Affirming our worth and dignity requires belief that we do indeed have worth.  This sermon is about that age-old issue of developing our self-esteem, and how our growth and spiritual development require trust, faith, and belief in ourselves to find and follow the right path. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org

The Seasons give our life meaning
As I write this it is October 8th and the leaves have not fallen yet.  Could Al Gore be right about Mr. Global Warming?  Well, even though the leaves have not begun to fall in quantity, this is still a  good time to learn lessons from the seasons and why being aware of them gives us cause to pause. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org

What it Means to be Human
 "To be human is to see yourself in others.  I'm
not better.  I'm not more superior.  I am you and
you are me."  That's what I believe.  However,
come hear words from various voices around the
globe, past and present, including your voice, on
this subject. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org

 Today you get Part III of my ongoing sermon about how to effectively share the UU message with others.  I will do my best to give very simple but practical advice in this sermon.This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org

What Did Columbus Discover?

 Short answer:  That he knew very little about
the world.  The more we grow and explore, the
more we realize how much we do not know,
indeed! This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org

Law of Detraction
 We desire happiness, bliss, peace and joy in our lives.  Why does it seem as if we attract the opposite?  If there is a law of attraction, there is a law of detraction as well. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org

 Have you ever watched a great athlete in any sport?  S/he usually has a basic or complicated routine that gets him/her focused and ready before or during a match or game.  Some of these routines are weird, some are funny, and some are just very basic, but either way, they are all helpful because they create a pattern of success that, when followed, usually leads to the athlete producing his/her "A" game or match.  Come hear how you too can create a routine for success in life. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org

Rev John discusses Dr. Paul Rasor's book "Faith Without Certainty."  He helps us to see what "liberal religion" is theologically and historically.  He
shows that as great as the theological and philosophical tenets are, there are major theoretical flaws in the liberal praxis of religion. This has led to a paradox because, as he sees it, with great freedom comes great responsibility. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian
Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County,
Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community.
Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org

LIFE'S REFRESHING WATERS
Rev John delivers our annual "Welcome Back" Ingathering Service and Water Communion. Water can symbolize purification, healing, renewal, and
restoration.  After a summer of amusements and rest, I have been refreshed and renewed for a new church year.  How about you? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org

FROM A FATHER TO A FRIEND
When you are engaged in the work you love, there comes a time when you must take time to rest and reflect.  In ministry it is called "self-care".  When you end your career and decide to retire so you can enjoy life more, this too is "self-care".  On this special Father's Day Sunday, as we move toward the heat of summer, which slows us all down, let's reflect on the past church year--the work we've done, the successes we've had, and the challenges yet to come, keeping in mind that even though we've done great things and have more to do, we still must take time to stop and stare.
This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

 Rev John explores the influence of Theodore Parker on early Unitarianism. How while he believed in the abolition of slavery, he also believed in his race as superior to the others.  How could he be so outspoken for the freedom of all and yet so intent on maintaining separatism?  How does UUism deal with this dichotomy?

This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

 It's not Fair

Listen to Rev John remind us that while life serves up a varied array of events, we are the authors of what it serves based on our choices. We do have control over our choices and our actions and reactions. Do something about the things going on around you. Get involved.

This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

May 13, 2007 Sacrifice - Specifically the sacrifices that Mom's make. Also how life is not about the destination, rather that it is about the journey. And every trip starts with a single step. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community.
Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Apr 15 - Exploring Revelations and how we can save the world. Will we get to that place of peace and justice? Tiger Woods, Ghandi, & hip hop and rap stars are used as examples. What is the new heaven and new earth? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Apr 8, 2007 - Was the story of Jesus's resurrection about a great sacrifice for all human beings? What do the egg and the bunny represent? We explore the history, metaphor, and miracle of Easter. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Mar 25, 2007 - J. Paul Getty said, "I'd rather have one percent of one hundred people's effort than one hundred percent of my own." Is Getty saying that we must each do our part as a T.E.A.M (together each achieves more)? Is he saying that when we each do a little, a lot is accomplished? Or perhaps he is saying there is only so much one person can do, but that same person, if she is a part of a team, can multiply her effort, like compound interest, and collectively make great things happen? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Mar 4 - We can never take freedom for granted because so many have died so we can have the rights we so freely express today. In this sermon, as we prepare for this year's annual stewardship campaign, it is important to understand the significance of our faith, locally and nationally, and how our work to grow and expand our faith can have ripples worldwide! This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Feb 18, 2007 - I like my baths and showers lukewarm. Is the middle the best place to be religiously? This sermon deals with extremism and what choices we have. What can we live up to? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Feb 4 - Have you ever had one of those thoughts that "rocked your world" and changed your outlook on life? Have you ever had something pop in your head like "poof" and instantly there was clarity for where you needed to go? If you answered "yes" to either question then you will enjoy this sermon. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Jan 28 - I go to church because... I am the minister and I have to . Okay, but you don't have to come to church, so why do YOU come to church? I will share with you why I would come to church even if I weren't the minister because of what happens to me when I experience our faith when I look in your eyes each Sunday morning. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Jan 14, 2007 - Conspiracy theorists will love this sermon but I'm hoping to put a twist on it to really shock you! THIS IS A SPECIAL SUNDAY where, annually, we honor the life and legacy of my hero Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Dec 17, 2006 - When something you love is destroyed it hurts. You love it so much that you are willing to rebuild it if it is possible. The rare opportunity comes to rebuild and although the odds are against you, you fight with all you have to restore the love. It looks like it's all for naught, and then a miracle happens... This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Dec 10, 2006 - "This is the title of my book that tells the story of our growth into a diverse church. The symbol of the chalice is a call to serve. I have some thoughts to share with you around what the charge of the chalice means for us, and I need to share some recent news that has fired me up--but not necessarily in a good way." This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.

Dec. 3, 2006 - This is the Christian season of Advent but for some of us who do not claim Christianity as our faith, Advent may be meaningless. Joseph Campbell taught well, there is meaning found everywhere! Therefore, Advent can have meaning if we assign meaning to it. How about this: redefined, Advent can mean "second coming" or "arrival". What are we/you waiting for? This sermon was given at Davies Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Camp Springs, Prince George's County, Maryland, where we're building a multicultural, caring community. Room for different beliefs. Yours. Visit us at www.dmuuc.org.