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Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoDread, Hope, And ExpectationDread, Hope, And Expectation On the Sunday after the presidential inauguration, and our annual UUSF Spaghetti Supper for Social Justice, the Choir will sing, “Take Care of This House,” from the Lerner/ Bernstein musical, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It includes the line, “but hope isn’t easy to see.” John’s sermon will be based on his own experience, as President of the UUA (1993-2001) of false news, propaganda, and right-wing divisiveness being used against our democratic faith – and how we prevailed then and can again. Rev. John Buehrens, Senior Minister Richard Davis, Worship Associate Reiko Oda Lane, orga...2017-01-231h 20

Complete Service-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoDread, Hope, And ExpectationDread, Hope, And Expectation On the Sunday after the presidential inauguration, and our annual UUSF Spaghetti Supper for Social Justice, the Choir will sing, “Take Care of This House,” from the Lerner/ Bernstein musical, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It includes the line, “but hope isn’t easy to see.” John’s sermon will be based on his own experience, as President of the UUA (1993-2001) of false news, propaganda, and right-wing divisiveness being used against our democratic faith – and how we prevailed then and can again. Rev. John Buehrens, Senior Minister Richard Davis, Worship Associate Reiko Oda Lane, orga...2017-01-231h 20

Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoWondrous Music In The Face of WrongsWondrous Music In The Face of Wrongs Dr. Buehrens, homilist Dr. Mark Sumner directing the UUSF Choir and Soloists and the Jubilate Instrumental Ensemble and Reiko Oda Lane at the organ keyboard. Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Worship Archives/Podcast Bring your music loving friends! Our “Big Music Sunday” this year features works by J.S. Bach, centered on Cantata 79, his “Reformation Cantata” --a fitting prelude to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, 1517 to 2017. The cantata includes a chorale, “Nun danket alle Gott,” praising, in the face of enduring ills, the “wondrous things” already done to...2016-12-121h 17

Complete Service-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoWondrous Music In The Face of WrongsWondrous Music In The Face of Wrongs Dr. Buehrens, homilist Dr. Mark Sumner directing the UUSF Choir and Soloists and the Jubilate Instrumental Ensemble and Reiko Oda Lane at the organ keyboard. Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Worship Archives/Podcast Bring your music loving friends! Our “Big Music Sunday” this year features works by J.S. Bach, centered on Cantata 79, his “Reformation Cantata” --a fitting prelude to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, 1517 to 2017. The cantata includes a chorale, “Nun danket alle Gott,” praising, in the face of enduring ills, the “wondrous things” already done to...2016-12-121h 17

Complete Service-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoGood Grace: Stories of Thanksgiving and ReconciliationGood Grace: Stories of Thanksgiving and Reconciliation There is a good chance your Thanksgiving holiday will include some post-election reflection. Along with some side dishes, well come with our stories. In preparation, we will spend this Sunday with the Thanksgiving story, which will serve as our centerpiece, exploring the facts and the fiction, seeing what it can teach us about reconciliation and grace. Our stories have power, they can bring us together or break us apart. As we prepare to gather at the common table, may our stories move us in a direction that leads to healing and ho...2016-11-211h 05

Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoGood Grace: Stories of Thanksgiving and ReconciliationGood Grace: Stories of Thanksgiving and Reconciliation There is a good chance your Thanksgiving holiday will include some post-election reflection. Along with some side dishes, well come with our stories. In preparation, we will spend this Sunday with the Thanksgiving story, which will serve as our centerpiece, exploring the facts and the fiction, seeing what it can teach us about reconciliation and grace. Our stories have power, they can bring us together or break us apart. As we prepare to gather at the common table, may our stories move us in a direction that leads to healing and ho...2016-11-211h 05

Complete Service-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoFaith of the FreeFaith of the Free We gather for a new church year of learning, caring, and serving at UUSF on the 15th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The following months and years were the best of times and the worst of times. Free people gathered to help one another. Free people also became manipulated by fear-mongering. Developments over the past summer have mirrored that tension. We are all clearly afraid and anxious. What shall we do with all our fears? Where do we dare to invest our finite faith, our hope, our love? Could we ever trust one another enough, in...2016-09-121h 14

Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoFaith of the FreeFaith of the Free We gather for a new church year of learning, caring, and serving at UUSF on the 15th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The following months and years were the best of times and the worst of times. Free people gathered to help one another. Free people also became manipulated by fear-mongering. Developments over the past summer have mirrored that tension. We are all clearly afraid and anxious. What shall we do with all our fears? Where do we dare to invest our finite faith, our hope, our love? Could we ever trust one another enough, in...2016-09-121h 14

Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoWhat Does It Mean To Have Faith In The Collective Power Of Working People?What Does It Mean To Have Faith In The Collective Power Of Working People? At a time when the U.S. labor movement is struggling to survive and so many people lack secure employment and living wages, can the fight for justice on the job be source of spiritual strength, as it was for many of our ancestors? Our preacher will be our own Millie Phillips, a long-time labor activist, member of UUSF, recent graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry, and now Intern Minister for the UU Congregation of Santa Rosa. Millie Phillips , M...2016-09-061h 00

Complete Service-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoWhat Does It Mean To Have Faith In The Collective Power Of Working People?What Does It Mean To Have Faith In The Collective Power Of Working People? At a time when the U.S. labor movement is struggling to survive and so many people lack secure employment and living wages, can the fight for justice on the job be source of spiritual strength, as it was for many of our ancestors? Our preacher will be our own Millie Phillips, a long-time labor activist, member of UUSF, recent graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry, and now Intern Minister for the UU Congregation of Santa Rosa. Millie Phillips , M...2016-09-061h 00

Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoThe Awareness of GloryThe Awareness of Glory "Big Music" Sunday at UUSF! The Poulenc Gloria is one of the great choral works of the 20th century. It was commissioned for and first performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in 1961. Rev. John Buehrens,Senior Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister Kat Liu, Worship Associate Margaret Pearce, The Interfaith Power and Light Dr. Mark Sumner, choir director Mark Bruce, organist Wm. García Ganz, pianist Kate Offer, soprano Kathleen Quenneville, Moderator Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound & Worship Archives/Podcast 2016-04-1859 min

Complete Service-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoThe Awareness of GloryThe Awareness of Glory "Big Music" Sunday at UUSF! The Poulenc Gloria is one of the great choral works of the 20th century. It was commissioned for and first performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in 1961. Rev. John Buehrens,Senior Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister Kat Liu, Worship Associate Margaret Pearce, The Interfaith Power and Light Dr. Mark Sumner, choir director Mark Bruce, organist Wm. García Ganz, pianist Kate Offer, soprano Kathleen Quenneville, Moderator Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound & Worship Archives/Podcast 2016-04-1859 min

Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoPracticing ResurrectionPracticing Resurrection In a change from past practice at Easter, the children will join us only for the early part of the service, for a Message for All Ages and for some of the glorious music; then they will go off with Rev. Alyson to other activities, including an Easter egg hunt. John’s message, under a title borrowed from the poet Wendell Berry, will be about carrying the Easter theme into daily and year-round life. Fancy Easter hats, of course, are part of the tradition and fun at UUSF Easter. Rev. John Buehrens,Senior Mi...2016-03-281h 18

Complete Service-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoPracticing ResurrectionPracticing Resurrection In a change from past practice at Easter, the children will join us only for the early part of the service, for a Message for All Ages and for some of the glorious music; then they will go off with Rev. Alyson to other activities, including an Easter egg hunt. John’s message, under a title borrowed from the poet Wendell Berry, will be about carrying the Easter theme into daily and year-round life. Fancy Easter hats, of course, are part of the tradition and fun at UUSF Easter. Rev. John Buehrens,Senior Mi...2016-03-281h 18

Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoPracticing ConnectionPracticing Connection Many of us, including your Sr. Minister, are actually introverts. We have to be intentional about making a real connection with other people. Those who are natural extroverts sometimes need to be intentional about just listening. This is how the web of community is woven, in diversity. Rev. John Buehrens,Senior Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister Milo Hanke, Worship Associate Aggie Sweeney, Fundraising Consultant to UUSF Reiko Oda Lane, organist Wm. Garcia Ganz, guest choir director James Valent, Trustee Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound & Worship Archives/Podcast 2016-02-081h 08

