Services for November

Repair. This has been a difficult week. In the words of john a. powell (who intentionally does not use capital letters in his name), the path to justice has never been linear. As a Black man, a law professor, an expert in civil liberties, and director of Berkeley’s Othering and Belonging Institute, john has personal and professional experience of that long and non-linear path. He says, Our ancestors faced insurmountable odds in every generation, and yet they prevailed. You are proof of that.

The world's external challenges to justice and compassion produce sometimes excruciating internal challenges—especially for those of us with marginalized identities. These next few days, it's important to feel the emotions that come up and to find respite in the ways that most soothe and comfort. Soon enough it will be time to dig in and get back to creating the world we long to see. As john says, The people you love, the people you don’t love, the planet itself—we all need you to show up as your best self for the work ahead.

I hope to see you on Sunday. It will be good to be together. ~ Rev. Jaye

Believe in America

Rev. Jaye Brooks
November 3

In this month when our learning and worship theme is repair, we look around at the nation, at the world, and wonder—what will it take to heal the wounds, to bring comfort to those who grieve, to find common ground? And, with a presidential election only two days away, can we assure ourselves and all others that there is reason to believe in America?

Breathing Room

Rev. Jaye Brooks
November 10

One thing that's true about any object that needs repair: it has to come apart before it can be restored to wholeness. Is that at all comforting today? Possibly not. But if we can take a moment to breathe, to create a little room for others to breathe, perhaps we can find healing within ourselves; perhaps we can support others in their own healing.

Second Sunday Collection
A potluckluncheon follows the service.

Expanding the Welcome Table

Worship Committee and UUSC
November 17

This Sunday you will hear from 11 young climate activists in the Marshall Islands, LGBTQ+ leaders in Ukraine, Haitian academics researching racism’s impacts on migrants, and Trans organizers forming networks of Safety. Learn more about UUSC's Guest at Your Table program in the October Newsletter and during this special service.

Stone Soup

Rev. Jaye and Jenn Blosser
November 24

In this Thanksgiving service for all ages, we re-enact the ancient story of Stone Soup. The weary travelers come to a village that's feeling scarcity in all its mot fearful forms. Yet the suggestion that somehow these travelers can make a delicious soup from water and stones somehow opens the door to a new way of being. To help our children tell this story, please bring in pre-cut vegetables (in baggies suitable for lifting by tiny hands). Also welcome: a few experienced chefs who can pre-start a pot of soup so that by the end of the service there's some ready to share. (Yes, it's magic.)