Rev. Nate Walker’s PodCasts

Whether we like it or not our country is a theolegal democracy – a nation whose legislators are not allowed to legislate theology but who can use theology to legislate. Rev. Nate Walker of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia will analyze this trend in a lecture about the relative ecumenical diversity of the country’s founders and their constituents, a supermajority of whom identified as Christians. Over time, religious pluralism became more complex as American society both influenced and was influenced by globalization. Rev. Nate will urge us to no longer use the historical term “separation of church and state” to describe our theolegal nation, but to acknowledge the country’s theological diversity by using the phrase “separation of religion and state”.

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Rev. Nate Walker of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia reports the $20,300 shortfall in the members’ annual fund pledge drive. As a result he proposed to freeze all spending for church-related programs and freezing scheduled pay increases for 10 of our 13 employees. In addition, we propose eliminating one position for this next year. Click here to read a summary of those budgetary cuts and click here for specific calculations.

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Rev. Nate Walker of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia begins this Yom Kippur service by saying, “I come to you mourning the death of one of the great Unitarian Universalists ministers of our time; a mentor, colleague and friend who wrote 25 books and served All Souls Unitarian in New York City for 30 years. On Thursday, the day after his 61st birthday, the Reverend Dr. Forrest Church died of complications associated with esophageal cancer. A reading from his book, Love & Death, serve as our call to worship: just as he described his father’s death, so we use Forrest’s words to describe his own: ‘He… taught us how to die… In his life, [he] was a bit like the daystar, rising early to prominence, brilliant in the dusk and against the darkness, showing other stars the way. When it came time for him to go, when his precious flame flickered, he was ready. Peacefully, naturally, with serenity and grace, he returned his light unto the eternal horizon. Like the daystar, [he] went out with the dawn.’”

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Part I of the audio tour designed to share some exciting news. We are very close to our goal of raising the $350,000 needed to prevent water from continuing to seep through the walls and eroding the interior of the sanctuary of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia. Our hope is that you will partner with us to complete the Preservation Campaign, aware that the First Unitarian Church has been a beacon for architectural excellence and social justice since its founding in 1796.

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Closing words of the sermon, “Six Degrees of Truth and Love” offered by Rev. Nate Walker of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia on January 18, 2009.

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A Letter to My Murderer: A workshop about the Death Penalty offered at the General Assembly of Unitarian Universalist Congregations on Saturday, June 27th in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Words of welcome by Reverend Dr. Richard Speck, District Executive, Joseph Priestley District of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Opening Reading by Kathy Bonanno, author of Slamming Open the Door, winner of the 2008 Beatrice Hawley Award. Opening Words by Reverend Catherine Harrington, People’s Church, The West Shore Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Ludington, MI. The Declaration of Life by Jean Rabenold, President of the Unitarian Universalists for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (www.uuadp.org). Reflections on Knoxville by the Reverend Dr. Chris Buice, Minister of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church of Knoxville, TN. Sermon entitled “A Letter to My Murderer” by Reverend Nate Walker, Minister of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia. Reporting back from Workshop Chaplains. Extinguishing Chalice by Rev. Nina Kalmoutis, recently called to serve the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Sunnyvale, CA. Benediction by Reverend Catherine Harrington, People’s Church, The West Shore Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Ludington, MI.

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Rev. Nate was invited to participate in a panel entitled “Abundance in Troubled Times” at the 2009 General Assembly. “Times of economic stress put pressure on our congregations and make living a theology of generosity challenging. Are there limits to a theology of abundance? How many special collections are too many? Does generous giving to UU and outside organizations increase or decrease giving to the local congregation?” Hosted by Rev. Beth Graham, Laurel Amabile and Rev. Dr. Stephan Papa. Co-panelists include Erika Hewitt, Jeanne Pupke and Liz Lerner. The following recording is the 6 minute clip of Rev. Nate’s opening words.

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Dialogue sermon with Christine Carlson and Rev. Nate Walker of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, June 14, 2009.

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A dialogue sermon with Connie Baker, Ginny Beier, Beth Ralston and Reverend Nate Walker of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, November 23, 2008.

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The choir of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia sings “That Ever I Saw” music by Darmon Meader, anonymous text. Music Director, Jennifer Hayman.

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The choir of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia sings “A Red, Red Rose” music by James Mulholland, text by Robert Burns. Music Director, Jennifer Hayman.

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The choir of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia sings “No Words” music by Rob Landes.

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The choir of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia sings “The Pace of Wild Things” music by Joan Szymko and text by Wendell Berry. Music Director, Jennifer Hayman.

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In keeping with our discussion of “deep listening and loving speech,” Rev. Nate will address the importance and value of mediation. Countering the effects of our culture, so quick to judge, we will explore the potential of dialogue in realizing one of our cherished Unitarian Universalist ideals, preserving the inherent worth and dignity of all people, even those with whom we disagree.

