2023 Services: see below
Zoom meetings were live and not recorded.
Click here for 2022 Services
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 2022 Services
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.
 Photo: Aarón Blanco Tejedor via Unsplash.com
December 31:
Theological Diversity: What Does It Mean To Share Our Faith? Sermon by Rev Claudia Jimenez (in person) As our association revisits our foundational documents, there is a proposal to include a list of the values that characterize our faith. The proposed language includes the value of generosity. It states, “We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope. We covenant to freely and compassionately share our faith, presence, and resources. Our generosity connects us to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality.” We often talk about generosity in terms of sharing our time, talent and treasure. But what does it mean to “freely and compassionately share our faith and presence”? The Rev. Claudia Jiménez serves as Minister of Faith Development at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville in NC. She was hired in 2018 after graduating from Meadville Lombard Theological School. Prior to seminary she served as Director of Religious Education for the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach, FL for 17 years. During that time, she ran for office and served on her local school board for 8 years. Her background is in education having taught elementary school and middle school science in the US and abroad. While in seminary, Claudia completed the requirements to become a Credentialed Religious Educator considering it an integral part of her preparation for parish ministry. Claudia and her husband Steve are proud parents of two young adult daughters. When not at work she enjoys Latin dancing, hiking and traveling. |
Rev. Claudia Jimenez
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December 24:
What Does Christmas Mean for Unitarian Universalists? Sermon by Rev Pam McMillan (in person) Rev. Pam will explore what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist at Christmas time. Rev. Pam Mcmillan is a United Methodist minister, hospice chaplain and frequent speaker at our Fellowship. |
Rev. Pam McMillan
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 The Embarkation of the Pilgrims by Robert Walter Weir
December 17:
Ancestral Spirituality & Decolonizing Our Faith Sermon by Dr. Laura Mcguire (in person) What do our ancestral spiritual practices have to teach us in the present? Many of us have wondered about how our theist forebearers experienced spirituality, but we often struggle to find ways to return to these traditions. In this sermon, Dr. McGuire will discuss their own return to their Indigenous spiritual roots in Judaism and how blending modern faith practices with healing ancestral spiritual trauma can benefit us all. Dr. Laura McGuire is an internationally recognized consultant, survivor, researcher, seminarian, and author of the book Creating Cultures of Consent (2021) and The Sexual Misconduct Prevention Guidebook: Consent and Conduct for Higher Education Campuses (2022). They were named as one of the 2022 Champions of Pride by The Advocate magazine and are regularly featured in media outlets for their expertise and approachability. |
Dr. Laura McGuire
|
 Photo by Jens Behrmann via Unsplash.com
December 10:
We're Here to Build Love's House Sermon by Rev Kristina Spaude (via zoom) Years ago, some ministers on Twitter challenged each other and other people of faith and no faith to write their stories in six words. Rev. Kristina wrote several but has kept coming back to this one both as her personal story and the story of Unitarian Universalism. Join us as we explore stories of faith. The Rev. Kristina Spaude (she/her) currently serves as the contract minister for the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs, Florida. Her six-word story of faith is, "We're here to build Love's house," and she is passionate about making the way for more justice in this world. |
Rev. Kristina Spaude
|
 Photo by Saffu via Unsplash.com
December 3:
The Zen Teachings of Jesus Sermon by Dr. Max Salinas (in person) A discussion on how the teachings of Jesus can be incorporated into Zen philosophy. Dr. Maximo H Salinas, aka Max, was born in Managua, Nicaragua and moved to the US as a boy in 1971. He holds a BS degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Master’s and PhD degrees from the University of Virginia, all in Electrical Engineering. Although he grew up Catholic, Max joined his first Unitarian Universalist church in Charlottesville, Virginia, 30 years ago, where he served as president of a 425 member congregation. He has been a devoted Zen practitioner for over seven years and is currently an ordained monk in the Soto Zen lineage, working with his teacher towards becoming a teacher himself. |
Dr. Max Salinas
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November 26:
Water Ceremony By Rev Pam McMillan (in person) On Sunday November 26 our service will feature the "Water Communion," also sometimes called the “Water Ceremony”. For this service the congregants bring a small amount of water that is meaningful to them. During the appointed time in the service, people one by one pour their water together into a large bowl. As the water is added, the person who brought it tells why this water is special to them. The combined water is symbolic of our shared faith coming from many different sources. |
Rev. Pam McMillan
|
 Pumpkin Spice Latte
November 19:
The Power of Gratitude by Jeanne Crane (via zoom) Thanksgiving is upon us and the notion of talking about gratitude might seem as hackneyed as pumpkin spice lattes at this point of the year. But there is a profound simplicity in gratitude and in giving thanks that I'd like to explore today. In fact, I would say there's even a power of gratitude that is part of the ancient mysteries and is being rediscovered, reimagined, and shared regarding how to bring this power of gratitude into our everyday life. Please join me in that exploration and in giving thanks for all our blessings. You will be invited to share your most meaningful way of expressing gratitude as well. Jeanne Crane is an author and speaker with a depth of experience with Unitarian Universalist congregations. She lives in the Finger lakes region of New York where she joined a start-up congregation in the 1980s, taking on many roles within the congregation and district. When she closed her organizational development business, she worked as a district consultant with the Unitarian Universalist Association serving Ohio and New York. She is the author of two novels. |
Jeanne Crane
|
 Photo: Amazon
November 12:
The Nature of Evil by Scott Tilley (in person) Humanity has struggled to understand the nature of evil since time immemorial. It is one of the most fundamental issues underlying the world’s great religions. The topic spans various disciplines, such as philosophy, theology, psychology, sociology, biology, and even technology. In the modern world, evil has taken on new forms (e.g., cyberbullying), but the central questions remain the same. Why are some people (e.g. terrorists) evil? Are they born evil (“original sin”), or do their environment and upbringing make them monsters? Is the devil real or just a metaphor for the human condition? How can a benign God allow evil to flourish? Are we doomed to repeat historical sins (e.g., the Holocaust) forever? What can individuals do to thwart evil? What can society do to protect the most vulnerable population members from those with evil intent? Come to this sermon to learn more about the dark side of our existence. Was St. Augustine right when he said humans have a fundamental tendency toward sin and moral weakness? Whether evil is a force unto itself or a byproduct of other conditions is a question that may never be definitively answered. Bring your garlic! |
Dr. Scott Tilley
|
Scott Tilley is an emeritus professor at the Florida Institute of Technology, president and founder of the Center for Technology & Society, president and co-founder of Big Data Florida, a member of the Board of Directors of the Florida Writers Association (FWA) and the Florida Authors and Publishers Association (FAPA), and a Space Coast Writers’ Guild Fellow. His recent books include AFTERMATH (2022), PETS (2021), Systems Analysis & Design (2020), and Technical Justice (2019). He holds a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Victoria.
