One of the ways we can think of the Seventh Principle of Unitarian Universalism is that, “[w][e believe in caring for our planet Earth, the home we share with all living things.” We have a duty of care to the planet and to one another, but what does that look like on an ordinary day? … Continue reading All Around: Sacred Creation, Connection, and Relationship
One way to think of becoming is the continuous process of growth and evolution. Many members of this congregation have dedicated time and effort to pastoral care. We have an opportunity to attend to our Pastoral Associates team. But what does that mean? Why do we do it? How does it connect us to our … Continue reading Becoming a Community of Care
The Bible says the seven deadly sins are pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. What makes them so deadly? Is this list still relevant? Explore with Corless Smith whether some of these sins could be retired and, perhaps, others could be added to correspond to the modern world. Checking out First Unitarian Oakland? … Continue reading Seven Deadly Sins
It’s easy to put our Unitarian and Universalist forebears on pedestals, but how noble were they really? How do we simultaneously celebrate their wisdom, good works, and faults… and our own? And how do we hold the legends in tension with the realities of their – and our – stories? Checking out First Unitarian Oakland? … Continue reading Sages, Saints, and Scoundrels
This service, with a sermon by Rev. Rica Kaufel, will explore the ways in which dignity and pride connect with how we treat one another, both individually and as countries. Claire Eustace will be hosting. Checking out First Unitarian Oakland? If you’re joining us for the first time, we would like to extend a full … Continue reading We Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident
Queer chaplain and drag artist Bonnie Violet will join us to share the love and possibility that arises in queer community. Scarth Locke will also host. This service will also reflect on intersections of liberation. Checking out First Unitarian Oakland? If you’re joining us for the first time, we would like to extend a full … Continue reading Celebrating Pride, Celebrating Love
The June 12 service will explore the eye-opening experiences of 5 First Unitarian Oakland covenant group members through reflections, music, poetry and a skit. They are Sara McAulay, Daisy Quan, Arnie and Emily Stoper, and Ron Weisberg. If you are curious about joining a Covenant Group, please fill out this quick interest form before June 19th and we … Continue reading Finding Community and Meaning in a Covenant Group
December gave us exuberant rain, but January and February have been very dry. We hope it will rain and wonder about how our ancestors ceremonially solicited rain. We more scientifically-oriented people believe that we can’t control the weather. This leads us to consider just what we can and can’t control, no matter how we try. … Continue reading Control, eh? Fergit about it!
Given the complexity of racial justice in our country, it’s possible than any mention of privilege would lead folks to think of white privilege and whether or not they think that is real. We won’t be specifically focusing on that, but rather, spend time considering privileges and responsibilities in community and how they connect with … Continue reading The Terrible Privilege (and not white privilege per se)
Shanah tovah! (Hebrew for Happy New Year!) We have a deep need to grieve and attone as we start a new cycle. This is the most powerful time in history for a global eco-consciousness for Western-Euro culture. WE must atone, grieve the loss of the planet we once knew, and enter a new cycle with … Continue reading Sharing the Mission: Ea, A Planet: Embracing Grief, Hope, and Active Change
