Annual Congregational Meeting
As we come to the close of our fiscal year, it is OCUUC’s tradition to hold an Annual Congregational Meeting. At this meeting we will review key highlights of the past year, acknowledge long-standing members of the congregation, approve our operating budget for 2026-27 and elect new officers. Needless to say, this meeting is important for a smooth transition into the 2026-27 year and reflects our commitment to a democratic process. And so, I encourage everyone who is a member…
Flourishing Together
The Soul Matters Theme for June is “Flourishing Together”. Soul Matters is a monthly theme-based ministry used by many Unitarian Universalist Association congregations. We encourage you to flourish with us by participating in one of our summer music opportunities. 🎶 POP-UP CHOIR! 🎶Ever wanted to sing with the choir… without joining the choir? Now’s your chance! Here’s how it works:- Show up Sunday morning- Practice a simple song together a couple of times- Sing during the service for the congregation…
Themes and Events
This month, the Religious Exploration classes will come together to celebrate and review the 7 UU values we explored throughout the spring! Through games, discussion, and shared activities, our kids will reflect on the many ways they’ve practiced love, justice, pluralism, interdependence, generosity, transformation, and equity in their everyday lives. We’re excited to celebrate all they’ve learned together as a community! To celebrate the hard work of our elementary and middle school classes, we will also be having a pizza…
Religious Exploration in May
As Religious Exploration classes enter the month of May, our elementary class will be learning about the UU value of Pluralism, exploring how we can honor many beliefs, perspectives, and ways of being in the world. Through stories, activities, and discussion, they will learn how our differences can help us grow stronger together. Our middle school class will be learning about the important themes of courage and empathy, and how these qualities help us lead with kindness and confidence. On…
Curiosity as a Spiritual Practice
The Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki once said, “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.” The world is lonely, dogma is doing harm, and people are hungry for a place where they can bring their whole, questioning selves and be loved exactly as they are. And OCUUC offers this world such a place of healing and acceptance. The question is: how do we open the door wider without losing what makes this…
Events & Gatherings in May
Excitement is building as several important events will be occurring in May. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival Committee, led by Peggy Hepler, is pulling together all the details to create a wonderful event on Saturday, May 16th. Because we’re unable at this time to black-out the sanctuary, the movies will be shown in Daniels Hall but we’ll be hosting local organizations concerned about the environment to share information and recruit volunteers. Our purpose is to inspire activism! So be…
Congregational Singing: Sing Lustily and With a Good Courage
Many churches have hymnals, but perhaps the Methodist Hymnal is unique for including its “Directions for Singing”–a list of 7 principles regarding how to sing during worship services. Before becoming Unitarian Universalists, Susan and Steve were each members of the United Methodist Church for over 20 years, and so we appreciate that both the United Methodist church that we attended and our UU church emphasize active engagement in congregational singing as a vital part of the worship service. In the…
Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection
Sign Up For:Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection Let’s join in the UUA common read! This year’s selection is: Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection by Deepa Iyer. Iyer presents a practical workbook for individuals and organizations seeking to deepen their commitment to social justice through an “ecosystems framework” (think enneagram) that identifies ten roles in social change. Learn to identify your role and bring your best gifts as we lean into social change,…
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,…