Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice is obviously the time that marks the darkest point of our journey around the sun and begins the journey back to light. Marking this moment is among the oldest of religious acts. Today as we observe this darkest time of year, we ask what lessons the Winter Solstice can offer us emotionally. On Sunday we will engage the question, how can this be a period of quiet gestation and reflection for all of us.
The Gifts of Judaism
Continuing our monthly look at world religions and in honor of Hannukah, let’s look at the gifts of Judaism this holiday season.
Jesus Called – He Wants His Religion Back
In this service, we’ll explore how Christianity has been co-opted by modern Christian Nationalism – and how voices like Unitarian Julia Ward Howe remind us that faith was never meant to be a weapon of domination, but a force for justice, compassion, and courageous transformation. Due to an unexpected technical issue, this service was not recorded. Rev. Sian graciously re-recorded her sermon so everyone could still hear her message.
The Holy Rebellion of Advent
Advent, the Christian holiday of preparation, begins this week, but it is not for shopping, but of awakening. Advent calls us to a gentle kind of revolution — to imagine systems built on care instead of control, and belonging instead of fear. Before the light of celebration comes the courage to dream of justice. Listen to our weekly sermons anytime, anywhere on your favorite podcast platform – Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. Just search for OCUUC and hit “Follow” to…
The Risks and Rewards of Gratitude
Kellie Kinsman, Intern Minister, shares the risks and rewards of gratitude.
The George Bailey Effect
What if gratitude isn’t about counting our blessings—but imagining life without them? This Sunday, we’ll explore how reflecting on the absence of what we cherish can awaken a deeper, more enduring sense of appreciation for the lives we already have.
Gifts of Confucianism
Confucianism offers the world timeless wisdom about living in harmony — with ourselves, our families, and our communities. It teaches that a just and peaceful society begins with moral integrity, respect, and education, and that true leadership flows from character rather than power. At its heart, Confucianism invites us to cultivate virtue in everyday life so that harmony may ripple outward into the world.
Animal Blessing
Animal Blessing. On this Sunday, bring your furry, feathered and/or scaled friends (or a picture of them) and we will bless them in Unitarian Universalist fashion! This is a multigenerational service with Rev. Sian Wiltshire. You can now listen to our weekly sermons anytime, anywhere on your favorite podcast platform – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Just search for our church name and hit “Follow” to stay up to date. If you enjoy the sermons, please take a moment…
Cultivating Compassion
Growing the Compassion that forms our Unitarian Universalist Values. Let’s consider how we practice compassion among strangers, within our own community, and as self-care. Listen to our weekly sermons anytime, anywhere on your favorite podcast platform – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Just search for OCUUC and hit “Follow” to stay up to date.
Gifts of Hinduism
Noting that Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights begins on Oct. 20th, and continuing our monthly sermon series on the gifts of various religions, today we look at the gifts of Hinduism to the world.
Being the Calm
When life feels like a tempest, how do we keep ourselves centered and grounded? What do we hold on to? In this day and age, we all need to find our center. Listen to our weekly sermons anytime, anywhere on your favorite podcast platform – Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Just search for our church name and hit “Follow” to stay up to date. If you enjoy the sermons, please take a moment to give us a rating or…
Free Speech, Brave Listening
We often think of freedom of speech as the right to say whatever is on our minds. But true freedom of speech is incomplete without the courage to listen — to hear words that challenge us, to receive voices long silenced, and to respond with compassion. This Sunday, we reflect on how free speech and listening together create the possibility of a more compassionate world.