Podcasts about congregational life

“Celebrate! Our Annual Flower Communion Sunday” Sunday, June 8, 2025 I had a coach once who said when you are going up the mountain, you have to take time to go to the overlooks, take in how far you have come, celebrate and enjoy the view, and rehydrate before you move on. We will look back this Sunday, engage in our annual Flower Communion ritual to end our year, and prepare for our annual meeting. Bring a flower from your garden (or from your neighbors!) and come join in a time of taking in the view. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Carmen Barsody, Worship Associate; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Celebrate! Our Annual Flower Communion Sunday" Sunday, June 8, 2025 I had a coach once who said when you are going up the mountain, you have to take time to go to the overlooks, take in how far you have come, celebrate and enjoy the view, and rehydrate before you move on. We will look back this Sunday, engage in our annual Flower Communion ritual to end our year, and prepare for our annual meeting. Bring a flower from your garden (or from your neighbors!) and come join in a time of taking in the view. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Carmen Barsody, Worship Associate; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

In this latest episode of the PCI podcast, David Thompson, Secretary of PCI's Council for Congregational Life and Witness talks with Gary Millar, Principal of Queensland Theological College in Brisbane, Australia about his recent book called Both/And Ministry: Living and leading like Jesus'. Present is a denomination wide initiative inviting and encouraging congregations and their members to make themselves fully present to God who is ever present to us. Find out more and watch a video about the Present initiative here www.presbyterianireland.org/present

John 17: 20-26Speaker: Dr. Kevin Huddleston

John 5: 1-9Speaker: Dr. Kevin Huddleston

In this latest episode of the PCI podcast, Jonny McClune and David Thompson from PCI's Council for Congregational Life and Witness are joined by missiologist David Smith to explore what it looks like for congregations to be present in today's changing communities. Present is a denomination wide initiative inviting and encouraging congregations and their members to make themselves fully present to God who is ever present to us. Find out more and watch a video about the Present initiative here www.presbyterianireland.org/present

John 13:31-35Speaker: Dr. Kevin Huddleston

"Holding Open Possibilities for Each Other" Sunday, May 11, 2025 In this month when we look at the power of imagination, it is interesting to explore how we do that for one another in our personal relationships. How do parents use imagination (for good and ill) in the shaping of their kids' lives? How can we do that for one another, aware of the ways that are life-giving, second-chance-offering, and liberating? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; UUSF Bell Choir led by Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, director; Robin May, oboist; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Holding Open Possibilities for Each Other" Sunday, May 11, 2025 In this month when we look at the power of imagination, it is interesting to explore how we do that for one another in our personal relationships. How do parents use imagination (for good and ill) in the shaping of their kids' lives? How can we do that for one another, aware of the ways that are life-giving, second-chance-offering, and liberating? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; UUSF Bell Choir led by Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, director; Robin May, oboist; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

John 10:22-30Speaker: Dr. Kevin Huddleston

"Oh the Possibilities! Annual Youth Worship Service" Sunday, May 4, 2025 Join our youth this Sunday to hear what they imagine as possible futures. We will be recognizing our High School Seniors as well. Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Julia Wald, Trustee; Sammy Alden; Eli Boshears; Max Dubler; Davia Ferree; Anakin Gupta; Kenley Gupta; Oriana Joos-Moren; Lucas Keeley; Hannah Murray; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford; Shulee Ong; Eli Boshears, Francisco Castellanos, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Oh the Possibilities! Annual Youth Worship Service" Sunday, May 4, 2025 Join our youth this Sunday to hear what they imagine as possible futures. We will be recognizing our High School Seniors as well. Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Julia Wald, Trustee; Sammy Alden; Eli Boshears; Max Dubler; Davia Ferree; Anakin Gupta; Kenley Gupta; Oriana Joos-Moren; Lucas Keeley; Hannah Murray; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford; Shulee Ong; Eli Boshears, Francisco Castellanos, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

