November 2 - Rev. Judy, “All Souls Day”
Heather Janules wrote:
"They once dwelled among us, the people of memory. They who knew us, they who taught us, They who hurt us, they who loved us . . ."
In this season of remembrance let's reflect on and ritualize our connection with our ancestors and loved ones who have passed. Yet they still live on in our midst, in our heart, in our memories. We will honor all souls lost to us. Bring a memento of them if you wish to place it on our remembrance table.
November 9 - Rev. Nancy Combs-Morgan, “Practicing Hope”
In this time of challenge, in the greater world, we are called, as Unitarian Universalists, to practice hope. Holding a shared vision of a values based, whole community, of courage and care, we can transform the challenge into transformation. Video presentation by Rev. Nancy Combs-Morgan, UUA Congregational Life Staff in the Southern Region.
November 16 - Rev. Judy, “Nurturing Gratitude”
A paraphrasing of Deuteronomy 6:10-12 from the Hebrew scriptures goes like this…
We build on foundations we did not lay
We warm ourselves by fires we did not light.
We sit in the shade of trees we did not plant.
We drink from wells we did not dig.
We profit from persons we did not know.
The natural response to this bountiful inheritance is a sense of gratitude. And what flows from gratitude is generosity. Let's consider how to nourish them both.
November 23 - Cesar Cardona, “Growth Mindfulness”
Cesar Cardona shares Growth Mindfulness: a way to use calm breathing, clear thoughts, and mental tools to feel steady inside when taking action in the world. Small inner shifts can help us face big life challenges. Cesar Cardona is a survivor, public speaker, and mindfulness educator living in Los Angeles, California.
November 30 - Music+ Sunday: Songs of the OC Homeless
From Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, November 16-22, to The Longest Night Homeless Memorial on December 21, we are reminded to practice empathy and generosity this season. Join us to hear musicians, including pieces from Vern Nelson’s suite, Songs of the OC Homeless.
December 7 - Rev. Judy, “Choosing Hope”
In this Advent season, a time of sacred waiting, we will focus on the anticipation we feel in the midst of the holidays. Our waiting is not a passive but preparation for a new world. We will focus on how our church community can be a source and a force for hope and change. While we go into the darkest time of the year, we hold out the hope for the light to come.
December 14 - Rev. Sunshine J. Wolfe, “Transformative Joy”
Many folks are wondering how to maintain resilience in times such as these. One of the many meaningful and grounding tools is fostering joy and play. Joy and play are not something we earn through hard work, but the tool that helps us do the difficult things. In this worship, we explore the power of play to build community and action. Presented by Rev. Sunshine J. Wolfe, Regional Lead, Pacific Western Region.
December 21 - Rev. Judy, “In the Darkness, We Light Candles”
Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, is a celebration of the struggle for liberation in the face of religious persecution. In this time when powerful forces threaten to overwhelm our Unitarian Universalist principles of justice, peace, and human rights for all, we light candles of resistance and hope against acts of domination and oppression.
December 28 - “Celebrating Community”
Join us for our annual Holiday Party on the last Sunday in December as we come together to celebrate the warmth, friendship, and shared spirit of our community. Enjoy delicious catered Ethiopian main dishes, and bring your favorite potluck sides, desserts, or drinks to share. It’s a joyful morning of good food, laughter, and connection—everyone is welcome!
