August 1                Greening of the Soul                           Rev. Edmund Robinson
If climate change is taken seriously, the planet needs a global transformation in the way we use energy.  What transformations of the spirit are implied by such a change in energy sources?  I hope to incorporate insights from this year’s conference on Star Island of the Institute for Religion in an Age of Science (IRAS) entitled “The  Energy Transition: Religious and Cultural Perspectives.”

August 8                Singing Through The Hard Times: A Tribute to U Utah Phillips
                                                                                                Rev. Edmund Robinson
Phillips, who died a couple of years ago, was a Wobbly, a labor activist, a singer/songwriter, a hobo, cowboy philosopher, and a UU.  Aided by several musicians, I will present some of the best of his songs and stories, including his haunting ballad “Enola Gay” in honor of Hiroshima Day. 

August 15              Forgiveness                                           Rev. Denis Meacham
Lily Tomlin once said: “Forgiveness means giving up all hope of a better past.” Indeed, the past will always be past, unchangeable. But                 bad stuff from the past—grudges, grievances, resentments—can reach into the present and strangle you. And while forgiveness sets         you free, it is not for the faint of heart! If you can think of no one to     forgive, you could sleep late the morning of this sermon and then join        the rest of us at coffee hour.

August 22              Can You Fool All of the People, All of the Time?
                                                                                                Rev. Edmund Robinson
 Recent psychological research indicates that people with erroneous ideas do not change their minds when confronted with the facts, but rather cling to their ideas more tightly.  What does this say about the future for democracy and political discourse in this country?  Does Lincoln’s famous saying have to be revised?

 August 29             Is Everything Holy Now?                   Rev. Edmund Robinson
A fine song I recently heard by Peter Mayer asserts that everything is holy now.  Is this desirable?  What happens to humor and irreverence and cynicism and critical thinking in a world where everything is holy?