Explore every episode of the podcast UU Church of Annapolis Podcast

During this Pride Sunday service, Rev. John reflects on the courage of Harvey Milk and the role Unitarian Universalists have played in the struggle for LGBTQ+ dignity and equality. What does their witness ask of us when hard-won freedoms are once again under threat?

Why does a resolved chord feel so satisfying? Through song, harmony, and the music that brings movies to life, Rev. John explores how tension and resolution in music mirror the rhythms of our lives—and why music moves us so deeply. 

Why does racism persist even when we reject prejudice? Drawing on "The Science of Racism" by Keon West and Black Unitarian abolitionist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Rev. John explores how white preference became embedded in our institutions and what our faith calls us to do about it.

What if human beings are not inherently sinful, selfish, or broken—but worthy and capable? In this message, Fish Stark, Executive Director of the American Humanist Association, explores how our beliefs about human nature shape our lives and politics—and what becomes possible when we begin with human worth rather than human failure.

As he has done in past years, join Rev. John as he updates the congregation on what to expect in the 2026-2027 church year.

In this sermon, donated by Mary McClellan who purchased it at our annual auction and dedicated to UUCA Member Phil Ateto, Rev. John will explore teachings from Mahatma Gandhi and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to abolitionists, Unitarian Universalists, and today's research, to show why nonviolent resistance remains one of the most powerful forces for creating lasting social change.

In a fast-paced world, it can be easy to mistake the noise and demands of daily life for ultimate reality. In this message, UUCA Vice President and Lay Worship Leader Ruthie Bowles explores the tension between our everyday distractions and the deeper oneness that connects all of creation. Through poetry, sacred text, and personal reflection, we'll consider how naming the moments of our days—while honoring the boundless mystery beyond our knowing—can help us stay awake to the sacred, grounded in wonder, and connected to the whole.

Rev. John, along with UUCA members, shares insights, joys and sorrows from the Scotland pilgrimage.

Unitarian minister Curtis Reese, a co-founder of the American Humanist Association, called humanism "the religion of democracy" for a reason: the radical conviction that truth, morality, and power do not rightly reside in an external source, but in us. What would it look like to believe in our neighbors with the same kind of reverence that others reserve for a deity?

As part of Good Trouble Lives On weekend, join UUCA member and Executive Director of the American Humanist Association, Fish Stark, as we celebrate the legacy of Rep. John Lewis through this love letter to democracy — weaving together history, philosophy, psychology, and theology to lay out a blueprint for how UUs, humanists, and anyone who believes in people can lean into the fight against authoritarianism, feed our fire of commitment, and defend the sacred principle that people are worth believing in.

Drawing from the writings of UU theologian James Luther Adams, Rev. Judith Morris explores how our assumptions about the word God can sometimes keep us from recognizing the sacred. What if those who reject religion are often responding to too small a definition of the divine?

Dr. Scott Eden describes a worldview called Cosmic Dynamism, which emphasizes the importance of community, relationships and our power to create positive social change.

What does membership mean, at first and through the decades? We want to honor the act of committing to a community of faith. This episode, several UUCA members share stories, music, and reflections about their journey with UUCA.

Join us as Rev. Fred explores a timely question: What does it mean to be a patriot? With the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding approaching, conversations about patriotism are everywhere but do we all mean the same thing when we use the word? Together, we'll reflect on patriotism, belonging, and the values that shape our civic and spiritual lives.

In this Memorial Day Weekend service, Rev. Dayna Edwards invites us into wisdom through shared ritual and reflection. In this service we gather to reflect on memory, remembrance, and the stories that shape us. We honor those we have lost, especially those lost to war.

Missed Sunday's inspiring Coming of Age service? Our youth shared powerful personal credos—deep reflections on the beliefs, values, and experiences shaping their lives. Their honesty, wisdom, and courage moved our community deeply. Listen now to witness their journeys and celebrate the voices of the next generation.

In this sermon, Rev. John explores the tension between what changes and what endures. Drawing on the theme of "the transients and the permanents," this message invites us to reflect on how we find grounding, meaning, and even faith in a world shaped by uncertainty and unpredictability.

Back by popular demand, Rev. John re-shares his powerful April sermon on transformation and hope. In a time when so much feels like it's burning, this message reminds us that fire doesn't just destroy—it refines, awakens, and calls us to courageous change within ourselves and the world we share.

