Congratulations to Pastor Theresa and First Unitarian Oakland!

Pastor Theresa’s installation was a significant milestone in the life of our congregation and unique in its ritual of more than 200 attendees sharing mindful bites across the country. Many thanks to the numerous volunteers who created art and decorated the treat bags, shopped, assembled the treat bags, and delivered them, and to the many more who stood by ready to help! Please visit the online greeting board to read the notes and good wishes offered to both Pastor Theresa and First Unitarian. You are invited to add your own message until May 2, when the greeting board will close. If you were not able to attend, a recording is available for you to view on our YouTube channel.

First Sunday Poetry Circle
Sunday, May 2, 9:30 to 10:15 AM

“Come, fill the cup, in the fire of Spring your winter garments of repentance fling….” So wrote Persian poet Omar Khayyam. What hopes of renewal inspire your Spring? Please join poetry lovers for the answer poems may give. Bring a poem to share or just come to listen. Contact Ron Weisberg for more info and Zoom contact.

First Sunday Antiracism Discussion and Practice
Sunday, May 2, 11:45 AM to 1:15 PM

We’ll discuss dynamics of racial identity and practices to overcome barriers and oppression created by racism. Our guest Kia Bordner and another guest facilitator will lead an exploration into what justice means to Indigenous people and to us as settlers on unceded Ohlone Land. For an auto-reply with a meeting link, email yesplease@uuoakland.org with the subject line FIRST SUNDAY.

Spirit Circle

On May 6 and each month on the first Thursday, from 8:00 to 9:00 PM, you are invited to participate in Spirit Circle, a small group exploration of spiritual and ethical life, including the worship and learning theme of the month. Join Pastor Theresa to talk about these things, and support one another. To sign up, please email connect@uuoakland.org. If fewer than three persons are signed up by 48 hours in advance, the session will be canceled.

Ordination of Isabel Call: Let It Be a Dance!
Saturday, May 8, 1:00 PM Pacific Time

Please join the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus as we ordain Isabel Call! Isabel was a member of the First Unitarian Church of Oakland during her time at Starr King, 2015-2018, and continues to be nourished by your love and energy. You may remember her as a worship associate or instigator on the Adult Faith Development Team. She is now the Assistant Minister of Pastoral Care at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus, in central Ohio.

In order to get the Zoom details, RSVP here. If you can’t make it, you can also use the link to send her a written blessing.

Starting Point: Introduction to First Unitarian Oakland

Beginning May 19, on the third Wednesday monthly, from 7:30 to 8:30 PM, come find out about the values, practices, and people of First Unitarian. We’ll talk about Unitarian Universalism, the congregation itself, our beautiful mission, and the future we are building. Whether you’re new or have been attending for a while, you will learn something. We hope you will join us! To sign up, please email connect@uuoakland.org.

BIPOC Covenant Group to Meet Monthly

For those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color, Pastor Theresa will lead a time for reflection and discussion of themes that are of importance. On the third Friday monthly, from 8:00 to 9:30 PM, participants will have the opportunity to check in, share perspectives, tell their stories, and listen deeply. Invitations have been sent to participants of the BIPOC caucus. Please email the Journey Toward Wholeness Antiracism Transformation Team if you did not receive one.

Church Book Group Meeting
Thursday, May 27, 7:30 to 9:30 PM

We’ll discuss Livewired: The Inside Story of the Ever-Changing Brain by David Eagleman, a neuroscientist at Stanford and host of the TV series “The Brain.” Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner calls it “chock full of mind bending ideas and dazzling insights.”  Don’t miss it! All are welcome. If you want to come, contact Emily Stoper for a Zoom link.