Rev. Jim Magaw

What is Unitarian Universalism?

Unitarian Universalism is sometimes wrongly described as not having its own theology. Although it’s true that there is a great deal of theological diversity within our congregations, we do have our own unique theology—both historically and contemporarily. This service will provide an overview of Unitarian Universalist theology and why it is important to us and … Continued

Why Going to Church Is Good for You

In a bygone era, it was assumed that almost everyone would belong to a religious community of one kind or another, but that assumption no longer holds, as more and more people are unchurched.  What are the real benefits of going to church and what does it mean to belong to a church in our … Continued

Let America Be America

Langston Hughes wrote a poem with this title in 1935 as a rallying cry for greater freedom and inclusion. 90 years later it has lost none of its power in calling for an as-yet unborn America that makes real the dream of justice and liberty for all. How can we help make this dream a … Continued

Why I Am a Christian (and a Humanist and Maybe a Heretic)

Being a part of a non-creedal faith, does not mean that we can believe whatever we want—nor does it mean that we believe nothing at all. Rather, it means that we arrive at our own beliefs and religious identities through what Ralph Waldo Emerson called “life passed through the fire of thought.” In this sermon, … Continued

Transcending Time: Music of Erroll Garner

This service, featuring the music of Pittsburgh native Erroll Garner, will explore the nature of time and primary sources of UU inspiration, including “direct experiences of transcending mystery and wonder . . . which open our hearts, renew our spirits, and transform our lives.”  Led by Rev. Jim Magaw and featuring Reni Monteverde and friends.

Love Is Love

This service will be a celebration of the tenth anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision affirming marriage equality. Having the right to marry (whether you choose to exercise that right or not) is an important step forward in the long struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights. At a time when many rights are in peril, it … Continued

The Flaming Chalice

The image of a flaming chalice, which has its roots in the Judeo-Christian tradition, has been the primary symbol of Unitarianism since the 1940s. This service will explore the meaning and history of this symbol, especially as it relates to the larger mission of Unitarian Universalism in the world.

Memorial Day and Julia Ward Howe

The celebration of Memorial Day was greatly influenced by Julia Ward Howe (for whom Howe Elementary School in Mt. Lebanon was named), an early Unitarian feminist and trailblazer whose life and legacy can teach us a lot about moving forward in life despite adversity and personal challenges.

Parenting in the Apocalypse, Part 2

Parenting is a challenging undertaking even in the best of times, but the chaos and uncertainty of our current era has turned parenting into an even more arduous and impossibly demanding task. What are the lessons learned from recent times for parents and everyone else?

Climate Justice Now

The earth, wounded as it may be, still holds immense healing potential, both for itself and for us. What lessons can we learn from the earth about healing and wholeness? And how are we called to bring climate justice into being here and now?