Faith of an Atheist

Some might say applying the term faith to atheism is oxymoronic.  Others have said it takes great faith to be an atheist.  Faith in what?  And what exactly do people mean when they use the words atheist and atheism? 

Guest Speaker Donna Baier Stein

Today's service looks at one sefirah on the kabbalistic Tree of Life. This is the place where the spiritual and physical realms meet.

Where Did Our Love Go?

Today's sermon explores the history of Universalism in the story of John Murray and considers the gifts Universalism brings to what we now know as Unitarian Universalism.

Our Greatest Covenant

There have always been countless religions in the world and there always will be, just as there will always be innumerable organizations, communities, and groups that a human being might become associated with. Above all else, this speaks to our innate need for a sense of belonging. During this service, we will welcome our congregation's newest members.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Friend by Rob Costlow.

RE Recognition Sunday

Our Director/Doer of Religious Education, Mr. B, leads us in a homily devoted to why Religious Education is done by and for all of us, and how we play a part in it.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song, some Canadian content, is Love Is On Your Side by Lazo.

With An Eye Toward the Future

The Congregation of Somerset Hills has made some momentous decisions, and more lie ahead. What choices with this faith community make in order to continue to mature and to achieve more and more of its great potential?

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Friend by Rob Costlow.

For the Beauty of the Earth

Today we celebrate our garden planet and our seventh principle: respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Come join us for this Earth Day event.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song, some Canadian content, is Love Is On Your Side by Lazo.

Varieties of Love: The Secret Life of a Unitarian Universalist Chaplain

The music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The intro and outro song is Remember Hope by Farewell Redemption.

The Cup

For millions worldwide, the story of the resurrection of Jesus is the most powerful testimony of all to God's power to transform the very nature of our mortal existence. Viewed metaphorically, this ancient story contains a universal message of perseverance and hope.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Friend by Rob Costlow.

The Long Road to Liberation

Passover, which begins on April 2, tells an ancient story of the redemption of a people from bondage and degradation. It is a story full of courage and dignity. But the Exodus story is also one of discouragement, cowardice, even brutality. It is, in other words, characteristic of so many struggles for human liberation.

Some of the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The intro and outro song is Remember Hope by Farewell Redemption. The music during the introduction of our ministerial candidate is from

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UUCSH starts Fair Share Because We Care

This lay-led service finds may members sharing why they give time and treasure to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Somerset Hills.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Cold Cloth and an Ice Pack by Derek K. Miller.

Higher Heights, Deeper Depths

It is hard to imagine a time in the history of this congregation richer in possibility than the present time. This community is moving through a period of new discoveries and renewed determination. Where will it lead?

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Friend by Rob Costlow.

What UUCSH means to me...

As we enter our canvas fundraising period of the year, members of UUCSH will be sharing about what UUCSH means to them. Our first person shares in this service.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song, from a band influenced by Led Zepelin at Mark's request, is Turbulencia by Los Dorados.

The Interdependent Web of Love

How do UU's understand, experience, and express love in today's world? In a myriad of ways that are simple, complicated, sophisticated, and elemental. Linda will explore some of these possibilities in a blend of poetry, popular culture, and stories.

Ms. Goonewardene has been accepted into Preliminary Fellowship in the UU Ministry and is preparing for ordination in the Fall of 2007. Her community ministry is with Integrity House, a non-profit agency offering a wide range of services for people struggling with addiction. She is a long-time member of the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield. A British and Canadian citizen of German and Sri Lankan heritage, Linda has lived in the U.S. for the last 20 years.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song, some Canadian content, is Love Is On Your Side by Lazo.

Three Quarters

This congregation is now three quarters of the way through a two-year interim period. It’s a good time to assess what we’ve accomplished and how we hope to use the remaining four months we have together.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Cold Cloth and an Ice Pack by Derek K. Miller.