John 21:15-17Speaker: Dr. Kevin Huddleston

"Fair Earth!" Sunday, April 27, 2025 Ecophilia, Pagan rituals and roots carried forward, hiking, eating—all that ties us to our love and relationship and responsibility to earth. We root ourselves in this (reground ourselves in it) to stay whole and joyful. Let's do that regrounding together. See you Sunday! Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Christine Patch-Lindsay, Pagan Interest Circle Chair; Liz Strand, Trustee; Haruka and Yuki Ota, cellists; Akane Ota, songleader; Jon Silk; drummer; Mark Sumner, pianist Eric Shackelford; Eli Boshears, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Fair Earth!" Sunday, April 27, 2025 Ecophilia, Pagan rituals and roots carried forward, hiking, eating—all that ties us to our love and relationship and responsibility to earth. We root ourselves in this (reground ourselves in it) to stay whole and joyful. Let's do that regrounding together. See you Sunday! Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Christine Patch-Lindsay, Pagan Interest Circle Chair; Liz Strand, Trustee; Haruka and Yuki Ota, cellists; Akane Ota, songleader; Jon Silk; drummer; Mark Sumner, pianist Eric Shackelford; Eli Boshears, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Trust in the Wild" Sunday, March 30, 2025 Robin Wall Kimmerer, who writes about the natural world, writes about a world undergirded by trust, reciprocity, and generosity. But this is the same natural world that also has predators and prey and scarcity. Which do we put our trust in and why, and how does that shape life in our safe harbor? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Lori Lai, Trustee; David Jones Stewardship Moment; Mirjam and Harry Moren, Canvass Chairs; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Shulee Ong; Eli Boshears, Francisco Castellanos, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Trust in the Wild" Sunday, March 30, 2025 Robin Wall Kimmerer, who writes about the natural world, writes about a world undergirded by trust, reciprocity, and generosity. But this is the same natural world that also has predators and prey and scarcity. Which do we put our trust in and why, and how does that shape life in our safe harbor? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Lori Lai, Trustee; David Jones Stewardship Moment; Mirjam and Harry Moren, Canvass Chairs; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Shulee Ong; Eli Boshears, Francisco Castellanos, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

“Trusting In Community” Sunday, March 23, 2025 Join us for this All-Ages Worship to hear a sweet story about how a cat helped calm a scary storm and brought a community together. Interactive opportunities to build trust in our community, both within our walls and outside our walls, will be part of the service. Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Maria, Worship Associate; Sam Hamner, Miles Cunningham, Liam Hamner, Chantel Boshears and Eli Boshears, Stewardship Moments; Galen Workman, Moderator Board of Trustees; Rami Bar-Niv, pianist; Mark Sumner, songleader; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford; Eli Boshears, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Trusting In Community" Sunday, March 23, 2025 Join us for this All-Ages Worship to hear a sweet story about how a cat helped calm a scary storm and brought a community together. Interactive opportunities to build trust in our community, both within our walls and outside our walls, will be part of the service. Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Maria, Worship Associate; Sam Hamner, Miles Cunningham, Liam Hamner, Chantel Boshears and Eli Boshears, Stewardship Moments; Galen Workman, Moderator Board of Trustees; Rami Bar-Niv, pianist; Mark Sumner, songleader; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford; Eli Boshears, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Trust the Body" Sunday, March 16, 2025, 10:50 am What does it mean to live an embodied life, to treat the body as a shrine and as a source of wisdom? What happens when we don't? Maybe trust isn't just between two people or out in the world, but in one of the most fundamental relationships to ourselves? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Gregory Stevens, Worship Associate; Linda Enger, Trustee; Kathleen Quenneville, Reflection; Lila Bailey, Reflection; Oriana Jooss Moren, Worship Associate; UUSF Bell Choir led by Reiko Oda Lane, organist; organist; UUSF Choir; Mark Sumner, Music Director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford; Shulee Ong; Eli Boshears, Francisco Castellanos, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Trust the Body" Sunday, March 16, 2025, 10:50 am What does it mean to live an embodied life, to treat the body as a shrine and as a source of wisdom? What happens when we don't? Maybe trust isn't just between two people or out in the world, but in one of the most fundamental relationships to ourselves? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Gregory Stevens, Worship Associate; Linda Enger, Trustee; Kathleen Quenneville, Reflection; Lila Bailey, Reflection; Oriana Jooss Moren, Worship Associate; UUSF Bell Choir led by Reiko Oda Lane, organist; organist; UUSF Choir; Mark Sumner, Music Director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford; Shulee Ong; Eli Boshears, Francisco Castellanos, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Leaning In" Sunday, March 9, 2025, 10:50 am Anxiety and a feeling of ungroundedness can erode trust in ourselves and in our community. How do we lean into relationships during challenging times? Are there ways we can build trust instead of diminish it? Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Daniel Jackoway, Worship Associate; Emma Wakeling, Membership and Young Adult Manager; Gino Fortunato, Membership Chair; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir; Mark Sumner, Music Director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford; Shulee Ong; Eli Boshears, Francisco Castellanos, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher LIVESTREAM https://youtube.com/live/7X7io5Bhdvc OOS: https://t.ly/20250309OSWeb PLAYLIST: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGWIRF9Pinfzy7Gq-Zmvzk7TAHle5ZSbE

