Season of Gratitude
The worship theme for the month of November is Nurturing Gratitude. For me, November is the beginning of a season of change. The weather changes, the value of the morning light is dim, and the days are short. I appreciate these natural changes as a chance to slow and manage my needs. I appreciate the quiet gathering around me. November changes are personal too – mostly managing how to show up for Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays, and all the…
Music of Community
“There are numerous strings in your lute,Let me add my own among them.” –Rabindranath Tagore Refrain from “There Are Numerous Strings” hymn Each of us has a note to offer–and together, we make the music of community. At OCUUC, you’re invited to find your string and play along! Drummers and Strummers – Feel the beat and strum your spirit! A joyful, informal group for percussionists, guitarists, ukulelists, and rhythm makers of all kinds. We read through several pieces of music…
Religious Education Events
As we enter the cool fall season, here are some upcoming events in the Religious Education (RE) elementary, OWL (Our Whole Lives) class, and the Nursery! 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!
Staff Appreciation
Unfortunately, I learned at the very end of October that the UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association) designated that month as Pastor Appreciation Month. I did encourage the congregation to express to Rev. Sian Wiltshire how very much she means to each of us – but I did feel that we somewhat missed the boat! But November is the month of Thanksgiving. What better time than to express our gratitude for our wonderful staff at OCUUC?? We have a fabulous Administrator/Bookkeeper, Sarah…
Nurturing Gratitude
I have a confession: I sometimes struggle with gratitude as a spiritual practice. When life throws curveballs, it can feel impossible to feel thankful – and sometimes the idea of “practicing gratitude” feels like I’m being asked to ignore or deny what’s hard. Over time, I’ve learned a gentler way: what I call “Even Though Gratitude.” When I’m feeling low, I might say, “Even though I’m upset at the world, I am grateful for my church,” or “Even though my…
Cultivating Compassion
Did you know that compassion is actually a skill you can increase? While it is somewhat innate, it’s also something that we can cultivate. I learned this myself: Years ago, I wasn’t a very nice person. Not horrible, mind you, but I was so in my head, I had a hard time being empathetic or understanding. I was in graduate school, studying long hours, always trying to prove myself to my teachers and fellow students. One night, after studying late,…
Fall Programs and Activities
Happy October RE friends! We have some fun and exciting things happening this fall in the RE classes as this Friday is the start of Family camp at De Benneville Pines camp. This is extra exciting as we were not able to attend last year due to the unfortunate fires. I want to give a special Thanks to Maria Goode for all her planning with the Camp as well as a very grateful Thank you to the congregants who are…
Reflections from OCUUC’s VP, Programs
This month, we’re featuring a post from Katherine Martin, OCUUC’s VP, Programs. I invited her to share her perspective with us. Kathleen McFarlinPresident, Board of Trustees Take a look at the Church Calendar and you’ll see that OCUUC is a vibrant community, full of activities, interest groups, and events that make it an exciting place to belong. From lively book discussions to the collective artistry of Rhythm of the Soul, there truly is something for everyone. To learn more about…
Grab your Joe and a Song to Go
Would you like to improve your breathing and lung function, lower blood pressure, and reduce your stress? Well the OCUUC Sunday Morning Hymn Sing-Along, which we will try throughout the month of October, might be right for you. Singing in community can have many physical, social, and spiritual benefits. The Hymn Sing-Along will be in Daniels Hall at 10:00 AM on Sunday mornings.
Season of Change
As the seasons begin to change, the Religious Education classes will be Changing up our curriculum as we enter the School year! Starting Sunday 9/7 we will be starting our “Free to Believe” curriculum in the Elementary class. This curriculum is focused around helping our children understand the seven Unitarian Universalist principals. As this program is designed to nurture the emotional, social, and spiritual life of children. For our Children in the Religious Education Program ages 4-6th grade, we will…
Excitement is Growing!
After years of planning, endless hours of committees, miles of email threads and stacks of spreadsheets, we’ve made it! Our new sanctuary will be officially dedicated this coming Saturday, September 6th and our Open House worship service will be conducted on Sunday, September 7th. We’re putting all the last touches in place – Rev. Sian is crafting her message, the musicians are tuning up, the flowers are being arranged – we’re getting ready to party. So be sure to join…
A Sense of Belonging
I sometimes joke that I have a strange gift: I can tell the future. OK, maybe not exactly – but hear me out. Over the years, I’ve noticed that I sometimes get an intuitive sense about people and places, little nudges that point toward what’s ahead. For example, years ago a friend showed me a brochure for a place called Yes Bay Lodge in Alaska. I looked at it and thought, Someday, I’m going to be there. A year later,…