ChUUrch Talk
ChUUrch Talk
Rev. Laurel Gray
Reverend Laurel Gray writes sermons that help make sense of the complexities of life, and then she talks about them with (non-reverend) Amanda Hall once a month. Episode titles starting with "[Sermon]" are read by Rev. Laurel. Monthly ChUUch Talk episodes are conversations between Rev. Laurel and Amanda. This podcast is by the Unitarian Universalist Congregational Society of Westborough (UUCSW), from Westborough, Mass. www.uucsw.org
[Sermon] The "G" Word, 5.19.24
What does the word “God” even mean? So often, when people say they do or don’t believe in God, they’re reacting to one particular definition or image. This morning we’ll explore lots of different definitions of what one might call God. Written by: Rev. Laurel Gray Music by: Kala Farnham Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall
May 19, 2024
17 min
[Sermon] The Plurality of Family, 5.12.24
In honor of Mother’s Day, this morning we’re focusing on all the ways to be a family. Sometimes we experience a deep sense of belonging in our families of origin, and sometimes we don’t. Come celebrate all the ways we find our people and our way home. Written by: Rev. Laurel Gray Music by: Kala Farnham Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall
May 12, 2024
11 min
We Do Not Worship Despair: ChUUrch Talk April 2024
Amanda and Rev. Gray discuss: 3 months’ notice; despair doesn’t have the final say; etymology nerds sound off; operationalizing covenant; the need for collective catharsis; let’s talk about The Thing; encampments on campuses; the potency of knowing where you’re rooted; stories of rupture Sermons written by: Rev. Laurel Gray Theme music: Antidepresseur by Patchworker | https://soundcloud.com/patchworker Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall
May 2, 2024
55 min
[Sermon] Passover: We Go Together, 4.21.24
Today we’ll tell the ancient Passover story and reflect on what it means to seek a new way, away from abuses of power, and towards a more just world. We know that what we do affect each other and transformation is something we can only ever achieve together. Referenced in this sermon: Rabbi Botzum's essay can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kNhiqgFP5NB3CCJaPn9VgArCJ8X5vM_T/view?ref=lifeisasacredtext.com Freedom for All Seder Haggadah: https://www.freedomforallseder.com/haggadah/resources More Seder Sources and Resources from Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg: https://www.lifeisasacredtext.com/socialist-haggadah/ Written by: Rev. Laurel Gray Music by: Kala Farnham Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall
Apr 22, 2024
16 min
[Sermon] The Path Ahead, 4.14.24
Written by: Rev. Laurel Gray Music by: Kala Farnham Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall
Apr 14, 2024
7 min
[Sermon] The Path of Covenant, 4.7.24
The heart of Unitarian Universalism is not a creed, but a covenant, a promise to care. Considering changes to our seven principles with Article II asks us to remember that the promises we make in this congregation are connected to a wider UU web of care. Written by: Rev. Laurel Gray Music by: Kala Farnham Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall
Apr 7, 2024
11 min
And Yet, We Get There: ChUUrch Talk March 2024
Amanda and Rev. Gray discuss: gardens!; turquoise vs teal; flourishing is vulnerable; citrus allergies and equity; putting the Easter story in a post-traumatic wisdom frame; the worst sermon Laurel ever heard Sermons written by: Rev. Laurel Gray Theme music: Antidepresseur by Patchworker | https://soundcloud.com/patchworker Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall
Apr 4, 2024
37 min
[Sermon] Easter Sunday: A People Transformed, 3.31.24
Resurrection can be a sticky theological concept for UUs. Come gather for this festive Easter service as we reflect on what it means to be transformed by love. Come one, come all! Written by: Rev. Laurel Gray Music by: Kala Farnham Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall
Mar 31, 2024
9 min
[Sermon] Spring Transformation, 3.17.24
Spring has sprung – at least according to the calendar! Today Rev. Laurel and members of the Garden Team will share about how outdoor spaces can transform our sense of welcome and foster a sense of new life. Written by: Rev. Laurel Gray Music by: Kala Farnham Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall
Mar 18, 2024
5 min
[Sermon] Celebration Sunday, 3.10.24
Come celebrate together as we kick off our annual pledge drive! We’ll reflect on plans for next year and how we share resources as part of being in loving community. We’ll reflect on what it means to value equity over equality, and the fact that equity is something we can only achieve together. Written by: Rev. Laurel Gray Music by: Kala Farnham Hosted and Edited by: Amanda Hall
Mar 10, 2024
10 min
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