Church Services

We have one service starting at  11:00 AM and lasting about an hour. Between services we gather for coffee, tea, snacks and great conversation. Around noon those who wish to discuss the sermon topic meet back in the sanctuary.

Note: If this page is not up-to-date please check out our newsletter for upcoming sermons.

Upcoming Sermons

April 6 “European Roots: Our Transylvanian Heritage”  Rev. Roy Reynolds:

 Too few of us know the origin stories of Unitarian Universalism. Today’s service tells the story of the Transylvanian heritage of Unitarianism. However, the service is more than a history lesson. It brings the story current.

April 13 “Passover” Gaye Ortiz:

 As we prepare to celebrate the third annual Passover Seder held at UUCA on April 20, Gaye will speak about the need to remember the past, and how that need has shaped the Jewish feast of Passover.

Previous Sermons

March 30 “Sharks in the Collard Patch” Rev. Heather Collins (Listen/MP3):

How do we respond to crises when it comes our way? Backing up a step, what does actual crises look like to each of us? This seems germane in the 21st century as the pace of life continues to increase bringing unexpected changes and new situations which may or may not be critical.

March 23 Intergenerational Easter Sunday “Renewed Enchantment”  Rev. Roy Reynolds (Listen/MP3):

 The gospel story speaks of the resurrection of Jesus. We need that story, not because of its literal truth, but because of what it opens us to in ourselves and in the community. Easter is a time of enchantment, renewal, and possibility. But this resurrection story will have a surprise exemplar in addition to Jesus. Our celebration will include a child dedication for Elena Marie McPherson as well as our Annual Flower Communion Ceremony. (Please remember to bring flowers).

March 16 “Carry on the Flame” Rev.  Roy Reynolds and Many Others

Here is a service you won’t want to miss. We will “pull out all the stops” and celebrate the strength and momentum of UUCA. What better way than through music and memories and an exciting vision with new ministerial leadership for UUCA? This will be the service for hearing our values and dreams expressed in a new budget. This will be the Sunday we pledge our love and commitment to the beginning of a new era for UUCA. Be sure to attend this moment that will mark the future for our church.

March 9 “Moving the Gift” Rev. Roy Reynolds (Listen/MP3):

Can we talk about stewardship of the church without appealing for pledge commitments? Well, yes, because it’s not Canvass Sunday. This service is about taking the opportunity to imagine UUCA as a “gift community.” It’s a fascinating image that was inspired by Lewis Hyde’s book, “The Gift.” In short, the gift circulates and that is what creates community. Come and notice the magic of thinking in terms of gifts.

March 2 “A Visit from Elizabeth Cady Stanton”  Rev. Jane Page (listen/MP3):

Come celebrate Women’s History Month with UUCA as we welcome Elizabeth Cady Stanton (portrayed by Rev. Jane Page) to our pulpit. Stanton devoted her life to freeing women not only from legal constraints, but also from superstition and the teachings of the church regarding women. This “sermon” was composed by Rev. Jane using excerpts from various speeches and letters, etc. written by Stanton.

February 24 “Howard Thurman: Mystic as Prophet” Rev. Roy Reynolds (listen/MP3):

He has been called “a teacher of teachers, a leader of leaders, a preacher of preachers.” Howard Thurman was thought by many of the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement as their pastor. Hundreds of Unitarian Universalist ministers are sustained by his theology and writings. Today you will get to experience the power of this man’s wisdom.

February 17  “More Than Just Turning Left” Amy Rickard (listen/MP3):

“Religion” and “NASCAR” Rev. are not always associated with one another, but on the day of the fiftieth running of ‘The Great American Race’, we will examine what the Daytona 500 can teach us about our spiritual journeys. The Rev. Amy Hobby Rickard, Director of Augusta Urban Ministries, will share stories and reflections from her Daytona experiences and Christian scripture.

February 10 “Darwin” Dr. Frank Carl w/Randy Raymond (listen/MP3 Read/PDF):

 Every year near Charles Darwin’s birthday (February 12), the Worship Committee sponsors a service on evolution or Darwin. This year Dr. Frank Carl will deliver this special annual message.

(Note: In addition to Dr. Carl's sermon, the MP3 recording includes the story for all ages: "Charles' Big Idea" told by Randy Raymond)

Feb. 3 Rev.  “Dream a Little Dream with Me” Roy Reynolds (listen/MP3):

Ministers are eagerly seeking to serve this fine congregation, and one of them will be lucky enough to get that opportunity. As the search process narrows down the field, the reality of calling a new minister draws near. Hope and enthusiasm are in the air. What vision will guide UUCA and your new minister? This service will spark a vision quest that will be carried forward into subsequent workshops led by Transition Team. This will be the “Visioning Kickoff” moment. Today’s service includes a New Member Ceremony.

