UU Church of Annapolis Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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.

In this sermon, Rev John discusses his journey as a UU, why his faith has stood the test of time, and why he continues giving his financial resources to the UUCA community.

(Delivered Sunday March 10, 2024)

Human beings are meant to belong, to experience the commune of life, yet so many of us struggle to find belonging. Sometimes we, almost miraculously step into a community of belonging, but more often, Beloved Community is something we mutually create through acts of contribution. This Sunday, as we launch for pledge drive, let us consider how contributions unlock community and life within us.

(Delivered: March 3, 2024)

It has been nearly a decade since marriage equality became a legal right, but this was so much more than a Supreme Court decision. Let's review this movement, its power, its people, its values, and its impact. What might we carry forward as we think about the creation of equity and the Beloved Community beyond it.

(Delivered: February 25, 2024)

In this sermon, Rev John reviews a new book that chronicles the story of mental health abuse and why repair is needed today to make amends for past sins.

(Delivered: February 18, 2024)

In this sermon Rev John discusses fear and why it prevents humanity from creating a more just and. Equitable society. 

(Delivered: Sunday February 11, 2024)

William Ellery Channing, one of the founding leaders and theologians of our faith, was kept awake at night by a particular concern: have we missed the message about caring for people particularly, as we care for humanity universally? How much has this theology helped us engage more deeply in practicing care and inclusion with a more particular focus? Rev. Anastassia preaching.

In this sermon, Rev. John will discuss what being radically welcoming means to him and how this equitable approach in life leads to more authentic relationships.

(Delivered: Sunday Jan. 28,2024)