Podcast: Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections

Mindful Amid the Flurry

While we don’t get snow flurries in the South Bay, the flurry of the winter holidays can sometimes be more stressful than joyful. But mindfulness practices are a potent remedy—and a gift you can benefit from all year long.

Worship leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Special Music: Margaret … read more.

The Dope on Hope

Hope has many faces; some fanciful and escapist, others grounded and empowering. Today we explore the difference, and how to apply hope’s nourishing aspects to our lives and our world.

Worship leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Worship associate: Brian Weller

Special music: Veronika Agranov-Dafoe, piano

If you prefer to join … read more.

The Beatitude of Gratitude

This Thanksgiving-weekend service explores ideas and practices that help us live with constant gratitude—an attitude that benefits mind, body, spirit, and others.

Worship leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Worship associate: Jane Correia

Special Music: Arhan Dutta, piano

If you prefer to join the community of those attending online, there are … read more.

Towards Composting

In the face of what is crumbling, what is our ethical response to what falls apart? What do we do if there is no “exit” or “restart” for situations, organizations, or a world we are uncertain about how to heal, or harm we are uncertain … read more.

The Heart of Happiness

The Dalai Lama teaches that being happy is good for both oneself and others. So it’s helpful to know some proven avenues to happiness—and which bring the deepest satisfactions.

Worship Leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Special Music: Thomas Shoebotham, piano

If you prefer to join the community of those … read more.

The Lens of Consciousness

Author Anais Nin said “I do not see the world as it is. I see it as I am.” This Sunday we explore how deeply one’s state of awareness, or stage of consciousness, affects how we see and act in the world.

Worship Leader: Rev. Peter … read more.

Afterlife Intimations

Spiritual traditions worldwide speak of people’s nonmaterial essence continuing beyond physical death. So in this season of Day of the Dead (native to Mexico) and the pagan holy day Samhain (now aka All Hallows Eve or Halloween), this service explores what may lie beyond this … read more.

The Masks We Wear

Join us for a joyful, all-ages Halloween service exploring the masks we wear and the truths beneath them. Together we’ll celebrate the courage to be authentic, and the magic of becoming our truest selves. We’ll have a fun skit and a hands-on activity where everyone … read more.

Spiritual Healthiness, or What Will We Swallow?

A part playful, part serious look at spiritual teacher/author Thomas Moore’s imaginary “DSM-1 of Spirituality Disorders” – and the degree to which UUism is susceptible to some of them.

Worship leader: Rev. Peter Farriday

Special music: Aaron Lington, saxophone

If you prefer to join the community of those … read more.

Showing Up for Each Other’s Mental Health

How can we show up for each other’s mental health, and what does that mean for our spiritual lives? Rev. Barbara Meyers shares real stories—both what works and what doesn’t—from her ministry and her book HELD, offering practical guidance for congregations who want to care more … read more.