Conference Lectures

The two major addresses at the PSD Annual Conference are the Keynote Address and the Judy Lecture. For some of the past lectures, the text of those addresses is available to read here on the PSD Website. For more recent lectures, audio and/or video recordings are available.

The Arthur Markley Judy Foundation was established in 1923 by the Iowa Unitarian Association (one of the predecessors of the Prairie Star District) to ensure one or more speakers of repute at each annual conference, presenting topics along religious, philosophic, and scientific lines. The Rev. Arthur Markley Judy was minister of First Unitarian Church in Davenport, Iowa, from 1881 to 1907. His leadership extended throughout the entire Unitarian movement in Iowa through the agency of the Iowa Unitarian Association, which he served as secretary from 1885 to 1892 and president from 1896 to 1906. Prairie Star District has continued the tradition and offers the Arthur M. Judy Memorial Lecture at each annual conference.

2011

Keynote Address by Rev. Dr. Brian Eslinger
Telling Our Stories
Judy Lectureby Rev. Dr. Kendyl Gibbons
Spiritual Maturity as the Goal of Faith Development

Video Recordings of both 2011 lectures

2010

Opening Worship Service presented by Jan Fitzgerald, Dr. Judy Sasser, Lori Allen, Sherry Warren
Worship Across the Ages
Judy Lecture by Dr. Mark A. Hicks
Experience the Vision!

Video Recording of this lecture and workshop.

2009

Keynote Address by Linda Barnes and Mark Runquist

Here is an audio recording of this presentation which begins with an introduction by the Rev. Brian Eslinger, UU Fellowship of Ames, Iowa:

Judy Lecture by Peter Mayer

Please note: The video and audio below are presented by special arrangement with Peter Mayer. Please do not embed or otherwise redistribute them without permission.

Here is an audio recording of this presentation which begins with an introduction by Gina Dugan and Stan Nichol, co-chairs of the Annual Conference Program Planning Committee:

2008

Keynote Address by Charlie Clements
Who Bears the Burden (not available)
Judy Lecture by Rev. Meg Riley (not available)

2007

Keynote Address by Rev. Dr. Laurel E. Hallman
Try a Little Tenderness
Judy Lecture by Dr. Bill Doherty
Home Grown Religion (not available)

2005

Keynote Address by Rev. Michael A. Schuler
Diversity in the UU Pew: Possibility or Pipe Dream?
Judy Lecture by Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt
Liberal Religion: A Date with History

2004

Keynote Address by Rev. Peter Morales
Making Room in Our Hearts

2001

Judy Lecture by Rev. William R. Murry
Growing Vital and Faithful Congregations

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