Podcast: Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections

Welcome Everything, Push Away Nothing

October 7, 2018 at 9:30 and 11 am Rev. Amy Zucker Morgenstern, Sarah Kostka

The second of Frank Ostaseski’s five invitations asks us to welcome aspects of experience we are inclined to push away.

Music: Mayo Tsuzuki and Richard Heydt, singers

Don’t Wait

September 30, 2018 at 9:30 and 11 am Rev. Amy Zucker Morgenstern

Frank Ostaseski, a Buddhist teacher and end-of-life caregiver, suggests five invitations into fuller life. We’ll explore one in each of five services. Today’s: Don’t wait. Why do we wait to do things we know we feel called to do? What does the waiting cost?
Music: Eric Leong, violin

We Hear Each Other Into Speech

September 23, 2018 at 9:30 and 11 am Rev. Amy Zucker Morgenstern

Something happens when someone gives their whole attention to our words: we may discover things we didn’t know until that attention brought forth words from us. Our Transcendentalist ancestors knew this, and made conversation one of their spiritual practices. We have that spiritual practice as well at UUCPA, and we’ll engage in it this morning.
Music: Be’eri Moalem,viola

Who Are Our Neighbors? Who Are We?

September 9, 2018 at 9:30 and 11 am Rev. Amy Zucker Morgenstern

Demystifying homelessness — and exploding some myths about who “we” the people of UUCPA are. Music: The Season of Us, guitar and flute

Tasting the Nectar of Work

September 2, 2018 at 9:30 and 11 am Rev. Amy Zucker Morgenstern

“Strive for work-life balance,” the saying goes. In honor of Labor Day we’ll consider balance and the place of work in our lives. Music: Martin Manley, jazz piano

You Must Be Present To Win

August 26, 2018 at 9:30 and 11 am Rev. Joy Atkinson

Woody Allen once said that 80% of success is showing up! How can we truly show up for our lives—that is, be fully present and aware? How can we cultivate mindfulness in a world full of details, deadlines and distractions? Music: Aaron Lington, saxophone

Water Communion

August 12, 2018 - 9:30 and 11 am Rev. Amy Zucker Morgenstern, Rev. Dan Harper

In our annual ritual of ingathering, we bring water from the places of our lives, and pour the many waters into a communal bowl in a ritual honoring variety and unity. We welcome the Adult Choir back after their several-week break. Music: Nicholas Dold, piano

Your Island of Sanity

August 5, 2018 at 9:30 and 11 am Rev. Amy Zucker Morgenstern

The world is big and messy and getting messier all the time. We are pulled in two directions: to engage and make a difference, and to retreat into a safe place. Both are important to a meaningful and sustainable life. Let’s explore the possibility of integrating these two needs. Music: Four Shillings Short, Celtic singers/musicians
DUAL SERVICES (at 9:30 and 11 am) RESUME TODAY!
Justice Partner Collection Week: This is the week that we donate the entire non-pledge collection to our Justice Partner of the Month: South Bay Sanctuary Covenant

Leading Edges

July 22, 2018 - 10:30 am Rev. Mr. Barb Greve

Having been called to leadership from an early age, Mr. Barb has been a leader most of his life. He will share some of the adventures saying “yes” has taken him on, and reflect on the lessons learned during the journey. Music: Aurora Singers

Notes from the Resistance

July 8, 2018 - 10:30 am Rev. Amy Zucker Morgenstern

What does a successful resistance movement look like? Amy visited the Dutch Resistance Museum in Amsterdam and was surprised and inspired by the answers there. She shares them today. Special Music: Veronika Agranov Dafoe, piano
Justice Partner Collection Week: This is the week that we donate the entire non-pledge collection to our Justice Partner of the Month: California Clean Money