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…
Buildings & Grounds
We’ve had a change in one of our leadership positions in the past month which I wanted you to be aware of; Jennifer T. needed to step down as Building & Grounds Chair and Carol R. stepped up to fill the role. So please thank Jennifer for all she did during her term; OCUUC kept her VERY busy. And, welcome Carol; she’s already jumped in with both feet and working to accomplish many tasks on our campus. Speaking of which……
A Blessing Called Sanctuary
I want to share with you a poem that repeats itself in my heart, always. A Blessing Called Sanctuary You hardly knewhow hungry you wereto be gathered in,to receive the welcomethat invited you to enterentirely—nothing of youfound foreign or strange,nothing of your lifethat you were askedto leave behindor to carry in silenceor in shame. Tentative stepsbecame settling in,leaning into the blessingthat enfolded you,taking your placein the circlethat stunned youwith its unimagined grace. You began to breathe again,to move without fear,to…
Practicing Resistance
When we hear the word resistance, we often imagine something dramatic – marches, megaphones, moments of public courage. And those forms of resistance matter deeply. But resistance is not only something we rise up into; it is something we practice, day by day, often quietly. Truth is a daily practice: It happens when we correct misinformation, gently and clearly without shaming; use people’s chosen names and pronouns, even when it’s often hard to remember; or name harm rather than trying…