"Leaning In" Sunday, March 9, 2025, 10:50 am Anxiety and a feeling of ungroundedness can erode trust in ourselves and in our community. How do we lean into relationships during challenging times? Are there ways we can build trust instead of diminish it? Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Daniel Jackoway, Worship Associate; Emma Wakeling, Membership and Young Adult Manager; Gino Fortunato, Membership Chair; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir; Mark Sumner, Music Director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford; Shulee Ong; Eli Boshears, Francisco Castellanos, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Safe Harbors in Stormy Times" Sunday, March 2, 2025 Someone teaches you about the ocean. Someone shows you how to swim for the joy of it, or maybe so you can be safe. Each of us will face storms, and what someone taught us about the water, about swimming, and about what will get us through is relevant now. And relevant to why generations have invested in the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco, this port in the storm, for almost 175 years!  Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Mirjam and Harry Moren, Canvass Chairs; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir; Mark Sumner, Music Director; Dr. Joachim Reinhuber, pianist Eli Boshears, Camera Operator; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Safe Harbors in Stormy Times" Sunday, March 2, 2025, 10:50 am Someone teaches you about the ocean. Someone shows you how to swim for the joy of it, or maybe so you can be safe. Each of us will face storms, and what someone taught us about the water, about swimming, and about what will get us through is relevant now. And relevant to why generations have invested in the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco, this port in the storm, for almost 175 years!  Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Mirjam and Harry Moren, Canvass Chairs; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir; Mark Sumner, Music Director; Dr. Joachim Reinhuber, pianist Eli Boshears, Camera Operator; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Kelvin Jones, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Inclusion" Sunday, February 2, 2025 Who's in? Who's out? Belonging? Exclusion? Making room? Accommodations. Drawing the circle wider. Stretching beyond what we know, what and who is familiar. What does inclusion mean, and what does it ask, and why bother!  Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Carmen Barsody, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Moderator, Board of Trustees; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir; Mark Sumner, Music Director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford; Shulee Ong; Eliot Boshears, Francisco Castellanos, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Jose Matias Pineda, Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Inclusion" Sunday, February 2, 2025 Who's in? Who's out? Belonging? Exclusion? Making room? Accommodations. Drawing the circle wider. Stretching beyond what we know, what and who is familiar. What does inclusion mean, and what does it ask, and why bother!  Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Carmen Barsody, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Moderator, Board of Trustees; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir; Mark Sumner, Music Director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford; Shulee Ong; Eliot Boshears, Francisco Castellanos, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Jose Matias Pineda, Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usherisco Castellanos, Sextons; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

In this latest episode of the PCI podcast, David Thompson, Secretary to PCI's Council for Congregational Life & Witness, explores what it means to be an intergenerational Church family with Ruth Bromley, PCI Children's Development Officer, and Graeme Thompson, PCI's Youth Development Officer.  This podcast is part of the denomination wide Present initiative, inviting and encouraging congregations and their members to make themselves fully present to God who is ever present to us.

