Podcast: Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections

Giving Life the Shape of Justice

We are inheritors of a long history of Unitarians and Universalists acting on our convictions in the social, political, and environmental realms. More than that, UUCPA has added its own chapters to this heritage. Continuing the anniversary theme running through this winter and spring’s Adult … read more.

Twenty-Four Lessons from Our Teacher, the Pandemic

It has been almost 24 months since the novel coronavirus–no longer so novel–took our lives around a sudden bend. And then another, and another. We’ll reflect on some things we’ve learned and decide on some to carry forward into the new normal.

Worship leader: Rev. Amy … read more.

The Paths That Brought Us Here

Diana and Shay followed very different paths to Unitarian Universalist ministry, beginning with the fact that Shay was raised Catholic and Diana was raised UU. They’ll share their journey, and explore what this means about the stories each of us brings to our Unitarian Universalist … read more.

Every Casual Corner a Shrine

The physical space that houses our congregation–its buildings, its gardens and patios, and even its parking lot–is a kind of silent partner to all we do here. A cathedral evokes a longing for a God high above; a Puritan meetinghouse conveyed its inhabitants’ philosophical commitment … read more.

Deeper Roots, Freer Wings

One of the hallmarks of Unitarian Universalism is the conviction that deeper wisdom and understanding will make us more free and fulfilled. All of the leaders of today’s service have recently engaged in “Beloved Conversations,” believing that understanding racism so that we can help end … read more.

Who Owns UUCPA?

Someone asked this question recently, and it’s such a good one! Like many good questions, it has more than one answer, and they have the power to change your life. With today’s service, we kick off this year’s stewardship campaign (a.k.a. the pledge or canvass … read more.

Nothing Which Nature Cannot Repair

Many of us go to nature for healing and happiness. At the same time, because we worry so much about the fate of the natural world, being in nature reminds us of our sorrows. What can we do? Let’s see what our home-grown nature religion, … read more.

Reaching Back to Move Forward

Dwell on the past or focus on the future? The Sankofa bird, an image from the Akan people of West Africa, suggests a third option. Perhaps their wisdom about history can guide us as we grapple with our own, nationally, personally, and collectively.

Worship leader: Rev. … read more.

Spiritual but Not Religious

That’s how an increasing number of US Americans describe themselves, and many of them find their way to our congregation. What does “spiritual but not religious” mean? What does it mean to make a spiritual community together without being “religious”? And can we also be … read more.

No-Rehearsal Christmas Pageant

It’s that time of year! We tell the Christmas story in keeping with our Unitarian Universalist heritage and with everyone who wishes to join in becoming characters in the story. And for the first time since March 2020, we have two services in person, indoors … read more.