The Cost of Freedom
Our country was founded on the desire to be free from tyranny. But is freedom “free”? Is there a cost to our freedom? As we build a world community with peace, liberty and justice for all, what might we have to give up to obtain it?
Transforming Our Lives and Our Communities
Rev. Sian and Canvass Chair, Sunny Harper, talk about the role of the church in transforming our lives and how that is extended to the communities we live in. This kicked off the 2016 member and friend pledge canvass.
Redemption
My father was a passionate environmentalist and a smoker from the age of 14. How did he reconcile these contradictions in his life? How do we all face those parts of ourselves we don’t like, but can’t seem to get rid of?
Omelas
What would you be willing to suffer or to give up, in order to live in paradise? Some people are willing to have others suffer so that they can live in paradise. Others give up wealth and power to help others. Each of us may have to make that choice in our lives.
Post Traumatic Growth
Mary Ruth Velicki discusses the flip side of post traumatic trauma with lessons learned from her own personal experience with pain and trauma and how we can grow from the experience.
Throwing the First Stone
Rev. Sian addresses the issues around the continuing conflict between Israel and Palestine from a historic perspective and the admonition of casting the first stone being left to those without any sins. This was a sermon requested by the winner from the Fall OCUUC Auction.
Can’t We All Just Get Along?
Guest speaker Ben Hubbard, Professor of Religious Studies, Cal State Fullerton, discusses the increasing extremes of the political spectrum and the shrinking middle ground where real progress has been made in the past.
Reflections on “We Shall Overcome”
Arranged by Beth Syverson and performed by the Orange Coast UU Choir
Creating the Beloved Community
As we celebrate the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Sian explores what he meant by “Beloved Community” and what we can do today to build it up.
The Spark of Creation
Billions of years ago, our universe was formed. What was that all about? How did it happen? And why should we care today? Hear what the beginning of time can tell us about ourselves.
Inspiration
Where do you get your inspiration from? Is it something that comes from inside of you or outside of you? Rev. Sian explores the theology of inspiration and perhaps will inspire you!