Messages

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

A message from the monthly “Invitation.” Love is the heart of our faith. Our newly adopted Unitarian Universalist Values put Love into action. Join us as we explore ancient and contemporary wisdom on love in religious life and on the spiritual quest. The Rev. Jeremiah Lal Shahbaz Kalendae, preaching. The Rev. Dr. Kikanza Nuri-Robins, worship associate. Online Order of Service for September 15, 2024

A message from the monthly “Invitation.” We regather in our historic sanctuary after a summer of spaciousness and restoration to celebrate our annual Water Communion Ceremony. We will pour libations with our hopes and prayers for this new congregational year. If you have water from your travels this summer or a local sacred space, please bring a small container of it with you this morning for this multigenerational service. The Rev. Jeremiah Lal Shahbaz Kalendae, preaching. Dr. Susan Hendricks, worship associate. Order of Service: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LA8NgfOoqLdhASRcJtR59gMszJ-iB3jt7oRgB9jAEfM/edit?usp=sharing

A message from the monthly “Invitation.” When you get sick, do you blame yourself for it? Do you feel you somehow deserve it or feel ashamed? Do you have a close friend or family member suffering from a serious illness who feels ashamed to be so sick? Today, Bronwen Jones will share her perspective on the deep culture of shame that surrounds those who are seriously ill. She has worked as the lead oncology chaplain at Cedars Sinai Cancer for ten years. Chaplain Bronwen Jones, guest speaker. Chela Metzger, worship associate. Order of Service: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NhU4A5wkYwhxnNp_dj4rt6AGoXPTvsrv/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111189506671589526801&rtpof=true&sd=true

A message from the monthly “Hospitality.” Change is hard. Transformation is even more difficult. How might the butterfly’s cycle of life offer us a pathway toward transforming the world through courageous love? The Rev. Liz Murphy, guest minister. Chela Metzger, worship associate. Order of Service: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rrGWg5SFtQd_d8-CgzOtT0rzgYsX_aBCVWcgBSkuqp4/edit?usp=drive_link

A message from the monthly “Hospitality.” A child of missionaries, her own spiritual odyssey would transform liberal religious education from rote study into an experience-centered search for truth and meaning. Her lifelong dedication to children’s learning, and to the quest for knowledge from all sources, helped usher an era of rapid and unprecedented growth that was dubbed “The Unitarian Renaissance.” Even today, we at UUSM remain part of the revolution of ideas that Sophia Lyon Fahs instigated—and she still has much to teach us. James Witker, guest speaker. Dr. Susan Hendricks, worship associate. Order of Service: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J1vVY8AUKnU-GIAofWotVXwFXvdzlwX0LkJ7rBaqAMI/edit?usp=sharing