Fatal Fallacies

There are misconceptions about every religion. These misunderstandings are not only found among those outside a religious community — adherents to any given faith don’t always clearly comprehend what they’ve committed to. We are no exception. There are a number of commonly held fallacies about Unitarian Universalism among us that do not serve us well.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Remember Hope by Farewell Redemption.

Welcoming Congregation Committee

The Welcoming Congregation Committee presents a discussion on what it means to be a welcoming congregation. The discussion ranges on GLBT issues as well as the recent decision in NJ regarding Lewis v. Harris.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Cold Cloth and an Ice Pack by Derek K. Miller.

Question Box Sermon

You know the old proverb: whoever asks a question risks being a fool for five minutes; whoever doesn't ask risks being a fool forever. Come risk being a fool. Rev. Keely will take written questions from the congregation during this service and answer them. Bring your questions about what matters to you - beliefs, morals, UU history, UUCSH, love, whatever. Let's see what we'll learn from each other.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Friend by Rob Costlow.

There Must Be Peace in the Heart

A Peace Site is a place where we come together to teach our children and one another about how we can care for our congregation, our community and our world. Join us for an intergenerational service celebrating UUCSH becoming a Peace Site, with music by members of the congregation.

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song Peace Around the World from Freedom People can be found on the PodSafe Music Network.

Eyes on What Prize?

Martin Luther King, Jr. opined that the most segregated hour in America is ten o'clock on Sunday morning. Religious communities are often largely homogenous, and our denomination is no exception: nearly all Unitarian Universalist congregations are overwhelmingly comprised of people whose ancestry is European. Many of our co-religioners would like to change that. What questions might we consider as we explore this very complicated issue?

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Cold Cloth and an Ice Pack by Derek K. Miller.

Where Heaven and Earth Meet

Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 16. It commemorates the rededication in the year 165 bce of Solomon's Temple after it had been recaptured from a Seleucid ruler who had converted it into a temple of Zeus. For the people of Israel, the Temple was more than just a building - it was the place where the earthly and the divine came together.

Today's music comes to us by way of a hymn written and performed by Rev. Evan Keely.

The Covenant Relationship

What is it that prompts an individual to want to make a commitment to a community? The way the identity and purpose of a human group is articulated is important, but there are other aspects of togetherness that are just as important, even though they are often difficult to put into words. Today we will celebrate the congregation’s newest members.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Friend by Rob Costlow.

We Have No Choice But to Be Free

James Luther Adams, one of the great theologians of our faith during the twentieth century, declared that every human being has to make choices about what we believe and accept the consequences. There is great joy in this freedom, but also great responsibility. How are we using our freedom? Bernice Lewis will join us as our special guest musician.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from Bernice Lewis.

As Love Shows Us How

Thanksgiving is a time of year to be grateful for what we have. We do indeed have much to be thankful for, but at the same time every person struggles with feeling inadequate and incomplete. It can be a real challenge for us to discern how much of what we have - or how much we give of ourselves - is enough.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Friend by Rob Costlow.

A Brotherhood of Man

With all the violence and strife in the world, from the events of September 11, 2001, the wars and the violence, to the religious and political issues that divides us all, it’s hard to imagine a “brotherhood of man,� the brotherhood and sisterhood that unites all humanity. In our U.U. principles we promote the “inherent worth and dignity of every person,� the “the goal of world community,� and the “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.� “A Brotherhood of man� is about the way in which we are all connected, we are all family, brothers and sisters on this Earth.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Cold Cloth and an Ice Pack by Derek K. Miller.

The Faithful Citizen

The question of how to live our faith is a vital and challenging one for all religious people. It can be particularly difficult to understand this in a society like ours, which seeks to separate religion and government. Can we really compartmentalize the civic and spiritual parts of ourselves? Should we?

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Friend by Rob Costlow.

UN Sunday

Shannon Stephens, a senior at Montgomery High School and a member of our youth group, Future Leaders at Somerset Hills (FLASH), will share her experiences from her summer internship at the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office, tying in Unitarian Universalist principles with United Nations philosophies. Presented by Shannon and other members of our congregation.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Cold Cloth and an Ice Pack by Derek K. Miller.

