"Spiritual Practices and Climate Justice" Sunday, July 7, 10:50 am, 2024 "We can never return to innocence, but we can move forward with integrity." - Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman The 20th-century spiritual leader, Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman, loved San Francisco. A mentor to Martin Luther King, Jr., and Pauli Murray, Thurman found in this city a special dy…

"Spiritual Practices and Climate Justice" Sunday, July 7, 10:50 am, 2024 "We can never return to innocence, but we can move forward with integrity." - Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman The 20th-century spiritual leader, Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman, loved San Francisco. A mentor to Martin Luther King, Jr., and Pauli Murray, Thurman found in this city a special dy…

"Radical Rethinking of God: God is Queer" Sunday, June 30, 10:50 am, 2024 On this Pride Weekend, we will dive into Queer Theology: What does it have to say about the nature of God and of the holy? Why is that important for all of us? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Carmen Barsody, Wo…

"Radical Rethinking of God: God is Queer" Sunday, June 30, 10:50 am, 2024 On this Pride Weekend, we will dive into Queer Theology: What does it have to say about the nature of God and of the holy? Why is that important for all of us? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Carmen Barsody, Wo…

"Harmony Unveiled: The Secret Music of the Renaissance" Sunday, June 23, 10:50 am, 2024 "Bigger" Music Sunday is thrilled to present "Harmony Unveiled: The Secret Music of the Renaissance," a mesmerizing service full of vocal and instrumental masterpieces sung by Areté Singers, an East Bay ensemble renowned for their innovative vocal performances. …

"Harmony Unveiled: The Secret Music of the Renaissance" Sunday, June 23, 10:50 am, 2024 "Bigger" Music Sunday is thrilled to present "Harmony Unveiled: The Secret Music of the Renaissance," a mesmerizing service full of vocal and instrumental masterpieces sung by Areté Singers, an East Bay ensemble renowned for their innovative vocal performances. …

“What They Taught Us?” Sunday, June 16, 10:50 am, 2024 What does it mean to be a man? What did we learn, from whom, and how? What do we want to pass on? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Sam King, Worship Associate; Trio: Akané Ota, Kei Uchida, Tetsuya Taura, singers; Yuki Ota and Haruka Ota, cellists; Mark Sumner, pianist Jonathan Silk,…

“What They Taught Us?” Sunday, June 16, 10:50 am, 2024 What does it mean to be a man? What did we learn, from whom, and how? What do we want to pass on? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Sam King, Worship Associate; Trio: Akané Ota, Kei Uchida, Tetsuya Taura, singers; Yuki Ota and Haruka Ota, cellists; Mark Sumner, pianist Jonathan Silk,…

"Metaphors for Us" Sunday, June 9, 10:50 am, 2024 Bring your flowers this week as we engage in the ritual of the end of our year, where we make visible the life we have made tangible among us. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Liz Strand, Secretary, Boa…

"A Look Back" Sunday, June 2, 10:50 am, 2024 Let's look back on our year together. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Trustee; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Andrew Kessler, Guest Director; …

"A Look Back" Sunday, June 2, 10:50 am, 2024 Let's look back on our year together. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Galen Workman, Trustee; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Andrew Kessler, Guest Director; …

"Metaphors for Us" Sunday, June 9, 10:50 am, 2024 Bring your flowers this week as we engage in the ritual of the end of our year, where we make visible the life we have made tangible among us. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; Liz Strand, Secretary, Boa…

"Meditations on the Transformative Power of Street Ministry" Sunday, May 26, 10:50 am, 2024 Join Rev. Charlotte as she reflects on her experiences as a street minister in Marin, the transformative power of connecting with our unhoused neighbors (and how it changed her life), and her new project helping communities create spaces of belonging for all…

"Meditations on the Transformative Power of Street Ministry" Sunday, May 26, 10:50 am, 2024 Join Rev. Charlotte as she reflects on her experiences as a street minister in Marin, the transformative power of connecting with our unhoused neighbors (and how it changed her life), and her new project helping communities create spaces of belonging for all…

"The Fight to be Authentic, and Loved" Sunday, May 19, 10:50 am, 2024 It is so central to want to be seen and loved for who we are, understood, if we can be so lucky. It is also the source of so much pain (and power) to make that journey in a world, in a family, at a time that won't easily make a place for you in the family of things, to paraphrase…

"The Fight to be Authentic, and Loved" Sunday, May 19, 10:50 am, 2024 It is so central to want to be seen and loved for who we are, understood, if we can be so lucky. It is also the source of so much pain (and power) to make that journey in a world, in a family, at a time that won't easily make a place for you in the family of things, to paraphrase…

"A Polymath Nun and Why She Matters on this Mothers' Day" Sunday, May 12, 10:50 am, 2024 Reflections on Hildegard von Bingen: The Patron Saint of Late Bloomers. She founded her own abbey, created her own language, and wrote one of the first musical plays. She was a wonderful composer who set her own lushly poetic texts. Hildegard was 42 before she …

