"Person by Person by Person" Sunday, April 7, 10:50 am, 2024 Person by Person by Person… that is how change occurs. Not once and for all, but continuously. Change changes what is possible, and each person we engage makes the possible a little more hopeful. In the words of Bryan Stevenson, “You don’t change the world with the ideas in your mind, but…

"Person by Person by Person" Sunday, April 7, 10:50 am, 2024 Person by Person by Person… that is how change occurs. Not once and for all, but continuously. Change changes what is possible, and each person we engage makes the possible a little more hopeful. In the words of Bryan Stevenson, “You don’t change the world with the ideas in your mind, but…

"Roll that Rock Away" Easter Sunday, March 31, 10:50 am, 2024 Life has a lot of tombs, losses, and setbacks. And there are rocks, heavy and awkward, that protect and seal them. What are the ways we don't end our stories at the rock or tomb? What does it require of us to make resurrection also the stuff of our lives? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Seni…

"Roll that Rock Away" Easter Sunday, March 31, 10:50 am, 2024 Life has a lot of tombs, losses, and setbacks. And there are rocks, heavy and awkward, that protect and seal them. What are the ways we don't end our stories at the rock or tomb? What does it require of us to make resurrection also the stuff of our lives? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Seni…

"Lessons from the Road" Sunday, March 24, 10:50 am, 2024 I was fortunate enough to have the gift of almost three straight months to renew and refresh in the ancient tradition of sabbath, or fallow times. Thirty-two of those days (but who is counting?) were spent on the road, circling through the American Southwest, with my husband. It is a modern p…

"Lessons from the Road" Sunday, March 24, 10:50 am, 2024 I was fortunate enough to have the gift of almost three straight months to renew and refresh in the ancient tradition of sabbath, or fallow times. Thirty-two of those days (but who is counting?) were spent on the road, circling through the American Southwest, with my husband. It is a modern p…

"Written in Pencil" Sunday, March 17, 10:50 am, 2024 We sing from a hymnal called Singing the Living Tradition. What does it mean that ours is a living tradition? In light of the changing landscapes of religion and Unitarian Universalism how do we keep the tradition alive rather than stagnant history? Rev. Cheryl M. Walker, Guest Minister; Rev. Van…

"Written in Pencil" Sunday, March 17, 10:50 am, 2024 We sing from a hymnal called Singing the Living Tradition. What does it mean that ours is a living tradition? In light of the changing landscapes of religion and Unitarian Universalism how do we keep the tradition alive rather than stagnant history? Rev. Cheryl M. Walker, Guest Minister; Rev. Van…

"Religion... I Too Dislike It" Sunday, March 10, 10:50 am, 2024 Poet Marianne Moore once wrote a poem beginning, “Poetry . . . I too dislike it.” Yet by its end she affirmed something real in it, and worthwhile. So it is with religion, sayeth the preacher. If you (or your friends) resonate to the phrase “spiritual, but not religious,” this sermon i…

"Religion... I Too Dislike It" Sunday, March 10, 10:50 am, 2024 Poet Marianne Moore once wrote a poem beginning, “Poetry . . . I too dislike it.” Yet by its end she affirmed something real in it, and worthwhile. So it is with religion, sayeth the preacher. If you (or your friends) resonate to the phrase “spiritual, but not religious,” this sermon i…

"It's Time to Build" Sunday, March 3, 10:50 am, 2024 Over the past several years, UUSF has weathered a pandemic, staff transitions, budget worries, and so much more. Now, we are at a place of recognizing our resilience and moving into a new stability. As we contemplate the year to come, let's determine what we want to build together and celebrate w…

"It's Time to Build" Sunday, March 3, 10:50 am, 2024 Over the past several years, UUSF has weathered a pandemic, staff transitions, budget worries, and so much more. Now, we are at a place of recognizing our resilience and moving into a new stability. As we contemplate the year to come, let's determine what we want to build together and celebrate w…

"What Will You Save?" Sunday, February 25, 10:50 am, 2024 As the years accumulate and I (Rev. Sonya) experience growing satisfaction with a life well lived, I wonder what it is worthwhile to save—for posterity, for my children, for our communities? At the same time, a recent article lifted up the fact that longevity often depends on engagement and …

"What Will You Save?" Sunday, February 25, 10:50 am, 2024 As the years accumulate and I (Rev. Sonya) experience growing satisfaction with a life well lived, I wonder what it is worthwhile to save—for posterity, for my children, for our communities? At the same time, a recent article lifted up the fact that longevity often depends on engagement and …

"Storm Warning" Sunday, February 18, 10:50 am, 2024 It’s a fraught time in our nation, especially because it’s an election year. On this President's Day weekend, how might we read more clearly the crucial signs of our time? And how might our faith be a source of strength, not only for ourselves but for others? Starr King School for the Ministry is …

"Storm Warning" Sunday, February 18, 10:50 am, 2024 It’s a fraught time in our nation, especially because it’s an election year. On this President's Day weekend, how might we read more clearly the crucial signs of our time? And how might our faith be a source of strength, not only for ourselves but for others? Starr King School for the Ministry is …

