Rev. Theresa Ninán Soto (who uses the personal pronouns they/them/theirs) brings a remarkably loving presence and a depth of spiritual leadership. They are invested in working collaboratively with the congregation to live more deeply into our mission and vision. They have said, “While I am prepared to lead a congregation, I want to do it in partnership with them, their dreams, their ideas, and their dearest values.” Rev. Soto comes to us most recently from Ashland, Oregon, where they served as an affiliated Community Minister at Rogue Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. They also serve as co-chair of the Journey Toward Wholeness Transformation Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Association, and co-vice president of Diverse Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries (DRUMM). DRUUMM is a Unitarian Universalist People of Color Ministry and anti-racist collective bringing lay and religious professionals together to overcome racism through resistance and transform Unitarian Universalism.
They are a graduate of Quinnipiac University School of Law and Meadville Lombard Theological School. Their partner is the Rev. Sean Parker Dennison.
Rev. Soto comes to ministry after careers in education and law. Sometimes people ask what the connection is between those fields: simply that all three are different paths to making the world a better place.
If you are curious about Rev. Soto, please visit their website: revtheresalovesyou.com, or search their sermons on YouTube.
Change is afoot. We need to walk together this path of being human on this planet with tender care for each other and all inhabitants. Mother Earth herself is in need of our compassion and care. And still, we need to start in our homes. In … read more.
Join us this Sunday as we explore the concept of hospitality of the heart. What does it truly mean to open our hearts and our homes to others, regardless of differences? What does it mean to embody a spirit of kindness and generosity, both as … read more.
[Contemplative Vibe Service] Join Dick Bailey and Pastor Ninán to consider what it means to live in practical, real-time community and how our differences call us to change our perspectives from firm and fixed to connected and curious.
Checking out First Unitarian Oakland?
If you’re joining … read more.
In her poem, “Map,” Linda Hogan highlights the thread of aliveness that connects all things. This service will engage the question, “If I were to talk about awakening, I could talk about … .” How has awakening shown up in your life? How do you … read more.
The Stray Pup and the Heartless King: What does it mean to be a person of faith? What about people who don’t believe in a god person? Join us to imagine modern faith in a complicated world by reflecting on an ancient tale of transformation … read more.
A great and joyful event: 6:00 pm – Family Zoom celebration of Christmas. Join us for stories, songs, and fun to explore the blessings of Christmas. Folks of every age and stage of life are invited; this service will be shaped to welcome participation … read more.
Join us for celebrating the meaning of Yule in this season, along with imagining how this season of moving from night to dawn offers joy and possibilities to our community. Wear your Christmas sweater, beautiful or ugly, and prepare by thinking of ways that … read more.
This week, First Unitarian Oakland will host a historic vote for members of record to vote on whether this congregation supports and adopts the 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism. [website link]
Join us as Pastor Ninán and the Rev. Dr. … read more.
It is said that the world is in a state of bankruptcy, that the world owes the world more than [it] can pay [. . .] I do not think this general insolvency [. . .] to be the reason of the difficulty experienced … read more.
English poet of the Romantic Age, William Blake, said that, “Joy and woe are woven fine, a clothing for the soul divine. Under every grief and pine, runs a joy with silken twine.” Join us in a service that holds both the ups and … read more.
