Sermons
This is a full list of sermons presented at UUCCSM since mid-1999. Links to sermon texts are included when made available by their authors. Audio recordings are also available for most sermons presented after September, 2007 by our staff ministers and others directly affiliated with our church (just click the speaker icon next to each sermon where it's available*). Audio from guest speakers is posted only when we have their permission to share it.
Hard copies of sermons by Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae are available in the church office. Contact office assistant Sibylla Nash at office@uusm.org if you have a request.
"Leaving Room for Hope: Sermons for Uncertain Times," a book of Minister Emerita Judith Meyer's sermons, is available here.
[*Please Note: if you do not see an audio speaker icon below each of the individual sermons on this page, click the small lock-shaped icon next to the page's URL in your address bar, and in the drop-down menu that pops up, make sure "Flash" is set to "Allow." Then re-load the page, and you should be able to see the audio players. Sorry for any inconvenience - we are working to fix this issue.]
April 26, 2020 - 10:00am
You Have to Ride the Wave
Monthly Theme: Liberation
Rev. K.C. Slack
April 19, 2020 - 10:00am
Honoring Earth
Monthly Theme: Liberation
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae
Our Seventh Unitarian Universalist Principle affirms: “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” This Earth Day we are especially mindful of our interdependence in the midst of a global pandemic. Join us this Sunday as we meditate on this liberal religious principle and our responsibility to our beautiful planet home.
April 12, 2020 - 10:00am
Easter Celebration
Monthly Theme: Liberation
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae
The radical Jesus of the liberal spirit preached a message of spiritual freedom, non-violence, economic justice, healthcare, and women’s rights as he challenged the dominant powers of his time. Beneath the revolutionary social activism that led to his death was a path of spiritual renewal beyond the simplistic "death and resurrection" stories. Join us this Sunday as we explore that spiritual path and reimagine an Easter worthy of the great spiritual teacher.
April 5, 2020 - 10:00am
Spiritual Liberation
Monthly Theme: Liberation
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae
The Israelites are freed from oppression in ancient Egypt, Jesus seemingly defies death, and Muslims fast from the comforts of the world--these are among the many traditions of spiritual freedom we will explore this month. Our theme for community reflection this month is liberation. Join us this Sunday as we explore what spiritual liberation means to our liberal faith.
March 29, 2020 - 10:00am
Holy Silence (Special Online Only Service)
Monthly Theme: Wisdom
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae
"Find a stillness, hold a stillness, let the stillness carry me…” Join us this Sunday for a meditation on silence.
Please note that this will be an ONLINE ONLY service. To watch the live video, please go to our UUSM Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/uusantamonica/ at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. If the video link doesn't appear immediately, please be patient (we're still new at this and it took a few extra minutes to get it up and running last week). If you don't see the live video right at 10 a.m., please note that you do NOT have to look elsewhere. It will appear on this page as soon as it's available. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you online on Sunday!
March 22, 2020 - 10:00am
Giving Ourselves Away (Special Online Only Service)
Monthly Theme: Wisdom
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae
Generosity of heart, spirit, and resources is fundamental to the spiritual path. This is taught by all of the great religions of the world. This Sunday, we celebrate the formal launch of our annual stewardship campaign and explore the meaning of giving to our lives, our beloved community, and the world. We will get to hear the many transformative stories of why so many support this congregation with our first congregational video.
Please note that this was an ONLINE ONLY service. See video link below to watch (or watch again).
March 15, 2020 - 10:00am
Love is the Spirit (A Special Online Worship Service)
Monthly Theme: Wisdom
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae
Join us online this Sunday as we co-create beloved community together in the midst of a global pandemic. We are temporarily suspending congregational worship gatherings to protect vulnerable members of our congregation and the larger community. We will be providing more information soon so you can watch our special live-streamed service on the church’s Facebook page on Sunday morning. We will consider how we spiritually prepare and fortify ourselves in uncertain times. Help us spread the word about these changes. We look forward to being with you virtually and in spirit on Sunday morning. If you need help getting online, please contact board member Eileen McCormack for assistance.
Note: the service originally scheduled for today, with DeReau K. Farrar, unfortunately had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 closures.
March 8, 2020 - 10:00am
Let There Be Light
Monthly Theme: Wisdom
Rev. Kikanza Nuri-Robins
As you look forward to The Vernal Equinox, the Coming of Spring, and the presence of more light in the world, look around yourself and notice. What is dancing in the shadows? What is in the shadows that you might shine more light on? Come worship with us as we consider what aspects of ourselves we turn to the light and what remains in the shadows.
March 1, 2020 - 10:00am
We the People...
Monthly Theme: Wisdom
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae
The democratic principles of our society have been distorted, threatened, and ignored over the centuries. Our religious ancestors played a critical role in establishing democracy in the United States and our fifth Unitarian Universalist Principle affirms: “The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” Join us this Sunday as we explore the state of our democracic republic and what these times are demanding of us.
February 23, 2020 - 10:00am
Hindu Dharma
Monthly Theme: Resilience
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae
Hinduism is the oldest of the world’s major religions and it has grown to encompass a vast diversity of traditions, scriptures, philosophies, and practices. The Third Source of Unitarian Universalism is: “Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life.” This Sunday we will begin our exploration of this ancient wisdom and its great influence on our liberal religious tradition.