January 27, 2008  “A Middle Way” Don Hostetler (listen/MP3):

The so-called new atheists, Hitchings, Harris, and Dawkins, have been highly critical of religion and its role in the modern world. I believe that much of their criticism is valid. The many religions play a major role in most peoples lives and thus will heavily influence our future. They are not likely to be impacted strongly by the criticism of the new atheists, at least in the near term. Is there a middle way that can use this criticism constructively in the real world. Don Hostetler has been involved in the UUCA since its founding 54 years ago.

January 20  “Crossing the Racial and Religious Divide” Greg Davis and Rev. Roy Reynolds (listen/MP3):

How may the legacy of Martin Luther King be used to bridge racial and religious differences? In this Sunday Service, UUCA member Greg Davis will place today’s MLK issues in a broad historical context, and then advocate for continuing efforts to find common ground with African American clergy. Rev. Roy will help place these efforts in common theological and ethical ground.

January 13th “The Call for Justice” Rev. Roy Reynolds w/ Greg Davis (listen/MP3):

 Recall the discrimination Rev. Roy endured from the MLK Clergy Board last March? Well, finally a proper response is in the plans, and will soon become a reality. This Sunday service, part of a two-service series on MLK’s legacy and lessons, will being painting the picture of real interracial, interfaith hope for Augusta and the CSRA. Greg Davis, Social Justice Chairperson, will assist Rev. Roy in the service.

January 6th “Service of Renewal” Rev. Roy Reynolds (listen/MP3):

 New Year’s resolutions have little effect if you are still holding on to vexing memories and feelings from the prior year. This liturgical service uses a Winter Solstice theme (including a burning bowl) to release troublesome feelings and thoughts from the past year. Then, in the darkness, we light a new flame of hope. Come and experience UU ritual as it can work in community.

December 30  “Perihelion day: A holy day for religious naturalists?” Randy Raymond (Listen/MP3):

On January 3rd, our planet will reach perihelion. Perihelion is the point in a planet’s elliptical orbit when it is at its closest to the sun. It is an annual astronomical event like the solstices and the equinoxes. However, unlike the solstices or the equinoxes, no society or ancient religious tradition has ever thought to give the perihelion, or aphelion its opposite, special significance in their calendar. There is a reason for this and a reason why it just might be a day of special significance for those of us who approach the natural world with religious reverence and awe, but do so using the methods of science. Long time member of the UUCA, Randy Raymond, will discuss this topic on the Sunday before perihelion.

Note: Audio of this sermon also includes The Story for All Ages told to the children at the beginning of the service.

December 23 "Christmas Service" Andy Reese (Listen/MP3)

December 16  “Walk the Luminous Trail” Rev. Roy Reynolds (Listen/MP3):

During this season of light and hope, UUs may wonder about our own spirituality. This service especially probes the ground that inspired the Transcendentalists to form a nature mysticism that still inspires UUs. Today’s service will include an Investiture Ceremony for the Ministry Associate.

December 9  "Death Through Deep-Time Eyes" Connie Barlow(Listen/MP3):

Coming to terms with death, of loved ones and ultimately of ourselves, has long been regarded as a core impetus for the religious impulse. Science writer Connie Barlow, a popular UU speaker, assembles modern understandings drawn from various fields of science to weave a cosmological celebration of death that is both realistic and comforting.

For more of Connie's messages, you might enjoy: The Great Story Workshop with Connie Barlow and Michael Dowd. Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 6:00pm at the church.

Note: Due to copyright considerations, the actual sermon could not be posted.  Instead we have posted some of the readings from the service.

December 2  “All In The Family” Rev. Nan White

On December 2 we are observing Unitarian Universalist Association Sunday, a time for us to celebrate our connections with other UUs in our state, district, nation and around the world. As part of Association Sunday, Rev. Nan White from Beaufort, South Carolina, will be our speaker and will address the question: As autonomous congregations tend to go it alone in ministry, how can we best help our sister congregations and what will that mean for you at Augusta? On this Sunday, we will have a special collection as part of a national fund-raising campaign based on the theme “Growing our Faith, Growing Our Numbers.” The funds collected will be used for national marketing and growth outreach projects.

