May 19, 2019
I was raised a UU, but I’d choose it for myself, too! I briefly explain some of the reasons why.
Rev. Lara Hoke
“Mother’s Day and the Horrible Mug”
May 12, 2019
Together we considered Mother’s Day and motherly love. I was inspired by (in addition to my own mother) the poem “The Lanyard” by Billy Collins, which was our reading. You can read the poem here. Also, check out this horrible mug!
“Hindu Paths to the Divine”
April 28, 2019
Unfortunately, the video for this service did not come out in an audible form. Here is the sermon text, which is pretty close to what I actually said that day in sharing my appreciations of Hinduism! I shared some basics about the tradition in the Time for All Ages as well.
“An Esoteric Easter”
April 21, 2019
- Rev. Lara Hoke
- Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas
- Christianity
- Easter
- Elaine Pagels
- Gospel of Thomas
- Jesus
On Easter Sunday, I preached about the non-canonical Gospel of Thomas, with help from the work of scholar Elaine Pagels, to think about what it might add to our understanding of “resurrection”.
“The Forgotten MLK”
April 7, 2019
I preached a short sermon on the forgotten Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – the MLK who isn’t often discussed at civic events.
“The Gift of Monotony”
March 31, 2019
I tell a harrowing tale, and then talk about the “gift” of monotony.
“Holding on to Hope”
March 24, 2019
My sermon considered whether hope is a feeling, or a choice… What does it mean to have hope? How can you find hope, and hold on to it?
“Lent: Into the Wilderness”
March 10, 2019
The video starts with a reading made up of excerpts from Jon Krakauer’s “Into the Wild”. Following that is my sermon, “Lent: Into the Wilderness”. This morning was the first Sunday during Lent, the Christian season leading up to Easter. Specifically, Lent is the 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Easter (leaving out the Sundays). For many Christians, Lent is a time for sacrifice. It’s a time to repent, and take stock. And of course, Lent is to Easter what Advent is for Christmas; a time for preparation. We considered what Lent might offer for 21st century Unitarian Universalists.
“All the Stirrings of Compassion?”
March 3, 2019
In the hymn “Spirit of Life” we sing, “Spirit of Life, come unto me. Sing in my heart all the stirrings of compassion.” But why are we so restrictive — so selective — with our compassion at times? In this sermon I consider how we decide to mete out our compassion. And, hot sauce.
“The Theology of ‘The Wizard of Oz'”
February 24, 2019
I preached this sermon on the morning before the Oscars, on the 80th anniversary of “The Wizard of Oz”. Synchronistic events (meaningful coincidences) reminded me of this wonderful story recently (the book as well as the movie). Watch and listen to explore some of the hidden theological and spiritual messages of the great tale by L. Frank Baum! (And note my rainbow stole, as well as my blue gingham shirt in honor of Dorothy’s dress.)