Sermon Archive
A TIME TO REMEMBER
A TIME TO REMEMBER The November 4 service was a time to remember all those whom we have lost but who remain close to our hearts. Members of the congregation brought forward photos or mementos of loved ones and we spoke aloud the names of those closest to us who have...
When a Stranger Appears at Your Door
When a Stranger Appears at Your Door© Reverend Janet Parsons October 21, 2018 It occurred to me recently that I am the descendant of migrant workers. And of course, many of us in this country could think of ourselves that way as well, as most of our ancestors came to...
In the Shelter of Each Other
In the Shelter of Each Other Reverend Janet Parsons October 14, 2018 “It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.” These are beautiful words offered to us by the Irish, who so often are sources of lovely language. In recent days I have found myself...
Gratitude
Gratitude 9/23/18 Mother said “Now go write a thank you note to your Grandmother.” Aw Ma …. Later, Mother asked, “Did you write the thank you note to your Grandmother?” Aw Ma …. Then Mother said: “After you have written the thank you note to your Grandmother – then...
Re-Visioning
Today I find myself thinking back to my 16-year-old self. I can picture her in my memory: long wavy hair parted in the middle, like all the other non-conformists, and wire-rimmed glasses. That young girl had ambitions. She was for starters a staunch feminist,...
Deep Wells
Reverend Janet Parsons Gloucester UU Church September 9, 2018 It has been a time of great thirst, these past few months. A hot, humid summer, with little rain. An old friend came to visit me one day recently, and said, sighing, “Well, I brought all my beach stuff, but...
To Swim with the Tide, to Flow with the Grace
Let’s pause for a moment to imagine what it would be like to be a trapeze artist. Have you ever wondered what that would feel like, if it is something you could ever do? You would climb a ladder high above a crowd of people, seated, craning their necks to watch you....
Clearing the Cobwebs
Clearing the Cobwebs Kelly Knox Buddhism teaches three universal truths 1. that everything is impermanent, 2. this causes suffering, 3. our real selves, our spirit, our essence, the part of us that continues to exists when our body dies is unchanging and therefore...
To Create the Peace
To Create the Peace Reverend Janet Parsons Gloucester Unitarian Unversalist Church May 27, 2018 I was quickly scanning the headlines in my email Inbox the other day, and I could tell that there was a holiday approaching because everyone wanted to sell me...
Social Justice: Keep Families Together!
From Reverend Janet Dear Friends, I have been away during a tumultuous time for our country. As many of you know, I had the great privilege of officiating at the wedding of my younger son Eric to his new wife, Jaclyn. Our family grew, as we not only welcome a daughter...
Mark Twain’s Sermon of June 17
On Sunday, June 17, at 10:00 a.m. Mark Twain, played by professional actor Peter Berkrot, delivered the sermon at the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church. In this one-man presentation written and narrated by Brent Wilkes, Berkrot delivered an unforgettable...
MAY 19 – Finding Common Ground: A Symposium on American Culture, Gun Violence and the Second Amendment
Spurred by national concern about mass shootings, a symposium in Gloucester on Saturday, May 19, will put a fresh focus on gun violence, examining both the intent and application of the Second Amendment and the differences among us that led to an impasse in addressing...
Upcoming Services
Becoming the Ocean, led by Reverend Janet Parsons. Courage, they say, is contagious. On this weekend when many people take to the streets to protect democratic norms, we'll talk about why collective action is so important. Music provided by Steve Lacey.
Worship is in-person or at the livestream link below. Please join us at 10am. Everyone is welcome!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIeJfO72kLh-gAtZZT-QOng/live
Recent News
To Live Like a River Flows
To Live Like a River Flows © Reverend Janet Parsons Gloucester UU Church February 22, 2026 People often wonder how a minister creates a sermon. Frankly, the minister often wonders this herself. But people tend to be curious about the process: how we find...
Sunday Feb 22
To Live Like a River Flows, led by Reverend Janet Parsons. Since the time of the ancient Greeks we've been told that the only constant in life is change. As we continue our exploration of Resilience, this Sunday we will ask how do we face change? Music provided by...
Jame Baldwin: On Love and Salvation
James Baldwin: On Love and Salvation Reverend Janet Parsons Gloucester UU Church February 15, 2026 He could have grown to adulthood consumed with hatred. In fact, he harbored great anger at the way his country treated him and other marginalized people....