Rev. Jim Magaw

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?

Intention, Impact and Covenant

There’s often a big difference between our good intentions and our actual impact on others’ lives—particularly if there is an imbalance between our levels of power, privilege, and influence. How can we work toward aligning our impact with our intentions,and how might the concept of covenant help us?

Wicked Theology Part 1

The film adaptation of “Wicked” arrives at an interesting time, given our current era of disharmony and discord. What lessons might this show’s underlying themes of kindness, understanding, and inclusivity offer us, and how might we implement these lessons in our own lives.

Trans Rights = Human Rights

At a time when the U.S. administration is trying to take away civil rights from people who are transgender and erase their identities, our commitment to being radically welcoming and to working for equal rights for all has never been more important.  What can we do to support our transgender friends and siblings?