The SUUF Podcast

Remember the Past But Anticipate the Future

January 15, 2023

Rev. Vincent Lachina

Each of us engages in reflecting or remembering the past at some time every day of our lives. It could be the tune or words of a song or a sudden memory of someone we knew way back when. Sometimes memories are sweet and easy, and sometimes they cause heartache or pain. We want to cling to the good but have a hard time letting go of the past. Let's explore ways to remember that past and get excited about what lies ahead.

Signs

January 8, 2023

Rev. Joanna Gabriel

We’re beginning a new year and there is a lot going on, both anticipated and dreaded for 2023. How can we let the signs of the times and the moment, empower us rather than cause fear, doubt and limited experience? Rev. Joanna Gabriel will explore possibilities for having a meaningful 2023!

Once Only

January 1, 2023

Rev. Bruce Bode

This service will, Janus-like, look both ways. Following a sermon message engaging Denise Levertov’s poem “Once Only” as its text, it will include a “Composting Communion,” then, in community, both in-person and on-line, greet the New Year!

The Greatest Gift

December 18, 2022

Rev. Barbara Gilday

It’s the busy season of gifting: shopping in person, online; waiting for packages to arrive; wrapping, shipping, and cooking. Oh my! No wonder people feel stressed in the season which supposedly represents faith, hope, joy and love. Perhaps the most significant metaphor of the birth of Jesus, was that he was the greatest gift - the gift from a “father” - the gift that he passed on by living his life in the way that he did. And we? Are we not the greatest gift to those we love? How can you be a gift to others, this Christmas? This year? 

Opportunities Everywhere

December 4, 2022

Lynnea Jardine

Seeing with the eyes of Appreciation and Resilience. “When it seems your back is against the wall, turn around and open the window. Opportunities abound all around us. We must be willing to see them. Open your heart to recognize opportunities everywhere;” and when in doubt, cultivate appreciation and choose resilience.

Welcome Home Skagit

November 27, 2022

Curtis Steinhauer

Organized and run by folks who have lived or are living without a home, Welcome Home Skagit provides the essentials of survival to the homeless, as well as a sense of direction and a sense of belonging. Curtis Steinhauer, who heads their Board of Directors, returns to us with news of their amazing progress and expansion in spite of the headwinds of the pandemic.

Why Is There Something, Not Nothing?

November 20, 2022

Rev. Bruce A. Bode

In his song “Holy Now,” Peter Mayer, reflecting his Catholic upbringing, writes: “Wine from water is not so small/ But an even better magic trick/ Is that anything is here at all.” The question of “Why is there anything at all?” is the first and most basic philosophical question one can ask. It’s a question that has been of endless interest to me – my “life-koan,” if you will – and one I will be addressing on this Sunday prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.

TRAIL CLOSED: Now What?

November 13, 2022

Speaker: Joseph Bednarik

You've traveled halfway around the world to visit a remote stretch of the Australian coast that you've dreamed about visiting since you were a teenager. When you arrive at the trailhead, you discover a chain strung across the entrance, and a weathered sign that reads in all-caps "TRAIL CLOSED." Nobody is within 100 miles. Now what? 

Other Perspectives: Part 2

October 30, 2022

Rev. Barbara Gilday

Remember that fable about the blind men, each of whom touches one part of the elephant? Each thinks he knows the truth, but the truth is larger than what each one of them feels. I’m moved by the experience of refugees in our towns, transgendered and gay people, people of different mental abilities, and people of color. How can they help us to see more clearly, live more humbly, 

Life Outside the Box

October 16, 2022

Rev. Vincent Lachina

Humankind seems to be most comfortable living within the borders we build for ourselves. Interestingly enough, churches do the same thing. Perhaps the most common phrase among congregants is, “But we’ve always done it this way.” It is often a difficult task to expand our limits and explore the world outside our personal and church “box”.Today’s reality is that if we do not open our minds to new challenges and possibilities, our “box” will remain small or shrink. Let’s talk about life outside the box.