"Metaphors for Us"
Sunday, June 9, 10:50 am, 2024
Bring your flowers this week as we engage in the ritual of the end of our year, where we make visible the life we have made tangible among us.
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Liz Strand, Secretary, Board of Trustees; UUSF Bell Choir led by Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Nancy Munn, Akane Ota, Soloists; Wm. GarcΓa Ganz, Pianist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Francisco Castellanos, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Linda Messner, Head Usher
We are well aware of the realties of climate change; we see evidence of the changing earth on an almost daily basis. Yet climate fatigue β the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness is also evident. How do we cultivate a sustainable level of energy and care for the environment when our own resources are often thin? How is that climate of care practiced within, among and beyond us? β
Beethoven was completely deaf when he embarked on his masterpiece, Ode to Joy, and itβs a tragedy that he never heard a single note of it except inside his head. At many times in our lives, finding joy may seem impossible. Life can seem painful or tragic, and joy completely out of reach. Not ignoring the truths of the tragedies and challenges of our world, how can we cultivate more joy in our lives?
Ukraine. Israel and Palestine. Haiti. Eritrea. Ethiopia. There are so many places around the globe where violence and the war that follows results in an endless cycle of retaliation and devastation. On this Memorial Day Sunday, we honor those who have died in past wars, while maintaining the hope that we can learn the things that make for peace.Β
"A Look Back"
Sunday, June 2, 10:50 am, 2024
Let's look back on our year together.
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Trustee; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Andrew Kessler, Guest Director; Wm. GarcΓa Ganz, Pianist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Francisco Castellanos, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
"Meditations on the Transformative Power of Street Ministry"
Sunday, May 26, 10:50 am, 2024
Join Rev. Charlotte as she reflects on her experiences as a street minister in Marin, the transformative power of connecting with our unhoused neighbors (and how it changed her life), and her new project helping communities create spaces of belonging for all people.
Rev. Charlotte Maitreya Cramer, Guest Minister; Sam King, Worship Associate; Linda Enger, Trustee; Shana Downs and Jill Rachuy Brindel, cellists; Akane Ota, Songleader; David Jones, pianist
Francisco Castellano, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
"The Fight to be Authentic, and Loved"
Sunday, May 19, 10:50 am, 2024
It is so central to want to be seen and loved for who we are, understood, if we can be so lucky. It is also the source of so much pain (and power) to make that journey in a world, in a family, at a time that won't easily make a place for you in the family of things, to paraphrase poet Mary Oliver. Drawing from Lamya H's "Hijab Butch Blues," let's talk about some of the journey to being authentically ourselves.
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Daniel Jackoway, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Trustee; Nancy Munn, voice and piano
Eric Shackelford, Camera; Francisco Castellanos, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Athena Papodakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
A flower celebration Sunday homily.
"A Polymath Nun and Why She Matters on this Mothers' Day"
Sunday, May 12, 10:50 am, 2024
Reflections on Hildegard von Bingen: The Patron Saint of Late Bloomers. She founded her own abbey, created her own language, and wrote one of the first musical plays. She was a wonderful composer who set her own lushly poetic texts. Hildegard was 42 before she started writing anything down, and she was also someone who didnβt accept her place in the world. In a male-dominated church, she went on preaching tours at a time when women were not supposed to preach, especially in public. She refused to behave in a certain way. She wrote at a time when, if the church authorities had not thought she was divinely inspired, she could easily have been put to death as a heretic. Let's witness how else she might inspire.
Dolores Perez Heilbron; Louise Diskerud; Judith Stoddard; Kathleen McClung; Nancy Munn; Maggie McGrann, Worship Participants; Carmen Barsody, Worship Associate; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Yuhi Aizawa Combatti, Guest Soprano soloist, Nancy Munn, AkanΓ© Ota, Soloists; Wm. GarcΓa Ganz, Pianist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Jackson Munn, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
This sermon podcast begins with a reflection from worship associate Sara Ford.
