Podcast: Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections

August 9, 2026 – Temples, Trees, and Transcendence

What do Burmese Buddhism, pagan traditions, nature and Unitarian Universalism have in common? Thida Cornes explores the human search for transcendence through sacred spaces, the natural world, and moments of connection that invite us beyond ourselves. From temple courtyards to towering trees, this sermon considers … read more.

Sunday, August 2, 2026 – Conflict and Its Discontents

Conflict is integral to good stories and is woven into being human. This service explores what conflict is, some ideas about how to deter it, and failing that, ways to repair relationships after a breach.

Worship leader: Marianne Neuwirth

Worship associate: Ed Haertel

Special Music: Ruth Huber, vocalist, … read more.

A Message of Hope for Humanity and Our Planet

This service offers a message of encouragement, and evidence based hope, about our country and the world; with a simple method of growing the emotional balance and resilience we will need in times of great change.

Worship Leader: David Nielsen

Worship Associate: Mayo Tsuzuki

Special Music: Aurora Singers

Follow … read more.

Eye of the Dark

Gary Rosin, a member of our congregation and a retired law professor who has written poetry since he was sixteen, brings “Eye of the Dark” to our pulpit this week. “Eye of the Dark” is prose mixed with poetry to argue that poetry is the … read more.

Sunday, June 21, 2026 – Soul Focus (6 of 6)

Soul Focus: “InSoulvent: The Costs of What’s Been Lost” (Part 6 of 6)

Rev. Peter continues his ongoing exploration of the soul and society.

Worship Leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Special Music: Veronika Agranov-Dafoe, piano

Follow along in the order of service https://bit.ly/uucpa_oos_20260621.

Sunday, June 14, 2026 – Soul Focus (5 of 6)

Soul Focus: “InSoulvent: The Costs of What’s Been Lost” (Part 5 of 6)

Rev. Peter continues his ongoing exploration of the soul and society.

Worship Leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Special Music: Jim Stevens, folk guitar

Follow along in the order of service bit.ly/uucpa_oos_20260614.

Sunday, June 7, 2026 – Soul Focus (4 of 6)

Soul Focus: “InSoulvent: The Costs of What’s Been Lost” (Part 4 of 6)

Rev. Peter continues his ongoing exploration of the soul and society.

Worship Leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Special Music: Veronika Agranov-Dafoe, piano

Follow along in the order of service bit.ly/uucpa_oos_20260607

May 31, 2026 – Flower Communion

This Sunday’s Flower Communion celebrates the garden of blossoming beings that make up UUCPA, including those who most recently set down spiritual roots here. And since every garden needs TLC to thrive, we’ll also honor all those who tend and nurture it. If it’s easy … read more.

Sunday, May 24, 2026 – “The Liberating Power of Forgiveness” (Part 2 of 2)

We all make mistakes, so practicing forgiveness is vital to people’s well-being. Last week this 2-part inquiry began with a focus on forgiving others. This week looks at how to seek forgiveness from others—and how to forgive ourselves.

Worship Leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Special Music: Steven Chanan, … read more.

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.