Services Archive

“Voices of Unitarian Universalism”

Presenter:
Sermon for Sunday, June 19, 2016 by Sarah Cade and Jeanette Skow Come listen to members of the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church community discuss the role that Unitarian Universalism and MVUC has had in their lives.

“We Can Do This! Steps to Change the Course of Climate Change”

Presenter:

Sermon for August 27, 2017, by MVUC member Pam Tinker.

In a follow-up to Alan Bunner’s service on the science of Climate Change, Pam discusses the current state of actions on climate change and the many successes and positive trends that are emerging. Pam offers a basic “blueprint” of individual, local and national initiatives, through which we can take simple, concrete steps to change the course of history.

"And Now for Something Completely Different"

Presenter:

Sermon for January 22, 2017, by Rev. Kate R. Walker.

The ground under our feet feels unstable. The world feels like it’s tipping. Yet, there is power within and without that can help us endure and thrive. That power comes from a clear vision, creative out-of-the-box thinking, lessons from the past and some wicked humor.

"Getting Along With One Another" – Rev. Russ Savage

Presenter:

Sermon for Sunday, February 26, 2017, by Rev. Russ Savage, Guest Minister from the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley

We live all our lives in relationships with other human beings. Some of those relationships are close and some are distant or superficial. Some are idyllic and some are troubled. Let us examine some of the mechanics of personal relationships in the light of modern psychology.

"How the Light Gets In" – Alice King

Presenter:

Intern Minister Alice King explores this month’s transformational worship theme of Wholeness.

March 13 – 2016

“Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything.

That’s how the light gets in.”

—Leonard Cohen

Ingathering
Welcome and Announcements Alice King, Intern Minister

*Introit: I Am in Need of Music                         MVUC Choir

Chalice Lighting/Opening Words: The Chalice Is a Symbol

Hymn No 360, Here We Have Gathered

Our Covenant (inside back flap of hymnal)

Time for All Ages Ann Richards?

Singing Our Children to Class

For you shall go out in joy / And come back in peace / Blessed be.
Offertory

During our offering, we invite you to come forward in silence and light a candle to commemorate a joy or sorrow.

Music: In the Morning Light by Yanni  Yee Von Ng

Sharing Our Gifts♡ MVUC’s Partner Church Program

Meditation, Prayer & Silence: Meditation on Broken Hearts by Thomas Rhodes

Musical Response: No 1011, Return Again

Reading: We Are Whole by Beth Lefever    Jane Nelson

Anthem by Leonard Cohen  Ron Brandt

Sermon: How the Light Gets in Alice King

Closing Hymn
# No 1059, May Your Life Be as a Song
* No 1030, Siyahamba
Extinguishing the Chalice  (No    456)
We extinguish this flame but not the light of truth, the warmth of community, or the fire of commitment:
these we carry in our hearts until we are together again.

Benediction Postlude

"Question Box Sunday" – Rev. Dr. Kate Walker

Presenter:

Sermon for  August 21, 2016, by the Reverend Kate R. Walker.

Reverend Kate returns from her summer vacation to our pulpit today. This is her annual “Question Box Sunday,” when she welcomes written questions from those in attendance.

“A wide variety of topics is welcome, although I hold the right to defer to actual experts.” – Reverend Kate

"This is Who I Am"

Presenter:

Sermon for August 7, 2016, by Bianca Rey, Equality Virginia.

“We are in a place now where more and more Trans people want to come forward and say THIS IS WHO I AM.”  —Laverne Cox

A Pain that Persists – Rev. Dr. Kate Walker

Presenter:

Sermon for April 23, 2017, by the Reverend Dr. Kate R. Walker.

In a world that appears to be inflicting trauma upon all, is there liberation from trauma that allows the heart and mind to be free of pain? Is there a path through trauma that allows growth of love?

A Person’s a Person, No Matter How Small

Presenter:

The sermon for July 17th, 2016 by MVUC member Lauren Crowder.
“Everything I ever needed to know about being Unitarian Universalist, I learned from Dr. Seuss. A look at the beloved children’s author and how we can use his work to teach our children — and ourselves — about what it means to be a good UU.”

A Person's a Person, No Matter How Small

Presenter:

The sermon for July 17th, 2016 by MVUC member Lauren Crowder.
“Everything I ever needed to know about being Unitarian Universalist, I learned from Dr. Seuss. A look at the beloved children’s author and how we can use his work to teach our children — and ourselves — about what it means to be a good UU.”

Adult Religious Education: An Appreciation

Presenter:

Homily for May 21, 2017, by Perry Morgan-Stebbins, followed by “Our RE Program” by Ann Richards.

MVUC’s Religious Education Community presents a multigenerational service as we apply foundation lessons to our life in church and in wider contemporary society.

