2021 Services: see below
Zoom meetings were live and not recorded.
Light the Chalice services are audio recordings of whole services.
Click here for 2020 Services
Click here for 2019 Sermons
For 2018 and earlier sermons:
Click here for 2018 Sermons page and
click here for the newsletters page with earlier sermons.
Zoom meetings were live and not recorded.
Light the Chalice services are audio recordings of whole services.
Click here for 2020 Services
Click here for 2019 Sermons
For 2018 and earlier sermons:
Click here for 2018 Sermons page and
click here for the newsletters page with earlier sermons.
April 4:
Lessons Bestowed on a Jewish Teacher
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Spring is an appropriate time to recall the wise words of a Master teacher. Where did the most well known preacher of universal love acquire
such knowledge? You might be surprised!
Click here for the podcast...
Lessons Bestowed on a Jewish Teacher
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Spring is an appropriate time to recall the wise words of a Master teacher. Where did the most well known preacher of universal love acquire
such knowledge? You might be surprised!
Click here for the podcast...
Photo: MomLovesBest.com
March 28:
Change is Certain, Sometimes Good
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
As we emerge from the reality of life in a world pandemic, will we really "go back to a normal life?" It is doubtful. Will this almost certain fact be a bad thing? Click here to hear the podcast...
Change is Certain, Sometimes Good
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
As we emerge from the reality of life in a world pandemic, will we really "go back to a normal life?" It is doubtful. Will this almost certain fact be a bad thing? Click here to hear the podcast...
March 21:
Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism Sermon by Author and NY Times reporter Katherine Stewart Stewart will explore religious nationalism's authoritarian and anti-democratic character, and the ideology and rhetoric that led to the violent and dangerous attack, on January 6th, on our electoral system and our Congress. And she will address the ways in which we may meet these challenges and move forward. Katherine Stewart is an investigative reporter and author who has covered religious liberty, politics, policy, and controversies over the separation of church and state for over a decade. Her latest book, THE POWER WORSHIPPERS: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism (Bloomsbury), is a rare look inside the machinery of the movement that brought Donald Trump to power, taking readers inside key gatherings and strategy meetings and introducing them to the leadership cadre that provides the Christian nationalist movement with its strategic direction. Stewart’s journalism appears in the New York Times op ed, NBC, and The Washington Post. THE POWER WORSHIPPERS has received high praise from dozens of publications including the Washington Post, Foreign Affairs, the Boston Globe, and The Christian Century. A free sample of "The Power Worshippers" is available on Kindle and is well worth the read. |
Katherine Stewart
Images courtesy katherinestewart.me |
Cover art from Robert Miller's guide to Wabi-Sabi.
March 14:
A Wabi Sabi Life
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
We all want a perfect, unbroken and untarnished existence. And yet, life that unfolds as we want and expect it to is really an illusion.
Click here to hear the podcast...
A Wabi Sabi Life
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
We all want a perfect, unbroken and untarnished existence. And yet, life that unfolds as we want and expect it to is really an illusion.
Click here to hear the podcast...
March 7:
From a Small Seed
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Using science to explore the wisdom and wonder of trees, we find valuable lessons about survival. "Before you know what kindness really is," wrote Naomi SHihab Nye, "you must lose things." With regard to how we treat the earth, losing short-sightedness and consumption based on immediate need is critical. Considering how we treat one another, letting go of assumptions and taking risks, will help to ensure that kindness is passed onto future generations. Click here to hear the podcast...
From a Small Seed
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Using science to explore the wisdom and wonder of trees, we find valuable lessons about survival. "Before you know what kindness really is," wrote Naomi SHihab Nye, "you must lose things." With regard to how we treat the earth, losing short-sightedness and consumption based on immediate need is critical. Considering how we treat one another, letting go of assumptions and taking risks, will help to ensure that kindness is passed onto future generations. Click here to hear the podcast...
 People in China
February 28:
World Population Trends Sermon by Dr. Carl Schmertmann In a few years, China will overtake the US as the world's largest economy. India will overtake China as the world's most populous country. Fertility rates in developed countries are plummeting. Where will these trends lead us? Join us for a stimulating presentation as Dr. Schmertmann addresses world population trends with emphasis on China/US/Russia and what these demographics portend for the future. Some scientists have believed that "Demography is destiny." We can already forecast with some certainty that there will soon be 7.6 billion people living on our planet. Dr. Nicholas Eberstadt has written "Unlike economic or technological forecasts, population projections tend to be reasonably accurate for at least a few decades, since most of the people who will be living in the world of 2040, for example, are already alive today." (Foreign Affairs, Jul/Aug 2019) |
Dr. Carl Schmertmann
Dr. Schmertmann holds a Ph.D from the University of California at Berkeley. In addition to being the director of the Florida State University Center for Demography he serves as the William J. Serow professor of economics. Florida State is one of only 17 universities in the US which offers advanced degrees in demographics.
