Sermons by Beth Syverson
A Pandemic Retrospective Through Song
Our Director of Music Ministries, Beth Syverson, led an almost-all-music service that is a reflection of lessons that she and the church’s musicians have learned about music and life while trying to keep our music afloat during the pandemic.
The Root Causes of Addiction
Beth Syverson shared her own journey with addiction, plus her son Joey and others from the church shared their stories as well. Beth helped us ponder the root causes of addiction, and suggested ways we as a community can help those who are affected by its pull. Their stories are full of hope for those suffering.
Water Communion
Traditionally, congregants bring a small amount of water from a special place. During the appointed time during the service, each person pours the water into a communal vessel and tells why this water is special to them. Due to the challenges of Covid-19, we will be guided through a virtual sharing and the symbolic blending of our faith coming from many different sources.
Joyful Noise
The Music Ministries presented a worship service on the topic of singing. Hear from congregants about the relationship of singing, experience lots of songs about singing, and hopefully, you will open the door to your own singing, just a little bit wider than before.
Biannual Music Sunday
Our biannual Music Sunday service was on March 29th. We had been planning an almost-all music service featuring our choir, small groups, and soloists, but now that we’re all Safer At Home, the choir and small group numbers will have to wait until another day. We still want to acknowledge major milestones in U.S. women’s history: the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment – giving women the right to vote – plus the women’s rights movement in the 60s and…
Our Stories
Jan Mabie reflects on her Air Force experience during Reagan’s witch-hunt against gays in the military. Beth Syverson talks about her and Jan’s marriage and the effort required to make it happen. Although we take joy in the fact that Unitarian Universalists are very accepting of LGBTQ people, and we are grateful that OCUUC is a Welcoming Congregation, we believe that hearing each others’ stories enriches all of us and helps us be more compassionate toward others who are different…
Reflections on “We Shall Overcome”
Arranged by Beth Syverson and performed by the Orange Coast UU Choir
You CAN Go Home Again – A Story of Reconciliation
Earlier this year, OCUUC Music Director Beth Syverson had a major reconciliation with her parents. She shares a short version of that story, and shares her insights about acceptance as it relates to our UU principles.