The SUUF Podcast

Yes and How

January 10, 2021

Joseph Bednarik

You would be hard-pressed to find shorter words in the English language than yes, and, how. Yet these teensy-weensy words are chock-full of power and wisdom, and when used as an operating system, they create the alchemy of improvisational theater. This sermon—at the start of a new year--explores the practical wisdoms of yes and how and in what way they can nourish and inspire a richly rewarding religious practice and a vibrant civic life.

Getting Through Hard Times

January 3, 2021

Betty Kellow

Betty, a psychotherapist, brings to us a spiritual perspective and some mythological views of Michael Meade on these hard times. And she comes with a bundle of tools to help us get through them! You'll learn about emotional exhaustion and Covid, and leave with easy strategies to buoy you up in moving forward in the new year.

What Child Is This?

December 20, 2020

Rev. Bruce Bode

The Christmas season is the season of the heart – the season of the heart’s deepest longings and highest hopes. These longings and hopes are expressed in the two main symbols of the Christmas season, the Holy Child of Bethlehem and Santa Claus. My sermon on this Sunday prior to Christmas Eve will explore the nature of these two symbols, at whom the two symbols are aimed, and how they relate to each other.

Social Work & Policing

December 13, 2020

Erin VonFempe

Erin is a social worker for the Mount Vernon Police Department.

For three years she has been doing what the protesters in Seattle were calling for. She’ll explain what she does on her job and the problems associated with not having enough resources to back her up.

Every Row a Path

December 6, 2020

Cilviana Hernandez

This is the introduction to a 2016 documentary filmed in our own backyard. For two weeks we have the good fortune to take a look at the film and meet one of the young ladies who participated in its production. On the first Sunday, we'll watch the documentary Every Row A Path, where we go inside the lives of local high school girls as they navigate their difficult lives as students and migrant farmworkers. The next Sunday, Cilviana Hernandez will join us to share how the making of the documentary impacted her life and that of her family.

Reflections on Gratitude

November 22, 2020

Jonathan Prescott

Jonathan comes back with a message about gratitude. As it turns out, it is actually a trait that brings about a healthier body and mind. Scientists have discovered that feelings of gratitude can actually change your brain. There are even studies showing that people who count their blessings tend to be far happier and experience less depression and anxiety. By the time the service is over, we think you'll be in better shape than when you arrived! What's not to like about that?

US v. US

November 8, 2020

Joseph Bednarik

The 2020 election in over. With UU principle number five pressed close to our hearts — “The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large” — we are called to ask: What now?

The Role of Protest Songs in Historical Activism

October 25, 2020

Kathy Roche-Zuiko

Kathy will discuss and give us examples of musical compositions, along with their composers and interpreters, that have proven to be compelling motivators of social activism.

What Is Soul?

October 18, 2020

Rev. Bruce Bode

“Spirit” and “soul” are often used interchangeably. This sermon, the second in a two-part series, will distinguish and contrast the meanings and values of these two words.

What is Spirit?

October 11, 2020

Rev. Bruce Bode

The theme for Sunday's sermon is a complicated one. With so many ideas and ways of looking at a single word "Spirit" you almost need a roadmap. The sermon outline printed here today is helpful in following the many twists and turns this word evokes. If possible, print off a copy and bring it with you to church!. See you Sunday. Service will be held at 10:30 a.m.