Monday, December 12, 2016

"Season of Renewal: Service and the Sixth Source: Earth-centered Love: Loving Everyone at the Table" Dec. 11, 2016

Rev. Alex Holt

The third Sunday of Advent in the Christian tradition speaks to many symbols. One of them is Service. The Sixth Source reminds us to live in harmony. How do we care for others and for the entire planet?

Listen here.

Monday, December 5, 2016

Praise Service: Hope in a Time of Darkness December 4, 2016

Rev. Alex Holt

The second theme of Advent in the Christian tradition is Hope. As we broadly explore the season of renewal how does hope become a powerful reminder of our future? 

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Tuesday, November 29, 2016

"The Season of Renewal: Faith and Gratitude at Thanksgiving" November 27, 2016

Rev Alex Holt


This is the first of four Sunday services using the Advent themes of Faith, Hope, Service, and Love. How do faith and gratitude walk together in our contemporary UU religious tradition?

Listen here.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

The Fifth Source: Can Wisdom Be an Idolatry of the Mind? Nov. 20, 2016

Rev. Alex Holt

The Fifth Source is hugely admired in our largely humanist movement. Does religious humanism become so orthodox that it presents us with an idolatry of mind rather than mind and heart?

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Monday, November 14, 2016

"A Stone of Hope" November 13, 2016

Rev. Alex Holt

Today the sun rose in red states and blue states alike. Today many are in despair and disbelief in those states. How do we own our feelings? How do we as religious liberals respond to our fellow citizens not as the enemy but as seekers of happiness? 

Listen here.

"Beyond Categorical Thinking" November 6, 2016

Jo Victoria, Representative Unitarian Universalist Association

As our Congregation embarks on a journey to call its next minister, Jo Victoria will challenge us to promote inclusive thinking and avoid unfair discrimination during our search process. We will be encouraged to put our Unitarian Universalist values into action as we find the minister who is the best fit for us. This service continues themes explored during a workshop on "Beyond Categorical Thinking" held the previous day.

Listen here.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

"Buddhist Perspectives on Death" October 30, 2016

Rev. Alex Holt

What are the Buddhist perspectives on death and the self? Rev. Alex will address this question and offer stories from his own experience as someone whose life is deeply aligned with Buddhist teachings. In addition, this service will offer an "In Memoriam Tribute" to the loved ones of members and friends who passed-on during the year.

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Monday, October 24, 2016

"The Politics of God" October 23, 2016

Rev. David Bloom

Does God care who wins elections? If so, what would be the criteria for God's judgment? Or, can we even conjecture that there is a God that is conscious of human behavior and therefore interested in affecting it...or even able to? A favorite speaker at Westside, Rev. Bloom is an American Baptist minister with more than thirty years of ecumenical leadership experience in Seattle on social justice.

Listen here.

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

"The Third Source: Is Wisdom More Important than Knowledge?" October 16, 2016

Rev. Alex Holt

This Source reminds us that wisdom is a powerful component of our spiritual development. How can the Third Source help that process?

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Tuesday, October 18, 2016

"Higly Holy" October 9, 2016

Rev. Anya Drew Johnston

The notion of atonement is inherently religious, but not at all exclusive to Jewish or Christian practices. Are we to forgive? To make reparations? To become whole? Today I will ask Unitarians and Universalists to consider an approach to atonement that is both rational and heartfelt and, perhaps, the entire reason for religion of any kind.

Listen here.

The Second Source: Can the Power of Prophecy Challenge Us? October 2, 2016

Rev. Alex Holt

What does it mean to be prophetic in this 21st century world? Is it warning us or preparing us for the unknown future? Today we will explore the meaning of the Second Source: "Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love"

Listen Here.Listen here.

Monday, September 26, 2016

"Transcending Mystery and Wonder in an IT World" Sept 25, 2016

Rev. Alex Holt

Today we will consider the First Source of our Living Tradition. How can the rise of the IT (Information Technology) Age still bring mystery and wonder beyond the technology and cat videos?

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Thursday, September 22, 2016

Praise Service: Reverence, Reflection, Reclaiming our Humanity

Cecelia Hayes and Jason Douros

It has been 15 years since the 9/11 attacks. This month's Praise Service will provide an opportunity to "hold" our thoughts and feelings about that day in a sacred space and consider how our collective experience has evolved as a result. Reverence, Joyful singing, soulful reflection, and a message of hope.

Listen here.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

"Transgender Justice" September 4, 2016

Simon Knaphus

This service will explore transgender justice through a Unitarian Universalist lens. Westside member Simon Knaphus will talk about how growing up Unitarian Universalist made an impact on his journey as a trans* person, and how the Seven Principles call for us to know ourselves and step together into a future abundant with justice.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

"The Sources of Our Faith" August 28, 2016

Rev. Alex Holt

UU's know the Seven Principles quite well but what about the Six Sources? This service will be the first of several to explore the meaning and power of the Six Sources that refresh and nurture the Principles in every generation.