"The Dragon's Might: A Lunar New Year Celebration" Sunday, February 11, 10:50 am, 2024 According to legend, a heavenly race determined the order of the Chinese zodiac signs. Why did Dragon, so clearly the mightiest of the animals, fail to come in first place? What can Dragon teach us about using power for more than winning in a world that calls for…

"The Dragon's Might: A Lunar New Year Celebration" Sunday, February 11, 10:50 am, 2024 According to legend, a heavenly race determined the order of the Chinese zodiac signs. Why did Dragon, so clearly the mightiest of the animals, fail to come in first place? What can Dragon teach us about using power for more than winning in a world that calls for…

"Thus Do We Covenant" Sunday, January 28, 10:50 am, 2024 After the weekend of creating our covenant, we will come together to reveal what we have found most important for us to promise. We will explore and understand how we will use it in our relationships going forward. Aisha Hauser, Guest Preacher; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational L…

"Thus Do We Covenant" Sunday, January 28, 10:50 am, 2024 After the weekend of creating our covenant, we will come together to reveal what we have found most important for us to promise. We will explore and understand how we will use it in our relationships going forward. Aisha Hauser, Guest Preacher; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational L…

"Covenant: Laying the Foundation" Sunday, January 21, 10:50 am, 2024 As we prepare to engage in creating a congregational covenant for UUSF, we will start to lay the foundation of why it is important work for us to do. We will look at the preparation work we have already done and how covenant already exists in our congregational work. Rev. Laura Sh…

"Covenant: Laying the Foundation" Sunday, January 21, 10:50 am, 2024 As we prepare to engage in creating a congregational covenant for UUSF, we will start to lay the foundation of why it is important work for us to do. We will look at the preparation work we have already done and how covenant already exists in our congregational work. Rev. Laura Sh…

"Belonging" Sunday, January 14, 10:50 am, 2024 It is said that religions include belief, behavior and belonging. Unitarian Universalism gave Rev. Sonya an immediate sense of belonging over 25 years ago when she first attended a service in her hometown in New Mexico. Unitarians employ reason in our beliefs, and a sense of freedom concerning religiou…

"Belonging" Sunday, January 14, 10:50 am, 2024 It is said that religions include belief, behavior and belonging. Unitarian Universalism gave Rev. Sonya an immediate sense of belonging over 25 years ago when she first attended a service in her hometown in New Mexico. Unitarians employ reason in our beliefs, and a sense of freedom concerning religiou…

"Promises of the Heart" Sunday, January 7, 10:50 am, 2024 Unitarian Universalism is a non-creedal, covenantal faith; that is, we are united not by a single set of theological beliefs, but by the commitments we make to each other and to the broader society in which we live. A covenant is a promise from the heart to carry out these commitments. Throu…

"Promises of the Heart" Sunday, January 7, 10:50 am, 2024 Unitarian Universalism is a non-creedal, covenantal faith; that is, we are united not by a single set of theological beliefs, but by the commitments we make to each other and to the broader society in which we live. A covenant is a promise from the heart to carry out these commitments. Throu…

"Let Go of the Old & Ring in the New: Fire Communion" Sunday, December 31, 10:50 am, 2023 We will gather to reflect on our past year, then set intentions for the upcoming year. This will be ritualized through a Fire Communion. Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Diane Allen, Board of Trustees; Allen…

"Let Go of the Old & Ring in the New: Fire Communion" Sunday, December 31, 10:50 am, 2023 We will gather to reflect on our past year, then set intentions for the upcoming year. This will be ritualized through a Fire Communion. Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Diane Allen, Board of Trustees; Allen…

"Christmas Eve Night" Sunday, December 24, 4:45 pm, 2023 Come let us join in community to celebrate the Christmas story in song, stories, and candles. Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Bree Shennum; Tad Hopp; Michael Bossier; Claire Cover; Tad Hopp, Worship Participants; UUSF Bell Choir led…

"Christmas Eve Night" Sunday, December 24, 4:45 pm, 2023 Come let us join in community to celebrate the Christmas story in song, stories, and candles. Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Bree Shennum; Tad Hopp; Michael Bossier; Claire Cover; Tad Hopp, Worship Participants; UUSF Bell Choir led…

"What's Up With That: Interactive Christmas Pageant" Sunday, December 24, 10:50 am, 2023 Join us for an interactive telling of the Christmas story. This service is for all ages and costumes will be provided for those who want them. Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Orianna Jooss Moren; Robert Jumo…

"What's Up With That: Interactive Christmas Pageant" Sunday, December 24, 10:50 am, 2023 Join us for an interactive telling of the Christmas story. This service is for all ages and costumes will be provided for those who want them. Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Orianna Jooss Moren; Robert Jumo…

"Hanging of the Greens" Sunday, December 17, 10:50 am, 2023 We will gather as a full community to build connection through the ritual of creating the greens for our sanctuary. In honor of the sacredness of each person born, we will create stars that highlight each of us that are present. Join us for a lovely tradition of joy and merriment. Rev. Van…

