Sermon Archive
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...
Shatter the Silence – End the Violence
On Monday, April 23, Mayor Sefatia Romeo-Theken led a rally and march to end domestic violence. “Shatter the Silence – End the Violence” was sponsored by the Mayor, Gloucester Coalition for the Prevention of Domestic Abuse, YWCA North Shore Rape Crisis Center, HAWC,...
Social Media and You! – April 21
Meet in real life to learn and train on Social Media! (click on the above title for more info) Bring your smartphone or laptop (and questions) about the scope of Social Media and how it can be used for personal, family, business, politics, and everyday use. We'll...
Take Back the Night, April 23
This important annual event in support of ending Sexual Assault is on April 23. (click the above title for more info.) Rally and March begin at 5:30 at City Hall. The march will end at the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church with music and a program. Join us...
Building Peace, Liberty and Justice
Making our voices heard on contemporary issues At our February 18 service, we remembered by name each of the young adults who lost their lives in the Parkland, Florida shootings. During the month of February, members of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church,...
Sermon Podcast February 19, 2017
Sermon Feb. 19, 2017
Healing Our Wholeness – October 2, 2016
Healing Our Wholeness, Healing the World Reverend Janet Parsons October 2, 2016 Once upon a time, back at the very beginning of time, the Ein Sof, or the Ground of Being, or God, filled the entire universe with its presence. And when the Ein Sof decided to create the...
Upcoming Services
Gloucester UU joins Rockport and Essex for worship this Sunday at First Univ of Essex, or on Zoom.Sunday August 23rd 10 am Stronger Together with Rev. Tess BaumbergerJoin us for a service about how we can be stronger by working together, using the symbols of spinning threads and weaving tapestries. The service will include a simple ritual, poetry, and meditations on the power of collaboration.To join us via Zoom please visit uuessex.org and click on the Zoom link. If you’re coming in person, there is some street parking or you can use the municipal lot. Coming from Gloucester you would go past the church and take your first left onto Martin Street, then go left again on Shepherd Street. Please know the central spots in the lot are reserved for boat and trailer parking during the summer. If you go up the stairs at the end of the lot, you can cross the parking lot and make your way to the church.
Recent News
Sunday Dec 28
Brunch Church Please join us in the social hall this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for Brunch Church - an opportunity to enjoy a meal as we hold an informal service. As is our tradition, we'll be burning our regrets from the old year and looking ahead to the new year. No live...
A Light for Dark Days
A Light for Dark Days © Reverend Janet Parsons Gloucester UU Church December 21, 2025 The Gospel of John tells us: “..the light was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:4b-5.) The year was 1993, over...
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 5pm
Please join us and bring your friends and family for our annual candlelight Christmas Eve service, back to our regular time at 5:00 p.m. The ancient story, your favorite carols, the choir, Andy Soll on the organ, and Silent Night sung in candlelight. See you at 5:00...