Vanessa Zoltan
November 5:
What Is an Atheist Chaplain?
Sermon by Vanessa Zoltan (via Zoom)
Can there be such a thing as an atheist chaplain? Vanessa Zoltan, recently featured in the NY Times, is such a person. She will examine the dichotomy of that position.
Ms. Zoltan's life and view of God is predicated on the Holocaust - how could a loving God permit such an atrocity?
What Is an Atheist Chaplain?
Sermon by Vanessa Zoltan (via Zoom)
Can there be such a thing as an atheist chaplain? Vanessa Zoltan, recently featured in the NY Times, is such a person. She will examine the dichotomy of that position.
Ms. Zoltan's life and view of God is predicated on the Holocaust - how could a loving God permit such an atrocity?
Rev. Kristina Spaude
October 29:
How Universalists Saved God and the World
Sermon by Rev. Kristina Spaude
This morning we'll explore more deeply our Universalist heritage, which predates the founding of the United States. We will feature some of our ancestors and how their vision of the afterlife influenced how people understood God as well as the world.
Rev. Kristina Spaude (she/her) currently serves as the contract minister for the UU Church of Tarpon Springs, FL. Her six-word story of faith is, "We're here to build Love's house," and she is passionate about making the way for more justice in this world. Rev. Kristina has two cats and loves cross stitching.
How Universalists Saved God and the World
Sermon by Rev. Kristina Spaude
This morning we'll explore more deeply our Universalist heritage, which predates the founding of the United States. We will feature some of our ancestors and how their vision of the afterlife influenced how people understood God as well as the world.
Rev. Kristina Spaude (she/her) currently serves as the contract minister for the UU Church of Tarpon Springs, FL. Her six-word story of faith is, "We're here to build Love's house," and she is passionate about making the way for more justice in this world. Rev. Kristina has two cats and loves cross stitching.
 joshua-coleman-WTrfvtoe3yM-unsplash
October 22:
Good Thing I Bounce: Overcoming Adversity Sermon by Rev. Lynn Ungar One thing the world certainly requires of us these days is resilience--the ability to bounce back from hardship. But what exactly does resilience look like, and how do we build more of it? Rev Lynn joins us from Washington state. She is a frequent speaker at our Fellowship and is known for her insightful sermons. |
Rev. Lynn Ungar
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October 15:
Prosperity and Economic Growth Sermon by Valerie Tarico (via zoom) Many people assume that population growth is key to a flourishing economy. But if what you care about is the prosperity of ordinary families and individuals, that isn’t true. In his influential book, Capital in the Twenty-First Century, Economist Thomas Piketty noted that national economic growth “always includes a purely demographic component [meaning population growth] and a purely economic component, and only the latter allows for an improvement in the standard of living.” Our speaker will explore the ramifications of this thesis. Valerie Tarico, Ph.D. is a nationally acclaimed writer and psychologist in Seattle, Washington. Raised in Evangelical fundamentalism, she is author of "Trusting Doubt: A Former Evangelical Looks At Old Beliefs in a New Light." Her articles about fundamentalist religion, the role of women in society, reproductive rights, contraceptive technologies and social myriad issues have appeared across the internet and can be found in her archive at ValerieTarico.com. |
Valerie Tarico
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October 8:
The All Volunteer Force - What It Means for America Sermon by Mel Martin (via Zoom) Our speaker will discuss the 50th anniversary of the All-Volunteer Force and how that has shaped the capabilities of our armed forces. Mel Martin, a Florida native, is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and served as a Marine Corps Officer, retiring as a Staff Judge Advocate in 2014. She earned her law degree from Barry University School of Law. Active in matters of good governance, clean water advocacy and conservation, in 2016 Mel helped defeat a pro-fracking bill in Florida as Brevard's Area Captain and led a countywide coalition which successfully helped pass a half-cent sales tax to support necessary restoration projects for the Indian River Lagoon. She also served as an Adjunct Law Professor, teaching Water Pollution Law and Environmental Ethics at Barry Law. Still a licensed Florida attorney, Mel currently lives in Eugene, Oregon and volunteers in many projects including support of the Florida Right to Clean Water citizens’ initiative as the campaign coordinator. She has spoken to us before on that topic. |
Mel Martin
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October 1:
Saving Manatees in the Lagoon By marine biologist Tiare Fridrich (via Zoom) My presentation will have both negative and positive elements. It will start with an overview of manatees in Florida, their historical abundance in the Indian River Lagoon, the loss of seagrass and die off of manatees, and then have a cautiously optimistic upswing at the end. There has been regrowth of seagrass in the Mosquito Lagoon and hundreds of manatees have been seen feeding there. I will also be sharing our online manatee sighting form link so viewers can submit their own manatee sightings to our database. |
Tiare "TJ" Fridrich
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September 24:
