Music Ministry Notes

The Soul Matters Theme for June is “Flourishing Together”. Soul Matters is a monthly theme-based ministry used by many Unitarian Universalist Association congregations. We encourage you to flourish with us by participating in one of our summer music opportunities. 🎶 POP-UP CHOIR! 🎶Ever wanted to sing with the choir… without joining the choir? Now’s your chance! Here’s how it works:- Show up Sunday morning- Practice a simple song together a couple of times- Sing during the service for the congregation…

Many churches have hymnals, but perhaps the Methodist Hymnal is unique for including its “Directions for Singing”–a list of 7 principles regarding how to sing during worship services. Before becoming Unitarian Universalists, Susan and Steve were each members of the United Methodist Church for over 20 years, and so we appreciate that both the United Methodist church that we attended and our UU church emphasize active engagement in congregational singing as a vital part of the worship service. In the…

Our 56th Earth Day is coming up on April 22nd, and this year’s trip around the sun is a chance to appreciate the wonders of this planet we share. During our worship service on Sunday, March 29th, we featured a music video created by singer-songwriter, activist, and UU member, Pat Scanlon, that speaks to, not only the wonders and beauty of the earth, but the challenges as well.Music is a natural vehicle for celebration and inspiration, as is Pat’s video,…

Why We Repeat Songs in Worship If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Didn’t we just sing that?” — you’re not alone. In a culture that prizes novelty and speed, repetition can feel unusual. But in worship, repeating a song is not filler. It is formative. It is intentional. It is spiritual practice. From Head to Heart The first time we sing a new song, most of us are just trying to find our place: The second time, With each repetition,…

We are very pleased to announce a new musical opportunity for people who love to sing or perform an instrument in an informal setting. The group meets after Sunday services in the Choir area of the Sanctuary. Susan is calling the group the “Chosen Family Choir” because, “although we are not all related to each other, we are choosing to celebrate music together in community.” This group is open to anybody of any age who loves to sing or perform…

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…

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.…

“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…

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.

Have you ever wanted to create music without worrying about the notes on a page? Do you love music but you’re not so crazy about performing? Have you ever thought about playing a poem on drums or flute? Join us, and experience a night where drums ground you, flutes lift you, movement frees you, and poetry opens the heart. Rhythm of the SoulThursdays 6:00-6:45 PMVictoria Room at OCUUCDrums, Flutes, Movement, and Ambient SoundsImprov Group 🎵 No Music Reading Needed: We…

“Take a music bath…and you will find that it is to the soul what the water bath is to the body.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes While we all know that listening to music is good for the soul, creating music with others offers a number of additional restorative benefits. We often refer to our “music community” because rehearsing and performing music with others fosters a sense of connection, belonging, and accomplishment that nurtures our community. One of the many goals…

We are noticing that Unitarian Universalists are fond of questions, so here are some questions for you. Guess Who?? We See You… We Thank You…