Podcast: Chalice Sermons

Healing Lessons from Nature: Thanksgiving Service

Nature, if we listen and pay attention to it, has abundant lessons in healing. Today, as we give thanks for our earth and harvest in this Thanksgiving service, we will explore the abundant healing gifts of nature. There will be a special collection for Harbor House during the service, as well as a drive-through food collection for Adelante Communidad and surprise after the service.

Healing Together

On this post-election Sunday, we will look at where we are in this nation and discern a path towards healing. Join us to tend to our hearts and spirits at this time and feel the comforting presence of community.

The Call and Response-ability

Vocation comes from the Latin word for “call,” and it is deeply rooted in Jewish and Christian tradition. Originally meaning an occupation to which one is well-suited, especially a religious one, it has morphed into the idea of any work that is purpose driven. But notice that calling implies the relationship of a listener and a voice. In mindfulness tradition and practice, when we pay attention to what lies beyond our own ego, we become aware of the interdependent world we live in and the suffering surrounds us. Listening to the call we respond with compassion.

Listening for the Truth

Sunday Service at 10 AM
In the midst of all the noise in our world, social media hype, conspiracy theories, fake news and lies, how do we discern what’s true? Does truth even exist? Today we explore the spiritual practice of listening for the truth.
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Meeting ID: 209 555 249
Phone: 16699009128
Password: 2020

Listening to Unheard Voices

Throughout history, African American women’s voices have been powerful and wise, but often sidelined, suppressed or ignored. Today we listen more deeply to voices that are less often heard in our society. Rev Nica and Ayanna Gaines will be highlighting a UU Women’s Federation award winning sermon by Marta Varee Pearson and exploring the reasons we need to listen to unheard voices. Join us for an inspiring service, celebrating the wisdom and brilliance of African American women’s voices throughout history.

UU The Vote

During this time of uncertainty and chaos it’s never been more important to participate in creating the future of our country. Join UUA President Susan Frederick-Gray, Rev Cathy Rion Starr and Pamela Lopez as we UU the Vote.

Forgiveness – A Gift of Renewal

Today at sunset, the Jewish Holiday of Yom Kippur, or the day of atonement, begins. It is a time to forgive and be forgiven. But what if forgiveness doesn’t just redeem another, but also marks the renewal of life for the forgiver? Forgiveness is one of the most powerful offerings we can make in life. Today we explore how forgiveness can give us the gift of renewing our own lives.

Renewing Our Faith

In June 2020, the UUA’s Commission on Institutional Change released a report suggesting ways in which we can remake our faith to live into the essential promises and ideals of Unitarian Universalism. Our Chalice Board of Trustees will be studying their report “Widening the Circle of Concern” throughout this year. Today we begin exploring some of themes and recommendations for systemic change to renew our journey in creating an equitable world.

Ingathering – Tending the Spark of Hope

Normally Ingathering marks the time when we all come together again after our summers, to celebrate our community and renew our commitment to each other and our faith. Today, though we continue to be physically distant due to Covid 19, we gather from near and far to renew our connections to Chalice and one another. During today’s Zoom service we will invite you to share a wish or blessing for Chalice which we will post in our Sanctuary. After today’s service, you are invited to a drive-by ritual in which you may bring a sacred object to Reverend Nica and our Worship Team to leave on our Sanctuary altar until we meet again in person. In these ways, your intention, blessing and commitment will be held in our Sanctuary until we are together again physically. And you will have renewed our community.

What Matters?

Moving together through these challenging times, we find ourselves, perhaps on a daily basis, reassessing our priorities. UCLA Oncology Chaplain and popular guest speaker Michael Eselun shares reflections on the question, “What Matters?”