On this Motherβs Day, amidst rising conflicts near and far, let us lean into inspiring stories from our global Unitarian community and ancestors, including Dr. Lotta Hitchmanova, a Jewish journalist from Prague who spoke out against the Nazis and then dedicated her life to humanitarian efforts. Dr. Lotta helped literally thousands of children impacted by the second World War and the decades following it, she worked with the Unitarian Service Committee in Europe and then established a branch in Canada.Β
"Treasures from the Journey"
Sunday, May 5, 10:50 am, 2024
Our high school seniors will be sharing the stories, relationships, and learnings from their time growing up in a UU church and answering what they treasure from their journey.
Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Claire Cover, Bree Shennum, Charlie Zwibelman; Galen Workman, Trustee; UUSF Bell Choir led by Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Wm. GarcΓa Ganz, Pianist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Francisco Castellanos, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Judy Payne and Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
"When Legacy Propels Boldness"
Sunday, April 28, 10:50 am, 2024
The word "legacy" always draws for me images of things past: heavy, anchoring, a little dusty, and old. But in reality, they are just as often more like a sail for covering fast oceans or a ballast for weathering storms than a heavy anchor somewhere fixed and forgotten. This Sunday, I will talk about some of the legacy of the UU Service Committee (UUSC) and its living legacy as I return from a trip to Poland with its Board to meet with organizations doing the work to protect human rights and serve war-torn lands as boldly as that which launched the organization over 70 years ago. Moreover, this Sunday we will talk about our own legacy in this church with our Allyne Circle and those we honor and name this Sunday who are added to our plaque.
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Sarah Ellerman, Allyne Circle; Linda Enger, Trustee; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Wm. GarcΓa Ganz, Pianist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Francisco Castellanos, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Linda Messner, Head Usher
Coming of Age Sunday celebrates the signature year-long journey of our ninth grade youth, transitioning from the inherited faith of childhood to the adult journey of faith, and marked by youth sharing their statement of faith or credo.Β
"Understanding Autism, Each Other, and Ourselves"
Sunday, April 21, 10:50 am, 2024
For many people, when they learn they're on the Autism spectrum, they gain a rich and empowering understanding of themselves. Let's learn about these identities so we can support each other's unique spiritual journeys and be a more accessible and compassionate congregation!
Sam King, Guest Preacher; Rev. Millie Phillips, Affiliated Community Minister; Tad Hopp, Worship Participant; Eric Hamilton, Guitarist; Mark Sumner, Pianist; Ben Rudiak-Gould, Songleader
Eric Shackelford, Camera; Francisco Castellanos, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
"Perspectives on Earth"
Sunday, April 14, 10:50 am, 2024
From the astrophysicist, Neil deGrass Tyson, to the botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and through the eyes of the poets, how do we see earth? And what does that tell us about ourselves and lifeβthis lifeβon this planet we call home?
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Richard Davis-Lowell, Worship Associate; Greggory Stevens, Story for All Ages; Galen Workman, Trustee; Members of the San Francisco and Kensington Unitarian Universalist Church Choirs; Mark Sumner and Bryan Baker, directors; Wm. Garcia Ganz, pianist; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; Jon Silk, drummer
Shulee Ong, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
This sermon begins with worship associate Ari Giles reading "Good Bones" by Maggie Smith.
