Podcast: Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections

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.

A Home for Our Hearts

Sermon Topic: A Home for Our Hearts

Worship Leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Worship Associate: Steven Mashin

Special Music: Veronika Agranov-Dafoe, piano

Follow along in the order of service, bit.ly/uucpa_oos_20260308.

March 1, 2026 – Change Is a Constant Companion

Worship Leader: Rev. Johnnie Bloom-Ramirez

Worship Associate: Barbara Saxton

Special Music: Paul Kosta group, instrumental

Follow along in the order of service, bit.ly/uucpa_oos_20260301.

A Chosen Faith Part 1 (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. This Sunday Rev. Peter shares aspects of the first half, … read more.

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Rev. Peter Farriday continues the ongoing series of reflections that explore the soul and society. Expanding on the Introduction, this Sunday continues last week’s survey of the historical emergence of materialism’s limited worldview, and some of its harmful psycho-spiritual consequences.

Worship leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Special music: … read more.