Podcast: Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections

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.

What Is Memory?

The Rev. Jane Dwinell’s husband, Sky Yardley, was diagnosed with “probable early stage Alzheimer’s” in 2016. Together, they contemplated the meaning of memory, what it is and how it is important. She will share her thoughts and those of her late husband that come from … read more.

Sex, Education, “Sex Education,” and Sex Education

The messages we get about sexuality have a huge impact on our well-being–not just in the bedroom but in our whole lives, which is also the name of the sexuality education program at UUCPA. Today: why sex is an … read more.

Making Friends No Matter When

You’re the new kid in town . . . Your friend moved away and now you don’t have anyone to play with . . . You go to an activity you like, hoping to meet new friends, but everyone there seems to know everyone else … read more.

We All Make History

We celebrate Black History Month with this intergenerational service lifting up the role of children and teenagers in the movements for civil rights for Asian Americans and African Americans. Their leadership was essential in winning “silver rights” and helping the United States live up to … read more.

This House

Seventy-five years ago, our spiritual family members envisioned the future and built it a home here on Charleston Road. Now it is our turn. We have shared our vision: that we are a people tending a beautiful, healthy Earth; a loving community of free thinkers … read more.

True Magic

Writer Alice Hoffman muses that they might be “the only true magic,” William Styron says they are the secret to “living several lives” (all at once!), and actor Emma Thompson says they “are like people, in the sense that they’ll turn up in your life … read more.