2025 Services

“A Story That Wows” Nativity Pageant"

A Rev. Megan Visser and Religious Exploration

12/14/2025

The Christmas season rolls in with a service that features all our children (and the young-at-heart) donning stunningly artistic headdresses to enact the “embellished over the ages” story of the birth of baby Jesus. The story is fanciful—yes, parts from the Luke version and parts from the Matthew version—but with a camel, a horse, a goat, and even mice!  Caesar roars, angels explain, shepherds argue, and the wise ones bring the party! 

“There is Hope in Numbers"

Nicole Pacent-Lindquist

12/07/2025

For a great many of us, 2025 has been a particularly destabilizing year. From the fires that devastated our city, to the flood of authoritarian policies out of DC, to the seismic implications of the rise of AI, we've been subject to an onslaught of news that has too often left us feeling alienated and hopeless. As we near the end of this profoundly challenging year, and begin to ready ourselves for the year to come, we will reframe hope not as an unstable individual feeling, but as an unshakable fact of community.

“Gratitude: An Extra Helping"

Alexis Rodriguez

11/30/2025

As we finish our month-long exploration of the concept of gratitude on this fifth Sunday, we'll look at different ways to find gratitude, conventional and unconventional, and consider how gratitude shouldn't just be reserved for the obvious blessings in our life.  

“Is Gratitude a Priority in Our Lives?”

Rev. Jo Green, Guest Minister

11/23/2025

“We are the Gratitude People” 

Rev. Anne Felton Hines

11/16/2025

Is it possible – or even wise? – to believe the world is wonderful, given all the tragedies and terror confronting us today? Is it possible to listen to — or even sing — Louis Armstrong’s joyful song during these times? Let’s come together and see if we can't allow ourselves some joy and fun, in spite of it all.

“We are the Gratitude People” 

Rev. Matt Alspaugh

11/9/2025

"We Are the Gratitude People" is a sermon first delivered by Rev. Matt Alspaugh at the Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. The talk centers on the idea of gratitude as a spiritual practice. It may be influenced by theologian Galen Guengerich's view of UUs as "the gratitude people.” According to Guengerich, gratitude connects us to our past and shows us our duty to the future.

"Learning Gratitudiology"

Harlow Robinson

11/2/2025

Harlow’s sermon examines the concept of gratitude, and how we can nurture—and keep—grateful feelings no matter what the circumstances of our lives. What he calls “graditudiology” is a method that can be learned and deepened with practice. Most important is the idea that “gratitude is an attitude,” a conscious choice we can make about how we lead our daily lives and our relationships with others.

"Compassion is an Action"

Alexis Rodriguez

10/26/2025

As Unitarian Universalists, we place a premium on thinking. While thinking is crucial to our faith, action is necessary to keep our faith alive. Sunday’s service seeks to enhance your understanding of compassion, beyond thoughts of care and concern and turn them into actions and deeds that embody our principles.

"The Gift of Remembering"

Reverend Rebecca Bijur

10/19/2025

The neuroscientist Lisa Genova celebrates the power of memory while also offering a clear-eyed assessment of the ways in which our memories can lead us astray.  How can we cultivate compassion for forgetfulness in certain areas of our lives, while also receiving the gift of remembering?

"The Courage to Love"

Mary Ruth Velicki

10/12/2025

The legacy of our faith is radical love, and radical love reveals itself in having compassion for ourselves, our friends and family, and yes, even those we disagree with. Join us as we examine the roots of our transformative religion and consider the importance of practicing compassion in our regular, everyday lives. 

“Expanding Our Perspective”

Mary Ruth Velicki

10/5/2025

Our lives are a short and precious opportunity to experience and create. However, not all of this creation is conscious. We all have subconscious patterns that influence our perceptions and behavior. Some of these patterns have been inherited as part of our human nature and others have been developed in response to our life experiences. However, when we appreciate the lens we look through, it becomes possible to set it down and widen our perspective. To facilitate this type of introspection, Mary Ruth uses personal stories to describe common features of our human mindset and ways our perspective can expand.

"Taking the Risk of Belonging"

Lay-Led, Carol Kline

9/28/2025

The warm and witty Rev. Tess Baumberger is Minister of the Unitarian  Universalist Church  of Essex, Massachusetts. As a once young single mother who was going through a divorce,  alone,  and “allergic” to words like "God"and "Prayer," she took “the risk” to join a church that gave her a family and community to heal and grow as she raised her young son. She calls herself a professional  listener and  poet, who loves creating worship in order to serve the health of the congregation and the cause of justice in the wider community. As a contributor to Soul Matters, she has generously updated this sermon for our service this Sunday.  We are grateful for her and her story.