Listen here.

Monday, August 22, 2016

"Stump the Minister" August 21, 2016

Rev. Alex Holt

This was a service where anyone from Westside was welcome to submit a question to Alex for the service. He did not see or hear them until the service leader read them nor did he know who is asking the question. 

Listen here.

Monday, August 15, 2016

"Are We Believers?" August 14, 2016

Rev. Alex Holt

So called 'pop culture' speaks to the power of change and possibility. So does transitional ministry. Alex will speak on the importance of belief and how the song "Believer" by American Authors can empower our hearts as well as minds.

Listen here.

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

"We Have Work To Do" August 7, 2016

Crystal Zerfoss, Seminarian

We manifest love in the world whenever we build community and foster relationships, whenever we live into understanding and peace, whenever we work together for justice and equality. The arc of the moral Universe bends toward justice, yet it takes the effort of each one of us to shorten the trajectory. My dear friends, we have work to do!

Listen here.

Monday, August 1, 2016

The Plight of Black Youth July 31, 2016

Dominique Davis

Dominique Davis, is Co Director of the 180 Program--a gang and criminal justice prevention program in the greater Seattle area. Dominique dedicates his life to helping youth "turn around their lives" hopefully avoiding the criminal justice system and its lasting negative consequences. Dominique will offer his own compelling story, share with us the reality of the plight of at risk youth in Seattle and King County--especially young Black men, and challenge us to action as a Congregation that has endorsed the Black Lives Matter movement...

Listen here.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

"Habitable Alien Worlds" July 24, 2016

Rev. Amanda Aikman

Why are habitable exoplanets bad news for humanity? What would it mean to discover that we are not alone in the universe?

Listen here.

Monday, July 11, 2016

"Dance On a Brink" July 10, 2016

Rev Amanda Aikman

"You are closer to glory leaping an abyss/than upholstering a rut," said poet James Broughton. What are the perils and rewards of risk-taking, and what can spur us to taking more risks in our precious lives?

Listen here.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

"Compassionate Presence" July 3, 2016

Rev. Barbara Cornell

People with a lived experience of mental illness and addiction, along with their families and friends, often struggle with bias, ignorance, misunderstanding, exclusion and a lack of support and funding for even the most basic of services. As one in five or six people struggle with mental illness or addiction issues, this situation impacts nearly every family in our communities. Rev. Barbara will reflect on her ministry with those who struggle and how our congregations could consider an alternative response to the mentally ill and the addicted with compassionate presence at the foundation.

Listen here.

Monday, June 27, 2016

"Gifts You Have Given Me and How They Have Changed My Life" June 26, 2016

Dr. Betsy Lowry, Director of Religious Exploration for Children and Youth

When we open ourselves, when we dive in and find ourselves able to love fully, we can't help but to be transformed. As I've been preparing to leave this role as your Director of Religious Exploration (DRE), my reflections have brought up a fountain of gifts that have come from this experience, including some gifts of the spirit that don't always appear right away as gifts. I look forward to sharing three gems from the Westside Unitarian Universalist community that have transformed me while serving as your DRE.

Listen here.

Monday, June 13, 2016

"Creating Hope: The Most Important Decision We Can Make" June 12, 2016

Micahel Lisagor

Looking at the world today, it's easy to feel despair. But, we're not powerless. Hope, based on an inner resolve, is a flame we can nurture. Michael Lisagor, a 45+ year practitioner of Nichiren Buddhism explores what Buddhism has to say about hope, the ten conditions of human life, and how to find the inner determination necessary to transform difficult circumstances.

Listen here.

Monday, June 6, 2016

"My Call to Ministry" May 29, 2016

Charles Wilson and Matt Aspin, Seminarians

Two of Westside's seminarians will share their stories of being called to the Unitarian Universalist Ministry. What led to their respective "calls"? What has been their discernment processes? How has this path altered their lives?

Listen here.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

"Praise Service: Breathe" May 15, 2016

Jason Douros

Several Westside members who have a desire to create a Unitarian Universalist worship service that reflects the traditions they grew up with have created an exciting Praise Service. The Westside Chorale and Celebration Singers will join forces with the Total Experience Gospel Choir to present a unique and beautiful worship experience unlike any other. Sermon message will be delivered by Jason Douros.

Listen here.

Thursday, May 12, 2016

"Mother's Day - A Forgotten Story"

Rev. Linda Kaufman

Many of you may be unaware of the Unitarian connection to our national holiday, Mother's Day. We'll explore the ancient, the 19th century, and modern history of this day as well as its sacred meaning for our own lives. 

Listen here.

Monday, May 9, 2016

"Ch-Ch-Changes" May 1, 2016

Westside Youth

Change is inevitable. Sometimes it's scary, sometimes it's unwanted, sometimes it's a breath of fresh air. Sometimes it happens gradually and sometimes it happens suddenly. We view change as an opportunity to expand our minds with new ideas, a chance to reflect on what is most important to us, and motivation to grow into our best selves.