This recording includes an activity with the children related to the sermon that unpacks the controversy about the possibility of One Life Crew playing at the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, as reported by Anti Racist Action and the One People’s Project.

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As Unitarian Universalists we find meaning in not only the sacred text of the world’s religions but in the sacred moments in everyday life. There are no bounds to our exploration for truth and meaning, which is why – as part of our Racial Justice ministry – we welcomed over 80 Unitarian Universalists from 9 regional congregations to Center City, Philadelphia to witness a production of The Rant at the Interact Theater, which has inspired today’s service. The Rant is a tragic story about the death of an African American adolescent at the hand of the police, due to a coincidence of inflamed passions and flawed intervention. The drama that follows is built on repeated and calculated failures to tell the truth, to face personal failure and culpability, to own vulnerability in the face of immense societal pressures. The play as a whole points out the difficulty of seeing clearly given the distorted lenses and arguments regularly offered up by contemporary society. It challenges us to imagine some more adequate responses and some better outcomes. The following words are from playwright Andrew Case, which will serve as today’s reading.

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Reverend Nathan C. Walker delivers his annual Valentine’s Day sermon at the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, a Unitarian Universalist congregation.

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A reflection by Reverend Nathan C. Walker

On Thursday, February 12, 2009, we will honor the bicentennial birthdays of two men who shaped the course of human history. Why do their ideas still resonate with us today?

When thinking of Darwin we are reminded of the ways religion has suppressed scientific inquiry and put a false divide between faith and reason. In his time, Charles Darwin had to confront a culture of superstitious religiosity that closed the mind, feared science and rejected anything contrary to creation myths. Two hundred years later, we gather in the spirit of Evolution Sunday – where worship services are held throughout the country that affirm the coupling of faith and reason. We celebrate the fact that we are still evolving in body, in mind, in spirit. We celebrate our collective ability to take but one more step toward understanding our place in the world. We know we are not there yet, but in celebrating his birth we see how Darwin was but one voice in the many throughout history who has helped us evolve.

When thinking of Lincoln we are reminded of what many scholars call America’s greatest sin – the sin of slavery. In his time President Lincoln had to confront slavery and move the country into a trajectory toward emancipation. Two hundred years later, after having just elected the first African American to the highest office of the land, we gather in the spirit of Black history month and hold our heads back in wonder at the moral arch of our evolution. In terms of racial justice, we are but still evolving toward freedom; for each day we deliberately take one more step toward equality. We know we are not there yet, but in celebrating his birth we see how Lincoln was but one voice in the many who sought to liberate us from the discriminatory mind.

In what ways are we still bound by the discriminatory mind? Who in our society and in our world are physically, morally or spiritually enslaved? Darwin speaks of the survival of the fittest – are humans going to be the species that will survive or will we fall victim to the power of Mother Nature? We may not be the fittest. Maybe our planet needs to be emancipated from human domination. In terms of the environment, maybe humans need to evolve from species of consumption to species of sustainable creation. In terms of politics, maybe humans need to evolve from nuclear-nation states to peace-making citizens of the world. In doing so, we not only help one another evolve but we emancipate one another from destructive practices, aware that in order to survive humans must be not only physically, but also intellectually, morally and spiritually fit.

Rev. Nate Walker was the guest preacher at the Unitarian Society of Germantown, Philadelphia on February 1, 2009. He delivered the following sermon entitled, A Letter to My Murderer, which serves as an advanced directive should he ever be a victim of murder. This sermon about capital punishment is shared in the context of the shootings in Knoxville, TN in July of 2008.

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A sermon by Reverend Nathan C. Walker of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia

Martin Luther King Jr. first learned of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi when attending a lecture at the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia about nonviolent resistance called Satyagraha. Gandhi described Satyagrah as follows: “Its root meaning is holding onto truth, hence truth-force. I have also called it love-force or soul-force. In the application of satyagraha, I discovered in the earliest stages that pursuit of truth did not admit of violence being inflicted on one’s opponent but that he must be weaned from error by patience and compassion.” This service will drawing upon the life of Martin Luther King Jr, Mahatma Gandhi, Henry David Thoreau, Leo Tolstoy whose words and deeds challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion and the transforming power of love.

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Taoist philosophical and religious traditions remind us that peace is possible. This peaceful state is achieved through the three jewels of “the way” – compassion, moderation and humility. Our service will be co-officiated by Janet Elfring, who studied Taoist writings in China and our minister Reverend Nate Walker. Taoism, made up of the religious and philosophical traditions that inspire our ethical and spiritual life.

