We Are First Universalist Society of Salem in Salem, Massachusetts. We are a welcoming congregation, encouraging and celebrating the participation of all people including straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning. We welcome people of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds and especially blended families (ethnic or religious). We welcome people who are on varied spiritual paths and pride ourselves in a diverse theological community finding unity in our liberal religious values. We are democratically organized and self- governing. Members contribute their time, talents and money to support the church and its varied programs. This is our sermon audio for the church year of 2009-2010. http://www.salemuu.org en-us Copyright 2009-2010 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:20:00 -0500 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:20:00 -0500 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss firstunivsalem@verizon.net (Rosa at First Universalist) First Universalist Church of Salem Audio Content from worship services We Are First Universalist Society of Salem in Salem, Massachusetts. We are a welcoming congregation, encouraging and celebrating the participation of all people including straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning. We welcome people of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds and especially blended families (ethnic or religious). We welcome people who are on varied spiritual paths and pride ourselves in a diverse theological community finding unity in our liberal religious values. We are democratically organized and self- governing. Members contribute their time, talents and money to support the church and its varied programs. This is our sermon audio. First Universalist Church of Salem firstunivsalem@verizon.net No http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_092009.mp3 Rev. Marjorie Matty, Minister. Sermon: The Inherent Worth and Dignity. Unitarian Universalism is a non-dogmatic religion and yet we hold principles that guide us in how we engage with the world. This Sunday we will be thinking about what the UU's who wrote our first principle had in mind and what the implications of this principle are for us today. Religion & Spirituality Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:05:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No September 20th: The Inherent Worth and Dignity Rev. Marjorie Matty, Minister. Sermon: The Inherent Worth and Dignity. Unitarian Universalism is a non-dogmatic religion and yet we hold principles that guide us in how we engage with the world. This Sunday we will be thinking about what the UU's who wrote our first principle had in mind and what the implications of this principle are for us today. 00:16:13 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, Rev. Marjorie Matty, Inherent Worth, Dignity http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_092709.mp3 Rev. Marjorie Matty, Minister. Sermon: Love in Action. How do we take an ideal and work together to change our community? This Sunday we will think about the various ideals we hold and how they enrich our lives and help us to uncover more meaning when they are fueled from an altruistic and loving place. This Sunday we will be thinking about ways that we can give and receive from the First Universalist Society through volunteerism. Religion & Spirituality Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:05:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No September 27th: Love in Action Rev. Marjorie Matty, Minister. Sermon: Love in Action. How do we take an ideal and work together to change our community? This Sunday we will think about the various ideals we hold and how they enrich our lives and help us to uncover more meaning when they are fueled from an altruistic and loving place. This Sunday we will be thinking about ways that we can give and receive from the First Universalist Society through volunteerism. 00:09:51 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, Rev. Marjorie Matty, Inherent Worth, Dignity http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_100409.mp3 Rev. Marjorie Matty, Minister. Reflections:Blessing of the Animals. This Sunday you are invited to bring your well-behaved non-human family members to church in their respective carriers or on leashes for the blessing of the animals. Please bring a photograph of your pet to be blessed if they are not able to attend in person. You are also invited to bring a photograph of those non-human family members who have passed over the rainbow bridge and are no longer living. This is an intergenerational worship service. Religion & Spirituality Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:05:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No October 4th: Blessing of the Animals Rev. Marjorie Matty, Minister. Reflections:Blessing of the Animals. This Sunday you are invited to bring your well-behaved non-human family members to church in their respective carriers or on leashes for the blessing of the animals. Please bring a photograph of your pet to be blessed if they are not able to attend in person. You are also invited to bring a photograph of those non-human family members who have passed over the rainbow bridge and are no longer living. This is an intergenerational worship service. 