Rev. Jim Magaw

Rise Together, Apart

One of the central messages of Easter is re-birth, rising even from death itself to transform into something new. In a time of quarantine, death and disease, what does it mean to rise together? And how can we re-imagine and re-experience hope and new life in the midst of despair and suffering?

Why Are We Here?

For thousands of years, people have come together to form religious communities of various sorts. Why do we gather together in this way? What is it that can be accomplished in religious community that can’t be accomplished any other way? This sermon will explore these questions and others having to do with that which binds … Continued

Justice and the Pandemic

There are a great many social justice implications to the current pandemic, and, unsurprisingly, the people most affected are those who are already oppressed and marginalized. During this time of social distancing, how can we continue to work together for justice for all? This service will be streamed online via Facebook and can be found … Continued

Surviving Isolation

The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus presents us with a number of challenges, including learning how to survive extended periods of isolation without going batty. This sermon will explore practices and alternative ways of connecting that might help all of us survive or even thrive during this stressful time.

Plague and Panic

The current coronavirus outbreak poses a number of challenges, including how to stay safe while still staying connected with one another and not panicking. What do various responses to the emerging pandemic say about us as individuals and as members of larger communities? This Service will be ONLINE ONLY. More information here.

Gospel of David Sedaris

Humorist, author, and radio commentator David Sedaris blends hilarity and heartbreak in his writings and offers a model of humor and humility which can serve as an example for all of us. We would all do well do treat ourselves and others tenderly but not too seriously.

Immigration and Colonization

Although the U.S. is a “nation of immigrants” (at least for many of us), we are also a nation that was founded by means of violent colonization and destruction of indigenous cultures. How do we live with this mixed legacy while working to become truly welcoming to all?

Sports Fandom

Why do people care about sports, and what lessons can be learned from being a sports fan? While some people are true fanatics and others care little or nothing about sports, there are some interesting and instructive aspects of fandom that can reveal important truths about being human.

How Trees Grow in Rocks

What lessons about resilience can we learn from trees and shrubs that grow and thrive in even the most difficult circumstances? And how can we learn to have a symbiotic rather than hostile relationship with our own challenging circumstances?

Grace & Grit

Although we often take what we have for granted, it’s relatively easy to be grateful when things are going our way. How do we go about living a grace-filled and grateful life even when times are hard? Sometimes grit is just as important as gratitude.