As we welcome the 2020 Year of the Rat, the start of a new 12 year zodiac cycle offers a fresh opportunity to recommit ourselves to the pursuit of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in our communities. For the Lunar New Year, a time filled with family reunions, delicious food and wishes for prosperity, health … Continue reading Lunar New Year Celebration: Recommitting Ourselves for the Year of the Rat
“The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee – UUSC – is a human rights organization that works with partners around the world to help them respond to climate change, oppressive regimes and poverty. This service, led by Jane Facente and Emily Stoper, with Corless Smith as Worship Associate, highlights women leaders who play a major role in … Continue reading Women Leaders, Strong Communities
Yule is the shortest day and the longest night. It is a special time of contemplation. This Yule we will explore the darkness with a sense of Awe as we witness our more difficult emotions through love and curiosity. Circle of Oak Ritual Leaders Zia Swim and Tara Miller take us on a path to … Continue reading Yule Celebration
The longest day of the year is the day of the Sun’s fullest strength, a time when we celebrate both His brightness and the first moment of release and turning toward the restful darkness of winter. At First Unitarian, Midsummer’s duality of joy and release toward change is the ideal time to honor our complex … Continue reading A Midsummer Celebration
“Dignity=To Author One’s Life.” For eight years the First Unitarian Church of Oakland has been the church partner of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights (EBC). This partnership has allowed the church community to examine the myriad of ways that jails and prisons deny and erase the dignity of human beings. Please join Jose … Continue reading Dignity=To Author One’s Life, Sunday – March 31 at 10:20 am
“Authority of the Sacred Whole: How Do We Discern Truths.” Is the whole of US more powerful than any INDIVIDUAL member? What is the authority of our shared ministries? Please join members of the Committee on Shared Ministry – Bev Smrha and Debby Kaplan, and Worship Associate Corless Smith as we look at the power … Continue reading Authority of the Sacred Whole: How Do We Discern Truths – Sunday, March 24th at 10:20 am
Ruth and Naomi: A Path Toward Reconciliation and Redemption. Myths and folktales these forms of storytelling can reveal to us truths about ourselves and our culture that can be difficult to face. One such story is that of Naomi and Ruth; Naomi a refugee from a land in famine; Ruth a foreign immigrant who changes … Continue reading Ruth and Naomi: A Path Toward Reconciliation and Redemption, Sunday Worship at 10:20
Crossroads & Choices, Please join Worship Associates Tara Miller and B Avalon as they invite you to explore the dilemmas that may arise when we are faced with challenging choices at various crossroads in our lives. Special attention will be paid to Hecate, the Goddess of Crossroads. Hecate carries a torch to light … Continue reading Crossroads & Choices-Worship-Sunday, October 28, 2018 at 10:20am
“Surrendering to an Artistic Muse.” The word surrender has been given a bad rap. What about surrendering to the transformative, redemptive, and inspiring power of an Artistic muse? Please join M.J. Westbrook (pencil drawings) and Steve Thomasberger (photography), and Pastor Jacqueline as we explore the impact of inviting and surrendering to an artful muse. Our … Continue reading Surrendering to an Artistic Muse Sunday, October 7, 2018 – Worship at 10:20am