November 25 “Food For Thought” Rev. Roy Reynolds, Anita Bell, & Worship Committee (listen/MP3):

This is a provocative service that will help us think about the nature of need. Come prepared for your perceptions to be challenged. Breakfast will be served.

November 18 Rev. “The Deeper Story” Roy Reynolds (listen/MP3):

 As we enter the mythic season of stories and faith, let us peer into the depths that nourish Unitarian Universalism.

November 11  “The Journey to Awakening: Beyond Categorical Thinking” Mary Esther Johnson (listen/MP3):

 As a prelude to considering possible ministerial candidates, we will examine congregational biases that push us toward prejudice and stereotyping. How do we show respect and compassion rather than self- interest and ignorance? How do we promote inclusive thinking and prevent discrimination in our search process? How do we rise to our greatest humanity? In this service, the presenters will explain how categorical thinking can cause biases which are often unintentional and unconscious. The journey to awakening requires that we recognize these biases and move beyond categorical thinking. Mary Esther Johnson, a member of the UU church of Huntsville, and Diane Shipp, a member of the Greenville UU Fellowship, will facilitate our Sunday afternoon UUA sponsored workshop on Beyond Categorical Thinking. See the workshop announcement in this newsletter for further details.

November 4, 2007  “Dia de los Muertos” Rev. Roy Reynolds, Carlos Ortiz, Ruth Garrison, and Others (listen/MP3)

This is an Intergenerational Service. Elementary, Junior High, and High School children and youth are invited to join the adults for the Sunday service. The Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) is a joyful celebration honoring deceased family members. Its origins reach back to the ancient Aztecs, and they’re especially known to Americans as a public Mexican holiday. For this service we will create an altar of favorite photos of deceased relatives and your circle of friends. The altar will include food and drink and gifts to celebrate with the spirits of the deceased. Remember to bring photos and objects that were important to your loved ones, and a favorite food of those loved ones. Please be alert to other announcements as this special Sunday service draws near.

October 28, 2007 “Samhain Celebration” Dionne Ruff-Sloan (listen/MP3)

Dionne, as priestess, returns to UUCA for this special worship service, the topic of which is pronounced “sowun.” Dionne, says, “Ghosts and goblins and witches, oh my!” Spiral Path invites the whole church community as we demystify the celebration of Samhain (commonly known as Halloween). Rev. Roy will assist in the service. Costumes are welcome.

October 21, 2007 “Into the Fire with Bellows”  Rev. Roy Reynolds(listen/MP3):

There was a time in Unitarian history when this liberal faith almost died. All UU’s need to know the story, because similar questions and debates still emerge at times in our movement. Is Unitarian Universalism a religion? Come hear what history has to tell us. Today, we formally welcome new members. If you are considering membership, please contact Rev. Reynolds.

October 14, 2007  “Why I AM A UU” Various (listen/MP3):

Since Unitarian Universalists believe that the journey of the human spirit is one that each person must make for her or himself, people become UUs for different reasons. In this annual service, four church members, Tonya Bonitatibus, Bill Hight, Karl Wenger and Barbara Wise will share some thoughts and experiences which provide insight into why they are Unitarian Universalists.

October 7 “Staying Present” Rev. Roy Reynolds (listen/MP3):

 Last month Rev. Reynolds announced that, in a series of sermons, he was going to address “The Next Steps in Unitarian Universalism.” Those sermons will explore the question, “What should religion offer?” Briefly stated, “Religion should make sense, make meaning, and build compassionate community.” Today’s sermon takes up the building theme, encouraging us to touch, taste, and embrace the world with mindful presence (which is quite a challenge). Come and be challenged in how we live our religious ethos.

September 30, 2007  “General Assembly” Andy Reese (listen/MP3):

General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association. The business of the Association is done then, but most of the time is given over to worship services (daily), talks and workshops on a wide range of topics (some of which are sure to be of interest to any congregational leader), commercial vendors of UU oriented items, and the chance to socialize with UUs from across North America. Alice and Andy are going to share highlights and insights from this year's GA in Portland. Come celebrate being a UU with us!

September 23 “That Persistent God Question”  Reverend Roy Reynolds (listen/MP3):

Is there a way of acknowledging the sacred that can satisfy agnostics and theistic liberals alike? Yes. Rev. Reynolds will deliver a message that articulates a Process Theology understanding of God. Unlike supernaturalistic notions of God, this approach is totally consistent with our understanding of nature. No wonder so many scientists can accept this understanding of God. How can that be? Are you curious? Remember, today is also “Volunteer Fair Sunday” after the church service.