Listen here.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

"Obedience to Oppression = Climate Injustice - How we can Serve Humanity with Our Conscience" April 24, 2016

Zarna Joshi

The climate crisis is a spiritual crisis. This sermon will go deep into the roots of climate injustice and how we can evolve our spirituality as a community to serve both Humanity and Nature. We are bound together by love so let us utilize our love to break the bonds of oppression around the world.

Listen here.

Monday, April 4, 2016

"Hell No I Won't Go" April 3, 2016

Lisa Reitzes

Passover is a ritual commemoration that is fundamentally about the Spring Equinox, about renewal and liberation from what binds us and holds us back from experiencing freedom and transcendence.  It is an inspiring story of collective faith that predates the written record of the Hebrews, and which has shaped the path of the oppressed and justice-seekers for centuries. The power of Passover is in its invitation to contemplate where each us finds the courage to seek transformation - out there or right here.

Listen here.

Monday, March 14, 2016

"How Sweet It Is To Be In Love With Me" March 13, 2016

Crystal Zerfoss, Seminarian and others

There lives in each of us a beautiful, loving light. How do we foster this glorious inner brightness? How do we let this light shine? Why is it important to do so? Share in the journey of deepening your own sense of self-love through the stories and experiences of our own Westside children, youth, adults, and elders. Join in this multi-generational service dedicated to the beautiful light within.

Listen here.

Monday, March 7, 2016

"With Hearts and Hands and Voices" March 6, 2016

Rev. Jason Shelton
March 6, 10:30 a.m.: "With Hearts and Hands and Voices"   Rev. Jason Shelton
This Sunday we will have an opportunity to hear from one of Unitarian Universalist's best known and most prolific composers, Rev. Jason Shelton. Rev. Shelton will speak about value and purpose of the language of reverence and spirituality in Unitarian Universalist worship music and how it enhances and enlivens our worship experience and our lives. Rev. Shelton is in Seattle serving as the clinician for the Puget Sound Unitarian Universalist Music Festival.


Unitarian Universalist composer Rev. Jason Shelton is one of our faith's most prolific composers and he is best known to our congregation for his hymns "Standing on the Side of Love", "The Fire of Commitment", and "Morning Has Come" among others. Our teal hymnal has many of his arrangements as well and our vocal ensembles have sung his choral arrangements with some frequency. Rev. Shelton, who is from Nashville, is in the area to serve as the clinician for the Puget Sound Unitarian Universalist Music Festival and will be leading a worship service on Sunday afternoon along with the 160 voice Festival Choir, and our pianist and drummer John Hansen and Larry Jones, 4:00pm at the Kirkland Performance Center.  A freewill offering will be taken.


Monday, February 29, 2016

"Generosity, Service, and Gratitude: A Recipe for Happiness" February 28, 2016

Chaplain Mark Newton

The gift of service to others is an expression of generosity deserving of affirmation and gratitude by its beneficiaries. This morning we will explore the relationships between generosity, service, and gratitude with particular attention on those who serve our Congregation--a cause greater than themselves. Contributions to the service will be offered by Westside's President, Viveca Monahan, and member Joan Whitley.

Listen here.

Monday, February 22, 2016

"Salvation? For Unitarian Universalists?" February 21, 2016

Rev. Linda Kaufman

Sometimes in our Unitarian Universalist arrogance we dismiss the words of our Christian heritage without ever exploring what they mean literally and figuratively, what they might mean for our modern UU lives. Words like "salvation, atonement, redemption, sin." We will explore the idea of salvation, which for Unitarian Universalism could be understood as finding both one's calling and one's community.

Listen here.

Monday, February 15, 2016

"When Love is Unrealistic" February 14, 2016

Rev. Peter Luton

When my love life was in shambles, I asked the therapist "What's wrong with me?" She said, "Nothing you can't change."

Listen here.

Monday, February 8, 2016

"Thus Do We Covenant With One Another" February 7, 2016

Matt Aspin

Each week, we gather together in community and recite an affirmation. This week's sermon offers an opportunity to reflect more deeply on the powerful ideas contained in these brief lines, and recommit to bringing them to life.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

"Balcony of Belonging: Claiming, Being Claimed, Moving Forward" January 24, 2016

Rev. Tandi Rogers

Rev. Tandi Rogers will offer her balcony view of Unitarian Universalism in today's world, using both recent data and stories from the field.  How does Westside fit into the broader story and context of the UU movement regarding the breadth and depth of congregational growth?  What do we need to know to understand our place in the larger UU whole, and to be hopeful about the next chapters in our congregational life.

Listen here.

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

"The Total Proper Use of Love" January 10, 2016

Rev. Ann Holmes Redding

Love, as we commonly use the term, can seem to be flimsy at best or vacant, certainly not a dynamic living power that can actually cast out the kind of fear that drives the violence in the world. What I have been pondering is the path of complete love and of the total proper use of love in this day and time.

Listen here.