Christmas Eve Celebration – “A Light on the Horizon: The Spirit of Christmas”
Thursday, December 24, 6:00 to 7:00 PM
We are so excited for Christmas Eve! It will be different for sure, but being together is one of our greatest gifts. We invite you to Christmas Eve for carols and thoughts of hope and care. This year we will wander toward the gifts of science and Christmas and also ask the question, “What is the spirit of Christmas?” Come help us answer in this family friendly celebration. We’ll have a candlelight ritual at the end. Write to yesplease@uuoakland.org for an auto-reply with details.
Church Office Closed: Thursday, December 24, through Friday, January 1
If you have a pastoral care emergency, please reach out to Evelyn Sheridan, pastoral care coordinator at pastoralcare@uuoakland.org, or to Pastor Theresa, by email at revsoto@uuoakland.org or via phone call or text at 510-473-SOTO (510-473-7686).
Spirit Circle: Small Group Exploration
Thursday, January 14, 7:30 to 8:30 PM
Rev. Theresa Soto will lead an exploration in a small group of themes that are important to us: What do you imagine for the new year? How do you imagine healing from the previous year? You are invited to talk about these things and support one another. Space is limited. Please reply with interest to connect@uuoakland.org or if you have any question.
BIPOC Caucus Antiracism Practice and Discussion
Tuesday, January 19, at 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Those who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are invited to join Rev. Theresa Soto in examining BIPOC relationship with white exceptionalism and what can be reclaimed from identifying the issue. For additional information, contact the Journey Toward Wholeness Antiracism Transformation Team.
January Antiracism Practice and Discussion: “The Good Ones”
Thursday, January 21, 6:30 to 8:00 PM
“Building the racial stamina required to challenge the racist status quo is . . . a critical part of our work as white people.” – Layla Saad, Me and White Supremacy
As we continue to build the world we dream about, as we continue to carry the effects of a pandemic, Pastor Theresa, the Journey Toward Wholeness team, and allies invite you to build your racial stamina in exploring the concept of white exceptionalism. We will investigate how our understanding of who is a good person and who is a bad person is affecting how we deal with and heal from white supremacy. If you want to learn more, check out Me and White Supremacy. If you need support obtaining the book, please reach out to Pastor Theresa.
This antiracism practice and discussion will take place on Thursday evening, January 21, instead of the usual First Sunday schedule. We will also continue our study of white exceptionalism at our usual First Sunday time on February 7 at 11:45 AM with our guest Rev. Deanna Vandiver, former director of the Center for Ethical Living and Social Justice Renewal in New Orleans. For additional information, contact the Journey Toward Wholeness Antiracism Transformation Team.
Kiss the Ground with Earth Justice Advocates
Thursday, January 28, 8:00 to 9:00 PM
Most of us are worried about climate change, and there are solutions! One lies right under our feet—in the soil. Appropriate agricultural practices can sequester enormous amounts of carbon in the ground. Find out how in the film Kiss the Ground narrated by Woody Harrelson on Netflix. It’s amazing. Then participate in a discussion of it led by Earth Justice Advocates. For more info, email earthjustice@uuoakland.org.