2025 Services: see below
Zoom meetings were live and not recorded.
Click here for 2024 Services
Click here for 2023 Services
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 2024 Services
Click here for 2023 Services
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.
To Tell the Truth
In the context of a national stage where "alternative facts" abound, what does it mean to live a life of integrity--to commit to telling the truth? Sermon by Rev. Lynn Ungar (via Zoom) Rev Ungar is a frequent speaker at the Fellowship. She is a resident of Washington State. |
Rev. Lynn Ungar
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April 6:
Trauma-Informed Faith and Fellowship
In honor of Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness month, join us for a conversation on what being a trauma-informed community means in practice. From understanding the many forms of trauma that take place, to how religion intersects with the shame cycle, and what we can do to actionably show up for survivors, we will share how to be survivor allies in action.
Sermon by Dr. Laura McGuire (in person)
Trauma-Informed Faith and Fellowship
In honor of Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness month, join us for a conversation on what being a trauma-informed community means in practice. From understanding the many forms of trauma that take place, to how religion intersects with the shame cycle, and what we can do to actionably show up for survivors, we will share how to be survivor allies in action.
Sermon by Dr. Laura McGuire (in person)
March 30:
Abortion rights are currently imperiled, with many using religious ideologies to support the idea that choice should not belong to the individual. In the sermon, we will explore the theological underpinnings for seeing abortion as sacred, including its long history as such. Attendees will leave with empowering conversational tools to engage with those who may think that theism is in direct conflict with the right to choose.
Sermon by Dr. Laura McGuire (in person)
Abortion rights are currently imperiled, with many using religious ideologies to support the idea that choice should not belong to the individual. In the sermon, we will explore the theological underpinnings for seeing abortion as sacred, including its long history as such. Attendees will leave with empowering conversational tools to engage with those who may think that theism is in direct conflict with the right to choose.
Sermon by Dr. Laura McGuire (in person)
Trump and officials and advisors on June 1, 2020.
March 23:
Trump 2.0:
Attitude and Policy Approaches Toward Iran, Israel/Hamas, and Russia/Ukraine Conflicts
Sermon by Dr. Houman Sadri (in person)
During the 2024 Election season, President Trump clearly indicated a policy vision significantly different from all his predecessors. He has claimed that the 2024 Election results gave him a mandate to move radically on several fronts including his foreign policy. Although he secured significant Electoral Votes, his popular vote was only slightly more that his opponent which indicates our society is divided over many policy options and choices.
This sermon focuses only on three of his foreign policy challenges. It will compare the current political realities with his policy and their impacts in both the short and long run.
Trump 2.0:
Attitude and Policy Approaches Toward Iran, Israel/Hamas, and Russia/Ukraine Conflicts
Sermon by Dr. Houman Sadri (in person)
During the 2024 Election season, President Trump clearly indicated a policy vision significantly different from all his predecessors. He has claimed that the 2024 Election results gave him a mandate to move radically on several fronts including his foreign policy. Although he secured significant Electoral Votes, his popular vote was only slightly more that his opponent which indicates our society is divided over many policy options and choices.
This sermon focuses only on three of his foreign policy challenges. It will compare the current political realities with his policy and their impacts in both the short and long run.
Dr. Houman Sadri
Dr. Sadri founded, led, and serves a variety of organizations including for-profit, non-profit as well as governmental agencies. He has served as project manager for several local and national corporations with international aspirations. In addition to training staff, Dr. Sadri also managed teams on a project basis for several companies in the area of development, economic growth, marketing, and public relations for both domestic and global markets.
He has served for years as a consultant for various U.S. Government agencies, NGOs, and local/national businesses. His work has earned him several awards for his efficient service and effective training programs. He has also worked with State and Local government organizations in Arizona, California, Virginia, and Florida in the areas of development, education, and security.
In addition to his local and national projects, Dr. Sadri has significant international experience on 6 continents and has traveled to more than 70 countries. His projects are funded by a variety of public and private organizations with diverse developmental and growth policy objectives and means. Dr. Sadri’s other service activities include working as a publication editor and reviewer. He also serves on several Executive Boards.
Dr. Sadri 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. He is a frequent presenter and invited guest speaker at professional and community meetings both in the United States and abroad.
