Virtual Church 2024
Services are displayed on the following pages:
This Sunday's service, Sunday and Monday:
Last Sunday's and prior services, 2024: 2023: 2022: 2021: March 22 through December, 2020: January through March 15, 2020: 2019: 2014-2018: 2011-2013 Future services: |
Services on this page are displayed in reverse chronological order,
with the most recent videos on top.
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with the most recent videos on top.
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April 28:
Service by Rev. Jay Wolin and Bill Payton
The Seven Principles have served as a code for almost four decades now; we Unitarian Universalists have rallied around this code and we have accomplished amazing things, but today’s world grows more complex by the day. Let us explore whether this code, our internal GPS system, needs an update. Click on the image to view the live stream...
Service by Rev. Jay Wolin and Bill Payton
The Seven Principles have served as a code for almost four decades now; we Unitarian Universalists have rallied around this code and we have accomplished amazing things, but today’s world grows more complex by the day. Let us explore whether this code, our internal GPS system, needs an update. Click on the image to view the live stream...
April 21:
Service by Rev. Jay Wolin and our Green Team
How has environmental and racial justice intersected? What actions can we take to heal our world and all its inhabitants? How can our uses of earth’s resources be regenerative?
Click on the image to view the live stream...
Service by Rev. Jay Wolin and our Green Team
How has environmental and racial justice intersected? What actions can we take to heal our world and all its inhabitants? How can our uses of earth’s resources be regenerative?
Click on the image to view the live stream...
April 14:
Sermon by Rev. Jay Wolin
In a world of constant availability, people are lonelier than ever. How does community build the connections that allow us to be more fully ourselves?
Click on the image to view the live stream...
Sermon by Rev. Jay Wolin
In a world of constant availability, people are lonelier than ever. How does community build the connections that allow us to be more fully ourselves?
Click on the image to view the live stream...
April 7:
Sermon by Catherine Bonner
The month long Islamic Holiday of Ramadan will be ending this week. Part of the ritual of Ramadan is not to eat during the daylight hours. I will explore why food laws are so prevalent in many religious traditions. What food “laws” do we promote as Unitarian Universalists
Click on the image to view the live stream...
Sermon by Catherine Bonner
The month long Islamic Holiday of Ramadan will be ending this week. Part of the ritual of Ramadan is not to eat during the daylight hours. I will explore why food laws are so prevalent in many religious traditions. What food “laws” do we promote as Unitarian Universalists
Click on the image to view the live stream...
March 31:
Sermon by Rev. Jay Wolin
On this Easter Sunday, I will explore what the holiday can mean to Unitarian Universalists who do not believe in the literal resurrection of Jesus. What messages can this story have for us in this time and place? What does any of it have to do with bunnies and eggs?
Click on the image to view the live stream...
Sermon by Rev. Jay Wolin
On this Easter Sunday, I will explore what the holiday can mean to Unitarian Universalists who do not believe in the literal resurrection of Jesus. What messages can this story have for us in this time and place? What does any of it have to do with bunnies and eggs?
Click on the image to view the live stream...
March 24:
Sermon by Rev. Jay Wolin
What do we find meaningful here and what type of religious community do we hope to create in the future. This was part of the impetus of creating new mission and vision statements. As we evolve as a Religious Community, we will change both individually and as a community. I will explore what the Mission and Vision Task Force heard from our congregants and why the Board is recommending the new mission and vision for a vote at our annual meeting.
Click on the image to view the live stream...
Sermon by Rev. Jay Wolin
What do we find meaningful here and what type of religious community do we hope to create in the future. This was part of the impetus of creating new mission and vision statements. As we evolve as a Religious Community, we will change both individually and as a community. I will explore what the Mission and Vision Task Force heard from our congregants and why the Board is recommending the new mission and vision for a vote at our annual meeting.
Click on the image to view the live stream...
March 17:
Sermon by Rev Jay Wolin
In world affairs we see how fear can lead to cycles of violence. Every day on the news or in the paper we read items that can make us fearful. How do we balance fear and courage? How do we reduce the level of toxicity that fear creates in our environment? Since next weekend is Purim, I will also explore the Hebrew Scriptures, “Book of Esther” and how it relates to this topic in our current environment.
Click on the image to view the live stream...
