Unitarian Universalism Unleashed (NEW)
Unitarian Universalism is an idea worth sharing. Most UUs agree on this point. But then what? For years we were challenged to develop our own elevator speeches. Some succeeded in doing so, many didn't get around to it... The world still waits for the concept of Unitarian Universalism, the ideas at the heart of our congregaitons to take hold. Drawing on wisdom from the books "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell and "Unleashing the Idea Virus" by Seth Godin, this service shares a way to communicate what our faith is about that is modern (updated for 21st century), can be remembered, repeated and shared with ease.
Unwrap Your Congregation (NEW)
If yours is like many, your congregation needs more leaders, volunteers, and helping hands. Where are they? The people you long for are out there looking for someplace to belong, a community that enables them to do what they love and use their gifts to make the world a better place. What would it look like if every member and friend of your congregation discovered a way to share their passions, talents and other gifts with your larger community? This service explores the ministry potential of gift based ministries.
The Separation of Church and Tech (NEW)
Youtube, Face Book, Twitter, Blogs -- social media is changing the way we do everything. What about in our UU congregations? Most of us realize we need to embrace some of this new technology while not wanting to digitize the baby with the bathwater. What's a UU to do? In this service we explore the changing face of faith communities and technology, highlight the pro's, the con's and discuss what's right for your congregation (during program following the service).
Quantum Physics & The Spirituality of Interconnection
Our UU principles highlight our interconnection and the web of all existence. A growing body of research in the areas of Quantum Physics and consciousness suggest that we may be more connected then we realize. This service explores the spiritual implications of our most advanced and mystical of sciences.
The
UU Butterfly Effect
They
say a butterfly flapping its wings in America can cause
a storm in China. Little changes have a ripple effect.
Chaos theory explores this phenomena.If
a butterfly can have an impact in China, what can a
single UU do in our chaotic world? This sermon looks
at things we can do to harness our individual and collective
power to change the world around us.
Becoming
a Contagious UU
The
best way to grow our faith isn't by trying to broadcast
our faith to others, its by living a life that makes
others take notice. No one ever longs to be of a particular
religion, they long to be like a person they respect
and admire. This sermon identifies the characteristics
of truly contagious (inspiring) UU's.
Confessing
your Faith
Many
UU's feel awkward talking about church. Some don't know
how to talk about our values. Other's don't want to
feel pushy. This sermon explores the reasons why we
don't talk more about being Unitarian Universalists
and how to let the world (or at least your family, friends
and colleagues) know you have UU values that matter.
Small
Group Ministry
and Covenant Groups
Small
Group Ministry is a way of using an intentional small
groups to accomplish the work of our faith. This ministry
helps develop connection, explore meaning and engage
with the larger world. Whether you are exploring the
concept of small group ministry (a.k.a. covenant groups)
for the first time or have been working with it for
some time, an SGM service can do wonders to stimulate
interest in this ministry.
The Spritual Discipline of Hospitality
Almost
every congregation we've worked with has needed help
with its welcoming. To prepare communities for transitioning
to using new name tags, taking more responsibility for
greeting, other important tasks I've designed a service
JUST for congregations interested in building welcoming and integrating guests and newcomers.
Hold
on to your hats! We now have intelligent toys and video
games, robots that can dance. Robo pets that simulate
interest in humans. Our technologies are getting more
human all the time. Perhaps one day we will build a
robot that can do all the things we expect our ministers
to do! Lord knows no one human can! This sermon honors
shared and professional ministry and reminds us to keep
in mind that we are all human. This sermon is ideal
for communities in interim years.
Making the Invisible Visible
We are surrounded by information and opportunities. Yet often, we miss a key piece of information, don't connect with the right person, or simply miss the boat. Often we keep crucial information about ourselves, our dreams, and yes, our faith, hidden from the world. What would happen if each of us became a master at making the invisible visible?