An audio archive of sermons presented at the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship http://boiseuu.org/audio/ en-us Copyright 2009 Wed, 1 Sep 2010 12:00:00 MDT Wed, 1 Sep 2010 12:00:00 MDT webmaster@boiseuu.org (webmaster) http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100711.mp3 Our UU principles and especially our second principle, lead us to work for justice. But what is the path to justice, equity and compassion? Anthony and Roger, both raised UU in different times, will talk about the paths they've traveled as they have worked for greater justice, equity and compassion. While their views have been shaped by different forces, many underlying principles remain the same but they have also reached some significantly different conclusions. Podcasts Sun, 11 Jul 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100704.mp3 Airman 1st Class Bonnie Harper Bonnie Harper, daughter of our music director Carrie Bastian, will speak on her recent experience in basic military training and on the core values of the United States Air Force: integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. Podcasts Sun, 4 Jul 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100627.mp3 Problem drinking has plagued mankind from the beginning of recorded history. It has affected peasant to king, followers to great leaders. From the "Pledge" to Prohibition, no program or movement made any inroads toward recovery until the founding of AA in 1935 and its 12 step program. Its success has spawned 12 step programs for many if not most identified addictions including Narcotics, Over Eaters and Gamblers. The lives of millions have been changed through 12 step recovery. Podcasts Sun, 27 Jun 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100620.mp3 The Summer Solstice is Jun 21, 2010 at 5:28am MDT. Come take a tour of earthworks, ancient and contemporary, that help us to understand, appreciate, and marvel at our position in relationship to the rest of our solar system. Podcasts Sun, 20 Jun 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100613.mp3 A large part of what makes BUUF "BUUF" are the Grounds, the Grove, Jeremiah's Adventure Garden and A Walk Through Time. Learn how this magical place came to be from Barb Alexander. Jolene Schow will share how JAG was created and John Jacobsen will tell of his spiritual journey as a Master Gardener. Alan Schwartzman will wrap it up with a special surprise. Podcasts Sun, 13 Jun 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100530.mp3 When we reflect upon the people and events that have shaped our lives, we invest them with meaning and value. We name them good and bad, blessings and disasters. Are these value judgments useful products of our imaginations? As I approach my 60th birthday, I find myself wondering "why, why, why," like one of Kurt Vonnegut's characters. Join me as I explore disasters and blessings in my life. Podcasts Sun, 30 May 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100523.mp3 On a Sunday packed with many things (new member joining, celebration of our stewardship campaign, the second annual Rock Communion), Elizabeth will reflect on an agreement that makes sense. Podcasts Sun, 23 May 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100516.mp3 It's often too easy to give a glib reply to the tossed off statement "how are you doing?" Let's hear a thoughtful, nuanced answer (what else?) to the question of how we've done, spiritually speaking, in 2009-2010 Podcasts Sun, 16 May 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100509.mp3 Enlightenment seems a noble and high-falutin' concept. But there's a school of thought that says it's not much use if the laundry doesn't get done, too. Podcasts Sun, 9 May 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100502.mp3 We hear words of wisdom from our high school seniors, about to "go out into the big world." Experience our next crop of community leaders. Come help our graduating youth bridge to young adulthood and celebrate! Podcasts Sun, 2 May 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100425.mp3 Our church is a Unitarian-Universalist-Association-recognized Green Sanctuary, a designation of which we may be proud. What does it mean? How do we continue, as a congregation, to make our step light on the earth? Podcasts Sun, 25 Apr 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100418.mp3 Somewhere at the interface of religion, psychology, philosophy and self help is the Medicine Wheel of the American Indians. It is a guide to self actualization and the understanding of self and others. It requires no shaman, priest, feathers or drums. It is a guide to change within oneself. Besse will share some of her struggles with the wheel and its possible uses in psychological therapy. Podcasts Sun, 18 Apr 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100411.mp3 Truth is a pretty tricky concept, often put forth as the result