2022 Services: see below
Zoom meetings were live and not recorded.
Click here for 2021 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.
Click here for 2021 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.
June19:
Let's Talk About Sex(uality)
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Infamous Betty White said, "I may be a senior but, so what? I am still hot." Confidence in one's body, bold ability to love and affirm others makes the world a place of dignity for all.
Let's Talk About Sex(uality)
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Infamous Betty White said, "I may be a senior but, so what? I am still hot." Confidence in one's body, bold ability to love and affirm others makes the world a place of dignity for all.
June12:
Six Little Known Unitarian Universalist Influences
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Small but mighty is the Unitarian Universalist impact! Join us and find out more about our history and influence.
Six Little Known Unitarian Universalist Influences
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Small but mighty is the Unitarian Universalist impact! Join us and find out more about our history and influence.
June 5:
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Speaker: Mary Ann Sterling One in 45 children in Brevard County is in some form of foster care, many of these being raised by grandparents. Our speaker today founded "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren" nearly 30 years ago when she was placed in this position by unforeseen events. Today her organization has 1600 members. She reports on the status of children in our community and the efforts of her organization to provide support to those in need. |
Mary Ann Sterling
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Photo: Christian Bowen via Unsplash
May 29:
Responsible Search for Meaning
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
We Unitarian Universalists aspire to affirm A free and responsible search for truth and meaning. This morning, we will explore our 4th Principle.
(Photo: Joshua Earle via Unsplash)
Responsible Search for Meaning
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
We Unitarian Universalists aspire to affirm A free and responsible search for truth and meaning. This morning, we will explore our 4th Principle.
(Photo: Joshua Earle via Unsplash)
May 22:
Affirming the Journey
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Christina Rosettie wrote,
"Does the road wind up-hill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day’s journey take the whole long day?
From morn to night, my friend."
Affirming the Journey
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Christina Rosettie wrote,
"Does the road wind up-hill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day’s journey take the whole long day?
From morn to night, my friend."
 Photo: Critical Race Theory book display at University of Wisconsin-Madison, by college library via Creative Commons
May 15:
Critical Race Theory - What it is - What it is not Sermon by Dr. Michael Butler, Kenan Distinguished Professor of History, Flagler College Dr. Butler joins us via zoom to discuss critical race theory - everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask. As described recently in "Florida Today" in January he was disinvited from a seminar on the civil rights movement for Osceola County teachers when school officials worried, without evidence, that his talk would include critical race theory. The incident drew national headlines. The version of “critical race theory” assailed by conservative politicians and media critics, often in defense of contentious legislation and executive actions, is an intentional distortion, argues Butler, who has authored two books on the civil rights movement in Florida. |
Dr. Michael Butler
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 Photo: Nathan Dumlao via Unsplash
May 8:
Mommy, Mom, Mother Sermon by Ann Fuller Community Minister Ann Fuller joins us "in person" to muse on the relationship between motherhood and our First Principle. |
Ann Fuller
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Photo: Bankim Desai via Unsplash
May 1:
A Different Life
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
The Buddha said, "Nothing is constant but change." After what we have all encountered throughout the past two years of Covid concerns, I don't think anyone can argue this fact. Join us as we explore both the gifts and challenges of a changed life.
A Different Life
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
The Buddha said, "Nothing is constant but change." After what we have all encountered throughout the past two years of Covid concerns, I don't think anyone can argue this fact. Join us as we explore both the gifts and challenges of a changed life.
Photo: Rodolfo Marques via Unsplash
April 24:
Bread of Life
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
One world, many cultures. Two ingredients, grain and water. Many hands, humanity is nourished, mind, body and spirit. What are the stories around bread and how have they been woven into sacred and secular traditions around the world? What is the role of food now and in the future?
Bread of Life
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
One world, many cultures. Two ingredients, grain and water. Many hands, humanity is nourished, mind, body and spirit. What are the stories around bread and how have they been woven into sacred and secular traditions around the world? What is the role of food now and in the future?
Photo: Alexander Schimmeck via Unsplash
April 17:
Each Blossom a Beauty
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Here is a little known fact. Unitarian Universalists do have rituals. Consider our unique UU custom called, "Flower Communion" by some and "Flower Ceremony" by others. On this Sunday, the Friendship Fellowship community invites every person to bring a blossom to contribute to a vase at the front of Fellowship Hall at the beginning of service. Stay with us to learn about why this tradition is so meaningful. And, at the end of the service, each person will take a different flower home.
It is also Easter in the Christian tradition. Our children will be hunting Easter Eggs this morning.
Each Blossom a Beauty
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Here is a little known fact. Unitarian Universalists do have rituals. Consider our unique UU custom called, "Flower Communion" by some and "Flower Ceremony" by others. On this Sunday, the Friendship Fellowship community invites every person to bring a blossom to contribute to a vase at the front of Fellowship Hall at the beginning of service. Stay with us to learn about why this tradition is so meaningful. And, at the end of the service, each person will take a different flower home.
