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Last year I focused some attention on theology—and especially on liberation theology and process
theology. In this sermon I will share my own understanding of God.
Rev. Roger Bertchausen
The question of how one finds happiness in life has long fascinated - and plagued - humankind. How
do "United Statesians" (as my son likes to call us) rank when compared to others? After all, this
pursuit is one of our inalienable rights according to the Declaration of Independence!
Rev. Dottie Mathews
Bill Maher's movie Religulous and recent books by Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens and Richard
Dawkins have taken aim at the idea of God and religion in general. I will attempt to defend the
possibility of God and the possibility of religion's goodness against these withering attacks.
Rev. Roger Bertchausen
When UU congregations gather, we often begin by lighting a chalice. What might this mean for us
together? What can it symbolize for you? The unpredictable dance of the spirit supported upon a
base of reason? The light of individual freedom held up for the world by a solid caring community?
Rev. Paul Beckel
So, how does one begin to dive into the philosophies and practices of Buddhism in this life? Well, here's
a riddle that I'm sure will clear it all up for you: What does a person have to do to become a Buddhist?
Answer: absolutely nothing.
Jennifer Straight
How many times have you read or heard a version of this statement: Marriage is a sacred institution,
ordained of God from before the foundation of the world? This message will explore the history of
marriage as a both a civil and religious rite -- and how it has changed over the years.
Rev. Dottie Mathews
Alison Hurwitz, a 1997 graduate of Lawrence University, discovered UU in her college years. She
helped to organize a campus outreach program, inviting members of the FVUUF to campus for
monthly discussions. She volunteered (with her now husband, Charlie Holst) as a coming of age
mentor twice, and was the youngest mentor then on record. The impact of her immersion in the UU
community empowered her and helped shape her choices as she entered her post-college years. As
she began a career as a professional dancer and teacher in San Francisco, she incorporated her UU
experiences into her life's work, organizing dance shows to support homeless shelters, local charities,
and outreach programs. She believes strongly in the healing power of dance, and the bonds it can create between diverse individuals. Married in 2000 to her LU sweetheart, Charlie Holst, they are now expecting their first child. She is thrilled to be able to share her experiences as present LU students work with FVUUF member to create two new UU campus ministry programs.
Alison Hurwitz
Because of the candidates, this presidential election is shining a spotlight on where we are as a culture regarding racism, sexism, and ageism. This will be the focus of my election sermon. In the tradition of nineteenth century Unitarianism, this sermon will be a non-partisan exploration of some of the deeper issues in this election cycle.
Rev. Roger Bertchausen
Do you have a vision for your life? Where do we look for our vision? Carl Jung wrote, "Your vision
will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens." Let’s look inside our own hearts, and into the heart of our congregation today as FVUUF celebrates the installation of The Rev. Dottie Mathews as Associate Minister, and the vision she brings to our shared life. The Rev. Suzelle Lynch has served as minister to Unitarian Universalist Church West in Brookfield, Wisconsin since 2003. She previously served as minister to the Kitsap UU Fellowship in Washington State, and is a lifelong UU.
Rev. Suzelle Lynch
Cyndy Stiehl and Roger Bertschausen team up for another sermon exploring the intersection between music, poetry, and spirituality. This time they turn their attention to the poetry of Walt Whitman and his celebration of the different kinds of human love.
Rev. Roger Bertchausen
When you read anything Rachel Carson authored, you know she was remarkably skilled at conveying her fascination with the magic of all life forms. Both scientist and writer, Rachel Carson is credited with bringing the environmental movement into being. Come learn more about this humble person whose tenacity and intellect make her one of Rev. Dottie's favorite heroes.
Rev. Dottie Mathews
It is a matter of faith for me that community is a necessary part of a healthy and whole spiritual life. Spirituality isn’t limited to community or congregation—it can very powerfully be experienced,
for example, alone in nature. But I believe our spiritual lives — and our lives in general — are incomplete without being grounded in a community.
