Recent Services

"Donor Sabbath" 

November 8, 2026

A lay-led service. 

In honor of Donor Sabbath, a time to engage faith communities about organ donation, Rachel Bennettt Steury and Dan Cragan will share their personal experiences and recognize deceased organ donors who gave the gift of life. Following service OneLegacy will support our congregation with an organ donor informational table and donor registration opportunities. 

"Honoring our Loved Ones and Ancestors" 

A lay-led service. 

November 1, 2026

Join us this Sunday as we share stories and rituals honoring our ancestors and loved ones who have died. Together we'll also create an altar and memory wreath and join our voices in song. This service will be led by Greg Golden with family stories shared by members and friends of UUCSC. This is the beginning of our month of Healing Sundays, with sharing of foods that remind us of our ancestors and friends or family who've passed.

"Lessons from the Wilderness"

Rev. Joey Courtney

October 25, 2026

Throughout the Hebrew Bible and the Christian New Testament, people encounter God, not in the cities or in the towns, but outside of human civilization in the wilderness. These theophanies transform prophets and communities to witness to a new way, one connected with God and with one another to live out God's dream. Today, civilization encroaches on wild places, and even in remote locations, disconnection from the world seems almost impossible. At the same time, both the climate crisis and emergent AI technologies threaten our way of life and our relationships to one another and our planet. How do we faithfully return to the wild places where we encounter God? How do we discern God's voice there, and how is that voice shaping both prophets and our communities? 

"Blessing of the Animals"

Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur

October 18, 2026

Blessing of the Animals is back! We’ll appreciate and bless our animal companions, including pets, service animals, pollinators, and all creatures of the Earth who make our lives fuller and richer. For the blessing everyone is invited to bring photos, drawings or mementos of cherished animal companions or friends who’ve passed, and children are encouraged to bring stuffed animal companions or dress as a favorite animal. No live animals will be welcomed in service this year but animal friends may join us by zoom for their special blessing, of course!

"Ordinary Bravery & The Call of Spiritual Warriorship"

Sermon written by Rev. Sandra Fees and delivered by Bonnie Burroughs 

October 11, 2026

Bonnie Burroughs will lead us in examining a concept of bravery known as spiritual warriorship, shared by Buddhists and other traditions, and she will help us expand our spiritual toolbox with some adapted yoga practices. The congregation will welcome our newest members with a ceremony and a special Children's Message will honor the 10th anniversary of Standing Rock and Indigenous People's Day. 

"The Holy Land"

Original sermon by UUCSC Member Nicole Pacent-Lindquist.

October 4, 2026 

Join us this Sunday to hear Nicole share her journey of using her own evolving relationship to Israel to explore the notion that our most sacred sense of belonging cannot be to one tribe or another, but to our shared humanity. 

"Pluralism During Polycrisis: Reclaiming our Power Through Intersectionality"

Guest speaker Tahil Sharma

Sept. 27, 2026

Tahil Sharma is a nationally recognized interfaith leader. Born to a Sikh mother and Hindu father, Tahil's inter-religious upbringing inspired him to a career in interfaith work and social justice. Tahil will help us to explore how the deep uncertainty in our democracy, our livelihoods, and the future of our communities has too often led us to forget those with whom we share struggles, as they may not look, sound, or experience the world in the exact ways that we do. Together we will re-imagine the power of our movements against injustice as the United States lives through its 250th year and we remember the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Importantly, we will consider how we can build movements that are radically compassionate, sustainable, and open to all forms of involvement.

"The God of Second Chances"

Rev. Anne Felton Hines

Sept. 20, 2026  

At sundown on this Sunday, Jews around the world will begin their observation of Yom Kippur, the most sacred day of the Jewish year. What does that day — and the 10 days that precede it —  say to us about forgiveness — and the need to begin again in love?