A book Rev. Bruce found quite fascinating is entitled, "A History of the World in Six Glasses," by Tom Standage. The book's premise is that by looking at the development and meaning of six beverages, one can span the course of human civilization. He shares some of these insights, as well as add a seventh beverage that will be crucial in shaping the future. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Oct. 4, 2009 All religions address the same questions. The answers vary, but the questions don't. In this sermon I would like to begin a series that I'll continue all year with one sermon a month. In this series, I'll state those basic questions and then offer the responses I find in our own liberal religious tradition. I hope this will be a way to clarify, affirm and celebrate the long and powerful religious tradition in which we participate as Unitarian Universalists. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Sept. 27, 2009 Sometimes it would be nice to start over: put things behind and get a fresh start. But is that possible, really? That's a theme of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, which begins at sundown today. In this sermon anticipating Yom Kippur, Rev. Bruce Marshall reflects on repentance, renewal, and what guidance this tradition offers during those times when we might yearn to put the past behind and start anew. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

09/20/09 - Bruce starts by having a conversation with the children to introduce himself as their new minister. What guides us through life's challenges? The process of doing crossword puzzles helps give us some insight. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

During the first service of the fall season, new interim minister, Rev. Bruce Marshall, talks about how church can be like coming home and also like not-home. "Home/not-home. Comfort/challenge. The warmth and acceptance that enables us to relax into ourselves. The awareness of things that are wrong that spurs us back into the world, into action." This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Perspectives on President Abraham Lincoln were offered with spirituals, readings and reflections from Van Caldwell and Chris Bell. Great blues music was provided by the Swamp Dog Blues Band http://www.myspace.com/anthonyclarkakaswampdog

Over 500,000 children and youth remain in foster care each year in America due to abuse and neglect, while over 50,000 youth annually sleep on our streets as homeless youth.  What does research tell us about the plight of these youth and what has been the national policy response?  What are the solutions offered to nurture foster youth and end youth homelessness?  Find out what the 'youth and child advocacy' circle within the beltway is doing to meet our moral and legal obligations to these vulnerable populations.
    
Richard Hooks Wayman, Davies church member, foster parent, and children's advocate, shares his insights from his own advocacy work for a part of our population that does not always have a voice. From a lay sermon/discussion he gave on Aug. 26, 2009.

The photo shows Rich with foster children who are now adults as minor foster children are not allowed to be pictured. His powerpoint presentation is available in PDF here: http://dmuuc.org/lay/vulnerableyouth_pp.pdf

June 28, 2009 - Sheri Verdonk, who has carried much and crossed many boundaries, says "We are not bound by the baggage we carry." The service supported Prince George's Child Resource Center which "helps create healthy and nurturing environments for children by supporting their families and educating their caregivers." This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we come together in the spirit of mutual caring and respect to celebrate life, offer service, and work for a better world. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

I was at Davies 7 years 8 months.  Today I ramble a bit about what the ministry needs to do to get pass some of its most pressing concerns, as well as what the congregations has meant to me and my spiritual development.

This sermon is a reading from an upcoming book this fall by Skinner Publications.  Here I lay out suggestions and share stories about how to create a multicultural congregation.

This message includes a sermon discussion from members of the Davies congregation. 

How do you find meaning in life when you experience or hear about a tragedy?  Financial corruption, economic disruption, kidnappings, murders, and robberies leave us with a feeling of hopelessness and despair.  How do you find meaning with this madness?

This sermon was given during our annual Flower Communion / Earth Day service.  The All Souls Jubilee singers were present and there was also a special presentation where members' gardens were shown to the congregation.  It was a great service.

So, do plants and people have similarities?  Sure.  Check out this special Earth Day sermon and some good singing from the Jubilee Singers.

Thanks,

Rev. John