"Story: Wine, Weddings, and a Coming Out" Sunday, January 26, 2025 The theme of January is “Story.” One of the things I love about a tradition—religious, cultural, or literary—is that the community starts to repeat and value certain stories as worth revisiting, as worth revising in light of the interpretations we bring to them based on where we are in our lives. I've long been fascinated and horrified by the story of the wedding in Cana, one scene in the life of Jesus. It takes place in the Gospel as told by John, Chapter 2, verses 1-12. It's about wine. It's about a wedding. It is about a moment of coming out and the frightening and powerful inevitabilities that can be part of a life too.  Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Daniel Jackoway, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Moderator, Board of Trustees; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir; Mark Sumner, Music Director; Morgen Warner, Maggie McGrann soloists; Jon Silk, drummer; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford; Eli Boshears, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Story: Wine, Weddings, and a Coming Out" Sunday, January 26, 2025 The theme of January is “Story.” One of the things I love about a tradition—religious, cultural, or literary—is that the community starts to repeat and value certain stories as worth revisiting, as worth revising in light of the interpretations we bring to them based on where we are in our lives. I've long been fascinated and horrified by the story of the wedding in Cana, one scene in the life of Jesus. It takes place in the Gospel as told by John, Chapter 2, verses 1-12. It's about wine. It's about a wedding. It is about a moment of coming out and the frightening and powerful inevitabilities that can be part of a life too.  Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Daniel Jackoway, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Moderator, Board of Trustees; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir; Mark Sumner, Music Director; Morgen Warner, Maggie McGrann soloists; Jon Silk, drummer; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford; Eli Boshears, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"MLK" Sunday, January 19, 2025 Jonathan Eig won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography in 2024 for his biography King: A Life. People who previously refused to be interviewed told their stories, government documents that were newly released, and lots of research present a rich perspective on more of the layers of the story of Martin Luther King Jr., his gifts, theological commitments, and his struggles. In the full story of a life, we know the heroic for what it truly is. Let's unpack some more layers of the story of this hero. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Hanna Hart, Winter Shelter; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir; Mark Sumner, Music Director; Eric Shackelford, soloist; Stephen Saxon, soloist; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Shulee Ong; Francisco Castellanos, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"MLK" Sunday, January 19, 2025 Jonathan Eig won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography in 2024 for his biography King: A Life. People who previously refused to be interviewed told their stories, government documents that were newly released, and lots of research present a rich perspective on more of the layers of the story of Martin Luther King Jr., his gifts, theological commitments, and his struggles. In the full story of a life, we know the heroic for what it truly is. Let's unpack some more layers of the story of this hero. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Hanna Hart, Winter Shelter; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir; Mark Sumner, Music Director; Eric Shackelford, soloist; Stephen Saxon, soloist; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Shulee Ong; Francisco Castellanos, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Build Strength Through Our Stories" Sunday, January 12, 2025 Stories are powerful and offer us lessons to help resource ourselves. By looking at historical figures, ancestors, and our own lives, we can remember the stories that have given us resilience and have helped us build community in challenging times. Let's come together to tell these stories and share the lessons we have learned. Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Sam King, Worship Associate; Liz Strand, Trustee; Linda Harris, UUSC; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; Shannon Warto, Singer Eric Shackelford; Francisco Castellanos, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher LIVESTREAM https://www.youtube.com/live/eMG0YSpzo3s OOS: https://t.ly/20250112OSWeb PLAYLIST: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGWIRF9PinfwEr0s89S7ybLIupNeewPp5

"Build Strength Through Our Stories" Sunday, January 12, 2025 Stories are powerful and offer us lessons to help resource ourselves. By looking at historical figures, ancestors, and our own lives, we can remember the stories that have given us resilience and have helped us build community in challenging times. Let's come together to tell these stories and share the lessons we have learned. Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Sam King, Worship Associate; Liz Strand, Trustee; Linda Harris, UUSC; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; Shannon Warto, Singer Eric Shackelford; Francisco Castellanos, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Hanging of the Greens" Sunday, December 15, 2024 Join us for the annual Hanging of the Greens Service. This all-ages service has us begin together in the sanctuary and then move around the church, decorating garlands and wreaths and making pomanders, learning a winter song, and coming together at the end in that age-old ritual in pre-Christian Europe of bringing evergreens into the winter halls, a reminder that life continues through winter into spring. Come join the fun! Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Eli Boshears, Worship Participant; Oriana Moren, Worship Participant; Calder Law, Worship Participant; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir; Mark Sumner, director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Shulee Ong, Camera Operator; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Hanging of the Greens" Sunday, December 15, 2024 Join us for the annual Hanging of the Greens Service. This all-ages service has us begin together in the sanctuary and then move around the church, decorating garlands and wreaths and making pomanders, learning a winter song, and coming together at the end in that age-old ritual in pre-Christian Europe of bringing evergreens into the winter halls, a reminder that life continues through winter into spring. Come join the fun! Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Eli Boshears, Worship Participant; Oriana Moren, Worship Participant; Calder Law, Worship Participant; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir; Mark Sumner, director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Shulee Ong, Camera Operator; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Linda Messner, Head Usher

