The SUUF Podcast

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.

Close to the Bone

October 9, 2022  

Rev. Joanna Gabriel

Standing in a space where there is no buffer between you and life…can be scary…terrifying…and it is also the space where there is the most opportunity for connection to the power and immense love of the Universe.

If something is said to be ‘close to the bone’, it is defined as something that makes one feel uncomfortable because it is very close to the truth or to the real nature of something. Rev. Joanna Gabriel will explore the importance of this stance as our unsettled world swirls around us.

A New Thought minister for over 25 years, Joanna Gabriel has been serving Unity congregations throughout the Northwest region.

Practical Applications in a Distracted World

October 2, 2022

Rev. Lynnea Jardine

From birth to death and everything in between, life relentlessly serves up opportunities to consciously choose or go unconscious. Lynnea weaves spiritual and psychological principles into practical applications to integrate, in the midst of challenge and crisis, wellness and wholeness, joy and resilience. Lynnea developed her unique style through her complementary health care, cross-cultural, spiritual, and religious studies.

As an ordained minister with the Centers for Spiritual Living, Rev. Lynnea Jardine specializes in Pastoral Care and Spiritual Counseling. This includes teaching classes, leading ceremonies, and producing conferences. She has been a speaking guest in the greater Puget Sound, throughout the United States, in Sydney & Melbourne, Australia, and Canada, Crete and Bali.

The Justice Work of the UUA

September 25, 2022

Rev. Sarah Movius Schurr

Reverend Sarah Schurr will be talking to us about the justice work the UUA does every day. There is a lot that many people don’t know about, from our UU the Vote, to our work with disability justice, to our intentional personnel practices. As a member congregation of the UUA, we are a part of this good work.

Fourth Principle: A Practical Approach

September 18, 2022

Rev. Barbara Gilday

Further reflections on the 4th principle:
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.

Reflection on the Sixth Principle

September 4, 2022

Kathy Roche-Zujko

The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.

Reality kinda sucks right now. If you’re like me, you’re probably really frustrated at the fact that topics such as racism and the war in Ukraine, and global warming, and the 2020 election are still topics of discussion as if there really are two valid opposing views instead of the one obvious loving and logical viewpoint. Who could possibly be against liberty and justice for all? Am I right? You’ve probably also been paying close attention to news headlines and posting a Facebook rant every once-in-a-while. These times are exhausting, but it always helps to have a good soundtrack to get you through the stressful days.

Searching for Free and Responsible

September 11, 2022

Joseph Bednarick

As Unitarian Universalists, our Fourth Principle calls us to “a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” While this sounds noble and just, what does “free and responsible” look like when put into practice—especially within our current environment of partisan politics, so-called “culture wars,” media silos, and passionate calls for social justice. This Sunday we gather, in a place called “sanctuary,” to search together—freely and responsibly.