UU Church of Annapolis Podcast

Sermons by the ministers and guests at UUCA -Living boldly and compassionately in Annapolis, MD for over 60 years!

A Fearless Kind of Love 10/19/2026

A Fearless Kind of Love In this service, Intern Minister Traci Hughes shares how her Christian journey to Unitarian Universalism has taught her to love boldly, to live authentically, and to fearlessly love her way into the call to ministry. Her story invites us to reflect on how purpose unfolds and how we are all empowered to love beyond our comfort zones. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/43356619

UU Pride! 10/05/2026

UU Pride! During this Pride Sunday service, Rev. John reflects on the courage of Harvey Milk and the role Unitarian Universalists have played in the struggle for LGBTQ+ dignity and equality. What does their witness ask of us when hard-won freedoms are once again under threat? /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/43169513

Why I Sing: Music as Metaphor 09/28/2026

Why I Sing: Music as Metaphor Why does a resolved chord feel so satisfying? Through song, harmony, and the music that brings movies to life, Rev. John explores how tension and resolution in music mirror the rhythms of our lives—and why music moves us so deeply. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/43060013

The Science of Racism 09/21/2026

The Science of Racism Why does racism persist even when we reject prejudice? Drawing on "The Science of Racism" by Keon West and Black Unitarian abolitionist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Rev. John explores how white preference became embedded in our institutions and what our faith calls us to do about it. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/42983398

The Opposite of Original Sin 09/08/2026

The Opposite of Original Sin What if human beings are not inherently sinful, selfish, or broken—but worthy and capable? In this message, Fish Stark, Executive Director of the American Humanist Association, explores how our beliefs about human nature shape our lives and politics—and what becomes possible when we begin with human worth rather than human failure. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/42822845

This New Church Year 08/31/2026

This New Church Year As he has done in past years, join Rev. John as he updates the congregation on what to expect in the 2026-2027 church year. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/42620930

The Power of Nonviolent Resistance 08/17/2026

The Power of Nonviolent Resistance In this sermon, donated by Mary McClellan who purchased it at our annual auction and dedicated to UUCA Member Phil Ateto, Rev. John will explore teachings from Mahatma Gandhi and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to abolitionists, Unitarian Universalists, and today's research, to show why nonviolent resistance remains one of the most powerful forces for creating lasting social change. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/42463215

The Names We Worship 08/10/2026

The Names We Worship In a fast-paced world, it can be easy to mistake the noise and demands of daily life for ultimate reality. In this message, UUCA Vice President and Lay Worship Leader Ruthie Bowles explores the tension between our everyday distractions and the deeper oneness that connects all of creation. Through poetry, sacred text, and personal reflection, we’ll consider how naming the moments of our days—while honoring the boundless mystery beyond our knowing—can help us stay awake to the sacred, grounded in wonder, and connected to the whole. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/42380815

Scottish Pilgrimage Revisited 07/27/2026

Scottish Pilgrimage Revisited Rev. John, along with UUCA members, shares insights, joys and sorrows from the Scotland pilgrimage. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/42228935

The Religion of Democracy - A Good Trouble Lives On 07/20/2026

The Religion of Democracy - A Good Trouble Lives On Unitarian minister Curtis Reese, a co-founder of the American Humanist Association, called humanism "the religion of democracy" for a reason: the radical conviction that truth, morality, and power do not rightly reside in an external source, but in us. What would it look like to believe in our neighbors with the same kind of reverence that others reserve for a deity? As part of Good Trouble Lives On weekend, join UUCA member and Executive Director of the American Humanist Association, Fish Stark, as we celebrate the legacy of Rep. John Lewis through this love letter to democracy — weaving together history, philosophy, psychology, and theology to lay out a blueprint for how UUs, humanists, and anyone who believes in people can lean into the fight against authoritarianism, feed our fire of commitment, and defend the sacred principle that people are worth believing in. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/42153090

