2009 Sermons by Rev. Andrew Pakula

'A New Resolve' 4 January 2009: New Year's resolutions usually produce more frustration and disappointment than positive results. Nonetheless, we need to have aspirations to work towards - they change us even if we never reach them. Setting high goals is also a process of letting go of the comfortable.

'Good and Natural' 11 January 2009: The world seems to be turning toward a notion that "natural" is always good and anything else is not. What does this trend say about our understanding of the world and our place in it? What are the implications for our understanding of human "nature"?

'The Whole Thing' 25 January 2009: We enter the spiritual journey to change our lives - to make living more joyous, purposeful, and meaningful.  Can we know the destination of that journey? What can we learn from mystics, both ancient and modern?

'Darwin's Gifts' 8 February 2009: Celebrating the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Darwin, we consider his impact on the religious world. The recognition of the process of evolution shook religious traditions with a force whose aftershocks continue to be felt. But this new world view also brought us the possibility of a more connected way of living together and the realisation of the importance and power of change.

'Feasting and Fasting' 15 February 2009: In the approach to the Christian season of Lent, we consider what a Unitarian might think about "sin" and how this concept can be useful to us today.

'Not Without Conflict' 1 March 2009: Conflict is an inevitable part of our lives. It can also present opportunities for growth and - upon resolution - deepening of relationships and understanding. Conflict is also extraordinary challenging!  We explore approaches to managing and growing through conflict.

'Another Story' 8 March 2009: Celebrating the Jewish holiday of Purim, we examine the very human tendency to create categories: us and them, good and evil, and recognise that only by listening for the stories behind the story can we truly begin to create understanding.

'Motherhood Writ Large' 22 March 2009

'Till Then' 5 April 2009: In this Palm Sunday sermon, we consider the arrival of joyous events in our lives and how we recognise them or don't!

'Easter Vision' 12 April 2009: Easter service 2009. The story of the road to Emmaus reminds us that what is sacred may be around or even right in front of us. Our task is to cultivate an open mindedness and open heartedness that allows us to see and feel what is already there.

'Prophetic Mary' 26 April 2009: A tribute in honour of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Mary Wollstonecraft, the 'Mother of Feminism.' On this occasion, we consider her legacy and how we can continue the struggle for justice and equality for all people.

'Who is Unitarian?' 3 May 2009: What does it mean to be a Unitarian?  How do I know if I am one?  In our free faith, these can be surprisingly hard questions to address. We try in this sermon.

'How God Happens' 10 May 2009: A sermon exploring God as a process that increases me increases meaning and relatedness in the world. This sermon is based on the work of 20th century theologian Henry Nelson Wieman.

'Healing and Community' 17 May 2009

'What to do with Freedom' 24 May 2009: We have more freedom than we have ever had before - or do we? What do we do with our freedom? Have we used it to become enslaved to something new or can we find a way to live in a way that makes best use of the options that are open to us?

'Wondrous Flowers' 7 June 2009: A flower communion sermon.  Andy's science past comes back to haunt us all as he explores independence and interdependence in the natural world!

'Comfort and Community' 19 July 2009: Exploring the tension between the desire for comfort and consistency in our religious community and the discomfort needed for growth and transformation.

'Making a Difference' 26 July 2009: An exploration of the frustration we feel about the need for change in the world and our power to do something about it.

'Purpose in Life' 9 August 2009: An exploration of the importance of having purpose in our lives and finding that purpose.

'In Community' 13 September 2009: We can find heaven and hell both in the interactions between us. How can we more toward a more heavenly community?

'What's New?' 20 September 2009: What if you woke up tomorrow brand new?

'Reformation and Character'  25 October 2009: In honour of Reformation Sunday, we look at the nature of the human character and its potential to change

'Day of Atonement' 27 September 2009: A time to remember that we are imperfect but worthy of acceptance and dignity. This is a time to look back, to make amends, and to move forward with new intention.

'Remembrance Sunday' 8 November 2009: Unitarians look at war and warriors. Does pacifism make sense for us?

'Catch the Spirit' 15 November 2009: Part of the beauty of concepts like spirit and spirituality is their ambiguity. When we try to trap the spirit and put names and faces to it, we lose what is most powerful about it. We talk about what the spirit does and how to welcome it into our lives and our community.

'Waiting Patiently' 29 November 2009: At the beginning of Advent, we consider the virtues and limits of patient waiting. When should you wait patiently and faithfully for change, and when should you jump into the fray - doing all you can to right a wrong?

'A Healing Community' 6 December 2009: Exploring what it means to be a healing community and the importance of that concept for us.

'Hanukkah 2009' 13 December 2009: Hanukkah is the story of the victory of freedom over oppression. It's other major theme is the re-purification and rededication of the Jerusalem Temple after it had been despoiled by occupying enemies. We look at re-purification in our own lives and imagine and enact how we too can be rededicated.

'Before the Light' 20 December 2009: Poised just before the winter solstice, we look at bringing light into our lives and to all those whose lives touch our own.