Sermon by Rev Jay Wolin
In world affairs we see how fear can lead to cycles of violence. Every day on the news or in the paper we read items that can make us fearful. How do we balance fear and courage? How do we reduce the level of toxicity that fear creates in our environment? Since next weekend is Purim, I will also explore the Hebrew Scriptures, “Book of Esther” and how it relates to this topic in our current environment.
Click on the image to view the live stream...
March 10:
Sermon by Helen Dingus, Ministerial Intern
"Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing" was the title of an award-winning film and song. It is proposed that we make "Love" the center of our values. In June we vote whether to accept the new Article 2 of our values. It states in part, "As Unitarian Universalists, we covenant, congregation-to-congregation and through our Association, to support and assist one another in our ministries. We draw from our heritages of freedom, reason, hope, and courage, building on the foundation of love. Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love."
What kind of love are we talking about? What's work got to do with it? What does this new value statement ask of us? What is meant by "spiritual discipline" of love? Come. Let's talk about love.
Click on the image to view the live stream... Graphic by Tanya Webster (Chalicedays.org)
Sermon by Helen Dingus, Ministerial Intern
"Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing" was the title of an award-winning film and song. It is proposed that we make "Love" the center of our values. In June we vote whether to accept the new Article 2 of our values. It states in part, "As Unitarian Universalists, we covenant, congregation-to-congregation and through our Association, to support and assist one another in our ministries. We draw from our heritages of freedom, reason, hope, and courage, building on the foundation of love. Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love."
What kind of love are we talking about? What's work got to do with it? What does this new value statement ask of us? What is meant by "spiritual discipline" of love? Come. Let's talk about love.
Click on the image to view the live stream... Graphic by Tanya Webster (Chalicedays.org)
March 3:
Sermon by Rev. Xolani Kacela, Ph.D.
Are Unitarian Universalists realizing our full potential as world changers? We'll examine a three-part strategy that will infuse our spiritual practice and community engagement with renewed vigor and vision.
Click the image to view the video.
Sermon by Rev. Xolani Kacela, Ph.D.
Are Unitarian Universalists realizing our full potential as world changers? We'll examine a three-part strategy that will infuse our spiritual practice and community engagement with renewed vigor and vision.
Click the image to view the video.
February 25:
Sermon by Rev. Jay Wolin
Do one’s intentions, their actions, or the result of their actions determine the ethics of a given situation? There is the old adage that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions” Do intentions matter?
Click on the image to view the live stream...
Sermon by Rev. Jay Wolin
Do one’s intentions, their actions, or the result of their actions determine the ethics of a given situation? There is the old adage that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions” Do intentions matter?
Click on the image to view the live stream...
February 18:
Palestinian/Israeli Peacemakers
speak at 7 pm
We are proud to host Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Noor Awad. Listen to the inspiring stories of Peacemakers and their nonviolent approach to the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict.
A presentation by Noor Awad & Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger of Roots.
The Roots story begins in 2014 at a meeting between students of Rabbi Menachem Froman, of blessed memory, and members of the politically-prominent Abu Awwad family. This grew into a series of encounters between Palestinians and Israelis: meetings between families, a women’s group, workshops, and a joint response to violence. Sensing the transformative power of this work, we committed to a long-term project and called it Roots.
Roots is a unique network of local Palestinians and Israelis who have come to see each other as the partners we both need to make changes to end our conflict. Based on a mutual recognition of each People’s connection to the Land, we are developing understanding and solidarity despite our ideological differences. Roots is a place where local peoples can take responsibility. Our work is aimed at challenging the assumptions our communities hold about each other, building trust and creating a new discourse around the conflict in our respective societies. This is a grassroots and local model for making change — from the bottom up.
For more information, visit here. Click on the picture to view the livestream.
Palestinian/Israeli Peacemakers
speak at 7 pm
We are proud to host Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Noor Awad. Listen to the inspiring stories of Peacemakers and their nonviolent approach to the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict.
A presentation by Noor Awad & Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger of Roots.
The Roots story begins in 2014 at a meeting between students of Rabbi Menachem Froman, of blessed memory, and members of the politically-prominent Abu Awwad family. This grew into a series of encounters between Palestinians and Israelis: meetings between families, a women’s group, workshops, and a joint response to violence. Sensing the transformative power of this work, we committed to a long-term project and called it Roots.
