Sermons for the Journey Podcast

Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community was never meant to stop at the church door. It is a vision for the world itself: just, interconnected, and whole. What does it mean to weave ourselves into the life of Oakwood–Vaughan, our city, and our wider human family? What might love ask of us when we step outside these doors? Sermon from FirstU's Service on Sun., Apr. 26, 2026. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Settled Ministry Candidate, First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto (FirstU), Canada. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

Ministry begins in the simplest places: a cup of coffee, a conversation, someone who meets you exactly where you are. What might we build together if we made that our daily practice? Sermon from FirstU's Service on Sun., Apr. 19, 2026. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Settled Ministry Candidate, First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto (FirstU), Canada. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

Inspired by the concept of “Holy Envy,” we reflect on what we admire in other faiths and what they awaken in our own hearts. As we enter the wilderness, what holds us close? Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Apr. 12, 2026. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

On this Easter morning, we reflect on the shared wisdom of Jesus and the Buddha: two great spiritual teachers who showed the way of compassion, peace, and liberation. Through story, silence, and a contemplative communion, we honor the deep truths that connect these sacred traditions. Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Apr. 5, 2026. Shared by Rev. Alex & Kozan McLean, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. This sermon was shared between Rev. Alex & Kozan McLean, Grand Traverse Zen Buddhist Community, offered extemporaneously. Video recordings of the shared sermon and service are below. No manuscript is available. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was originally preached during my first year of ministry. What is our theological inheritance as Unitarian Universalists? As we head toward Easter Sunday, we’ll explore past ideas and heresies in our religious past around the divinity of Jesus. What does this history say to who we are now? Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Apr. 17, 2022. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

As the Spring Equinox arrives, we celebrate rebirth, renewal, and the fertility of imagination and Earth. What is blossoming in your spirit this season? Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Mar. 22, 2026. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was originally preached during my first year of ministry. In the spirit of stewardship, how might we draw our circles wider still? Join us as we explore stewardship as an intentional practice to live our values and widen our welcome to others. Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Feb. 27, 2022. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was originally preached during my first year of ministry. In alignment with our congregation-wide read of Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, what are the costs of caste? How might we work to make our segmented society more equitable? Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Feb. 20, 2022. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This Soul Matters month of Paying Attention, join us this Sunday in playing our second installment in a worship-wide game of Dungeons and Dragons! What will the dice have in store for us? Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Mar. 1, 2026. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

When the world weighs heavy, how do we care for our spirits and one another? Members of our community share stories and practices of resilience, rest, and sacred self-care. Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Feb. 22, 2026. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was originally preached during my first year of ministry. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we are lifting up “Soul Friends” or Anam Cara from the writings of John O’Donohue and all of our connections to each other beyond solely romantic love. Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Feb. 13, 2022. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

As we recognize Scout Sunday, we lift up the lesser-known stories of Black leaders and youth who shaped Scouting in the United States, expanding its vision of leadership and justice. Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Feb. 8, 2026. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

At Imbolc (also known as Saint Brigid’s Day), we celebrate the first signs of spring and the quiet emergence of new life. We honor the flame of inspiration and the courage to kindle light in the darkness. Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Feb. 1, 2026. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was originally preached during my first year of ministry. This Sunday, we’ll explore the importance of spiritual practices and what cultivating deep spiritual practices has to offer, even if we ourselves are less spiritually-minded or practiced! Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Jan. 30, 2022. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was originally preached during my first year of ministry. Join us for this service honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As we explore Dr. King’s vision of creating Beloved Community, we’ll delve into the proposed 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism and its roots within our faith. Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Jan. 16, 2022. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was originally preached during my first year of ministry. At times, our intended outcomes can sometimes be different from the actual impacts we have. How do we approach intentionality and living intentionally in the midst of this risk? Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Jan. 23, 2022. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was originally preached during my first year of ministry. Many people experience a “Great Divide” in our present political situation, country, and world. How do we dialogue across such difference? Are we divided now more than ever? Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Jan. 9, 2022. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

What’s the meaning of life? What is prayer, really? What about your favorite color? Ask Rev. Alex a question on your mind and heart in this service of earnest questions and honest answers! Questions from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Dec. 28, 2025. Shared by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

What is the message and spirit of Christmas? Come as we tell the familiar story once again and revel in the joy of this season. Message from UUCGT's Service on Wed., Dec. 24, 2025. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

A Solstice message on surviving the darkest season, resisting despair, and rediscovering our shared power to warm the world through community, care, and love. Message from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Dec. 21, 2025. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was preached back in 2022, in my first year of ministry. As Unitarian Universalists, we are a faith tradition. What does “faith” mean for us? How do UUs understand faith, especially with tensions between science and faith? Are these that irreconcilable after all? Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Mar. 20, 2022. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

Hope lifts us up… and sometimes weighs us down. This Soul Matters month of “Choosing Hope, we’ll explore the Buddhist insight of the “twin thieves” of hope and fear, and how we live meaningfully when hope feels distant. Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Dec. 7, 2025. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was preached back in 2021, in my first year of ministry. Thanksgiving can be a complicated holiday. Holding the themes of gratitude and abundance with the histories of colonization and violence against Indigenous Peoples, we reflect on what it means to gather in this time and how we can hold and make sense of this complex history. Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Nov. 21, 2021. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was preached back in 2023, yet it speaks to this time of gathering together around tables and what it means to embody radical love and inclusion. UU congregations seldom celebrate communion. Though, we hold a lineage and historic importance to this ritual of generosity and abundance. What are its roots? How might we reclaim communion and set a table for all who need it? Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Nov. 12, 2023. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

