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…
Sanctuary
It seems very timely that the October worship theme is Sanctuary! For here we are holding a capital campaign for building a new sanctuary. This theme, however, really doesn’t have anything to do with building a building… Or does it? A sanctuary is a place of refuge and safety. I believe whole heartedly that this is what we are building. We are building a place where you are free to hold the hand of the one you love, a place…
UU Musicians Network Conference 2018
I am so grateful that OCUUC gives me enough Professional Development funds each year so that I can attend the annual UU Musicians Network Conference. This year it was held August 1-5 at the big UU church headed by Rev. Bill Sinkford (former President of the UUA) in Portland, Oregon. Here is a brief summary of what I took away from the conference, which I lovingly refer to as “Music Camp for Grown-Ups.” The members of UUMN voted to change our name…
Vision in Worship
Every week I have a personal “to-do” that pops up on Mondays, my day off: “Do some visioning.” It’s a reminder to me to not lose sight of where I want to go in life and what I want for this church. I admit, there are some Mondays that I don’t get to it. But it’s a reminder. I sit down and think about who I want to be, as a person and as a minister, and then I try…
With Time and Nurturing All Things Can Grow
“Away, away, from men and towns, To the wild wood and the downs, — To the silent wilderness, Where the soul need not repress its music.” —Percy Bysshe Shelley I am out exploring parts of the wild woods and downs this month and writing this column on the shores of the Oregon coast. Audrey and I are traveling in our RV up the California, Oregon and Washington coasts. We had planned to travel inland as well, but drought and lightning storms…
Taking Care of Our Souls
There is an island near Seattle that has a kind of magical effect on me. Whenever I go there, I find that as soon as I touch the ground, a feeling of calm comes over me: my whole body relaxes and I feel grounded. The place is called “Whidbey Island” and somehow, someway it feeds my soul. Have you ever felt that sense of calm? Maybe when you went away on a vacation and looked out over the ocean? Or…
A Sense of Belonging
“We all want to feel a sense of belonging. This isn’t a character flaw. It’s fundamental to the human experience. Our finest achievements are possible when people come together to work for a common cause.” Rosalind Wiseman I came upon OCUUC about four and a half years ago. I remember the first Sunday service I attended, I thought, “Oh my gosh, I love this place!” The inspirational and thought provoking sermon I heard from Reverend Sian that Sunday was so exciting…
People are Good
“We gather together for peace, love and justice for everyone” are the words we sing each week at our service. I am inspired by these words and proud to serve as OCUUC’s new Board President. Thank you for nominating and electing me to this important position within our church. I will work hard with the OCUUC board and with all of you to make this next year one we can all be proud of due to our accomplishments and love for…
Leap and the Net Will Appear
“Leap and the net will appear.” ~ John Burroughs, American naturalist and nature essayist. Recently my best friend made a huge leap of faith. She left her career of 30 years, as it was just too stressful and harming her health. For someone like her, this lack of security, assurance and sense of foundation, was extremely difficult. Every day she deals with constant questions, “What’s next? What do I do? Who am I? How will my spouse and I be…