by Rev. Roger Bertschausen
This service will explore and ritualize Roger’s journey from being our minister for nearly twenty-five years to becoming one of our former ministers.
Song: “Laying Down the Robe” written by B Alford, performed by B Alford and Erik Leveille
by Rev. Roger Bertschausen
Roger doesn’t remember a lot about “Places in the Heart” other than the 1984 movie’s ending: a communion service in a small town Texas church. We gradually realize that the service is attended by characters living and dead, wronged and wrong-doers alike. Roger often finds himself remembering that scene of hope and reconciliation when we celebrate Flower Communion.
by Rev. Roger Bertschausen
Unitarian Universalism has a reputation within and beyond our faith as being on the non-traditional end of the religious spectrum. This makes sense, and yet, it’s also true that we have traditions. They just are different traditions from many more orthodox religions. Being on the cusp of a ministerial transition makes this an opportune time to examine our faith’s and our Fellowship’s traditions.
by Rev. Roger Bertschausen
One of the theological declarations of Unitarian Universalism has been “Revelation is not sealed.” This means that we don’t believe that revelation (or if you prefer, Truth or Life) wasn’t granted once and for all in the Bible or another sacred scripture. We believe there are lots more sources of revelation or truth. This sermon will explore these sources.
by Rev. Roger Bertschausen
Death, forgiveness, love, joy: the Easter story had it all. It can tell us something about all these important parts of life. EVERYBODY OF ALL AGES IS INVITED TO WEAR AN EASTER BONNET OR HAT! Heck, this might be an occasion even to dress up for Fellowship (if you feel moved). Children and youth will participate in Easter games and activities.
by Rev. Roger Bertschausen
If I had to pick an all-time favorite sermon, it would be “I Want to Burden My Loved Ones,” a sermon I preached back in 1999. Some people have asked this year if I’d do a series of “greatest hits.” I’m not doing a a series, but will do just this one. A favorite part of the service will also be reprised: Cheri Bricco and Paul Reiser singing Stuart Stotts’ and Tom Pease’s song “Silver Dollar.”
by Rev. Roger Bertschausen
Ten years ago almost to the day, I gave a sermon with this title. I talked about ministers who speak the real, sometimes hard truth once they’ve announced they’re leaving. Since I hadn’t had that opportunity and it didn’t feel like I’d have the opportunity anytime soon, I announced my departure–at an unknown time–and said what I felt needed to be said. Well, now that the departure date is set, I have an opportunity to do this sermon for real! A high point of the Sunday services will be the premiere by our choir of a piece written by our own Jay Thomas, “Greater From the Difference.”
by Rev. Roger Bertschausen
Unitarian Universalists sometimes refer to our tradition as a faith. Others among us find this an uncomfortable word to use. Is Unitarian Universalism a faith? If so, what do we mean by “faith?” Come and join us as we dive into our monthly worship and learning theme: faith.
by Rev. Roger Bertschausen
Unitarian Universalism is a faith characterized by skepticism and doubt. We don’t take anything as truth without putting it through the fire of our own experience and reason. This is a good thing. But there is another part of spirituality that is important, too: faithfully leaping. William Sloane Coffin wrote, “I love the recklessness of faith. First you leap, then you grow wings.” This sermon will be a meditation on cautiously leaping.
by Rev. Roger Bertschausen with Folk Singer-Songwriter Peter Mayer
This sermon will feature three songs written and performed by the well-known folk musician Peter Mayer, with Roger Bertschausen weaving words around the songs. When times are difficult–as an individual and as a world community–where can we can turn for solace and understanding? A Unitarian Universalist, Peter has a beautiful, humanist answer to this question.
