Join us each Sunday ONLINE as we celebrate and worship as a community.
We as Unitarian Universalists look forward to being with you virtually and in spirit on Sunday morning. We continue to develop our new spiritual practice of co-creating beloved community together in the midst of a global pandemic. We’re finding ways to spiritually prepare and fortify ourselves and to support others in uncertain times. If you need help getting to the online services, please contact board member Eileen McCormack for assistance.
Join our live online Sunday service broadcast on the church’s Facebook or YouTube pages on Sunday mornings and join the conversation. You can also watch it live on the UUSM website on the main page (uusm.org). You don’t need to have a Facebook or YouTube account or be logged in to watch on any of the websites. You do have to be logged in to comment and chat with other members of the congregation. The video will also be archived on our YouTube channel and website after the end of the service, so tune in anytime to catch up and worship with your community.
Join us for a Zoom Coffee Hour Check-In and Conversation after the service from 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Email zoomcoffee@uusm.org for the Zoom link or find it in our private UU Santa Monica Facebook Group. Ask to join.
Since September our worship leaders have been livestreaming from our sanctuary and courtyard at 10:30 am. We’ve made significant investments to enhance our technological infrastructure and staffing to allow us to broadcast live on Sunday mornings! And we have reopened the sanctuary! We are limiting members’ participation to 10 people on a first-come-first-served basis. If you would like to RSVP, use this form. You will need to either upload your vaccination card or email it to Cyndee at assistant@uusm.org in order to attend. Please note: Reservation deadlines are Thursdays by noon prior to the Sunday service date.
Sunday, December 5, 2021
“Cultivating Gratitude and Joy“
Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray, preaching
Robbert Schalekamp, Worship Associate
ONE SERVICE AT 10:30 am online
The Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray invites us to consider how we practice gratitude and find joy in the midst of the holiday season. Please join us for this special service in partnership with our denomination, the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA).
Our distinguished guest began her six-year term as president of the UUA in June 2017. As president of the Association, she is responsible for administering staff and programs that serve its more than 1,000 member congregations. She also acts as principal spokesperson and minister-at-large for the UUA. Susan brings a strong focus on mission and strategic planning to her leadership at the UUA as it works to dismantle systems of white supremacy. As president, and as a life-long Unitarian Universalist, she has emphasized that this is no time for a casual faith and no time to go it alone.
Sunday, December 12, 2021
“Forgiveness: Restitching the Fabric of Society”
Joshua Lewis Berg, preaching
Kikanza Nuri-Robins, Worship Associate
ONE SERVICE AT 10:30 am online
What does forgiveness mean? Why do we forgive? Can we forgive even after great harm? How do we come back into beloved community when covenant is broken? In our deeply divided society, where reacting in defense has become almost instinctive, making forgiveness second nature seems more important than ever for radical healing. From the most atrocious breach of trust to a simple white lie, let us consider the necessity of forgiveness.
We welcome Joshua Lewis Berg, who was born and raised in the Detroit area but has called Southern California his home on and off for more than a decade. As a humanist celebrant since 2015, he has officiated many celebration-of-life ceremonies. He was also a board member of The Humanist Society. From 2019-2021, he served as the Ministerial Intern at Northwest UU of Southfield, MI, and he has preached in dozens of congregations across the country. From January through May, he will serve as the 1/4-time minister for Emerson UU Church in Canoga Park, while the Rev. Matthew McHale is on Sabbatical. In May, Joshua will graduate from Meadville Lombard Theological School with a Master of Divinity and then be ordained a UU minister in June.
Sunday, December 19, 2021
“Sources of Our Liberal Faith”
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae, preaching
Chela Metzger, Worship Associate
ONE SERVICE AT 10:30 am online
Born in the liberal Christian tradition, with roots in Judaism, Unitarian Universalism has blossomed to include many sources of wisdom. Come learn more about the sources of our liberal faith and the religious diversity you’ll find in any UU community.
Friday, December 24, 2021
“Christmas Eve Candlelight Service”
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae, preaching
Kikanza Nuri-Robins, Worship Associate
ONE SERVICE AT 7:00 pm online
Dancing with your shadow in the Season of Lights. A star appears in the night sky, angels visit shepherds, and a poor child is born in a manger. Come hear the ancient story and consider its meaning to our lives and our world. It may stir our imaginations and warm our hearts this winter season. Our special Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be livestreamed from our sanctuary at 7 pm. There is limited seating available for those who register with the office in advance. On Christmas Eve, the offering will go to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund.
Sunday, December 26, 2021
“Where Is the Joy?”
Rev. Kikanza Nuri-Robins, preaching
Robbert Schalekamp, Worship Associate
ONE SERVICE AT 10:30 am online
It’s the day after Christmas. Where is your joy? Perhaps in the midst of your warm afterglow, or the ennui of another disappointment, or the internal conflicts that arise when there is so much social pressure to give, you are ready to contemplate the need for self-compassion. If you are in charge of your own TLC (tender loving care) what is it going to look like? Finding Joy in caring for yourself — how might you do that?
December Generous Congregation Recipient: UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund
We come together for more than ourselves. This month, half of our Sunday Offering will go to UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund. Your donations will help the UNICEF fight for the rights of every child seeking safe shelter, nutrition, protection from disaster and conflicts, and equality. Thank you for your generous support of this beloved community and UNICEF.
To give $10 right now, text “$10 GCC” (or another amount) to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.) Or visit uusm.org/make-a-donation.