"Why Do We Gather"

Nick D'Agosto

9/21/2025

What kind of statement are we making when we show up for church? What opportunities for justice are we creating? What does it mean to have a "spiritual home," and what role do conflict and vulnerability play in making that home a loving one?

"A Journey to Belonging"

Kellie Kinsman

9/14/2025

How do we build belonging? And what does Belonging mean? It’s a radical welcome and invitation just to Be. And for me, like everything, it starts with the courage to heal what I don’t know is broken.

"Gathering at Water's Edge"

Doctor Reverend  Megan 

9/7/2025

Water flows and fills the cracks and crevices of our lives. Join us in a service of water communion as we reunite for the beginning of our liturgical year.

"Creativity Service"

Jessica Kado

8/31/2025

Creativity is a spiritual practice that connects us to ourselves and others.

"Non-Binary Faith"

Chris Kirchener

8/24/2025

Am I, Are You a theist or a non-theist? A believer or a skeptic? Come and explore a non-binary approach to the spiritual journey that calls to our bones or heart or BOTH! 

"Savoring, Composting, Fermenting"

Alexis Rodriguez

8/17/2025

Drawing on the importance of loving oneself and having self-awareness, this sermon written by Dr. Sandra Fees and delivered by Alexis Rodriguez, reminds us that trusting in ourselves doesn't require infallibility, but asks us to have the courage to grow, learn and to trust again. 

"Savoring, Composting, Fermenting"

Reverend Megan Visser

8/10/2025

Rev. Megan will share a message about savoring, composting, and fermenting the sweetness of life. She will share some lessons from her time as a hospital chaplain in the neonatal intensive care unit. In times of calamitous change, how does radical tenderness support our daily living as Unitarian Universalists?

"The Ever Changing Life We Live"

The Honorable Kusala Bhikshu

8/3/2025

Anicca is a Buddhist teaching that states all things are impermanent and in a constant state of flux. 

"Power of Poetry"

Lay-Led

7/27/2025

Unitarian Universalists know to restore their spirits through poetry. This week’s service allows those attending to bring their favorite poem to share. Come and enjoy the artistry of treasured poets! 

"Beginning (Again and Again)"

Reverend Megan Visser

7/20/2025

Rev. Dr. Megan Visser leads her first Sunday Service as our new minister. Beginnings and endings shape the seasons of our lives. Come, get to know Rev. Megan and explore this new beginning together through worship. There will be a WELCOME BRUNCH for Rev. Megan after  the service in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited  to attend!

"The Thread"

Michael Eselun

7/13/2025

Popular guest speaker and UCLA oncology chaplain, Michael Eselun will reflect and explore the idea of a single thread that may run through our entire lives—what it takes to find it, what is our relationship to it, and how it just might help us make sense of the whole journey thus far.  

"Opening to Joy"

Lay-Led

7/6/2025

During these difficult times in our world, with wars, the political situation, and so much discord all around, some of us may be feeling alone, tired, or simply overwhelmed. Patience is running low. Fear and fatigue are widespread….  And our fears are not just imaginary. If we follow the news and hear what’s happening around the world, times are tough indeed. But… there’s a medicine, a secret remedy that people don’t talk about much. A medicine that your doctor won’t prescribe. That “medicine” is what you’ll learn about in this sermon.

"The Last Word"

Rick Hoyt-McDaniels

6/29/2025

Today I conclude my ministry career.  Although my ordination is for life and I’ll likely find small ways to serve as a minister in the future, today is the last Sunday I expect to preach from a pulpit of my own.  I’ll offer an extended benediction, some “good words,” both for you at the close of this interim ministry, and for me, as our paths diverge.

"We Give Thanks"

Rick Hoty-McDaniels

6/22/2025

We close the church's program year with a day to recognize and thank the many volunteers who contributed throughout the year.  And we ritually celebrate our community with the Unitarian Universalist ritual of flower communion.  Please bring a flower to church today that represents your unique spirit and help us create a beautiful, communal bouquet.

