The SUUF Podcast

Specialize in the Impossible

May 5, 2024

Joseph Bednarik

In this bright dark world of beauty and tumult, poet Theodore Roethke said, “What we need is more people who specialize in the impossible.” Why would anyone bother with the impossible? This sermon explores the realm of impossible, and what powers we need to harness to become that specialist our world so desperately needs.

Releasing the Gender Genie from the Bottle and Other Fairy Tales

April 28, 2024

Linden Jordan, MA JD

Linden, facilitator of the PFLAG Skagit Support Group, will lead this Sunday’s Service. Linden will share his experiences of the many presentations of gender. It isn’t as simple as you’ve been led to believe. He will encourage us all to let kindness be our guide. His mantra is: there are many ways to love and many ways to be. Let it be so.

The Healing Power of Love

April 21, 2024

Karen Molenaar Terrell

Karen will be sharing readings on the topic of love, and sharing experiences of healing that have come through her understanding of the presence and power of Love.

Poetry and Humor in Islamic Spirituality

April 14, 2024

Jamal Rahman

Jamal will glean wisdom and practices from Sufi poets and fictional comic Mulla to illuminate universal teachings in the Quran. Jamal’s latest book is now available from SkyLight Paths Publishing: Sacred Laughter of the Sufis – Awakening the Soul with the Mulla’s Comic Teaching Stories and Other Islamic Wisdom.

In Quest of Living Religion, Part II

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.

Hope: Help or Hinderance?

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.

Paths to Understanding

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.

The Time of Awareness

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.

Lessons Learned

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.

A TimeOut: The Good the Bad and the Renewal

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!