Torturous Questions

The Rev. Dr. William F. Schulz, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association from 1985 to 1993 and Executive Director of Amnesty International USA from 1994 to 2006, delivered an address this summer at a gathering of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association, exploring ethical and theological questions raised by the existence of torture in our world. Rev. Keely will consider some of these same questions.Rev. Schulz’s essay is available online.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Peace Around The World by Freedom People.

A Spring Whose Waters Never Fail

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is one of the most sacred communal events in Jewish life. It seeks in its way to do what all religions, including ours, strive to do: provide an opportunity for the faithful to engage in honest self-examination, and then to reaffirm life’s most important commitments.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Cold Cloth and an Ice Pack by Derek K. Miller.

Descending Mount Nebo

This will be an exciting year for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Somerset Hills. In the spring, we hope to see our very capable Ministerial Search Committee present a candidate to be the next settled minister of this faith community. What work do we hope to accomplish together between now and then? What fears must we face? What hopes and dreams will we strive to fulfill?

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Friend by Rob Costlow.

The English novelist and essayist E. M. Forster once wrote, “The people I respect most behave as if they were immortal and as if society was eternal.� Of course we know that all things are impermanent, that we ourselves and all that we know will eventually pass. Do we yet dare to believe that there is something of us, something in us that is eternal?

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is Cold Cloth and an Ice Pack by Derek K. Miller.

The Water Service

Our first service back allows us to reflect on where we've been for the summer. Rather than give everyone a "where we've been this summer" report, we're giving you the first ever performance penned by Rev. Evan Keely and Rev. Dr. Thomas Mikelson.

Celebration of Graduates by Returning College Graduates

This celebration was designed for recent high school graduates who are preparing to head off to college. Some returning college graduates gave a great sendoff to these recent school grads, sharing some nuggets from surviving their first year's college experiences.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The opening song is Drive by Barb Carbon. The second song played is Sunny Days by Eoghan Colgan.

A Silence That Speaks for Them

Memorial Day is particularly meaningful and poignant in a time of war. As a nation and as a congregation we have many unanswered questions about the present conflict; we have shed many tears, we have known division and confusion and pain. But we can all agree to honor the memory of the fallen.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song is The Burning Moon by Derek K. Miller.

Madelyn Hoffman, Guest Speaker

Madelyn Hoffman is our guest speaker for this sermon. Ms. Hoffman has been the Director of New Jersey Peace Action since August 2000. She is a prolific writer of articles and has been a contributor to state and national publications. Ms. Hoffman was National Peace Action's representative on a Global Exchange Delegation to Afghanistan in June 2005.

The music used for this PodCast comes from the new cd from Nick Page called "The Nick Page Songbook". You can order his CD directly from his site, or from CD Freedom. The song you'll hear is "Paz y Liberdad".

Let Us Pray

Prayer can be a thorny issue. What does it mean? To what or to whom should we pray? And for what? Is it necessary to believe in some kind of deity in order to pray? What words should we pray with? Are words always necessary in prayer? We bring these and many other questions. Perhaps together we might find some answers.

All the music used for this PodCast comes from the new cd from Nick Page called "The Nick Page Songbook". You can order his CD directly from his site, or from CD Freedom. The first song you'll hear is "Gwaz Hallelujah" and the closing song is "Mbira".

Celebrating Our Children

Karina, our outgoing Director of Religious Education, led today's worship centered on celebrating what the children of UUCSH have been doing this year. The presentations came from the K/1/2 grade, 3/4 class, 5/6 class, 7/8 Our Whole Lives class, and a presenter from the Future Leaders At Somerset Hills (FLASH) group.

All the music used for the this PodCast was performed by Bernice Lewis live at our service. You can find more about Bernice at her site, and you can buy her CDs if you enjoy her music as much as we did.