Adult Training Camp: What I Learned from UU Youth and Young Adults

Presenter:

Sermon for April 10, 2016, by the Reverend Dr. Kate R. Walker — “I’ve completed my Doctor of Ministry degree at Virginia Theological Seminary. After over three years, I finally present the highlights of my research on the faith formation of UU Youth and Young Adults.”

Altruism and Compassion

Presenter:

Sermon for September 17, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Kate R. Walker.

In the spirit of the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we ask, can we train people to be more altruistic through practice, positive reinforcement, or negative punishment? Are people more likely to forgive if they are more altruistic?

America’s Shame: Why No Love or Help for Addiction? – Rev. Dr. Kate Walker

Presenter:

Sermon for April 30, 2017, by the Reverend Dr. Kate R. Walker.

An Islamic Perspective on Working Together for Social Justice

Presenter:

Sermon for October 8, 2017 given by Dr. Zahid Bukhari

Recognizing the blessings of our continuous cooperation in previous years, Dr. Zahid Bukhari would like to present the Islamic perspective on Muslims working with other faith groups and also the next level of partnership for social justice issues. Presented by Dr. Zahid Bukhari, Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA). Dr. Bukhari was introduced by Rameez Abid, Communications Director, ICNA Council for Social Justice.

And We Shall Rise Again and Again – Rev. Dr. Kate Walker

Presenter:

Sermon for April 16, 2017, Easter Sunday, by the Reverend Dr. Kate R. Walker.

Perhaps the most profound message of Easter is the enduring hope within humanity’s heart. The story of Jesus is the story of forgiveness and redemption for all, or the truth of Universalist Love.

Another Story of Chanukah – The Rev. Kate R. Walker

Presenter:

We’ve been hearing the Chanukah story for centuries: The Jews reclaim their Temple, and the oil didn’t extinguish for eight days, despite the very little oil available. This story has rich layers about assimilation of a faith, its heritage, tolerance of differences, and the loss of identity. All these layers are very important to explore and understand as we seek the story’s relevance in today’s world, and as we study Hope, the Theme of the Month. The Choir will share special music to honor Chanukah.

Sermon for December 6, 2015, by Rev. Kate R. Walker
To enjoy the audio presentation of this sermon from the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, click on the play button below.

Are We In Another Enlightenment? Part One

Presenter:

Sermon for April 3, 2016, by the Reverend Dr. Kate R. Walker.

Several leading theologians and religious scholars believe humanity is in another massive religious change on a similar level as the Axial Age or the Enlightenment. Are political, religious and socio-economic forces forcing humanity to take a hard look at how to get along?

Are You Happy?

Presenter:

Sermon for May 1, 2016, by Rev. Kate R. Walker.

The Theme of the Month is happiness. Is there a significant difference between happiness during a good meal, and feeling happy as a part of life, the universe and everything? Does happiness affect us on a cellular level?

Are You My Mother?

Presenter:

Sermon for May 8, 2016, by Rev. Kate R. Walker.

Mothers come in all form and function; gender doesn’t even matter. They can create those buttons and hit them with love or annoyance.

Artist’s Dilemma

Presenter:

Sermon for October 1, 2017 by Reverend Dr. Kate R. Walker

Our Theme of the Month is creation/creativity, so let’s take a look into the mind of an artiest.  What perspective do artists offer the world, and what may block that perspective from emerging?

Artist's Dilemma

Presenter:

Sermon for October 1, 2017 by Reverend Dr. Kate R. Walker

Our Theme of the Month is creation/creativity, so let’s take a look into the mind of an artiest.  What perspective do artists offer the world, and what may block that perspective from emerging?

Becoming Better Angels

Presenter:

Sermon for May 28, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Kate Walker.

On this Memorial Day weekend, we ask: are we becoming more or less violent? Are we becoming more tolerant of viewing violence in a world filled with violent images? How does this influence our hope for peace?

Can You See Me Now? – Rev. Dr. Kate Walker

Presenter:

As we launch into the fall we’ll take a look at the larger purpose of our religious community: Our Mission and Vision. What does it tell us about who we are, and what does it call us to do?

Sunday Services are open to all and are Sunday at 9:15 AM and 11:15 AM.

Carve Your Name on Hearts

Presenter:

Reflection for May 22, 2016, by Angel Collins.

Angel Collins offers this reflection as part of a multigenerational service in which Mount Vernon Unitarian Church teachers, students, and the Lifespan Spiritual Growth Council help us celebrate adult and children’s religious education at MVUC.

Join us for this multigenerational service in which Mount Vernon Unitarian Church teachers, students, and the Lifespan Spiritual
Growth Council help us celebrate adult and children’s religious education at MVUC.