A summer of inflation, rising gas prices, apparently quickening global warming impact, food shortages and riots, a war between Russia and Georgia and the return of some of the old Cold War angst, and a gunman opening fire in a UU service. Is the world going to hell? How can we make sense out of all of this?
Rev. Roger Bertchausen
Some of the most moving spiritual music I’ve ever heard comes from the women’s vocal group Sweet Honey in the Rock. Steeped in the gospel and spiritual traditions of the African-American church, Sweet Honey in the Rock’s music addresses the deepest spiritual questions
The music in the sermon can be found at www.sweethoney.com
Rev. Roger Bertchausen
Our creedless faith has no requirement for us to set apart one day as holier than another - and yet we come together again and again to experience and celebrate our community. What is the
spark of life that brings us here week after week? What is it we are seeking?
Rev. Dottie Mathews
Come one and all for this most unusual and lively service: dogs, rats, humans, cats, fish, birds,
snakes, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and many more species are all welcome! The service gives us a chance to celebrate the non-human animals in our lives, and to introduce them to our Fellowship friends! The service is also for all ages—there will be no children’s program at either service, though nursery care as always will be available at both. The theme will be lessons on being that we can learn from our canine friends. This will be the first of a two-part series: Next year’s Pet Sunday sermon will focus on the Tao of Cats.
Rev. Roger Bertchausen
Religion may provide guidebooks, but none of them prepare us for the journey. A vacation with one's eyes locked in the index of the travel guide promises little enthusiasm and less enlightenment. So how shall we be mindful, move toward spiritual growth, and facilitate healing? How shall we greet and join our fellow pilgrims? It will likely occur though the intercession of GOD - the Good Orderly Direction upon which AA is built. Guides for that Direction appear also in the more salutary forms of spiritual practice as delineated by psychological research, and within the sacred directions upon the Earth and Sky. This presentation will pull together strands of 12-Step philosophy for change, the research of psychologists such as Ken Pargament, and the wisdom of the Medicine Wheel.
Mark Marnocha
Hospice Chaplain Karon Sandberg explores the universal connection we experience when we are truly listening to one another.
Karon Sandberg
The Project Promise Poverty Coalition has the bold goal of eliminating poverty in the Fox Valley. Several leaders of the Coalition will share the history of Project Promise, the Coalition’s mission and structure, and how people can get involved to end poverty in the Fox Valley.
Debra Cronmiller
B Alford and Erik Leveille explore how Music, Poetry, particularly by Rumi, and Nature help them make sense of the world and be able to live more authentically and connected to a compassionate heart. B has been a singer songwriter since the age of thirteen. Erik plays violin with the Fox Valley Symphony and numerous other regional symphonies.
B Alford / Erik Leveille
Approximately 70 FVUUF members and friends are finding deeper connections in our community and exploring their spiritual journeys through their Covenant Group. Find out how this is happening as some Covenant Group members share their experience and discover if this may be an option in your life.
Our Covenant Groups
What’s on your mind? Are there questions you have about the spiritual journey, theology, ethics, the Fellowship, life in general, or a thousand other things? This is your chance to ask! Your questions will be the focus of my sermon. Because I won’t see your questions in advance, spontaneity rather than well thought-out answers are the order of the day. It’s a lot of fun! So,
come with your questions!!
Rev. Roger Bertchausen
Remembering those who gave their lives in service to our country is particularly important—and complicated—in the midst of an unpopular war. In this sermon I will honor Memorial Day by reflecting on the challenges of remembering.
Rev. Roger Bertchausen
This weekend culminates with our Annual Meeting and special congregational meeting to consider calling Dottie. This feels like a good weekend to talk about where the Fellowship is heading as well as the obstacles in our path. In some ways the sermon will be a State of the Fellowship report, but my focus will really be more on the future than the present
Rev. Roger Bertchausen
Maternal nurturing wasn't available for all of us as children. Many of us have been challenged to find that sort of care and support in other relationships long after we've reached adulthood.
