Adapting the words of 18th century American philosopher and revolutionary leader Thomas Paine for our time, “these are the times that try our souls.” Anxiety, anger, polarization, despair, and fear seem widespread and appropriate. In the context of such troubling times, we need authentic community and truth telling, plus the deep spiritual practices of faith, … Continue reading Countering Fear, Cultivating Hope and Joy
We welcome back former Modesto poet laureate Gillian Wegener who will offer an experience of beauty through her poetry. Poetry connects us to, and expands on, our own feelings, and is as Audre Lorde said, “a vital necessity of our existence.” Worship Leaders this week are Todd Whiteley and Gillian Wegener. Greeters at the door this week … Continue reading Poetry: A Vital Necessity
Most of us have heard the phrase, “beauty is only skin deep.” Yet beauty is about so much more than “looks” or creation. And what about what beauty does in us, and so for the world? Come explore the many dimensions of beauty through the writings and poetry of John O’Donohue, David Whyte, sacred texts … Continue reading The Many Dimensions of Beauty
Activist and community organizer adrienne maree brown writes that we should pace our efforts to the “speed of trust.” What can emerge when we stop expecting mechanistic efficiency and change our tempos to the speed of trust? Worship leaders this week are Rev. Darcy, Sharon Arpoika, and Haruko DeArth.
Music takes us to emotional and spiritual depths that words cannot. This Sunday, we welcome the trio of Jorge Torrez, Amanda Jane Ross and Tanya Harris for a special music Sunday, inviting their music to stir, provoke, and move us towards Beauty. Worship leaders this week are Rev. Darcy, Haruko DeArth, and Jorge Torrez.
Throughout our lifetimes, we humans have opportunities to grow in so many ways. Our early years are particularly rich in growth–our bodies and brains are growing and adapting more actively than in any other period of life. Come celebrate the journey of growth as we honor the youth of our community. Worship Leaders this week are Rev. Darcy, Brian Wise, and Jorge Torrez.
The phrase “curiosity killed the cat” has been around for decades, if not centuries. People have enjoyed it, used it without thought, perhaps even with good intention. But Curiosity hasn’t been happy with that. She begs to differ, would like to set the record straight, and is ready to speak out. Come hear from her for yourself as she makes her first public appearance in a string of scheduled stops on that tour at the UU Fellowship this Sunday. Worship leaders this week are Sharon Arpoika, Rev. Erin Matteson, and Jorge Torrez.
What does it mean to carry forward Unitarian Universalism? In the lead-up to our annual congregation meeting today, we explore what it means to, in the words of Rev. William Channing Gannett, “join ourselves together, name, hand, and heart.” Worship leaders this week are Rev. Darcy, Brian Wise, and Haruko DeArth.
Most of us wonder about our families, who they were, where they came from, what our place is in them. Being adopted heightens this curiosity. Janet Moncrief, who grew up in our Fellowship and was a member until she moved to Santa Cruz, will share her adoption search story. Worship leaders this week are Haruko DeArth, Jorge Torrez, and guest speaker Janet Moncrief.
A core human need is to belong– we honor our own sense of belonging here at UUFSC, engage our curiosity about our newcomers’ stories, and welcome new members as they begin their journey of belonging here. Worship leaders this week are BB Rev. Darcy, Todd Whiteley, and Jorge Torrez.