"A Polymath Nun and Why She Matters on this Mothers' Day" Sunday, May 12, 10:50 am, 2024 Reflections on Hildegard von Bingen: The Patron Saint of Late Bloomers. She founded her own abbey, created her own language, and wrote one of the first musical plays. She was a wonderful composer who set her own lushly poetic texts. Hildegard was 42 before she …

"Treasures from the Journey" Sunday, May 5, 10:50 am, 2024 Our high school seniors will be sharing the stories, relationships, and learnings from their time growing up in a UU church and answering what they treasure from their journey. Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Claire Cover, Br…

"Treasures from the Journey" Sunday, May 5, 10:50 am, 2024 Our high school seniors will be sharing the stories, relationships, and learnings from their time growing up in a UU church and answering what they treasure from their journey. Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Claire Cover, Br…

"When Legacy Propels Boldness" Sunday, April 28, 10:50 am, 2024 The word "legacy" always draws for me images of things past: heavy, anchoring, a little dusty, and old. But in reality, they are just as often more like a sail for covering fast oceans or a ballast for weathering storms than a heavy anchor somewhere fixed and forgotten. This Sunday, I …

"When Legacy Propels Boldness" Sunday, April 28, 10:50 am, 2024 The word "legacy" always draws for me images of things past: heavy, anchoring, a little dusty, and old. But in reality, they are just as often more like a sail for covering fast oceans or a ballast for weathering storms than a heavy anchor somewhere fixed and forgotten. This Sunday, I …

"Understanding Autism, Each Other, and Ourselves" Sunday, April 21, 10:50 am, 2024 For many people, when they learn they're on the Autism spectrum, they gain a rich and empowering understanding of themselves. Let's learn about these identities so we can support each other's unique spiritual journeys and be a more accessible and compassionate congre…

"Understanding Autism, Each Other, and Ourselves" Sunday, April 21, 10:50 am, 2024 For many people, when they learn they're on the Autism spectrum, they gain a rich and empowering understanding of themselves. Let's learn about these identities so we can support each other's unique spiritual journeys and be a more accessible and compassionate congre…

"Perspectives on Earth" Sunday, April 14, 10:50 am, 2024 From the astrophysicist, Neil deGrass Tyson, to the botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and through the eyes of the poets, how do we see earth? And what does that tell us about ourselves and life—this life—on this planet we call home? Rev. Vanessa Rush S…

"Perspectives on Earth" Sunday, April 14, 10:50 am, 2024 From the astrophysicist, Neil deGrass Tyson, to the botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and through the eyes of the poets, how do we see earth? And what does that tell us about ourselves and life—this life—on this planet we call home? Rev. Vanessa Rush S…

"Person by Person by Person" Sunday, April 7, 10:50 am, 2024 Person by Person by Person… that is how change occurs. Not once and for all, but continuously. Change changes what is possible, and each person we engage makes the possible a little more hopeful. In the words of Bryan Stevenson, “You don’t change the world with the ideas in your mind, but…

"Person by Person by Person" Sunday, April 7, 10:50 am, 2024 Person by Person by Person… that is how change occurs. Not once and for all, but continuously. Change changes what is possible, and each person we engage makes the possible a little more hopeful. In the words of Bryan Stevenson, “You don’t change the world with the ideas in your mind, but…

"Roll that Rock Away" Easter Sunday, March 31, 10:50 am, 2024 Life has a lot of tombs, losses, and setbacks. And there are rocks, heavy and awkward, that protect and seal them. What are the ways we don't end our stories at the rock or tomb? What does it require of us to make resurrection also the stuff of our lives? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Seni…

"Roll that Rock Away" Easter Sunday, March 31, 10:50 am, 2024 Life has a lot of tombs, losses, and setbacks. And there are rocks, heavy and awkward, that protect and seal them. What are the ways we don't end our stories at the rock or tomb? What does it require of us to make resurrection also the stuff of our lives? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Seni…

"Lessons from the Road" Sunday, March 24, 10:50 am, 2024 I was fortunate enough to have the gift of almost three straight months to renew and refresh in the ancient tradition of sabbath, or fallow times. Thirty-two of those days (but who is counting?) were spent on the road, circling through the American Southwest, with my husband. It is a modern p…

"Lessons from the Road" Sunday, March 24, 10:50 am, 2024 I was fortunate enough to have the gift of almost three straight months to renew and refresh in the ancient tradition of sabbath, or fallow times. Thirty-two of those days (but who is counting?) were spent on the road, circling through the American Southwest, with my husband. It is a modern p…

"Written in Pencil" Sunday, March 17, 10:50 am, 2024 We sing from a hymnal called Singing the Living Tradition. What does it mean that ours is a living tradition? In light of the changing landscapes of religion and Unitarian Universalism how do we keep the tradition alive rather than stagnant history? Rev. Cheryl M. Walker, Guest Minister; Rev. Van…

"Written in Pencil" Sunday, March 17, 10:50 am, 2024 We sing from a hymnal called Singing the Living Tradition. What does it mean that ours is a living tradition? In light of the changing landscapes of religion and Unitarian Universalism how do we keep the tradition alive rather than stagnant history? Rev. Cheryl M. Walker, Guest Minister; Rev. Van…