It is also Easter in the Christian tradition. Our children will be hunting Easter Eggs this morning.
 Photo: Egor Lyfar via Unsplash.com
April 10:
The War in Ukraine Sermon by Dr. Michael Kimmage, professor of history at Catholic University of America and former member of the State Department Planning Staff where he held the Russia and Ukraine portfolio. No matter who "wins" the war, the outcome will present the United States and Europe with fundamental challenges. Dr. Kimmage's lecture will build on his recent article in Foreign Affairs which lays out the unintended consequences of what Dr. Kimmage calls, "Putin's blunder." |
Dr. Michael Kimmage
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April 3:
Green Sanctuary
Sermon by
Rev. Amy Kindred
The Unitarian Universalist Association provides a route to accreditation for member congregations to express their deeper commitment to just practices that honor the earth and in turn, supports the dignity of all people. Join us to learn more about what it means to collectively affirm our 7 principles.
*Save the date for Saturday, April 16 from 10 - noon for a deeper conversation in fellowship hall. All are invited.
Green Sanctuary
Sermon by
Rev. Amy Kindred
The Unitarian Universalist Association provides a route to accreditation for member congregations to express their deeper commitment to just practices that honor the earth and in turn, supports the dignity of all people. Join us to learn more about what it means to collectively affirm our 7 principles.
*Save the date for Saturday, April 16 from 10 - noon for a deeper conversation in fellowship hall. All are invited.
Photo: Kristine Cinate via Unsplash
March 27:
Renewal
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
In this shortened homily, Rev. Amy shares a few tips for finding a sense of renewal after our shared experience of facing fear and an unknown future.
Renewal
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
In this shortened homily, Rev. Amy shares a few tips for finding a sense of renewal after our shared experience of facing fear and an unknown future.
March 20:
Emily Dickinson: Portrait of a Poet Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred There are many amazing Unitarian Universalists throughout history who have had a huge impact on the fabric of our American society. Ms. Emily is one of them. Photo: Screen grab from the movie, "Wild Nights with Emily," depicting Emily's romance with her sister-in-law, Susan. |
Commemorative stamp, 1971
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March 13:
The Appeal of Authoritarianism Sermon by Dr. Christopher Lane This sermon focuses on the psychological dynamics that authoritarian nationalism and populism can stir in citizens, to examine why, when, and how individuals become susceptible to authoritarian principles: extremist thinking; seemingly infallible doctrines often built on groundless conspiracies; fierce, targeted grievances; distrust of and mass discontent with social institutions; and leaders who give voice to their passionate hatreds. It revisits both classics on the topic—Adorno’s The Authoritarian Personality (1950) and Hoffer’s The True Believer (1951)—and more-recent studies by Ruth Ben-Ghiat (Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present, 2020, pictured here) and Timothy Snyder (On Tyranny, 2017). The focus throughout is on how to weaken authoritarianism’s grip, depolarize the groups it sets in conflict, and repair the damage and havoc on which it thrives. Note: The Suntree library Strategy and Leadership book club, chaired by Andy Petruska, will be discussing this topic on March 8 and is presently reading "Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present" by Ruth Ben-Ghiat. If you would like to join us contact Andy at capt446@aol.com for more details. Here's a video of Ruth Ben-Ghiat's discussion of her book: |
 Dr. Christopher Lane
Dr. Christopher Lane (christopherlane.org) teaches intellectual history and medical humanities at Northwestern University. He is the author of six books, most recently Surge of Piety: Norman Vincent Peale and the Remaking of American Religious Life (Yale, 2016), on Peale’s self-described “religio-psychiatric” clinic and movement in the 1950s. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Sun-Times, Slate, TIME.
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Photo: Gayatri Malhotra via Unsplash
March 6:
The Danger
of a Single Story
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Is it possible to be unbiased when making decisions for other people? When it comes to reproductive health, it seems people make decisions often based on a single story or narrative.
The Danger
of a Single Story
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Is it possible to be unbiased when making decisions for other people? When it comes to reproductive health, it seems people make decisions often based on a single story or narrative.
February 27:
Dreams and Artist Salvador Dali
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Referencing the work of Salvador Dali, we will explore the human fascination
with eccentricity and religious symbolism.
Dreams and Artist Salvador Dali
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Referencing the work of Salvador Dali, we will explore the human fascination
with eccentricity and religious symbolism.
 John Murray
February 20:
Our Universalist Roots and Branches Sermon by Rev. Kalen Frisdad Universalism as it relates to John Murray and Thomas Potter, the American colonies, from colonial times to the present. In this sermon, Rev Fristad will expand and build upon what he presented last year in his sermon, "Universalism: Past, Present and Powerful”. To receive the Zoom link please contact office.mgr.ffp@gmail.com and sign our guest book. |
Rev. Kalen Fristad
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Karl Bryullov's "A Dream of a Girl Before a Sunrise."
February 13:
What's in a Dream?