Our recording of the service is below. We had technical problems with the sound, so we suggest you begin viewing at the 4:30 mark.
He has served for years as a consultant for various U.S. Government agencies, NGOs, and local/national businesses. His work has earned him several awards for his efficient service and effective training programs. He has also worked with State and Local government organizations in Arizona, California, Virginia, and Florida in the areas of development, education, and security.
In addition to his local and national projects, Dr. Sadri has significant international experience on 6 continents and has traveled to more than 70 countries. His projects are funded by a variety of public and private organizations with diverse developmental and growth policy objectives and means. Dr. Sadri’s other service activities include working as a publication editor and reviewer. He also serves on several Executive Boards.
Dr. Sadri 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. He is a frequent presenter and invited guest speaker at professional and community meetings both in the United States and abroad.
Our recording of the service is below. We had technical problems with the sound, so we suggest you begin viewing at the 4:30 mark.
March 16:
Dr. Laura will reflect on the value and necessity of deep listening and respectful, empathetic discourse.
Sermon by Dr McGuire (in person)
Our Annual Meeting took place after Dr. McGuire's sermon.
Music during the service provided by Theo Guimaraes on the piano and by our choir.
Dr. Laura will reflect on the value and necessity of deep listening and respectful, empathetic discourse.
Sermon by Dr McGuire (in person)
Our Annual Meeting took place after Dr. McGuire's sermon.
Music during the service provided by Theo Guimaraes on the piano and by our choir.
March 9:
It's Hard to be Poor in the Sunshine State: Social Welfare and Insurance in Florida Sermon by Dr Aubrey Jewett (in person) How many people receive social insurance or social welfare benefits in Florida? How are these programs set up and paid for? How well do they meet the needs of Florida residents and how effectively are these programs run? This sermon seeks to answer these questions by using Florida as a case study. Florida has one of the higher percentage of seniors in the country who rely on Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid (when they need nursing home care). In addition, Florida has a poverty rate higher than the national average and many of those residents seek help from the social welfare system. Florida has a multi-year waiting list for helping disabled children and adults and failed miserably in providing timely unemployment compensation to deserving workers during the COVID 19 pandemic. Dr. Jewett is a frequent speaker at our Fellowship and is an associate professor at the University of Central Florida. |
Dr. Aubrey Jewett
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March 2:
The Unitarian Universalist world has a long history of ordaining women, dating back to 1863, but many of the world's faith communities still see this as scandalous. Join us for a discussion of women faith leaders through history, both cisgender and transgender, as we celebrate Women's History Month through the lens of fellowship.
Sermon by Dr. Laura McGuire
The Unitarian Universalist world has a long history of ordaining women, dating back to 1863, but many of the world's faith communities still see this as scandalous. Join us for a discussion of women faith leaders through history, both cisgender and transgender, as we celebrate Women's History Month through the lens of fellowship.
Sermon by Dr. Laura McGuire
February 23:
Every week we ask people to join us for worship, but what exactly does that even mean? What are we worshiping, and what does worship even require of us? In this discussion, we will explore the origins of the concept of worship across different religions, how agricultural societies have impacted the concept, and what it means to worship as Unitarian Universalists.
Sermon by Dr. Laura McGuire
Every week we ask people to join us for worship, but what exactly does that even mean? What are we worshiping, and what does worship even require of us? In this discussion, we will explore the origins of the concept of worship across different religions, how agricultural societies have impacted the concept, and what it means to worship as Unitarian Universalists.
Sermon by Dr. Laura McGuire
Audio disclaimer: we are new to this medium and still learning. The volume of the presentation is low. Be sure to turn the volume up on the video and your computer or other device. If you have headphones which you can use, that may help.
As an alternative, we have produced an amplified audio file. You may choose to listen to that by itself. Or, if you want the visuals to go with it, you could play both simultaneously, muting the volume on the video.
We regret the inconvenience and endeavor to do better next time.
As an alternative, we have produced an amplified audio file. You may choose to listen to that by itself. Or, if you want the visuals to go with it, you could play both simultaneously, muting the volume on the video.
We regret the inconvenience and endeavor to do better next time.