Our podcast host, Allen Kleine Deters shares an intimate personal story of his mental health journey as he dealt with a broken marriage, bladder cancer, the challenges of ministry and more…. The quote Allen shares from a course he took, is attributed to Dr. Danjuma Gibson, Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care and Counseling at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI. Allen is the Pastor of Congregational Life at Northend Church in St. Catharines, ON.  He focuses on discipleship in everyday life, Life Groups, Pastoral Counselling and Spiritual Direction. northendchurch.ca

"Forgiveness & Repair: A Ritual" Sunday, November 17, 2024 We will gather in our annual ritual to examine where in our lives repair and forgiveness might happen. How can we heal ourselves and each other from harms we have done? Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Carmen Barsody, Worship Associate; Lucy Smith, Secretary, Board of Trustees; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir; Mark Sumner, director; Maggie McGrann; Lila Bailey, soloists; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford; Eli Boshears, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Forgiveness & Repair: A Ritual" Sunday, November 17, 2024 We will gather in our annual ritual to examine where in our lives repair and forgiveness might happen. How can we heal ourselves and each other from harms we have done? Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Carmen Barsody, Worship Associate; Lucy Smith, Secretary, Board of Trustees; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir; Mark Sumner, director; Maggie McGrann; Lila Bailey, soloists; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford; Eli Boshears, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"The State of the Union and the Soul of the Nation" Sunday, November 10, 2024 No matter what happens in our election, as I write this, it is playing out in voting booths and polling places across the country. We will have work to do together. The divide is too big, the rhetoric too scary and angry, for us to think that we can just declare victory or defeat and bunker back down on our side of the issues or arguments. As a nation, we need to reconnect to each other, to what is exacerbating any legitimate differences, heal some old wounds, and perhaps get good at declaring what we will not, the majority of us, agree to descend into. In addition, we need some articulated notion of the common good wrestled into national consciousness to anchor us against the storms of climate change and international anti-democratic movements and all else we need to face off, creatively, against instead of using up our energy to fight one another. This Sunday we gather ourselves, as we are, to begin to attend to what we have just been through and are facing as the emerging state of our union. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Moderator, Board of Trustees; Larry Chinn, jazz pianist; Mark Sumner, songleader; Ben Rudiak-Gould, songleader Shulee Ong; Eric Shackelford; Eli Boshears, Camera, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"The State of the Union and the Soul of the Nation" Sunday, November 10, 2024 No matter what happens in our election, as I write this, it is playing out in voting booths and polling places across the country. We will have work to do together. The divide is too big, the rhetoric too scary and angry, for us to think that we can just declare victory or defeat and bunker back down on our side of the issues or arguments. As a nation, we need to reconnect to each other, to what is exacerbating any legitimate differences, heal some old wounds, and perhaps get good at declaring what we will not, the majority of us, agree to descend into. In addition, we need some articulated notion of the common good wrestled into national consciousness to anchor us against the storms of climate change and international anti-democratic movements and all else we need to face off, creatively, against instead of using up our energy to fight one another. This Sunday we gather ourselves, as we are, to begin to attend to what we have just been through and are facing as the emerging state of our union. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Moderator, Board of Trustees; Larry Chinn, jazz pianist; Mark Sumner, songleader; Ben Rudiak-Gould, songleader Shulee Ong; Eric Shackelford; Eli Boshears, Camera, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Listening to Our Ancestors" Sunday, October 27, 2024 On this day, we honor and celebrate the time of year held sacred in so many traditions to recognize our continued connection to our ancestors. Although it is not lined up with Samhain, All Saints and Souls Day, and Día de Los Muertos, we will hold that legacy and step into that sacredness of time. In the spirit of this time and sacred season, you are invited to bring a copy of a photo, a memento, or a favorite food of someone you lost to worship and be prepared to speak their name. The foods you bring will be shared during social hour. The service will be participatory. Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; Akané Ota, songleader; William Klingelhoffer, french horn; Marilyn Thompson, pianist Shulee Ong, Eli Boshears, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Listening to Our Ancestors" Sunday, October 27, 2024 On this day, we honor and celebrate the time of year held sacred in so many traditions to recognize our continued connection to our ancestors. Although it is not lined up with Samhain, All Saints and Souls Day, and Día de Los Muertos, we will hold that legacy and step into that sacredness of time. In the spirit of this time and sacred season, you are invited to bring a copy of a photo, a memento, or a favorite food of someone you lost to worship and be prepared to speak their name. The foods you bring will be shared during social hour. The service will be participatory. Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; Akané Ota, songleader; William Klingelhoffer, french horn; Marilyn Thompson, pianist Shulee Ong, Eli Boshears, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, and Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Skilling up for Love" Sunday, October 20, 2024 Being human is not just something we are born into; it is something we practice. Being human in a person who loves deeply and loves well is the same. And nothing is more crucial to a strong and loving relationship than deep listening—the kind that is seductive, gorgeously affirming, and brings us extraordinarily deep connection—the kind, I think, we dream of.  Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Carmen Barsody, Worship Associate; UUSF Bell Choir led by Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Shulee Ong, Camera Operator; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Skilling up for Love" Sunday, October 20, 2024 Being human is not just something we are born into; it is something we practice. Being human in a person who loves deeply and loves well is the same. And nothing is more crucial to a strong and loving relationship than deep listening—the kind that is seductive, gorgeously affirming, and brings us extraordinarily deep connection—the kind, I think, we dream of.  Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Carmen Barsody, Worship Associate; UUSF Bell Choir led by Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Shulee Ong, Camera Operator; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher LIVESTREAM https://www.youtube.com/live/9_RWPLfqkmQ OOS: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f-3kWxVK0Se578WqCwVpVxs-hW2Nl2Yz/view?usp=sharing PLAYLIST: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGWIRF9PinfwK8TliKztqBBfUCcpkpQLS