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February 21:
Woven Words
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Quick. Name your favorite love poem! Was it
about a friend, sweetheart, humanity, nature or something
as mundane as a favorite coffee cup?
Click here to hear the podcast...
Woven Words
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Quick. Name your favorite love poem! Was it
about a friend, sweetheart, humanity, nature or something
as mundane as a favorite coffee cup?
Click here to hear the podcast...
February 14:
Side With Love Sunday
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Sunday Service CHANGE: Join us on Zoom at 10:30 am on Sunday, February 14 for a One-Hour Online Service. Many Unitarian Universalist congregations will be watching the same UU Side With Love sponsored service with you.
What if to "side with love" meant making bold, faith-full choices? What if it were even a little bit scary? This worship service brings together worship leaders and musicians from across the country to offer hopeful, moving, challenging reminders about what we, as Unitarian Universalists, are called to do, and BE, in the world.
Side With Love Sunday
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Sunday Service CHANGE: Join us on Zoom at 10:30 am on Sunday, February 14 for a One-Hour Online Service. Many Unitarian Universalist congregations will be watching the same UU Side With Love sponsored service with you.
What if to "side with love" meant making bold, faith-full choices? What if it were even a little bit scary? This worship service brings together worship leaders and musicians from across the country to offer hopeful, moving, challenging reminders about what we, as Unitarian Universalists, are called to do, and BE, in the world.
February 7:
Twisted Stories
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Honoring Black History month, what are the stories you
heard as a child and what is the truth in some of those twisted tales?
Click here to listen to the podcast...
Twisted Stories
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Honoring Black History month, what are the stories you
heard as a child and what is the truth in some of those twisted tales?
Click here to listen to the podcast...
Dr. Ronald Inglehart
January 31:
Giving Up on God
Guest Speaker: Dr. Ronald Inglehart, Professor, University of Michigan
Dr. Inglehart wrote an article in "Foreign Affairs." In his research, he argues that economic development, state institutions and long peace since 1945 are reshaping human motivations in ways that have important implications for religion, economic behavior and the spread of democracy. With books and scholarly articles too numerous to list here, you are invited to google "Ronald F. Inglehart political scientist" for additional information.
Dr. Ronald Inglehart is a professor of political science and a research professor at the University of Michigan. He helped found the Euro-Barometer surveys and directs the World Value surveys, which has surveyed national samples of the populations of 97 countries containing almost 90% of the world's population. His research deals with changing belief systems and their impact on social and political change. His research argues that economic development, state institutions and the long peace since 1945 are reshaping human motivations in ways that have important implications for religion, economic behavior and the spread of democracy.
Dr. Inglehart has been a visiting professor and scholar in France, Germany, The Netherlands, Japan and numerous other countries. Dr. Inglehart has also served as a consultant to the State Department and the EU. He holds honorary doctorates from Germany, Belgium and Sweden and speaks French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. His books and scholarly articles are too numerous to list here (google "Ronald F Inglehart political scientist" for additional listings).
Contact our Office Manager at office.mgr.ffp@gmail.com if you'd like to participate with us.
Giving Up on God
Guest Speaker: Dr. Ronald Inglehart, Professor, University of Michigan
Dr. Inglehart wrote an article in "Foreign Affairs." In his research, he argues that economic development, state institutions and long peace since 1945 are reshaping human motivations in ways that have important implications for religion, economic behavior and the spread of democracy. With books and scholarly articles too numerous to list here, you are invited to google "Ronald F. Inglehart political scientist" for additional information.
Dr. Ronald Inglehart is a professor of political science and a research professor at the University of Michigan. He helped found the Euro-Barometer surveys and directs the World Value surveys, which has surveyed national samples of the populations of 97 countries containing almost 90% of the world's population. His research deals with changing belief systems and their impact on social and political change. His research argues that economic development, state institutions and the long peace since 1945 are reshaping human motivations in ways that have important implications for religion, economic behavior and the spread of democracy.
Dr. Inglehart has been a visiting professor and scholar in France, Germany, The Netherlands, Japan and numerous other countries. Dr. Inglehart has also served as a consultant to the State Department and the EU. He holds honorary doctorates from Germany, Belgium and Sweden and speaks French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. His books and scholarly articles are too numerous to list here (google "Ronald F Inglehart political scientist" for additional listings).
Contact our Office Manager at office.mgr.ffp@gmail.com if you'd like to participate with us.
January 24:
Waters Flowing Home
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
It's amazing how we find one another in these stormy times. May we be a buoy to one another, a life-saver to each other when the water churns.
Click here for the podcast...
Waters Flowing Home
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
It's amazing how we find one another in these stormy times. May we be a buoy to one another, a life-saver to each other when the water churns.
Click here for the podcast...
January 17:
The Labyrinth
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
What is the symbolism for meandering the winding path toward a focal point? As we navigate the first month of the year, 2021, what are our hopes and dreams and what will we leave in the past?
Click here for the podcast.