Cindy Atlee invites us to talk about a surprising root cause of many troubles in our world today through her message, The Worst Thing We Ever Did. Join Cindy Atlee to explore how an awakened brain and spiritual consciousness--along with the core UU values of interdependence and transformation--can shape an evolutionary way forward and change how we live together.

In this special episode, Rev. Anthony Jenkins, Lead Minister of Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church and U.S. Navy Chaplain delivers the Homily for the ordination of Rev. Ryan McCray Ely Offered in the spirit of joy, calling, and community, this message reflects on the sacred journey to ministry, the relationships that sustain it, and the deep commitment to faith and service at its core. Whether you were present for this meaningful celebration or are joining us now, we invite you to listen, reflect, and be inspired by this moment of dedication and hope.

On the occasion of his ordination, Ryan McCray Ely returns from Brazil to share a powerful story of transformation. Through the life of José Ramos do Nascimento, known as Traíra, Ryan invites us to reflect on our shared values of equity and growth.

Guest minister Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd, Director of Communications and Public Ministry at the Unitarian Universalist Association delivers the sermon, A Living Prayer. The message invites us to reimagine prayer not as a task to complete, but as something woven into the fabric of our daily lives. What does it mean to "pray without ceasing" in these times? How might our shared congregational life become a living prayer, grounded in discernment, connection, and faithful movement toward the future? Join us as we explore how our lives, our community, and our faith can embody prayer in action.

In this homily from our beloved Flower Communion service, Rev. John Crestwell reflects on the beauty and meaning of all the differences that make up our shared community. 
Rooted in a Unitarian Universalist tradition dating back to 1923, Flower Communion invites us to celebrate diversity, connection, and renewal. As each person brings a unique flower and leaves with another, we are reminded that none of us blooms alone.
Through this message, Rev. John explores what it means to honor our differences, embrace our interconnectedness, and live into the promise of love and belonging—together. 🌸

UUCA President Nicole Bruno shares a powerful message, A Sharp Refusal. Civil disobedience is rooted in the courage to say "no" to injustice. Through the stories of women in our Unitarian history who challenged slavery, exclusion, and violence, we'll explore what love, courage, and conscience ask of us today. Tune in as we ground ourselves in faith, community, and the call to live our values boldly. ✨

In this collaborative arts worship service, the UUCA Poetry Pals led us in an exploration of paying attention through poetry enriched by musical accompaniment and shared community experience. This episode showcases the service framework followed by five poems.

Rev. John reflects on the power of symbols and the ways they shape our shared spiritual life. Centered around our Blessing of the Chalices service, this message explores how simple objects can carry deep meaning, connecting us to one another and to the values we hold dear. Together, we honor the chalice as a symbol of warmth, hope, and unity in the Unitarian Universalist tradition. As we bless the chalices that hold our shared light, we renew our commitment to community, compassion, and spiritual reflection. Join us for a thoughtful reflection on how symbols help tell our story, strengthen our faith, and illuminate the path we walk together.

From the earliest days of this nation, Blackness has been cast as "other"—marginalized, feared, exploited, & resisted. Yet, within that imposed otherness lives resilience, brilliance, faith, and an unbreakable insistence on dignity. This Sunday, we explore what it means to name Blackness as the "Original Other" and why proclaiming Black Lives Matter is not a political slogan, but a moral and spiritual declaration. Together, we'll reflect on history, confront hard truths, and consider how our faith calls us to move beyond awareness into action.
Join us as we deepen our commitment to justice, beloved community, and the sacred worth of every life.

What if giving isn't about obligation—but about living in alignment with our deepest values? This Sunday, together with Rev. John, we'll explore how giving becomes an expression of who we are and the loving, just world we're helping to create. Come discover what it means to say: I live to give.

HS Youth Led Service
(with guidance from our Director of Lifespan Faith Formation)

HS Youth Lily Kendall asks us to honor and hold onto our childhood wonder during a powerful and inspiring Youth-Led Service centered on the theme of Resilience. 

