2021 Sermons
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“Release and Renew”
This week, we journey through the importance of healing, and releasing that which does not serve us as we head into the new year. After the service, a releasing ritual will be held outside.
KC Pandell
December 26, 2021 -
“The Courage to Hope - Candlelight Service”
We gather to remember an ancient story and celebrate courageous hope in the most challenging of times.
Rev. Kent Doss
December 24, 2021 -
“Healing Time”
The holiday season can be frantic and festive; it can also be lonely or sad. This Sunday we slow down for a service of healing and renewal in this darkest month of the year.
Rev. Kent Doss
December 5, 2021
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“Showing Up”
As Unitarian Universalists, we are in a unique position to use our power and privilege to support causes of racial justice and against moral inequity. This week, we examine active ways in which to center the voices of marginalized people, and work to understand when we take a back seat to the work being done.
KC Pandell
November 28, 2021 -
“The Violence of Homelessness”
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is November 13-21. Too often people experiencing homelessness are seen as dangerous. This Sunday we consider more carefully who is vulnerable and who is harmed by laws that relate to homelessness.
Rev. Kent Doss
November 14, 2021 -
“Universalist Roots of Nonviolence”
UUs are known for our commitment to Side With Love. This Sunday we look back at some of the Universalist roots of that commitment, and how they influenced global movements of non-violence, including Gandhi and King.
Rev. Kent Doss
November 7, 2021
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“Reflections of an Interfaith Chaplain ”
Amidst religionism and intolerance, how do we stay true to what is sacred and has meaning, so we can help lift humanity at the highest level? Celia Young is a member of Tapestry and a seminary student in an interfaith chaplaincy program.
Celia Young
October 31, 2021 -
“Honoring Our Place”
With the help of Humanism, this Sunday we consider how honoring our human place in the unfolding of the universe can lend a deep sense of reverence to our lives.
Rev. Kent Doss
October 24, 2021 -
“Finding the Awe in the Everyday”
When life becomes an overwhelming tsunami of responsibilities, we seek anchors with which to keep our bearings. This week, we examine the everyday miracle, and how it can guide us to comfort and sustain us, serving as a foundation for our spiritual resilience.
KC Pandell
October 17, 2021 -
“A Rainbow of Reverence”
October 11th is National Coming Out Day. This Sunday we learn from the history of how some groups of LGBTQ people came out religiously. Part of that history we often ignore is the struggle for equality within our own tradition.
Rev. Kent Doss
October 10, 2021 -
“Languages of Reverence”
Former UUA President, Rev. William Sinkford spoke about our need for a language of reverence in Unitarian Universalism. This Sunday we dig into what he meant by language of reverence and look at some of the ways reverence has been expressed in our world.
KC Pandell
October 3, 2021
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“An Unexpected Journey”
Reason, rationality and a little bit of the unknown can take us places we never imagined. How do we meet the new realities that might bring, and how do we embrace them and make them authentically ours? Intern Minister KC shares some of her journey towards the UU faith, and invites us to examine our own life’s journeys, and how reason (and maybe something more) guides us.
KC Pandell
September 26, 2021 -
“Wisdom of the Heart”
Like it or not, we humans are more emotional than we are logical. That doesn’t just apply to those we disagree with. This Sunday we remember the profound influence of our non-reasoning selves, and how to navigate the pull between reason and emotion.
Rev. Kent Doss
September 19, 2021 -
“A Shared Faith / Water Communion”
Religion is an attempt to connect with indescribable mystery. Alone it is difficult to put into words to what we know deep down; together we develop our beliefs by sharing them with one another. This Sunday we celebrate the beloved UU ritual of Water Communion. If you have collected water from your adventures this past year, please bring it for the ritual. If you have water to contribute to the ritual, but are unable to participate in person contact Rev. Kent to arrange to drop it off at Tapestry.
Rev. Kent Doss
September 12, 2021 -
“Reasons for Unitarianism”
In 1819 William Ellery Channing preached the sermon that defined Unitarianism as a distinct tradition. This Sunday we revisit his revolutionary commitment to reason and how it set the course of our faith to become who we are today.