00:09:02 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, Rev. Marjorie Matty, Animal Blessing http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_101109.mp3 Guest In The Pulpit: Rev. Leslie Becknell Marx, Sermon: Healing the World through Our Gifts. When Unitarian Universalist theologian Rebecca Parker encourages us to "bless the world" with our gifts, she is not making a pitch for a financial donation. She is speaking of the unique gifts each of us brings to our communities, gifts like "speaking, listening, imagining, seeing, waiting." Come consider how we might discover, develop and share our gifts as we strive to make a difference together. Rev. Leslie Becknell Marx is a Unitarian Universalist minister who trained at Andover Newton Theological School. She believes we can create a world with more peace and justice when we authentically express our gifts, compassionately express ourselves, and curiously listen to other people. Religion & Spirituality Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:06:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No October 11th: Healing the World through Our Gifts Guest In The Pulpit: Rev. Leslie Becknell Marx, Sermon: Healing the World through Our Gifts. When Unitarian Universalist theologian Rebecca Parker encourages us to "bless the world" with our gifts, she is not making a pitch for a financial donation. She is speaking of the unique gifts each of us brings to our communities, gifts like "speaking, listening, imagining, seeing, waiting." Come consider how we might discover, develop and share our gifts as we strive to make a difference together. Rev. Leslie Becknell Marx is a Unitarian Universalist minister who trained at Andover Newton Theological School. She believes we can create a world with more peace and justice when we authentically express our gifts, compassionately express ourselves, and curiously listen to other people. 00:19:58 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, Rev.Leslie Becknell Marx, Healing,World, Gifts http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_01032010.mp3 Happy New Year! Have you ever wondered what it takes to change your life? This Sunday's worship service will look at the ways we have opportunities to change our lives each and every day. Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. Religion & Spirituality Wed, 3 Feb 2010 11:30:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No January 3, 2010: Miracles, Magic and New Beginnings Happy New Year! Have you ever wondered what it takes to change your life? This Sunday's worship service will look at the ways we have opportunities to change our lives each and every day. Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. 00:18:06 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, Rev.Marjorie Matty, Miracles http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_01102010.mp3 Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. A look at the power of revelation and how to recreate an image for the future that is not apocalyptic. The subtitle might be "what you imagine is what you get". Religion & Spirituality Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:00:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No January 10, 2010: What May Come Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. A look at the power of revelation and how to recreate an image for the future that is not apocalyptic. The subtitle might be "what you imagine is what you get". 00:18:51 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, Rev.Marjorie Matty, revelation, imagine http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_01172010.mp3 Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. How our identities define us and how we perceive others through our lens. Following Sunday's worship service, Rev. Matty will be moderating a discussion on "Identity". Please attend and bring your questions and your experiences to share with other members of our community. Religion & Spirituality Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:01:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No January 10, 2010: What May Come Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. A look at the power of revelation and how to recreate an image for the future that is not apocalyptic. The subtitle might be "what you imagine is what you get". 00:20:08 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, Rev.Marjorie Matty, identity http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_01242010.mp3 This service is about how Care Corps is ministry, whether we visit, send cards, call, or give rides, and how the act of ministering to each other makes us a community. Led by Beth Toolan and our Deacons. There is a longer version with guest speakers, available upon request (9.8MB, 43 minutes). Religion & Spirituality Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:02:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No January 24, 2010: Care Corps with the Deacons This service is about how Care Corps is ministry, whether we visit, send cards, call, or give rides, and how the act of ministering to each other makes us a community. Led by Beth Toolan and our Deacons. There is a longer version with guest speakers, available upon request (9.8MB, 43 minutes). 00:15:50 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, Care Core, Deacons http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_02072010.mp3 Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. This Sunday, our sermon will be looking at the construct of evil, sin and hell. We will be engaging these constructs through a Unitarian Universalist liberal religious lens. How does our society feed into these constructs, give them power and thus how do they manifest and how does one combat them. Religion & Spirituality Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:03:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No February 7th: A Different Kind of Trinity Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. This Sunday, our sermon will be looking at the construct of evil, sin and hell. We will be engaging these constructs through a Unitarian Universalist liberal religious lens. How does our society feed into these constructs, give them power and thus how do they manifest and how does one combat them. 00:19:18 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, Rev. Marjorie Matty http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_122709.mp3 Do you have a special poem, excerpt or story that inspires you? December 27th is an opportunity to share it. Join Deacon, Liz Duff at this lay-led, "Readings for the New Year." This is a chance to share our inspiration with each other. Please bring a short reading or song to share. Religion & Spirituality Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:50:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No December 27th: Readings for the New Year Do you have a special poem, excerpt or story that inspires you? December 27th is an opportunity to share it. Join Deacon, Liz Duff at this lay-led, "Readings for the New Year." This is a chance to share our inspiration with each other. Please bring a short reading or song to share. 