Embracing Possibility
I know how it feels right now. The news cycle is relentless. The executive orders come faster than we can process them. News of war, bombs, violence. Some mornings it takes a little extra courage just to open your phone. I feel it too. But when I look around, I don’t feel despair. I feel the possibilities and hope. Last month, many of us from Orange Coast UU showed up for the No Kings protest — one of thousands happening…
Unsung UU Nominations
Spring is a very busy time at OCUUC. The Pledge Drive is going on, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival is coming up, and many groups are meeting on campus and on Zoom. As VP of Programs, I am available to help get groups started, resolve problems and help connect new members. If you want to know more about how to get involved in a group or to volunteer to help with an event, come to the new Programs table…
April Events
April is full of fun, learning, and community in our Religious Exploration classes! On April 5th, middle school youth will gather for their twice-monthly class, exploring the topic of communication, while elementary students will dive into the 4th UU value through engaging games, crafts, and snacks. After the service, all are invited to join our exciting Egg Hunt & Spring Carnival from 11:45am–1:30pm, featuring games, face painting, crafts, and an egg hunt for toddlers through 8th grade. On April 12th,…
A Music Video for Earth Day
Our 56th Earth Day is coming up on April 22nd, and this year’s trip around the sun is a chance to appreciate the wonders of this planet we share. During our worship service on Sunday, March 29th, we featured a music video created by singer-songwriter, activist, and UU member, Pat Scanlon, that speaks to, not only the wonders and beauty of the earth, but the challenges as well.Music is a natural vehicle for celebration and inspiration, as is Pat’s video,…
Religious Exploration in March
Elementary Class Through the month of March, the elementary class will be continuing learning the 7 UU Values! On March 8th the class will learn about the 2nd principal of justice. We will explore equality and compassion in human relations, this principle is often taught by encouraging kids to be themselves, fostering kindness, and exploring themes of fairness and inclusivity through stories and activities. March 15th the elementary class will be learning on the 3rd UU Value of interdependence! In…
Pledge Drive
From Your Board… Our church calendar tells us that the coming of March means it is time for the Pledge Drive. This is a crucial time each year when it’s essential that each of our Members – and even those who attend as Friends – think about their finances and make a commitment to OCUUC for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Here are some FAQs from our VP of Finance, Jamie Pendarvis: What Is the Pledge Drive? The Pledge Drive is…
Paying Attention
There is a quiet spiritual practice at the heart of every healthy congregation: paying attention. In a world full of noise, attention is an act of care. When we slow down enough to truly notice, we see the person who is new and unsure, the long-time member carrying quiet responsibility, the child asking big questions, the neighbor searching for meaning. Paying attention is how love begins and how community deepens. As we reflect on what it means to Raise the…
On Repeat
Why We Repeat Songs in Worship If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Didn’t we just sing that?” — you’re not alone. In a culture that prizes novelty and speed, repetition can feel unusual. But in worship, repeating a song is not filler. It is formative. It is intentional. It is spiritual practice. From Head to Heart The first time we sing a new song, most of us are just trying to find our place: The second time, With each repetition,…
NO KINGS
Save the date for NO KINGS! March 28, 2026 from 10am – 1pm in Huntington Beach Let’s carpool! Can you drive? Do you need a ride? Look for sign ups beginning March 8th in the courtyard. No Kings also sponsors trainings (virtual) around safety and knowing our rights. Dates and times are below, as well as a link to sign up for each event. Make A Safety Plan on 3/5 and 3/18 at 5pm Pacific Safety and Deescalation Foundations on…
RE in February
The OCUUC Religious Education Program invites you to join us for our upcoming events for the month of February! The RE middle school ages 5th-9th gradeWill now be meeting twice a month on the following dates:- February 22nd the class will learn about Choices and Accountability.- March 01 the class will be learning on Activation. The Elementary & middle school classes will be combining together on the following Sunday’s:-February 8th to have a very fun and interactive SuperBowl Party!-March 22nd…
Embodying Resilience
How do you embody resilience when the world is falling apart? Right now, ICE is trying to destroy communities and families, our democracy is on the brink of tyranny, the government has armed thugs pulling people off the street without cause demanding papers to prove citizenship as if we lived in some dystopian novel – or 1940’s Germany. For those of us with compassionate hearts, it’s easy to let the despair overwhelm us, to feel helpless. And yet… and yet.…
The “Chosen Family Choir”
We are very pleased to announce a new musical opportunity for people who love to sing or perform an instrument in an informal setting. The group meets after Sunday services in the Choir area of the Sanctuary. Susan is calling the group the “Chosen Family Choir” because, “although we are not all related to each other, we are choosing to celebrate music together in community.” This group is open to anybody of any age who loves to sing or perform…