Intergenerational Peace Festival

Courtney Allen from the Unitarian Church of Montclair is the keynote speaker in today's Intergenerational Peace Festival. Courtney shares his thougts and ideas about his congregation's being a "Peace Site". A short service this week as we participated in several activities in addition to this keynote address.

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song Peace Around the World from Freedom People can be found on the PodSafe Music Network.

And to Help One Another

Membership in a congregation is so much more than just "signing the book." To be a member is to enter into a covenantal relationship of mutual support and love, seeking to create and sustain a home for ourselves and those with whom we have chosen to walk on our spiritual journey.

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song Gronk Patrol from Derek K. Miller can be found on the PodSafe Music Network.

I Dreamed I Saw Him Last Night

Easter Sunday. Human history is full of brave women and men who stood up for justice, compassion and truth even when threatened with death. Easter is a time to celebrate their courage, and find that same courage for ourselves. Join us for an intergenerational service of story and song.

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the UUA Hymnal Singing the Living Tradition. The instrumental piece is Hymn # 6, "Just as Long as I Have Breath". The sung piece (accompanied and a capella) is Hymn # 95, "There is More Love Somewhere". The organ is played by our Music Director Will Magalio.

Not in My Name

The service today is led by our Lay Committee. Today's discussion is about the death penalty, and where our opposition to this practice has a place in our Social Action agenda. The speakers in this service come from "New Jerseyans for Alternatives to the Dealth Penalty".

Key Links from the Service: New Jerseyans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, Information and Statistics on the Death Penalty

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song One Question at a Time from Van Davis can be found on the PodSafe Music Network.

To Dwell Together in Peace

Our communal religious life is centered upon sharing of our true selves with one another and being enriched by our commonalities and differences. For this to be possible, a religious community must be a place of respect, trust and safety, where the expectations of how we interact with one another are clearly understood.

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song Sunny Days from Eoghan (pronounced Yowan) Colgan can be found on the PodSafe Music Network.

Caring, Living, Sharing, Giving

We all know that members and friends of UUCSH give a great deal of themselves to this congregation. We talk about what we give and what we need to give. Are we also talking about why we give and why we want to give it? What is the faith, what is the vision, what is the great hope that sustains this congregation and makes its members and friends want to give of themselves for this faith community?

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song Drive from Barb Carbon can be found on the PodSafe Music Network.

Can't we all just get along??

Today's service is brought to you by our Senior High group - FLASH (Future Leaders at Somerset Hills). The FLASH group brings us a reading and several messages about trying to encourage everyone to work through differences so we can move ahead.

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song Get Together from T. Nile can be found on the PodSafe Music Network.

To Seek the Truth in Freedom

"Our membership is open to anyone who subscribes to our Principles and Purposes, which are printed on the back of your order of service." Those words are spoken by a lay leader each time this congregation worships. What does this statement mean, and how well does it articulate what it means to be a part of this faith community?

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song Who Am I? from Acquisotic can be found on the PodSafe Music Network.

Some Thoughts on the State of Things So Far

Hard though it may be to believe, the first year of this two-year interim period is more than half over. How is our shared work of interim ministry going so far, and what concerns and hopes do we have for the months ahead?

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song Change Your Head from Sean Mormelo (a local NJ musician) can be found on the PodSafe Music Network.

For the Presidency

From George Washington to George W. Bush, the presidency of the United States has occupied a unique place in our nation's identity. Every president has had his impassioned supporters and vitriolic detractors. Reconciling our religious faith with our feelings about our leaders from admiration and support to disappointment and disdain can be a very complicated process.

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song March from Goodwin can be found on the PodSafe Music Network.

This Best and Truest Friend

Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, born 250 years ago this January, died two months before his thirty-seventh birthday. Yet in his short life he left the world an incomparable legacy of beauty, genius and spiritual power.

The music used for the intro and outro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song Tribute to Mozart from Sascha Ludwig can be found on the PodSafe Music Network. The Mozart piece during the PodCast today came from the live performance of the Mozart's Polonaise by William Magalio, Organist of UUCSH.

