Podcast: Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections

Deep Gladness and Deep Hunger

Frederick Buechner, who died in August after a full and fulfilled life, described what we are each called to do as “the place where your deep gladness meets the world’s deep hunger.” Until we do find that place, we often feel like something important is … read more.

The Uses and Abuses of Scapegoats

Ancient peoples had a strange ritual for coping with their own wrongdoing and starting over: the scapegoat, which was literally a goat that was symbolically burdened with the sins of the people and then sent into the wilderness. What do we do when burdened with … read more.

Quiet Quitting / Steady Staying

A new trend is roiling the business world: “quiet quitting,” defined as fulfilling only one’s job description and nothing more. There are obvious justice implications of expecting employees to do more than they are paid for, but this service is not about those. Instead, we’ll … read more.

Beginning Anew: Water Communion Service

The Water Communion is an annual intergenerational ritual, celebrated in most Unitarian Universalist congregations at this time, in which we pour waters together to symbolize the unity of life and our coming together as a community. COVID has been such a long dry season that … read more.

Stress Management Life Hacks

Pace of life has increased a lot over the last decade. In the meantime, our bodies and brains have not evolved at all. Often, there are feelings of being overwhelmed and dissatisfied. However, there are ways to not only survive but thrive at this pace. … read more.

A World in which Right is Might

From before the Revolutionary War to after January 6, 2021, we have struggled to establish a country that would be ruled by peaceful means and the conscience of the people. Always, this principle has been countered by another–“might makes right”–and Unitarian Universalists have joined others … read more.

The Universal Vaccine

Note the earlier start time, 9:30 am.

One powerful medicine wards off whatever might assail body, spirit, or mind. It’s always available, wherever we are and whatever is going on in or around us. Come get your booster this morning.

Worship Leader: Rev. Amy Zucker Morgenstern

Special music: … read more.

The Rainbow of Belief

Today’s service offers a way to nurture our spiritual paths through an examination of the world’s historic religions, new avenues of emerging spiritual thought, and a rapidly developing global culture. Do you consider yourself spiritual? Do you not, but try to live a life of integrity and … read more.

“Which Side Are You On?”

The lyrics of this song written by Florence Reece have lived on for 90 years, fueling movements for labor justice and beyond. How do we, as Unitarian Universalists who believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person, answer this question in today’s fractured … read more.

“And Where Are You Going?”

Living while dying? We’re all doing that. Except, sometimes it takes letting go of our deep-seated fear of death to free us up to fully live. Bear and Brian are here to help illuminate a scary topic in a playful way.

Bear Capron and his parents … read more.