00:16:11 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, readings, new year http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_021410.mp3 Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. Valentines day is upon us and this time of year is all about Amor (love). What a perfect time of year to recognize, "All Kinds of Love" love of a family member, friend, pet, co-worker or even someone who challenges you ultimately making you strive harder to be your best self. This Sunday we will be talking about Love and hope you will join us. In the spirit of the holiday a chocolate communion will be shared. Those who also contributed with story, song and poetry: Nicole Davis, Liz Duff, Sarah Smith, and Julie Pottier-Brown. Religion & Spirituality Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:15:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No February 14: All Kinds of Love (Homily) Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. Valentines day is upon us and this time of year is all about Amor (love). What a perfect time of year to recognize, "All Kinds of Love" love of a family member, friend, pet, co-worker or even someone who challenges you ultimately making you strive harder to be your best self. This Sunday we will be talking about Love and hope you will join us. In the spirit of the holiday a chocolate communion will be shared. Those who also contributed with story, song and poetry: Nicole Davis, Liz Duff, Sarah Smith, and Julie Pottier-Brown. 00:28:42 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist,love http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_022110_homily.mp3 Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. This Sunday we will ponder the concept of retribution, what it means and how it is helpful or not in our global community. Rev. Marjorie Matty will be preaching. Religion & Spirituality Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:00:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No February 21: Vengeance is Mine Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. This Sunday we will ponder the concept of retribution, what it means and how it is helpful or not in our global community. Rev. Marjorie Matty will be preaching. 00:20:14 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, retribution http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_030710.mp3 Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. Today is new member Sunday so if you are a new member please plan on attending because this is our opportunity to officially present you to the congregation. As part of this Sunday, new members have an opportunity to share their hopes and dreams for the future of First Universalist with the congregation. Religion & Spirituality Thu, 1 Apr 2010 10:00:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No March 7: New Member Sunday Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. Today is new member Sunday so if you are a new member please plan on attending because this is our opportunity to officially present you to the congregation. As part of this Sunday, new members have an opportunity to share their hopes and dreams for the future of First Universalist with the congregation. 00:15:35 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, new member http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_031410.mp3 Rev. Bruce Taylor, guest speaker in the Pulpit. As religious liberals, not only are we are called to tolerate various religious perspectives: we are challenged to actively explore differences, to learn from one another, and risk the possibility of change. Our Principles and Purposes provide a creative space in which to practice the kind of authentic pluralism we would like to see in the world. To the extent that we come to know and respect the "other" in our midst, we shall achieve a deeper unity. Religion & Spirituality Thu, 1 Apr 2010 10:01:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No March 14: Pluralism As a Spiritual Practice Rev. Bruce Taylor, guest speaker in the Pulpit. As religious liberals, not only are we are called to tolerate various religious perspectives: we are challenged to actively explore differences, to learn from one another, and risk the possibility of change. Our Principles and Purposes provide a creative space in which to practice the kind of authentic pluralism we would like to see in the world. To the extent that we come to know and respect the "other" in our midst, we shall achieve a deeper unity. 00:20:58 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist,Bruce Taylor, Pluralism http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_032110.mp3 Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. This Sunday will be a celebration of recommitment to the Church by the congregation. Music, members sharing and lunch will make this Sunday very special. Please bring your pledge cards from the mailing that you received from the Canvass Committee and wear your Sunday best! Religion & Spirituality Thu, 1 Apr 2010 10:03:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No March 21: Mission Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. Homily. This Sunday will be a celebration of recommitment to the Church by the congregation. Music, members sharing and lunch will make this Sunday very special. Please bring your pledge cards from the mailing that you received from the Canvass Committee and wear your Sunday best! 00:11:35 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, Mission, canvass, pledge http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_040410.mp3 Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. Easter Sunday. This Sunday will transition from the darkness of Maundy Thursday into the light of rebirth on Easter. This will be a joyous celebration. Religion & Spirituality Tue, 6 Apr 2010 12:00:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No April 4: Awake Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. Easter Sunday. This Sunday will transition from the darkness of Maundy Thursday into the light of rebirth on Easter. This will be a joyous celebration. 