Rev. Dr. Betancourt shares a powerful message of love, connection, and Beloved Community in the face of evil. Tune in to hear reflections of resistance and resilience in the Twin Cities and be reminded how our shared faith calls us to keep showing up, marching forward TOGETHER in love and justice so that none shall be lost. We get there together, or never get there at all. 💛✊🏾

In the early months of her retirement following two decades of parish ministry, Rev. Paige Getty had been wrestling with the question of what it means to be productive in this chapter of her life. A wise guide offered an alternative, out of his Quaker tradition, suggesting that she ask instead, "Is it faithful?". In this service, Paige will reflect on what it means to be faithful, regardless of productivity, and she'll consider how we might use this question as a guide in our decision-making as individuals and faith communities, especially as we strive to embody resilience in the face of authoritarianism and oppression.

Led by Rev. Leika Lewis, this service considers the legacy of ancestors in resistance, the ways we support each other in practicing resistance today, and how we create space for growth in the midst of challenging times.

Led by Rev John Crestwell, join UUCA as we explore the mind of the man who became the moral conscience of the 21st century—and how his vision continues to actively reshape our moral narrative.

From fear to faith, from chaos to connection—learn how artificial intelligence may be the next step in humanity's spiritual evolution. Rev John delivers a hopeful vision for the age ahead.

As we step into a new year, what questions are stirring within you? In this message, Rev. John invites our Beloved Community to ask the questions that matter most to them & he responds to as many as time allows.

In this message, Rev. John tells the story of Jesus and why his message gave and gives hope when taken in proper context. 

In a season that urges us to rush and perform joy, join us for a gentle, reflective service that embraces the pace of the heart and the presence we so often forget to notice. Service led by Nicole Bruno, Seminary Student & UUCA President.

The holidays are here which means—among so many other things—it's story time! I recently read a poem that begins: "it is our human tendency to think of life in terms of story arcs." (Whitney Hanson) What is the story arc you are reciting? Join me, Rev Fred, as we explore the stories we tell—and what they tell about us.

In this revised and reprised sermon, Rev. John help us remember what happiness is and why we must cultivate it even when times are hard.

Needed in all times, but especially in tumultuous ones, our values and the wisdom we identify as sacred serve as guiding lights, helping us do the next right thing. UUCA Board Member, Ruthie Bowles, delivers this powerful message that both grounds us in our values and lifts us with love.

Building on the work by Peter Block, Rev. John explores what the new religion and new America will look like in the coming years. Join the UUCA Beloved Community as, together, we look ahead in faith and connected by the shared belief that whoever you are, wherever you're from, and whomever you love - you are loved, sacred, and welcome here. 

How's your Bible literacy?  Biblical citations and references have been in the news lately.  But how accurate they are depends on … on what?  Join Rev. Fred and the UUCA Congregation as we explore uses (and misuses) of Scripture.

As we enter the Fall season, we also enter the season of forgiveness and atonement. Led by Rev. John, this service will offer a ritual for moving forward toward healing, reconciliation and restoration.

The phrase "die before you die" is attributed to the Prophet Muhammad as a famous Hadith (saying); and Muhammad Rumi, 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic also coined the phrase. Together, with Rev. John, Let's explore what this means in light of our theme this month.

In this very personal message, Rev. John reflects on death and suffering and compassion.  A Poem is shared in the beginning by Rev. Dayna Edwards "The Dinner Party", then he launches into a message that will ground you if you are in a place of grief, loss or suffering.  This message is a must listen for anyone who has lost someone they love.  

The process of disremembering so-called "difficult knowledge" —history that makes some uncomfortable—started years ago and is now moving forward at breathtaking speed.  As we move toward our nation's 250th anniversary celebration next July 4, 2026, what do we need to remember as citizens and as Unitarian Universalists.

In this sermon, Rev. John discusses several core spiritual competencies that can provide a sense of belonging and community to anyone seeking to thrive and/or feel more grounded in life.

Have you ever tried to be radically kind? What does that even mean? Join Rev. John in examining what it means to be radically kind.

Sorrow and grief find us all. If we let it, our mourning can turn to joy, and we can learn to dance again. Not because we have forgotten what has been lost, but because we have survived. Join Traci Huges, Esq., Seminarian & Executive Director of All Souls D.C. as we learn to navigate grief with intention and a loving heart.

As he has done in past years, join Rev. John as he shares his summer learnings and updates the congregation on what to expect in the 2025-2026 church year.