August 27, 2017

Love is the spirit ofthis program. The music spans many genres but has unifying themes of justice,love, learning and hope. The messages come from podcasts, sermons andreadings from Unitarian-Universalist and other allied sources inliberal religion.


9am Hour

Introduction Spirit of Life, All Souls Choir

Braver WiserLove Showed Up” by Elizabeth Harding

Sermon Practice Makes Imperfect” by Rev. Aaron McEmrys, Unitarian-Universalist Church of Arlington, Va.

Every BreathWe Take Is a Gift from “A Year of Spiritual Companionship” by Anne Kertz Kernion

10am Hour

Random Song Lyrics Reflection Take Me to the Alley” by Gregory Porter

World Religions

Today is the birthday, in 1698 in Poland, of the Jewish mysticRabbi Yisrael Ben Eliezer.  Considered thefounder of Hassidic Judaism, he also is called Baal Shem Tov, meaning “masterof the good name.  Little is known abouthis life but his teachings were collected and handed down.  Among other things, he believed that physicalpleasure could give rise to spiritual pleasure and that God demanded not just rightbelief but also right action.

Today is the birthday, in 1910 in what’s now Macedonia, of AnjezëGonxhe Bojaxhiu, whom Pope Francis last year canonized as Saint Teresa ofCalcutta.  Mother Teresa in 1950 starteda Catholic religious organization that managed soup kitchens; health clinics; orphanages;schools; and homes for people dying of HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis.  Her birthday reminds us always to look outfor the “least of these” in our daily actions.

Tomorrow is the anniversary of the 1963 “I Have a Dream”speech delivered by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Washington,DC.  A defining moment in Americanhistory, the speech was partly improvised. The dream wasn’t in King’s prepared remarks.  While he was speaking, Mahalia Jackson criedout, “Tell them about the dream, Martin.” The anniversary reminds us that improvisation might help us achieve our collectivedreams.

Tuesday is the birthday, in 1813 in New York, of animalanti-cruelty activist Henry Bergh.  Thefounder of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Berghhelped to change the way Americans thought about slaughterhouse practices, thecare of horses, cock fighting and use of live pigeons in shooting matches.  His birthday reminds us that animals feed usspiritually and literally in an interconnected web of life.

Thursday in Islam is Wuquf al Arafah, the most importantrite of the Hajj pilgrimage.  It beginsat dawn on this day when Muslim pilgrims make their way to a hill called MountArafah in Mecca.  It was from this site whereMuslims believe Muhammad gave one of his last famous sermons in the last year ofhis life.  The faithful offersupplications, repent and atone for their sins, seek God’s mercy and listen to Islamicscholars giving sermons.

After Wuquf al Arafa begins Eid al Adha, one of the holiestdays on the Islamic calendar.  Alsocalled the Sacrifice Feast, it celebrates Abraham’s willingness to sacrificehis son at God’s command, in the story known also in the Christian and Jewishfaiths.  Eid al Adha traditions vary widelybut may include, in Southeast Asia, saffron rice dishes; in North Africa, tagines;and in the Middle East, nut and date filled cookies called ma’amoul.

The Tide Is Rising The Tide Is Rising, Annie Patterson, Shoshana Meira Friedman

Sermon A Universalist Pentecost” by James Ford, Unitarian-Universalist Church of Long Beach

Pastoral Message “UUA President Condemns Directive Banning Transgender People From Military Service” by The Rev. Susan Frederick Gray, President, Unitarian-Universalist Association

Conclusion Seven Principles of Unitarian-Universalism

All audio segments and messages are used by permission.

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  • 9:02am Brand New America by Keb Mo on Brand New America Single (Urbantone Records)
  • 9:09am Standing On The Shoulders by Harold Payne on Positively Live (Affinity Records)
  • 9:42am Free (The Editorial Me) by Darwin Deez on Songs for Imaginative People (Lucky Number Music)
  • 9:52am When I Breathe In (Band) by Sarah Dan Jones on Church Session (Sarah Dan Jones), 2013
  • 9:58am Take Me to the Alley by Gregory Porter on Take Me to the Alley (Decca Records France), 2016
  • 10:12am All Is Well by Jon Scott on emPower 12th Annual Posi Award Nominees (emPower Music and Arts), 2017
  • 10:21am Do All You Can by Robert Anderson on Do All You Can (Devotion)
  • 10:32am The Tide Is Rising by Annie Patterson on Rise Up and Sing (Shoshana Meira Friedman)
  • 10:54am Fresh Wind by Orleans on The Essentials: Orleans (Elektra Entertainment), 2003
  • 10:57am Get Up, Stand Up by Bob Marley on Legend (Remastered) (The Island Def Jam Music), 1984
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