There is a voice within you which no-one, not even you, has ever heard. Give yourself the opportunity of silence and begin to develop your listening in order to hear, deep within yourself, the music of your own spirit.Β Β β John OβDonohue, Anam Cara
In a world full of distractions, screens, video bingeing, and climate unraveling, paying deep attention to our inner lives β and the wisdom and music that is there β is critical. Tuning in and encountering the deepest parts of ourselves can help us unearth the hidden treasures, insights, and clues within that can lead to more aliveness, joy, and abundance. This Sunday, weβll explore concrete practices that can help us tune into the βsong that is our life.βΒ
After two decades in Unitarian Universalist ministry, Rev. Justin Schroeder and his wife, Juliana Keen, launched Holding Space for Change, a practice that accompanies and supports people through life transitions. They provide spiritual direction/accompaniment, therapy, grief support groups, divorce support groups, life-transition support groups, and more. Between the two of them, they have over four decades of experience in spiritual leadership and social work.Β
"Person by Person by Person"
Sunday, April 7, 10:50 am, 2024
Person by Person by Personβ¦ that is how change occurs. Not once and for all, but continuously. Change changes what is possible, and each person we engage makes the possible a little more hopeful. In the words of Bryan Stevenson, βYou donβt change the world with the ideas in your mind, but with the conviction in your heart.β Change requires intention and a willingness to take risks. We suspect that change will not always turn out how we expected it to, and we know what was gained can sometimes be lost. But this is the Fools' way; it's our theory of changeβperson by person, the world is changed.Β
ΒCarmen Barsody & Sam Dennison, Faithful Fools; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Jack Dello & Sherry Dello, Canvass Chairs; Liz Strand, Trustee; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Claudine Jones, Rusty Harris-Bishop, Morgen Warner, soloists; Jon Silk, Drummer;Wm. GarcΓa Ganz, pianist
Jonathan Silk, Audio and Video; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
"Roll that Rock Away"
Easter Sunday, March 31, 10:50 am, 2024
Life has a lot of tombs, losses, and setbacks. And there are rocks, heavy and awkward, that protect and seal them. What are the ways we don't end our stories at the rock or tomb? What does it require of us to make resurrection also the stuff of our lives?
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Bill Klingelhoffer and Courtney Young-Law; Canvass Testimonials; Linda Enger, Trustee; UUSF Bell Choir led by Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Nancy Munn, Vocalist; Wm. GarcΓa Ganz, Pianist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
This podcast begins with Merrill Aldrich reading Luke 24:13-32.
What really happened on that Easter morning? A resurrection? An awakening? No one can say for certain, but we can say this β Jesus of Nazarethβs life after his death changed the world. On this Easter Sunday, it also has the power to change us. Come find out how.
"Lessons from the Road"
Sunday, March 24, 10:50 am, 2024
I was fortunate enough to have the gift of almost three straight months to renew and refresh in the ancient tradition of sabbath, or fallow times. Thirty-two of those days (but who is counting?) were spent on the road, circling through the American Southwest, with my husband. It is a modern pilgrimage that many of us have done some version of beforeβa car, a map, some time ago. I'd love to bore you with some of what germinated on the road. And thank you.
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Kathleen McClung and Dennielle Kronenberg, Canvass Testimonials; Galen Workman, Trustee; Rami Bar-Niv, Pianist; Andy Kessler, Songleader; Wm. GarcΓa Ganz, Accompanist
Eric Shackelford, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
In his essay of the same title, the Hungarian cultural critic LΓ‘szlΓ³ FΓΆldΓ©nyi stages an encounter between Dostoyevsky and Hegel, between our creaturely sense of transcendence as finite-limited-mortal beings and radical Enligthenment's belief in unbounded progress and mastery. In a world mediated through switches, buttons, credit cards, screens, redlined neighborhoods and land as commodity for ownership, what do we mean by the sacred? In this moment of climate change and degradation of life, when the wounded world seems "full of sound and fury, signifying nothing," how do we remain attentive to the sacred song of life itself, to claim a deeper sense of belonging to the earth, shared history, and to each other? Worship associate Nancy Dilts and Rev. KP Hong amplify the work of honest storytelling, asking us to more creatively name this sacred life and work against its degradation.Β
Who among us really expected life to be a bed of roses? Barbara Hubbard will speak about how the Unity Church community has inspired, shaped and transformed her lifeβs journey.