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February 16:
How to Be an Empty Vessel Photo: http://crashingthrough.com/
Emptiness – the void – tends to be something we fear and shy away from. But admitting our emptiness is the first step not only to enlightenment, but the sheer joy of living. We’ll explore emptiness and fullness through the amazing story of Mike May, a blind man who regained his sight – and found surprises that were both distressing and elating. Sermon by Amanda Aikman
Rev. Aikman is a retired Unitarian Universalist minister who served churches in the Pacific Northwest for 25 years. Her sermons have won over a dozen national contests. She has had numerous plays, mostly short comedies, produced in the Seattle area, and is the author of the racy 2023 novel, "Miss Lister's Guest House." |
Rev. Amanda Aikman
Cover of "Crashing Through," a book about Mike May
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February 9:
Many of us have thought of God as a parent or friend, but many do not know about the extensive history of seeing the divine as a lover. As we enter the season of Valentine's and celebration of romance, let's explore how our spirituality can interweave with this. Join Dr. McGuire for a discussion about historical examples of divine beings as romantic partners and sexuality as worship and what that can mean for us today.
Sermon by Dr. Laura McGuire
*Parents-This sermon is rated PG-13, so discern age appropriateness with younger members.
Dr. McGuire is the ministerial intern at our Fellowship and is our featured speaker every other Sunday.
The recording of the service is now available. Just click on the image below.
Many of us have thought of God as a parent or friend, but many do not know about the extensive history of seeing the divine as a lover. As we enter the season of Valentine's and celebration of romance, let's explore how our spirituality can interweave with this. Join Dr. McGuire for a discussion about historical examples of divine beings as romantic partners and sexuality as worship and what that can mean for us today.
Sermon by Dr. Laura McGuire
*Parents-This sermon is rated PG-13, so discern age appropriateness with younger members.
Dr. McGuire is the ministerial intern at our Fellowship and is our featured speaker every other Sunday.
The recording of the service is now available. Just click on the image below.
Keturah Mazo
February 2:
The Art of Healing Conversation
This talk discusses the importance of creating a sacred space and building narrative timelines in order to promote self-healing and resolving conflicts. This method may be practiced at home or with others. It doesn't take the place of a certified therapist, but it does promote balancing our traumas/conflicts with our generational strengths in order to find the light among our shadows. It's an invitation to "fall in love" with oneself again by reconnecting to our inner beings.
Sermon by Keturah Mazo (in person)
Keturah Mazo, MS, a graduate of UCF and Florida Institute of Technology, is a veteran teacher of Brevard Public Schools and a current Communication Instructor at Florida Institute of Technology, her alma mater. She also holds various certifications in narrative exposure therapy, Reiki, DEI, and life and business coaching. After the pandemic, she began noticing the lack of face to face conversational skills. Combining her years of teaching public speaking, timeline building, and professional communication along with energy work and elemental practices, she now focuses on the power of healing conversation, not only in our own lives but expanding out into our communities and businesses as well.
The Art of Healing Conversation
This talk discusses the importance of creating a sacred space and building narrative timelines in order to promote self-healing and resolving conflicts. This method may be practiced at home or with others. It doesn't take the place of a certified therapist, but it does promote balancing our traumas/conflicts with our generational strengths in order to find the light among our shadows. It's an invitation to "fall in love" with oneself again by reconnecting to our inner beings.
Sermon by Keturah Mazo (in person)
Keturah Mazo, MS, a graduate of UCF and Florida Institute of Technology, is a veteran teacher of Brevard Public Schools and a current Communication Instructor at Florida Institute of Technology, her alma mater. She also holds various certifications in narrative exposure therapy, Reiki, DEI, and life and business coaching. After the pandemic, she began noticing the lack of face to face conversational skills. Combining her years of teaching public speaking, timeline building, and professional communication along with energy work and elemental practices, she now focuses on the power of healing conversation, not only in our own lives but expanding out into our communities and businesses as well.
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January 26:
Technology Trends in 2025 
The rapid pace of technological change continues to shape our lives profoundly. In 2025, artificial intelligence is advancing at an astonishing rate, redefining creativity and transforming industries from healthcare to education. Renewable energy innovations, including breakthroughs in small modular reactors, offer hope for a sustainable future amidst a growing climate crisis. At the same time, cybersecurity is evolving to counter increasingly sophisticated threats, as the race to protect sensitive information grows more critical. These advancements are not just technical marvels—they have far-reaching societal impacts, raising questions about ethics, equity, and the future of humanity. Join us to explore these pivotal trends and their implications for our shared future.
