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

The Joy of Food

Explore the theology of food in holiday gatherings. It is one of the oldest forms of hospitality and kinship. There are also many stressors that

Watch Video »

What is Church?

Church is the container to help us work together. It is different than volunteering for a justice organization because we have values and a covenant,

Watch Video »

Brain Tune-Up

Our culture is finally learning that our brains are attached to the rest of our bodies. At the same time, we hold so much shame

Watch Video »

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.
Listen Here

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

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

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

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
denise cawley headshot5