"Written in Pencil"
Sunday, March 17, 10:50 am, 2024
We sing from a hymnal called Singing the Living Tradition. What does it mean that ours is a living tradition? In light of the changing landscapes of religion and Unitarian Universalism how do we keep the tradition alive rather than stagnant history?
Rev. Cheryl M. Walker, Guest Minister; Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Greggory Stevens and Nancy Munn, Canvass Testimonials; Galen Workman, Trustee; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Jon Silk, Drummer; Wm. GarcΓa Ganz, Pianist
Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
Many Unitarian Universalists find a spiritual connection with Nature (yes, the N is writ large intentionally!). Having just experienced the warmest winter on record and rising concerns about our planetβs climate, what is our spiritual and theological response? Where can we find the individual and collective strength to clearly face the truth of the climate emergency, mourn the damage being done to our blue planet and inspire ourselves and others to action?Β β Spiritual Ecology and Eco-Spirituality look beyond our sense of justice and connect more deeply with how we engage with nature on a person and spiritual level. Let us explore the sacred thread that weaves the essence of humanity into the tapestry of all creation, and then re-engage with the world from this awareness.
"Religion... I Too Dislike It"
Sunday, March 10, 10:50 am, 2024
Poet Marianne Moore once wrote a poem beginning, βPoetry . . . I too dislike it.β Yet by its end she affirmed something real in it, and worthwhile. So it is with religion, sayeth the preacher. If you (or your friends) resonate to the phrase βspiritual, but not religious,β this sermon is for you, and for them.
Rev. John Buehrens; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Judith Ottoson and Richard Brydon, Canvass Testimonial; Linda Enger, Trustee; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Wm. GarcΓa Ganz, Pianist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
Join Rev Jessica Clay as she returns to Unity and reflects on her years of parish ministry since she was the Hallman Ministerial Intern in 2016-2017. She will explore the place creativity has in faith, community, and life.Β
"It's Time to Build"
Sunday, March 3, 10:50 am, 2024
Over the past several years, UUSF has weathered a pandemic, staff transitions, budget worries, and so much more. Now, we are at a place of recognizing our resilience and moving into a new stability. As we contemplate the year to come, let's determine what we want to build together and celebrate who we are!
Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Daniel Jackoway, Worship Associate; Sherry Delo & Jack Delo, Canvass Co-Chairs, Canvass Co-Chairs; Lucy Smith, Secretary; Bill Lowell, Membership Team; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Nancy Munn, Soloist; Jon Silk, Drummer; Wm. GarcΓa Ganz, Pianist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Jackson Munn, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
"What Will You Save?"
Sunday, February 25, 10:50 am, 2024
As the years accumulate and I (Rev. Sonya) experience growing satisfaction with a life well lived, I wonder what it is worthwhile to saveβfor posterity, for my children, for our communities? At the same time, a recent article lifted up the fact that longevity often depends on engagement and connection with people and efforts rather than saving and consuming. Rev. Sonya Sukalski and Carmen Barsody will take up the topic with an eye toward walking that fine line.
Rev. Sonya Sukalski, Sabbatical Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Carmen Barsody, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Board of Trustees; Mark Sumner, Pianist; Andy Kessler, Songleader; AndrΓ©s Vera, Cellist
Eric Shackelford, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
Sometimes in life we are faced with seemingly impossible choices. This sermon will pick up on the themes introduced on February 11 and take them even further into the spiritual, theological, ethical and moral realms of our daily living.
"We respond to the call of love because it is our common theological core. It is what can and does motivate us and illuminates our deepest commitments to each other.β These words are from the UUA Board in their Charge to the Article II StudyΒ Commission. This Sunday we will consider how our Unitarian Universalist faith and values are expressed in our lives and in our religious communities as we consider the proposal from the Article II Study Commission that deepens and expands the language of the Seven Principles to include commitments and actions, with love at the center.
