Podcast: Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections

Sunday, May 17, 2026 – “The Liberating Power of Forgiveness” (Part 1 of 2)

We all make mistakes, so practicing forgiveness is vital to people’s well-being. The first of this 2-part inquiry focuses on forgiving others, while next week looks at how to seek forgiveness from others—and how to forgive ourselves.

Worship Leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Special Music: Lynda MacNeil and … read more.

Love That Endures: An Inclusive Mother’s Day

Love isn’t just an emotion; it’s a commitment that matures over time. Join us this Sunday for an inclusive service dedicated to the power of nurturing in all its forms. We celebrate the hands that held us, the hearts that chose us, and the memories … read more.

Sunday, May 3, 2026 – May Day

May Day is an earth-based holiday celebrating the vibrancy and creativity of spring, as well as a day of worker recognition and protest. As we prepare to weave the ribbons of the maypole dance after the service, we’ll reflect on the various interwoven threads of … read more.

Soul Focus

Rev. Peter continues his ongoing exploration of the soul and society. Though suicidal despair and authoritarian domination may seem poles apart, in his Soul Focus sermon series Rev. Peter suggests that both arise mainly from modern materialism’s spiritual wasteland—and that archaic religious remedies now only … read more.

Soul Focus

Rev. Peter continues his ongoing exploration of the soul and society. Though suicidal despair and authoritarian domination may seem poles apart, in his Soul Focus sermon series Rev. Peter suggests that both arise mainly from modern materialism’s spiritual wasteland—and that archaic religious remedies now only … read more.

Soul Focus

Though suicidal despair and authoritarian domination may seem poles apart, in his Soul Focus sermon series Rev. Peter suggests that both arise mainly from modern materialism’s spiritual wasteland—and that archaic religious remedies now only aggravate these and related ills. He also reclaims the soul’s significance … read more.

Rising: The Satisfaction of Action

Rising: The Satisfaction of Action

UUCPA’s Covenant of Shared Ministry includes the promise “to struggle for justice and act with compassion, taking the teachings of our faith beyond these walls.” Come learn how doing so leads directly to life’s greatest satisfactions.

Worship Leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Special Music: … read more.

Showing Up

Sermon Topic: Showing Up

Despite many other worthy things competing for our attention on Sunday morning, we choose to take a few hours out of our day to show up here. Why? What difference does it make to show up regularly? Could it be that … read more.

A Chosen Faith Part 2 (of 2)

Sermon Topic: ’A Chosen Faith’ Part 2 (of 2)

A Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism is a classic book by prominent UU ministers John Buehrens and the late Forrest Church that examines aspects of UU history, theology, congregational community, social action, and more. On Feb. … read more.

Changes, Challenges, and Consciousness

Sermon Topic: Changes, Challenges, and Consciousness

When sudden life changes and challenges come, do we best tackle them head on or try to go over, under, or around instead? Another option: go “above and beyond.”

Worship Leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Worship Associate: Jan Rosin

Special Music: Martin Manley, jazz … read more.