Rev. Jim Magaw

Rise Up

One of the central themes of Easter is the ultimate triumph of life over death. Even when everything around us seems cloaked in darkness, the potential of resurrection of various kinds still exists for us as individuals and for us as a society. How do we prepare to “rise up” when the time comes?

Strength in Vulnerability

If we have any hope of becoming resilient as individuals or as a culture or community, we must learn how to deal with our inherent vulnerability and the inevitability of failure. How do we go about this process so that we are able to act courageously rather than becoming stuck and overwhelmed?

Resilience: Turning from Negative to Positive

A positive attitude is something that can be cultivated and can make a big difference in becoming more resilient, both on the individual and community levels. How do we make this switch without becoming Pollyanna-like or irrelevant and in denial of reality? This Sunday, our offering will benefit PIIN (Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network), our primary … Continued

March for Our Lives

The recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida, has led to a renewed anti-gun violence movement in this country. Unlike other such movements in the past, this particular effort is being led by youth. How can we help this movement succeed? (Our designated offering this week will help support Sunnyhill’s participation in the March for Our … Continued

Resistance and Revolution

As a number of writers have recently noted, resistance in and of itself may not be enough. Our own Declaration of Independence notes that “whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends [life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness], it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it.” When and … Continued

Love and Resistance

Resistance to corrupt political systems is an important part of our identity as Americans and as religious liberals. But that resistance is only effective and sustainable if it is rooted in something bigger. What does Big Love have to do with resistance in our current moral and political climate?

Personal and Political Resistance

Our radical religious roots challenge us to resist cultural norms that are opposed to our ideals of compassion and justice for all. In our current era, much has been said about resistance to oppressive political regimes, but, at the same time we need to deal with our personal resistance to change and conflict. How are … Continued

#MeToo, American Democracy and Collective Liberation

The current #MeToo movement has resulted in the toppling of many iconic male figures in America and the exposure of the sordid reality of misogyny and sexual abuse in our culture and in our country. Why is this movement important to our democracy and to our religious tradition, and what is our response to be? … Continued

MLK and Racism, Materialism and Militarism

In celebration of MLK Day weekend, we will consider what King called the “giant triplets of racism, materialism and militarism.” King offered a challenging and radical message that resonates just as loudly today as it did 50 years ago. How will we respond to these challenges here and now?

The Limits of Tolerance & Free Speech

As Unitarian Universalists, we value the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process, but does this championing of the rights of individuals and individual expression mean that we value all human expression equally? What are the limits of tolerance and free speech?