Climate Change: Beyond Hope and Fear Sermon by Michael Dowd Three years ago nationally-known author and speaker Michael Dowd spoke to us about climate change. What he had to say then was so depressing that it seemed unbelievable. Unfortunately, most of his predictions have turned out to be true. However, he has moved on to a place "Beyond Hope and Fear." ... In his own words: "No one needs convincing that we are living in an age of chaos and breakdowns. Even those without benefit of an ecological understanding of history feel the stress. So how do we cope? How can we live with genuine joy and gratitude in the midst of collapsing biosphere? And, crucially, how can we be of support to others who are confused, angry, depressed, or filled with fear, blame, or guilt? Michael Dowd is a bestselling compost theologian and "post doom, no gloom" educator whose book, Thank God for Evolution, was endorsed by 6 Nobel Prize-winning scientists, noted skeptics and atheists, and by dozens of diverse religious leaders. He has delivered two TEDx talks, a program at the United Nations, and he and his wife, Connie Barlow, a popular science writer and Assisted Migration tree activist, have addressed some 3,000 religious and secular groups throughout North America. Having settled in Ypsilanti, Michigan in 2020 to live near their 3-year-old granddaughter, Michael is known today for his leadership in the realm of “post-doom," which his website defines as: "A fierce and fearless reverence for life and expansive gratitude — even in the midst of abrupt climate mayhem and the runaway collapse of societal harmony, the health of the biosphere, and business as usual.” Michael's passion these days is helping people of all ages understand our predicament in ways that offer clarity over confusion, compassion over blame, and calm, courageous love-in-action over fearful, desperate activism. His 90 post-doom conversations and a variety of educational materials and more pastoral offerings, such as a free 5-week "Skills for Post Doom, No Gloom Living” course, can be found at postdoom.com. |
Michael Dowd
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September 17:
The Brevard Zoo and Aquarium Sermon by Keith Winsten Keith Winsten will speak about the world class aquarium coming to Port Canaveral, fund-raising efforts for this and the new and exciting changes happening at the Brevard zoo. D. Keith Winsten has served as the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida since 2004. Mr. Winsten has over 30 years’ experience in non-profit administration, communications, wildlife conservation and environmental education. He has worked at nature centers in New York and Massachusetts and at zoos in Rhode Island and Chicago. His work in conservation education and exhibit development has won numerous national awards and he has helped develop professional training programs in the United States, Brazil, and China. Mr. Winsten has a B.S. in Biology from Yale University and a M.S. in Public Health from the University of Illinois, Chicago. |
Keith Winsten
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 Night view of the National September 11 Memorial in Manhattan.
September 10:
9/11 Remembered Sermon by Jeanne Crane A member of our congregation, Linda Paul, will describe her 911 experience inside the Pentagon when the terrorist plane crashed into it. This will no doubt send all of us - at least those of us over 30 - back to where we were on that ominous day. 9/11 is one of those indelible moments that touches us as an individuals, as a community, as a nation, and even globally. Jeanne Crane will explore its impact: How did we react? What did we learn? How has it impacted us over time? Jeanne Crane is an author and speaker with a depth of experience with UU congregations. She lives in the Finger lakes region of New York where she joined a start-up congregation is the 1980s, taking on many roles within the congregation and district. When she closed her organizational development business, she worked as a district consultant with the UUA serving Ohio and New York. She is the author of two novels. |
Jeanne Crane
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September 3:
The Future of Public Education in Florida Sermon by Danny Bennett The culture wars have hit a school board near you. But this is not the first bit of controversy in public education. From a decades-long funding crisis, to efforts to attract and retain quality teachers, to the creation of stable teaching standards, public education has never left the spotlight. Let's look briefly at some of the biggest issues that are getting media attention and then explore the deeper push to destabilize traditional public schools. From there we'll speculate a model of public schools for the future. We will look at the charter school movement and private school voucher plans and see how they will affect the future of public education in America. It's not all dire. There's no reason that public education can't remain the bedrock of our Democracy. It's going to take everyone being aware of the issues and participating. Bio (in the author's own words): This is my 30th year in public education. I left the classroom for 10 years to advocate for my profession. I served as an officer of the Brevard Federation of Teachers where I lobbied state officials and the Brevard School. As president of the local teachers' union, I negotiated our contract, defended teachers, and worked with public groups to bring our issues to light. I even spoke to the Fellowship many years ago and I'm looking forward to returning. In my career I've taught every grade from 6 through 12. I've also taught almost every subject, but most commonly math and social studies. I currently teach special needs students. |
Danny Bennett
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 Photo: Patrick Fore T2S4CatGdfQ via unsplash
August 27:
Finding Joy in a Haystack of Sorrow Sermon by Rev. Fred Hammond (via Zoom) With each passing day it seems the news is filled with one heart wrenching event after another. How does one thrive in such an environment of sorrow and pain? Where does one find joy? Through personal stories and drawing on the wisdom of a variety of spiritualities, Rev. Fred will offer some possible ways to access joy. Rev Fred Hammond is the developmental minister at the Manatee UU Fellowship in Bradenton Florida. |
Rev. Fred Hammond
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 President Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin at the G8 Summit in 2013.
