Exploring empathy
Our theme in January was Living with Intention. Each week we explored a different facet of intention with ideas for activities families could do together at home since we were not meeting in person. I’d like to share with you some of the picture books and stories I recommended this month to help children get a well-rounded perspective on Living with Intention. When it comes to intentionally going about social change, one of the key things needed is empathy. When…
Circles and growth
He drew a circle that shut me out—Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.But Love and I had the wit to win:We drew a circle that took him in!Edwin Markham, poet laureate of Oregon from 1923-1931 Gender pronouns notwithstanding, I love this quote. I think it often gets at the heart of why so many communities don’t expand to include those that are different. We draw circles about who is in and who is out. So many communities ask people who…
One loving community
A big shout out to Randy Kokal for organizing our special online collection for Camp de Benneville Pines at the end of December. Our lovely camp is dear to many of us. He saw a need and made it happen. Thank you! De Benneville reports they did meet their goal of $175,000 from over 600 donors from all over Southern California and beyond. Last year at this time, I was about to start working at the Vaccine Center at Disneyland.…
February Sanctuary Update
The New Sanctuary Construction Committee, a subcommittee of the Property Use Group (PUG), focused its efforts this past month on work with our architect to provide additional materials requested by the new City of Costa Mesa planner. Once review of the materials is completed by the planner, we hope the project will finally move closer toward the City granting our building permit. Our team is patiently awaiting a reply from the City in the near future and we’ll let you…
Sabbatical
By the time you’re reading this, I will be on my sabbatical, which will continue until March 13. I am grateful to the Board, Rev. Sian, and all of you for allowing me this time to rest and revive myself from these difficult few years. You will be well taken care of, with Steve Morihiro, Barbara Morihiro, and Sarah Hunter managing the music for worship and for choir while I’m away. If you have any questions or suggestions about music,…
A Year Like No Other
In February we approved the construction of a new sanctuary, in late May we added back onsite Sunday services. These were both very good things. Of course, the construction is taking longer than we’d hoped and we still need to monitor our activities for COVID safety. 2021 was certainly a year like no other, and I for one am grateful we now have a new one. I am looking forward to this year and what it may bring. As I sat in Daniels Hall…
Intentional Learning
I’ve always thought that everyone should go to seminary. I learned so much there – learning how to listen and better communication skills; learning to see different points of view and being aware of my power; learning how to builds bridges; and learning, most of all, how to connect to the Holy that resides within and around me. But then, one day, it occurred to me that going to church is pretty much like going to seminary! If you are…
January Sanctuary Update
January 2022 kicks off the start of a milestone year at OCUUC as we begin deconstruction of the two-story Suite 4 and construction of the new sanctuary where Suite 4 once stood. Hooray! The question Nancy Loughrey and I are asked most often is “when will the deconstruction and construction activity begin on site?” And the answer we provide is the same–when we receive our building permit. Once that happens, the process will move full speed ahead toward a dedication…
Take Time for Yourself
I have a mixed feelings about December. I love the community, shared rituals, seeing family and friends, and reconnecting with the legacies provided by them. I dislike the busyness, the obligation to buy “meaningful and welcome” presents, and the stress of getting “it” all done. Even though I am no longer engaged for pay, it is still daunting. This season, I wish all the things I love to each of you. We should all be so blessed. I give you…