Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae

We mark this transitional time by emphasizing a ministry of presence, celebrating accomplishments, saying our many goodbyes, and preparing for the arrival of your settled minister!

Resilience is our capacity to adapt to adversities and recover from these kinds of experiences and potentially grow even stronger.

The Season of Lights invites us into the dazzling darkness of the winter and its summons to move inward, rest, and be nourished by the long nights.

For a few moments I pause. I think of the many ordinary blessings in my life – from the rays of sunlight through the windows, to the verdant trees outside, to another breath in my body.

When the world around us is seemingly falling apart, it is especially important for us to lean into what is spiritually nourishing to us to help us be well-resourced to withstand the onslaught.

Our spiritual theme this month is “Building Belonging” and this is something this nation desperately needs in this time of escalating division, exclusion, bigotry, and violence.

You are my inspiration! The creativity, vitality, commitment, and love of our beloved community open possibilities, bring healing, deepen justice, and exalt awe, wonder, and joy!

Freedom is our theme for June, and it is certainly a topic worthy of reflection in this cultural climate of emboldened intellectual oppression, white supremacy, bigotry, and fear.

What an exciting time at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Monica! We keep showing up to side with Love and our UU Values amid an extraordinarily oppressive era.