August 20:
Russia: People, Policy and Recent Developments Sermon by Dr. Hugh Sadri In light of the recent mutiny by Wagner mercenaries in Russia the future direction of that country has become difficult to gauge. Will Putin survive? How will events evolve in the war with Ukraine? Is this the precursor to regime change in Russia? Dr. Hugh Sadri will attempt to answer these and other questions as he highlights how Russia might react to these and developing events. Dr. Hugh Sadri, an associate professor at the University of Central Florida, earned a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia and a fellowship at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University. He is the author of several books and numerous articles dealing with foreign affairs and policy. He is a frequent presenter and invited guest speaker at professional and community meetings both in the United States and abroad. |
Dr. Hugh Sadr
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August 13:
The History of Banned Books Sermon by Helen Bennett As long as people have differing ideas, those in power have tried to suppress the ideas they disagree with. Although book banning is as old as books themselves, we will begin with more recent times: the Spanish Inquisition, from 1478--1834, and the List of Prohibited Books of the Catholic Church, from 1560--1966. After that we shall examine attempts to clean up Shakespeare by "bowdlerizing" his work, to Antony Comstock who kept "obscenity" out of the mails, the Nazis, and our own relentless American attempts to ban classics. Somehow, we always manage to escape these book bannings and burnings, and let free ideas triumph in the end. Helen Bennett is a member and frequent speaker at the Fellowship. |
Helen Bennett
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 Photo by Austin Schmid on Unsplash
August 6:
Happiness Video interview with Gretchen Rubin (via Zoom) What makes a person happy? Were you always happy ... or did you struggle to get there? If you are already happy can you yet be happier? Author Gretchen Rubin attempts to answer these and other questions in a video interview hosted by Nora O'Donnell. Come to this interesting lecture prepared to share your own experience in the search for happiness. Gretchen Rubin is a writer and researcher in the field of "happiness." She is the author of New York Times best sellers in this field, her most recent book being "Life in Five Senses." |
Gretchen Rubin
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July 30:
ChatGPT and Society Sermon by Dr. Scott Tilley Join us for a stimulating sermon by Scott Tilley about the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in our society, focusing on the intriguing tool ChatGPT by OpenAI. It already assists us daily in various aspects of our lives, from learning and research to creative writing and customer service. We'll discuss ChatGPT’s influence on communication and disinformation, potential workplace changes, and critical ethical considerations. What will it mean when we all have an AI-powered virtual assistant in the palm of our hands? As we navigate the intersections of AI and society, our responsibility in using this technology wisely will be highlighted, aiming to use it thoughtfully and compassionately for the betterment of our community. Scott Tilley is an emeritus professor at the Florida Institute of Technology, president and founder of the Center for Technology & Society, president and co-founder of Big Data Florida, president and founder of Precious Publishing, a member of the Florida Writers Association Board of Directors, and a Space Coast Writers’ Guild Fellow. His recent books include AFTERMATH (2022), PETS (2021), Systems Analysis & Design (2020), and Technical Justice (2019). He holds a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Victoria. |
Dr. Scott Tilley
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 Photo by Nikola Jovanovic on Unsplash
July 23:
Dirt... the Earth Sermon by Rev. Lynn Ungar (via zoom) Theologians speak of God as the Ground of Being, but what might we learn from the literal ground of our being, the earth under our feet? |
Rev. Lynn Ungar
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Rev. Pam McMillan
July 16:
A Surprise Sermon
Sermon by Rev. Pam McMillan
Come and be surprised.
Rev Pam McMillan is a United Methodist minister, hospice chaplain and frequent speaker at our Fellowship.
A Surprise Sermon
Sermon by Rev. Pam McMillan
Come and be surprised.
Rev Pam McMillan is a United Methodist minister, hospice chaplain and frequent speaker at our Fellowship.
 Photos: Hudson Institute, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons,
Kin Li via Unsplash.com
July 9:
DeSantis vs. Disney Sermon by Dr. Aubrey Jewett I think it is extraordinary that the Governor is using the power of the state to punish Disney for exercising its free speech rights. I'm not sure if Disney will win in federal court, but I think they have a solid case. I will discuss the background of Reedy Creek, the disagreement on the Don't Say Gay bill, the actions taken by the governor, legislature and new board, the lawsuit filed by Disney, and the bigger picture of DeSantis using government to attack and silence opponents. Aubrey Jewett received his Ph.D. from Florida State University. He is currently Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Central Florida. His main research and teaching interests are in American national, state and local politics with a special emphasis on Florida. Professor Jewett is coauthor of Politics in Florida (now in its 4th edition) and received the Leon Weaver Award for his study of ballot invalidation in Florida during the 2000 presidential election. His research on the 2016 election in Florida will be forthcoming in two edited books. Dr. Jewett is an internationally recognized expert on American and Florida politics. Jewett’s quotes have appeared over 40,000 times in print, over the air, and online throughout Florida, the United States, and worldwide. |
Dr. Aubrey Jewett
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July 2:
Independence Day Picnic
Our annual Independence Day Picnic was held instead of a Sunday Service. We trust a good time was had by all.
Independence Day Picnic
Our annual Independence Day Picnic was held instead of a Sunday Service. We trust a good time was had by all.
June 25 at 10:30:
Photo: Logan Easterling on Unsplash
Bridging the Divide
of Political Polarization
Sermon by Rev. Budd Murphy
June 25
Speaker: Rev Bud Murphy
Topic: “Bridging the Divide of Political Polarization”
How do we live in a world of political polarization? Unitarian Universalist Justice Florida (UUJF) seeks to answer this question and empower the moral voice of Unitarian Universalist values. The fate of humanity and our planet depends on how we organize human energy in this pursuit. Our speaker will explore how we can be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
Richard “Bud” Murphy, MDiv, MA, is a retired Unitarian Universalist minister and a member of the UU Church of St. Petersburg. He is currently serving as Board President of UUJF, a state action Network.
of Political Polarization
Sermon by Rev. Budd Murphy
June 25
Speaker: Rev Bud Murphy
Topic: “Bridging the Divide of Political Polarization”
How do we live in a world of political polarization? Unitarian Universalist Justice Florida (UUJF) seeks to answer this question and empower the moral voice of Unitarian Universalist values. The fate of humanity and our planet depends on how we organize human energy in this pursuit. Our speaker will explore how we can be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
Richard “Bud” Murphy, MDiv, MA, is a retired Unitarian Universalist minister and a member of the UU Church of St. Petersburg. He is currently serving as Board President of UUJF, a state action Network.
June 25 at 11:30:
We join the General Assembly's Sunday Morning service in progress, the largest annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists joining in worship.
Sermon by Rev. Manish Mishra-Marzetti
The pandemic has wrought change and created uncertainty for institutions, like our Unitarian Universalist congregations, and our wider world. Who and what are we becoming, individually and collectively? Our GA Sunday service explores these themes as we gather in community to celebrate the best of who we Unitarian Universalists are. |
Rev.Manish Mishra-Marzetti
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June 18:
Pirate Jews of the Caribbean
Sermon by Rabbi Craig Mayers
This topic covers how Jews ended up on islands in the Caribbean and established communities in this hemisphere long before the United States achieved independence and which communities are still thriving there including synagogues in Barbados, St Thomas and Curaçao among others.
Craig Mayers is a frequent speaker at our Fellowship and is the rabbi and spiritual leader of Temple Beth Sholom here in Melbourne.
