"Leaving a Spiritual Inheritance" January 11, 2015

Dr. Gloria Burgess

Gloria Burgess is an internationally known author, poetess, speaker and consultant. Jazz is a metaphor for her work. She inspires audiences by stressing the importance of leaving a spiritual inheritance of enduring value that will benefit present and future generations. That message will be the focus if this service. Jazz selections will be offered throughout.

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"In the Aftermath of Suicide" - Jan. 4th, 2015

Rev. Peg Morgan

Suicide is complex and is now, more often, honestly named as the cause of death. This allows us to talk about it, and about how loved ones are left with complicated grieving. Death is hard enough, without having to cope with the dynamics of suicide. So what sense can we make of it all, and how do we support each other?

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"Answering Yes, When Called" Dec. 14, 2014

Kevin Lawson, Intern Minister

No matter what our race, culture or ethnicity, each one of us has been called into being and are the sum total of all who came before. Dr. Ysaye Barnwell reminds us, "For each child that's born a morning star rises and sings to the Universe." During this season of advent in the Christian tradition, a Season of Renewal for us here at Westside, this period of waiting with active hope, I revisit the gospel story of Mary, with a feminist theological lens. Mary answered yes, when called upon to serve the spirit of life. When do we say yes to the spirit of life, of service?

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"Holding Out Our Light" Dec. 7th, 2014

Rev. Peg Morgan

Today's sermon was to focus on some touching conversations I had in Turkey in October, related to being a citizen of the United States at a time of increased bombing and resulting killing by the US, and the ISIS cruelty and killings. Now the sermon has evolved to have a primary focus on the events in Ferguson. This has been a hard and confusing time for me, in which I have been listening to many voices, including law enforcement in my family and people of color. This will not be an easy sermon to deliver, nor perhaps an easy one to hear. I hope you'll come anyway.

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"We Are What We Eat" - Nov. 23, 2014

Rev. Peg Morgan

Our congregation's social justice focus is "Food First," which is saying that having access to enough nutritious food is a right of every human being. As we approach Thanksgiving weekend, traditionally a time of gathering around tables of food, with friends and loved ones, it is a good time to ponder the politics of food. As food corporations press to make changes in our food, and scientists even are making "food" in their labs, the statement "We Are What We Eat" takes on new meaning. What are some of the most important issues for us in regards to our eating?

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"Prayer for Peace" Nov. 16, 2014

Kevin Lawson, Intern Minister

Within the Prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, we are called to resist the forces of negativity and lift up a spirit of goodwill and generosity. How might we continually learn from and live into the spirit of this well loved prayer that reaches across the years, and faith traditions to speak a Universal Truth. May we each live as an Instrument of Peace.

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"What I Didn't Realize about Life" - Nov. 2nd 2014

Rev. Peg Morgan

There are aspects of the way our life works that we take for granted, that we don't even notice. Only when we imagine things differently can we see the gifts we have been given. This sermon will draw upon the fantasies of neurobiologist David Eagleman. Today's service will include honoring loved ones who have died over the past year.

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