"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. Garcรญa 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 saveโfor 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; Andrรฉs 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.โ These words are from the UUA Board in their Charge to the Article II Studyย 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.
ย
"Storm Warning"
Sunday, February 18, 10:50 am, 2024
Itโs a fraught time in our nation, especially because itโs 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. Garcรญa 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. Garcรญa 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. Garcรญa 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.ย
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 Ministerโs Network, and currently serves as the Developmental Minister at the First UU Church of Columbus, OH.ย
We can do hard things. Facing our fears and charting a pathway forward.ย
"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.ย
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, and Bayard Rustinโs 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. Garcรญa 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; Andrรฉs 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. Garcรญa 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. Garcรญa 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.
"SACReD Stories, SACReD Decisions and Mary, Mother of God"
Sunday, December 10, 10:50 am, 2023
What is your faith story? What is your reproductive story? How is the Divine a part of both of these stories? How can we weave them together free from shame, judgment, and stigma? Join us as we examine our stories alongside one of the ancient stories of Mary, Mother of God. Rev. Angela Tyler-Williams from SACReD, the Spiritual Alliance of Communities for Reproductive Dignity, will lead an exploration of this Advent story and share some of the biblical support for Reproductive Justice.
Rev. Angela Tyler-Williams, Guest Preacher; Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Sam King, Worship Associate; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Jon Silk, Drummer; Shannon Warto, Soloist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Jackson Munn, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
This sermon is written by Rev. Kathleen Rolenz and delivered by Rev. Wayne Arnason.
"I Will Meet You There"
Sunday, December 3, 10:50 am, 2023
For weeks, there have been conversations in our church forums, at movie screenings, and on the steps as people gather and leave to address the war in Gaza. On Sunday (I think!) we will talk about the struggle to hold these events and dig into one of the issues coming up around the events: the ancient evils of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. And find ways and places to dig into the hard moral and political questions of this day in the community, weathering them as whole as we can.
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Richard Davis - Lowell, Worship Associate; Bruce Neuberger, Lay Leader; Galen Workman, Board of Trustees; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Wm. Garcรญa Ganz, Pianist
Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
"Oh, We Give Thanks: A Bread Communion"
Sunday, November 26, 10:50 am, 2023
In this quiet service, we will make space to be fed, to reflect on our times around the table and how they have shaped us, to share some of the food we love, and to fill up on the nourishment of giving thanks. If you have a baked good to donate to the table (for sharing at a service or afterwards), please let Vanessa know (VRSouthern@uusf.org). Others inspired at the last minute can just put it out at coffee hour after service!
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Jef Caers, flute; Andy Kessler, Songleader; Mark Sumner, Pianist
Eric Shackelford, Camera; Alex Schofield, Sound; Jonathan Silk, Order of Service; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
LIVESTREAM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFYQJkQLwOs
OOS:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ulRhPa815BpqmL18j1NMN2PvUDpvKrSM/view?usp=sharing
PLAYLIST:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGWIRF9PinfxRgne1q7GBrjOLcoTsbzGs
"In Transition"
Sunday, November 19, 10:50 am, 2023
This week, the end of Trans Awareness week, we will hear voices of trans folx and be together in their stories and wisdom -- from people we know and love to writers from the United States to the hijra community in India.
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Santana McBride, Worship Associate; Lucy Smith, Board of Trustees; UUSF Bell Choir led by Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF/India Tour Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Wm. Garcรญa Ganz, Pianist
Asani Seawell, Chat Moderator; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
LIVESTREAM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFYQJkQLwOs
OOS:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ulRhPa815BpqmL18j1NMN2PvUDpvKrSM/view?usp=sharing
PLAYLIST:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGWIRF9PinfxRgne1q7GBrjOLcoTsbzGs
"The Enfleshed Life: What Life and Love of a Body Entails"
Sunday, November 5, 10:50 am, 2023
One of the biggest injuries that Christianity is part of in our journey to human wholeness is seeing the body as sacredโnot in the sense of something pristine that could be defiled or whose urges were dangerous, but as something to be honored and trusted. We can blame St. Augustine for some of it. We can blame a world bent on extraction and marketing to us from piling on. However, the wholeness we seek to find in nurturing one another asks for a life that relishes and cherishes enfleshed life. Letโs talk about that!
