Messages

A message from the monthly “Repair.” Join us for our annual holiday service in which we give thanks for the many blessings of our lives as we deepen our commitments to intersectional anti-racism and anti-oppression and grieve the painful history of this holiday. In addition to continuing our exploration of antidotes to white supremacy culture, we will share in a bread and wine (or juice) communion and reflect upon this practice as part of our Unitarian Universalist heritage. The Rev. Jeremiah Lal Shahbaz Kalendae, preaching. Chela Metzger, worship associate. Order of Service

A message from the monthly “Repair.” We’ve accomplished a lot in our multi-year developmental ministry journey which has been guided by over twenty goals that address most areas of congregational functioning. We’ve had challenges and setbacks, which are to be expected, a global pandemic, and we’ve made substantial progress and grown in new and exciting ways. What have we learned? What work remains? How can we be intentional in our transition out of developmental ministry and into settled ministry at the end of the next congregational year? Time for All Ages: Jessica will talk about how baseball teaches us a lesson about working together as a team, and how the best teams include many different kinds of people. The Rev. Jeremiah Lal Shahbaz Kalendae, preaching. Karen Hsu Patterson, worship associate. Order of Service

A message from the monthly “Repair.” After a long race, whether one wins or loses, there is the desire for rest. Rest, however may not be what is needed. What is necessary in times of great stress and in the midst of jubilation is perseverance. Keep focused and keep going. There is much work to do. Time for All Ages: Jessica will talk about listening to our feelings and what they are telling us about what we need to keep going. The Rev. Dr. Kikanza Nuri-Robins, preaching. Dr. Susan Hendricks, worship associate. Order of Service

A message from the monthly “Repair.” Let us lift our voices and our spirits in support of democracy and our progressive Unitarian Universalist values this Sunday! Join us for a special participatory music-centered service as we celebrate our UU the Vote efforts and help keep the hope and joy alive in our world. Time for All Ages: Jessica will share a story about Woody Guthrie and the song “This Land Is Your Land.” The Rev. Jeremiah Lal Shahbaz Kalendae, preaching. Judith Martin-Straw, worship associate. Order of Service

A message from the monthly “Deep Listening.” Our annual multi-generational service honoring the Day of the Dead and this season of holidays invite us to think of another world and celebrate our beloveds who have moved beyond us from this life. Our Garden of Eternity service will follow the Sunday service as we remember those whose names are inscribed in our hearts and in our memorial garden with sacred song, the sharing of memories, and blessings. Time for All Ages: Vilma will share part two of “Uncle Monarch and the Day of the Dead.” The Rev. Jeremiah Lal Shahbaz Kalendae and Jessica TenHave-Place, preaching. Dr. Susan Hendricks, worship associate. Order of Service

A message from the monthly “Deep Listening.” As children, no one teaches us to listen. There are no contests or trophies. No recognition in the class yearbook for “Most likely to listen.” Few people praise us for listening. Why? We are taught that listening is passive. Listening makes you vulnerable. Listening means you are not in charge. Deep listening requires that you turn off the voices in your head. You have to set your agenda aside and pay attention—and paying attention to only one thing is not easy. What might change for you if listening becomes your spiritual practice? Time for All Ages: Linda will share the story of “The Cricket and the Coin” to show how we can practice listening for the things that are most important. The Rev. Dr. Kikanza Nuri-Robins, preaching. Chela Metzger, worship associate. Order of Service

A message from the monthly “Deep Listening.” Join us as we learn about the High Holidays of the Jewish tradition which call us to reflection and repair in our relationships and in the world. With our new neighbors at the Santa Monica Synagogue, we have a great opportunity to build beloved community this season with Unitarian Universalist, Jewish, and Islamic leadership right in our spiritual home. We will also welcome new members into our multi-religious community this Sunday. The Rev. Jeremiah Lal Shahbaz Kalendae, preaching. Chela Metzger, worship associate. Order of Service

A message from the monthly “Deep Listening.” “All creatures of the earth and sky, come, kindred, lift your voices high!” You are invited to our annual multigenerational service joining congregations around the globe in celebrating our non-human animal companions and this tradition of St. Francis Day weekend. You are welcome to bring your furry friends with you to the service this morning for a special blessing. We will also remember all those animal friends who have crossed the rainbow bridge. The Rev. Jeremiah Lal Shahbaz Kalendae, preaching. Cassie Winters, worship associate. Order of Service

A message from the monthly “Invitation.” We join with congregations across the nation to reimagine together from an age of extraction to a new era. Rev. Abhi Janamanchi writes in the national invitation: “The Revival is an opportunity to renew our Unitarian Universalist commitment to the planet… Our faith calls on us to act for love; and the revival is a way we can come together for a unified planet-loving purpose so we can make a difference for ourselves, our community, and even, perhaps, those policy makers.” Jessica Place, MDiv, preaching. Chela Metzger, worship associate. Order of Service

A message from the monthly “Invitation.” It is considered good manners, in countries where more than one language is spoken, to greet your guests in their native language. The literal translation for Welcome in many languages is Good Coming. As we return from our summer sojourns, what are some ways that you might say Good Coming to our friends, new roommates, and our visitors? The Rev. Dr. Kikanza Nuri-Robins, preaching. Cassie Winters, worship associate. Order of Service