In celebration of Muslim American Heritage Month, join Rev. Laurel Liefert and special guest, Moina Shaiq. There will be a Q&A in Wendte Hall after the service. Joyful Noise Band will play at 10:20 and Crescendo Choir will offer their music during the service. Each Sunday, the First Unitarian Church of Oakland hosts worship that … Continue reading Sunday January 25, 2026 Islam: No Us and Them
Community is an act of resistance. Together we are stronger, smarter, braver, and more creative than we are alone. Join Worship Leader Heather MacLeod, Rev. Laurel Liefert and the Social Justice Steering Committee in celebrating the way our connection to each other deepens our capacity to heal the world. Vincent Raines, Scarth Locke and Nancy … Continue reading Sunday January 18, 2026: Resistance Lives in Laughter, Tenderness and Song
This Sunday, join Rev. Laurel Liefert and Worship Associate Nancy Henderson as they explore the January theme of Practicing Resistance. As expressed by Rev. Michelle Collins, “May our time together restore us to wonder, strengthen our resolve, and return us to the world as bearers of hope that sustains the work of resistance.” We will … Continue reading Sunday January 11, 2026: Practicing Resistance
A longstanding tradition of this congregation is to dedicate the first Sunday of the year to remember, honor and toll the bell for those who have died. Join Rev. Laurel and Worship Associate Sarah Watts in a ritual of remembrance. Children and youth will participate in the first part of the service. Crescendo Choir will … Continue reading Sunday January 4, 2026: Tolling of the Bell Service
The wise writer and activist Rebeca Solnit writes: “Hope locates itself in the premises that we don’t know what will happen and that in the spaciousness of uncertainty it room to act… It’s the belief that what we do matters even though how and when it may matter, who and what it may impact, are … Continue reading Sunday December 28, 2025: Choosing Hope
On this evening before Christmas, come spend some quiet, contemplative time with your beloved community. There will be poetry, a meditation on peace, and beautiful music by 3 different vocal ensembles and Susan Keiter. We will close the evening with a candlelight ceremony as we sing ‘Silent night, holy night….” The First Unitarian Church of … Continue reading Wednesday December 24, 2025 8:00 pm: Christmas Eve Music, Candlelight and Meditation on Peace
Come celebrate 5:00 pm Christmas Eve with Director of Children and Family Ministry Jef Melcher, Board Member Katrinca Ford and musician Susan Keiter in our Christmas Eve Family Service and Annual No Rehearsal Christmas Pageant! With a spark of imagination and the willing participation of children and youth, we will bring to life, right before … Continue reading Wednesday December 24, 2025, 5:00 pm: Christmas Eve Family Service with Annual No-Rehearsal Christmas Pageant
Come explore Winter Solstice rituals and the Return of the Sun with Co-Worship Leaders Marilyn Schumacher and Corless Smith. Children of the congregation will play a role as well! Let the warmth of community kindle hope for the new year. Crescendo Choir will offer their songs of light. Each Sunday, the First Unitarian Church of … Continue reading Sunday December 21, 2025: Winter Solstice: Kindling Hope in the Darkness
Sunday evening begins the Jewish eight day Festival of Lights called Hanukkah. Although Hanukkah celebrates many different things, ultimately it represents hope. Worship Associate Emily Stoper will offer a Hanukkah reflection and Rev. Laurel Liefert will offer other messages of hope. Music by pianist Vincent Raines. Each Sunday, the First Unitarian Church of Oakland hosts … Continue reading Sunday December 14, 2025: Messages of Hope
Save the Date! Saturday December 13 7pm! ZOOM LINK It’s the Church’s Annual Holiday Concert, Light These Lights! Church musicians will be live on Zoom (click here) and in-person in historic Hamilton Hall for an evening of holiday favorites and a variety of music by Oakland Jazz Choir, Joyful Noise Band, Crescendo Choir, and talented … Continue reading Saturday December 13, 2025 7:00 pm: Annual Holiday Concert, “Light These Lights”
