A Church of Many Sensibilities

,

The audio player above plays the audio podcast of the sermon only. The YouTube player below plays the video of the entire service with copyrighted and private information redacted.

Follow along in the order of service: bit.ly/uucpa_oos_20201227

We know that we Unitarian Universalists are a church of many beliefs. But we are also a church of many cultures and sensibilities. We may feel magnanimous in accepting those who believe differently–can we do likewise for those who do their hair differently, or eat differently, or beautify differently? Unitarian Universalism is already thriving in cultures beyond the United States, and we welcome one of its international leaders back to our pulpit this morning.

The painting is titled “Bayanihan” by Botong Francisco, 1962. Rev. Gallardo writes, “Bayanihan is the age-old Filipino value of a community rallying to the assistance of one needy member – reminiscent of the Biblical parable of The Lost Sheep. Filipinos have built indigenous dwellings that could be uprooted anytime and moved where they can find themselves land to till for their families. Once the community agrees on your community share, they all get together to help you relocate. That’s how, for most of our history, we had known no need or hunger.”

Worship leader: Rev. Tet Gallardo, President and Executive Minister, Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines

Worship Associate: Brian Weller

Special music: Margaret Davis and Kristoph Klover, harp and acoustic guitar