Podcast: Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections

Judgment and Curiosity

Two attitudes, two ways to journey through the world. As Amy departs for the explorations made possible by a six-month sabbatical, she shares her thoughts on the doors each one opens or closes. What happens when we meet one another, meet ideas, meet the world, … read more.

Intergenerational Flower Communion

Exactly 100 years ago, on June 4, 1923, the minister of the Unitarian Church in Prague, Czechoslovakia, the Rev. Norbert Čapek, introduced the Flower Celebration. He asked the people of the congregation to bring flowers, and after they gathered them into one beautiful display and … read more.

Beautiful and Terrible

“Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don’t be afraid,” says Frederick Buechner. Here we are, plunked down in a life that encompasses devastating tragedies and transcendent joys. What shall we do?

In addition to giving the sermon, Amy sings music by three … read more.

An Act of Restoration

Today we are celebrating Earth Day a little late (April was packed) and reconsidering one species that we often regard as having no useful role in our ecosystem. What it contributes to the global community seems to be far outweighed by what it takes. Of … read more.

We Don’t Talk About Burnout

Life in Silicon Valley is phenomenally stressful. There are as many different ways to try to cope with its pressures as there are personalities, and understanding how our personality intersects with the stress can help us to be less vulnerable to the complete exhaustion known … read more.

Dismantling, Rebuilding, Repairing

Is the UUCPA group Dismantling White Supremacy, which first convened in late 2019, an education program, a justice project, a support-oriented small group, a spiritual growth group . . . ?

Yes!

Today, by speaking about what they’ve learned, what they’re doing, and the kinds … read more.

The Virtue of Tolerance

“Tolerance” has become a bit of a dirty word as those pushed to the margins rightly press for more than simply being tolerated. For example, LGBTQIA folks don’t want their religious community just to tolerate them, but to celebrate them. Intermarried couples don’t want to … read more.

Easter, All Together

On Easter, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. All of us reflect on what rebirth might mean in this one wild and precious life. Are the cycles of nature really a good parallel for human rebirth and resurrection? And bunnies and chocolate eggs are supposed … read more.

Am I the Keeper of My Beloveds?

In Genesis, one man slew his brother, and when asked where that brother was, asked of his god, “I know not. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

This question has been taken as many ways as there are storytellers under the sun: keeper of health? keeper … read more.

The Spiritual Awakening of Fatherhood

The journey of a UU stay-at-home dad (so far)

Author, stay-at-home dad, and UUCPA member Matthew Rosin reflects on the religious resources and practices, within and near Unitarian Universalism, that have helped him learn to become the healthy and connected man his kids need him to … read more.