The Irreligious and Their Love of God 07/06/2026

The Irreligious and Their Love of God Drawing from the writings of UU theologian James Luther Adams, Rev. Judith Morris explores how our assumptions about the word God can sometimes keep us from recognizing the sacred. What if those who reject religion are often responding to too small a definition of the divine? /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/41976910

The Power of Community: An Introduction to Cosmic Dynamism 06/29/2026

The Power of Community: An Introduction to Cosmic Dynamism Dr. Scott Eden describes a worldview called Cosmic Dynamism, which emphasizes the importance of community, relationships and our power to create positive social change. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/41856935

Membership Sunday 06/17/2026

Membership Sunday What does membership mean, at first and through the decades? We want to honor the act of committing to a community of faith. This episode, several UUCA members share stories, music, and reflections about their journey with UUCA. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/41676650

"Dear Patriot" 06/03/2026

"Dear Patriot" Join us as Rev. Fred explores a timely question: What does it mean to be a patriot? With the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding approaching, conversations about patriotism are everywhere but do we all mean the same thing when we use the word? Together, we'll reflect on patriotism, belonging, and the values that shape our civic and spiritual lives. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/41523225

Remembering Remembrance 05/27/2026

Remembering Remembrance In this Memorial Day Weekend service, Rev. Dayna Edwards invites us into wisdom through shared ritual and reflection. In this service we gather to reflect on memory, remembrance, and the stories that shape us. We honor those we have lost, especially those lost to war. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/41440310

Coming of Age Service 05/20/2026

Coming of Age Service Missed Sunday’s inspiring Coming of Age service? Our youth shared powerful personal credos—deep reflections on the beliefs, values, and experiences shaping their lives. Their honesty, wisdom, and courage moved our community deeply. Listen now to witness their journeys and celebrate the voices of the next generation. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/41367285

The Illusion of Certainty 05/12/2026

The Illusion of Certainty In this sermon, Rev. John explores the tension between what changes and what endures. Drawing on the theme of “the transients and the permanents,” this message invites us to reflect on how we find grounding, meaning, and even faith in a world shaped by uncertainty and unpredictability. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/41270990

The World on Fire: A Sermon on Hope 05/11/2026

The World on Fire: A Sermon on Hope Back by popular demand, Rev. John re-shares his powerful April sermon on transformation and hope. In a time when so much feels like it’s burning, this message reminds us that fire doesn’t just destroy—it refines, awakens, and calls us to courageous change within ourselves and the world we share. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/41247705

The Worst Thing We Ever Did 05/04/2026

The Worst Thing We Ever Did Cindy Atlee invites us to talk about a surprising root cause of many troubles in our world today through her message, The Worst Thing We Ever Did. Join Cindy Atlee to explore how an awakened brain and spiritual consciousness--along with the core UU values of interdependence and transformation--can shape an evolutionary way forward and change how we live together. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/41143665

Ordination of Ryan McCray Ely 05/02/2026

Ordination of Ryan McCray Ely In this special episode, Rev. Anthony Jenkins, Lead Minister of Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church and U.S. Navy Chaplain delivers the Homily for the ordination of Rev. Ryan McCray Ely Offered in the spirit of joy, calling, and community, this message reflects on the sacred journey to ministry, the relationships that sustain it, and the deep commitment to faith and service at its core. Whether you were present for this meaningful celebration or are joining us now, we invite you to listen, reflect, and be inspired by this moment of dedication and hope. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/41126255

The Man From Cachoeira 05/02/2026

The Man From Cachoeira On the occasion of his ordination, Ryan McCray Ely returns from Brazil to share a powerful story of transformation. Through the life of José Ramos do Nascimento, known as Traíra, Ryan invites us to reflect on our shared values of equity and growth. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/41126175

A Living Prayer 04/22/2026

A Living Prayer Guest minister Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd, Director of Communications and Public Ministry at the Unitarian Universalist Association delivers the sermon, A Living Prayer. The message invites us to reimagine prayer not as a task to complete, but as something woven into the fabric of our daily lives. What does it mean to “pray without ceasing” in these times? How might our shared congregational life become a living prayer, grounded in discernment, connection, and faithful movement toward the future? Join us as we explore how our lives, our community, and our faith can embody prayer in action. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/40975665

