All Souls Unitarian Church

The message was delivered on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION In a world consumed by noise, division, and a relentless demand for judgment, where can we find hope? Beyond the headlines and viral moments lies something quieter, yet infinitely powerful—grace. Grace doesn't scream for attention; it whispers through acts of kindness, forgiveness, and courage, transforming our lives and relationships. What if the good hasn't disappeared but is simply waiting for us to notice it? What if we choose grace over retribution? Through profound stories of human connection and compassion, discover how grace has the power to reshape hearts, reconcile differences, and inspire us to create something better together. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/all-souls-unitarian-church/id193096943 WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/dnJZwTjuqVA SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=allsoulsunitarian GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: http://www.allsoulschurch.org/GIVE or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allsoulstulsa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allsoulstulsa All Souls Church Website: http://www.allsoulschurch.org

The message was delivered on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION What would it take to turn the page on the pain, mistakes, and struggles that have held you back? Through the lens of Nelson Mandela's extraordinary journey, we explore the profound act of forgiveness—not as a passive release but as a powerful declaration of freedom. Imagine facing your greatest hardship and using it to write a new chapter, one shaped by courage and compassion. As you navigate life's challenges, will you remain confined to the roles of victim or villain, or will you rise as the hero of your story? The next chapter is unwritten—what will you choose to write? SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/all-souls-unitarian-church/id193096943 WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=allsoulsunitarian GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: http://www.allsoulschurch.org/GIVE or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allsoulstulsa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allsoulstulsa All Souls Church Website: http://www.allsoulschurch.org

This sermon by Rev. Dr. Nicole Kirk reflects on the themes of winter, both as a literal season and a metaphor for the challenging phases of life. Drawing on the symbolism of the winter solstice, the message emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, the importance of introspection, and the quiet preparation for renewal and growth. It concludes with a call to embrace the "winters" of life as opportunities for clarity, healing, and rediscovery, reminding listeners of the enduring hope that spring will come again.

IN THE BROADWAY MUSICAL WICKED, WE FIND A NEW TWIST ON THE OLD CLASSIC, THE WIZARD OF OZ. IT TURNS OUT THE GOOD WITCH IS NOT SO GOOD AFTER ALL AND THE WICKED WITCH, WELL, SHE AIN'T SO BAD. IN THIS DELIGHTFUL TALE THE COMPLEXITIES OF WHAT CAUSES ONE PERSON TO BE DEEMED GOOD AND ANOTHER TO BE SEEN AS EVIL IS BROUGHT TO LIFE IN AN UNFORGETTABLE WAY.

REV. MARLIN LAVANHAR EXPLORES THE CONCEPT OF FINDING PEACE AMIDST LIFE'S COMPLEXITIES AND SOCIETAL CHALLENGES THROUGH PERSONAL ANECODOTES, STORES AND PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTIONS. REV. MARLIN EMPHASIZES THE PURSUIT OF MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT WITH THE WORLD RATHER THAN ESCAPISM. HE UNDERSCORES THAT PEACE COMES FROM ALIGNING ONE'S PERSONAL VALUES WITH PURPOSEFUL ACTIONS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE GREATER GOOD.

IN THIS SERMON, REVEREND GERALD SPEAKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERDEPENDENCE-THE IDEA THAT WE ARE ALL INTERCONNECTED AND RELY ON EACH OTHER FOR SUPPORT. HE REFLECTS ON HOW COMMUNITY BUILDING, WHETHER IN CHURCH, IN TIMES OF CRISIS, OR IN EVERYDAY LIFE, IS ESSENTIAL FOR COLLECTIVE STRENGTH AND SALVATION. DRAWING FROM HIS EXPERIENCES, SUCH AS SEEKING HELP DURING A CRISIS AT HIS CHURCH, HE EMPHASIZES THAT INTERDEPENDENCE ISNT JUST ABOUT RELYING ON OTHERS BUT ALSO BEING WILLING TO ASK FOR HELP WHEN NEEDED. REVEREND GERALD STRESSES THAT TRUE COMMUNITY IS BUILT ON MUTUAL RELIANCE, COMPASSION AND COLLECTIVE EFFORT, WHICH LEADS TO HEALING AND PROGRESS, EVEN IN DIFFICULT TIMES.

The sermon reflects on the symbolic and spiritual significance of a painting central to the church's identity, portraying its values and heritage. It emphasizes the Unitarian Universalist principles of inclusivity, love, and continuous revelation, drawing connections between faith, American democratic ideals, and the diversity within the community. Through elements like an antique table, books, flowers, and hearts depicted in the painting, the message conveys themes of unity, historical roots, reverence for nature, and ongoing spiritual discovery. The service integrates music, prayer, and meditative moments to inspire a collective spirit of gratitude, love, and reflection

In this sermon conversation, the main themes center around understanding tribal nations, citizenship and cultural pluralism within the Muscogee Creek, Osage and Cherokee Nations in Oklahoma. Eli Grayson and Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar discuss how tribal identity transends race, religion and nationality. Being part of a tribe like the Muscogee Creek or Cherokee is a matter of legal and political status, not just ethnicity. The homily recounts significant historical events and the complexities around citizenship within Native American nations. This conversation underscores how these nations have evolved and adapted, similar to the broader United States in some aspect, while also dealing with unique tribal governance and societal norms.

The message was delivered on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION Explore the emotional landscape following a transformative election, where ideals of equality and justice are put to the test. Reflect on the enduring struggle for human rights and the essence of American patriotism as a commitment to shared values. Consider the historical movements that have shaped our society and the ongoing need for unity in navigating today's complex political climate. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/all-souls-unitarian-church/id193096943 WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: https://developers.facebook.com/tools/debug/sharing/ SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=allsoulsunitarian GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: http://www.allsoulschurch.org/GIVE or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allsoulstulsa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allsoulstulsa All Souls Church Website: http://www.allsoulschurch.org

The message was delivered on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION: This sermon addresses the pervasive fear and division facing America, especially around elections and major societal shifts. It explores how both personal and societal fears can lead to division and alienation, often exacerbated by media and political rhetoric. By emphasizing the importance of recognizing the light and shadow within both progressive and conservative values, Marlin urges listeners to find common ground and engage with differing perspectives constructively. Drawing on spiritual and philosophical insights, the sermon advocates for unity, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to preserving and improving what is good about America. SUBSCRIBE TO WATCH OTHER VIDEOS: @allsoulsunitarian WANT TO LISTEN? SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/all-souls-unitarian-church/id193096943 GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: http://www.allsoulschurch.org/GIVE or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allsoulstulsa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allsoulstulsa All Souls Church Website: http://www.allsoulschurch.org