Rev. Jim Magaw

Patriotism vs. Nationalism

In recent decades, we have seen the rise of a new “religious” nationalism that presents itself in the guise of a particular brand of “patriotism.” As members of a liberal religious community, we are guided by values that transcend national interests, so it is important to examine the difference between true patriotism (a noble virtue) … Continued

John 3:16 Revisited

In recent decades, John 3:16 has become perhaps the most famous (or infamous) verse in the Bible, and has served as shorthand for a fundamentalist understanding of Christianity. But there are other ways of reading this Bible passage that might lead to a more expansive understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus.

The Summer Day

If contemporary Unitarian Universalism were to have its own Book of Common Prayer, it would almost certainly include some of the poems of Mary Oliver. This service will explore why one of Oliver’s poems, “The Summer Day,” is especially powerful and relevant.

Moralizing and Memorializing

 National holidays in America have largely become occasions for shopping mall sales, sporting events and backyard barbecues. Many of these holidays have also become celebrations of materialism and militarism–and a good bit of narrow moralizing around these themes. How might we honor these holidays while resisting their less savory aspects?

Curiosity and Wonder

Curiosity and wonder can be much-needed antidotes to feeling overwhelmed and stuck. Instead of remaining mired in frustration and anger, how might we cultivate a sense of curiosity and a sense of wonder, even in the most challenging of times?

Book of Awakening

Drawn from ideas in Mark Nepo’s book of the same name, this service will explore, in Nepo’s words “our ongoing need to stay vital and in love with this life, no matter the hardships we encounter.” How might we go about cultivating this love for life, even when the going is rough?“

Even Stranger Things

The sci-fi/fantasy television series “Stranger Things,” set in the 1980s, explores a number of themes relevant to our own times and the challenges we are facing. What might it say to us about countering authoritarianism with radical solidarity?

Dry Bones & Empty Tombs

One of the central themes of Easter is the ultimate triumph of life over death. Even when everything around us seems dry as dead bones and dark as the tomb, the potential of resurrection of various kinds still exists for us as individuals and for us as a society. How do we prepare to “rise … Continued

Walking to Jerusalem

On Palm Sunday, Jesus’ Passover pilgrimage brought him to Jerusalem. What does it mean to go on a pilgrimage? How do our own individual journeys (as well as our collective journey) relate to the pilgrimages and the stories of Passover?

Love Beyond Belief

As UUs, we honor any and all beliefs that respect the inherent worth of every individual while recognizing that we are in an interdependent relationship with one another and with the earth. But beneath and beyond any and all beliefs there is a more important commitment to a love that transcends belief.