Most of us are aware of the various threats to democracy, but until I read Nancy MacLean’s “Democracy in Chains,” I did not realize what a serious coordinated plan we are facing.  Our UU principles say it’s a matter of basic religious values rooted in  the scriptures. It is important to understand the threat.

My sermon will be an elaboration of one of the Five Agreements from December’s sermon.  I will expand a conflict in the Rockford Church when a small group decided they had had enough of me.  My intention is not self-indulgence.  I see  experience links to the lives of others, which is why it connects to … Continued

   We were in Virginia for Thanksgiving when Janie asked for a title for the church sign.  My sister-in-law, a clinical psychologist, had just mentioned a “tool” she often uses with clients, “The Four Agreements.” I ordered the book.and discovered there is a Fifth Agreement.

The coming Veterans Day presents me with a dilemma. It is appropriate for a nation to express its appreciation for the willingness of its citizens [and not-yet-citizens] to be willing to serve in its armed forces.  It is, however, also appropriate in a democracy to debate the impact of the military in that nation’s governance … Continued

This sermon has been percolating since I read the Elephant Whisperer two years ago.  A long gestation worthy of an elephant!  

This Sunday I am going to do something that I have only done once before in my 52 years of ministry – some of you were here for the first as well as this second: I am going to share a sermon that is highly dependent on a sermon I heard from someone else. Two … Continued

I’ve decided to revisit and update one of the first sermons I delivered in this pulpit.  One of the things I believe is important about UU’s is our ability to laugh at ourselves — actually, some of us can’t — there are some sermons on the internet about how demeaning it is to take ourselves … Continued

There are those who insist that living without goals is not really living, while others insist that goals get in the way of real living.  On the first Sunday in May we will be looking at some of the arguments for and against. I fear I have revealed my bias with my title.