Speaker: Music by Crescendo Choir

Sunday November 22, 2026: Breaking Bread Together – A Service of Thanksgiving

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The First Unitarian Church of Oakland has a longstanding tradition of having a multigenerational “bread communion” on the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day. The ceremony is an open invitation to connect with one another by taking turns offering a basket of bread to the person on the other side of the table. The service will be … Continue reading Sunday November 22, 2026: Breaking Bread Together – A Service of Thanksgiving

Sunday October 18, 2026: Love and Power in the Holy Community

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Much of the power now being wielded in our nation is ugly and tyrannical. But when we put love at the center of our lives, we are led to envision a gentler kind of power that is not coercive or dominating, but mutual and cooperative. Is this kind of “relational power” just an accident of … Continue reading Sunday October 18, 2026: Love and Power in the Holy Community

Sunday September 27, 2026: Nature as Sanctuary

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In a world of war and chaos and fear, many of us seek sanctuary in nature. Whether in mountains, forests and lakes, or in city parks and home gardens, the natural world can help bring us to a state of connection and gratitude. Through music and reflection we explore how we can find the sanctuary … Continue reading Sunday September 27, 2026: Nature as Sanctuary

Sunday February 22, 2026: Death by Hymn – the Sacred Work of Repair, Resilience and Rebuilding Trust

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Turns out all of us have a limit – that place where the tragedy of the world exceeds our capacity to whole heartedly abide. Maybe your country is overrun by fascists. Or, the choir just sang your least favorite hymn – your mileage may vary. Join guest minister Rev. Greg Ward and Worship Associate Marilyn … Continue reading Sunday February 22, 2026: Death by Hymn – the Sacred Work of Repair, Resilience and Rebuilding Trust

Sunday December 21, 2025: Winter Solstice: Kindling Hope in the Darkness

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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 May 18, 2025 – Flower Communion & Ingathering of New Members

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Join in person or on Zoom. This multigenerational service will feature two important ceremonies. The first will be an Ingathering of New Members in which we will welcome and covenant with those who have signed the Membership Book since our last Ingathering in December. The second will be the Flower Communion, a symbolic ritual that … Continue reading Sunday May 18, 2025 – Flower Communion & Ingathering of New Members

Sunday March 30, 2025 – Advancing Justice at the Speed of Trust

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Cassandra Ryan, Vice President of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) will lead this service, along with Worship Associates Jane Facente and Emily Stoper. This is our annual occasion to find inspiration in and raise funds for the UUSC and its vital work in advancing human rights through grassroots partnerships around the world. There will … Continue reading Sunday March 30, 2025 – Advancing Justice at the Speed of Trust

Sunday February 16, 2025 – Re-Storying Our Lives

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The American writer, Willa Cather, wrote, “There are only two or three human stories, and they go on repeating themselves as fiercely as if they had never happened before.” Stories can keep us stuck in a perpetual cycle of struggle or liberate us into a previously unimagined potential. Led by guest minister Rev. Ben Myers … Continue reading Sunday February 16, 2025 – Re-Storying Our Lives

Sunday January 5, 2025: Tolling of the Bells

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A longstanding tradition of this congregation is to dedicate the first Sunday of the year to remember and honor those who have died. Join Rev. Laurel and Worship Associate Nancy Henderson for a ritual of remembrance. Laila Ibrahim and Katrinca Ford will offer a special remembrance of longtime lay leader Bev Smrha who died last … Continue reading Sunday January 5, 2025: Tolling of the Bells

Sunday December 22, 2024 – The Longest Night: Celebrating Yule

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On the longest night of the year, many Pagans honor the passing of the old Sun and the birth of the new Sun. We’ll remember various tales of the Winter Solstice in between Yule carols (to familiar holiday tunes). Come to be nourished by the sacred Darkness and celebrate the returning light with Piper Rowanoak-Swim … Continue reading Sunday December 22, 2024 – The Longest Night: Celebrating Yule