The Holidays are Upon Us
It is time to dive into the holidays! We will start with a Dia de los Muertos celebration. This has been a big topic of conversation. Can we engage in a cultural celebration that does not have Unitarian Universalist roots? It is a good question. And, I’m not finding any easy answers. After colonizing a culture can the dominant culture then celebrate the festivals of the indigenous one? It doesn’t seem right. On the other hand, does celebrating the holiday…
Musical Events in Nov & Dec
Would you like to get involved with the Music Ministries? Singing in the choir, playing an instrument with congregational songs, supporting behind-the-scenes, other ideas? There are lots of ways to be of service, and I’d be happy to chat with you if you’d like to get involved. Make sure to mark your calendar for these special events: Transgender Day of Remembrance, Wednesday, November 20, 7pm Thanksgiving Interfaith Music Festival, sponsored by Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council, Sunday, November 24, 6:30pm,…
Ways to Participate at OCUUC
“Together may we walk the path of justice, speak words of love, live the selfless deed, trod gently upon the earth, and fill the world with compassion.” –Kathy A. Huff For me, one of the greatest things about being a member of OCUUC is the warmth and strength of our church community. I have come to better know many of you by participating in church life through service on various committees and the Board, and by attending Sunday services, church…
CREATING THE BELOVED COMMUNITY
Unitarian Universalism is all about belonging. That’s what creating the Beloved Community is all about, too. It’s about making sure that each person can find a place here, if they so choose – regardless of what they believe or who they are. That’s a tall order! It means that everyone (and I mean everyone) must play a part in creating that atmosphere. It requires a great deal of self-awareness, a desire to come from a place of love, curiosity and…
LET’S MAKE OUR PRESENCE FELT
News. Young people are making it! I went to the Climate Strike on Friday, September 20 at the Huntington Beach Pier. I have been to countless protests in my life. They all felt urgent, compelling as did this one. I had been to a protest at the Pier before. To release children from detention camps and reunited them with their families. There were maybe 50 people there and, no doubt about it, it was a grim affair. The 200 or…
Always Room for More – Including Youth
Orange Coast Choir has begun its 2019-2020 season with a bang. We have more people participating in choir this fall than we’ve had in a long time. But there’s ALWAYS room for more. If you’re interested in singing, contact Beth, or just show up on any Thursday night. We rehearse Thursdays 7:30-9:00pm in Daniels Hall. Note-reading is not necessary, though it’s a plus if you can do it. All that’s required is that you can match pitch and follow directions.…
FULL CALENDAR OF FALL OFFERINGS
Fall is my favorite season of the year. I love the clear days of sunshine and the hint we are starting to get of cooler days to come. Orange is my favorite color, so I get to see and wear a lot of it at this time of year. For autumn fun for all ages, we will be holding our Fall Auction November 2, 2019 at 5 pm. Please mark your calendars to attend this important and always enjoyable fundraising…
Expectation and Faith
This month’s worship has two themes: Expectation and Faith. And of course, it got me thinking about how those two interplay together: What do we expect from our faith tradition of Unitarian Universalism? Is it there to solve all of our problems? Will going to church make me a better person? What do I expect from my church? From Unitarian Universalism? I love this Faith tradition. It’s definitely for me. But it’s not perfect. And no Faith Tradition is. Like…
Religious Education News
I’m full of expectation as our new program year begins! I expect great things. I anticipate that we will have classrooms full and bustling with eager teachers and learners of all ages. That we will touch, explore and act on our deep spiritual source. That we will have fun together and laugh together That we will be honest with one another, support, encourage and care for each other. That we will bring our best selves into our church community and…
Orange Coast Choir is back up and running!
Music Under the Stars is coming up on Saturday September 14 at 7pm outside in the courtyard at OCUUC. This is a semi-annual performance by your friends in the Music Ministries. We perform songs that you might not hear in a Sunday service -silly songs, parodies, sad songs, love songs, and instrumental pieces as well. This is an adult-ish event, not really suitable for kids. Music Under the Stars tickets are just $5 at the door. We’ll put out snacks…
Annual Board Retreat
The OCUUC Board of Trustees held their annual board retreat from 9 AM to 2 PM on September 25, 2019 followed by the August board meeting. It was a full and informative day of discussions and getting to better know each other. Rev. Sian Wiltshire and our ministerial intern, Rica Kaufel joined us for the retreat. The purpose of a Board Retreat is to get acquainted, set norms, and set the Board’s priorities for the church year so that we…
Integrity
When I was a teenager lied a lot. Mostly little things: Little white lies… sometimes making people feel good (and then me!); exaggerations that made me feel smarter, meant to impress; leaving out an important piece of information for a parent’s decision, so I could get my way. I figured if everyone else did it, then why shouldn’t I? And what was the harm if they made me and others feel good? The problem is that there really are no…