Sept. 16  “The Lost Art of Conversation” Gaye Ortiz (listen/MP3):

Have we lost the art of real conversation? With the 2008 election campaign already upon us will we really hear what the candidates are saying and what the voters want them to hear? Gaye Ortiz will share her reflections on this past spring semester's experiment in public conversation at Augusta State University with her Communication classes, and will ask whether the sentiment of Hymn #129 is right when it says that, when we unite in love, "disputes enrich our life" and "debate can cause no strife".

Sept. 9  “When Boundaries Betray Us” Rev. Roy Reynolds (listen/MP3):

Can you think of times when role boundaries have prevented authentic relations between you and someone else? What about professional boundaries? Is it ever appropriate to cross those boundaries? Today’s sermon raises some challenges to standards that are long-held in American society. When do boundaries get in the way? Today’s service will include a New Member Inclusion Ceremony. If you have been contemplating membership and wish to join, please contact Rev. Reynolds.

Sept. 2  “Practicing What We Preach” Rev. Roy Reynolds (listen/MP3):

Labor Day weekend is a fitting time to lift up the UU ethos for some self-examination. What would the world we touch look like if we really used our powers and gifts to make a difference? Would reform morph into revolution? Would our heritage of justice flow forth like a mighty stream? Dare we think on these things?

August 26 Rev.  “Oh How We Love to Learn!” Roy Reynolds and Several Others (listen/MP3):

 Reverend Roy has said in several settings that “One core quality of UUCA is your joy of learning; and that joy is shared by all ages.” This intergenerational service is devoted to the joy of learning in a congregation that loves to learn. Come and be a part of this whole community event.

August 19 Hugh Hammond “Evil and the Three Hoaxes” (listen/Mp3):

One marker of our UU identity is our commitment to social justice. But is our social justice work diminished by pervasive hoaxes that distort – or even undergird – our understanding of ‘evil’?

August 12“Precious Memories”  Joyce Nolin (listen/MP3):

 Joyce Nolin, long time member, past president, and former Religious Education Director will share some of her memories of activities and learning experiences since her first visit to this church in 1968.

August 5 Doug Martin and Rev. Roy Reynolds. “The Faith of Taoism” (listen/MP3):

 Today Doug and Roy will share with you their understandings of the Chinese religious philosophy of Taoism, and how that faith has enriched their separate lives.

July 29th Rev. . “Lost Enough to Find Yourself” Joan Kahn-Schneider with Rev. Roy Reynolds (listen/MP3):

 UUCA is a congregation in the midst of transition, and entering the ministerial search process. In her role as Ministerial Settlement Representative for the Thomas Jefferson District, Rev. Kahn-Schneider has assisted several congregations that are going (or have gone) through a process similar to ours. Her sermon today will set the stage for a conversation with the congregation regarding the ministerial search process. Following the Sunday service she will engage all congregation members who choose to attend in a dialogue regarding the search process. Plan on attending that after-church conversation as well. It’s important for the future of UUCA.

July 22nd  “The First Unitarian” Rev. Roy Reynolds (listen/MP3):

 Faustus Socinus is recognized as the thinker and religious radical who formed the ideas and set the example leading to Unitarianism. His story needs to be told and remembered. This service will build our understanding of Unitarian Universalist history and the relevance of that history to our ongoing religious movement. The service will be followed by an opportunity to further explore UU history and theology. Please join the gathering for UU 101 at 12:30 pm.

July 15, 2007  "Can You Say AMEN?" Rev. Jane Page:

Rev. Page is back in Augusta to speak with us about congregational participation in worship. Jane is the minister for the Statesboro UU Fellowship and this is the first time we have welcomed her back to UUCA since she took up her ministry there last fall.

July 8, 2007  “A Space for Becoming” Rev. Roy Reynolds (listen/MP3):

We Americans like to fill space. We fill it with furniture, activities, opinions,…whatever. In community, when attitudes crowd out mutual understanding, human intimacy suffers. Today’s message is about developing practices that create spaces in our relating. When the space is there, relationships can mend, people can grow, and communities can thrive. The change doesn’t come easily. Oh, but it is worth trying.

