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…
Reflecting on 2025
Should old acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind?Should old acquaintance be forgot,and auld lang syne? – from “Auld Lang Syne” by Robert Burns Now is the time for New Year resolutions and reflecting back on accomplishments during the past year. We’ve been having a wonderful time creating a variety of music since we started in our position in June 2025. Let’s “…take a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne” and pause and reflect on how grateful we…
Giving and Gratitude
They say December is a season for giving and gratitude. Here at OCUUC, supporting others is a year-round commitment. In November, we raised $1,700 through our plate share for Second Harvest—an amount notably larger than usual, benefiting a deserving organization at a time when the demand for their services is rising. Earlier in the fall, we took part in Stand with Costa Mesa Families to gather food for families affected by ICE. We followed up in December by once again…
May this New Year…
May this New Year offer a fresh start every day. May this new cycle of time bring you Peace.May your needs be met.May you find comfort wherever you are.May you never hunger. May this new year allow fresh starts.May your vision refresh as you evaluate yourself.May you hear anew the lessons placed in front of you.May your thoughts be fresh with new perspective as you move through the world. May each sunrise bring wonder and possibility.May each nightfall bring the…
January RE Programs
The OCUUC Religious Education Program invites you to join us for our upcoming events for the month of January! The RE classes will be welcoming in the new year on January 4th as the elementary and middle school class will combine together to get their creativity on! There will be loads of supplies for the children to create their own Picasso self portrait! This will be a fun time to let our creativity run wild! Snacks and group games will…
Choosing Hope
Hope has always been a difficult to explain. But I think Victoria Safford has it right: The Gates of Hope by Victoria Safford Our mission is to plant ourselves at the gates of Hope—Not the prudent gates of Optimism,Which are somewhat narrower.Not the stalwart, boring gates of Common Sense;Nor the strident gates of Self-Righteousness,Which creak on shrill and angry hinges(People cannot hear us there; they cannot pass through)Nor the cheerful, flimsy garden gate of“Everything is gonna’ be all right.”But a…
Music Ministry Opportunities
Greetings from Steve Morihiro and Susan Shaw, Co-Directors of Music at OCUUC. We thought you might be interested in how we choose new music for our services to recommend to Reverend Sian Wiltshire and our Intern Minister, Kellie Kinsman. Here is our general process:We look through the new songs in the virtual hymnal “Sing Out Love”. Some of these “New” songs have been in our “Singing the Living Tradition” and “Singing the Journey” hymnals but they are new to us.…
Religious Education in Dec
Hello Friends, The OCUUC Religious Education Program invites you to join us for our upcoming events for the month of December! If you are interested in sharing your talents with the RE classes such as creating a class art project, game ideas, or would like to volunteer in the middle school or elementary classes as an assistant teacher, please see Danielle on how you can help! December 21 the RE classes will be combining together to have a holiday party…
You are Loved
To anyone who struggles through the winter, for whatever reason, remember: You are seenYou are heardYou are importantYou matterYOU ARE LOVED And, You are not alone. In the dark and impossible moments, hours, days, lean into self-care when it feels like that’s all you’ve got. Honor the difficult feelings as you experience them. Acknowledge what hurts in you. Grieve. Rest. Meditate. Laugh. Hold your Self close. Nourish your body and your spirit. Love your sadness and your joy. Speak your…
Gratitude for All of You
Thanksgiving has come and gone leaving me with a great sense of gratitude for all of you who work to support the church in some way. Certainly, I applaud each of our Board Members as they slough through the administrative work of OCUUC – not very glamorous but definitely necessary. And there are all the committee heads and the programs chairs and the ushers and the RE teachers and all of you who chose to participate in the Auction and…