Complete Service-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoPracticing ConnectionPracticing Connection Many of us, including your Sr. Minister, are actually introverts. We have to be intentional about making a real connection with other people. Those who are natural extroverts sometimes need to be intentional about just listening. This is how the web of community is woven, in diversity. Rev. John Buehrens,Senior Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister Milo Hanke, Worship Associate Aggie Sweeney, Fundraising Consultant to UUSF Reiko Oda Lane, organist Wm. Garcia Ganz, guest choir director James Valent, Trustee Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound & Worship Archives/Podcast 2016-02-081h 08

Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoBeloved Conversations:Healing Our Way Toward Beloved CommunityBeloved Conversations:Healing Our Way Toward Beloved Community A group of UUSF members is about to begin a curriculum called "Beloved Conversations: Meditations on Race and Ethnicity." Several other UU churches in the region are already involved. The conversation about racial justice is important. Rev. JD Benson, Assistant Minister Alex Darr, Worship Associate Reiko Oda Lane, organist Wm. García Ganz, guest conductor Rusty Harris-Bishop, soloist Galen Workman, Secretary Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound & Worship Archives/Podcast 2016-01-111h 07

Complete Service-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoBeloved Conversations:Healing Our Way Toward Beloved CommunityBeloved Conversations:Healing Our Way Toward Beloved Community A group of UUSF members is about to begin a curriculum called "Beloved Conversations: Meditations on Race and Ethnicity." Several other UU churches in the region are already involved. The conversation about racial justice is important. Rev. JD Benson, Assistant Minister Alex Darr, Worship Associate Reiko Oda Lane, organist Wm. García Ganz, guest conductor Rusty Harris-Bishop, soloist Galen Workman, Secretary Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound & Worship Archives/Podcast 2016-01-111h 07

Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoA Royal Banquet: In The Face of FearA Royal Banquet: In The Face of Fear The UUSF Choir and the UC Berkeley Alumni/ae Choir combine with an orchestra under the direction of UUSF Music Director Dr. Mark Sumner for a performance of William Walton’s BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST – with brief historical and reflective commentary by Rev. Buehrens on the story from the ancient Book of Daniel. Rev. John Buehrens, Senior Minister Mark Sumner, Music Director Reiko Oda Lane, Organist Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound & Worship Archives/Podcast 2015-12-141h 14

Complete Service-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoA Royal Banquet: In The Face of FearA Royal Banquet: In The Face of Fear The UUSF Choir and the UC Berkeley Alumni/ae Choir combine with an orchestra under the direction of UUSF Music Director Dr. Mark Sumner for a performance of William Walton’s BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST – with brief historical and reflective commentary by Rev. Buehrens on the story from the ancient Book of Daniel. Rev. John Buehrens, Senior Minister Mark Sumner, Music Director Reiko Oda Lane, Organist Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound & Worship Archives/Podcast 2015-12-141h 14

Complete Service-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoCharacterMinister Emeritus of the Mt. Diablo UU Church in Walnut Creek, Rev. Sammons served UUSF as Interim Minister before John Buehrens arrived. Let’s give him, and his wife, Jan, a warm welcome. His sermon will compare the recent book on "Character" by columnist David Brooks with the ideas of the spiritual founder of Unitarianism in America, William Ellery Channing. Rev. David Sammons, Guest Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister Rev. JD Benson, Assistant Minister Dr. Mark Sumner, piano Reiko Oda Lane, organ Jiun-Chyi Yew, soprano Greg Meissner, tenor Re...2015-09-291h 11

Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoCharacterMinister Emeritus of the Mt. Diablo UU Church in Walnut Creek, Rev. Sammons served UUSF as Interim Minister before John Buehrens arrived. Let’s give him, and his wife, Jan, a warm welcome. His sermon will compare the recent book on "Character" by columnist David Brooks with the ideas of the spiritual founder of Unitarianism in America, William Ellery Channing. Rev. David Sammons, Guest Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister Rev. JD Benson, Assistant Minister Dr. Mark Sumner, piano Reiko Oda Lane, organ Jiun-Chyi Yew, soprano Greg Meissner, tenor Re...2015-09-291h 11