July 1 “Is Your Eschatology apocalyptic?” Naomi Frost-Hewitt (listen/MP3):

 What does the biblical book of Revelation REALLY reveal? Is it possible that even non- Christian Unitarian Universalists might take a message of hope and love from a text that has inspired the terrible predictions of the "Left Behind" series with its militaristic Christian heroes, the assumption of the Rapture, and billions of doomed and suffering non-Christians? Might the torture and isolation undergone by John of Patmos, the author of Revelation, give us insight into the minds of people in similar situations today around the world? Naomi Frost- Hewitt, a member of the Aiken Unitarian Universalist Church, will provide answers to these questions about eschatology, which is the study of the "end times.”

June 24 “The Wellspring Wednesday Experience” Tracy Craig, Chris Palmer, Jim Keen, Siobhan Gransbury, Gaye Ortiz (listen/MP3):

 More and more UU churches are starting midweek activities. How well did our first series of Wellspring Wednesdays succeed? Participants from the courses on Process Theology, the Jesus Seminar, Buddhism, and Mythology share their thoughts about the experience.

June 17 "Spiritual Activism" Rev. Scott Dillard (listen/MP3):

 What does it mean to be a spiritual activist? What kinds of actions can one take to put their spiritual beliefs into practice for the better of the world around them? This sermon seeks to engage these questions and explore the variety of ways our faith is played out on the larger social stage.

June 10  “Fulfilling Promises, Promising Fulfillment” Rev. Roy Reynolds (listen/MP3):

At the heart of who we are as a liberal faith dwells a paradox. We celebrate the individual, yet we seek community. These needs tend to pull us in different directions. Robert Bellah, sociologist of religion, spoke to the UUA several years ago about this dilemma. Let’s explore this tension together this Sunday, and see how to maintain balance. Following today’s service will be the annual congregational meeting.

May 20  "The Many Faces of AIDS... A Call to Action" Lori Sandlin (listen MP3):

This service is in recognition of those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. Lori will present local and global facts about this pandemic which spans 26 years and seems to have no end in sight, leaving millions feeling helpless. The service will offer a way for everyone to take part in a “Call to Action.” Come learn what you and this congregation can do. May 20th is the 24th annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial to be held in 85 different countries representing over 3,000 communities. The Sunday service will be a prelude to the candlelight memorial which will be held at 6 pm at UUCA, an event sponsored by the Social Justice Committee.

May 6  “Waltzing with Wylma,” Rev. Roy Reynolds:

Anger affects us all. There is such a thing as healthy anger. This sermon explores that option. What might religious insight into the emotion of anger look like? Through personal stories and reflections, Rev. Roy will bring out what he has learned about coping effectively with anger.

April 29 "Beltane" Spiral Path CUUPS (Listen/MP3):

March 11  “Now for Some Good News,” Rev. Roy Reynolds (listen/MP3):

A church’s funds flow abundantly where the members and friends feel they are part of a community that feeds their spiritual hunger. This Annual Canvass kickoff sermon addresses that very point. Any resistance to talking about church finances can be easily overcome if we link core values to what we want for the future of the church. When we dedicate ourselves to practices that express shared values, financial commitment will follow. Today’s message will show that.

March 4  “UU "Herstory" Comes to Life” Gaye Ortiz and Betty Morehouse:

For an intergenerational service marking International Women's Week, Dr. Gaye Ortiz and Betty Morehouse will take the congregation back to the days and deeds of courageous UU women, like Susan B. Anthony. These women fought for the equality of women and in doing so, empowered future generations in the struggle for human rights. Hope that's okay - the title of the sermon is UU "Herstory" Comes to Life.

February 25  “Just Sign the Book?” Rev. Roy Reynolds:

 People often ask, “What does it mean to be a member of a UU congregation?” Today’s message will offer one minister’s answer to that question. Fitting for this occasion, a New Member Inclusion Ceremony will be part of the service. If you have been contemplating membership, please contact Rev. Reynolds or Liz Goodson.

February 18 "The Church as Caretaker" Don Hostetler (listen)

February 11 "Evolution Sunday" Doug Martin and Randy Raymond (listen)

  "Fear, Faith & the Quiet Sigh of Peace"  11/11/01 Rev. Bob MacDicken (listen)

Today marks 83 years since the end of "The War to End All Wars", World War I.  Since Armistice Day our language has changed- with ethnic cleansing and terrorism the new war words-but wars continue.  Religious leaders talk of peace, but wage Jihad.  Americans pour back into churches in the hope of finding solace and reassurance.  But where is our peace to be found in the midst of ever-present fear?  Join Rev. MacDicken as he serches for answers.

"Witness to the World" Dan King 5/20/01 (Listen)