UUFairfax Sermons

At a time of substantial compassion deficits, how do Unitarian Universalists define and live the value of compassion? Rev. David Miller offers a definition that puts compassion into action - recognizing need and suffering in ourselves and others and working to alleviate it. 

Greed. Ignorance. Anger. They are all - according to Buddhist wisdom - monkeys on our backs. And they are all being fed and celebrated by people in power. So how do we shake these monkeys off our backs and try to live instead with compassion? Guest minister Rev. Dr. Wayne Arnason shares some antidotes.

Unitarian Universalism is a covenantal faith versus a faith based on creed or doctrine. Our religious practice is based on choosing to be together as we work in the world to build beloved community. It's a living, breathing, aspiration made every day. But what does it look like in our individual and congregational life? Rev. David Miller offers context and perspective. 

At the heart of this Unitarian Universalist faith tradition - based on the evolving understanding of who we are, and firmly expressed in UU values and principles - we are the people of inclusion, not exclusion. That means that we want to have a world in which we can find a way to live together. So, the question is? What are we going to do about our deep disagreements and divisions?

Rev. David Miller invites us to think of ourselves as weavers. "There are and will continue to be real and vitally important opportunities for us to weave. Some will be slow weaving of a beautiful and diverse tapestry. But others may be driven by a rip that needs immediate attention." None of us can weave alone. The need is too big, and we are all needed to connect the threads.

As UUCF and other Unitarian Universalist congregations start a new year with an Ingathering service, is this the time for a renewal of the term “movement” for Unitarian Universalists for this time and these circumstances - a movement of true solidarity with UU values and with each other. Full service rebroadcast, including music: Sun-Tue, 7pm. uucf.org/streaming.

Sermon by Social Justice Coordinator Andrew Batcher: As Unitarian Universalists we put love at the center. Sometimes that means being brave. Bravery might mean protesting in the streets. It might mean caring for loved ones through hard times. It might mean speaking your mind when it's unpopular. In times of fear, our congregation can provide spiritual sustenance through supporting each other to take the risks we choose to take.

The broad concepts of Love can be hard to define, but the love of and for our animal companions - while challenging at times - shows us how tangible and evident love can be. More from Rev. Rebecca Benner at UUCF's Animal Blessing service. Full service rebroadcast, Sun-Tue 7pm: uucf.org/streaming.

Senior Minister Rev. David Miller proposes that in Unitarian Universalism, the spiritual and political are intertwined. If we care about the spirit, we cannot avoid concern with the here and now. The healing inside and the healing of the world are wrapped up in one another. Full service rebroadcast Sun-Tue, 7pm, uucf.org/streaming.

As he does each summer, UUCF's Senior Minister Rev. David Miller takes the congregation's questions about Unitarian Universalism, UUCF, and spirituality during the worship service.

“I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save) the world and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.” ― E. B. White In these times that continue to challenge our sense of humanity and justice, Rev. David Miller's sermon reminds us to savor and appreciate the magical moments and acknowledge the beauty and blessings of those moments with love and gratitude.

Rev. David Miller: We're constantly being baited into outrage and reactivity. But what if we choose a different path? By staying rooted in our values, we can use our energies as a strategic force for good and justice.

UUCF welcomed guest minister Rev. Dayna Edwards (Cedar Lane UU Congregation) on Sunday. Rev. Dayna's sermon "Kindness as an Act of Resistance," proposes that deep kindness - the kind that moves us out of our comfort zones - is a possible antidote to tyranny. Full service rebroadcast Sun-Tue, 7pm. uucf.org/streaming.

In a world grappling with division and ethical decay, we all need a place to ground ourselves—a place that nurtures our spirits and calls us to live with integrity. UUCF offers just that: a compassionate community where we can face hard truths together, grow in our values, and act with courage and hope. Rev. David Miller's sermon and the entire service is rebroadcast Sun-Tue, 7pm, uucf.org/streaming.

As Cara Fortner ends her ministerial internship at UUCF, she reflects on what she learned as a newly forming minister and as a person. Rebroadcast of full service, including music, Mon & Tue at 7pm: uucf.org/streaming.

Ideas based in deep and loving values call on our best selves to make our choices. It's really about your future, the future we create every day and the small choices we make. Who are we, if not the aggregate of the choices we make.

In has sermon, Senior Minister Rev. David Miller asks: what is love calling us to do. How can we be communities that not just place love at the center, but actively replace hatred with care? Despair with joy? And greed with generosity? Full service rebroadcast Mon-Tue, 7pm, uucf.org/streaming.