All the Colors 04/06/2026

All the Colors In this homily from our beloved Flower Communion service, Rev. John Crestwell reflects on the beauty and meaning of all the differences that make up our shared community. Rooted in a Unitarian Universalist tradition dating back to 1923, Flower Communion invites us to celebrate diversity, connection, and renewal. As each person brings a unique flower and leaves with another, we are reminded that none of us blooms alone. Through this message, Rev. John explores what it means to honor our differences, embrace our interconnectedness, and live into the promise of love and belonging—together. 🌸 /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/40746390

A Sharp Refusal 03/30/2026

A Sharp Refusal UUCA President Nicole Bruno shares a powerful message, A Sharp Refusal. Civil disobedience is rooted in the courage to say “no” to injustice. Through the stories of women in our Unitarian history who challenged slavery, exclusion, and violence, we’ll explore what love, courage, and conscience ask of us today. Tune in as we ground ourselves in faith, community, and the call to live our values boldly. ✨ /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/40671395

Poetry Pals led Service 03/23/2026

Poetry Pals led Service In this collaborative arts worship service, the UUCA Poetry Pals led us in an exploration of paying attention through poetry enriched by musical accompaniment and shared community experience. This episode showcases the service framework followed by five poems. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/40597255

The Power of Symbols 03/16/2026

The Power of Symbols Rev. John reflects on the power of symbols and the ways they shape our shared spiritual life. Centered around our Blessing of the Chalices service, this message explores how simple objects can carry deep meaning, connecting us to one another and to the values we hold dear. Together, we honor the chalice as a symbol of warmth, hope, and unity in the Unitarian Universalist tradition. As we bless the chalices that hold our shared light, we renew our commitment to community, compassion, and spiritual reflection. Join us for a thoughtful reflection on how symbols help tell our story, strengthen our faith, and illuminate the path we walk together. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/40499315

Blackness, the Original Other #BlackLivesMatter 03/09/2026

Blackness, the Original Other #BlackLivesMatter From the earliest days of this nation, Blackness has been cast as “other”—marginalized, feared, exploited, & resisted. Yet, within that imposed otherness lives resilience, brilliance, faith, and an unbreakable insistence on dignity. This Sunday, we explore what it means to name Blackness as the “Original Other” and why proclaiming Black Lives Matter is not a political slogan, but a moral and spiritual declaration. Together, we’ll reflect on history, confront hard truths, and consider how our faith calls us to move beyond awareness into action. Join us as we deepen our commitment to justice, beloved community, and the sacred worth of every life. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/40373785

I Live to Give! 03/02/2026

I Live to Give! What if giving isn’t about obligation—but about living in alignment with our deepest values? This Sunday, together with Rev. John, we’ll explore how giving becomes an expression of who we are and the loving, just world we’re helping to create. Come discover what it means to say: I live to give. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/40284195

The Disappearance of Childhood Wonder - HS Youth Led Service 02/23/2026

The Disappearance of Childhood Wonder - HS Youth Led Service HS Youth Led Service (with guidance from our Director of Lifespan Faith Formation) HS Youth Lily Kendall asks us to honor and hold onto our childhood wonder during a powerful and inspiring Youth-Led Service centered on the theme of Resilience. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/40205315

Anti-trinitarian to Woke 02/17/2026

Anti-trinitarian to Woke We honor our justice journey in Rev. John’s message, “Anti-Trinitarian to Woke.” From our roots as bold religious dissenters to today’s urgent calls for justice, Unitarian Universalism has never been afraid to question, to resist, and to reimagine what’s possible. Resistance isn’t new for us—it’s part of our spiritual DNA. Join us as we explore how our faith has always stood on the side of love, truth, and liberation—and how we’re called to keep showing up. Because justice isn’t a trend. It’s our living tradition. /episode/index/show/uucamd/id/40143825

UU Church of Annapolis Podcast

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