All Souls Unitarian Church, Tulsa, OK
History is rarely as simple as heroes and villains. What happens when those we admire-family, leaders, even icons of progress-also hold beliefs or take actions we find deeply troubling? Through personal ancestry and historical figures, this exploration reveals the complexities of legacy, the weight of contradictions, and the uncomfortable truths we must face. Can we honor the good while acknowledging the harm? What do we do when those who shaped our world weren't the people we hoped they were?
info_outline 'NO PLANET B: MARS CAN WAIT' - Rev. Dr. Marlin LavanharAll Souls Unitarian Church, Tulsa, OK
The message was delivered on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION What does it mean to truly be part of the “family of things”? This message takes us on a journey to explore our profound connection to the cosmos, our role in sustaining the only planet we call home, and the sacred interplay between energy, matter, and consciousness. By weaving together ancient wisdom, science, and a call to action, it challenges us to live in ways that honor all existence—not out of fear, but out of love for...
info_outline MLK: WALKING WITH GRACEAll Souls Unitarian Church, Tulsa, OK
HWOW DO WE NAVIGATE THE TENSION BETWEEN CHAOS AND COMMUNITY? REFLECTING ON THE WORDS OF LEADERS LIKE DR.MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., THIS EXPLORATION BY REV. DR. MARLIN LAVENHAR DELVES INTO THE INTERSECTIONS OF DEMOCRACY, EQUALITY AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO TRULY PARTICIPATE IN SHAPING A GOVERNMENT 'OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE"? AS THE DIVIDE BETWEEN WEALTH AND OPPORTUNITY WIDENS, AND QUESTIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS GROW URGENT, THE CALL TO ACTION HAS NEVER BEEN CLEARER. COULD THIS BE A MOMENT OF PROFOUND REBIRTH FOR OUR NATION?
info_outline GRACE:THE ISNESS OF LIFE PHIL HANEYAll Souls Unitarian Church, Tulsa, OK
THIS REFLECTION, DELEVERED WITH HEARFLET GRATITUDE AND VULNERABILITY, CENTERS ON THE THEME OF GRACE AND THE INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF RELATIONSHIPS. PHIL HANEY OPENS BY ACKNOWLEDGING THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY AND THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT HAVE SUPPORTED AND SHAPED HIM THROUGHOUT LIFE.
info_outline GRACE: LOVE BEYOND DESERVINGAll Souls Unitarian Church, Tulsa, OK
THIS REFLECTION BY CHAD JOHNSON ON BOARD OF TRUSTEES SUNDAY EXPLORES THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF GRACE, DEFINED AS UNMERITED FAVOR, LOVE, AND FORGIVENESS. GRACE IS PRESENTED AS A FORCE THAT HEALS BROKENNESS AND REVEALS BEAUTY IN THE WORLD. CHAD EXAMINES GRACE THROUGH THREE LENSES: CHRISTIAN TRADITION, EXISTENTIAL PHILOSOPHY, AND GREEK MYTHOLOGY.
info_outline 'GRACE CAME EARLY' - Rev. Randy LewisAll Souls Unitarian Church, Tulsa, OK
The message was delivered on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION In a world consumed by noise, division, and a relentless demand for judgment, where can we find hope? Beyond the headlines and viral moments lies something quieter, yet infinitely powerful—grace. Grace doesn’t scream for attention; it whispers through acts of kindness, forgiveness, and courage, transforming our lives and relationships. What if the good hasn’t disappeared but is simply waiting for us to notice it? What if we choose...
info_outline 'TURNING THE PAGE TOGETHER' - Rev. Randy LewisAll Souls Unitarian Church, Tulsa, OK
The message was delivered on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION What would it take to turn the page on the pain, mistakes, and struggles that have held you back? Through the lens of Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary journey, we explore the profound act of forgiveness—not as a passive release but as a powerful declaration of freedom. Imagine facing your greatest hardship and using it to write a new chapter, one shaped by courage and compassion. As you navigate life’s challenges, will you remain...
info_outline HOW WINTER AWAKENS USAll Souls Unitarian Church, Tulsa, OK
This sermon by Rev. Dr. Nicole Kirk reflects on the themes of winter, both as a literal season and a metaphor for the challenging phases of life. Drawing on the symbolism of the winter solstice, the message emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, the importance of introspection, and the quiet preparation for renewal and growth. It concludes with a call to embrace the "winters" of life as opportunities for clarity, healing, and rediscovery, reminding listeners of the enduring hope that spring will come again.
info_outline DEFYING GRAVITYAll Souls Unitarian Church, Tulsa, OK
IN THE BROADWAY MUSICAL WICKED, WE FIND A NEW TWIST ON THE OLD CLASSIC, THE WIZARD OF OZ. IT TURNS OUT THE GOOD WITCH IS NOT SO GOOD AFTER ALL AND THE WICKED WITCH, WELL, SHE AIN'T SO BAD. IN THIS DELIGHTFUL TALE THE COMPLEXITIES OF WHAT CAUSES ONE PERSON TO BE DEEMED GOOD AND ANOTHER TO BE SEEN AS EVIL IS BROUGHT TO LIFE IN AN UNFORGETTABLE WAY.
info_outline FINDING INNER PEACEAll Souls Unitarian Church, Tulsa, OK
REV. MARLIN LAVANHAR EXPLORES THE CONCEPT OF FINDING PEACE AMIDST LIFE'S COMPLEXITIES AND SOCIETAL CHALLENGES THROUGH PERSONAL ANECODOTES, STORES AND PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTIONS. REV. MARLIN EMPHASIZES THE PURSUIT OF MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT WITH THE WORLD RATHER THAN ESCAPISM. HE UNDERSCORES THAT PEACE COMES FROM ALIGNING ONE'S PERSONAL VALUES WITH PURPOSEFUL ACTIONS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE GREATER GOOD.
info_outlineThe sermon reflects on the symbolic and spiritual significance of a painting central to the church's identity, portraying its values and heritage. It emphasizes the Unitarian Universalist principles of inclusivity, love, and continuous revelation, drawing connections between faith, American democratic ideals, and the diversity within the community. Through elements like an antique table, books, flowers, and hearts depicted in the painting, the message conveys themes of unity, historical roots, reverence for nature, and ongoing spiritual discovery. The service integrates music, prayer, and meditative moments to inspire a collective spirit of gratitude, love, and reflection