“We Need Not Believe Alike to Love Alike”
Emerson UU Church, Canoga Park, CA – December 3, 2023
Inspired by the quote, “We Need Not Think Alike to Love Alike,” attributed to 16th Century Transylvanian Unitarian Ferenc Dávid, we explore what it means to be a pluralistic religion where people have a variety of beliefs.

This sermon calls back to the Story for All Ages and the way I introduced a hymn earlier in the service. If you want to watch the whole service, it’s a good example of how I approach worship services as a cohesive whole. It also features a great reflection by the worship associate, which I helped her develop. Recording starts in the middle of the chalice lighting.

Sacred Cinema: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Emerson UU Church, Canoga Park, CA – October 29, 2023
As part of our Sacred Cinema series, Rev. Matthew reflects on his favorite film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the inventive, sci-fi, romantic comedy/drama about love, memory, regret and relationships.

“Americans: Subject, Consumer or Citizen”
Emerson UU Church, Canoga Park, CA – July 2, 2023
What would it mean to move from thinking about ourselves as consumers, to see ourselves as citizens, not the kind defined by what passport you have, but by being an engaged member of your community and helping to write a new story for our society?

“Back Together, Imperfectly”
Emerson UU Church, Canoga Park, CA – June 5, 2022
On Rev. Matthew’s first Sunday after his sabbatical, we too are still coming back together as a community from the pandemic. What are our dreams for how we wish to be together, and who we wish to be together as we move forward?

“Should We Cancel Thomas Jefferson?”
Emerson UU Church, Canoga Park, CA – July 4, 2021
This sermon was part of our sUUmmer Roadtrip, where we partnered with LA area churches to worship online together every Sunday for 8 weeks.

“Give Until It Feels Good”
Emerson UU Church, Canoga Park, CA – March 17, 2019
There are many ways that we can give: our time, love, talents, labor, wisdom, and of course, money. We are appreciative of all of the ways that you contribute to this church community, and yet there is an ongoing invitation to live more deeply into our shared generosity so that it can continue its transformation work within and beyond our walls.

“Half-Empty or Half-Full?”
Emerson UU Church, Canoga Park, CA – March 25, 2018
Asking whether the glass is half-empty or half-full is shorthand for a pessimistic or optimistic point of view—whether we appreciate what we have or are always wanting more. While appreciation for what we have will lead to a more fulfilling life, is there something to be said for emptiness?

The reading that precedes the sermon is "Worst Day Ever?" by Chanie Gorkin

Starr King School for the Ministry Commencement Reflection
May 20, 2014 in Berkeley, CA