Rev. Joseph BoydIt seems we are at the beginning of something important. We are transitioning into a new stratosphere of relating, one place where humankind has never gone before. That is until now. As the United States begins to ease restrictions on masks and physical distancing for those who are vaccinated, we are not going … Continue reading Sermon – May 30, 2021 – “Re-Opening”
Rev. Joseph BoydWhen I was thirteen I was in a car accident. I was asked by doctors to recover at home from my injuries, which meant that I couldn’t go to school in person. The school district graciously offered me a private tutor who would come to my house and teach me all the subjects … Continue reading Sermon – May 23, 2021 – “Legacy of Malcolm X”
Rev. Joseph BoydMy mother has an eclectic taste in music. She loves Tina Turner, Randy Travis, Michael Jackson, to name a few. When I was growing up, we had a proper stereo system in our living room with large speakers, bass, and a six disk CD player. She would pick a random CD number and … Continue reading Sermon – May 9, 2021 – “Gratitude for Mother”
Rev. Joseph BoydOnce Upon a Time – what a potent phrase. It reminds me of fairy tales – dragons, poison apples, castles, special powers, and lands far, far away. Once upon a time is a phrase that relaxes the mind just enough to entertain imagination, wonder, and daring. The rules we follow need not apply … Continue reading Sermon – May 2, 2021 – “The Story of Us”
Rev. Joseph BoydMany I know have heard the verdict convicting the police officer who killed George Floyd, and have heard the responses from Floyd’s family and others in understanding what this verdict means. What has been shared is the enormous toll this has taken: the enormous amount and number of protests to hold one person … Continue reading Sermon – April 25, 2021 – “Grieving as Becoming”
Melissa SmithAs you can see from the picture accompanying this order of service, which is a picture from the Vindicator in 2008 where I carried the ceremonial mace in the YSU graduation procession, I am a successful product of the American educational system. This mace bears the insignia “Animus liberatus” “The spirit having been made … Continue reading Sermon – Apr 18, 2021 – “Is Education My Religion?”
Rev. Joseph BoydThe first word that came to my mind on the topic of becoming ourselves is: Renunciation. It’s a peculiar word, and not one that we often use in our culture. Historically the term renunciation has been used within religious orders, for monks and people devoted completely to religious life, separate from the rest … Continue reading Sermon – April 11, 2021 – “Becoming Ourselves”
Rev. Joseph BoydThere seems to be a promise embedded in all of us and all existence that comes to fruition this time of year. I know many of you may be gathering with close family or friends this weekend, grandkids and those that you haven’t seen for a while. I know some of you celebrated … Continue reading Sermon – Apr 4, 2021 – “A New Day – Easter Sunday”
Rev. Joseph BoydThere was a time I was committed to being an actor. It would not be an exaggeration to say it was my religion, and the theatre was my church. I saw the capacity of the theatre to elevate humanity, to elevate the human story, and challenge the culture. I was moved by the … Continue reading Sermon – Mar 21, 2021 – “Commitment is Key”
Rev. Joseph BoydI’ve admired people throughout history who have dared to challenge the illusion of the status quo, and show the true power that each of us as individuals have to transform our lives and transform the lives of others. Shirley Chisholm was one of those people. Ms. Chisholm was the first African-American woman elected … Continue reading Sermon – Mar 14, 2021 – “A New Covenant”
