Join us for another poetic Sunday where Gillian Wegener discusses life in the Central Valley through her poetry and personal reflections. Gillian is the founding president of the Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center, a former poet laureate of Modesto, and a lifelong educator, as well as a good friend to several UU members! Worship Leaders: Dee Hawksworth, … Continue reading Stand in the Place Where You Live

Is the rudder of the ship of your life on autopilot, moving with the currents?  If there is a captain, who is it?  What is it?  We live in a time when there are many currents at play. Sailing mindfully can be important.  Come join Rev. Erin in exploring stories, songs, slogans, and more that … Continue reading Sailing Your Boat Well

There are over 2,500 Unitarian Universalists in the Philippines in 25 congregations and 10 newly forming fellowships. Most of the churches are located in remote rural farming and fishing villages. What can UUs from the Philippines teach us about their unique expression of our shared global liberal religious faith? How can building bridges of mutuality … Continue reading Diyos sa Gugma (God of Love):Building Bridges with the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines (UUCP)

Who can measure the value and worth of an acorn or a mustard seed; yet inside they hold a mystery that bursts and brings life.  Thus it is with the small groups of a Church. Each holds a hologram, a piece of the whole to replenish and nourish, expand and deepen with unique functions and … Continue reading Small is Powerful

We live a lot of our lives in boxes, coloring inside the lines and following the rules. We all need moments of creativity and imagination, though. In fact, we are more truly living in those creative moments than in the serious and efficient “working hard” moments. There’s value in doing our work and chores well, … Continue reading Creativity – Special Music Sunday

Late civil rights activist John Lewis called us to: “Not get lost in a sea of despair and to never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” Week after week, Unitarian Universalists strive to build beloved community and safe space for those of us on the margins. How … Continue reading Toward the Beloved Community of Unitarian Universalism 

Many have pondered or joked over the years, “which comes first … the chicken or the egg“? Which should come first, work or rest? Cindy Lee, spiritual director, urban explorer, PhD in practical theology and spiritual formation, DMin in transformational leadership, and adjunct faculty at Fuller Theological challenges us to look at the ways we orient our … Continue reading Which Comes First?

Shame, that deep feeling of badness and unworthiness, holds hostage the energy we need to be our most loving and powerful.  What if we understood shame as pointing us to where we are called to bring our UU radical love and compassion? What if shame points us in the direction of celebration?  Worship leaders:  Rev. … Continue reading Shame, Power, and Celebration

“Pride was a riot” is a phrase repeated to invoke remembering that the jubilation and “fun” of many queer pride celebrations was and is an act of resistance and riot– against all the powers pushing us into square boxes of easily managed identities. What are you riotously proud of?  The music of Melynda Rodriguez will … Continue reading Riotously Proud- Special Music Sunday