All Souls Unitarian Church

This message was delivered on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION: Join us as we explore the deep human desire for connection, transcendence, and transformation. We delve into the universal quest for meaning beyond material pursuits. Discover the wisdom in recognizing our insatiable appetites and the profound fulfillment that comes from dedicating our lives to good. SUBSCRIBE TO WATCH OTHER VIDEOS: @allsoulsunitarian WANT TO LISTEN? SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: http://www.allsoulschurch.org/GIVE or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

This message was delivered on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, during The Point: Humanist Hour by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister.   DESCRIPTION: In this message, we explore the intricate history of black churches in America and their profound impact on shaping the nation's ideals. From the struggles of black Christians to find their own places of worship to the pivotal role black churches played in advancing democracy and equality, this talk delves into the roots of a powerful legacy.   SUBSCRIBE TO WATCH OTHER VIDEOS: @allsoulsunitarian   WANT TO LISTEN? SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/all-souls-unitarian-church/id193096943   GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: http://www.allsoulschurch.org/GIVE or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256   LET'S CONNECT:   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allsoulstulsa   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allsoulstulsa   All Souls Church Website: http://www.allsoulschurch.org

The message was delivered on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, during The Point: Humanist Hour by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION What happens when an atheist walks the green mile? Through a story that bridges divides, we're invited to witness the impact of genuine presence and the endless possibilities for transformation that arise from the depths of human connection and understanding. Join us in a contemplative journey through "Deeper Love," where we explore the limitless depths of love's potential to heal. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The message was delivered on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION Embark on a journey to explore the true depth of love beyond the superficial, diving into the profound insights that challenge and enlighten us. Let's reflect on love's power to transcend boundaries and inspire change within ourselves and our communities and let’s discover how deep our love can go in a world craving genuine connection and unity. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The message was delivered on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Nick Page, Guest Musician, Rev. Gerald L. Davis, Affiliate Minister, and Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION Guided by the acclaimed song leader and music educator Nick Page, discover the transformative power of music and explore how spirituals and songs of liberation inspire community, empathy, and action toward justice. Tune in to celebrate the role of music in healing and change and to experience love's light through the universal language of melody. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The message was delivered on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Kate Braestrup, Guest Minister and New York Times Best-Selling Author. DESCRIPTION Rev. Kate Braestrup, a distinguished author and the chaplain of the Maine Warden Service, takes us on the journey to the heart of Maine's wilderness with a sermon that ventures far beyond the church walls. She reveals the profound power of tangible, immediate love in action, expressed through dedication and service and through offering a hand to hold and a shoulder to lean on in moments of deep vulnerability. Let's explore the strength and beauty of loving locally, in the here and now, where it matters most. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The message was delivered on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Pastor D.E. Paulk, Guest Minister. DESCRIPTION Embrace change; embrace growth. Change, though often challenging, is a vital part of our journey. Let's examine the concept of thought progression, the importance of inclusivity and love in forming a strong community, and the transformative power of spirituality. Discover how embracing change can lead to profound self-discovery and collective harmony, creating a world where every voice matters. This is an invitation to explore the depths of your own spirit and find peace within the constant flux of life. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The message was delivered on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION The words we choose to use and identify with can make a big difference. Words can destroy and create. Sometimes a single word can change everything. A single word can help or heal or hinder. It can hurt or harm or humiliate or humble us. It can also inspire, direct, and focus us. It can tap us into our power, purpose, and passion. Do you know your word? SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The message was delivered on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION Ever wondered how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. faced his dragons of adversity? Curious about the everyday heroes shaping our world today? Join us as we delve into the hero's journey, exploring the influences behind heroism and the values that guide them. Confront the challenges of today, from discrimination to division, and discover the power of love as a guiding force. Your hero's journey matters—explore the interconnected stories that weave our collective destiny. In a world where values shape heroes, let's reflect on our own heroes. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The message was delivered on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION "I think a hero is anyone who is intent on making this a better world for all people." — Maya Angelou January 7th I launch our January Sunday Sermon Series called "The Justice League." Superheroes (such as Superman and Batman and Captain America) were invented in the 1930s and 1940s by Jewish immigrants to the USA in response to a time of immense antisemitism around the world. Today, as antisemitism and Islamophobia are on the rise, it is fascinating to recount the origins and impetus for the creation of these superheroes. Almost every superhero’s origin story includes experiences of profound trauma and/or rejection. The 21st Century has seen the emergence of the first Muslim-American superheroes. Most notably, is the character Ms. Marvel, a Pakistani-American teenager from New Jersey. Come hear about some of the amazing history and what we can take from it to fuel our own work to make the world a more just and inclusive place.   SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The message was delivered on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION Is there something you have done that you vowed you would never do? Do you consider this to be a triumph or a failure? What caused you to do it? Was it courage, necessity, or was it a mistake? How has your life changed for this unexpected experience? This is the work of the inner life. Soul work. You don’t have to be religious to grow your soul and nurture your spirit. However, it certainly helps to have a supportive and wise community. In this message, with the help of a poet, and an Inuit, I will share an epic journey of the inner life and how we can nurture our soul and broaden our life in the year to come. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The message was delivered on Sunday, December 24, 2023, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION Here we go again. It’s Christmas time, and many churches will preach about the promised Messiah, the Child in the manger who is to become the Prince of Peace. In the Christian tradition, we are told that some 2,000 years ago, the angelic choir proclaimed “peace on earth and goodwill to all men.” And yet, year after year, again and again, peace remains elusive and short-lived at best, and goodwill is often overshadowed by self-interest and greed. Join us for the Christmas Eve morning service that will delve into the heart of the matter. Beyond the symbolic birth, we'll explore meaningful actions to foster lasting peace and goodwill. It's time to move beyond relying on miracles or babies to fix our problems. Let's embrace a message that resonates in our actions and is a catalyst for positive change! SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The message was delivered on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The message was delivered on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION In the grand scheme of global challenges, wars, terrorism, and humanitarian, economic, and ecological crises, participating in local school board elections may seem insignificant. But as renowned anthropologist Margaret Mead once wisely noted, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." This sentiment underscores the profound connection between seemingly small actions and the potential for significant change. Drawing inspiration from Mead's words, Sunday’s message explores the idea that hope is not just a passive emotion but an active force, a tangible product of intentional, collective actions that contribute to the building of a better, more hopeful world for ourselves and future generations. Let's explore the pathways to possibility together. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The message was delivered on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION Some weeks are harder than others. One thing I can always count on is coming to All Souls on Sunday morning and the people, the music and the spirit of the place fills my heart. As we launch into the month of December on the theme of Hope, our church is one place I know I can go to find it in abundance. Not hope in the future, but hope right now. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The service took place on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS SERVICE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The message was delivered on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION Stories of nations and groups are passed down between the generations and sometimes create seemingly endless conflicts, like we are seeing in Israel and Gaza. In Oklahoma and across the USA, schools and governments are in conflict about how to tell our state and country’s history. How do groups rewrite such stories to come up with a common history that is both true and makes room for a positive future for all? Perhaps more importantly, what is it about the stories you tell yourself, about yourself and others, that keeps you in perpetual conflicts? Often such stories contain our ideal images of what a person should be. We have conceptions of what a person must be like to be lovable, to be successful, to be powerful or to be good. We also have stories about the ideal spouse or partner or the ideal child and family. These are images we pick up that often get in the way of our seeing the true beauty and holiness in the people we love - and even in ourselves .These stories we