Rev. Kent Doss
September 5, 2021
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“Memorable Meals”
Between celebrating holidays, building romance, or remembering those who have died, meals shared with others mark some of the most significant moments in our lives. This Sunday Tapestry members will speak about some of their most memorable meals.
Tapestry Members
August 29, 2021 -
“The Round Table”
With an array of international cuisines, vegetarian delicacies, and home cooking innovations the dining options are endless. Each of those options has impacts beyond our dinner plate. This Sunday we explore some of the how and the why of ethical eating.
Rev. Kent Doss
August 22, 2021 -
“How I learned non-violent Communication!”
The world works better when we can interact in an accepting way with the people with whom we come in contact. It's not easy, but it is worth it! This Sunday’s worship service focuses on making certain that we interact with others in a spirit of generosity, knowing that we all make mistakes, occasionally say things that don't come out right, and even hold ideas that are contrary to the listener's beliefs and understanding.
Rev. Karen Stoyanoff
August 15, 2021 -
“Sharing One Cup”
Communion means a lot of different things. One of the central ideas is a symbol of unity. This Sunday we consider how we navigate the pull between individualism and unity at Tapestry and in our lives.
Rev. Kent Doss
August 8, 2021 -
“Beyond the Last Supper”
This Sunday we explore this history of the Christian ritual of communion and how its meaning evolved within Unitarianism and Universalism. Is there room for it today? What if we use flowers or water instead of bread and wine?
Rev. Kent Doss
August 1, 2021
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“Question Box Sermon”
Do you have a burning question about Unitarian Universalism, about Tapestry, or about theology? This is your chance. For today’s sermon Rev. Kent will answer questions submitted by whomever comes to worship on Sunday morning.
Rev. Kent Doss
July 25, 2021 -
“I Owe God A Death”
Our American culture remains death-defying, and our UU movement failed, a decade ago, to embrace mortality during our re-visioning of our Purposes and Principles. We have work to do. If we wish to live more robustly and caringly, day by day, we must consent to die. It is our ultimate journey! As naturalist Wallace Stegner put it: “I owe God a death!”
Guest Minister: The Rev. Dr. Tom Owen-Towle was ordained in 1967 and is still preaching, hither and yon, from his home-base in San Diego. He is the author of two dozen books on social justice, personal relationships, and spiritual growth. When the pandemic is over, Tom will re-engage his community commitments: volunteering at the homeless center, singing in nursing homes, and mentoring young people. Today’s sermon will be based upon his latest book. Making Peace with Our Own Death, just published and available via amazon.com or at our shared service. Owen-Towle is honored to be returning, live, to one of his favorite UU haunts, where he served for two years as an Interim Minister!
Rev. Dr. Tom Owen-Towle
July 18, 2021 -
“Pilgrimage”
Around the world various cultures journey to a special sites or wander for the sake of spiritual enrichment. This Sunday we explore some of the themes in traditional pilgrimages and consider how they can inform our own life adventures today.
Rev. Kent Doss
July 11, 2021
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“Soul Siblings”
Something powerful happens when we are around those we love. Getting to know the person behind the mask helps us find compassion for our enemies. Based on Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “The Oversoul,” this Sunday we consider how paying attention to the soul can help cultivate relationships.
Rev. Kent Doss
June 20, 2021 -
“Finding Ourselves in Solitude”
Our high-school youth share what this year of solitude has meant for them. Three seniors, Julia Miller, Joey Moller, and Ryan Tuominen-Lenney deliver homilies and we all celebrate their transition into young adulthood.
Julia Miller, Joey Moller, and Ryan Tuominen-Lenney
June 6, 2021
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“Calling Out, Calling In and Getting Curious”
Rev. Kent Doss, discussing the possibilities presented by the addition of an Eighth Principle to our UU Faith tradition.
Rev. Kent Doss
May 30, 2021 -
“Our Third Principle”
The first and seventh principles get all the glory. This Sunday we celebrate number three: acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations. What may appear to be two separate projects are woven together in the journey of congregational life.
Rev. Kent Doss
May 9, 2021 -
“Can I Have a Hug?”
Based on culture and personal history, we carry different expectations for touch and personal space. As we prepare to resume in-person gatherings of all sorts, this Sunday we explore intimacy and consent.