"Listening Deeply to Hear if We Got the Story Right" Sunday, October 13, 2024 Storytelling is powerful. Maybe the most powerful tool we have to move human hearts and wills—a nation, a family, people—all of us tell and live into a lot of stories and their truths. Which means stories also need to be interrogated, and we only do that by listening deeply, getting curious, and being willing, if need be, to change something as sacred as the stories we tell... and live by. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Kate Steinberg, Ministerial Intern; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Nancy Munn, Akané Ota, Ben Rudiak-Gould, Andy Kessler, soloists; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Listening Deeply to Hear if We Got the Story Right" Sunday, October 13, 2024 Storytelling is powerful. Maybe the most powerful tool we have to move human hearts and wills—a nation, a family, people—all of us tell and live into a lot of stories and their truths. Which means stories also need to be interrogated, and we only do that by listening deeply, getting curious, and being willing, if need be, to change something as sacred as the stories we tell... and live by. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Kate Steinberg, Ministerial Intern; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Nancy Munn, Akané Ota, Ben Rudiak-Gould, Andy Kessler, soloists; Wm. García Ganz, pianist Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Accountability to What We Hear Inside" Sunday, October 6, 2024, 10:50 am As we enter into the Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and as we launch into an examination of the theme of Deep Listening, I find myself reflecting on how deep listening to ourselves, our inner voice and feelings, is foundational to our personal discernment. Perhaps the most foundational practice for it. What does it mean to listen deeply to ourselves and commit to doing so?  Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Kate Steinberg, Ministerial Intern; Daniel Jackoway, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Moderator; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; UUSF Choir led by Wm. García Ganz, pianist Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Thomas Brown, Jose Matias Pineda, Francisco Castellanos, Sextons; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher LIVESTREAM https://www.youtube.com/live/C1jEUJFw9PM OOS: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HmnypDSSYeGP0fjikhcGRjwOKHKvrhTL/view?usp=sharing PLAYLIST: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGWIRF9PinfxDBNxakeYBvxMCHJ7QtJTI

“From a Wave to a Welcome: Invitation as a Spiritual Practice” Sunday, September 22, 2024 How do UUs embody the core value of liberating love? Perhaps we commit to “invitation” as a conscious practice, continually inviting new experiences and new ways of being to co-create a better world. This week we'll consider how an everyday welcome might transmute into a radical welcome. Kate Steinberg, Ministerial Intern; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Richard Davis - Lowell, Worship Associate; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Linda Enger, Trustee; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Jon Silk, Drummer; Wm. García Ganz, Pianist Shulee Ong; Eric Shackelford, Camera Operators; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

In this last episode of the series, St. Luke's Pastor Jad Denmark, Minister of Congregational Life, walks us through Ephesians 5:16-21 and 6:10-20.    Find questions for discussion and reflection at www.st.lukes.org/podcast.