Rev. Dottie Mathews
This weekend we are blessed to feature three different sermons by two eminent UU ministers. The Rev. Dr. Richard Boeke, a cousin of Fellowship member Lee Boeke Burke and his wife the
Rev. Johanna ("Jopie") Boeke will be our guest preachers.
Jopie, who was born in the Netherlands, has served as President of the International Association for Liberal Religious Women.
Jopie, who was born in the Netherlands, has served as President of the International Association for Liberal Religious Women.
Rev. Johanna Boeke
Unitarianism: The Oneness Church.
This weekend we are blessed to feature three different sermons by two eminent UU ministers.
The Rev. Dr. Richard Boeke, a cousin of Fellowship member Lee Boeke Burke and his wife the
Rev. Johanna ("Jopie") Boeke will be our guest preachers. It is not an overstatement to say that
they are two of the most respected and honored UU ministers in the world. Both have been
leading lights in strengthening relationships among UUs around the world. For the past twelve
years they have served Unitarian congregations in the United Kingdom. Richard is the emeritus
minister of the UU Church of Berkeley, California. He is the Vice President of the World
Congregation of Faiths and is Moderator of Friends of the International Council of Unitarian
Universalists.
Rev. Dr. Richard Boeke
The Compassion of Howard Thurman, Mysticism and Social
Action.
The Compassion of Howard Thurman, Mysticism and Social Action. Richard is the emeritus minister of the UU Church of Berkeley, California. sermon will be about Howard Thurman, the most important mentor of Martin Luther King, Jr. and an occasional speaker at the UU Church in Berkeley.
The Compassion of Howard Thurman, Mysticism and Social Action. Richard is the emeritus minister of the UU Church of Berkeley, California. sermon will be about Howard Thurman, the most important mentor of Martin Luther King, Jr. and an occasional speaker at the UU Church in Berkeley.
Rev. Dr. Richard Boeke
Each of us has encountered life experiences that were beyond our control and extremely painful. Such times have the capacity to hobble us – or to deepen us. It is with very good reason that so much artistic expression and theological reflection has been focused on the art of finding a way to reconcile our hearts and these harsh realities.
Rev. Dottie Mathews
Rev. Dottie Mathews
Each year, we happily anticipate the wit, wisdom and insight that our Senior High youth offer in
this reflective and engaging service. Please join us for another amazing annual opportunity to
hear their thoughts and astute observations of life from our UU Youth’s perspective!
FVUUF Youth Group
Individual religious metaphors are among my favorite building blocks of religion. Close to my heart these days are the absolute mutability of hills, cogs, webs, and ripples. What metaphors reveal to you clearer images of the world?
Rev. Cynthia Johnson
Rev. Cynthia Johnson
Process theology continues to be a very significant theological movement. Because it is very
congenial to Unitarian Universalism, it resonates strongly with many UUs—including me. In a
nutshell, it looks at God/Goddess/The Divine as a verb more than a noun. This sermon is the
latest in this year’s focus on theology.
Rev. Roger Bertchausen
Rev. Roger Bertchausen
In this sermon, Dottie will share her experiences and deep earnings while on the Southern Civil Rights Tour – retracing the steps of the marchers and activists long ago, from Memphis to Selma to Montgomery and Birmingham and back again. Decades have passed …. yet, how shall we measure the changes in our society and in our souls?
Rev. Dottie Mathews
Rev. Dottie Mathews
Not long ago I turned 45. By any standard, this age feels like it qualifies as “middle age.” This will be a personal sermon sharing my perspectives of this middle season of life. There will be some looking back and some looking forward, so the sermon hopefully will be of interest to young adults and elders in addition to the folks who join me in the middle.
Rev. Roger Bertchausen
In this service for all ages, I will share through story and memories what Easter means to me.
