Can You Believe I Gave A Sermon at A Church and It Didn't Explode

Most Sunday mornings, I’m usually either drinking an eleventh cup of tea or traipsing in the woods after my husband (mushroom foraging is the new fishing, haven’t you heard?)

But this past Sunday I found myself somewhere I’d never been before: Delivering a sermon at church.

Well, it wasn’t exactly a sermon as my people don’t do a whole lot of preaching, but I figured I’d be forgiven. Besides, it’s still too hot for fire and brimstone anyway.

Savannah’s historic Unitarian Universalist Church remains one the most inclusive spiritual spaces around, welcoming humans of all stripes and incorporating elements from myriad religious traditions that cleave to the values of beauty, justice and love. (It’s also reportedly where “Jingle Bells” was written, though it’s hard to image anyone riding a one-horse open sleigh through Troup Square.)

All religions representing. Photo by Rebecca Flaherty

Every July, UU invites guests from the community while Rev. Lisa Doege takes a well-deserved summer vacation. The lovely Yvette Upton threw my name into the ring, and though I don’t know my homilies from my testimonies, I prepared a small speech and put on a pretty dress (regrettably, I did not have a nice church hat to match.)

I’m not one to worry about God’s well-aimed lightning strikes, but I still felt like an imposter standing in front of the congregation. Seeing the friendly faces of theological polymath Roberta Hopkins and that sweet soprano Rebecca Flaherty helped, and thankfully, I had the kind and patient worship associate Abby Powell to walk me through the service. Music director and nationally-recognized composer David Neches is so good at his job that I found myself singing along to hymns I’d never heard.

Always a joy to talk spirituality with Roberta

It was truly a wonderful experience that will resonate long after the chime of the singing bowl. And while mushroom foraging time remains sacred, I hope to return to UU again one Sunday soon. Might have to get myself a church hat.

If you’re a subscriber who slept through the service, you can read Sunday’s not-a-sermon as well as a video of the poem I shared.