Pirate Jews of the Caribbean
Sermon by Rabbi Craig Mayers
This topic covers how Jews ended up on islands in the Caribbean and established communities in this hemisphere long before the United States achieved independence and which communities are still thriving there including synagogues in Barbados, St Thomas and Curaçao among others.
Craig Mayers is a frequent speaker at our Fellowship and is the rabbi and spiritual leader of Temple Beth Sholom here in Melbourne.
June 11:
Sermon by Nellson Moore (via Zoom)
Nellson Moore is a former member of our congregation who now lives elsewhere.
On June 19, 1865, over two years after President Abraham Lincoln declared all enslaved persons free, the Union Army marched into Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and free the last enslaved African Americans in Texas. That was the event that planted the seed that would grow into Juneteenth, now a national holiday.
Nellson Moore is a member emeritus of our congregation. He now lives in Albany, NY.
Sermon by Nellson Moore (via Zoom)
Nellson Moore is a former member of our congregation who now lives elsewhere.
On June 19, 1865, over two years after President Abraham Lincoln declared all enslaved persons free, the Union Army marched into Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and free the last enslaved African Americans in Texas. That was the event that planted the seed that would grow into Juneteenth, now a national holiday.
Nellson Moore is a member emeritus of our congregation. He now lives in Albany, NY.
Photo of Jeanne Crane from celticspiritbooks.com
June 4:
The Passing On of Wisdom
Sermon by Jeanne Crane (via Zoom)
In the wisdom of Rilke’s famous line “live the question”, let us begin with some questions about wisdom: how does it differ from knowledge? How is it transmitted generation to generation? What blocks or obscures it? How can we act with intention to pass essential wisdom on to future generations?
The seven major ancient mystery schools plus wisdom from other ancient civilizations that have been marginalized provide our first clues. As we follow the success and failures of their message over the centuries, let us develop insight into the answers. Then, let us apply that knowing into our own rich Living Tradition and the 30 years of experience here at the Unitarian Universalist Friendship Fellowship as we celebrate this 30th Year Anniversary.
May 28:
LGBTQ Issues and Access to Information
Sermon by MerryBeth Burgess
Our speaker will address the challenges of access to information in our society to include an LBGTQ perspective on recent events.
MerryBeth, also known as MB, is the owner of Hello Again Books in Cocoa Village. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, which is the foundation of her customer service approach focused on the well-being of her customers. For more than 25 years MB has been in retail management directly supporting staff and company goals for brands such as Game Stop, Bath and Body Works, Godiva, and Barnes & Noble.
LGBTQ Issues and Access to Information
Sermon by MerryBeth Burgess
Our speaker will address the challenges of access to information in our society to include an LBGTQ perspective on recent events.
MerryBeth, also known as MB, is the owner of Hello Again Books in Cocoa Village. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, which is the foundation of her customer service approach focused on the well-being of her customers. For more than 25 years MB has been in retail management directly supporting staff and company goals for brands such as Game Stop, Bath and Body Works, Godiva, and Barnes & Noble.
 Cover art from "Knots: A Forced Marriage Story"
May 21:
Forced Marriage in the USA Sermon by Kate Ryan Brewer (via Zoom) We tend to think of forced marriage, if at all, as a problem that does not affect us in the U.S. Documentary film maker Kate Ryan takes us on a journey into the dark recesses of this troubling issue. Child marriage is legal in most states in America! Born in Seattle and raised in Southeast Asia, Kate Ryan Brewer is an independent writer and filmmaker. Since graduating from Florida State University film school, she has lived and worked around the world. Her first feature film, "Knots: A Forced Marriage Story” is an award-winning documentary about forced and child marriage in the U.S. It's also the subject of her TEDx Talk. She is also a published author and current U.S. Diplomat evacuated from Kyiv and now on assignment in Albania. |
Kate Ryan Brewer
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May 14:
Centering Love Sermon by Rev. Claudia Jimenez Our Unitarian Universalist denomination is re-imagining its foundational documents i.e. Article II. Have you heard about this? Wow! The last major change was in 1985. The charge to the team reviewing the documents emphasized a core theological value shared among UUs; LOVE. Join us to explore the meaning of love as a theological statement that moves us to choose the path of love for personal and societal change. Read more about our Seven Principles and six Sources on our About UU page... Read more about the team reviewing the documents - the Article II Study Commission... Rev Jimenez is a frequent speaker at our fellowship. She is presently the developmental minister at the Unitarian Universalist congregation in Asheville, North Carolina. |
Rev. Claudia Jimenez
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May 7:
Religious Issues Facing Today's College Students
Sermon by Rev. Katrina Jenkins
Rev Jenkins will discuss religious issues affecting today's cohort of college students and what this might portend for the future.
Rev Jenkins is the Dean of Religious Life at Rollins College. She will soon be leaving that position for a similar role at Rutgers University.
Religious Issues Facing Today's College Students
Sermon by Rev. Katrina Jenkins
Rev Jenkins will discuss religious issues affecting today's cohort of college students and what this might portend for the future.
Rev Jenkins is the Dean of Religious Life at Rollins College. She will soon be leaving that position for a similar role at Rutgers University.
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April 30:
The Current State of Brevard Public Schools: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Sermon by Jennifer Jenkins, School Board member, via Zoom
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Jennifer Jenkins
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 Photo: Ben White via Unsplash.com/photos/qDY9ahp0Mto
April 23:
Ten Thought Patterns from the Bible Sermon by Valerie Tarico (via Zoom) Perhaps it’s been years or even decades since you left biblical Christianity behind. You may have noticed long ago that there are human handprints all over the Good Book. It may have dawned on you that popular Christian versions of heaven would actually be hellish. You may have figured out that prayer works, if at all, at the margins of statistical significance—that Believers don’t avoid illness or live longer than people who pray to other gods or none at all. You may have clued in that Christian morality isn’t so hot and that other people have moral values too. (Shocking!) But some habits of thought are hard to break. It is a lot easier to shed the contents of Christian fundamentalism than its psychological structure. Let's talk about it. Valerie Tarico, Ph.D. is a psychologist in Seattle, Washington. Raised in Evangelical fundamentalism, she is author of Trusting Doubt: A former Evangelical looks at old beliefs in a new light. Her articles about fundamentalist religion, the role of women in society, reproductive rights, and contraceptive technologies have appeared across the internet and can be found in her archive at ValerieTarico.com. |
Valerie Tarico, Ph.D. is a psychologist in Seattle, Washington. Raised in Evangelical fundamentalism, she is author of Trusting Doubt: A former Evangelical looks at old beliefs in a new light. Her articles about fundamentalist religion, the role of women in society, reproductive rights, and contraceptive technologies have appeared across the internet and can be found in her archive at ValerieTarico.com.