Roots is a unique network of local Palestinians and Israelis who have come to see each other as the partners we both need to make changes to end our conflict. Based on a mutual recognition of each People’s connection to the Land, we are developing understanding and solidarity despite our ideological differences. Roots is a place where local peoples can take responsibility. Our work is aimed at challenging the assumptions our communities hold about each other, building trust and creating a new discourse around the conflict in our respective societies. This is a grassroots and local model for making change — from the bottom up.
For more information, visit here. Click on the picture to view the livestream.
February 18:
Sermon by Rev. Jay Wolin
Democracy is interwoven into our Unitarian Universalist principles. Our principles include “The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process…in society at large” I believe elections are moral statements about our values as a country. I will share how my Unitarian Universalist religious values affect my choices and why voting is part of our religious principles. Click on the picture to see the livestream.
Sermon by Rev. Jay Wolin
Democracy is interwoven into our Unitarian Universalist principles. Our principles include “The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process…in society at large” I believe elections are moral statements about our values as a country. I will share how my Unitarian Universalist religious values affect my choices and why voting is part of our religious principles. Click on the picture to see the livestream.
February 11:
Sermon by Rev. Jay Wolin
It is close to Valentine’s Day. The topic of Love is in the air. The word Love means different things to different people. What does Love mean from a religious perspective? What does it mean to Love your Enemies, and why is it so difficult to do? Click the image to view the live stream.
Sermon by Rev. Jay Wolin
It is close to Valentine’s Day. The topic of Love is in the air. The word Love means different things to different people. What does Love mean from a religious perspective? What does it mean to Love your Enemies, and why is it so difficult to do? Click the image to view the live stream.
February 4:
The Critical Role of Congregations in Protecting Our Diverse Democracy
Sermon by Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush
The sermon will discuss the specific roles that religious congregations of all kinds can play in counteracting the attacks that Christian nationalism is posing to American democracy.
The Critical Role of Congregations in Protecting Our Diverse Democracy
Sermon by Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush
The sermon will discuss the specific roles that religious congregations of all kinds can play in counteracting the attacks that Christian nationalism is posing to American democracy.
The Rev. Raushenbush is president and CEO of Interfaith Alliance. An ordained Baptist minister, Rev. Raushenbush is a longtime leader in the interfaith movement working to protect an inclusive vision of religious freedom for people of all faiths and none. As the great-grandson of the first Jewish Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis and great-grandson of Baptist theologian Walter Rauschenbusch, a key figure in the Social Gospel movement, Rev. Raushenbush’s commitment to interfaith advocacy comes in part from his own interfaith background.
Prior to coming to Interfaith Alliance, Rev. Raushenbush served as senior vice president of the Auburn Seminary, the founding and executive editor of HuffPost Religion, associate dean of religious life and the chapel at Princeton University, and a founding editor of Beliefnet.com. Most recently, he was the senior advisor for public affairs and innovation at Interfaith America.
Prior to coming to Interfaith Alliance, Rev. Raushenbush served as senior vice president of the Auburn Seminary, the founding and executive editor of HuffPost Religion, associate dean of religious life and the chapel at Princeton University, and a founding editor of Beliefnet.com. Most recently, he was the senior advisor for public affairs and innovation at Interfaith America.
In addition to his work as president, Rev. Raushenbush also serves as host of State of Belief Radio, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast. Rev. Raushenbush previously hosted Huffington Post’s podcast “All Together” where he interviewed a diverse array of guests working at the intersection of religion and politics, including President Jimmy Carter, Patti Smith, RuPaul, Bishop T.D. Jakes, and Rabbi Jonathan Sacks.
Rev. Raushenbush has spoken about religious diversity and the importance of inclusive religious liberty at colleges, churches and institutes around the country including The Chautauqua Institute, the Center for American Progress, the New America Foundation and the Aspen Institute. He is regularly invited to offer commentary on issues of religion and civil rights in national outlets including CNN, CBS, ABC, MSNBC, NPR, New York Times, Washington Post, Al Jazeera, BBC, The Hill, Vice, and Religion News Service. He has published two books and contributed essays to several volumes on faith in public life.