Sermon by Scott Tilley, Ph.D. (in person) |
Scott Tilley, Ph.D.
Music:
Stephen Downen, choir director, keyboard, soloist, Amy Rosebush, keyboard.
This was Stephen Downen's last day serving our music needs on Sunday mornings. We wish him well.
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Scott Tilley is an emeritus professor at the Florida Institute of Technology, president of the Center for Technology & Society, president of Big Data Florida, president of Precious Publishing, and a Space Coast Writers’ Guild Fellow. His recent books include Addictive Poetry (2024), Advent Poetry (2024), Systems Analysis & Design (2024), Poems of the Moment (2023), and AFTERMATH (2022). He holds a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Victoria.
January 19:
Dr. King and the power of joy as resistance. Sermon by Dr. Laura McGuire (in person) Dr. Laura McGuire is honored to serve as Unitarian Universalist Friendship Fellowship's part-time intern minister. They preach and provide religious education to the community in person two to three times a month and offer pastoral care and ritual services Sunday through Wednesday. They are the author of two books- Creating Cultures of Consent (Rowman & Littlefield, 2021) and The Sexual Misconduct Prevention Guidebook (Fielding University Press, 2022) and have been published in outlets ranging from Patheos to Edutopia. |
Dr. Laura McGuire
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Rev. Kathy Tew Rickey
January 12:
The Courage to Teach
Sermon by Rev. Kathy Tew Rickey
Dr. Laura McGuire’s ministerial internship means Rockledge is now a teaching congregation. What does this mean for you individually and collectively? As leaders and supporters? As faith-forward Unitarian Universalists? As Laura’s internship supervisor along with inspiration from Quaker teacher Parker Palmer, I look forward to exploring these questions with you.
Rev. Kathy Tew Rickey is an ordained minister in Fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association. Since 2009 she has served congregations in Upstate New York and in Florida. On the cusp of retirement, Rev. Kathy now takes her ministry out of the building to the frontiers of teaching, mentoring, and activism. She lives with her husband, Don, and little dog Daisy in Ormond Beach, Florida. Her favorite pastimes are kayaking, gardening, and traveling.
The Courage to Teach
Sermon by Rev. Kathy Tew Rickey
Dr. Laura McGuire’s ministerial internship means Rockledge is now a teaching congregation. What does this mean for you individually and collectively? As leaders and supporters? As faith-forward Unitarian Universalists? As Laura’s internship supervisor along with inspiration from Quaker teacher Parker Palmer, I look forward to exploring these questions with you.
Rev. Kathy Tew Rickey is an ordained minister in Fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association. Since 2009 she has served congregations in Upstate New York and in Florida. On the cusp of retirement, Rev. Kathy now takes her ministry out of the building to the frontiers of teaching, mentoring, and activism. She lives with her husband, Don, and little dog Daisy in Ormond Beach, Florida. Her favorite pastimes are kayaking, gardening, and traveling.
January 5:
Getting to Know
Dr. Laura McGuire
In the words of our speaker: "I'm thinking of doing a "getting to know me" sermon. I want to have a carved-out time early on to share who I am, what I bring to the Unitarian Universalist Friendship Fellowship and ways that I hope we can grow together."
This will be Dr. Laura's first sermon as our official ministerial intern. She will began her duties on January 1st. Following the service a catered lunch will be provided in honor of Dr. Laura and also to introduce our 1995 Canvass pledge drive.
Dr. Laura Mcguire is the official ministerial intern at the Fellowship and will be speaking to us every other Sunday throughout 2025.
Getting to Know
Dr. Laura McGuire
In the words of our speaker: "I'm thinking of doing a "getting to know me" sermon. I want to have a carved-out time early on to share who I am, what I bring to the Unitarian Universalist Friendship Fellowship and ways that I hope we can grow together."
This will be Dr. Laura's first sermon as our official ministerial intern. She will began her duties on January 1st. Following the service a catered lunch will be provided in honor of Dr. Laura and also to introduce our 1995 Canvass pledge drive.
Dr. Laura Mcguire is the official ministerial intern at the Fellowship and will be speaking to us every other Sunday throughout 2025.