Complete Service-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoThe Longing for Belonging: In Returning and RestThe morning will begin with a breakfast for families and children, old and new. The service will not only kick off a new church year, but also “Bring a Friend Month” at UUSF. There are many longing for a non creedal community of spirit, service, friendship and critical thinking. Invite someone to come try us out! Rev. John Buehrens,Senior Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister Rev. JD Benson, Assistant Minister Dr. Mark Sumner, choir director Reiko Oda Lane, organ Mark Johnson, piano Wm. Garcia Ganz, piano Michael Yokas, violin Gayle Reynolds, Welcome and Announcements Jonathan Silk, Sound, Orde...2015-09-141h 06

Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoThe Longing for Belonging: In Returning and RestThe morning will begin with a breakfast for families and children, old and new. The service will not only kick off a new church year, but also “Bring a Friend Month” at UUSF. There are many longing for a non creedal community of spirit, service, friendship and critical thinking. Invite someone to come try us out! Rev. John Buehrens,Senior Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister Rev. JD Benson, Assistant Minister Dr. Mark Sumner, choir director Reiko Oda Lane, organ Mark Johnson, piano Wm. Garcia Ganz, piano Michael Yokas, violin Gayle Reynolds, Welcome and Announcements Jonathan Silk, Sound, Orde...2015-09-141h 06

Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoBefore Selma and BeyondWe have just celebrated the involvement 50 years ago of hundreds of Unitarian Universalists in Selma, Alabama, in support of Black voting rights. But we should also know about and learn from Unitarian Universalists living in the South whose work on racial issues preceded and followed the voting rights demonstrations of 1965. Gordon Gibson was part of the Selma civil rights campaign, served as the only Unitarian Universalist minister in Mississippi 1969-84, and has recently written "Southern Witness: Unitarians and Universalists in the Civil Rights Era". At UUSF he is best known as Shirley Gibson's father. Rev. Gordon Gibson,Gu...2015-06-221h 17

Complete Service-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoBefore Selma and BeyondWe have just celebrated the involvement 50 years ago of hundreds of Unitarian Universalists in Selma, Alabama, in support of Black voting rights. But we should also know about and learn from Unitarian Universalists living in the South whose work on racial issues preceded and followed the voting rights demonstrations of 1965. Gordon Gibson was part of the Selma civil rights campaign, served as the only Unitarian Universalist minister in Mississippi 1969-84, and has recently written "Southern Witness: Unitarians and Universalists in the Civil Rights Era". At UUSF he is best known as Shirley Gibson's father. Rev. Gordon Gibson,Gu...2015-06-221h 17

Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoIs There Anybody At Home?It's hard to feel at home in the world. But if we are going to fulfill our mission as a sanctuary for spiritual exploration, we must welcome pilgrims on life's journey. Our service will include the formal welcome of new members who have joined UUSF in recent months. Please try to be present to let them know that we are glad they have chosen to join us. Rev. John Buehrens,Senior Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister George Cavage, Membership Chair Dr. Mark Sumner, choir director Reiko Oda Lane, organ Gayle Reynolds...2015-06-081h 04

Complete Service-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoIs There Anybody At Home?It's hard to feel at home in the world. But if we are going to fulfill our mission as a sanctuary for spiritual exploration, we must welcome pilgrims on life's journey. Our service will include the formal welcome of new members who have joined UUSF in recent months. Please try to be present to let them know that we are glad they have chosen to join us. Rev. John Buehrens,Senior Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister George Cavage, Membership Chair Dr. Mark Sumner, choir director Reiko Oda Lane, organ Gayle Reynolds...2015-06-081h 04

Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoThe Joy That Passes UnderstandingOn this Memorial Day Weekend, many members of UUSF will be on the All-Church Retreat. The joyous, UU remnant left in the city will gather in the Sanctuary, And have a joyous time, perhaps remembering that true joy is only possible in the full awareness of loss and absence. Rev. Margot Campbell Gross, Minister Emerita Alison Rittger, Worship Associate Reiko Oda Lane, organ The St.Petersburg Menís Ensemble unknown, Welcome Jonathan Silk, Sound, Order of Service & Worship Archives/Podcast 2015-06-0254 min

