Rev. Jim Magaw

Six Words for Love

The ancient Greeks used six different words for love, while contemporary English has only one. What are the differences among these various conceptions of love, and why is it important for us to understand and practice them today?

Groundhog Day

Groundhogs hibernate during winter and emerge in the spring. What occurs during these months of hibernation and why is it important? As human beings, how do the little choices we make–even during times when things are hardly moving–have an impact on our lives and our world?

Guardians of Being

What is it that many of us find so fascinating about animals, especially our pets? This sermon will explore the lessons that we can learn from animals who seem to live in a state of pure being, without the filters of thinking or judgment. How can recognizing this essence in others help us to be … Continued

Freedom and Liberation

MLK famously said: “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” What King was describing was the idea of collective liberation. How might we implement this idea in our own time?

Does the Bible Matter?

A reflection on why it is important for religious liberals to study the Bible. Hint: it’s not just to have fodder to use against the fundamentalists. It has to do with being both rooted and open. Aware of where we come from, with the willingness to be transformed by what we find in what might … Continued

Christmas Eve

This service will be an intergenerational, family-­friendly event featuring music from our children, youth and others, as well as stories and a brief re­enactment of the Nativity. 

Longest Night

The holidays are not always 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 during this holiday season. 

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 preparation for Hanukkah, which begins later … Continued

Music of the Season

This service will include holiday-themed music from various Sunnyhill members and friends, including the choir and other individuals and groups of all ages and many different styles. Come celebrate music and the season!

Reverence, Wonder and Awe

The Christian liturgical season of Advent is meant to be a time of reflection and experiencing reverence, wonder and awe. Rather than hurrying through this time of year in a mad rush of consumption and exhaustion, how might we make room for quiet reflection?