The unifying themes of this program are justice, love, learning and hope. The messages come from sermons and readings from Unitarian-Universalist sources. The program title comes from a beloved Unitarian-Universalist hymn, “Spirit of Life,” which includes the words, “Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion” and “Move in the hand, giving life the shape of justice.”
The “House of Wisdom” in Baghdad was the greatest of many centers of learning during the Golden Age of Islam, which helped to usher in the Rennaissance. The Rev. Tim Kutzmark talks about “How Islam Saved the World” in the link below.
Commentary
Written by Orlando Montoya
I’ve had the misfortunate of attending several funerals in recent years. But none of them have been in a UU church. It’s been so long since I’ve attended a UU funeral. I’m trying to think, what would a UU funeral even look like? A Christian funeral is quite familiar. Its main messages seem to be “The deceased is in a better place” and “Get right with Jesus.” That’s not necessarily a UU message, and certainly, not my UU message. So here’s what I want at my UU funeral. Don’t say that I’m in a better place because I’m not, as in, I am not. I do not exist! That’s the only thing that you know for sure. Afterlife isn’t knowledge. It’s belief. And I rather believe that death is like falling asleep. If, at all, something exists for us beyond the grave, it’s more likely a collective hum, an ocean of consciousness into which all souls flow, what you might call universal salvation or Nirvana. It’s just better to talk about living legacies. Don’t talk about Jesus much. I love Jesus, but as the Universalists once said, as a teacher and friend, only one of many great teachers, some of whom are alive today, some of whom aren’t seen as prophets, like poets, writers, musicians, social critics and scientists. Don’t talk about passing or transitioning or any other death euphemism. I’m dead! And sing music, UU hymns like “Gather the Spirit,” “Spirit of Life,” “Love Will Guide Us” and “Life Calls Us On.” No, I’m not planning on having this UU funeral any time soon. And I don’t want to attend anyone else’s soon, either. But as long as they must happen, I’ll respect the dead, tolerate their wishes and curse anyone who violates my wish for a UU funeral.
Sermon
“How Islam Saved the World” (8/4/19)
Rev. Tim Kutzmark
Unitarian-Universalist Church of Fresno
Sermon
“Abortion and Faith” (7/21/19)
Rev. Angela Herrera
Unitarian-Universalist Church of Albuquerque, New Mexico
Sermon
TBD
Sermon
TBD
Braver Wiser
Used by permission of Braver Wiser, a publication of the Unitarian-Universalist Association
Quest Monthly
Used by permission of Quest Monthly, a publication of the Church of the Larger Fellowship
UUA Statements
Messages from the Unitarian Universalist Association
Natural Silence
Used by permission of ListeningEarth.com
UUA Principles and Sources
Our liberal faith as defined by the Unitarian Universalist Association
World Religions
Written by Orlando Montoya
Interfaith Calendar
Written by Orlando Montoya
UU FAQ
Written by and used by permission of John Sias from interviews with Rev. Steve Edington
Published by the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Nashua, NH