"Celebrating Pride Month"

Lay-Led

6/15/2025

Take Off Your Mask—A Celebration of Pride Month

"Music and Tech Sunday"

John Bergquist, Director of Music and Technology

6/8/2025

Join us for a joyful and reflective Music Sunday as we celebrate the power of music in our community. This special service will feature highlights from our choir concerts throughout the year, showcasing the growth and spirit of our music ministry. We will honor the dedication of our volunteers who make this vibrant musical life possible, and take a moment to look back on a year of creativity, connection, and song. Come be uplifted by stories, harmonies, and gratitude as we sing our way into the future.

"Religious Education Sunday"

Rev. Rick Hoyt-McDaniels

6/1/2025

Our church community keeps growing! We’ll enjoy a look back at this past church year, the kids will share some of what they’ve learned, parents will share some of their own learnings, and we’ll thank all the folks who have come together to help our youngest UUs grow in faith and community. Rev Rick anchors this service with his inspiration. 

"The Eternal Rememberer"

Rev. Rick Hoyt-McDaniels

5/25/2025

"We remember them" we say, in one of the litanies from our hymnal. But if honoring the dead depends on memory, then what happens when memory fails? And does the value of a life die with the death of the last person who remembers? I can't respect such a contingent valuation. Something greater than human memory is necessary to give lasting honor to those precious but forgotten lives that came before.

"Loyalty:  A Delicate Virtue"

Rev. Rick Hoyt-McDaniels

5/18/2025

To perceive that something is valuable, to connect ourselves to that thing, and then to stick with it when times get tough, is the virtue of loyalty. The value in being a friend, a member of a union or spiritual community, a citizen of a nation, derives in part from our agreement of loyalty. But when the object of our faithfulness betrays our values how do we balance the virtue of loyalty with the principle of right of conscience?

“Continuous Creation”

Rev. Rick Hoyt-McDaniels

5/11/2025

The old story tells us that God finished the work of creation in six days and rested on the seventh. So, what happened on the eighth day? Clearly creation wasn't finished because the universe has been continuously unfolding for fourteen billion years and will be new yet again tomorrow. On Mother's Day we celebrate the spiritual truth that all creatures are also partners in further creation.

"Take Care of Your Mental Health"

Lexi Bagheri and Lay Team

5/4/2025

Very often we are so busy taking care of other folks that we neglect to take care of ourselves. There is still, in our society, some resistance to admitting that our mental health is a priority. This service reminds us that it is OK to say, “I’m not OK.”  Several UUCSC members will share information about their work with clients who’ve needed to take time to take care of themselves. They will also offer resources that many of us can use to keep our lives in balance.

"Personal Voice in the Spoken Word"

Patrick Ohslund and Lay Team

4/27/2025

“The Word” has long been the heavy hitter of the spiritual world as if through text the mysteries may be revealed. This service, in celebration of National Poetry Month, will offer entirely ORIGINAL “words” by three congregants that will allow us all to contemplate the magic and mayhem of new life, the practice of envisioning, and the choices of the ancients and of those yet to come. Don’t miss these performances that will inspire your own insight. 

"Something Always, Always Sings"

Rev. Rick Hoyt-McDaniels

4/20/2025
For Unitarians, who hold a conception of a strictly human Jesus, a physical resurrection is not possible. No human can die and later live again as that same person. But what if we think of Easter not as something that happens to individuals but as a lesson about life itself? Easter could celebrate an eternally existing spirit of life passed through communities, taking shape in collections of individuals for a time, and then taking new shapes in later times.

"Let Me Flower, Help Me Flower"

Rev. Rick Hoyt-McDaniels

4/13/2025
The story of Passover endures because it speaks to one of the fundamental aims of religion: liberation. We seek to be released from all that holds back individuals and groups from the full expression of our potential. The spiritual journey is the journey from oppression by others and by our own doubts and fears to the freedom of lives we make for ourselves.

"Please, Thanks, Oops, Wow"

Aviva Heston.  Sermon by Rev. Dana Worship

4/4/2025
Our worship service this Sunday is drawn from the program “Soul Matters”—in particular, the concept of “Repair.” This sermon looks at repairing our own relationship with the art of prayer, and different approaches to the practice that can help people in their daily lives. We have permission via Soul Matters and Rev. Dana Worsnop of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura, to share Rev. Dana’s sermon.

"For the Beauty"

Rev. Rick Hoyt-McDaniels

3/30/2025
As one of the three transcendentals: the good, the true, and the beautiful, beauty is an essential quality of being. All existing things are beautiful. Our spirits grow as we develop the ability to appreciate even the parts of existence from which we might otherwise be tempted to turn away.

