Sanctuary Construction Update – Week #35
Work in the new sanctuary continues with the main concrete floors being polished and sealed. Note the before and after photos to see the difference. Looks fantastic along with all the other items being completed. SoCal Edison has completed hooking up the new connection so now the builder and the subcontractors can start to test the various systems. The new entrances on Mesa Verde Drive are finished and open for use.
Imagination
Do you ever talk to your pets or plants as if they could understand you? Name your cars? Blame Gremlins for losing your keys or stealing your socks from the dryer? We humans are odd and whimsical creatures. We imagine all sorts of strange things and it’s that wonderful? And there are lots of reasons for it. For one, humans are storytelling creatures. We see faces in clouds, patterns in stars, and personalities in pets and objects. This isn’t just…
Spring Themes
As we welcome another month of the warmth and springtime beauty, The Elementary and Middle School classes will be exploring the Third UU Value, Transformation. Although these classes will be participating in these lessons within their separate classes they are going to be using their creative imaginations to create a jetpack for our Pig friend Amelia! Within the month of May, the RE classes will be exploring their creativity by decorating keepsake boxes, enjoy the amazing weather with a park…
It’s a New Day
I’ve been thinking about how to imagine a bright future where all beings thrive. It’s not always the first perspective I embrace right now, honestly. There so many narratives that contradict this. There’s the news, of course, which has never really thrived on focusing on creating optimism. It’s true that there are plenty of legitimate things to worry about and the future is and always has been uncertain. Uncertainty is scary, but it is a constant of the human experience.…
Sanctuary Construction Update – Week #34
The new sanctuary continues to advance on its completion date in six to eight weeks if everything lines up correctly. Still many tasks to complete but it is looking great to this point. The operable windows are in, the new speakers are in place overhead, some of the theatrical lighting is in place, the audio wires are being pulled into place. We’ve heard from SoCal Edison that they can make the new connection live on this Saturday and they will…
Sanctuary Construction Update – Week #33
The two driveway entrances on Mesa Verde Drive should be ready for use this Sunday. The city required that the new concrete cure for at least seven days before use and the contractor has to patch some asphalt areas by this Friday. Other work continues with many things happening at the same time. Electrical, painting at each building, sound system speakers and wiring being installed, irrigation supply lines being installed, the courtyard is being prepared for paving stones. Image caption:…
Sanctuary Construction Update – Week #31
Work continues on the new sanctuary. The painting of the two other buildings is nearing completion. The new colors give the entire campus a fresh look. Lots of underground work being done prior to the pavers being installed including storm water drain lines and irrigation supply lines and related electrical wiring. This is a reminder about the closure of the two driveways on Mesa Verde Drive. Construction is now underway with a completion date of April 14. The city is…
Sanctuary Construction Update – Week #30
This is a reminder about the closure of the two driveways on Mesa Verde Drive will likely occur between now and April 14. They will need that time to demolish the existing concrete and reconfigure it to today’s acceptable standards. During that time we will use the entrance on Adams Ave to enter and leave the property. Thank you for your cooperation. Work continues on the new sanctuary. The painting of the doors and trim within the courtyard to match…
Earth Day 2025
On April 22, 2025, Earth Day turns 55! As Unitarian Universalists, we are committed to being good stewards to the Earth. Last fall, our congregation took part in the Climate Justice Revival which raised our awareness about how, together, we can make an impact on the health of our planet. We continue our monthly meetings which are open to everyone. We are working together to make a difference by looking at how we might recycle, compose, carpool, and how we…
Embracing Joy Through Song
At OCUUC, music has always been a source of connection, reflection, and celebration. This April, as we explore the theme of Joy, our music program will bring uplifting melodies and inspiring harmonies to enrich our worship. From choral anthems to soul-stirring instrumental performances, each Sunday will offer a musical experience designed to remind us of the joy that can be found in community, resilience, and gratitude. We’re excited to feature a diverse range of musical expressions this month including beloved…
Find Joy
Did you know that “Joy” is my favorite word? Years ago, I read in Marianne Williamson’s book “A Woman’s Worth” a definition of joy that resonated: “”Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.” About this same time, a friend of mine told me she was pregnant and a wonderful feeling overcame me – a feeling that all was right with the world, because I knew she and her spouse would…
A word about the REACH
On March 26th, our Board approved a motion to suspend publication of The Reach. Although there is a small minority of members for whom The Reach remains important, we found that most people are utilizing other ways of staying connected to church activities. Also, no one stepped up to accept the role of editor for the publication. Please know that the Communication Committee is committed to enhancing our messaging and finding more effective ways to connect with all members of…