http://uucyf.org/clfuunet/podcasts/CLF_Quest_Enhanced.xml Church of the Larger Fellowship - Unitarian Universalist http://www.CLFUU.org/ Unitarian Universalist sermons, meditations, educational resources and comments from Quest, the monthly publication of the Church of the Larger Fellowship. The CLF is a virtual UU congregation of more than 3,000 Unitarian Universalists isolated by geography or choice. We minister to each other through our presence on the web, small group ministries via email, open conversations on our CLF List, prison pen-pals program, and Quest, which you can hear on this podcast. For more information, or to support our work in the world, call us at (617) 948-6166 or visit us on the web at clfuu.org. The monthly publication of the Church of the Larger Fellowship Unitarian Universalist Unitarian Universalist sermons, meditations, educational resources and comments from Quest, the monthly publication of the Church of the Larger Fellowship. The CLF is a virtual UU congregation of more than 2800 Unitarian Universalists isolated by geography or choice. We minister to each other through our presence on the web, small group ministries via email, open conversations on our CLF List, prison pen-pals program, and Quest, which you can hear on this podcast. For more information, call us at (617) 948-6166 or visit us on the web at clfuu.org. en-us Church of the Larger Fellowship, 2007 Church of the Larger Fellowship - Unitarian Universalist clf@clfuu.org http://uucyf.org/clfuunet/podcasts/CLFlogonew.gif http://www.CLFUU.org/ 144 193 Spirituality Progressive, Liberal Religion no Church of the Larger Fellowship Unitarian Universalist May: This month, we explore the theme of justice. Archene Turner shares her indignation that the poor in our communities are consistently ignored, and Susan Conrad critiques the US justice system's stress on imprisonment without rehabilitation through the lens of her work with the Alternatives to Violence Project. A short poem by Timothy D. Wells encourages us to work for justice today rather that wistfully hoping for a better future. A reading by Tom Owen-Towle reminds us not to let our feelings about our imperfections prevent us from committing acts of kindness. Our senior minister Meg Riley tells us that justice doesn't have to be grandiose--that justice is furthered mostly though small, seemingly mundane acts, and Lynn Ungar helps kids wrap their minds and hearts around the concept of working toward justice in the world. We close with an excerpt from a poem by Marta I. Valentin. Featuring Archene Turner, Susan Conrad, Timothy D. Wells, Tom Owen-Towle, Marta I. Valentin, Lynn Ungar and Meg Riley. May: This month, we explore the theme of justice. Archene Turner shares her indignation that the poor in our communities are consistently ignored, and Susan Conrad critiques the US justice system's stress on imprisonment without rehabilitation through the lens of her work with the Alternatives to Violence Project. A short poem by Timothy D. Wells encourages us to work for justice today rather that wistfully hoping for a better future. A reading by Tom Owen-Towle reminds us not to let our feelings about our imperfections prevent us from committing acts of kindness. Our senior minister Meg Riley tells us that justice doesn't have to be grandiose--that justice is furthered mostly though small, seemingly mundane acts, and Lynn Ungar helps kids wrap their minds and hearts around the concept of working toward justice in the world. We close with an excerpt from a poem by Marta I. Valentin. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.m4a?http://uucyf.org/clfuunet/podcasts/12_05/CLF_Quest_May_2012.m4a Tue, 01 May 2012 12:10:00 -0500 Spirituality no 40:50 Unitarian Universalist, UU, Progressive, Liberal Religion Church of the Larger Fellowship Unitarian Universalist April: This month, we delve into the theme of transformation as we celebrate the coming of spring in the northern hemisphere. Inspired by the maple tree's changing of sun and soil into sap and ultimately sweet maple syrup, Karen Hering explores how we might transform the world into a sweeter, more just planet through intential living and small acts of kindness. Maine's "mud season" reminds Sarah York that important transitions are often messy and tumultuous, and Mark Morrison-Reed prods us to help change our society's often sub-surface racism for the better. An excerpt from a speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. calls us to speak out against injustice and inequality. A haunting meditation by Lynn Ungar offsets humanity's self destructive cycles with a ray of hope, and Naomi Shihab Nye's poem shows us that the deepest kindness is born of pain. On a lighter note, Darcey Laine encourages kids (and adults!) to get back out into natural, uncontrolled spaces to let our minds and bodies wander freely. Senior Minister Meg Riley shared with us three moments of intense transformation from her life and the wider world, and our kids' column talks about the transformative themes at the heart of both Easter and Passover. We close with