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Ever wake up from a dream and wonder,
"What the heck was that about?" Based on research in the area of dream imagery, join us as we seek to understand the mystery of the subconscious.
What's in a Dream?
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Ever wake up from a dream and wonder,
"What the heck was that about?" Based on research in the area of dream imagery, join us as we seek to understand the mystery of the subconscious.
Eward Watson and Sarah Lamb as Dante and Beatrice in "Paradiso", the final section of "The Dante Project", put on in 2021 by the Royal Opera House.
February 6:
On Dante Alighieri
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Dante Alighieri's epic work, THE DIVINE COMEDY, contains layers of beautiful text regarding God, human virtue and frailty.
On Dante Alighieri
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Dante Alighieri's epic work, THE DIVINE COMEDY, contains layers of beautiful text regarding God, human virtue and frailty.
Photo by Jason Rost on Unsplash
January 30:
Where Art Thou, Delight?
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Zadie Smith wrote that joy is "terror and delight sitting next to each other, their feet dangling off the side of a bridge very high up." Anyone who loves deeply, and lots of people do, knows this feeling. While delight provides a high degree of pleasure, many of us dread or fear the moment when delight is absent. Or, has it transformed?
Where Art Thou, Delight?
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Zadie Smith wrote that joy is "terror and delight sitting next to each other, their feet dangling off the side of a bridge very high up." Anyone who loves deeply, and lots of people do, knows this feeling. While delight provides a high degree of pleasure, many of us dread or fear the moment when delight is absent. Or, has it transformed?
 Photo courtesy ComForCare.com
January 23:
Stupid Things I Won't Do When I Get Old Sermon by Steven Petrow Steven Petrow, author of the book of the same title above, joins us via zoom as he takes a humorous look (?) at what it means to be old and when that event might occur. Is it "my age plus four?" Is it "always tomorrow, never today?" Or is it "when I have to stop playing tennis?" Or as some have suggested is it "not tied very closely to the number of years we've lived?" Are you, perhaps, a "perennial" - someone "ever-blooming, relevant people of all ages who live in the present time, know what's happening in the world, stay current with technology, and have friends of all ages. Perennials get involved, stay curious, mentor others, and are passionate, compassionate, collaborative, global-minded risk takers and who know how to hustle." His lists include; I won't color my hair (even if it worked for Diane Sawyer) I won't avoid looking at myself naked in the mirror I won't tell my life story when someone asks, "How are you?" I won't let a walker ruin my style (but I'll still use it) Steven is an award-winning journalist and author of five books who is best known for his Washington Post and NY Times essays on aging, health and LGBT issues. |
Photo of Steven Petrow courtesy Amazon
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January 16:
Living with Intention
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Howard Thurman said, " “Keep fresh before me the moments of my high resolve. Despite the dullness and barrenness of the days that pass, if I search with due diligence, I can always find a deposit left by some former radiance." As the new year kicks into high gear, let's pause to consider what in life is most important and what we plan to do with our "one and only precious life." (Last quote by Mary Oliver)
Living with Intention
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
Howard Thurman said, " “Keep fresh before me the moments of my high resolve. Despite the dullness and barrenness of the days that pass, if I search with due diligence, I can always find a deposit left by some former radiance." As the new year kicks into high gear, let's pause to consider what in life is most important and what we plan to do with our "one and only precious life." (Last quote by Mary Oliver)
Photo by Umberto on Unsplash
January 9:
What's in a Promise?
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
A popular meme on a social media site says, "Don't give up on me. I won't give up on you." I bet this isn't the first thought that comes to mind when a person asks for a description of a promise or commitments we make to one another. Time and time again we make and break promises. And yet, a promise means something. Let's explore!
During her message Rev. Amy referred to the following speech by David Brooks, New York Times writer.
What's in a Promise?
Sermon by Rev. Amy Kindred
A popular meme on a social media site says, "Don't give up on me. I won't give up on you." I bet this isn't the first thought that comes to mind when a person asks for a description of a promise or commitments we make to one another. Time and time again we make and break promises. And yet, a promise means something. Let's explore!
During her message Rev. Amy referred to the following speech by David Brooks, New York Times writer.
 Photo by Anne Nygard via Unsplash
January 2:
Too Young to Die or Too Old to Live? Sermon by Norris Burkes Drawing on his experience as a hospital chaplain Norris Burkes, "America's Chaplain," returns to speak with us via zoom on the "big screen" to reflect on examples of lives well-lived and what made them so. In his own words: "I will often pause to consider the unthinkable. Is this patient too young to die? I don’t know what “too young” is, but I usually know it when I see it. For instance, I knew the baby I visited a few years back was too young to die. I knew the 48-year-old father of four I saw last year was too young to die. But who am I to make that judgment? Like you perhaps, I see anyone younger than me too young to die. Most of us will not be able to control when we die. So, whenever my end comes, I hope to say that I’m grateful for the years I’ve had and not count the moments I’ve lost." |
Norris Burkes
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