The Care and Feeding of your Staff
It may come as a surprise to you that your minister is not “staff.” Well, not technically. I’m “called” by the congregation (voted in). Today I want to talk to you about your true staff – the ones who were hired by you all. They are fabulous! I can’t tell you how many complaints I get from other ministers about their staff. Ours rock. But while I may be their supervisor, you, in fact, are their employer. Not you, specifically,…
Peace like a River
I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river, I’ve got peace like a river in my soul. Traditional American Song [and a Unitarian Universalist favorite!] ~~~ As our country reels from another domestic shooting this month, I am very grateful that our children and youth have a faith community where peaceful solutions to personal and societal problems can be discussed and modeled. Resolving differences thoughtfully and peacefully is not always a quick or easy thing to…
Getting Cozy
It’s getting awfully cozy in our sanctuary! Now that we are at one service, here are some tips that will help everyone get a good seat: Get there early. This last Sunday I noticed we were about 1/3 full 15 minutes prior to the service! People are there to see friends and to get a good seat. Come on down! Reserve the back seats against the wall for those with strollers, walkers, etc. But don’t block the aisles! We need…
Summer Notes
Welcome to the glorious summer season! We will offer only one service on Sundays, beginning at 10:30 am. As usual, we’ll meet for coffee and conversation on the patio after the service at about 11:30am. Stay cool, and see you soon! Rev. Sian
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…