Sermons
I balance my preaching so that they are not all of any one type of theology nor tone. Some are pastoral, others call you to action. Some are nurturing and others bolster the congregation to act on justice issues. Even if a sermon is historical or informational, they all relate to current times and issues we face. Most worship I plan has a faith formation aspect and many have congregational activities engaging a variety of learning styles.
Print Sermons
Videos
- Spiritual Practices by Denise, available on YouTube

Sunday, March 22nd - Vernal Equinox
Service by Rev. Erik David Carlson, Denise Cawley and Alex Poyner on the implications of the coming spring for this time of uncertainty.
Vernal Equinox
Service by Rev. Erik David Carlson, Denise Cawley and Alex Poyner on the implications of the coming spring for this time of uncertainty.
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Inner Wisdom
Student minister Denise CawleaIntern minister Denise Cawley reflects on that voice still and small that dwells within us all and takes us through writing our own book of inner wisdom.y talks about the simple ways we might incorporate spiritual practice into our lives, little by little.
Inner Wisdom
Intern minister Denise Cawley reflects on that voice still and small that dwells within us all and takes us through writing our own book of inner wisdom.
Listen Here 
Pathetic Spiritual Practice
Student minister Denise Cawley talks about the simple ways we might incorporate spiritual practice into our lives, little by little.
Pathetic Spiritual Practice
Student minister Denise Cawley talks about the simple ways we might incorporate spiritual practice into our lives, little by little.
Listen Here 
Membership Journey
Homilies from Rev. Erik David Carlson and Denise Cawley introduce our membership ceremony. Many thanks to everyone who participated and our record-breaking class of 14 new members!
Membership Journey
Shared Preaching - Along with Rev. Erik Carlson - We have gone to all ages services and often break our sermons down into short homilies - sometimes with each of us giving one.Rev. Erik David Carlson and Denise Cawley introduce our membership ceremony. Many thanks to everyone who participated and our record-breaking class of 14 new members!
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Bucking the Patriarchy
Here is video sermon from a sermon I gave at the Unitarian Church in Rockford, IL. It features the subject of my historical research, Rev. Dr. Florence Buck.
Bucking the Patriarchy
Here is video sermon from a sermon I gave at the Unitarian Church in Rockford, IL. It features the subject of my historical research, Rev. Dr. Florence Buck.
Listen Here 
Transforming Hearts
Bradford UU Intern Minister Denise Cawley reflects on our transgender ministry initiative lifting up the words of transgender leaders in our UU movement.
Transforming Hearts
Gender Journeys: Bradford Unitarian Universalist is doing the Transforming Hearts Curriculum as part of their strategic plan and Denise Cawley’s focused initiative. Congregants have worked with Denise to develop testimonials and additional workshops on transgender and gender non-binary issues impacting people and their loved ones.
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Engage the Dream
Student minister Denise Cawley gives our stewardship sermon on the connections and commitments we have to each other and the world.
Engage the Dream
Student minister Denise Cawley gives our stewardship sermon on the connections and commitments we have to each other and the world.
Listen Here 
Community of Care
Service with Rev. Erik David Carlson, Rev. Dr. Monica L. Cummings, intern minster Denise Cawley and musician Alex Poyner on maintaining caring connections even in a time of isolation.
Community of Care
Service with Rev. Erik David Carlson, Rev. Dr. Monica L. Cummings, intern minster Denise Cawley and musician Alex Poyner on maintaining caring connections even in a time of isolation.
Listen Here 
Faith Formation
Sermon by Denise Cawley on how to better engage in Unitarian Universalism based in part on the recent work of Kimberly Sweeney on "The Death of Sunday School".
Faith Formation
Sermon by Denise Cawley on how to better engage in Unitarian Universalism based in part on the work of Kimberly Sweeney "The Death of Sunday School" illustrating trends in religious education, congregational faith formation and Unitarian Universalist growth patterns.
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Love
Intern minister Denise Cawley touches on the power of a family's love through the story told in the 1995 Dutch cinema classic, Antonia's Line.Opening reading by Mary Oliver provided by Rev. Erik David Carlson.
Love
Intern minister Denise Cawley touches on the power of a family's love through the story told in the 1995 Dutch cinema classic, Antonia's Line.Opening reading by Mary Oliver provided by Rev. Erik David Carlson.
Listen Here 
Transforming Hearts II: Choose Love
Homily from intern minister Denise Cawley on the implications of accepting our friends and family of all gender identities.
Transforming Hearts II: Choose Love
Homily from intern minister Denise Cawley on the implications of accepting our friends and family of all gender identities.
Listen Here 
Mary Magdalene and Mothers Day
In honor of Mother's Day, ministerial intern Denise Cawley discusses Mary Magdalene, feminine spirituality and the female divine's influence on our faith and our lives.
Mary Magdalene and Mothers Day
In honor of Mother's Day, ministerial intern Denise Cawley discusses Mary Magdalene, feminine spirituality and the female divine's influence on our faith and our lives.
Listen Here 
Thanksgiving Homecoming
Here is video sermon from a sermon I gave at the Unitarian Church in Rockford, IL. It features the subject of my historical research, Rev. Dr. Florence Buck.
Thanksgiving Homecoming
Shared Preaching - Along with Rev. Erik Carlson - We have gone to all ages services and often break our sermons down into short homilies - sometimes with each of us giving one. Denise highlights accomplishments of one of our spiritual ancestors Ernestine Rose.
Listen Here 
Transforming Hearts II
Bradford UU Intern Minister Denise Cawley reflects on our transgender ministry initiative lifting up the words of transgender leaders in our UU movement.
Transforming Hearts II
Gender Journeys: Bradford Unitarian Universalist is doing the Transforming Hearts Curriculum as part of their strategic plan and Denise Cawley’s focused initiative. Congregants have worked with Denise to develop testimonials and additional workshops on transgender and gender non-binary issues impacting people and their loved ones.
Listen Here 