Complete Service-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoThe Joy That Passes UnderstandingOn this Memorial Day Weekend, many members of UUSF will be on the All-Church Retreat. The joyous, UU remnant left in the city will gather in the Sanctuary, And have a joyous time, perhaps remembering that true joy is only possible in the full awareness of loss and absence. Rev. Margot Campbell Gross, Minister Emerita Alison Rittger, Worship Associate Reiko Oda Lane, organ The St.Petersburg Menís Ensemble unknown, Welcome Jonathan Silk, Sound, Order of Service & Worship Archives/Podcast 2015-06-0254 min

Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoThe Chicken and the EggWhich comes first? Church community? Or our social justice mission? The chicken or the egg? We will launch our annual pledge drive for the UUSF operating budget. Rev. John Buehrens,Senior Minister Cindy Pincus, Intern Minister Harry Arthur, Testimonial Dr. Mark Sumner, choir director Reiko Oda Lane, organ Rusty Harris-Bishop, tenor Kathleen Quenneville, Welcome Jonathan Silk, Sound, Order of Service & Worship Archives/Podcast 2015-03-2358 min

Complete Service-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoThe Chicken and the EggWhich comes first? Church community? Or our social justice mission? The chicken or the egg? We will launch our annual pledge drive for the UUSF operating budget. Rev. John Buehrens,Senior Minister Cindy Pincus, Intern Minister Harry Arthur, Testimonial Dr. Mark Sumner, choir director Reiko Oda Lane, organ Rusty Harris-Bishop, tenor Kathleen Quenneville, Welcome Jonathan Silk, Sound, Order of Service & Worship Archives/Podcast 2015-03-2358 min

Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoTransformationsAlex Darr, who grew up in UUSF, will serve as Worship Associate and Kristen Pedersen will work with Rev. Buehrens to create a service that will include the voices of young adults testifying to how UU values were part of their transformations and personal growth. Rev. John Buehrens,Senior Minister Alex Darr, Worship Associate Kristen Pedersen, Young Adult Mark Johnson, piano Kate Offer, song leader Margaret Pearce, Welcome Jonathan Silk, Sound, Order of Service & Worship Archives/Podcast 2015-01-0656 min

Complete Service-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoTransformationsAlex Darr, who grew up in UUSF, will serve as Worship Associate and Kristen Pedersen will work with Rev. Buehrens to create a service that will include the voices of young adults testifying to how UU values were part of their transformations and personal growth. Rev. John Buehrens,Senior Minister Alex Darr, Worship Associate Kristen Pedersen, Young Adult Mark Johnson, piano Kate Offer, song leader Margaret Pearce, Welcome Jonathan Silk, Sound, Order of Service & Worship Archives/Podcast 2015-01-0656 min

Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoConnections"Only connect!" said the novelist E.M. Forster. But "connections are made slowly," warned poet Marge Piercy, "sometimes they grow underground." John Buehrens will preach, but the service will also include a chance to learn how to connect at UUSF to other spiritual seekers and skeptics through Small Group Ministry. Rev. John Buehrens, Senior Minister Rev. Margot Campbell Gross, Minister Emerita Judith Stoddard, Small Group Ministry Coordinator Derek Czajka Sandra Niman Larry Chinn, Guest Pianist Dr. Mark Sumner, Pianist Kerry Parker, Song Leader Jonathan Silk, Sound, Order of Service & Worship...2014-09-011h 05

Complete Service-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San FranciscoConnections"Only connect!" said the novelist E.M. Forster. But "connections are made slowly," warned poet Marge Piercy, "sometimes they grow underground." John Buehrens will preach, but the service will also include a chance to learn how to connect at UUSF to other spiritual seekers and skeptics through Small Group Ministry. Rev. John Buehrens, Senior Minister Rev. Margot Campbell Gross, Minister Emerita Judith Stoddard, Small Group Ministry Coordinator Derek Czajka Sandra Niman Larry Chinn, Guest Pianist Dr. Mark Sumner, Pianist Kerry Parker, Song Leader Jonathan Silk, Sound, Order of Service & Worship...2014-09-011h 05