Podcast: Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections

A Longing of the Soul

Today’s service is the first in a series: Why do we do that in the service? Let’s consider Caring and Sharing, our name for what many congregations call “pastoral prayers” or “prayers of the people.” Why do we share our joys and sorrows? And … read more.

Plastic. Policies. People. Power.

Sometimes a single, simple change can illuminate a very big problem–and what we can do about it. UUCPA’s own single-use plastics policy, implemented for the first time last month, provides a case study in how to make lasting change. Let’s follow a piece of plastic … read more.

Water Communion: Nothing Unconnected

Our annual, intergenerational Water Communion restores our sense of connection with all beings, as we pour our different waters into one vessel.

Please do not think your water has to have come from “someplace special.” It is special because it comes from you and from … read more.

Both/And and Beyond

September 23 is Bi Visibility Day, which by rights ought to be a Unitarian Universalist holiday. Why? Because no matter what your sexual orientation, the existence of bisexuality models both/and thinking, which is so important to our journeys as spiritual seekers … read more.

Stories Within Stories

Yesterday marked 20 years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The attack and its aftermath invited us into the stories of each others’ lives, often in heartbreaking ways. Let’s reflect together on how such sharing can bring us greater life and richer meaning. … read more.

Let Us Not Be Resigned

The pandemic has shaken the world of work. Many businesses are finding it impossible to bring back employees under their former conditions. In three months of this spring alone, 11.5 million U.S. workers quit their jobs, a wave called the Great Resignation that may still … read more.

The Magic Penny

Last week we talked about time. This week the topic will be money, and the following week, the series will wrap up with a service on work.

It’s said that you have to spend money to make money. We get that when it’s applied to, say, … read more.

How to Fit It All In

There’s just so much to do, and the 24 hours in a day never seem to be enough to catch up. Even retired folks find it hard to get to the end of their to-do list. And the stress seems to set in earlier and … read more.

Questions, Questions, Questions

In what has become an annual tradition, Amy takes your questions and answers as many as she can in the time usually allotted to a sermon. The identities of the questioners will be confidential. And she has a question for you, too: “What question would … read more.

Cakes, Quanta, and the Meaning of Life

Our guest speaker this morning is Leika Lewis-Cornwell (they/she pronouns) who is the President of the UUHA and a UU minister in formation. Over the course of a career as an organizational, policy, and cyber security consultant, Leika has helped public, private, and nonprofit organizations … read more.