a passage from American naturalist John Muir. Featuring Karen Hering, Sarah York, Mark Morrison-Reed, Martin Luther King, Jr., Naomi Shihab Nye, Darcey Laine, John Muir, Lynn Ungar and Meg Riley. April: This month, we delve into the theme of transformation as we celebrate the coming of spring in the northern hemisphere. Inspired by the maple tree's changing of sun and soil into sap and ultimately sweet maple syrup, Karen Hering explores how we might transform the world into a sweeter, more just planet through intential living and small acts of kindness. Maine's "mud season" reminds Sarah York that important transitions are often messy and tumultuous, and Mark Morrison-Reed prods us to help change our society's often sub-surface racism for the better. An excerpt from a speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. calls us to speak out against injustice and inequality. A haunting meditation by Lynn Ungar offsets humanity's self destructive cycles with a ray of hope, and Naomi Shihab Nye's poem shows us that the deepest kindness is born of pain. On a lighter note, Darcey Laine encourages kids (and adults!) to get back out into natural, uncontrolled spaces to let our minds and bodies wander freely. Senior Minister Meg Riley shared with us three moments of intense transformation from her life and the wider world, and our kids' column talks about the transformative themes at the heart of both Easter and Passover. We close with a passage from American naturalist John Muir. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.m4a?http://uucyf.org/clfuunet/podcasts/12_04/CLF_Quest_April_2012.m4a Sun, 18 Mar 2012 12:10:00 -0500 Spirituality no 41:01 Unitarian Universalist, UU, Progressive, Liberal Religion Church of the Larger Fellowship Unitarian Universalist March: How do we live best in a broken world? For Barbara Well ten Hove, the shards of human brokenness come together to form a kind of beauty and truth. Taquiena Boston's religious experience demands that she work for social justice, and Victoria Safford explains Universalism's historic approach to dealing with human evil. Meg Riley reminds us that we need not have moral clarity on every single issue to make the world a better place in small ways, and Lynn Ungar encourages kids to see the dignity in all people regardless of their flaws. We close with a poem by Joyce Rupp inviting us to self-acceptance. Featuring Barbara Wells ten Hove, Taquiena Boston, Victoria Safford, Lynn Ungar, Meg Riley and Joyce Rupp. March: How do we live best in a broken world? For Barbara Well ten Hove, the shards of human brokenness come together to form a kind of beauty and truth. Taquiena Boston's religious experience demands that she work for social justice, and Victoria Safford explains Universalism's historic approach to dealing with human evil. Meg Riley reminds us that we need not have moral clarity on every single issue to make the world a better place in small ways, and Lynn Ungar encourages kids to see the dignity in all people regardless of their flaws. We close with a poem by Joyce Rupp inviting us to self-acceptance. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.m4a?http://uucyf.org/clfuunet/podcasts/12_03/CLF_Quest_March_2012.m4a Sun, 19 Feb 2012 12:10:00 -0500 Spirituality no 42:37 Unitarian Universalist, UU, Progressive, Liberal Religion Church of the Larger Fellowship Unitarian Universalist February: Hospitality is this month's theme, and Tim Kutzmark starts us off with his exploration of the Hindu concept of "darsan," or "being seen." Kendyl Gibbons questions the USA's xenophobic immigration policy and explains how it is at odds with Unitarian Universalist values, and Jeffrey Lockwood shares his ideas about being a good guest on scales small and large. Senior Minister Meg Riley talk about the CLF's vision of hospitality, Lynn Ungar teaches kids about Unitarian Universalism's annual General Assembly. A closing poem by Mohja Kahf relates an experience of cultural transformation as a Palestinian arrives in the US. Featuring Tim Kutzmark, Kendyl Gibbons, Jeffrey Lockwood, Meg Riley, Lynn Ungar and Mohja Kahf February: Hospitality is this month's theme, and Tim Kutzmark starts us off with his exploration of the Hindu concept of "darsan," or "being seen." Kendyl Gibbons questions the USA's xenophobic immigration policy and explains how it is at odds with Unitarian Universalist values, and Jeffrey Lockwood shares his ideas about being a good guest on scales small and large. Senior Minister Meg Riley talk about the CLF's vision of hospitality, Lynn Ungar teaches kids about Unitarian Universalism's annual General Assembly. A closing poem by Mohja Kahf relates an experience of cultural transformation as a Palestinian arrives in the US. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.m4a?http://uucyf.org/clfuunet/podcasts/12_02/CLF_Quest_February_2012.m4a Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:10:00 -0500 Spirituality no 43:47 Unitarian Universalist, UU, Progressive, Liberal Religion Church of the Larger Fellowship Unitarian Universalist January: Evangelism may be a surprising word to find in a Unitarian Universalist podcast, but this month's issue features several different takes on its meaning for religious liberals. Transylvanian Unitarian Judit Gellerd believes evangelism means spiritual transformation through meaningful action, and John Sanger tells us about his furry religious teachers, skunks who come up to his window to be fed. Jane Rzepka speaks of the small, hopeful core inside each of us that keeps us going through difficult times, and Suzanne Meyer talks about 'saving souls', not in the metaphysical sense, but by helping to heal those in need of emotional support. Meg Riley asks, "What does it mean to be the torch bearers of our faith now, in this moment?" and Lynn Ungar encourages kids to express their faith by participating in a day of community service. We close with a poem by Joseph Bruchac. Featuring Judit Gellerd, John Sanger, Suzanne Meyer, Jane Rzepka, Meg Riley, Lynn Ungar and Joseph Bruchac January: Evangelism may be a surprising word to find in a Unitarian Universalist podcast, but this month's issue features several different takes on its meaning for religious liberals. Transylvanian Unitarian Judit Gellerd believes evangelism means spiritual transformation through meaningful action, and John Sanger tells us about his furry religious teachers, skunks who come up to his window to be fed. Jane Rzepka speaks of the small, hopeful core inside each of us that keeps us going through difficult times, and Suzanne Meyer talks about 'saving souls', not in the metaphysical sense, but by helping to heal those in need of emotional support. Meg Riley asks, "What does it mean to be the torch bearers of our faith now, in this moment?" and Lynn Ungar encourages kids to express their faith by participating in a day of community service. We close with a poem by Joseph Bruchac. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.m4a?http://uucyf.org/clfuunet/podcasts/12_01/CLF_Quest_January_2012.m4a Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:10:00 -0500 Spirituality no 40:12 Unitarian Universalist, UU, Progressive, Liberal Religion Church of the Larger Fellowship Unitarian Universalist December: Hope is our theme this month as we enter the holiday season. "You Are the Light of the World" said Jesus, and Barbara H. Gadon explores this message in the context of ancient Judea and the modern day. CLF member Daniel Green relays his path to rediscovering hope after a life of hardship and incarceration. Mark Belletini finds parallels between the Christmas story and the stories of struggling families everywhere, and Meg Riley locates Hope's true birthplace in the depths of darkness. Kids learn about hope in the context of the Hanukkah story with Lynn Ungar, and Robert Frost's "Looking for a Sunset Bird in Winter" closes this month's issue. Featuring Barbara H. Gadon, Daniel A. Green, Mark Belletini, Meg Riley, Lynn Ungar, and Robert Frost December: Hope is our theme this month as we enter the holiday season. "You Are the Light of the World" said Jesus, and Barbara H. Gadon explores this message in the context of ancient Judea and the modern day. CLF member Daniel Green relays his path to rediscovering hope after a life of hardship and incarceration. Mark Belletini finds parallels between the Christmas story and the stories of struggling families everywhere, and Meg Riley locates Hope's true birthplace in the depths of darkness. Kids learn about hope in the context of the Hanukkah story with Lynn Ungar, and Robert Frost's "Looking for a Sunset Bird in Winter" closes this month's issue. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.m4a?http://uucyf.org/clfuunet/podcasts/11_12/CLF_Quest_December_2011.m4a Sun, 20 Nov 2011 12:10:00 -0500 Spirituality no 42:02 Unitarian Universalist, UU, Progressive, Liberal Religion, Christmas, Hanukkah, Chanukkah Church of the Larger Fellowship Unitarian Universalist November: We revisit the theme of gratitude this month as Thanksgiving appears on the calendar. In his opening sermon, Daniel Schatz reflects that "true thanksgiving is born of hardship as much as joy, for it is in hardship that we realize and appreciate the foundations of our lives." Joshua Mason Pawelek defends the "positive psychology" movement against accusations of new-age superficiality, and incarcerated CLF member John Sanger shares his thoughts on being grateful despite, or because of, his imprisonment. CLF Senior Minister Meg Riley grapples with the challenge of expressing appreciation even in a world where oppression seems to reign, and our kids' columnist Lynn Ungar teaches children about the Unitarian Universalist charitable tradition of "Guest at Your Table". We close with a blessing by Mark Belletini. Featuring Meg Riley, Daniel S. Schatz, Joshua Mason Pawelek, John Sanger, Meg Riley, Lynn Ungar and Mark Belletini. November: We revisit the theme of gratitude this month as Thanksgiving appears on the calendar. In his opening sermon, Daniel Schatz reflects that "true thanksgiving is born of hardship as much as joy, for it is in hardship that we realize and appreciate the foundations of our lives." Joshua Mason Pawelek defends the "positive psychology" movement against accusations of new-age superficiality, and incarcerated CLF member John Sanger shares his thoughts on being grateful despite, or because of, his imprisonment. CLF Senior Minister Meg Riley grapples with the challenge of expressing appreciation even in a world where oppression seems to reign, and our kids' columnist Lynn Ungar teaches children about the Unitarian Universalist charitable tradition of "Guest at Your Table". We close with a blessing by Mark Belletini. