Speaker: Brian Weller

Y U U A?

The bylaws of an organization mostly focus on its “how”: the rules and procedures that govern its operation and decision-making process. With the Unitarian Universalist Association, the part of the bylaws most of us find most exciting is Article II, because it expresses the UUA’s … read more.

Mystery Gifts

Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections
Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections
Mystery Gifts
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When we embrace mystery, we never know just what we’re going to discover. In this service, we won’t even know what order things are going to happen. A pile of wrapped gifts will be on the altar, and as each is opened by a volunteer … read more.

Overcoming Overwhelming Odds

Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections
Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections
Overcoming Overwhelming Odds
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So many of us are familiar with the story of David vs Goliath.  It is a story deeply rooted in the way we tell ourselves that we can face and overcome whatever stands between us and our desired outcomes.  

This week we will look at this … read more.

Say What?: The Power of Language

Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections
Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections
Say What?: The Power of Language
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Language has incredible power to harm or heal, to oppress or liberate. Using words with care is a vital practice for people of faith and conscience—it’s even a key spiritual practice in many traditions. But it’s not always easy. What do we do when some … read more.

Moral Beauty and the Shape of Justice

Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections
Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections
Moral Beauty and the Shape of Justice
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The Beloved Community is one of deep justice and moral beauty. But the ugly and misleading ways in which we talk about justice in today’s society blind us to its deeper meaning — justice that will truly “roll down like waters.” Let’s refresh and re-establish … read more.

The Spiritual Awakening of Fatherhood

Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections
Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections
The Spiritual Awakening of Fatherhood
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The journey of a UU stay-at-home dad (so far)

Author, stay-at-home dad, and UUCPA member Matthew Rosin reflects on the religious resources and practices, within and near Unitarian Universalism, that have helped him learn to become the healthy and connected man his kids need him to … read more.

True Magic

Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections
Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections
True Magic
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Writer Alice Hoffman muses that they might be “the only true magic,” William Styron says they are the secret to “living several lives” (all at once!), and actor Emma Thompson says they “are like people, in the sense that they’ll turn up in your life … read more.

Embracing the Absurd

Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections
Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections
Embracing the Absurd
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Liberation is linked to events. Freedom is woven of the many choices made thereafter. Today we explore the Jewish celebration of Sukkhot, the Festival of Booths, and consider how it might inform our own movements toward freedom.

Worship leader: Rev. Stefanie Etzbach-Dale. … read more.

“And Where Are You Going?”

Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections
Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections
"And Where Are You Going?"
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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.

Lifted Moments: 75th Anniversary Service

Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections
Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections
Lifted Moments: 75th Anniversary Service
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During the service, we wrote our “lifted moments” in these balloons, now displayed on the walls besides rooms 4, 5, and 6 (the block with the yellow doors). Enjoy, and come add your own!

UUCPA turns 75 on April 6! We celebrate today by looking at … read more.