Rev. Kent Doss
May 2, 2021
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“My Meditation”
Three members of our Tapestry community, Diane Limbo, Daya Shankar Fisher, and Richard Lappin will speak about their experience with meditation. Each of them draws from a different tradition of meditation. They will share with us what their practice looks like and how it has impacted their lives over several years.
Diane Limbo, Daya Shankar Fisher, and Richard Lappin
April 25, 2021 -
“Being Present - to Homelessness”
Too often we cling to fantasies or memories; too often we distract ourselves from what is right in front of us. While we learn about housing insecurity and homelessness this Sunday, we practice the invaluable skill of being present.
Rev. Kent Doss
April 18, 2021 -
“It is Good”
This Sunday, we embrace the spiritual path of paying attention to nature. The sermon will include some suggested meditations that you can practice on your own outdoors.
Rev. Kent Doss
April 11, 2021 -
“Meditation on a Flower”
Flowers are a universal symbol of hope, renewal and love. This Easter Sunday we revive our annual tradition of flower communion, and welcome Spring with our full attention.
Rev. Kent Doss
April 4, 2021
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“The Chalice of Our Being”
The Civil Rights March in Selma, Alabama in March of 1965 has gone down in history as a turning point for racial justice. Two Unitarian Universalists were killed in two separate attacks by members of the Ku Klux Klan, and lost their lives in Selma. Rev. Reeb and Viola Liuzzo’s actions continue to speak to those who work to dismantle racism and oppression. PLease watch and share...Rev. Rayna Hamre “Paying Our Respects, Remembering James Reeb and Viola Liuzzo”
Rev. Rayna Hamre
March 28, 2021 -
“We Are Whole”
While a thousand different voices tell us we are not enough, this Sunday we celebrate our wholeness. We may not be perfect, but we are most certainly enough.
Rev. Kent Doss
March 21, 2021 -
“The Chalice of Our Being”
Dag Hammarskjold wrote: "Each Morning we must hold out the chalice of our being to receive, to carry, and give back." This Sunday we faithfully consider the gifts we have received and how we, in turn, share them with the world.
Rev. Kent Doss
March 14, 2021 -
“A Legacy of Respect”
We UUs have a reputation for welcoming a diversity of ideas. This Sunday we learn about some of the history of religious tolerance, acceptance, and respect within our liberal tradition, and consider where we might go from here.
Rev. Kent Doss
March 7, 2021
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“The Death Penalty, the Challenge of Compassion”
The death penalty is largely misunderstood or simply ignored. This Sunday we look at the facts relating to the death penalty and hear how some are working to end it. Theresa DeLos Santos is Tapestry’s bookkeeper, a death penalty activist, and friend to many members of our community.
Theresa De Los Santos
February 28, 2021 -
“The Paradox of Mercy”
Mercy is unearned and undeserved; it is illogical. This Sunday, Reverend Kent Doss asks us to consider the radical nature of "mercy" and whether or not we subscribe to this value espoused by multiple religious traditions.
Rev. Kent Doss
February 21, 2021 -
“Love Poems From God”
Based on a book by the same name, this worship service celebrates the many poets who have written about God in deeply loving ways. Many different types of love are pathways into deeper connection with the sacred, with the universe, with nature and with ourselves.
Rev. Kent Doss
February 14, 2021
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"Shelter From the Storm"
Life is a complicated journey with some unexpected challenges. This Sunday we explore reliable resources of comfort and meaning from our UU faith and community.
Rev. Kent Doss
January 24, 2021 -
"What to Do When Nothing Can Be Done"
What to Do When Nothing Can Be Done Tapestry member Angela Jansen shares sermons and readings from leading Unitarian Universalist ministers on the topic of Consolation and Desolation.
Sermon by Rev. Barbara Pescan
Presented by Angela Jansen
January 10, 2021 -
“The Daily Examen”
This first Sunday of the new year, we consider a daily spiritual practice based on Ignatian spirituality. In this season of setting resolutions and setting goals for the coming year, does your spirituality get any renewed attention?
Rev. Kent Doss
January 3, 2021