Audio Recorded Services

Sunday, March 7, 10:30 A.M.
What Does Our Church Stand For?
Rev. Michael Brown

Can you state clearly and concisely what our church stands for? See if you can. Our Long Range Planning Committee has proposed a nine word mission statement for our consideration. Come and help us ponder what we stand for and how to say it. Whether we can do this or not makes a huge difference. The choir will sing. Share the Plate: Habitat for Humanity
Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, February 14, 10:30 A.M.
The Politics of Love
Rev. Michael Brown

As Valentine’s Day previews the birth of spring, our nation ponders “Don’t ask, don’t tell” and the question of whose love can be shared in a legal marriage. How did politics become part of love? Do we have so much love in the world that we need to make some of it illegal? If you ask, I’ll tell what our UU tradition says about these questions. Special music: East Peoria High School Chorale Share the Plate: Central Illinois FRIENDS of People with AIDS
Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, February 7, 10:30 A.M.
Beauty: Moving from Chaos, Imagination, and Perfection to Hope
UU Minister, Kent McKusick

Is beauty only in the eye of the beholder? The poet Frederick Turner writes “Beauty… is the highest integrative level of understanding and the most comprehensive capacity for effective action. It enables us to go with, rather than against…” How can beauty emerge from chaos or escape the medieval understanding of it as perfection to inspire a journey of discovery, action, and hope?
Kent McKusick, is a UU minister who served as intern minister at All Souls in Kansas City, as chaplain at Ferry Beach (Conference Center in Maine), and at the Samaritan House in Fort Worth. The choir will sing. Share the Plate: Central Illinois FRIENDS of People with AIDS
Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, January 31, 10:30 A.M.
In the River
Jim Parrish, Intern Minister

We will use the lens of a song by Peter Mayer, “God Is a River,” to reflect on a traditional aspect of being Unitarian Universalist—the ability to let go. The song is startling in its simple but powerful message of being able to change one’s religious perspective. We will explore how that message is reflected in stories of spiritual change in religious history, and how it calls to us today. The choir will sing. Share the Plate: The Mental Health Association of Illinois Valley
Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, January 24, 10:30 A.M.
The Subject That Cannot Be Discussed
Rev. Michael Brown

Too hot to handle! Today we will talk about that which we have the most difficulty talking about. Is it sex? No. Politics? No. But it is something we all care about and most of us want more of it. I'll give you a hint: It's the root of all evil! Share the Plate: The Mental Health Association of Illinois Valley
Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, January 17, 10:30 A.M.
The Universalism of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rev. Michael Brown

Today we celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and pay special attention to the ways that his path intersected with Unitarian Universalist thoughts and ideas. Was King a Universalist? I will present a possible answer to this question and the UU Bluuegrass band will play some of the songs of the era. Special music: UU Bluuegrass Band and the choir will sing. Share the Plate: The Mental Health Association of Illinois Valley
Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, January 3, 10:30 A.M.
Our Humanist Roots
Jim Parrish, Intern Minister

Humanism took root with Greek philosophers rejecting the supernatural and looking for human explanations for our being and relationship to the world around us. It was revived in the Italian Renaissance and the philosophies of the Enlightenment and given modern words and religious meaning in the first Humanist Manifesto, signed by our own Universalist Minister Clinton Lee Scott. We will explore Modern Humanism and what it can mean to religious people today. Share the Plate: Common Place
Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, December 27, 10:30 A.M.
Religion, Conflict, and Peacemaking
Rev. Michael Brown

Many of the conflicts in the world have a religious dimension. Often it seems like religion is the cause of our problems. How can religious people create peace and not more war? As we enter a new decade, this is a crucial question for our planetary future. Share the Plate: Common Place
Sermon

Thursday, December 24, 7:00 P.M.
Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Rev. Michael Brown

Join us for a traditional Christmas Eve service with candles, stories, songs, and goodies after the service. Bring grandma and grandpa, your out-of-town guests, and the kids! We will listen to the ancient stories once again and discover what new messages we may hear.
Greeting | Thoughts

Sunday, December 20, 10:30 A.M.
The New Good News
Rev. Michael Brown

People in many parts of the world are celebrating the coming of Christmas, an ancient story that still carries important truths. Others celebrate solstice and other winter holidays. Are there any truths that speak to us as a planetary people? Today we will hear the news from a global gathering of religious leaders who have asked themselves that question. The choir will sing. Share the Plate: Common Place
Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, December 6, 10:30 A.M.
A Season for UUs, a Season for All
Jim Parrish, Intern Minister