And Service is its Heart

The civil rights era was a time of effective progressive activism. It is important to remember that the movement was not only fueled by liberal social values; it was deeply rooted in an impassioned spirituality of personal as well as communal redemption.

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song Freedom Cry from Scaterd Few can be found on the PodSafe Music Network.

The Liberty of the Garden

One of the things that makes our religion exceptional is that it is largely a faith of converts. There are not a lot of birthright Unitarian Universalists. It's a great challenge to try to understand why so many young people in our congregations don't stay connected to this religious path.

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song Peace of Mind from Finniston can be found on the PodSafe Music Network.

A Child's Christmas in Somerset County

This year's intergenerational Christmas Eve service will be a ceremony of lessons and carols. Some things will be traditional and familiar, like "Silent Night" and readings from the nativity story in the Gospels; other aspects of the service will be new. As with so many of the annual rituals of our lives, very often our most cherished Christmases are dear to us because they combine the known and comfortable with novel surprises.

The readings came from The Bible, as well as readings from Dylan Thomas' "A Child's Christmas in Wales". As the latter is a copyrighted work, we can't share those readings with you. The readers of the Biblical verses are separated by our congregation's performance of "Angels We Have Heard on High".

The readers are as follows

• Brianna D-K: Luke 2: 1-7
• Ed. H: Luke 2:8-20
• Peter H.: Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song Friend from Rob Costlow can be found on the PodSafe Music Network.

The Christmas Menorahs

Holiday Pageant

Because Christmas and Hanukkah will be celebrated on the same day this year, our Holiday Pageant will be an adaptation of the book "The Christmas Menorahs" by Janice Cohn. This book is based on the true story of how the citizens of Billings, MT united to fight back against prejudice one holiday season. Presented by Caryn Phillips and the children and youth of UUCSH.

This file is rather large - approximately 70 meg, and is a video file. You should be able to use Windows Media Player, the newest Free version of Quicktime Video Player from Apple, the file should play within iTunes and is transferrable to video iPods.

The Christmas Menorahs Homily

Because Christmas and Hanukkah will be celebrated on the same day this year, our Holiday Pageant will be an adaptation of the book "The Christmas Menorahs" by Janice Cohn. This book is based on the true story of how the citizens of Billings, MT united to fight back against prejudice one holiday season. Presented by Caryn Phillips and the children and youth of UUCSH.

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song Friend from Rob Costlow can be found on the PodSafe Music Network.

Keep the Chalice Flame Burning

Religious conservatives have come to exert a significant influence upon our nations' culture and its political process. We need to reclaim our place at the table and raise our collective liberal religious voice. To do that, we need to renew our commitments to our congregations, our institutions, and our faith.

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song Friend from Rob Costlow can be found on the PodSafe Music Network.

Goin' Over Home

The journey to find a religious home can be fascinating and invigorating; it can be frustrating and lonely and frightening. Often it's all these things and more. But there is something in the human heart that makes us seek communities of faith.

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song Friend from Rob Costlow can be found on the PodSafe Music Network.

In the Dawning of Higher Truth

The Christian season of Advent is a time of reflection and expectation — a time of thankfulness for the birth of a Redeemer of a weary world. But in this tradition we find echoes of universal human aspirations: the longing to live justly, to live in hope, to be made whole.

The recording for this sermon was done with an iRiver set incorrectly. My apologies for the sound quality. It's the only recording we've got, though, so I just have to get it out there. I've dealt with the issue, and next week's will sound just fine.

For more information, come visit us at uucsh.org.

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song Friend from Rob Costlow can be found on the PodSafe Music Network.

Our Song of Thanksgiving

Across the incredibly diverse spectrum of religious beliefs in this world, a theme that resounds through nearly all faiths is gratitude. However human beings may differ on how to give thanks, or for what, or to whom (or what), when we feel grounded and content, it is often because we have cultivated a thankful spirit in our hearts.

The music used for the intro of this PodCast comes from the PodSafe Music Network. The song Friend from Rob Costlow can be found on the PodSafe Music Network.