Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
Rev. J Sylvan's sermon explores the struggle of being fully present in a world overflowing with distractions and numbing habits. They connect mindfulness and yogic teachings to the idea that awareness – distinguishing between pain and mere sensation – allows us to face grief, fear, and uncertainty without being consumed by them. Rev. J calls for collective awakening through compassionate presence, urging us to resist distraction, witness reality with love, and cultivate awareness as the path toward a more unified and caring world.
Lay minister Jack Markman shares the story of how dating his roommate Sarah, a choice that once felt risky and deeply personal, ultimately led to a lasting and joyful relationship. He reflects that meaningful decisions are rarely made in isolation but emerge through shared influence, support, and connection with others.
ORDER OF SERVICE
00:00 🎵 Introduction: "We Will Go Out In The World" by David Owens
00:59 🎵 Choral Prelude: "Slow Me Down" – words: traditional; music by Dale Wood (American, 1934-2003); presented by the Chancel Choir; David Owens, piano
04:18 🎵 Introit: # 188, "Come, Come, Whoever You Are" – words adapted from Rumi (1207-1273); music by Rev. Lynn Ungar (American, b. 1963); led by David Owens
05:10 Welcome & Announcements – Rev. J Sylvan
08:50 Chalice Lighting – Rev. J Sylvan
10:48 🎵 Choral Response: "Flaming Forest" – words by Bonnie May Malody (American, 1913-2000); music by David Edward Schafer (American, 1931-2023); presented by the Chancel Choir; conducted by Holly Stuart; David Owens, piano
13:32 Introduction of the Lay Minister – Rev. J Sylvan
13:55 Lay Minister: Jack Markman
18:57 🎵 Interlude – David Owens, piano
19:13 Meditation – Rev. J Sylvan
30:16 🎵 Choral Meditation Response: "Where Do We Come From?" – words and music by David Owens; presented by the Chancel Choir; conducted by David Owens
31:58 🎵 Song of Gratitude: # 1010, "We Give Thanks" – words & music by Wendy Luella Perkins (Canadian, b. 1966); led by Rev. J Sylvan
32:41 🎵 Doxology: "From All that Dwell Below the Skies" – words: composite based on Isaac Watts (English, 1674-1748); melody: "Old Hundredth" from Genevan Psalter (1551)
33:44 Sermon: "Feel It All" – Rev. J Sylvan
57:18 🎵 Closing Hymn: # 354, "We Laugh, We Cry" – words & music by Shelley Jackson Denham (American, 1950-2013)
1:00:13 Benediction – Rev. J Sylvan
1:00:49 🎵 Postlude: "I Feel It All" – words & music by Leslie Feist (Canadian, b. 1976); Katie Swade, Lissa Lander, and Rosie Lander, vocals; David Owens, piano
1:04:44 Closing Words – Rev. J Sylvan
1:05:17 🎵 End Credits
Rev. J Sylvan, Senior Minister
Rev. Monica Dobbins, Assistant Minister
Amanda Esko, Director of Religious Education
David Owens, Director of Music
Stefanie Park, Administrator
Tristan Moore, Audiovisual Director
🌎 First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City
→ Website: slcuu.org
→ Facebook: facebook.com/firstuuslc
→ Instagram: instagram.com/firstuuslc
→ YouTube: youtube.com/FirstUUSLC
🙏 All of First Unitarian Church's programs depend on the generous contributions of our members and friends.
→ Donate: slcuu.breezechms.com/give/online
🎬 Related video topics from First Unitarian Church
→ youtube.com/playlist?list=PLouELW-J6FZZLSGAsaNRV_DKPrN2PUh8g
→ youtube.com/playlist?list=PLouELW-J6FZanoZ9SKsKK7mX4DIKnJdmh
Rev. J Sylvan's sermon explores the struggle of being fully present in a world overflowing with distractions and numbing habits. They connect mindfulness and yogic teachings to the idea that awareness – distinguishing between pain and mere sensation – allows us to face grief, fear, and uncertainty without being consumed by them. Rev. J calls for collective awakening through compassionate presence, urging us to resist distraction, witness reality with love, and cultivate awareness as the path toward a more unified and caring world.
Lay minister Jack Markman shares the story of how dating his roommate Sarah, a choice that once felt risky and deeply personal, ultimately led to a lasting and joyful relationship. He reflects that meaningful decisions are rarely made in isolation but emerge through shared influence, support, and connection with others.
ORDER OF SERVICE
00:00 🎵 Introduction: "We Will Go Out In The World" by David Owens
00:59 🎵 Choral Prelude: "Slow Me Down" – words: traditional; music by Dale Wood (American, 1934-2003); presented by the Chancel Choir; David Owens, piano
04:18 🎵 Introit: # 188, "Come, Come, Whoever You Are" – words adapted from Rumi (1207-1273); music by Rev. Lynn Ungar (American, b. 1963); led by David Owens
05:10 Welcome & Announcements – Rev. J Sylvan
08:50 Chalice Lighting – Rev. J Sylvan
10:48 🎵 Choral Response: "Flaming Forest" – words by Bonnie May Malody (American, 1913-2000); music by David Edward Schafer (American, 1931-2023); presented by the Chancel Choir; conducted by Holly Stuart; David Owens, piano
13:32 Introduction of the Lay Minister – Rev. J Sylvan
13:55 Lay Minister: Jack Markman
18:57 🎵 Interlude – David Owens, piano
19:13 Meditation – Rev. J Sylvan
30:16 🎵 Choral Meditation Response: "Where Do We Come From?" – words and music by David Owens; presented by the Chancel Choir; conducted by David Owens
31:58 🎵 Song of Gratitude: # 1010, "We Give Thanks" – words & music by Wendy Luella Perkins (Canadian, b. 1966); led by Rev. J Sylvan
32:41 🎵 Doxology: "From All that Dwell Below the Skies" – words: composite based on Isaac Watts (English, 1674-1748); melody: "Old Hundredth" from Genevan Psalter (1551)
33:44 Sermon: "Feel It All" – Rev. J Sylvan
57:18 🎵 Closing Hymn: # 354, "We Laugh, We Cry" – words & music by Shelley Jackson Denham (American, 1950-2013)
1:00:13 Benediction – Rev. J Sylvan
1:00:49 🎵 Postlude: "I Feel It All" – words & music by Leslie Feist (Canadian, b. 1976); Katie Swade, Lissa Lander, and Rosie Lander, vocals; David Owens, piano
1:04:44 Closing Words – Rev. J Sylvan
1:05:17 🎵 End Credits
Rev. J Sylvan, Senior Minister
Rev. Monica Dobbins, Assistant Minister
Amanda Esko, Director of Religious Education
David Owens, Director of Music
Stefanie Park, Administrator
Tristan Moore, Audiovisual Director
🌎 First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City
→ Website: slcuu.org
→ Facebook: facebook.com/firstuuslc
→ Instagram: instagram.com/firstuuslc
→ YouTube: youtube.com/FirstUUSLC
🙏 All of First Unitarian Church's programs depend on the generous contributions of our members and friends.
→ Donate: slcuu.breezechms.com/give/online
🎬 Related video topics from First Unitarian Church
→ youtube.com/playlist?list=PLouELW-J6FZZLSGAsaNRV_DKPrN2PUh8g
→ youtube.com/playlist?list=PLouELW-J6FZanoZ9SKsKK7mX4DIKnJdmh
