Podcast: Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Soul Focus: Introduction, Part 1 (of 3)

Rev. Peter Farriday begins an ongoing series of reflections that explore the soul and society.

Worship leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Special music: Season of Us (Bill Stanfield, Guitar)

If you prefer to join the community of those attending online, there are … read more.

Sunday, December 28, 2025

Friendship is vitally important to all of us. There has been a lot of research on friendship in recent decades. In this service we will talk about both the science and the power of friendship in our lives.

Worship leader: Richard Heydt

Special Music: Steven Chanan, piano

If … read more.

Stories of Darkness & Light

Throughout ancient cultures, light returning from darkness in nature led to symbolic tales of the same “miracle” occurring in human lives and communities. Today’s intergenerational service tells three of these as we mark the winter solstice, share the story of Hanukkah, and together bring to life … read more.

Sunday Service, December 14, 2025

While we don’t get snow flurries in the South Bay, the flurry of the winter holidays can sometimes be more stressful than joyful. But mindfulness practices are a potent remedy—and a gift you can benefit from all year long.

Worship leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Special Music: Margaret … read more.

Sunday, Dec. 7 Service

Hope has many faces; some fanciful and escapist, others grounded and empowering. Today we explore the difference, and how to apply hope’s nourishing aspects to our lives and our world.

Worship leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Worship associate: Brian Weller

Special music: Veronika Agranov-Dafoe, piano

If you prefer to join … read more.

Sunday Service, November 30, 2025 – The Beatitude of Gratitude

This Thanksgiving-weekend service explores ideas and practices that help us live with constant gratitude—an attitude that benefits mind, body, spirit, and others.

Worship leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Worship associate: Jane Correia

Special Music: Arhan Dutta, piano

If you prefer to join the community of those attending online, there are … read more.

Sunday Service – November 23, 2025 – Towards Composting

In the face of what is crumbling, what is our ethical response to what falls apart? What do we do if there is no “exit” or “restart” for situations, organizations, or a world we are uncertain about how to heal, or harm we are uncertain … read more.

Sunday Service, November 16, 2025 – The Heart of Happiness

The Dalai Lama teaches that being happy is good for both oneself and others. So it’s helpful to know some proven avenues to happiness—and which bring the deepest satisfactions.

Worship Leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Special Music: Thomas Shoebotham, piano

If you prefer to join the community of those … read more.

Sunday Service – November 9, 2025 – The Lens of Consciousness

Author Anais Nin said “I do not see the world as it is. I see it as I am.” This Sunday we explore how deeply one’s state of awareness, or stage of consciousness, affects how we see and act in the world.

Worship Leader: Rev. Peter … read more.

Afterlife Intimations

Spiritual traditions worldwide speak of people’s nonmaterial essence continuing beyond physical death. So in this season of Day of the Dead (native to Mexico) and the pagan holy day Samhain (now aka All Hallows Eve or Halloween), this service explores what may lie beyond this … read more.