Rev. Scott takes time for photo booth fun between services.
Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael was borrn in Jacksonville, Florida, and grew up in Baltimore, MD. There, in 1983, Scott co-founded the Maryland chapter of the Nuclear Freeze Campaign. In 1994 Rev Scott helped organize the Southwest Baltimore “Tree-Mendous Maryland” initiative, bringing fresh, live plants and playgrounds to vacant city lots. He also worked as a labor organizer for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 24.
Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from UMBC and a Masters in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College, Annapolis; he is also a licensed electrician and building inspector. Reverend Scott prepared for the ministry at Meadville Lombard Theological School. At Meadville, Rev. Scott received the Jenkin Lloyd Jones Scholarship, the Atherton Scholarship, and the Von Ogden Vogt Scholarship for liturgical studies. It was also at Meadville that he met his partner in life and ministry, Rev Anya.
In 2007 Scott founded TUUL-Belt Ministries, a practical ministry training people with construction experience to respond to natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina. In 2011 Scott recipient of the Outstanding Contribution by a Minister Award from the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice. Scott served as a leader of Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement. V.O.I.C.E. is a congregation based community organization promoting immigration reform and economic justice for Northern Virginia’s middle and low income families.
Rev Scott and his wife Rev Anya Sammler-Michael have served as Senior Co-Ministers of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Montclair since August 1, 2017. Besides participating in various Justice and Arts initiatives in and around Montclair, Reverend Scott thrives outside the congregation as a musician and music producer, currently working on the second release of his Celtic Rock Fusion band, Dragons Head.
Sermons
Return of “The Sensitive Guy”
March 19, 2023Many believe it is not possible to be a sensitive person and to have good boundaries. That fallacy is an affront both to boundaries and being sensitive. Join Rev Scott as we explore remaining open to the needs and pain around us while attending to our own needs as well.
The Wounded Healer
March 5, 2023It is sadly too frequent that we believe we must be whole, or even perfect, to be of service. In truth, service can make us whole and our broken places can become the sources of our greatest strength.
Nurturing Love
February 26, 2023Tenderness is what love looks like in private. Justice is what love looks like in public. Covenant is what love looks like in community. Accountability is what love looks like in relationships. ‘Revolutionary love’ is the choice to labor for others, for our opponents, and for ourselves in order to transform the world around us. These are the many ways to nurture love. Our service is full of music, energy, joy... and you, if you choose to join us!
Is Love’s Labour Ever Truly Lost?
February 12, 2023“Is Love's Labor Ever Truly Lost?” — led by the Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, senior co-minister. We too often think of love as transactional —believing we should receive something in return. But love is its own reward. Join us as we explore the nature of 'Agape" love — the unrequited, unconditional love for all humankind. Rev. Scott preaches. Inter Sabrina shares testimony. Music fills our hearts and our sanctuary.
The Danger of Sainthood
January 8, 2023“The Danger of Sainthood” — led by the Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael. Centering voices from the margins is required for us to live into our vision of justice. But what happens when we beautify leaders of our justice movements? Join Rev. Scott as we explore keeping a balance between admiration and imitation, between living the lessons of our prophets and simply mouthing their words.
Out of the Flames
January 1, 202301-01-23 UUCM New Year's Day Jazz Brunch and Worship Service "Out of the Flames" - led by the Revs. Anya and Scott Sammler-Michael. This very special worship event includes live jazz and a fire communion. We will set the past years refuse aflame and prepare emotionally and spiritually for the good that will come.
A Prayer for Christmas
December 24, 2022"A Prayer for Christmas" led by the Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael. In this darkest week of the year, on this special night, join us for a candlelight Christmas Eve service. Together we will compose prayers worthy of the Christmas holiday, a prayer and stories of good tidings for all people everywhere. As always, we will have a big choir and a small orchestra!
The Sublime in the Ordinary
December 4, 2022“The Sublime in the Ordinary” Wonders abound and thrive all around us. How do we stop long enough to appreciate the beauty of this world into which we were born? Rev Scott leads a reflection on appreciating and celebrating the wonder of "simple" things, we celebrate the Child Dedication of Clara Josephine Lombardo, and the choir shares sublimity!
You Can’t Step in the Same River Twice
November 6, 2022“You Can't Step in the Same River Twice” - led by the Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, senior co-minister. The only constant in our lives is change. How we approach, manage and lead change reveals much about our success and happiness. Using a 1939 sermon from our history - "The Menace of Anti-Semitism,' Rev Scott will show how even an issue like Anti-Semitism - which we recognize - is different when expressed in different ages. Join us as we reflect on the nature of change in word, story and song.
The Courage to Be
October 23, 2022“The Courage To Be” - led by the Revs. Anya and Scott Sammler-Michael, senior co-ministers. We meet one another on a crooked path and collectively find our way toward freedom. Special guest the Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd joins our full ministry team for a special service.
Courageous Witness Over Time
October 9, 2022As part of our 125th Anniversary celebrations, Rev Scott shares precious gems from the UUCM Archives. We will explore how our congregation has been a leader over time for the major justice issues that confronted them, many which still confront us. This morning, Rev Scott will focus on how UUCM led the fight for Women's Rights.
Let Righteousness Flow like a Mighty Stream
September 11, 2022“Let Righteousness Flow like a Mighty Stream”- led by the Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael, senior co-minister and Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, senior co-minister. Water Communion is our annual ritual of ingathering for the congregational year. It is a celebration of our individuality and the way we merge in shared commitment to bring about the beloved community.
