March 8, 2009: Rev. Ann Benedetto
DON’T LET STEREOTYPES HOLD YOU BACK (link allows you to download PDF of full sermon)

(excerpt)
"Stereotypes certainly feed the domineering culture. Wikipedia defines stereotypes as a
preconceived idea that attributes certain characteristics to all the members of a class or
group. Stereotypes are used to deny individuals respect or legitimacy based on
membership to the stereotyped group. This is often the basis of prejudice and is used to
explain imaginary and sometimes real differences. Childhood influences, learned from
parents, teachers, peers and the media are often the most influential factors in creating
stereotypes. Once a stereotype is learned it can be self perpetuating, or what we term as
an internalized oppression. We start to believe the lies that were taught to us about
ourselves. Stereotypes justify untruths about specific groups, for people accept the
stereotypes as fact. They also create social injustice because they put roadblocks and
other measures to prevent people from succeeding; very fruitful for the domineering
culture."

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February 22, 2009: Rev. Ann Benedetto
SERMON:  DREAM TIME  (link allows you to download PDF of full sermon)

(excerpt)
"As Unitarians, we may have put too much emphasis on intellect, logic and the power of
reason. One of the problems with the progressive movement is that reason and intellect
may not be enough to change the world. (Ringwood elections) Our ability to dream has
been framed by stereotypes and colonization. Unitarianism provides a faith that liberates
us from this colonization and materialism, just as UU ancestors Channing and Emerson
liberated spirits in their day.
 
I think we may have thrown out the baby with the bath water. I think rejecting all the
mystical aspects of traditions because of truth in Karl Marx’s statement, does a disservice
to our innate ability to summand unconscious knowing...to our conscious mind. I think
we can slowly, and for some of us, very cautiously, begin to bring certain aspects of
spiritual beliefs back into our lives; consider them personal tools, added to our medicine
bag of knowledge, for our personal and collective empowerment and change."

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December 28, 2008: Rev. Ann Benedetto
POWER OF OUR WORD (link allows you to download PDF of full sermon)

(excerpt)
"Today, I want to present one aspect that can strengthen and empower our self, the center
and core of all that is. Again, thinking outside the linear box, because we are the core of
our world, does not mean we are more important than any other relation. Since every
relation on the planet has a spirit according to indigenous teachings, every relation should
have the respect of its inherent worth and dignity. Today, we talk about our responsibility
as a human relation, to be the strongest and best we can be. Since we are at the core, our
strength then empowers the health of our families, extended families, communities,
nations and the world."

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Rev. Allen Wells: September 14, 2008
PRAYING FOR SIN  (link allows you to download PDF of full sermon)

(excerpt)
"Growing up in the Southern Presbyterian church which, emphasized human depravity,
reinforced a feeling I got from my parents that I was not quite good enough. Through
hundreds of personal growth workshops, trainings, seminars, and retreats, I have become
aware that, thereby, I have enacted two messages. My overt message has always been: I
want to improve, but my covert message on which my need for self-improvement has
been based was: there is something wrong with me."