Rev. Roger Bertchausen
Lost for 1600 years, the Gospel of Judas was discovered in the 1970s and finally published by a team assembled by the National Geographic Society in 2006. This gospel tells a very different story of Jesus’ arrest and execution: in this story, Judas is the one disciple who truly understands Jesus.
Rev. Roger Bertchausen
Justine Urbikas is the Unitarian Universalist Association Trustee for the Central Midwest District. As the first UUA Trustee who is a young adult, her election last year made history. She writes about her sermon: “We each individually generally know for what it is we strive, for what change we would like to be in the world. Our congregations, area clusters, regions, Districts, neighboring Districts, up to the UUA have individual - and collective - visions. These change and become broader as each target area becomes larger and larger with more constituents to please, and more varying viewpoints of what it is we are specifically working towards. And yes, the principles do unite us, as do so many other things we UUs commit ourselves to. But what measurable things are we striving for on our different levels? As the UUA embarks on the next steps of working under policy governance- developing our ends statements (end goals) - what is your agenda? What do you think the UUA should be striving to be and do?”
Justine Urbikas
The Rev. Paul Beckel has been an annual guest in our pulpit since he became the minister of the First
Universalist Unitarian Church of Wausau in 2001. He writes about his sermon, "Religion is in many ways
like language, and being multi-lingual is no easy task. So appreciating another person's religious perspective
may require extra effort on literal, poetic, and cultural levels. But this effort pays off when we find that our
different words -- and our other diverse ways of expressing ourselves -- need not divide us."
Rev. Paul Beckel
The Rev. Drew Kennedy has been the senior minister of the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee since 1986. During this tenure his congregation has been one of the fastest growing UU congregations in the country. His sermon will be about the spiritual “soul-work,” if you will, of finding ways to bless our pain and to somehow transform the struggles of our lives into wisdom, which arguably is a perennial spiritual challenge.
Rev. Drew Kennedy
To conclude the series, I will share my story of call. The questions I will consider include: What have I felt called to do and be in my life? What has hindered and helped me hear my call? My hope is that in sharing my story of call, I’ll help you get in touch with your own story.
Rev. Roger Bertschausen
Hearing and heeding one's true call is a spiritual task. This sermon will explore some spiritual practices and exercises that can help us discern our call.
Rev. Roger Bertschausen
Many things can get in the way of our hearing our call, or cause us to hear the wrong call. This sermon will explore the variety of hindrances to hearing our call that we might encounter.
Rev. Roger Bertschausen
This sermon will set the stage for the sermon series by focusing on the rich meaning of the concept of "call."
Rev. Roger Bertschausen
This question is frequently posed to Unitarian Univeralists and others who approach life with a primary focus on THIS life rather than the afterlife. This sermon will explore morality and ethical decision-making without the threat of eternal punishment.
Rev. Dottie Mathews
This service centers on simplifying life as part of a spiritual journey.
Dave Gerlach
This service will center on a chapter from one of Robert Fulghum's books in which he writes about finding Christmas in an unexpected place.
Rev. Roger Bertschausen
The first time I heard the word "Tao" was in tenth grade when I wrote a paper on Eastern Religions for my Comparative Religions class. From that day to this, I have been inspired and challenged by the concepts of this ancient, enigmatic faith. This message will share some of what I’ve learned through the years from the Tao Te Ching and some of the practical wisdom I believe it offers our world today.
Rev. Dottie Mathews
Liberation theology takes Jesus’ message of radical inclusion of poor and other marginalized people and runs with it. For me encountering liberation theology powerfully reminds me of this message, and asks what I’m doing in my life to help in the liberation of oppressed people. In this season of celebrating the birth story of Jesus, I find it helpful to remember his message, too.
Rev. Roger Bertschausen
Advent is often referred to as the time of waiting – a time of expecting and anticipating that which is coming. In our own lives, waiting can often be an uncomfortable and unwanted place to linger.
Rev. Dottie Mathews