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.m4a?http://uucyf.org/clfuunet/podcasts/11_11/CLF_Quest_November_2011.m4a Sun, 16 Oct 2011 12:10:00 -0500 Spirituality no 41:27 Unitarian Universalist, UU, Progressive, Liberal Religion, Gratitude, Thanksgiving Church of the Larger Fellowship Unitarian Universalist October: The spiritual quest calls us to search for meaning in the universe. This month, Alan Taylor talks about his pilgrimage to India as a young man, Hopi elder Thomas Banyacya tells us to look within for our leaders, and Glen Thomas Rideout finds redemption in the affirming hymns of his UU congregation. Senior Minister Meg Riley envisions a communal quest that we all take together in the pursuit of a better world, and Lynn Ungar helps kids understand that for Unitarian Universalists, a pilgrimage doesn't have to be a physical journey to a particular holy site. We close with an excerpt from a poem by Holly Horn. Featuring Alan Taylor, Glen Thomas Rideout, Meg Riley, Lynn Ungar and Others. October: The spiritual quest calls us to search for meaning in the universe. This month, Alan Taylor talks about his pilgrimage to India as a young man, Hopi elder Thomas Banyacya tells us to look within for our leaders, and Glen Thomas Rideout finds redemption in the affirming hymns of his UU congregation. Senior Minister Meg Riley envisions a communal quest that we all take together in the pursuit of a better world, and Lynn Ungar helps kids understand that for Unitarian Universalists, a pilgrimage doesn't have to be a physical journey to a particular holy site. We close with an excerpt from a poem by Holly Horn. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.m4a?http://uucyf.org/clfuunet/podcasts/11_010/CLF_Quest_October_2011.m4a Sun, 11 Sep 2011 12:10:00 -0500 Spirituality no 42:17 Unitarian Universalist, UU, Progressive, Liberal Religion, Forgiveness Church of the Larger Fellowship Unitarian Universalist September: We explore Forgiveness these month, beginning with Kate Tucker's call to start the difficult work of forgiving ourselves as we struggle to forgive others. Anne Felton Hines shares a story of forgiveness in an Arizona women's prison and goes on to discuss our theological heritage of universal acceptance. Love can conquer guilt, as Kate Braestrup shows in her story of a recent family accident, and Meg Riley shows us that something as petty as garden aesthetics can lead to the most stubborn grudges. Lynn Ungar talks to kids about Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, the Jewish Days of Turning, and we close with a poem by Sherman Alexie. Featuring Meg Riley and Lynn Ungar. September: September: We explore Forgiveness these month, beginning with Kate Tucker's call to start the difficult work of forgiving ourselves as we struggle to forgive others. Anne Felton Hines shares a story of forgiveness in an Arizona women's prison and goes on to discuss our theological heritage of universal acceptance. Love can conquer guilt, as Kate Braestrup shows in her story of a recent family accident, and Meg Riley shows us that something as petty as garden aesthetics can lead to the most stubborn grudges. Lynn Ungar talks to kids about Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, the Jewish Days of Turning, and we close with a poem by Sherman Alexie. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.m4a?http://uucyf.org/clfuunet/podcasts/11_09/CLF_Quest_September_2011.m4a 15 Aug 2011 12:10:00 -0500 Spirituality no 38:12 Unitarian Universalist, UU, Progressive, Liberal Religion, Forgiveness Church of the Larger Fellowship Unitarian Universalist July/August: Summer inspires us to focus on the theme of abundance this month, and Roger Jones opens with a discussion of financial abundance, the paradoxical problems it can cause, and the myriad Biblical treatments of financial woes. Meg Barnhouse addresses the human need to slow down and relinquish some control over life in order to regain stamina. A meditation on the bounty of summer by Parker J. Palmer inspires us to appreciate our role in the interconnected web of life, and Gary Kowalski realizes that his dog is in fact his most important spiritual guru. Kendyl Gibbons reels from the full force of the universe's bounty as she observes a California stream in full flood, and Meg Riley explores the immensity of time itself and the ways in which we tend to focus myopically on the short-term. In our kids' column, Lynn Ungar encourages kids to share the wonders of life with the wider world, and 16th Century