Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville

Music in Society

Dr. Victor Minke Huls share’s stories of his musical journey and examples of how music shapes and improves lives.

Taking our “UUCJ Temperature”: A Mid-Year Review

As we reach the halfway point of the year, Peter Racine invites us to reflect on our shared journey—celebrating growth, community belonging, and exciting milestones ahead, including campus renewal and increased engagement. Together, we are shaping a spiritually healthy and socially impactful future.

Spirit of Life, Come Unto Me

The spirit of life isn’t out there—it’s in us. Peter Racine invites us to rediscover spirituality as something grounded, personal, and shared in community.

Day of The Child

Freedom – The Spirituality of Self-Determination, Self-Control and Letting Go

Peter Racine presents a powerful call to action: Why JFK’s words from 1961 are more urgent today than ever, and what we must do to defend the freedoms being stripped away right now.

“Grace” – How Do Unitarian Universalists Look At This Gift?

One Family’s Journey from Afghanistan

When the Gestapo Knocks on Your Door – Historical Roots of Unitarian Spirituality Confronting Oppression and Totalitarianism, And Its Relevance Today

Renewal, Rebirth & Redemption

Peter Racine explores how the natural cycles of death and rebirth in spring symbolize spiritual growth, renewal, and transformation in our lives – emphasizing that questioning beliefs and embracing change are essential parts of human development regardless of age or religious background.

The Likely Easter Story

In “The Likely Easter Story,” Sharon Scholl, a retired humanities professor, challenges traditional Easter narratives by examining historical evidence beyond biblical accounts. What really happened during Jesus’s final days? This thought-provoking sermon strips away centuries of embellishment to explore the historical figure whose teachings sparked a movement that outlived his execution.

Being in the Threshold. The Spirituality of The “Liminal Space”

In “Liminal Spaces,” Peter Racine explores those in-between moments of uncertainty and transition that define our human experience. This thought-provoking sermon challenges listeners to embrace the discomfort of life’s thresholds—from childhood to adulthood, career changes to retirement—as opportunities for profound spiritual growth and connection.

Awakening to Your True Nature

Hope for Turbulent Times

The 20th century theologian, professor and pastor, The Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman, said we need to find our own “island of peace” where our genuine self resides. When changes are swift and unpredictable and the ground feels like it is shifting under us, finding this place of peace is both rewarding and challenging. It is

Information Era or Error? The Answer Is in the People

Cesar Cardona, originally from Jacksonville, is a public speaker in Los Angeles. He has a certification in mindfulness from Rice University. Mentored by Rebecca Armstrong, a storyteller and friend of Joseph Campbell, and shaped by teachings from Sri Lankan and Tibetan Buddhist monks, Cesar weaves timeless wisdom and personal insights to inspire resilience, inclusion, and

Spiritual Underpinnings of a Just, Inclusive and Equitable Society

UUCJ Milestones in 2024, and Opportunities and Challenges in 2025

Celebrating the Lasting Legacy of Ike Williams

“Celebrating the Lasting Legacy of Ike Williams, 1931-2009, Civil Rights Leader, Publisher of the African American Newspaper the Jacksonville Advocate, and Member of UUCJ,” Peter Racine

Living Our Best Lives: The Impact of Discovering Our True Value

Al Emerick Human Value is Al Emerick’s “24-7, 365 jam!” His mission is to reshape how the world defines, shares, and communicates value. Driving this mission is Al’s belief that each of us makes a much deeper impact and creates far greater value than we realize, we just need the right mechanism to discover what

Remembrance Service: Reflections on 2024 As We Prepare for 2025

Immeasurable Mysteries

There is more to life than eyes can see. Astronomers, scholars, storytellers and poets have theorized upon the nature of Life, along with the miracles and mysteries encountered by humankind throughout time. This service explores but a glimpse of them, and offers an alternate quest for our ever wondering minds. Rev. “Twinkle” Marie Manning is an

An Atheist’s Meanderings about the Nature of God

“I often jest, ‘Just because I’m an atheist doesn’t mean I don’t believe in God.’ I don’t believe, that is, in a personal god, nor in a benevolent and mysterious force that some call God. But there are certain qualities that theologians sometimes attribute to ‘God,’ along with a few of my own, that I

Gifts of the Season: Caring, Sharing and Compassion

How to Read The Christmas Story

The speaker, Sharon Scholl is a retired professor of Humanities from Jacksonville University who has been a member of our church for 20 years. She has served as member or chair of various committees and enjoyed her role as one of our church musicians. She maintains a lively interest in biblical studies, having taught classes

Gratitude, an Intergenerational Service

This Sunday our Religious Education children and teachers will join Peter to present our service. Children’s RE Coordinator, Bridgette Beck will provide our sermon for all ages.

Veteran’s Day

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: It’s What Makes Florida and The US Great!

Three Really Bad Religious Ideas

Sharon Scholl talks about three choices that have shaped people’s religious perspectives since recorded history began. Each has had unfortunate consequences which apply even today. Speaker Bio: The speaker for October 27 is long time member, Sharon Scholl, retired professor of humanities at Jacksonville University. We know her best as one of our church musicians.

Pagan Roots and Connections to UU Spirituality

Democracy: Strengths & Threats

What Does UUCJ Mean to You?

Three UUCJ members speak to what UUCJ means to them and why they support this spiritual community.