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Will Unitarian Universalists advocate for the death penalty of David Adkisson, the gunman who open-fired in the sanctuary of our sister congregation in Knoxville, TN? Rev. Nate will explore this question, and the ethics of the death penalty, in the context of a letter he will read to his imagined murderer – a hypothetical statement that can serve as an advance-directive, should Rev. Nate ever be a victim of manslaughter. If others also crafted such statements, would these documents serve help those who were left behind? Would it aid the government by legally pledging the state to honor the wishes of killed and thereby finding a social alternative to capital punishment?

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By drawing upon the history of our Universalist ancestors, Rev. Nate Walker of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia presents his charge to the congregation: to couple one’s conscience with universal love as inspired foundations for our collective engagement in democracy. The purpose is to respond to those who proclaim eternal damnation with a prophetic 21st Century vision of Universalism. Special guest, Michael Masters of the Murray Grove Association plays the role of Thomas Potter (b. 1689 – d. 1777), one of the influential figures in American Universalism.

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Our true nature is to love. To love is to experience the eternal. Love heals pride, for pride is a temporary state of arrogance transformed by our true nature.

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Transcript: “We, the members of the Unitarian Church of Staten Island, challenge YOU, First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, to a high-five challenge.” This means, they challenge a majority of the pledging units of First Church to give at 5% of their annual adjusted income.

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“In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, an oxygen mask with descend from the ceiling. Grab the mask, pull it over your face. If you have a small child traveling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs.” Said another way, in order to help others you must first help yourself by practicing self-care.”

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An interactive intergenerational service that transformed the pews of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia into a world map. Children and Youth helped distribute the worlds resources so that we could see, “from a distance,” the inequities of the world.

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Often clergy are uncritical about the act of forgiveness. Is it possible to counsel a victim not to forgive? Could forgiveness be harmful in some circumstances? Rev. Nate will use these questions to reflect upon the nature of unforgiveness as compared to forgiveness.

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A slam sermon by Rev. Nate Walker using the words of Malcom X as a sacred text.

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A Multi-track Sermon by Rev. Nate Walker entitled, “The Power to Ordain”

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Laying of Hands: the Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt. Ordination Hymn, Written for Nate Walker by the Rev. Mark Belletini with reference to words by Martin Luther King, Jr. Tune: Nettleton. Meter: 8.7.8.7.D. Vocalists: Matan Ariel, Justin Catalino, SiouxSanna Ramirez-Cruz, and LeLaina Romero with Jason Whiting on piano. Ordination Prayer: The Rev. Orlanda Brugnola

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Greetings & Blessings. Drum interludes by David Williams. Greetings from Ellen Chulak of the Murray Grove Association; The Rev. Calvin Dame from the Unitarian Universalist District Metro NY and the UUA; and Julie Schell from Teachers College Columbia University.

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Hands of Fellowship by the Rev. Orlanda Brugnola, Benediction by the Rev. Nathan C. Walker, and the Recessional played by Trevor Marshal

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Lifespan Sermon by Hallie Waletzko, Birdy Sahagian, David Williams, the Rev. Hope Johnson and the Rev. Carol Haag

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Offertory: Living Tradition Fund. Seminarians & Candidates for Ministry. Offertory music - Children will Listen by Stephen Sondheim sung by Laura Beth Brown and accompanied by Ray Burghardt.

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Greetings from Dr. Jane Rosecrans of the First and Kandy Fielo from the Unitarian Universalist Community Church in Glen Allen, Virginia. Greetings from the Rev. Dr. Gabriella Lettini and Dr. Kathleen Talvacchia, former advisers at Union Theological Seminary. Greetings from The Rev. Carol Huston from the Metro NY Chapter, Unitarian Universalist Ministers’ Association. Gifts from Petra Thombs on behalf of the Community Unitarian Church at White Plains; Maureen Curran on behalf of the Unitarian Church of Staten Island; and Joey Brenneman on behalf of the Fourth Universalist Society.

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Rhythm dance with Craig Waletzko and the children of the Fourth Universalist Society

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Musical Charge to the Minister: written and performed by the Rev. Burns and Dr. Lorraine Stanfield and their children Elisabeth, Nathan and Grace

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Act of Ordination: Jill Hueckel, President of the Unitarian Church of Staten Island and Bruce Eaken, President of the Fourth Universalist Society.

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Musical Call to Celebration written and performed by Jackie Maye: Score victory for humanity, good people, lead the way. We’re searching for truth, yet in the know that this dress rehearsal is really the show, and one by one, all will see, love’s triumph over hate. Score a victory for humanity at least 10 times a day.

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Andrea Lerner with District Ministers and Directors of Religious Education. “May the light we now kindle inspire us to use our power to heal with love, to help with compassion, to bless with joy, to serve the sprit of freedom in the fullness of community.”

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