Author: Rev. Paul

Our Better Angels

If we really are not all that concerned one way or the other about a historic war against the country that is now our closest ally, if we refuse to shelter ourselves from the dicier truths of our past, from the shameful parts of our … read more.

News Virginian, June 27, 2021

My congregation is observing Pride Sunday today as part of our commitment to growing equity and justice in the areas of sexual orientation and gender identity. It is becoming more common for American churches, synagogues, and other organizations to give a nod to the just … read more.

News Virginian, April 25, 2021

Something important is underway in Washington, D.C. Having passed the House of Representatives on Feb. 25, the “Equality Act” is under consideration in the Senate.

Back in 1986, I met my partner at an ACLU meeting in the Illinois town where we both were living. The … read more.

News Virginian, March 29, 2021

A first column is, like any introduction, the only chance I’ll get to make a first impression. So, no pressure here! Only… some of you already know me, for better or worse.

Perhaps you read the letter I wrote in response to a recent column on … read more.

Loving, Active, Welcoming Grace

LOVING, ACTIVE, WELCOMING GRACE AND UNDERSTANDING
a sermon by the Reverend Paul Oakley
10:30 AM, Sunday, January 26, 2020

 

 

In keeping with our faith and inspired by our Vision, it is the mission of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Waynesboro to grow a loving, … read more.

Justice and Generosity

JUSTICE AND GENEROSITY
a sermon by the Reverend Paul Oakley
10:30 AM, Sunday, December 15, 2019

 

 

This morning we’re going to take a look at the paired words “Justice and Generosity” that come from this congregation’s Vision Statement. This is the fourth in this … read more.

The Practice of Lovingkindness

THE PRACTICE OF LOVINGKINDNESS
a sermon by the Reverend Paul Oakley
10:30 AM, Sunday, November 17, 2019

 

 

If you google the word “Lovingkindness” – that is how we initially seek information that is new to us nowadays, isn’t it? Google it? – and then … read more.

Diverse and Vibrant

DIVERSE AND VIBRANT
a sermon by the Reverend Paul Oakley
10:30 AM, Sunday, September 22, 2019

 

 

Over the course of the 2015 to 2016 fellowship year, my first year here, a task force made up of leaders of the congregation led us on the … read more.

Why Are We Here?

WHY ARE WE HERE?
a sermon by the Reverend Paul Oakley
10:30 AM, Sunday, August 18, 2019

 

 

Perhaps you noticed that I changed the topic from “Worship, Study, Service, Fellowship,” as it is listed on the website to “Why Are We Here?” Never fear! … read more.

Sinai, Pentecost, and Our Democratic Process

SINAI, PENTECOST, AND OUR DEMOCRATIC PROCESS
a sermon by the Reverend Paul Oakley
10:30 AM, Sunday, June 9, 2019

 

 

Today many Christians are celebrating Pentecost, the day recognized as the event that birthed Christianity as a movement that lived beyond the life of one … read more.