The Pastoral Associates program began at First Oakland under the tutelage of the late Mary Ann Haw. A nurse educator by profession, she envisioned a team of compassionate lay members who would be trained to accompany congregants when they were in crisis, challenge, and transformation. Since its inception, the PA program has journeyed along side … Continue reading Sunday July 14, 2024 – The Ministry of Pastoral Care
Join Hope for Us coaches, Revs. Samantha Wilson and Connie Simon as we finish our year of work together and look to the work ahead. We will be celebrating our relationships and lessons in worship, followed by our annual Congregational Meeting. Rev. Laurel and Dick Bailey will assist, music will be provided by the Crescendo … Continue reading Sunday June 2, 2024 – Celebration Sunday
In a book called Coming Back to Life by Joanna Macy and Molly Brown, they describe the three most commonly held stories in the industrialized world of today: Business As Usual; The Great Unraveling; and The Great Turning. Join Rev. Laurel and worship associate Dick Bailey in lifting up The Great Turning, suggesting that we … Continue reading Sunday March 3, 2024 – The Great Turning
The UUA wrapped up its annual General Assembly in Pittsburgh on June 25th with a powerful, joyous, communal worship service. This Sunday, we will have the opportunity to see this service via stream on the screen in Hamilton Hall. Beginning at 10:30, the service will last 90 minutes, with the sermon coming approximately 2/3 of … Continue reading July 16, 2023 – UUA General Assembly Sunday Service
Embracing holidays of light. This service will explore the light after Longest Night and the Hanukkah story of light indomitable through difficulty. This service will include a Solstice ritual. Checking out First Unitarian Oakland? If you’re joining us for the first time, we would like to extend a full welcome! Please answer a few questions … Continue reading Singing Back the Light
[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 us for the first time, we would like to … Continue reading Community Is Complicated
Having surpassed any reasonable definition of Middle Age, your elders share with their younger selves the lessons that they have learned over years of living and share with their older selves their intentions for the days that lie ahead. Dick Bailey will facilitate this journey with live and in-person presentations by Helen Duffy, Donna Fujioka, … Continue reading Looking Back, Looking Forward – An Elder’s Service
Rev. Sheri and Worship Associate Dick Bailey will lead our community through a celebration of Day of the Dead. Our children and youth are with us for the entire worship service. Music will be offered by Geoff Ullerich. You are invited to bring your pictures of loved ones who have died and mementos to add to our community altar. Bring your neighbor and join in celebrating those who are now our ancestors. The Fitzhugh Family will offer a stewardship testimonial. We will also have a Halloween Costume Parade in the service and a Carnival at 12:45, so if the spirit moves you, come in costume!
Ysaye Barnwell’s “Wanting Memories,” which she dedicated to her father when her parents were living, speaks to a longing many of us have to learn more about who we are and about life from the stories of our elders. Come hear Betty Seiden, Bev Smrha, and Dick Bailey reflect on faith in their lives and how their understanding of faith has changed through the years. An ensemble of voices in harmony will bless us with their rendition of “Wanting Memories,” as well as other songs. This service begins our 10:20, one service only, summer schedule.
This is a Time for All Ages Service.
“Roll Away the STONES!” Come & be touched by the pageantry of our Easter bonnet/tie processional; come & be lifted by jubilant sacred music; come & be touched by our ritual of receiving ashes; come & hear stories that may move the stones that weigh on your heart. Please join Rev. Jacqueline, Worship Associate Dick … Continue reading “Roll Away the STONES” 11:20 Worship