mystic Fra Giovanni encourages awareness of life's many gifts, if only we would open our eyes. Featuring Roger Jones, Meg Barnhouse, Parker J. Palmer, Gary A. Kowalski, Kendyl Gibbons, Meg Riley, Lynn Ungar and others. July/August: Summer inspires us to focus on the theme of abundance this month, and Roger Jones opens with a discussion of financial abundance, the paradoxical problems it can cause, and the myriad Biblical treatments of financial woes. Meg Barnhouse addresses the human need to slow down and relinquish some control over life in order to regain stamina. A meditation on the bounty of summer by Parker J. Palmer inspires us to appreciate our role in the interconnected web of life, and Gary Kowalski realizes that his dog is in fact his most important spiritual guru. Kendyl Gibbons reels from the full force of the universe's bounty as she observes a California stream in full flood, and Meg Riley explores the immensity of time itself and the ways in which we tend to focus myopically on the short-term. In our kids' column, Lynn Ungar encourages kids to share the wonders of life with the wider world, and 16th Century mystic Fra Giovanni encourages awareness of life's many gifts, if only we would open our eyes. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.m4a?http://uucyf.org/clfuunet/podcasts/11_07/CLF_Quest_July_2011.m4a 15 Jun 2011 12:10:00 -0500 Spirituality no 40:40 Unitarian Universalist, UU, Progressive, Liberal Religion Church of the Larger Fellowship Unitarian Universalist June: We focus this month's issue on Grace in all its manifestations. Lynn Ungar starts off by telling the story of the author of the religious hymn 'Amazing Grace' (a former slave trader) and expanding his experience to all of us. Peter Friedrichs gets down to the root of the matter by asking us to reexamine the definition of 'grace,' and Louise Green shares her moment of grace during an impulsive bungee jump at an amusement park. We hear from CLF co-chair Stefan Jonasson of the history of the Church of the Larger Fellowship, and our senior minister Meg Riley takes on our kids' column with some words of encouragement for children living in an imperfect world. We close with a meditation by Frederick Buechner. Featuring Lynn Ungar, Peter Friedrichs, Louise Green, Stefan Jonasson, Meg Riley and Frederick Buechner. June: We focus this month's issue on Grace in all its manifestations. Lynn Ungar starts off by telling the story of the author of the religious hymn 'Amazing Grace' (a former slave trader) and expanding his experience to all of us. Peter Friedrichs gets down to the root of the matter by asking us to reexamine the definition of 'grace,' and Louise Green shares her moment of grace during an impulsive bungee jump at an amusement park. We hear from CLF co-chair Stefan Jonasson of the history of the Church of the Larger Fellowship, and our senior minister Meg Riley takes on our kids' column with some words of encouragement for children living in an imperfect world. We close with a meditation by Frederick Buechner. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.m4a?http://uucyf.org/clfuunet/podcasts/11_06/CLF_Quest_June_2011.m4a 15 May 2011 12:10:00 -0500 Spirituality no 47:20 Unitarian Universalist, UU, Progressive, Liberal Religion, Grace Church of the Larger Fellowship Unitarian Universalist May: Steve Edington opens this month's issue with an exploration of that fundamentally human need to express our gratitude to the universe. Barbara Merritt continues the theme with a sermon holding up gratitude as the pinnacle of spiritual fullness. A Mothers' Day column by Jane Rzepka reminds us that mothers need not always play the part of the unsung, long-suffering martyr reinforced by popular culture, and Meg Riley describes her way of practicing gratefulness through daily ritual and meditation. Lynn Ungar's kids' column grapples with the meaning of thankfulness for both Mothers' Day and Memorial Day, and we close with a womens' call to arms by 19th Century activist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. Featuring Steve Edington, Barbara Merritt, Jane Rzepka, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Lynn Ungar and Meg Riley. May: Steve Edington opens this month's issue with an exploration of that fundamentally human need to express our gratitude to the universe. Barbara Merritt continues the theme with a sermon holding up gratitude as the pinnacle of spiritual fullness. A Mothers' Day column by Jane Rzepka reminds us that mothers need not always play the part of the unsung, long-suffering martyr reinforced by popular culture, and Meg Riley describes her way of practicing gratefulness through daily ritual and meditation. Lynn Ungar's kids' column grapples with the meaning of thankfulness for both Mothers' Day and Memorial Day, and we close with a womens' call to arms by 19th Century activist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.m4a?http://uucyf.org/clfuunet/podcasts/11_05/CLF_Quest_May_2011.m4a 17 Apr 2011 12:10:00 -0500 Spirituality no 35:28 Unitarian Universalist, UU, Progressive, Liberal Religion