Sermon Archive
The Creative Spirit (Rev. Parsons April 24, 2016)
A Sermon Given at the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church April 24, 2016 By Rev. Janet Parsons I once had the good fortune to be present when someone was struck by a creative spirit, and had the chance to watch what happened. The someone was my husband. We...
Love Will Come Again – Rev. Janet Parsons, Easter 2016
The ancient story has been handed down across time and distance, across languages and cultures. It climaxes unexpectedly: when three grieving women, returning to a tomb to dress the body of their murdered teacher, encounter a mysterious stranger. The body is nowhere...
“Love is Stronger Than Death” by Rev. Parsons (2/14/16)
A couple of weeks ago, the President of Iran visited Rome. Since he was planning to visit the Capitoline Museum, it was decided, by someone – the news reports were a little vague — to cover up statues of classical nudes so as to not offend him. Wooden boxes were...
“Dialogue” by Newt Fink (January 24, 2016)
Question. My great friend Dr. Mike Sperber always asks huge questions. “So where did we come from?” he calmly asks as we speed down Rt. 128 – he’s taking me to a doctor’s appointment. Do you have a friend like that? It stirred thoughts that had been forming in my...
“Spiritual and Religious: The Beloved Community” by Janet Parsons (18 Oct 15)
One Monday morning some years ago, I was with a group of people from my home church, preparing to leave our sleeping quarters in New Orleans to head out to work on a flooded home. “Don’t make lunch,” we were told. “Some friends of the owners are planning to bring...
The Spirituality of Abundance (10/11/15) Rev. Janet Parsons
We are a nation in a time of great division – of starkly different visions. When I see news reports of all the conflict we are experiencing these days, I am struck by a sense that America is living in a place of deep fear. [download id="264"]
Space Between the Logs by Rev. Janet Parsons
When I was first setting out along my path into the ministry, I came upon an essay written by a UU minister, whose name I cannot recall, who was reflecting on the art and craft of preaching. She said something that has stayed with me for years now: that ultimately...
A Variety of Poems — Some in the Key of U.U.
The title of my presentation today is “A Variety of Poems – Some in the Key of U.U.” [Unitarian Universalist] Cape Ann Surrounded by sea on every side Ere at the mercy of storm and tide Touched and kissed by resplendent foam This beautiful island we call...
Spiritual Journey, Adoption, and the Big Family
A talk given by Roger Garberg on August 9, 2015: I want to greet you today with the typical Chinese greeting, which a public speaker uses to greet his or her audience. Dàjiā hǎo. The usual translation of this is just “Hello everyone”. But it’s more literal rending...
July 26, 2015 Poetry Service by Rufus Collinson
A Poetry Service Given at the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church Sunday – July 26, 2016 by Ruthanne (Rufus) Collinson Water Over Stones This morning, the ravenous sea reaches way out over the shore and pulls back again, powerfully driven to contain itself....
July 5, 2015 Sermon by Holly Tanguay
[download id="252"] I have thought much in recent weeks about two very different emotions, about compassion and about hate. Into that mix of emotions add a helping each of fear and sorrow and a slice of hope. Sounds like a recipe for a troubled heart and it...
“Crazy with Gratitude” (Rev. Jenny Rankin June 6, 2015)
"Crazy with Gratitude" It is the beginning of June and in a few weeks the “regular church year” will be over. The choir will take a well-deserved break, we move into summer services, some of you will be preaching. I can feel my time here with you drawing to a...
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 21
A Light for Dark Days, led by Reverend Janet Parsons with music by Steve Lacey. We celebrate the return of the light, as the winter solstice happens right at the beginning of our service! What offers you light during dark times? How can we offer light? Please join us...
New Life Begins in the Dark
New Life Begins in the Dark © Reverend Janet Parsons Gloucester UU Church December 14, 2025 There are many wonderful aspects of living on Cape Ann: the beauty and wonder of the ocean, the variety of places to explore on foot, with plenty of woods and fascinating rock...
Practicing Hope as a Verb
Practicing Hope as a Verb © Reverend Janet Parsons Gloucester UU Church December 7, 2025 “Imagine the world as a theater,” wrote author Rebecca Solnit. “Imagine the world as a theater. The acts of the powerful and the official occupy center stage. The traditional...