The Sunday Sermon Podcast from First Universalist Church of Minneapolis

August 13, 2023- Why Stop Now?- Rev. Ashley Harness

We often exclaim church to each other as a place, a sanctuary, a place away from other places. Isn’t it at least as much a moment we make special together? A present-day prophet, the black, science fiction writer Octavia Butler describes “God is change.” How would your relationship with holy things shift if you were looking not for things that have become divine, but instead were on a hunt for the becoming itself in progress? Would that change what goodness you discovered in you?
This Sunday, August 13, we explore the ways the divine expresses in units of time. Guided by the ancient Hebrew practice of sabbath-keeping, we reflect on the special moments of life that keep us in motion. And we ask ourselves and each other: What will stop to have time for what’s holy? What gets a no, so you can be present to what’s right in front of you?

August 6, 2023- Backing into the Big Questions- Rev. Jen Crow

The sermon from Sunday, August 6: Backing into the Big Questions by Rev. Jen Crow.

July 30, 2023 Sermon- ”Art& Soul” with Paolo Dubuque

Paolo Dubuque and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout will talk about re-imagining musical ensembles and using collaborative music to change the world. And we’ll embrace the calling of this new day–for communities of justice to know the power of their own voice, and to build up beauty in the world starting from within.

July 23, 2023- ”Art & Soul” Conversation with Ellis Delaney

The "sermon" or "message" part of the Sunday service on July 23, 2023. Includes the extended conversation.

July 16, 2023- ”Art & Soul” with Martha Bird and Davu Seru

Just the "message" or "sermon" section of the worship service from July 16, 2023-- Conversations with and musical offerings by artists Martha Bird and Davu Seru.

May 7, 2023- A Flame That Burns- Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt

Universalism calls us to become flame carriers in apocalyptic times. In community, with souls on fire, we reconstitute the world. Join us for worship with special guest and candidate for UUA President Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt on Sunday, May 7 as we begin our May worship theme, Carry the Flame.
The Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt is a minister, educator, scholar, vocalist, poet, fiber artist, and change-maker. Her work in the world and her practice of Unitarian Universalism are informed by the belief that building mutual, accountable relationships with one another allows us to live our values more fully every day. As the child of immigrants from Panamá and Chile, and grandchild of a seventh-generation Unitarian, she knows the strength that comes from building lasting community at the meeting point of difference. She has served as a religious educator, a parish minister, a seminary professor, interim co-president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, and countless volunteer roles within the Association, giving her a wide-ranging experience of our dynamic community. She is an unabashed Universalist. The teachings of unearned grace, an all-embracing love, relational accountability, and dignity that surpasses all violent forms of oppression lie at the core of her understanding of life, living, and service in faithful community. She currently lives in the Washington, D.C., area.
In November 2022, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Presidential Search Committee nominated the Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt to be the next President of the UUA. The Election for UUA President will take place at General Assembly this June.