"Hanging of the Greens" Sunday, December 17, 10:50 am, 2023 We will gather as a full community to build connection through the ritual of creating the greens for our sanctuary. In honor of the sacredness of each person born, we will create stars that highlight each of us that are present. Join us for a lovely tradition of joy and merriment. Rev. Van…

"SACReD Stories, SACReD Decisions and Mary, Mother of God" Sunday, December 10, 10:50 am, 2023 What is your faith story? What is your reproductive story? How is the Divine a part of both of these stories? How can we weave them together free from shame, judgment, and stigma? Join us as we examine our stories alongside one of the ancient stories of M…

"SACReD Stories, SACReD Decisions and Mary, Mother of God" Sunday, December 10, 10:50 am, 2023 What is your faith story? What is your reproductive story? How is the Divine a part of both of these stories? How can we weave them together free from shame, judgment, and stigma? Join us as we examine our stories alongside one of the ancient stories of M…

"I Will Meet You There" Sunday, December 3, 10:50 am, 2023 For weeks, there have been conversations in our church forums, at movie screenings, and on the steps as people gather and leave to address the war in Gaza. On Sunday (I think!) we will talk about the struggle to hold these events and dig into one of the issues coming up around the events: t…

"I Will Meet You There" Sunday, December 3, 10:50 am, 2023 For weeks, there have been conversations in our church forums, at movie screenings, and on the steps as people gather and leave to address the war in Gaza. On Sunday (I think!) we will talk about the struggle to hold these events and dig into one of the issues coming up around the events: t…

"Oh, We Give Thanks: A Bread Communion" Sunday, November 26, 10:50 am, 2023 In this quiet service, we will make space to be fed, to reflect on our times around the table and how they have shaped us, to share some of the food we love, and to fill up on the nourishment of giving thanks. If you have a baked good to donate to the table (for sharing at …

"Oh, We Give Thanks: A Bread Communion" Sunday, November 26, 10:50 am, 2023 In this quiet service, we will make space to be fed, to reflect on our times around the table and how they have shaped us, to share some of the food we love, and to fill up on the nourishment of giving thanks. If you have a baked good to donate to the table (for sharing at …

"In Transition" Sunday, November 19, 10:50 am, 2023 This week, the end of Trans Awareness week, we will hear voices of trans folx and be together in their stories and wisdom -- from people we know and love to writers from the United States to the hijra community in India. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of …

"In Transition" Sunday, November 19, 10:50 am, 2023 This week, the end of Trans Awareness week, we will hear voices of trans folx and be together in their stories and wisdom -- from people we know and love to writers from the United States to the hijra community in India. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of …

"Toward the Beloved Community of Unitarian Universalism" Sunday, November 12, 10:50 am, 2023 The late civil rights activist John Lewis called us to: “Not get lost in a sea of despair and to never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” Week after week, year after year, Unitarian Universalists gather to build …

"The Enfleshed Life: What Life and Love of a Body Entails" Sunday, November 5, 10:50 am, 2023 One of the biggest injuries that Christianity is part of in our journey to human wholeness is seeing the body as sacred—not in the sense of something pristine that could be defiled or whose urges were dangerous, but as something to be honored and trusted. …

"The Enfleshed Life: What Life and Love of a Body Entails" Sunday, November 5, 10:50 am, 2023 One of the biggest injuries that Christianity is part of in our journey to human wholeness is seeing the body as sacred—not in the sense of something pristine that could be defiled or whose urges were dangerous, but as something to be honored and trusted. …

"Connecting Across Borders and Divides" Sunday, October 29, 10:50 am, 2023 This is the time of year of the Pagan celebration of Samhain, and the Christian (no doubt borrowed and adapted!) witness to All Souls and All Saints, and to the celebrations of Día De Los Muertos in Mexico and across Latin America. All of these community and religious ceremo…

"Connecting Across Borders and Divides" Sunday, October 29, 10:50 am, 2023 This is the time of year of the Pagan celebration of Samhain, and the Christian (no doubt borrowed and adapted!) witness to All Souls and All Saints, and to the celebrations of Día De Los Muertos in Mexico and across Latin America. All of these community and religious ceremo…

"Lessons for Future Ancestors" Sunday, October 22, 10:50 am, 2023 "Let us measure success by how many of us can say: I am living a life I don’t regret. A life that will resonate with my ancestors" -adrienne maree brown Matt is a musician and worship leader who has led hundreds of services for UU congregations across the country. He has a degree in …

"Lessons for Future Ancestors" Sunday, October 22, 10:50 am, 2023 "Let us measure success by how many of us can say: I am living a life I don’t regret. A life that will resonate with my ancestors" -adrienne maree brown Matt is a musician and worship leader who has led hundreds of services for UU congregations across the country. He has a degree in …

"By Stander, Standing By" Sunday, October 15, 10:50 am, 2023 This weekend when we honor awareness about our Trans Beloveds, I want to talk about some stories I've heard from members lately. I want to talk about how we show up and invite others to do the same. I want to talk about the real danger of the bystander. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior …