Podcast: Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections

The Masks We Wear

Join us for a joyful, all-ages Halloween service exploring the masks we wear and the truths beneath them. Together we’ll celebrate the courage to be authentic, and the magic of becoming our truest selves. We’ll have a fun skit and a hands-on activity where everyone … read more.

Spiritual Healthiness, or What Will We Swallow?

A part playful, part serious look at spiritual teacher/author Thomas Moore’s imaginary “DSM-1 of Spirituality Disorders” – and the degree to which UUism is susceptible to some of them.

Worship leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Special music: Aaron Lington, saxophone

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

Showing Up for Each Other’s Mental Health

How can we show up for each other’s mental health, and what does that mean for our spiritual lives? Rev. Barbara Meyers shares real stories—both what works and what doesn’t—from her ministry and her book HELD, offering practical guidance for congregations who want to care more … read more.

Seasons of Change

On the first Sunday of this autumn change of season, and in this time of transitional exploration at UUCPA, our service looks at some challenges and opportunities of change.

Worship leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Special music: Martin Manley, jazz pianist

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

It Matters What We Believe

Following on our 9/14 and 9/21 topics, this service explores some deeper implications of what people believe. Based on hymnal Reading #657.

Worship leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Worship associate: Ed Haertel

Special music: Veronika Agranov-Dafoe

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

Really? I Never KnUU That…

Courageous, compassionate characters people Unitarian Universalism’s inception and development. This service explores one early figure who helped make UUism a tradition of inclusiveness and free choice.

Worship leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Special music: Gaelic Muses, Celtic trio

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

The UU Way

This service looks at some important ways that Unitarian Universalism differs from most faith traditions.

Worship leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Worship associate: Barbara Saxton

Special music: Teresa Orozco, flute

If you prefer to join the community of those attending online, there are two options. One, join the service via … read more.

Water Communion

Each year at this time, we celebrate the ways we are all connected to each other and every other living thing. For our intergenerational Water Communion service, please bring a little water to pour into the communal bowl. We will give thanks for water and … read more.

Looking for Yourself

In a letter to a friend, Emily Dickinson wrote “I am out with lanterns, looking for myself”. In addition to being a wonderful image and wonderfully poetic line, the idea of looking for oneself can be central to who we are.

Worship leader: Richard Heydt

Worship associate: … read more.

Saving Souls of Churches and Nations

There has been much talk in the past year, both pre- and post-election, about the soul of our nation, pointing to “soul” as the seat of sacred identity. What does it mean for nations or churches to have souls?  The soul of a church lies in its purpose or … read more.