The Wright Relationship - Prologue

This Sunday's service was extremely well received. Probably the most enthusiastic, positive response I've ever had to a sermon. It was, honestly, a little overwhelming. It was also very satisfying. I've received quite a few requests for a copy of the sermon. the service was recorded so CDs are available from the book table at FUS-Milwaukee. Also, assuming we conquer the issues plaguing our podcasts, the service will be available on-line as well. I don't make a habit of publishing my sermons off-line or on-line-- though I am slowly being persuaded by some colleagues and friends that I'm wrong in my reasoning. (Not there yet-- but I'm less adamant then before.) Until that time, here's some notes on sources I used for this sermon:

I used an edited version of this blog post from the Huffington Post for the opening reading. (It was sent to me by a congregant.)
In addition to editing for length, I also took some creative license and edited for content. I'd say more, but then that would give away the twist ending.
[Since writing and delivering the sermon, more information about Governor Palin's church have come out. As much as I don't like judging a candidate for their choice of religion or choice, I'm with Dan in being a tad worried about this connection--if there is a connection.]

Recordings of Rev. Jeremiah Wright's sermons can be found on the Trinity United Church of Christ website or on their YouTube page.

At one point, I mentioned Barack Obama's role as a community organizer. I was tempted to do an aside on that point and share a joke sent to me by a colleague, but I thought it would be too biased to use from the pulpit. No reason I can't share it here, though. A proposed bumper sticker: "Jesus was a community organizer; Pontius Pilot was a governor."

I'd love to link to Rev. Wright's keynote address at the 2007 UUMA Ministry Days-- but no recording or transcript is available for that year. (sigh)

The "Race and Unity" speech can be viewed at the Barack Obama YouTube page but they entitle it "A More Perfect Union" speech.

Rev. Wright's appearance with Billy Moyers is available on line in video, audio, or text format.

The transcript of Rev. Wright's appearance at the National Press Club, including both the speech and the question and answer session afterwards, is available from the New York Times.

I should admit I made an error here. Many of the objectionable comments were actually lifted out of Rev. Wright's appearance at the NAACP. I didn't realize this until after I wrote and delivered the sermon. To be fair, that transcript is also available from CNN.

Senator Obama's speech where he denounces Rev. Wright is also available on YouTube in three parts.

Even with the added speech from the NAACP, I still stand by my points in my sermon. Namely, Freedom of the Pulpit and Freedom of the Pew allow for people of conscience to stay in relationship, to stay engaged.

The Practice of Happiness - Prologue

For the last service of the summer, in honor of Labor Day weekend, I chose to preach on the practice of happiness.

Our first reading was "Hay for Horses" by Gary Snyder (a taste of work and regret)

Our second reading was "So Much Happiness" by Naomi Shihab Nye (a celebration of all happiness)

Our third reading was "My Last Nail" by Don Kennington (a poignant picture of work, meaning, happiness, and sadness) [The earlier link will take you to the text if you scroll down. This link will take you to an audio of Don reading his poem, courtesy of one of my favorite podcasts, Morning Stories.]

The sermon itself was based mostly on the book, "Happier: Learn the Secrets of Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment" by Tal Ben-Shahar.

The service was recorded and should be available on-line soon (if it isn't already.)