First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston Podcast

As Unitarian Universalists, practicing and protecting democracy is one of the ways we live our values and widen love's circle. Join us for a call to action from Texas Democrat Beto O'Rourke. Recorded on January 25, 2026.

W.E.B. Du Bois considered the Unitarian and Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner one of the country's greatest heroes. Sumner developed a vision for the United States that Du Bois later renamed "abolition democracy." How can we reclaim Sumner's religious vision as a force today? Recorded on January 11, 2026

Do you anticipate being on the Naughty or Nice List this year? In the musical "Into the Woods", the Witch tells the others, "You're so nice, You're not good, You're not bad, You're just nice." Perhaps this year, our New Year's Resolution should be to be a little less self-stiflingly nice, and a bit more effectively naughty. John Lewis taught us, "Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble." Recorded on December 28, 2025.

Even in a totalitarian society the powerless retain some power to organize. In December, we look for inspiration to Vaclav Havel and other dissenters who maintained hope for the human spirit under the brutal grind of European totalitarian regimes. The month also marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth. We celebrate the beloved author with a special service and book group devoted to her! Recorded on December 7, 2025.

June is Pride Month. On Sunday, June 28, 2015, forty-six years to the day after the historic Stonewall Riots, Rev. Scott preached one of his first sermons at the First Unitarian Church of Dallas. Two days before that, US states were required by the Supreme Court to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. On how firm a foundation is this ten-year-old decision during today's contentious and divisive times?

"Our church community is full of opportunities to work together to make things happen. It is a place with wonderful role models, who forge paths and inspire us. And it is a place to grow roots, that we may thrive, as best we can, in this broken world. In her last service as Director of Religious Education, join Carol Burrus as she leads worship, weaving a story of 40 years at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston."

Perhaps there is no greater grief than for those who left us far too soon. Rev. Scott reflects on the importance of remembering the dead. As in past years, he expands the annual Memorial Day Candle Ritual beyond remembering military personnel. We remember others who passed away too soon, including those who died from gun violence and Covid.

This will be the first Mother's Day sermon Rev. Scott will preach since the passing of his parents. Less than a year into grieving their deaths, much of the country began collectively mourning what has been described as the 'death of our country.' Rev. Scott will look at the emotions tied to Mother's Day as well as the ways we all may work through our grief.