Messages

A message from the monthly “Nurturing Gratitude.” Love is at the center of our faith and we are therefore called to strive to live with open hearts. That can be difficult in times such as these when empathy, compassion, and love are threatened in our wider world. Join us as we consider how we can spiritually resource ourselves so that our love is expansive, bold, and resilient. We will also learn more about the ministerial search process and our “Break Barriers, Build Beliefs” assessment and workshop as we prepare to conduct an inclusive national ministerial search.

Order of Service: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o7M8wjWcRXMEWWkFkmkA4Q4emvak0BqEH5QJUlpBc-s/edit?tab=t.0

A message from the monthly “Nurturing Gratitude.” “Direct experiences of transcending mystery and wonder are primary sources of Unitarian Universalist inspiration. These experiences open our hearts, renew our spirits, and transform our lives… Grateful for the experiences that move us, aware of the religious ancestries we inherit, and enlivened by the diversity which enriches our faith, we are called to ever deepen and expand our wisdom,” challenges our new Unitarian Universalist Inspirations statement which our movement adopted at last year’s General Assembly. Nurturing Gratitude is this month’s theme and we will explore how we are to live lives of thanksgiving in the context of our many holiday celebrations. Rev. Jeremiah Lal Shahbaz Kalendae, preaching. Judith Martin Straw, worship associate.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uUAhHn57998i_bbN2Qqp0jXqnLw8gBlRYq4hduYtEms/edit?usp=sharing

A message from the monthly “Nurturing Gratitude.” It’s easy to say thank you. It is one of the first phrases we teach children to say. It is much harder to be a gracious receiver. How can you say thanks for something you don’t want? Or when you feel unworthy? Gratitude as a spiritual practice requires compassion and understanding directed at both the giver and yourself. Does gratitude get you through hard times? What happens when you say thank you but you don’t mean it? Let’s give thanks for meaningful Thank-yous.

Order of Service: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1g5oAhYr9uOgBJy1HIGXxnG4k0y9NejtXx8o2BQF5tYM/edit?tab=t.0

A message from the monthly “Nurturing Gratitude.” Heritage Sunday is an opportunity for us to hear from an elder of our community and reflect upon the many stories that make us who we are as a liberal religious congregation. This year, Karl Lisovsky will be our guest speaker and will share some of his spiritual odyssey with us. Order of Service: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C7f2J_uCt-hTWC9Yw641i7GH2yUDEGQziheiZdutQNw/edit?usp=sharing

A message from the monthly “Nurturing Gratitude.” Join us for this special multigenerational service with our ancestors of blood and spirit. You are invited to bring a picture of your beloveds of memory to place on the ofrenda (altar) we will construct together. Rebecca Haggerty and Vilma Ortiz, Worship Associates.

A message from the monthly “Cultivating Compassion.” Samhain marks the transition from the light half to the dark half of the Wheel of the Year in many Pagan spiritualities. Halloween preserves many of the wisdoms and religious traditions of this ancient holiday in our contemporary culture. Join us as we honor this liminal time and learn more about the magic of this season and the ways Witches, Pagans, and others cultivate it for positive change. Rev. Jeremiah Lal Shahbaz Kalendae, preaching. Dr. Susan Hendricks, Worship Associate.

Order of Service: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zqLutWbVN1SlaR-XuDZOyhNKPf9uXtjchEgTr_O6Hfo/edit?usp=sharing

A message from the monthly “Cultivating Compassion.” Self compassion sometimes looks like self-determination–creating your own pathway rather than taking the paths that others expect of you. When you come to a roadblock along the path, whichever one you have chosen, you may feel inclined to wait to see what the gods have planned for you. Perhaps there are some other options to consider. Join us for Sunday morning worship in our historic Sanctuary at 18th and Arizona, online or in-person. Rebecca Haggerty, Worship Associate.

Order of Service: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MGc3IXYl2NL_s9_YPHnNtOFh3sveWyh8P6419sjbCgM/edit?usp=sharing

A message from the monthly “Cultivating Compassion.” Cultivating Compassion is this month’s Soul Matters theme and we will consider how we spiritually resource ourselves when we find empathy, compassion, and love threatened in our wider world. We will also learn more about the ministerial search process and our “Break Barriers, Build Beliefs” assessment and workshop as we prepare to conduct an inclusive national search.

Order of Service: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-iT6uh_EAaP0a8JRyBKYGg0EhM537UVQS9mD5wZ8vSA/edit?tab=t.0

A message from the monthly “Cultivating Compassion.” Join us as we celebrate our beloved animal companions in our annual multigenerational St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals service. You are invited to bring your companions with you to the sanctuary on Sunday for a blessing and some treats! We join with congregations across denominations in this special time of reflecting on the blessings they bring to our lives and our commitment to a ministry for all beings! After the service, we will build and decorate a Sukkah for Sukkot in the courtyard with our friends at the Santa Monica Synagogue. All are welcome! (St. Francis Day Oct. 4) (Sukkot Oct. 6-13)

Order of Service: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G3-6F6ruJ3DkI2CNzU32k9YOTYR4Jv-fcOvyHaTLJzk/edit?tab=t.0

A message from the monthly “Building Belonging.” What is your life’s calling? What is our calling as a gathered spiritual community? Where do these various summons meet and inform each other in creative and transformative ways? Join us as we explore the nature of religious callings and practice listening to our deepest selves and the spiritual inspirations of our lives. Join us in-person or online.

Order of Service: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uUqm_WwyRuxEJ5tLAvyevHmsk0wcV31-NfPizyIn6VM/edit?usp=drivesdk