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.

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Sermon: Love is Messy

Love rarely follows the path we expect. The more expectations we bring, the less pleased we are with the relationship. Love is messy and surprising.

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Calm Breaths

Denise and Aidan show us how to calm ourselves with deep refreshing breaths to settle our nervous system.

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Love is a Verb 

So often greeting cards and movies paint a picture of romantic love just happening. Sitcoms have mostly shown happy families representing people who get along

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Emergent Leadership Strategies

Inspired by Black Queer Science fiction writer Octavia Butler’s exploration of our human relationships to change, Emergent Strategy in leadership, inspired by author and activist

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Audio Sermons

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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