have about ourselves and others are "real" and powerful in that they shape our lives and relationships. When we realize they’re destructive - we need to go back and re-author our stories. What is the story you tell yourself about why you do what you do. Is it time to rewrite any parts of your life story? Should you be seeking a ceasefire to end the casualties created by the stories you tell? SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text LOVEBB to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The message was delivered on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Ruth Bible-Ingram, Guest Speaker, Lei Rumley, Worship Assistant, Deborah Fritts, a member of the Board of Trustees, Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION November is Native American Heritage Month and we're honored to have a guest speaker and musicians who represent the culture. We acknowledge that All Souls Unitarian Church is on the Muscogee Nation Reservation which is the original land of Osage Nation, and we look forward to welcoming our guests, and you, to our Sunday Services as we honor and celebrate Native American Heritage. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text LOVEBB to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The message was delivered on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION In the book: “Breaking Bread with the Dead” Alan Jacobs is concerned about children watching only stuff that is marketed to and for them, that is “fired like an arrow to their amygdala.” Stuff that was manufactured for their immediate effortless consumption. Rather than pushing them out of their comfort zone, experiencing some ambiguity and thematic density. He also writes about the importance for all of us of engaging the ideas, art and music of people from previous generations as a way of living with less anxiety in the present. One of the major ways that attending All Souls adds value to our lives is by regularly introducing us to ideas and music from the past in ways that improve our lives in the present. This Sunday we will recognize 71 new members who have joined All Souls over the last few months. The following quote from Jacobs’ book introduces my theme for Sunday and one of the reasons so many people are drawn to All Souls in these times. "…information overload—a sense that we are always receiving more sheer data than we know how to evaluate—and a more general feeling of social acceleration—the perception that the world is not only changing but changing faster and faster. What those closely related experiences tend to require from us is a rough-and-ready kind of informational triage." Triage—it’s a French word meaning to separate and sort—is what nurses and doctors on the battlefield do: during and after a battle, as wounded soldiers flow in, the limited resources of a medical unit are sorely tested. The medical staff must learn to make instantaneous judgments: this person needs treatment now, that one can wait a little while, a third one will have to wait longer, preferably somewhere other than the medical tent. To the wounded soldiers, this system will often seem peremptory and harsh, uncompassionate, and perhaps even cruel; but it’s absolutely necessary for the nurses and doctors to be ruthlessly brisk. They cannot afford for one soldier to die while they’re comforting one whose injuries don’t threaten his life. Navigating daily life in the internet age is a lot like doing battlefield triage. Given that what cultural critic Matthew Crawford calls the “attentional commons” is constantly noisy—there are days we can’t even put gas in our cars without being assaulted by advertisements blared at ear-rattling volume—we also learn to be ruthless in deciding how to deploy our attention. We only have so much of it, and often the decision of whether or not to “pay” it must be made in an instant. To avoid madness we must learn to reject appeals to our time, and reject them without hesitation or pity. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text LOVEBB to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The message was delivered on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Justin Schroeder, Guest Minister. DESCRIPTION Justin came to All Souls in 2001 as the Young Adult Programs Director and led our Soulful Sundown services that blended arts, video, contemporary music and spirituality. One of his final acts of ministry, in Tulsa, was delivering the eulogy for Marlin and Anitra's daughter Sienna Lavanhar's memorial, in May of 2006. Justin brings over two decades of spiritual leadership experience, prominently leading a large, progressive Unitarian Universalist congregation in Minneapolis for 12 years. This Sunday, Reverend Justin Schroeder returns to All Souls! Justin came to All Souls in 2001 as the Young Adult Programs Director. He led our Soulful Sundown services that blended arts, video, contemporary music, and spirituality. One of his final acts of ministry in Tulsa was delivering the eulogy for Marlin and Anitra's daughter Sienna Lavanhar's memorial in May 2006. Justin brings over two decades of spiritual leadership experience, prominently leading a large, progressive Unitarian Universalist congregation in Minneapolis for 12 years after. Justin, along with his wife Juliana, co-founded "Holding Space for Change" which accompanies individuals and groups through the process of change, transition, and transformation. They offer counseling, spiritual direction, rites and rituals as well as retreats and workshops to support people through significant life passages. Visit . SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text LOVEBB to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website: