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."

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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.

Monday, November 30, 2015

"Responsible Gratitude" November 29, 2015

Crystal Zerfoss, Seminarian

How do we practice responsible gratitude, honoring the gift of our shared experience, acknowledging that all we have is an extension of what others have done for and given us, gratefully naming our place in the interdependent web of all existence.

Listen here.