"Religion... I Too Dislike It" Sunday, March 10, 10:50 am, 2024 Poet Marianne Moore once wrote a poem beginning, “Poetry . . . I too dislike it.” Yet by its end she affirmed something real in it, and worthwhile. So it is with religion, sayeth the preacher. If you (or your friends) resonate to the phrase “spiritual, but not religious,” this sermon i…

"Religion... I Too Dislike It" Sunday, March 10, 10:50 am, 2024 Poet Marianne Moore once wrote a poem beginning, “Poetry . . . I too dislike it.” Yet by its end she affirmed something real in it, and worthwhile. So it is with religion, sayeth the preacher. If you (or your friends) resonate to the phrase “spiritual, but not religious,” this sermon i…

"It's Time to Build" Sunday, March 3, 10:50 am, 2024 Over the past several years, UUSF has weathered a pandemic, staff transitions, budget worries, and so much more. Now, we are at a place of recognizing our resilience and moving into a new stability. As we contemplate the year to come, let's determine what we want to build together and celebrate w…

"It's Time to Build" Sunday, March 3, 10:50 am, 2024 Over the past several years, UUSF has weathered a pandemic, staff transitions, budget worries, and so much more. Now, we are at a place of recognizing our resilience and moving into a new stability. As we contemplate the year to come, let's determine what we want to build together and celebrate w…

"What Will You Save?" Sunday, February 25, 10:50 am, 2024 As the years accumulate and I (Rev. Sonya) experience growing satisfaction with a life well lived, I wonder what it is worthwhile to save—for posterity, for my children, for our communities? At the same time, a recent article lifted up the fact that longevity often depends on engagement and …

"What Will You Save?" Sunday, February 25, 10:50 am, 2024 As the years accumulate and I (Rev. Sonya) experience growing satisfaction with a life well lived, I wonder what it is worthwhile to save—for posterity, for my children, for our communities? At the same time, a recent article lifted up the fact that longevity often depends on engagement and …

"Storm Warning" Sunday, February 18, 10:50 am, 2024 It’s a fraught time in our nation, especially because it’s an election year. On this President's Day weekend, how might we read more clearly the crucial signs of our time? And how might our faith be a source of strength, not only for ourselves but for others? Starr King School for the Ministry is …

"Storm Warning" Sunday, February 18, 10:50 am, 2024 It’s a fraught time in our nation, especially because it’s an election year. On this President's Day weekend, how might we read more clearly the crucial signs of our time? And how might our faith be a source of strength, not only for ourselves but for others? Starr King School for the Ministry is …

"The Dragon's Might: A Lunar New Year Celebration" Sunday, February 11, 10:50 am, 2024 According to legend, a heavenly race determined the order of the Chinese zodiac signs. Why did Dragon, so clearly the mightiest of the animals, fail to come in first place? What can Dragon teach us about using power for more than winning in a world that calls for…

"The Dragon's Might: A Lunar New Year Celebration" Sunday, February 11, 10:50 am, 2024 According to legend, a heavenly race determined the order of the Chinese zodiac signs. Why did Dragon, so clearly the mightiest of the animals, fail to come in first place? What can Dragon teach us about using power for more than winning in a world that calls for…

"Thus Do We Covenant" Sunday, January 28, 10:50 am, 2024 After the weekend of creating our covenant, we will come together to reveal what we have found most important for us to promise. We will explore and understand how we will use it in our relationships going forward. Aisha Hauser, Guest Preacher; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational L…

"Thus Do We Covenant" Sunday, January 28, 10:50 am, 2024 After the weekend of creating our covenant, we will come together to reveal what we have found most important for us to promise. We will explore and understand how we will use it in our relationships going forward. Aisha Hauser, Guest Preacher; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational L…

"Covenant: Laying the Foundation" Sunday, January 21, 10:50 am, 2024 As we prepare to engage in creating a congregational covenant for UUSF, we will start to lay the foundation of why it is important work for us to do. We will look at the preparation work we have already done and how covenant already exists in our congregational work. Rev. Laura Sh…

"Covenant: Laying the Foundation" Sunday, January 21, 10:50 am, 2024 As we prepare to engage in creating a congregational covenant for UUSF, we will start to lay the foundation of why it is important work for us to do. We will look at the preparation work we have already done and how covenant already exists in our congregational work. Rev. Laura Sh…

"Belonging" Sunday, January 14, 10:50 am, 2024 It is said that religions include belief, behavior and belonging. Unitarian Universalism gave Rev. Sonya an immediate sense of belonging over 25 years ago when she first attended a service in her hometown in New Mexico. Unitarians employ reason in our beliefs, and a sense of freedom concerning religiou…

"Belonging" Sunday, January 14, 10:50 am, 2024 It is said that religions include belief, behavior and belonging. Unitarian Universalism gave Rev. Sonya an immediate sense of belonging over 25 years ago when she first attended a service in her hometown in New Mexico. Unitarians employ reason in our beliefs, and a sense of freedom concerning religiou…