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Carmen Barsody, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Board of Trustees; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director
Shulee Ong, Camera; Jackson Munn, Camera; Gregory Stevens, Chat Moderator; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
What purpose does religion serve now? What purpose can it serve? With membership declining and ministerial shortages in every denomination, what will the future of religion and Unitarian Universalism be? What could it be? Weโll explore these questions, and how we might learn from our past, those around us, and the moment weโre in to consider a course for the future of religion. Rev. Kron is the Transitions Director of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
"Connecting Across Borders and Divides"
Sunday, October 29, 10:50 am, 2023
This is the time of year of the Pagan celebration of Samhain, and the Christian (no doubt borrowed and adapted!) witness to All Souls and All Saints, and to the celebrations of Dรญa De Los Muertos in Mexico and across Latin America. All of these community and religious ceremonies and sacred times begin with the Samhain idea that at this time of year, the veil between the living and the dead is thinned. It is a season, therefore, for reaching across that veil and pulling those we have loved and lostโtheir spirit and their legacyโmore intentionally into our world for a while.
In the spirit of this time and sacred season, you are invited to bring a copy of a photo or a memento of someone you have lost that we can put on the altar during worship. Be prepared to share their name. You are also invited to bring their favorite food to the worship. The foods that you bring will be shared during social hour.
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Asscociate; Carlowe Connelly, The Pagan Interest Circle; Megan Lehmer, Board of Trustees; UUSF Bell Choir led by Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Akane Ota, Soloist; Wm Garcรญa Ganz, Pianist
Shulee Ong, Jackson Munn, Livestream Team; Asani Seawell, Chat Support; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
"Lessons for Future Ancestors"
Sunday, October 22, 10:50 am, 2023
"Let us measure success by how many of us can say: I am living a life I donโt regret. A life that will resonate with my ancestors" -adrienne maree brown
Matt is a musician and worship leader who has led hundreds of services for UU congregations across the country. He has a degree in hand drumming and serves as Director of Community Life for Sanctuary Boston.
https://www.rhythmrevelations.com/
Matt Meyer, Guest Preacher; Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Diane Allen, Board of Trustees; Mark Sumner, Music Director; Elliott Etzkorn, Pianist
Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
Because weโre human, we hurt each other, we get hurt, and thereโs a way through that, but that way through depends on the ability to deliver and accept a powerfully meaningful apology. Healing and repair of broken relationships doesnโt happen on its own. This sermon podcast begins with a reflection written by Sara Ford and read by Peggy Lin.
Reparations for systemic racism and attempted genocide is now part of our national conversation, yet confession, without making attempts to redress harm, is nothing more than virtue signaling. Weโll explore the complex question of reparations through the lens of those most harmed, with a particular focus on indigenous justice.
ย
The second Sunday in October is typically an opportunity for you to reflect on your financial support of the church in the year ahead. This year, our Executive Team will confess some hard and hopeful truths about the current state and future of the church as we prepare to enter our 2024 fiscal year. This podcast from Stewardship Sunday begins with a reflection by worship associate Betsy Hearn.
"By Stander, Standing By"
Sunday, October 15, 10:50 am, 2023
This weekend when we honor awareness about our Trans Beloveds, I want to talk about some stories I've heard from members lately. I want to talk about how we show up and invite others to do the same. I want to talk about the real danger of the bystander.
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Daniel Jackoway, Worship Associate; Liz Strand, Board of Trustees; Hamner Family, Chalice Lighting; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Lambert Moss, soloist; Wm. Garcรญa Ganz, Pianist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Felix Borggraefe, Audio; Asani Seawell, Live Chat Moderator; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
"The Uses and Abuses of Scripture"
Sunday, October 8, 10:50 am, 2023
On a Sunday when we mark Indigenous Peoples Day, we will enjoy music from a group of Native Hawaiโian musicians. Rev. Buehrens reflect on how scripture was abused in the spread of settler colonialism, even as he invites people, in his Monday evening adult RE course on the Hebrew Bible, to learn about how the scriptures can be understood and used to counter oppression and begin the process of healing.
Rev. John Buehrens; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Lori Lai, Treasurer; Dennielle and Miles Kronenberg, Chalice Lighters; Worship Associate; Grandview Aloha Band featuring Kaโala Carmack; Rosalie Alfonso; William Klingelhoffer; Pastor James Aarona; Mark Sumner, Songleader; Wm. Garcรญa Ganz, Pianist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Greggory Stevens, Chat Moderator; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
โHello, Frank!โ in honor of the feast of St Francis which is on Oct 4.
Sunday, October 1, 10:50 am, 2023
Living in a city named for St. Francis, we find ourselves looking for the humanity behind the saint as we negotiate very difficult times: Ideals of loving the poor get confused with the complexity of addressing poverty and homelessness; and a reverence for all creation can leave us wondering what really matters environmentally. Join us as we look beyond the saint and find the human.