What does it mean to age with grace, purpose, and humor? In this service inspired by Karl Keinath’s auction offering, we reflect on the gifts and growth of the aging journey. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was originally shared in my first year of ministry. How do Unitarian Universalists relate to prayer? In this service on prayer, we’ll delve into what it means to pray, why we do it, and how it could be meaningful to those that don’t. Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Mar. 13, 2022. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

Who are the saints of our tradition: the truth-tellers, justice-makers, and quiet caregivers? On this All Souls’ Day, we remember those who shaped our faith and call us to deeper love. Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Nov. 2, 2025. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

As the Veil between worlds grows thin, we honor our ancestors and those we have lost in the past year. Through ritual and remembrance, we carry their light forward. Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Oct. 26, 2025. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and LGBTQ+ History Month, we reflect on the history and resilience of Two-Spirit people and the spiritual wisdom they offer our wider human story. Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Oct. 19, 2025. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was originally shared in my first year of ministry. What does it mean to “believe in God?” How can we understand “God” ourselves, if we don’t believe? As a community of both non-theists and theists, we’ll explore perspectives on God and what “a God of our understanding” might mean. Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Mar. 6, 2022. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we listen deeply to the stories and voices of Latinx/Hispanic members of our community. Through memory, music, and reflection, we explore how roots nourish both personal and collective identity. Reflection from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Oct. 5, 2025. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when our words miss the mark? Together we explore how vulnerability, curiosity, and courage can help us stay connected when communication goes sideways. Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Sept. 28, 2025. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

We begin our church year by gathering the waters of our lives—water from summer journeys, sacred moments, and daily renewal—to symbolize our shared life and collective hope. Message from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Sept. 14, 2025. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

We begin our church year by gathering the waters of our lives—water from summer journeys, sacred moments, and daily renewal—to symbolize our shared life and collective hope. Message from UUCGT's Service on Sun., Sept. 7, 2025. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This Christmas Message was delivered on Christmas Eve… But who doesn’t love a Christmas in July?! What is the message and spirit of Christmas? What does A Christmas Carol have to say to us as a congregation in today’s times? Come as we tell the familiar story once again and revel in the joy of the season. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was originally delivered back in winter, but its message still feels timely. Our congregation's history is a garden rich with the gifts of those who came before, tilling the soil for what blooms today. Together, we celebrate the vibrant contributions of new voices and hands, planting seeds of connection and possibility in this rich soil. Join us in this Soul Matters month of “Presence” as we honor our past, nurture our present, and prepare the ground for a thriving future.SPECIAL MUSIC VIDEO FROM SERVICE:PLANTING SEEDS: A Song of Life | Empty Hands Music | nimo feat. daniel nahmod Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was originally delivered back in the fall, but its message still feels timely. How do we foster clear and healthy communication with one another? What happens when the words or signals get mixed up? Join as we explore the surprising challenge in crafting a PB&J sandwich! Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was originally delivered back in the fall, but its message still feels timely. When we serve with our fullest selves, we're invited into a space beyond helping and fixing. How can we embody selfless service in ways that put us into deeper connection with one another? How can we get in touch with that no-strings-attached place of Love and gratitude? Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was originally delivered back in the fall, but its message still feels timely. Shared Ministry involves sharing the many roles and responsibilities that our community holds. While the Minister is an integral part, they cannot do it on their own. How might we strengthen the sharing of our ministry together? Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

As we mark one of Unitarian Universalism's special ceremonies, what is the message of the flowers? Join us in this celebration of diversity, abundance, and freedom! Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

Why consider retreat experiences? How is this type of space helpful for our personal and spiritual lives? For our inner creativity? Rev. Alex reflects on his times on retreat and the unique ways we Unitarian Universalists have a spiritual "passport" to respectfully encounter and learn from other traditions along the way. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

Written before modern understandings and knowledge on mental health, how does mental health show up in the world's traditions? In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we'll look to the metaphors and stories in sacred texts for their gleanings in understanding mental health. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

A necessary component for joy is having the space to experience it! What might Sabbath-taking mean for you? How can this countercultural practice of pausing for rest and renewal help us all to resist the culture of productivity and exploitation that harms so many? Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This Easter, join as we celebrate an Earth-themed Communion. Unitarian Universalist congregations seldom celebrate Communion. Though, we hold a heritage with this ritual of generosity and abundance. How might we reclaim Communion and set a table for all who need it? Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was originally preached back in November, the Sunday following the 2024 election…Following this election, many in our country are feeling anxious, with heavy hearts. What's our Unitarian Universalist message of repair to a hurting nation and world? What moral injuries might we carry that leave us divided or stuck? Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

As we revisit the Exodus story, how might Pharaoh be a metaphor for narcissism? What happens when our hearts are hard to the feelings and needs of others? What happens when we won't listen? Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

Our third and final JETPIG service on the letters I (Interdependence) and G (Generosity). Let's bid our fellow jetpig farewell as we reflect on how Love is at the center of all we do. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

In this second of our JETPIG services, we're taking a look at the letters T (Transformation) and P (Pluralism). Why do Unitarian Universalists value these concepts? Amongst the world traditions, how does this make our faith unique?Sermon from UUCGT's Service on Sunday, Mar. 23, 2025. Preached by the Rev. Alex Jensen, Senior Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse (UUCGT), Traverse City, Michigan. Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

The first service in our JETPIG series celebrating the new values in the UUA's Article II Study Commission's report. This Sunday, we explore the letters J (Justice) and E (Equity) and what these mean for Unitarian Universalists. Rumor has it, we'll have an actual jetpig join us... Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe

This sermon was originally preached back in November, the Sunday before the 2024 election…This month, the new Wicked movie comes out. All eyes are on the polls this election. What can we do to protect and preserve democracy? What could be at stake for our country's conscience and our republic's future? Get full access to Sermons for the Journey at revalexjensen.substack.com/subscribe