The SUUF Podcast

April 7, 2024

Rev. Bruce A. Bode

This is a follow-up sermon to one from a little over a year ago on March 19, 2023, a sermon that explored the current attempt in Unitarian Universalist circles to give verbal expression to their approach to religion – its purposes, principles, sources, and values. This follow-up sermon will attempt to both present and provide perspective on the final report of the Unitarian Universalist’s Article II Study Commission that will be voted on at this summer’s Unitarian Universalist General Assembly.

March 31, 2024

Rev. Sarah Schurr

At this time of spring and renewal, Rev. Sarah Schurr looks at the idea of hope. Some say hope is a platitude that keeps us happy with the status quo. Others say hope is essential, not only for our wellbeing but to inspire our work to build a better world. Sarah is part of the field staff of the Pacific Western Region of the UUA and is their specialist in small congregations.

March 24, 2024

Terry Kyllo

The Rev. Terry Kyllo is the executive director of Paths to Understanding: Bridging Bias and Building Unity. Terry works to counter Islamophobia, Antisemitism, white Christian supremacy, and other forms of dehumanization. He believes we can recognize and honor one another’s humanity. He is a Washington native and the author of three books. Terry’s leadership has been recognized by Faith Action Network, The Muslim Association of Puget Sound and Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

March 17, 2024

Jay Bowen

Jay is a poet, steel sculptor, glass blower, fine-gold jeweler, and fine-art oil painter. Jay was born and raised in the Skagit Valley in a traditional Upper Skagit family. He attended Western Washington University, the Institute of American Indian Arts, and Rhode Island School of design. For those of you who have strolled along the Riverwalk, you have seen the steel sculpture he created of a totem pole that graces the river. Jay refers to himself as an artist in the expressionist tradition.

March 10, 2024

Rev. Vincent Lachina

With 18 years of frequent visits to Skagit Unitarian Universalist Fellowship behind me, there are many lessons both large and small that I have learned over the years. March 10th will be my final speaking engagement at SUUF and will serve as a perfect time to share what the fellowship and people have taught a non-Unitarian. This will be a time of both good-bye and thank you. My hope is that in the 18 years perhaps the wonderful people at SUUF might even have learned something from me as well. We will see at the service.

March 3, 2024

Rev. Barbara Gilday

Have you ever felt a little stuck in a rut? By age, stage, job, family, or in other ways, we sometimes get into the same old, same old that robs us and everyone connected with us from being the loving, creative, delightful, talented people that we really are. A month on Bowen Island, NW of Vancouver BC, dog sitting, fostered a restart for me. I’ll share some of my adventures, surprises and reflections. Come prepared to create your own renewal!

February 25, 2024

Jose Ortiz

The CCS Farmworker Center provides a welcoming place for Skagit Valley Indigenous/Latinx families to connect with educational and community resources and receive support to become effective advocates for their community’s needs. The Farmworker Center also provides a venue for cultural expression, enabling the entire community to benefit through the creation and exhibition of artistic works and celebrations. Farmworker Center staff speak English, Spanish and Mixteco. This is a 4th Sunday Social Justice service.

February 18, 2024

Kay Knott

History, historical trauma, and healing of the Skagit People.

February 4, 2024

Aisha Hauser

Aisha K. Hauser, MSW, has been a religious educator since 2003. She has served three congregations and was the director of Children and Family Programs at the Unitarian Universalist Association. Currently the Director of Lifelong Learning at East Shore Unitarian Church in Bellevue, Washington, Aisha received the 2018 Angus H. MacLean Award for Excellence in Religious Education. She is a co-creator with Christina Rivera and Kenny Wiley of Teach-In materials to support UU congregations in understanding and fighting against white supremacy. Aisha is a contributor to the groundbreaking 2017 book, Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity and Power in Ministry and co-wrote, with Gail Forsyth-Vail, the accompanying study guide.

January 28, 2024

Heather Vickery

As many of you know, our trans and gender expansive beloveds are under attack and being criminalized in many U.S. states right now. This is so serious that they fit the criteria to be designated as internally displaced people (IDPs) by the United Nations. This isn’t the first time fascism has reared its ugly head, and we at UUs know how to respond. UUSC has been dedicated to aiding people being targeted by fascism since our founding in 1940. Our faith calls us to make holy trouble for the powers that would deny anyone’s full humanity and divinity. Join us, holy troublemakers, now is the time!