Carmen Barsody & Sam Dennison, Faithful Fools; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Linda Enger, Board of Trustee; Christoph Wagner, Cellist; Joanne Kong, Pianist; Mark Sumner, Songleader; Jon Silk, Drummer; Wm. Garcรญa Ganz, Pianist
Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Jose Matias Pineda, Sexton; Linda Messner, Head Usher
Unitarian Universalists long ago abandoned confession as part of their liturgical tradition, believing that such a practice was in direct opposition to our First Principle of โcovenanting to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of all persons.โ Rev. Rolenz will explore whether the ancient practice of confession is antithetical to our First Principle, or actually a vehicle for deeper self-reflection?
This sermon podcast begins with Peggy Lin reading an excerpt fromย On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World by Danya Ruttenberg.
"Healing and Hope: A sermon on forgiveness and beyond"
Sunday, September 24, 10:50 am, 2023
Yom Kippur is a day for Jewish people to focus on forgiveness and determine how they will move forward in the next year. This morning, we will focus on our own relationship with forgiveness and participate in a ritual that allows us to find a sense of peace. If you are joining virtually, then please have a rock or stone to participate in the ritual.
Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Daniel Jackoway, Worship Associate; Jonah Berquist, Moderator; Gupta Family, Chalice Lighting; Bell Choir directed by Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Wm. Klingelhoffer, Shofar
Shulee Ong, Camera; Felix Borggraefe, Sound; Santana McBride, Live Chat Moderator; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
Rev. Rolenz offers a reflection on how the various streams of our faith meet, merge, nourish and sustain us for the year ahead.ย
"We Are All the Same.... and Not: A service of celebration and reflection on being in community"
Sunday, September 17, 10:50 am, 2023
September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage Month. Mari Magaloni Ramos, Santana Gonzalez Gomez and Vanessa Southern will explore some of what we celebrate this month and also larger reflections about being in community together. Rumor has it there may also be members of a Mariachi band at church!!
Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Santana Gonzรกlez Gรณmez, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Board of Trustees; The Ferree Family, Chalice Lighting; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Morgen Warner, Soprano; Mariachi Trio El Jalisco
Shulee Ong, Camera; Jackson Munn, Camera; Asani Seawell, Live Chat Moderator; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
"Good Job!"
Sunday, September 3, 10:50 am, 2023
On Labor Day, we celebrate workers - that is, the vast majority of people - and the work they do. We honor the struggle of workers organizing to make work sufficient and bearable. We ask: What is a good job? Is it having decent pay and benefits? Is it doing work that feeds your soul? Dare we dream to have both? The Covid pandemic has challenged our cultural view of work: what has shifted and what are the implications for social justice?
Rev. Millie Phillips, Affiliated Community Minister; Daniel Jackoway, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Board of Trustees; Rockin' Solidarity Labor Chorus conducted by Pat Wynne, Director; Mark Sumner, Pianist
Shulee Ong, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
Over the years we have developed myriad ways to navigate this world. We learn how to make our way from place to place. We learn habits to accomplish routine tasks. We learn problem solving techniques to tackle difficult situations. There are times, however, when we have no maps or when a problem surpasses our knowledge base. There are even those times when we know what we need to do, but don't know if we can muster the strength and resolve to move forward. This service probes the spiritual underpinnings of making our way through those wilderness times, those events and challenges when we find ourselves feeling lost, helpless and directionless.
"Connection Through Sharing"
Sunday, August 27, 10:50 am
One of the ways we find connection at UUSF is through the Small Group Ministry program. Groups meet twice a month to reflect and to share about a topic. We will explore this type of connecting during the service.
Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Daniel Jackoway, Worship Associate; Linda Enger, Board of Trustees; Megan Lehmer & Ralph Fenn, Small Group Ministries; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; Nancy Munn, Soprano; Wm. Garcia Ganz, Pianist; Ben Rudiak-Gould, songleader
Eric Shackelford, Camera; Jonathan Silk and Alicia Cover, sound; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher
Matt Meyer is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist with a long background as a musician and worship leader for UU congregations. He lives in Boston but travels as an itinerant worship leader, bringing the good news of Unitarian Universalism to hundreds congregations all over the country. Matt serves as the Director of Operations for Sanctuary Boston, a contemporary UU worship community with rockinโ music and engaging worship that meets on Wednesday evenings online and in-person. Mattโs childrenโs story โDesmond Gets Freeโ was published last year as a book by Skinner House Press. It just recently won a Nautilus award for social justice in childrenโs fiction.