The end of the year brings a confluence of religious holidays—Hanukkah (Jewish), Christmas (Christian), Ashira (Islam), and Yule (Pagan). No matter the religious holiday, our culture has imposed a veneer of commercialism on top of the season. How do we choose what has religious meaning to us? What rituals do we hold onto and why? How do we navigate this “holiday” season as Unitarian Universalists? The choir will sing. Share the Plate: UU Service Committee
Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, November 29, 10:30 A.M.
Why Should We Talk to People of Other Faiths?
Rev. Michael Brown

As eight members of our community prepare to leave to participate in the Parliament of the World’s Religions, let us consider what is to be gained by talking to people of other faiths. Is such dialogue just to make us feel good, or could it really make a difference? The choir sings today. Share the Plate: UU Service Committee
Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, November 22, 10:30 A.M.
Living For Real
Rev. Michael Brown

Today we welcome new members into our community and reflect on some of the foundational values of our UU faith. How can we explain our way of being religious to others? How can we better understand it for ourselves? These are questions that deserve an answer. We will try to do them justice. Special music: LuAnn Stoskopf, flute. Share the Plate: UU Service Committee
Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, November 8, 10:30 A.M.
The Dance of Being: The Individual, Community, and Ideals in Covenant
Jim Parrish, Intern Minister

The definition and how we use a covenant in Unitarian Universalist Polity is derived from early Congregationalist structure brought by the Pilgrims and Puritans to the colonies. To join a church one entered into covenant—the individual covenanting with the community and both covenanting with the “higher ideal” that they agreed upon: a sacred triangle, if you will. We’ll explore the relationship of the individual and community and that “higher ideal.” Special music: Zephyr Recorder Ensemble: Shirley & Roger Cunningham and Eleonore Hansen. Share the Plate: The Center for Prevention of Abuse
Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, November 1, 10:30 A.M.
Dia de los Muertos
Rev. Michael Brown

Today’s service will be a celebration of the traditional Mexican holiday called Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. You are invited to bring a photo or other reminder of someone you have lost and we will make an ofrenda during the service. An ofrenda is a traditional collection of pictures and other objects that honor and remind us of a departed loved one. We will enjoy the music of a Mariachi band and the choir will sing “Soon I Will Be Done.” Share the Plate: The Center for Prevention of Abuse
Mariachis | Greeting | Reflection

Sunday, October 25, 10:30 A.M.
Theology of Possibilities
Rev. Michael Brown

The philosopher John Dewey would have liked the theme of our pledge campaign—Possibilities. He built a way of looking at religion based on the idea of possibilities and our yearning to explore them. The jazz music of Dave and Sherry Woessner will remind us that there is more than one way to interpret a melody and that we human beings love to explore the possibilities. Special music: Woodwind Duet, David and Sherry Woessner. Share the Plate: The Center for Prevention of Abuse
Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, October 18, 10:30 A.M.
Standing on the Side of Love
Rev. Linda Berez

Standing on the Side of Love is a program of the Unitarian Universalist Association that grew out of the tragic shooting that took place in one of our UU churches last year. Rev. Linda Berez is traveling around our district to spread the message of the inherent worth and dignity of every person. She is also an Affiliated Community Minister of our church. The choir will sing.
Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, October 11, 10:30 A.M.
Beyond Theism and Atheism: A Spectrum, Not a Chasm
Rev. Michael Brown

We often hear that there are three religious possibilities: theist, atheist, and agnostic, but actually there are many, many more. We will try to explore at least some of the major alternatives and get a sense of what they say. Special music: Pete Driscoll, piano solo.
Sermon

Sunday, October 4, 10:30 A.M.
The Engineer and the Ocean: The Reason of a Religious Life
Intern Minister Jim Parrish

Unitarian Universalists tend to be people who understand religion in a different way from much (but not all) of the mainstream culture. I believe our understanding is closer to fulfilling the popular etymology of the word as related to religare or “to bind fast.” This “binding” for us tends to include as much of humanity and our ecology (what we live in) as we can get our arms around and understand. I will explore what pushed me onto the path of ministry, what that path looks like, and begin our theological conversation. The choir will sing. Share the Plate: Central Illinois FRIENDS of People with AIDS

Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, September 20, 10:30 A.M.
Searching for Community in a Divided World
Rev. Michael Brown

The present national debate over healthcare is historic, difficult, and far from over. The outcome is still unknown. Are there any compelling reasons why we should care whether other people have health care? The choir will sing. Share the Plate: Central Illinois FRIENDS of People with AIDS

Sermon

Sunday, May 24, 10:30 A.M.
The Spectrum of Spirituality
Rev. Michael Brown

Spirituality is a word that is used frequently in UU conversation but is used to mean so many different things that I for one get confused. Is there any way to wrap our minds around this sensitive, sometimes divisive, yet crucial subject? Special Music: Courtney Silver, violin Share the Plate: Carroll County Haiti Mission Project

Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, May 17, 10:30 A.M.
Music Sunday
Dick Applegate, Choir Director

Today our choir offers us a lively program of music drawn from many sources. From Mozart to Mendelssohn, from spirituals to a poem of Rilke's set to music, singing becomes a part of our inspiration to live life more fully. Come and listen to a morning of fine choral music. Share the Plate: Carroll County Haiti Mission Project

Greeting

Sunday, May 10, 10:30 A.M.
Even As a Mother
Rev. Michael Brown

Today is Mother’s Day as we honor mothers of all kinds who have given us life and breath. A Buddhist sutra teaches that we should love all living beings as a mother loves her children. Can we do that? Special Music: Peoria Recorder Consort. Share the Plate: Children’s Home. Food pantry collection in the foyer.

Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, April 12, 10:30 A.M.
If We Only Have Love
Rev. Michael Brown

Today is Easter Sunday, with its multiple meanings and symbols. No matter what our theological persuasion, new life is bursting forth and almost everyone feels inspired by this annual transformation. Human lives can experience transformation as well. Special Music: Pete Driscoll will sing and LuAnn Stoskopf will play the flute. Welcome to spring! Share the Plate: Habitat for Humanity. Food pantry collection in the foyer.

Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, April 5, 10:30 A.M.
Business Ethics: Oxymoron or Welcome Trend
Rev. Michael Brown

Much of the current economic crisis seems to have its roots in an abysmal lack of ethics in parts of the business world. Outrage at corporate greed is in the air and on the airwaves. Can something good come of this? The coming months and years will tell us. The choir will sing. Share the Plate: Habitat for Humanity.

Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, March 29, 10:30 A.M.
Knowledge and Wisdom on the World Wide Web
Rev. Michael Brown

The Internet is an omnipresent reality of our lives. Today we look at what benefits the Web has brought us and the various prices we have paid for those benefits. The Internet has transformed the world, but into what kind of place with what prospects for the future? The choir will sing. Share the Plate: Habitat for Humanity

Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, March 8, 10:30 A.M.
Singing Through Hard Times
Rev. Michael Brown

Hard times are not new to the world or to us as individuals. We human beings have developed ways to cope with struggle and still enjoy life even when times are difficult. Music is one of those ways; sharing is another. Sometimes community becomes stronger when material wealth is not as great. Mat Timm and Craig Curtis will provide today’s music. Share the Plate: Planned Parenthood

Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, March 1, 10:30 A.M.
The Evolution of Plants, Animals, and Religions
Rev. Michael Brown

Today we celebrate the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin, who changed the world by formulating what we now call the theory of evolution. His effects on religion have been monumental as well, in ways that he perhaps never foresaw. Today we look at the world through the glasses he left us. The choir will sing Dirait-on, a Rilke poem about roses set to music. Share the Plate: Planned Parenthood

Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, February 22, 10:30 A.M.
Spinning Our Sacred Stories
Shelley Graff and friends

We affirm the importance of weaving and maintaining community in these times of change, sharing stories and songs of hope and transformation. Shelley, Winter WomanSpirit Retreat keynote speaker, is a singer, songwriter, educator, healer, and feminist. She is joined by Dorrie and Karen Andermills, Kathy Crocco, and Julie Kronenberger. Share the Plate: Planned Parenthood

Greeting |

Sunday, February 15, 10:30 A.M.
Lincoln’s Ways and Our Times
Rev. Michael Brown

Today we honor the 200^th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. (We will do Darwin’s birthday March 1.) We will explore the unusual and somewhat strange traits of a leader who somehow saw a pathway through hard times. We too live in hard times, though not as bad as during the Civil War. What can we learn from Lincoln that will guide us through our difficult days? The choir will sing. Share the Plate: Interfaith Alliance

Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, February 1, 10:30 A.M.
How to Be Religious
Rev. Alma Faith Crawford, Guest Speaker

Today’s service will explore Unitarian Universalism as an approach to be religious, rewarding in its restlessness, challenging in its changeability, and deeply worthwhile. Our guest speaker, Rev. Alma Crawford, will offer insights from John Dewey and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Rev. Crawford serves as the Interim Minister of First Unitarian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. The choir will sing. Share the Plate: Interfaith Alliance

Greeting | Sermon

Sunday, January 25, 10:30 A.M.
A Transforming Moment
Rev. Michael Brown, Minister

Today we reflect on being witnesses to and participants in a moment of history, as a major milestone is reached in the ongoing march toward equality in America. What are the qualities of this moment? What are the hopes, dreams, and dangers? How can we make our own contributions to this deeply meaningful moment as it shapes the days ahead? Special vocal music will be presented by Jinny Gunnar.

Greeting | Sermon