RE Reflections
Hello OCUUC Community~ Our OCUUC summer program begins in July, and I will complete my 5th year as your Director this summer of 2015. The time truly has flown by. What a gift to see your children grow up in our UU faith at OCUUC! We have an awesome group of 6-8th graders coming up next year, and my dream for them is to have a Jr. High class each Sunday. They are an action-oriented group, and I see them…
REflections
The word ‘fund-raising’ can cause the most fearless member of any organization to take a few steps back and break eye contact with all those in a twenty-foot area. But the reality of any organization is that it relies on some level of monetary funding, not only to survive, but to thrive. Here at OCUUC we have one of the easiest ongoing fundraisers available. It is right on the patio on Sunday mornings, and it costs nothing to actively participate.…
Many Hands for Big Sunday
It was a joy to share Big Sunday with so many members of our community on Saturday May 3rd. We had volunteers of all ages helping out with projects to assist those in need out in the larger community. UUA President Peter Morales has this to say about service: “Every religious tradition on which we draw has a reverence for life. We are a part of an intricate web of life. Every tradition on which we draw teaches that the ultimate…
April Notes
“To be a member means to be a host. To be a host means that you come to serve, not to be served. In other words, you take off the bib and put on an apron.” – Michael Piazza, Director, Center for Church Renewal Each one of us is a host on Sunday morning. We are here to invite people into the life of the church. You know all the ins and outs, how to get what you need from…
March Notes
Do you remember the first time you came to this church? Take a moment and think of why you came and your first impressions… Now, consider what was it about the church that made you want to come back? Jot down a few more things…. Chances are it was more than one thing. People come for different reasons – to find community, to explore spiritual questions, to get support during life transitions and tragedies, to build a better world, to…
Upcoming in Religious Education
Look for a special snack after the first service on Sunday. Our PreK-Kindergarten class will be creating something special during class time. The lesson in Chalice Children is about creating community through sharing. Look for their special offering at the tables in the courtyard. We look forward to a good time hosted by our youngest RE class! After discussing the nature of Love last week, our OCUUC youth will be looking at Truth and Lies using a middle eastern folk…
The Turning of the Wheel
In the turning of the Pagan Wheel of the Year, we have just passed Imbolc, where winter makes way for springtime. At this time many Pagans will set their intentions for the coming year, stating what they would like to create in their lives. What would you like to see manifest in the coming year for yourself? for your family? for our Religious Education and larger OCUUC community? I would love to see every family introduce one new family to…
A New Year at OCUUC
There are times in our lives when we are forced to step out of the day-to-day. Some of these events can be joyful, some can be more challenging. It is with great joy that I return from a leave of absence to OCUUC after a challenging absence. Some new ideas have been percolating with me during my time off, and I can see that the congregation has been busy putting together all kinds of programs this year. Our church is…
January Notes
Welcome to the New Year! 2015 is shaping up to be an interesting one. And by “interesting,” I mean I have no idea what is in store. The field is wide open! You can make of this year what you want of it. It’s also that time of resolutions – to make a positive change in your life. Yet, as the popular theory goes, most people give up on their resolutions before the month is out. So here’s a thought.…
December Notes
Minister’s Discretionary Fund Have you ever found yourself in a stressful financial situation? Most people have at some point in their life. Yet many people are not aware that the minister has a “Ministerial Discretionary Fund.” These funds are collected from the offertory on Christmas Eve (sometimes more often if funds run out). These funds are used to help those in need, usually, but not always, people right here in the congregation. People who need a little extra help with medical bills…
Acting Director of Religious Education
Karen Magoon Pearson will serve as Acting Director of Religious Education (DRE), while Rayna Hamre, our current DRE, takes a sabbatical.
September Notes
What a difference a year can make! This last year has been a whirlwind for me. I moved across country and began as your minister last August. I’ve been learning to adapt to everything from the weather to the drivers here in southern California. The former being so much easier than the latter! And we’ve been getting to know one another. From meals to classes to Sunday morning, each of you is now more than a beautiful face I recognize,…