The message was delivered on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION: Join us as we delve into the pitfalls of instant expertise and the importance of true knowledge. We uncover how the relentless pursuit of being right can distance us from meaningful relationships and the broader truth, while we highlight the value of engaging with diverse perspectives, building emotional maturity, and responding to life's chal...
May 29, 2024•24 min
The message was delivered on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION: In this message, we explore themes of belonging, identity, and the pressures to conform. Drawing parallels with classic tales and real-life experiences, we delve into the struggles many face when stepping into new chapters of their lives. From the grim lessons of Cinderella to the unwavering integrity of Emily Dickinson, this message is a...
May 21, 2024•10 min
The message was delivered on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION: In this Mother's Day message, we delve into the profound connection between mothers and their children. Join us as we explore the foundational bond that ties us to our mothers, whether biological or those who have nurtured us with maternal love. On this special day, let us cherish the mothers in our lives and remember the unity and connec...
May 17, 2024•10 min
The message was delivered on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION: Join us in exploring transcendence and the metaphysical. In this talk, we delve into the mystical and transcendent aspects of existence that go beyond our five senses. Can we perceive realities that elude our physical senses? Is there more to life and death than what meets the eye? This talk also traces the historical influence of metaphys...
May 17, 2024•27 min
The message was delivered on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION: Join us as we honor the rich heritage of All Souls. During today's service, we contemplate the significance of our lives. Does this life matter? This question resonates deeply, challenging us to consider our purpose beyond the transient nature of existence. We reflect on the fleeting essence of life and the enduring impact we seek to le...
Apr 11, 2024•24 min
The message was delivered on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION Delve into the intricate dance between the human yearning for stability and the relentless tide of change. It's an invitation to journey through the paradox of permanence in a world where transformation is the only constant. With the echoes of ancient Buddhist wisdom and the intimate tales of personal evolution within relationships, let's unfo...
Apr 08, 2024•23 min
The message was delivered on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION Join us in embracing the Easter message of hope, transformation, and the eternal presence of love. Let us stand together at the empty tomb, rejoicing in the boundless possibilities of new beginnings. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BE...
Apr 04, 2024•18 min
The message was delivered on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION Dive into a thought-provoking exploration of life, evolution, and the profound symbolism of the egg. This message intertwines the age-old question of the chicken or the egg with a deep dive into the meanings of Easter eggs, cultural traditions, and the essence of renewal in human life. Let's transcend traditional narratives and embrace our vu...
Apr 03, 2024•23 min
This message was delivered on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Tamara Celeste Lebak, Guest Minister. DESCRIPTION: Join us for a powerful celebration of Women's History Month. The message is a testament to resilience, empowerment, and the transformative power of embracing one's identity and experiences. We are invited to root ourselves in our history, rage against injustice, and realign with our true selves. SUBSCRIBE TO WATCH OTHER VIDEOS: @al...
Mar 14, 2024•39 min
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: @al...
Mar 05, 2024•23 min
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 d...
Feb 28, 2024•21 min
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 "Deepe...
Feb 20, 2024•22 min
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 ...
Feb 19, 2024•23 min
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 healin...
Feb 14, 2024•29 min
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...
Feb 05, 2024•24 min
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 ...
Jan 30, 2024•29 min
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 y...
Jan 22, 2024•26 min
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 powe...
Jan 15, 2024•23 min
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 ...
Jan 07, 2024•24 min
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...
Jan 03, 2024•21 min
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, p...
Dec 25, 2023•24 min
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:
Dec 20, 2023•20 min
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, i...
Dec 14, 2023•23 min
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...
Dec 04, 2023•23 min
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:
Nov 22, 2023•40 min
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 c...
Nov 14, 2023•24 min
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 t...
Nov 07, 2023•18 min
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 ambiguit...
Oct 30, 2023•24 min
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 ...
Oct 23, 2023•26 min
The message was delivered on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION Recently, I came across the term "Fundamental Neighborliness." It is said to be a barometer of the soul and an indicator of the attitude of one’s heart. Generosity is one of life’s greatest joys to be able to share what we have to help someone else to have an opportunity to grow or experience life’s possibilities. Even in those times w...
Oct 16, 2023•24 min
