The SUUF Podcast

Sing Out Praises For The Journey

November 14, 2021

Rev. Lena Breen

As we attempt to make sense out of the present adventure of living we might consider becoming pilgrims walking paths gratefully, gracefully, and with courage. What distance are you willing to walk? What do you have to let go of and surrender on your journey? Having walked the Camino de Santiago for 33 days precisely ten years ago, Rev. Lena Breen will share her personal quest with you and invite you to set out on a spiritual path of your own.

The Practice of Authentic Allyship

October 24, 2021

Rev. Terry Kyllo

When human rights are at risk, people need to stand together. But how do we stand with each other in a way that truly puts people who are vulnerable first? How do we make the vulnerable the “center of the universe” in a way that strengthens all our human rights?

The Arc of the Moral Universe

October 17, 2021

Rev. Dr. Barry Andrews

The quote from Theodore Parker, prominent abolitionist and Transcendentalist Unitarian minister, is "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." This quote was a favorite of Martin Luther King and Barack Obama. Obama had it woven into the rug in the oval office. This sermon addresses two questions: Who was Theodore Parker? and Is it true what he said?

Going Beyond God to Our Earth’s Light: a Deaf Person’s Journey

October 10, 2021

Charles Katz

Charles Katz has had a rare privileged access to language, education, and Judaism. He is deaf. He also has spent 38 years struggling to create a meta-story full of metaphors on the deaf experience (history). Charles will describe how he outgrew Judaism from experiences and stories: Nakai at the Medicine Wheel, the sweat lodges, and reading Dawkins’ work, among others, arguing that we outgrow or go beyond God to expand one’s spirituality. His final thoughts will include his inner resolve to reach balance and light from living within Gaia’s light on the planet.

Underground Ministries: What’s New. What’s Local. What Works

September 26 – 10:30 a.m.

Alvin Shim and Friends

Chris Hoke introduced us to this amazing organization a year ago; we joined their outreach network (One Parish One Prisoner) earlier this year. Today, we are honored to hear from men who have participated in a newer program, “Resurrection Fellowship”. Alvin Shim, OPOP coordinator, will briefly introduce the concept, then turn the screen over to our main speakers, who will tell us how they have found a footing after prison life to become mentors to others.

Second Best Time

September 19

Joseph Bednarik

The proverb goes like this: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.” This sermon explores our ever-present second best time, and the lives we choose to live there.

Global Warming and the Arctic

September 5, 2021

Professor Mike Steele, PhD

Mike Steele is Senior Principal Oceanographer at the University of Washington, specializing in the large scale circulation of sea ice and water in the Arctic Ocean. He will talk to us in terms we can understand about the oceans and the effects of climate change in our world.

My spiritual journey into newspaper publishing

August 29, 2021

Ken Stern

Ken Stern has been publishing the La Conner Weekly News for four years now, but his spiritual journey into newspaper ownership has been lifelong. It is not only a job and an adventure: running a weekly newspaper offers Ken the opportunity to grow into himself, work at realizing more than one UU principle and to live a life of integrity and service. And, he really enjoys the miracle and gift of friendship that brought him here.

Love at the Border

August 22, 2021

Mary Ellen Robinson, Linda Riggers

When the call for help came, several Catholic Sisters responded. Among them were Sisters Linda Riggers and Mary Ellen Robinson, retired educators and members of the order, Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. They spent 3-plus weeks volunteering in a Texas mass shelter for unaccompanied minors and at a welcome center for vulnerable families, all asylum seekers who undertook a harrowing journey and stepped across the border to seek safety and escape desperate poverty.

Children of the Valley

August 15, 2021

Flora Lucatero

Flora Lucatero, Executive Director of Children of the Valley, is joining us today to share the story of this very important program. Their three cornerstones of care: academic assistance, enrichment activities, and social-emotional learning, allow underserved youth to flourish. After starting small, it has grown over the last two years to accommodate 100 children at two sites in the Skagit Valley. Come and hear how COV provides a place of nurturing for those who deserve it the most.