Speaker: Rev. J. Mark Worth

Holding On and Letting Go

a sermon by the Rev. J. Mark Worth

PDF

The job of an interim minister, Mark says, is to fall in love with the congregation — and then, when it is time to say goodbye, say goodbye. Yet there will be things to hold on to … read more.

What Women Want

a Mother’s Day Sermon by the Rev. J. Mark Worth

PDF

Julia Ward Howe envisioned Mother’s Day as a day for women to speak publicly in favor of peace. For this All-Ages Service, Mark will be looking at women’s role in our nation, and will take … read more.

Blessing the World

As we move toward the end of one ministry at HUUC and toward the beginning of another, we may well ask where we are going. One world view says we are self-interested individuals, unconnected and unconcerned with one another. Another says we are connected with one another, and caring for others is fundamental to our existence. The purpose of life, then, is to discover the joy or well-being that both pleases us and blesses our neighbor.

The Wisdom of Not Knowing

a sermon by the Rev. J. Mark Worth

PDF

Wisdom is a key concept in all of the great religions of the world. But often we have better questions than answers. What do we do when we don’t have all the answers?

READINGS:

From Buddhanet.net, retrieved May 5, … read more.

A Tale of Three Nobodies

a sermon by the Rev. J. Mark Worth

PDF

This year the Jewish festival of Passover begins on the evening of the Christian celebration of Palm Sunday. As these two important religious occasions coincide, we will honor both. Mark will tell the story of three “nobodies” … read more.

Service of the Living Tradition

During this special Sunday service we will celebrate our church community as we welcome new members, honor long-time members, remember those we have lost in the recent past, and dedicate our youngest. We will also unveil our new chalice created by commissioned sculptor Linda Hoffman. Special music by violinist Tim Arnold.

The Case For Hope

a sermon by the Rev. J. Mark Worth

PDF

What is the essence of religion? One UU minister says, “Religion is people telling stories of hope.” Many of us are discouraged about personal concerns, health issues, or national and world events. Can we find room for … read more.

How Buddhism Saves Jesus

a sermon by the Rev. Mark Worth (delivered in 2010 perhaps)

PDF

We don’t talk much about salvation. Universalists say don’t need to be saved from hell because a loving God wouldn’t damn us in the first place. Mark says he sees parallels between the teachings … read more.

Einstein’s Candle: Awe, Wonder, and Faith

Albert Einstein once said that a person who has lost a sense of awe and mystery “is as good as dead, a snuffed out candle.” Einstein appreciated mystery. Even though there may be no ultimate answers that apply in all cultures, times, and places, to the “why?” questions that we ask, we go on asking. Why are we here? What does it all mean? Our answers are always provisional, never complete. That is why it is mystery.