Wisdomoftheelders.org.
Otters and Jackfruit and Stones—Oh My!
The Cilappatikaram is one of a very few religious epics from the ancient world that has a woman as its hero. We are fortunate today to share a religious tradition in which no single religious scripture is placed on top of all others, so we can give this powerful story the attention it deserves! (A word of caution: Just like the Easter story being shared in neighbor churches this morning, the Cilappatikaram features images of bodily violence.) Service led by Rev. Craig Moro.
Listening to the Earth
When we listen with the heart, and are spiritually alive, it is possible to hear more than words and sounds. A practice of listening to the earth reveals deep connections, challenges the common understanding of environmentalism, and ties us to our own histories still unfolding. Service led by Mira Mickiewicz, Intern Minister at First UU Church of Portland.
Of Salmon, Gin, and Silly Little Grins
Recently our nation was caught up in confirmation hearings that included very different memories of the same incidents. We—and our representatives—were asked to trust one memory over another. The stakes were high, and the results of the choice will be long-lasting. But how reliable is memory years, days, hours, or even seconds after something has occurred? Rev. Craig Moro will dig into a few memories today, and see what we think.
Sacred Flight: A Palliative Music Practice for End of Life
Sharilyn Cohn, Executive Director of Sacred Flight, will share with us the work and mission of music-thanatology in palliative end of life care. Learn more about the work of this organization at sacredflight.org.
Guns in Oregon: Insight Into Current Firearm-Related Bills in Oregon's 2019 Legislative Session
Penny Okamoto, executive director of Ceasefire Oregon and the Ceasefire Oregon Education Foundation, will share with us some the firearm-related bills currently being considered in Oregon's 2019 legislative session. Some legislative concepts like permit-to-purchase (licensing) and limiting high-capacity firearm magazines to 10 rounds are very popular and highly effective at reducing gun death and injury. Penny will bring her 19 years of experience and expertise on this issue to explain why these policies are effective.
A Pot of Gold or a Potato?
What do you find at the end of a rainbow—or who? That’s a good question for St. Patrick’s Day, and a good place to start our annual stewardship campaign! Sermon by Rev. Craig Moro.
“The Gospel of Climate Change – Where is the Hope?”
Climate change is having an increasing impact on the earth, including human society. The basic equation of climate change, as explained in last year’s UN report, requires that carbon emissions drop steeply within the next several decades. Can we do this? Yes! We have lots of exciting technologies and strategies for reducing fossil fuels. Will we? Well…. We’ll explore the practical, political, and spiritual challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon society.
Service led by Wy'east Member and Trained Climate Reality Project Volunteer, Karl Arruda.
The Strange True Story of the 7th-Day Unitarians of Transylvania!
The title says it all! Come enjoy another story from the early days of the Unitarian movement. Sermon by Rev. Craig Moro.