"Praise the Power of Prose"

Chris Kirchner and Lay Team

3/23/2025
“Praise the Power of Prose” holds up the Unitarian Universalist spiritual practice of reading widely and deeply. The abiding lessons of “The Velveteen Rabbit” will be illuminated by Cricket Sloat; Drew Bastien will share how “Evolutionary Leadership” empowered his thinking; and Shannon Corder will speak to what she has learned about tragedy, humor, perseverance and human kindness from the novels of Kurt Vonnegut. Chris Kirchner serves to shape this into a meaningful morning for all.

"Keeping it Real"

Rev. Rick Hoyt-McDaniels

3/16/2025
Although religion explores realms not available to empirical study, speaks in myths and parables, and, for some, includes the supernatural, to be valuable, religion must engage with reality. I've always appreciated that Unitarian Universalism is what I call a "reality-based religion." But it isn't just our foundation in reality that counts, it's also our commitment to end in reality, with real lives made really better for real people.

"Starting With Me"

Rev. Rick Hoyt-McDaniels

3/9/2025
The spiritual life is often described as a journey. It’s not the destination, we say, but the journey. But journeys have beginnings, too. We start from somewhere. And every pause we take along the path defines a new starting place: maybe still on the right track or maybe having wandered far afield. The season of Lent in the Christian tradition is about making a clear confession of where we are before we take a further step.

"Free to Be: Keeping Faith in Challenging Times'"

Rev. Anne Hines

3/2/2025
After thousands of people around L.A. had lost their homes in fires, and a new authoritarian POTUS with plans for revenge had been inaugurated, someone posted on Facebook that they’d tried the 2-week free trial subscription to 2025 and wanted to cancel it. Funny, but sad as well — and things haven’t gotten any better. How do we "keep hope alive” during times like this? How do we protect ourselves from despair? 

"If They Say 'No'"

Rev. Rick Hoyt-McDaniels

2/23/2025
Universalism affirms that all creation is one.  Ultimately, we will be together.  But before we reach that goal, what responsibility do we have to hold on to those who would block our path or do us harm?  When our invitation to love is refused, we must concede that for this stage of the journey some will walk separate paths.

"My Spiritual Journey"

Lay-Led

2/16/2025
Four new members of UUCSC will share their spiritual journeys with the congregation. Each person has a unique and often complex story to tell of how they traveled emotionally and spiritually from their birth religion to Unitarian Universalism.

"An Optimistic Faith"

Rev. Rick Hoyt-McDaniels

2/9/2025
Because leaders are human, they make mistakes. If the leader is a king or a tyrant, the people must simply suffer the leader's mistakes. But in a democracy, like the United States or a Unitarian Universalist Church, leaders are our leaders, and it is our privilege and responsibility to hold them accountable. 

"An Optimistic Faith"

Rev. Rick Hoyt-McDaniels

2/2/2025
Because we are free, the future is open. Because the future is open, there are no certainties, either of glory or of doom. Uncertainty makes space for doubt but also optimism. Unitarian Universalism is characterized by a sense that our future will be better, because we can make it so.

"Courage, Friends"

Rev. Rick Hoyt-McDaniels

1/26/2025
Courage, or fortitude, is one of the four cardinal virtues. Allied with wisdom, temperance, and justice, the ability to endure hardship without faltering and to move toward the good and best without fear, encompasses all the other qualities that define the highest path of living.

"The Ability to Achieve Purpose"

Rev. Rick Hoyt-McDaniels

1/19/2025
The power to direct our lives and achieve our goals is essential to spiritual health. Where can we find our power? The life and work of Martin Luther King provide three answers. Natural gifts give power when matched to appropriate work. Faith gives power when we align our lives with divine aims. Righteous causes give power when inspiring dreams call us to action.

"Your Life is a Garden"

Angelica Rowell, Guest preacher and musician

1/12/2025
"Your Life is a Garden" is a heartfelt exploration of personal growth, resilience, and spirituality. This message invites you to examine the conditions that either foster or hinder their growth and is an inspiring call to cultivate patience, create supportive environments, and trust the process of becoming. 

"Who Am I, Really?"

Rev. Rick Hoyt-McDaniels

1/5/2025
It's easier toward the end of life to see that what we call the self is widely changeable. I'm not the person I was as a child, or teen, or young adult. My self becomes more stable as I age, but perhaps I've just given up exploring and experimenting out of laziness or have learned to accept a version of myself grown comfortable by habit. How, if I found him, would I recognize the me I was born to be?