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April 16:
Immortal Infidel Robert Ingersoll Sermon by Helen Bennett Robert Ingersoll was the greatest orator of the 19th century. He drew enormous crowds speaking on many subjects, but his main appeal was his freethinking in religion. He was called "The Great Agnostic," shortly after that word was coined. He believed in "the religion of humanity," a precursor to modern humanism. His thinking in many areas including the rights of women, children, Jews, and Blacks, was way ahead of his time--and even ours. Helen Bennett is a member and frequent speaker at our Fellowship. |
Helen Bennett
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April 9:
Sermon by Rev. Lynn Ungar (via Zoom) Looking at both Easter and Passover as ways of putting together history and mythology, reason and faith. Rev. Dr. Lynn Ungar is a Unitarian Universalist minister, a poet, and frequent speaker at Friendship Fellowship. She lives in Vancouver, Washington. |
Rev. Dr. Lynn Ungar
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Robert Hanssen
April 2:
The Spy Who (Almost) Got Away
Sermon by Jim Caverly
Robert Hanssen, employed as a Special Agent of the FBI from 1976 to 2001, served as a spy for the Soviet Union for fifteen years. Jim Caverly’s service in the New York office of the FBI for two of those years overlapped with Hanssen’s assignment in that office.
Jim will discuss Hanssen’s motivation, as well as the damage caused by this one individual who chose to spy on the government he swore to serve.
Jim Caverly, a retired Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, spent 27 years conducting investigations, including criminal and foreign counter-intelligence assignments. He served as a hostage negotiator and was a member of the FBI SWAT and Evidence Response Teams. After his retirement from the FBI in 1999, Jim conducted vulnerability assessments throughout the United States for the Department of Energy’s Naval Reactor Program.
Jim also served as a grief counselor for the families of police officers killed in the line of duty for 25 years and rode his bicycle from Oregon to Maine in 2012 as a fundraiser for Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.). As team leader of the FBI’s Northeast Critical Incident Stress Management Team, Jim conducted debriefings during recovery operations after the crash of TWA 800 in Long Island, the Murrah Building Bombing in Oklahoma City, and the first World Trade Center attack. He last spoke to us in December 2022.
The Spy Who (Almost) Got Away
Sermon by Jim Caverly
Robert Hanssen, employed as a Special Agent of the FBI from 1976 to 2001, served as a spy for the Soviet Union for fifteen years. Jim Caverly’s service in the New York office of the FBI for two of those years overlapped with Hanssen’s assignment in that office.
Jim will discuss Hanssen’s motivation, as well as the damage caused by this one individual who chose to spy on the government he swore to serve.
Jim Caverly, a retired Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, spent 27 years conducting investigations, including criminal and foreign counter-intelligence assignments. He served as a hostage negotiator and was a member of the FBI SWAT and Evidence Response Teams. After his retirement from the FBI in 1999, Jim conducted vulnerability assessments throughout the United States for the Department of Energy’s Naval Reactor Program.
Jim also served as a grief counselor for the families of police officers killed in the line of duty for 25 years and rode his bicycle from Oregon to Maine in 2012 as a fundraiser for Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.). As team leader of the FBI’s Northeast Critical Incident Stress Management Team, Jim conducted debriefings during recovery operations after the crash of TWA 800 in Long Island, the Murrah Building Bombing in Oklahoma City, and the first World Trade Center attack. He last spoke to us in December 2022.
 Photo: Vincent van Zalinge at Unsplash.com/photos/mvTGLyiRqx8
March 26:
Curiosity, Empathy and Compassion Sermon by Rev. Pam McMillan Lessons learned from being chaplain include values of curiosity, empathy, and compassion. Rev. Pam will reflect on these qualities and how they work in the real world, especially in crisis, to make us a better person. Rev Pam Mcmillan is a United Methodist minister, hospice chaplain and frequent speaker at our Fellowship. |
Rev. Pam McMillan
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Photo of Jeanne Crane from celticspiritbooks.com
March 19:
Celtic, Irish and Unitarian Connections
Sermon by Jeanne Crane
What is the connection between Unitarian Universalist principles and sources and Celtic spirituality/wisdom and tradition? Jeanne will draw upon her travel and research which includes Ireland and the Celtic lands of Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man. She will share experiences and insights at Neolithic stone circles, 5th century abbey ruins, Yeats country “Twilight” sites and services at today’s Unitarian Universalist churches in Dublin and Cork. Passages from both ancient and modern poets will also illuminate her message.
Jeanne Crane is an author and speaker with a depth of experience with Unitarian Universalist congregations. She lives in the Finger Lakes region of New York where she joined a start-up congregation in the 1980s, taking on many roles within the congregation and district. When she closed her organizational development business, she worked as a district consultant with our international Unitarian Universalist Association serving Ohio and New York State. Since retirement, she has spent more and more time in Ireland. She has written two novels about Americans visiting Ireland. In the first, Celtic Spirit, two of the main characters are Unitarian Universalist ministers who bring their perspective to a bus trip in a way very similar to Jeanne’s own views.
Celtic, Irish and Unitarian Connections
Sermon by Jeanne Crane
What is the connection between Unitarian Universalist principles and sources and Celtic spirituality/wisdom and tradition? Jeanne will draw upon her travel and research which includes Ireland and the Celtic lands of Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man. She will share experiences and insights at Neolithic stone circles, 5th century abbey ruins, Yeats country “Twilight” sites and services at today’s Unitarian Universalist churches in Dublin and Cork. Passages from both ancient and modern poets will also illuminate her message.