Rev. Raushenbush has spoken about religious diversity and the importance of inclusive religious liberty at colleges, churches and institutes around the country including The Chautauqua Institute, the Center for American Progress, the New America Foundation and the Aspen Institute. He is regularly invited to offer commentary on issues of religion and civil rights in national outlets including CNN, CBS, ABC, MSNBC, NPR, New York Times, Washington Post, Al Jazeera, BBC, The Hill, Vice, and Religion News Service. He has published two books and contributed essays to several volumes on faith in public life.
January 28:
Service led by Rev. Jay Wolin and Linda Bodycomb
“And what touches one affects us all” - great words by Cecily Taylor in 1930 from our Hymnal. We are all interconnected! We will explore our Unitarian Universalist values by taking a look at some of the work we do around the world - examples of spreading our good news about our faith of love and justice. Unitarian Universalism knows no boundaries and builds bridges for all peoples to help one another in our world that is increasingly affected by climate change, injustice, and efforts to destroy democracy. We are better connected to one another when we work together to resist damage to our earth, preserve democracy, and reach out to our fellow human beings no matter where they live. Click on the image to view the YouTube recording.
Service led by Rev. Jay Wolin and Linda Bodycomb
“And what touches one affects us all” - great words by Cecily Taylor in 1930 from our Hymnal. We are all interconnected! We will explore our Unitarian Universalist values by taking a look at some of the work we do around the world - examples of spreading our good news about our faith of love and justice. Unitarian Universalism knows no boundaries and builds bridges for all peoples to help one another in our world that is increasingly affected by climate change, injustice, and efforts to destroy democracy. We are better connected to one another when we work together to resist damage to our earth, preserve democracy, and reach out to our fellow human beings no matter where they live. Click on the image to view the YouTube recording.
January 21:
Sermon by Catherine Bonner and members
Have you ever been in a crowd but still felt terribly alone? Do you commit to small talk during the coffee hour but never feel a connection? We'll explore ways of getting beyond the small talk to building deeper relationships and why it is so important. Click on the image to view the livestream.
Sermon by Catherine Bonner and members
Have you ever been in a crowd but still felt terribly alone? Do you commit to small talk during the coffee hour but never feel a connection? We'll explore ways of getting beyond the small talk to building deeper relationships and why it is so important. Click on the image to view the livestream.
January 14:
Sermon by Rev. Jay Wolin
I want to thank Peg Green and the Racial Justice Team for the beautiful quilt in the Reeb Room honoring James Reeb, shown left. Through discussions about the quilt, I found out a number of people were unaware of who Unitarian Universalist Minister Rev. James Reeb was. I will share some of the history of James Reeb, his connection with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and why the March on Selma and Reeb’s death was pivotal to passing the voting rights bill. These past few years we have seen voting rights diminished and under continued attack. I will ask the same question Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did. How long will it be before there is justice? Click on the image to view the livestream.
Sermon by Rev. Jay Wolin
I want to thank Peg Green and the Racial Justice Team for the beautiful quilt in the Reeb Room honoring James Reeb, shown left. Through discussions about the quilt, I found out a number of people were unaware of who Unitarian Universalist Minister Rev. James Reeb was. I will share some of the history of James Reeb, his connection with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and why the March on Selma and Reeb’s death was pivotal to passing the voting rights bill. These past few years we have seen voting rights diminished and under continued attack. I will ask the same question Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did. How long will it be before there is justice? Click on the image to view the livestream.
January 7:
Sermon by Rev. Jay Wolin
With the new calendar year upon us, I find it helpful to review last year’s activities and compare them with our goals for the year. Secondly, based on our reflections, we can see what worked and where we can improve. This allows us to start planning for the new year. I will share in summarized form responses from the Mission and Vision Task Force survey which tells us how members see us now, and what members hope for the future of Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota. Let us imagine what dreams still may come true, and what will be required to make those dreams come true. Click on the image to view the livestream.
Sermon by Rev. Jay Wolin
With the new calendar year upon us, I find it helpful to review last year’s activities and compare them with our goals for the year. Secondly, based on our reflections, we can see what worked and where we can improve. This allows us to start planning for the new year. I will share in summarized form responses from the Mission and Vision Task Force survey which tells us how members see us now, and what members hope for the future of Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota. Let us imagine what dreams still may come true, and what will be required to make those dreams come true. Click on the image to view the livestream.