Rev. Jim Magaw

The Next Civil Rights Movement

While it may not be clear to us, we are in the midst of an emerging new civil rights movement that builds on the  desegregation movement of the 1950s and 60s and seeks to address lingering inequalities. What are the ways in which we might participate in this movement and not merely observe.

The Gift of Presence

Sometimes the best and greatest present we can give someone else, especially someone who is suffering, is simply our presence – not offering advice or platitudes – but just being there as a listening, caring presence. How do we go about doing this work with one another?

Unraveling Racism

If we are to have any hope of addressing and undoing racism and other systemic oppressions, we must start at home- in our personal attitudes and behaviors, in our families, in our congregations, and in our larger association. Are we up to this task? If so, how do we start?

Hope, Not Hell

More than 250 years ago, John Murray, considered the founder of Universalism in America, extolled the value of preaching “hope, not hell.” What does it mean to lean into hope amid the challenges facing our country today?

Wisdom Stories

Featuring several short wisdom tales from Anthony De Mello, this sermon will explore the nature of wisdom, as opposed to knowledge. How do we go about discovering wisdom, especially when we seem to spend most of our time just trying to get through our lives?

The Story of Your Life

Often the stories of our lives are not told until after our deaths in the form of eulogies and obituaries. What is the story of your life, and why might it be important to embrace and tell the story now rather than later?

Hanukkah

Why is the ritual of lighting a candle or lamp (or chalice) so powerful? What does this simple act accomplish, and how does it connect us with others? What does it signify for us? We will explore these questions by means of several stories from the Jewish tradition in celebration of Hanukkah, which is taking … Continued

Christmas Eve

These services will feature music, reflections, and readings celebrating Christmas. Our nativity reenactment will occur at the 4:00 service, and our Christmas Eve candle lighting ritual will take place at both services.

Dickens, Unitarians and Christmas

Charles Dickens, the great 19th-century English novelist had a profound effect on how Christmas is celebrated. Many of his ideas about Christmas and social reform were influenced by his involvement with Unitarianism. This service will explore these ideas and their relevance today.

Longest Night

The holidays are often not as cheerful as we might pretend. In fact, this time of year often brings painful memories and a profound sense of loss. This special service is for anyone who is struggling or feeling blue during this holiday season.