Β
"Storm Warning"
Sunday, February 18, 10:50 am, 2024
Itβs a fraught time in our nation, especially because itβs an election year. On this President's Day weekend, how might we read more clearly the crucial signs of our time? And how might our faith be a source of strength, not only for ourselves but for others?
Starr King School for the Ministry is commemorating its long-standing connection with the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco! President Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt will provide an inspiring sermon, followed by refreshments at an after-service reception in the Chapel, which will include the debut of our new campaign film. We look forward to seeing you there!
Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt, Guest Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Rev. Sonya Sukalski, Sabbatical Minister; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Sam King, Vice Moderator; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Director; Nancy Munn, Morgen Warner, Akane Ota, Ben Rudiak-Gould, Andrew Kessler, Maggie McGrann, Soloists; Wm. GarcΓa Ganz, pianist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Jackson Munn, Camera; Alex Schofield, Sound; Jonathan Silk, Order of Service; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
"The Dragon's Might: A Lunar New Year Celebration"
Sunday, February 11, 10:50 am, 2024
According to legend, a heavenly race determined the order of the Chinese zodiac signs. Why did Dragon, so clearly the mightiest of the animals, fail to come in first place? What can Dragon teach us about using power for more than winning in a world that calls for it? Join us in welcoming the Year of the Dragon.
Rev. Seanan Fong, Affiliated Community Minister; Rev. Sonya Sukalski, Sabbatical Minister; Kat Liu, Worship Associate; Linda Enger, Board of Trustees; UUSF Bell Choir directed by Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir directed by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Akane Ota, mezzo soprano; Wm. GarcΓa Ganz, pianist.
Shulee Ong, Camera; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
"Is it Pastoral Care, Pastorial Care, or Pastural Care?"
Sunday, February 4, 10:50 am, 2024
Pastoral Care is a term used in various situations and which is meaningful to many different people in ways that are unique to them. This Sunday, we will explore some of those meanings and ways in which peoples' hurts and suffering are alleviated by the judicious use of this aspect of ministry.
Rev. Fred Rabidoux, Guest Minister; Rev. Sonya Sukalski, Sabbatical Minister; Sam King, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Board of Trustees; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; Mark Sumner, Music Director; Jon Silk, drummer; Wm. GarcΓa Ganz pianist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
Anyone who has endured messy and bitter conflicts in a congregation may not be able to see how there could be an opportunity of a blessing in the midst of the pain. But conflicts will inevitably occur and it is possible to learn new ways of approaching them that can allow for growth and learning, and even transformation.Β
Rev. Cooley is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist and has served as a minister for over 30 years in both congregational and denominational settings. She is an Accredited Interim Minister and faculty of the Interim Ministerβs Network, and currently serves as the Developmental Minister at the First UU Church of Columbus, OH.Β
We can do hard things. Facing our fears and charting a pathway forward.Β
"Thus Do We Covenant"
Sunday, January 28, 10:50 am, 2024
After the weekend of creating our covenant, we will come together to reveal what we have found most important for us to promise. We will explore and understand how we will use it in our relationships going forward.
Aisha Hauser, Guest Preacher; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Rev. Sonya Sukalski, Sabbatical Minister; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Diane Allen, Board of Trustees; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Millie Phillips, soloist; Jon Silk, Drummer; Wm. Garcia Ganz, pianist
Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
What calls you to work for justice in the world? This sermon will explore both the historical and contemporary call to justice that arises from our Unitarian Universalist theological heritage.Β
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, and Bayard Rustinβs commitment to non-violence was a powerful and effective strategy because all those involved in the Civil Rights Movement were committed to practicing the disciplines of non-violence as expressed in Beloved Community in action. What wisdom can we learn from King and Rustin as we move towards ever increasing levels of accountability which require of us both courage and consistency?
"Covenant: Laying the Foundation"
Sunday, January 21, 10:50 am, 2024
As we prepare to engage in creating a congregational covenant for UUSF, we will start to lay the foundation of why it is important work for us to do. We will look at the preparation work we have already done and how covenant already exists in our congregational work.
Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Jonah Berquist, Moderator; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; Nancy Munn, Soprano; Morgen Warner, Soprano; Akane Ota, Alto; Ben Rudiak-Gould, Tenor; Andrew Kessler, Bass; Wm. GarcΓa Ganz, Pianist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, Francisco Castellanos, Sextons ; Linda Messner, Head Usher
"Belonging"
Sunday, January 14, 10:50 am, 2024
It is said that religions include belief, behavior and belonging. Unitarian Universalism gave Rev. Sonya an immediate sense of belonging over 25 years ago when she first attended a service in her hometown in New Mexico. Unitarians employ reason in our beliefs, and a sense of freedom concerning religious behaviors, so naming what creates our sense of belonging this month is our work and our play. She will explore what belonging means today as UUSF prepares to explore the promises we make together with a covenant later this month.
Rev. Sonya Sukalski, Sabbatical Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Richard Davis-Lowell, Worship Associate; Linda Enger, Board of Trustees; Hanna Hart, Interfaith Winter Shelter; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; Giacomo Fiore, Guitarist; Ben Rudiak-Gould, Songleader
Shulee Ong, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
"Promises of the Heart"
Sunday, January 7, 10:50 am, 2024
Unitarian Universalism is a non-creedal, covenantal faith; that is, we are united not by a single set of theological beliefs, but by the commitments we make to each other and to the broader society in which we live. A covenant is a promise from the heart to carry out these commitments. Throughout January, we will be exploring the concept and practice of covenanting.
Rev. Millie Phillips, Affiliated Community Minister; Richard Davis Lowell, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Board of Trustees; AndrΓ©s Vera, cellist; Stephanie Bibbo, violinist; Andrew Kessler, songleader; Elliott Etzkorn, pianist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Athena Papodakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
"Let Go of the Old & Ring in the New: Fire Communion"
Sunday, December 31, 10:50 am, 2023
We will gather to reflect on our past year, then set intentions for the upcoming year. This will be ritualized through a Fire Communion.
Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Diane Allen, Board of Trustees; Allen Biggs, Percussionist; Akane Ota, Songleader; Elliott Etzkorn, Pianist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Athena Papodakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
"Christmas Eve Night"
Sunday, December 24, 4:45 pm, 2023
Come let us join in community to celebrate the Christmas story in song, stories, and candles.
Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Bree Shennum; Tad Hopp; Michael Bossier; Claire Cover; Tad Hopp, Worship Participants; UUSF Bell Choir led by Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; William Harvey, Trumpeter; Nancy Munn, Soprano; Kate Offer, Soprano; Morgen Warner, Soprano; Wm. GarcΓa Ganz, Pianist
Eric Shackelford, Camera; Jackson Munn, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Alicia Cover, Lights; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
"What's Up With That: Interactive Christmas Pageant"
Sunday, December 24, 10:50 am, 2023
Join us for an interactive telling of the Christmas story. This service is for all ages and costumes will be provided for those who want them.
Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Orianna Jooss Moren; Robert Jumonville; Callum Sanchez; Dahlia Tarou; Bree Shennum, Worship Participants; Akane Ota, Songleader; Mark Sumner, Pianist, Yuki and Haruka Ota, Cellists
Shulee Ong, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
"Hanging of the Greens"
Sunday, December 17, 10:50 am, 2023
We will gather as a full community to build connection through the ritual of creating the greens for our sanctuary. In honor of the sacredness of each person born, we will create stars that highlight each of us that are present. Join us for a lovely tradition of joy and merriment.
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Christine Patch-Lindsay, Pagan Interest Circle; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Nancy Munn, Akane Ota, Singers; Wm. GarcΓa Ganz, Pianist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Emanuel Class, Chat Moderator; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
This podcast begins with a reflection by worship associate Merrill Aldrich.
Homily delivered on Christmas Family Sunday.