Sam’s Sermons 2005

Impossible and Irresistible Grace, December 24, 2005
Remembering the First Born, December 18, 2005
The Christmas story has a tragic dimension that is often overlooked. Herod killed Jerusalem’s first born attempting to destroy Jesus. Doubtless their mothers and fathers didn’t herald Jesus’ birth. How do we reconcile the “collateral damage” of doing good in the world?
Ever Green and Growing, December 11, 2005
The evergreen is symbolic of the spirit of this season as the cold and dark descends upon us. Decorating our FUUSA interfaith holiday tree will follow this abbreviated service
Coping with Christmas, December 4, 2005
This can be a difficult time of year for people particularly those who have had significant losses. The pull of materialism taints the joy of the season. High expectations among children can put parents on edge. Can we design our holidays to be what we want it to be? Please come prepared to share some of your family traditions that brighten the holidays.
Grateful Atonement, November 20, 2005
The peaceful story of cooperation between Native Americans and the Pilgrims is an atypical story of how the early Colonists got on with Native peoples. These stories are generally ignored in teaching our children American history. Can remembering these stories be an act of atonement which moves us toward gratitude? Rev. Trumbore will be making his famous corn muffins for our yearly corn muffin communion.
Intelligent Design vs. Evolution, November 13, 2005
Creationists are back with a revision of their old ideas to persuade school boards that evolution isn’t the only creation story that should be taught. Intelligent design has gotten some you wouldn’t expect asking questions of evolution. What is going on here? Is there something “intelligent” about Intelligent Design?
Liberal Bible Study November 6, 2005
An important denominational report looking at what holds us together as a association recommended that we reaffirm and reinvigorate the foundations of our faith, which come from Judaism and Christianity. The taproots from which today’s Unitarian Universalist values grew are these traditions. Today we draw sustenance from roots in other religious traditions such as Paganism, Buddhism, Islam, Humanism and Science as well as other sources. We still need to recognize our strong connections with the Bible even if our personal roots grow stronger in another direction.
Liberalism and Democracy October 30, 2005
The philosophy of liberalism seems to be on the ropes these days. Yet the Founders of this nation were anything but conservative traditionalists. Liberalism informed much of their vision of democracy. Liberalism isn’t defeated or bankrupt; rather, it is ripe for reinvigoration through religion.
Sitting to Make a Difference October 23, 2005
Sometimes one can make a big difference just by showing up. Come for an update on what ARISE hopes to accomplish at its yearly public meeting Tuesday, October 25. Be ready for great music, stimulating speakers, issue cuts and a feeling of satisfaction seeing progress happen right before your eyes as leaders make commitments for the good of the people.
Bearing Witness October 9, 2005
Roshi Bernie Glassman, the social activist Zen teacher is well known in the American Buddhist Community for his novel ways of bringing people together and transforming them. In the spirit of the Jewish High Holy Days, let this service be an opportunity to renew your commitment to work for a peaceful world.
Our Family Values October 2, 2005
George Lakoff has done a brilliant analysis of what separates liberals from conservatives – different family values. In the process he has almost perfectly described Unitarian Universalist family values. A place to start “engaging our theological diversity” may be through these values
Reality Based Religion September 18, 2005
Because Unitarian Universalism focuses on serving its members rather than indoctrinating them, people get confused and think it doesn’t have core ideas. Not true! One of our core ideas is seeking truth in reality rather than in the supernatural. This separates our approach from many other religions. The search for truth and meaning must begin with what is in front of our nose.
Quality of Life February 27, 2005
In the right to die debate, people often say that they don’t want to die in a severely debilitated state, bed ridden, incontinent, and dependent on machines to stay alive. What is the effect of this belief on the disabled who live in this state? Do they have quality of life worth protecting?
An Unflattering Mirror February 13, 2005
As social beings, relationships attract us. But once we’re in one, particularly a relationship with strong commitment, it, well, has problems. And the love offered may not be returned in kind. The reflection of our actions in our partner’s eyes may not be flattering – but it may also be a source of mutual growth.
Chinese Wisdom and UU Philosophy February 6, 2005
This year, Chinese New Year is February 9, which, interestingly, also is Ash Wednesday. We will learn about and enjoy this celebration as well as investigate the connections between the Chinese and Unitarian Universalist approach to religion and philosophy.
Biodiversity vs. Humanity January 30, 2005
Without question, human beings are a menacing threat to our biosphere. The new science of ecology is showing us the importance of protecting the biodiversity to the future viability of human life on this planet. Could protecting biodiversity be more ijportant than protecting human life?
The Science of Humanity January 23, 2005
Rev. Sam Trumbore Advances in scientific understanding continue to redefine what it means to be human. As they unravel the genome, scientists are getting a clearer and clearer understanding of the human body. Research into artificial intelligence continues to change our understanding of the human mind. The exploration of the universe and the atom reveal a world stranger than ever imagined. What does all this mean for being human?
Hot Enough for You January 9, 2005
It may seem strange to discuss heat during the coldest time of the year. The topic of Global Warming was selected as our Study Action Issue at last year’s General Assembly. Given the warmth of this past fall, we may be feeling the effects already. This may seem like a big topic but each one of us will need to be part in the solution.