solely of scientific observation, or at least processes to which we all apply our brains. What, though, of our "night selves," the parts of us that learn truths through myth, intuition, dream and story? Podcasts Sun, 11 Apr 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100404.mp3 It's Easter! Many religious stories tell of the deaths that lead to new life, to redemption and resurrection. Today, we celebrate life and light's emergence from sorrow and dark. Podcasts Sun, 4 Apr 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100328.mp3 In this Passover season, Elizabeth will retell the central Jewish story related to this holiday, and will lift up the gratitude that characterizes this celebration. Podcasts Sun, 28 Mar 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100321.mp3 Elizabeth reminds us that UUs have historically been a lot more comfortable with thought than passion, which sounds like we live from our heads rather than our hearts. Can we live more from our hearts, or is there at least a middle ground? As Joseph Campbell said, follow your bliss and as UUs everywhere might add—but think! Podcasts Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100314.mp3 Rev. Forrest Church died on September 24, 2009, at the age of 62, leaving what may be the late 20th century's most significant Unitarian Universalist theological and human legacy. Elizabeth will share some of his life and thoughts. Podcasts Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100307.mp3 Unitarian Universalists do not spend undue time, as a rule, reflecting on their theological foundations. But, can we really act responsibly in the world if we do not know what our assumptions are, behind our work to bring justice and charity in the world? Louise and Elizabeth will share their personal takes on this fundamental question. Podcasts Sun, 7 Mar 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100228.mp3 Know those "Student Driver" signs on cars? Would we treat each other differently if we all wore "Student Human" signs? Elizabeth and our fabulous house band will explore this question. Podcasts Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100221.mp3 Most of this country has accepted, as de facto social law, the notion that life itself is essential precious, and more important than pain and suffering. But the times might be changing, toward acceptance of the right to die with dignity, on one's own terms. Podcasts Sun, 21 Feb 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100214.mp3 Elizabeth reflects on the impossible subject of love, that consumerist-mangled, advertising-perverted human feeling, springing from the depths of our souls. Podcasts Sun, 14 Feb 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100207.mp3 David presents a sermon written by the President of the First UU Church of Wichita, Anne Welsbacher, concerning our lives in the Age of Gadgetry. Podcasts Sun, 7 Feb 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100131.mp3 Last spring, about 120 of us participated in a survey conducted by the respected Lilly Foundation, and they have sent us our results. How do we compare with others? With our own aspirations? Podcasts Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100124.mp3 Loren shares how 2009 was a year of spiritual insight for him, gleaned from Michael Dowd's book, Thank God For Evolution, among other sources. TGFE offers a powerful way to reconcile science with the best of religion, in a way that has the potential to accelerate our spiritual growth and the life improvements that go with it. Podcasts Sun, 24 Jan 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100117.mp3 Our faith has blazed a trail to a more caring, more just society, in part living up to Dr. King's "Dream." We will look at the contributions and life of Martin Luther King, Jr. and what we can do to fulfill his prophetic words. From Martin Luther King, Jr: "Any religion which professes to be concerned about the souls of men and women, and is not concerned about the social and economic conditions that can scar the soul, is a spiritually moribund religion only waiting for the day to be buried." Podcasts Sun, 17 Jan 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100110.mp3 In the practice of yoga, doing poses is only the beginning of the work. More importantly, yoga focuses on the breath and its effect on our bodies, minds and spirits. Mark Zimmerer will discuss the act of breathing with stories from Thich Nhat Hanh, BKS Iyengar, Al Gore and his own experience that help us to understand its importance to a balanced life in the world. Podcasts Sun, 10 Jan 2010 12:00:00 MST http://boiseuu.org/audio/BUUF-sermon-20100103.mp3 Once a year or so, Elizabeth does a "humor sermon," delving deeply into the profound theological significance of laughing. Or, well, does she actually mostly enjoy an opportunity to tell jokes from the pulpit? Podcasts Sun, 3 Jan 2010 12:00:00 MST