Jeanne Crane is an author and speaker with a depth of experience with Unitarian Universalist congregations. She lives in the Finger Lakes region of New York where she joined a start-up congregation in the 1980s, taking on many roles within the congregation and district. When she closed her organizational development business, she worked as a district consultant with our international Unitarian Universalist Association serving Ohio and New York State. Since retirement, she has spent more and more time in Ireland. She has written two novels about Americans visiting Ireland. In the first, Celtic Spirit, two of the main characters are Unitarian Universalist ministers who bring their perspective to a bus trip in a way very similar to Jeanne’s own views.
 Photo: floridarighttocleanwater.org/eastcentral
March 12:
How Can We Unite for Clean Water? Sermon by Mel Martin (via zoom) In an era of both societal divisiveness and environmental crises, how is it possible to imagine an effective, comprehensive solution, much less a productive way forward? The answer lies in first taking a breath and zooming out for important perspectives. We'll talk about how a green amendment to Florida's Constitution, for a fundamental right to clean and healthy waters, will help correct systemic errors in state water protection. We'll also discuss good ideas and best methods to cross partisan divides to resonate with and motivate our fellow Floridians and achieve this challenging but critical, shared objective together. Mel Martin, a Florida native, is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and served as a commissioned U.S. Marine Corps Officer, retiring as a Staff Judge Advocate in 2014. She earned her law degree from Barry University School of Law. Active in matters of good governance, clean water advocacy and conservation, in 2016 Mel helped defeat a pro-fracking bill in Florida as Brevard's Area Captain and led a countywide coalition which successfully helped pass a half-cent sales tax to support necessary restoration projects for the Indian River Lagoon. She also served as an Adjunct Law Professor, teaching Water Pollution Law and Environmental Ethics at Barry Law. Still a licensed Florida attorney, Mel currently lives in Eugene, Oregon and volunteers in support of the Florida Right to Clean Water citizens’ initiative as the campaign coordinator. |
Mel Martin
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 Photo: Wikipedia
March 5:
Lincoln - Temperament and Triumph Sermon by Helen Bennett Abraham Lincoln suffered from depression during most of his adult life, and yet conquered his malady to become one of our greatest presidents. He did this through perseverance, ambition, humor, and the will to do good. He succeeded triumphantly in abolishing slavery and saving the Union by means of the deadliest war our nation has endured. Helen Bennett describes herself as a Humanist and poet who was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. She has Bachelor's degrees from Brooklyn College and Florida Atlantic University and Master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin and the University of California at Berkeley. A retired librarian, editor, and high school and university English teacher, she has been a Unitarian Universalist since 1995. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Beta Kappa. |
Helen Bennett
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Photo of Bell Hooks: Alex Lozupone (Tduk), CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
February 26:
Critical Thinking and Courageous Conversation
Sermon by Dr Jeff Nall
On December 15, 2021, the world lost one of the great public intellectual voices of our day: pioneering black feminist, Bell Hooks. In this sermon, Jeffrey Nall shares insights from Hooks’ feminist and anti-racist writing. He also highlights Hooks’ timely advocacy of critical thinking, freedom of speech, and courageous dialogue. Against growing trends to ban books and “cancel” opposing views, hooks insisted that democracy required the maturity and courage to respectfully engage with precisely those views we find most mistaken. These commitments were bolstered by her uncommon humility and awareness of her own political and ethical inconsistencies. Above all, Hooks joined Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in grounding her intellectual and political projects in an explicit ethic of love.
Dr Jeff Nall teaches courses in philosophy and humanities at the University of Central Florida.
Critical Thinking and Courageous Conversation
Sermon by Dr Jeff Nall
On December 15, 2021, the world lost one of the great public intellectual voices of our day: pioneering black feminist, Bell Hooks. In this sermon, Jeffrey Nall shares insights from Hooks’ feminist and anti-racist writing. He also highlights Hooks’ timely advocacy of critical thinking, freedom of speech, and courageous dialogue. Against growing trends to ban books and “cancel” opposing views, hooks insisted that democracy required the maturity and courage to respectfully engage with precisely those views we find most mistaken. These commitments were bolstered by her uncommon humility and awareness of her own political and ethical inconsistencies. Above all, Hooks joined Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in grounding her intellectual and political projects in an explicit ethic of love.
Dr Jeff Nall teaches courses in philosophy and humanities at the University of Central Florida.
 Photo by Jay Castor on Unsplash
February 19:
You Are the Sky: The Path Out of Suffering Sermon by Rebecca Fisher (via Zoom) “Every second I am on the path that leads out of suffering, suffering is there to guide me,” Thich Nhat Hanh has written. Practicing his teachings on mindfulness and interbeing has helped me thrive during difficult times. This practice is extremely practical and accessible to anyone who aspires to be compassionate both to themselves and others. Rebecca Fisher has been a member of the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington, Delaware, since 1994. She began practicing mindfulness in Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village tradition in 2007, and was ordained as a lay practitioner in the Plum Village Order of Interbeing in 2021. |
Rebecca Fisher
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February 12:
Authentically Unitarian Universalist Sermon by Rev Linda Thomson (in person) What does it mean to embrace our identities as Unitarian Universalists and what are the earmarks of a Unitarian Universalist congregation that lives with integrity? How does all of this play out in a tradition that rejects the idea of 'the right' answer? Rev Linda Thomson is a Unitarian Universalist minister who lives and works in eastern Canada. She first found Unitarian Universalism in 1983 and subsequently studied at Meadville Lombard Theological School, graduating with a Masters of Divinity in 2013. In her Ministry Linda works with the Canadian Unitarian Council, Congregational Life Lead for the Central and Eastern regions of Canada. Knowing first hand the value of religious community – having joys celebrated, care offered and assumptions challenged – Linda is committed to helping congregations and communities respond to the needs of the people they serve. Unitarian Universalism’s liberal and life-affirming theology has made all the difference in her life. She believes that our work will not be done until everyone who would join us has had the opportunity to engage with us, and be changed by the encounter. |
Rev. Linda Thomson
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 Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
February 5:
Millennial Culture and Spirituality Sermon by Rev Pam McMillan (in person) Who are "millennials" and what do they want? Are they spiritual, hedonistic, misinterpreted or just living in your daughter's garage? Rev Pam McMillan, herself a millennial, will attempt to answer these and other questions related to this unique species of human beings. Pam McMillan is a United Methodist minister, a trained hospice chaplain and member of "Interfaith United" here in Brevard County. |
Rev. Pam McMillan
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Photo by Tengyart on Unsplash
January 29:
Curiosity Cured the Cat
Sermon by Rev Lynn Ungar (via zoom)
We affirm "a free and responsible search for truth and wisdom." But how exactly does that work? How do we hunt after truth and wisdom, and how do we recognize them when we find them?