The Labyrinth
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
What is the symbolism for meandering the winding path toward a focal point? As we navigate the first month of the year, 2021, what are our hopes and dreams and what will we leave in the past?
Click here for the podcast.
January 10:
The Good Steward
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
What does it mean to care for something we love but don't own? For example, the founders of Friendship Fellowship "planted the seed" for our Unitarian Universalist community on the hill in Rockledge, Florida, long ago, but it is up to us to be intentional about preserving the fellowship for future generations. (This was a live presentation on zoom and not recorded.)
The Good Steward
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
What does it mean to care for something we love but don't own? For example, the founders of Friendship Fellowship "planted the seed" for our Unitarian Universalist community on the hill in Rockledge, Florida, long ago, but it is up to us to be intentional about preserving the fellowship for future generations. (This was a live presentation on zoom and not recorded.)
Dr. Michael Sandel
January 3:
The Tyranny of Merit -
What's Become of the Common Good?
Speaker: Dr. Michael Sandel
There are disturbing trends in our country and in the world. What causes otherwise democratic people to vote for authoritarian leaders? Have we "turned the corner" on this tendency or will it surface again in four years in a more virulent form? George Washington and Benjamin Franklin did not think our democracy would last - were they right?
Harvard professor Michael Sandel addresses these topics in his new book "The Tyranny of Merit." He joins us via YouTube in a previously recorded discussion of his thesis:
In an era of globalization meritocratic assumptions have stamped a society of "winners" and "losers."
The implication is that those who do not rise (in the global economy) have no one to blame but themselves.
Most of us would agree with the statement "Those who work hard and play by the rules should be able to rise as far as their efforts and talent will take them." But this is not now the case in our America. Example: At Princeton and Yale more students come from the top 1% (economically) than from the entire bottom 60% of the country. Social mobility is now higher in Denmark and Canada (and possibly even China) than here.
The remedy for inequality is not simply to remove barriers to education. The idea that a college education is a condition of dignified work and social esteem devalues those without a diploma, fuels prejudice against less educated members of society and provokes political backlash. Note: 2 out of 3 Americans do NOT have a 4-year college degree. Credentialism (the idea that one must have a college degree to advance) has become the last acceptable prejudice.
The liberal left's pursuit of meritocracy has betrayed the working classes causing a political backlash against governing elites.
The rise of meritocratic elites tends toward the establishment of a "new permanent aristocracy."
Sandel "offers an alternative way of thinking about success - more attentive to the role of luck in human affairs, more conducive to an ethic of humility, and more hospitable to a politics of the common good."
Michael Sandel teaches political philosophy at Harvard. His books have been translated into 27 languages. Sandel's legendary course in Justice was the first Harvard course to be made freely available online and on television and has been viewed by tens of millions. His BBC series, "The Global Philosopher," explores the philosophical ideas behind the headlines.
* View his 8 minute TED talk before the discussion: www.ted.com/talks/michael_sandel_the_tyranny_of_merit
The Tyranny of Merit -
What's Become of the Common Good?
Speaker: Dr. Michael Sandel
There are disturbing trends in our country and in the world. What causes otherwise democratic people to vote for authoritarian leaders? Have we "turned the corner" on this tendency or will it surface again in four years in a more virulent form? George Washington and Benjamin Franklin did not think our democracy would last - were they right?
Harvard professor Michael Sandel addresses these topics in his new book "The Tyranny of Merit." He joins us via YouTube in a previously recorded discussion of his thesis:
In an era of globalization meritocratic assumptions have stamped a society of "winners" and "losers."
The implication is that those who do not rise (in the global economy) have no one to blame but themselves.
Most of us would agree with the statement "Those who work hard and play by the rules should be able to rise as far as their efforts and talent will take them." But this is not now the case in our America. Example: At Princeton and Yale more students come from the top 1% (economically) than from the entire bottom 60% of the country. Social mobility is now higher in Denmark and Canada (and possibly even China) than here.
The remedy for inequality is not simply to remove barriers to education. The idea that a college education is a condition of dignified work and social esteem devalues those without a diploma, fuels prejudice against less educated members of society and provokes political backlash. Note: 2 out of 3 Americans do NOT have a 4-year college degree. Credentialism (the idea that one must have a college degree to advance) has become the last acceptable prejudice.
The liberal left's pursuit of meritocracy has betrayed the working classes causing a political backlash against governing elites.
The rise of meritocratic elites tends toward the establishment of a "new permanent aristocracy."
Sandel "offers an alternative way of thinking about success - more attentive to the role of luck in human affairs, more conducive to an ethic of humility, and more hospitable to a politics of the common good."
Michael Sandel teaches political philosophy at Harvard. His books have been translated into 27 languages. Sandel's legendary course in Justice was the first Harvard course to be made freely available online and on television and has been viewed by tens of millions. His BBC series, "The Global Philosopher," explores the philosophical ideas behind the headlines.
* View his 8 minute TED talk before the discussion: www.ted.com/talks/michael_sandel_the_tyranny_of_merit