00:14:18 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, Easter Sunday, Awake http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_041110.mp3 Rev. Carol Karlson as guest in the Pulpit. The Seventh Principle. Religion & Spirituality Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:00:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No April 11: The Seventh Principle Rev. Carol Karlson as guest in the Pulpit. The Seventh Principle. 00:19:16 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, 7th, seventh principle http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_041810.mp3 Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. Earth Day is forty years old this week - why do we care, how far have we come and where should we go from here. Religion & Spirituality Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:00:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No April 18: Forty Years, Earth Day Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. Earth Day is forty years old this week - why do we care, how far have we come and where should we go from here. 00:22:25 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, Earth Day http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_050210.mp3 Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. As Unitarian Universalists how do we respond and react to tragedy and injustices in this world? How do we uncover oppression or need and stand up to advocate for others? This Sunday we will look at the world's tragedies and strive to realize our place in the order of things. Religion & Spirituality Tue, 04 May 2010 11:00:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No May 2: When the World Crie Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. As Unitarian Universalists how do we respond and react to tragedy and injustices in this world? How do we uncover oppression or need and stand up to advocate for others? This Sunday we will look at the world's tragedies and strive to realize our place in the order of things. 00:21:04 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, tragedy, advocate, social justice http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_050910.mp3 Our guest in the pulpit is Joyce Prior, service hosted by Christine DiSaia and Joyce Prior. Parenthood is hard work. We give up a huge portion of our freedom, our privacy, and sometimes a solid slice of our sanity. It may not sound like a Hallmark card, but it's fair game for honest contemplation. Motherhood, from a spiritual perspective - what's in it for me? Religion & Spirituality Tue, 11 May 2010 11:00:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No May 9: Motherhood - What's in it for me? Our guest in the pulpit is Joyce Prior, service hosted by Christine DiSaia and Joyce Prior. Parenthood is hard work. We give up a huge portion of our freedom, our privacy, and sometimes a solid slice of our sanity. It may not sound like a Hallmark card, but it's fair game for honest contemplation. Motherhood, from a spiritual perspective - what's in it for me? 00:17:53 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, motherhood, foster care, Mother's Day http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_051610.mp3 Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. We have opportunities to live life in different ways each and every day. This Sunday we will rethink how we engage the world, our place in it and what is most important when we think about our priorities. Religion & Spirituality Tue, 18 May 2010 12:25:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No May 16: Work, Play, Breathe Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. We have opportunities to live life in different ways each and every day. This Sunday we will rethink how we engage the world, our place in it and what is most important when we think about our priorities. 00:17:08 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, Annual Meeting, Work, Play, Breathe, priorities http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_052310.mp3 Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. A service honoring our volunteers is an annual tradition that shows our appreciation for the hard work and commitment from our members to the church community. Religion & Spirituality Tue, 25 May 2010 11:10:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No May 23: She's Not Heavy Rev. Marjorie Matty in the Pulpit. A service honoring our volunteers is an annual tradition that shows our appreciation for the hard work and commitment from our members to the church community. 00:11:23 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, volunteer sunday, volunteer, appreciation http://www.salemuu.org/html/upcoming.html#audio http://www.salemuu.org/sound/09to10/fuss_053010.mp3 Beth Toolan is today's Guest in the Pulpit. Drawing from the Quaker Peace Testimony and tradition of silent worship, Beth will introduce silence as a way to find serenity, strength, and conviction and seek "that of the light" in each person. Religion & Spirituality Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:20:00 -0500 First Universalist Society of Salem No May 30: Finding Peace in the Silence Beth Toolan is today's Guest in the Pulpit. Drawing from the Quaker Peace Testimony and tradition of silent worship, Beth will introduce silence as a way to find serenity, strength, and conviction and seek "that of the light" in each person. 00:12:36 Salem, Universalist, First Universalist, silence, Beth Toolan