Spiritual Events

We Are How We Treat Each Other and Nothing More
Worship Leader: Rev. Ian W. Riddell
Worship Associate: Bob Rancourt
As we begin a new year, we set goals for ourselves. What are the standards by which we'll measure the success of those goals? What if rather than wealth or fame or having more stuff, we decided to measure success by the richness and lovingness of our relationships? What would be different if those were our criteria?

"Weaving Waters" Led by: Regional Leaders and Pacific Western Region Congregational Life Staff This will be an embodied, engaging, multi-gen worship service focusing on a parable of interdependence and unity.  Waters cascade together, while maintaining their individual sources, combining to bring nutrients, gifts, and give life to something much larger.  A story of interweaving while also affirming […]

"Love Stories" Worship Leader: Rev. Ian W. RiddellWorship Associate: Peter Matthews From Harlequin Romances and Jane Austen to Rom Coms and Bollywood our media is full of stories of love. But there are older and deeper tales of the ways that humans build relationships and connection. Join us as we explore some ancient and new […]

"Patience and Faith, Beloveds" Worship Leader: Rev. Summer AlbayatiWorship Associate: Sarita Gonzales Pandemic. Struggling for our democracy. Death and loss. Racism and oppression. Suffering and pain. Sometimes it can all feel like too much. In these difficult times, how can we continue to be patient and keep the faith that everything is going to be alright? What is it that these central […]

“When Our Heart is in a Holy Place: Spiritual Practice and Change” Worship Leader: Rev. Ian W. RiddellWorship Associate: Bob Rancourt The world and our lives and relationships are constantly changing. This can bring anxiety as well as joy and can get in the way of growth and deepening. Today we explore spiritual practices that […]

Worship Leader: Rev. Ian W. Riddell
Worship Associate: Derek Moore

Our values of interconnectedness and justice and peace for all call us to re-commit to the work of resisting the renewed often deadly bigotry that our Jewish neighbors and kin are reckoning with. Join us as we wonder together about how we can combat violence and hatred and continue to build communities of love and celebration.
We are having a welcome back celebration of gratitude for your generosity in our pledge drive. Please join us on our plaza immediately after this service as we enjoy a taquiza buffet together.

Worship Leader: Rev. Mariela Perez-Simons
Worship Associate: Joni Padduck

Throughout the centuries, humans have considered the four elements to be not only sacred but also intrinsically linked to human health. During this service we will explore how the human nervous system has evolved with nature, how it's a part of a larger ecosystem, and how we can reclaim this wisdom to heal ourselves and our communities.

Worship Leader: Rev. Ian W. Riddell
Worship Associate: Tess Martinez

Equal day and equal night. The Wheel of the Year is turning and the Equinox invites us to honor and explore balance in our lives. How do we find it? What does it look like in our uncertain world? And our choir will sing!

Worship Leader: Peter Mathews
Worship Associate: Fran Hoag

Last fall the Lifespan and Care Committees offered a four week class on “Aging.” On March 27th members of the class will be sharing insights and aspirations with regards to this fleeting but precious time in our lives. A time that can provide a real and perhaps substantial opportunity for continued emotional and spiritual growth

Worship Leader: Steven Toporoff
Worship Associate: Bryna Blum

Cities throughout Germany have sponsored outreach and reconciliation programs for Jewish former residents who survived the Holocaust. Steven Toporoff will recall his participation in one such program, accompanying a survivor friend. What impact did the program make in his life, and what lessons might we all learn from survivors, as well as heroes who helped Jews and others escape from persecution.

Though we celebrate Labor Day in September, around the world the first of May is set aside to honor labor as International Workers’ Day. Join us as we explore the ways that we are called to honor all work and share the stories of leaders in the struggle for the rights and dignity of all workers.

Some heroes fight villains with force. Some with wits and stealth. Join us as we explore the stories of women (Amazon and not) who have resisted evil and injustice and brought hope to our world.

Do you have a question you really want Rev. Ian to answer? About theology? social justice? knitting? Unitarian Universalism? ministry? Now's the time. Throughout the service Rev. Ian will strive to answer the question you've asked. See the newsletter for links to a survey or send Rev. Ian an e-mail with “Questions” in the subject line.

Worship Leader: Rev. Ian W. Riddell
Worship Associate: Betty Bender
Science Fiction and Fantasy bring us imaginings of new worlds and new possibilities. What can we learn about how our own world can grow and transform. We’ll explore the writings of some classic authors and some newer, younger, and more challenging voices.

Worship Leader: roddy bell-shelton biggs
Worship Associate: Sarita Gonzales

Inspired by the Traditional Spiritual Song, Why Not Every Man? (Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel), join us as Ministerial Aspirant with the Unitarian Universalist speaker roddy biggs reflects on the many ways in which some of our Unitarian Universalist practices can be harmful to the creation and full realization of the beloved community. What can we do as Unitarian Universalists in the 21st century do differently to ensure that everyone, those who are Queer, BIPOC, living with mental and emotional health challenges, of social and economic divides, not only feel but know that they are seen, are heard, are valid and are welcome/ celebrated in our Unitarian Universalist faith and society at large?

Are we our bodies or do we inhabit them? And what difference might our answer to that make? As we struggle against those who demand control of other people's bodies, how might our theology and understanding of all of our bodies help us respond?