Rev. Dr. Lynn Ungar is a Unitarian Universalist minister, a poet whose work has been shared widely, and a trainer who teaches dogs to do elegant, useless things. She lives in Vancouver, Washington with her three Australian shepherds.
Curiosity Cured the Cat
Sermon by Rev Lynn Ungar (via zoom)
We affirm "a free and responsible search for truth and wisdom." But how exactly does that work? How do we hunt after truth and wisdom, and how do we recognize them when we find them?
Rev. Dr. Lynn Ungar is a Unitarian Universalist minister, a poet whose work has been shared widely, and a trainer who teaches dogs to do elegant, useless things. She lives in Vancouver, Washington with her three Australian shepherds.
Chad Vanden Bosch
January 22:
Growing Plants in Outer Space
Sermon by Chad Vanden Bosch (in person)
With the recent Artemis 1 mission we are one not-so-small step closer to returning to the Moon. As space organizations send astronauts on prolonged missions into outer space and onto other planets they must replenish and recycle resources with greater efficiency. What better way to produce oxygen and fresh food on a long space journey than by growing plants? This lecture will provide a brief history of astrobotany and its promise for the future of farming in space and on Earth. Along the way, Chad will share the story of his own giant leap into astrobotany.
Chad Vanden Bosch is a plant physiologist who works to facilitate plant science experiments aboard the International Space Station. He also works with the Space Agriculture Laboratory Analysis Database (SALAD) where he aggregates past astrobotany research into an easy-to-use database. Chad holds an MSc degree in Plant Physiology from the University of Louisiana
Growing Plants in Outer Space
Sermon by Chad Vanden Bosch (in person)
With the recent Artemis 1 mission we are one not-so-small step closer to returning to the Moon. As space organizations send astronauts on prolonged missions into outer space and onto other planets they must replenish and recycle resources with greater efficiency. What better way to produce oxygen and fresh food on a long space journey than by growing plants? This lecture will provide a brief history of astrobotany and its promise for the future of farming in space and on Earth. Along the way, Chad will share the story of his own giant leap into astrobotany.
Chad Vanden Bosch is a plant physiologist who works to facilitate plant science experiments aboard the International Space Station. He also works with the Space Agriculture Laboratory Analysis Database (SALAD) where he aggregates past astrobotany research into an easy-to-use database. Chad holds an MSc degree in Plant Physiology from the University of Louisiana
 The Martin Luther King memorial in Washington, DC
January 15:
Are We There Yet? Sermon by Robert Watts (in person) Looking at the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King: how far has society come since King's death in 1968? Captain Watts juxtaposes his 32 years as a Naval aviator with the issues he faced as a Black officer. Where does society stand today and where might we go in the future? Captain Robert D. Watts graduated from the United States Naval Academy in June 1973 with a BS degree in Analytical Management. He completed flight training in 1975 and flew from various ships including aircraft carriers USS Enterprise and USS Nimitz. In 1990 he had the distinction of becoming the first African American to command a Navy Helicopter Squadron. Captain Watts also later commanded Training Air Wing FIVE. Upon completion of his major command tour Captain Watts attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and earned a MS degree in National Resource Strategy. From June 2001 to May 2005 Captain Watts served as the Commandant, Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, here at Patrick AFB. After retiring from the Navy, he became Superintendent of the New York Military Academy. He served in that position for five years before retiring to Melbourne. |
Rev. Dr. Paul S. Johnson
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 Photo by Casey Horner on Unsplash
January 8:
Leading a Balanced Life Sermon by Rev. Paul Johnson (via Zoom) Rev Johnson uses Aristotle's idea of the "Golden Mean" out of his Nicomachean Ethics as a jumping off place to consider balance in our lives during the coming year. Rev. Johnson holds the Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Divinity degrees from Meadville/Lombard Theological School in Chicago. He is a frequent speaker at our Fellowship. |
Rev. Dr. Paul S. Johnson
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January 1:
Technology Trends for 2023 Sermon by Dr. Scott Tilley (in person) In today’s fast-paced world, nothing is as certain as perpetual change. Nowhere is that truer than in the world of technology. Amazing (and alarming) advances seem to appear in the news on a daily basis. Artificial intelligence applications are upending the definition of creativity. Cryptocurrency is under intense scrutiny, but it’s also being suggested as the basis for the next worldwide monetary system. Fusion energy may finally put “the sun in a bottle” and usher in an alternative green economy based on clean and virtually unlimited resources. The geopolitics of these developments are far-reaching and thought-provoking, but what do they mean for you? Come to this stimulating sermon by Scott Tilley to learn more about technology trends in 2023. Scott Tilley is an emeritus professor at the Florida Institute of Technology, president and founder of the Center for Technology & Society, president and co-founder of Big Data Florida, president of the Space Coast Progressive Alliance (SCPA), a member of the Florida Writers Association Board of Directors, and a Space Coast Writers’ Guild Fellow. His recent books include AFTERMATH (2022), PETS (2021), Systems Analysis & Design (2020), and Technical Justice (2019). He holds a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Victoria. |
Scott Tilley
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