Different sized congregations have different characteristics. There are benefits and drawbacks to every size from small family sized congregations of 50 or so to those with 100+ members. As we journey together in planning UUP’s future, we will explore what will be gained and what might be lost if the congregation continues to grow. Growth will both require … Continue reading Growing Pains
Born in Australia, David Usher is a lifelong Unitarian who has ministered in both the United Kingdom and the USA, most recently as Interim Minister in Grass Valley, CA and now doing a one year associate ministry at Walnut Creek. He now lives in San Mateo. He was founding President of the International Council of … Continue reading Faith and Belief
Modern culture teaches us to be dissatisfied with our lives and the way the world is going. We are taught to always want more and that what we have is never enough. How can we develop a habit of gratitude that might bring us some inner peace as we continue to work for a better … Continue reading Finding Gratitude
Join us for another in our ongoing series in which we hear from members of our congregation, who share their own spiritual journeys that brought them to UUP–via whatever kinds of route. In so doing, we affirm our Third and Fourth Principles: “Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations,” and … Continue reading This I Believe
NOTE: first day of Standard Time…set your clock back one hour Saturday night! Unitarian Universalism’s fifth principle is “The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large. How do we do that in a world where politics is too often mean spirited and vicious? Can our other … Continue reading Voting our Values
As part of Petaluma’s community-wide El Dia De Los Muertos/Day of the Dead celebration, we gather in our annual tradition of sharing memories and celebrating loved ones we have lost. We will build our community ofrenda/altar with photographs, mementos and written messages. Please bring photos and mementos as you wish. There will be ways to share stories out loud and in … Continue reading El Dia de los Muertos: Ritual of Remebrance
There are many different ways to imagine what God might be like. Even if we are non-believers, how we imagine God can have an impact on our lives and how we interact with the world. During this service our minister will also relate some of her own spiritual journey. Reverend Theresa Novak, Speaker; Rachael Newman, Worship Associate; … Continue reading This I Believe about God
During the 10 days in between Rosh HaShanah , New Year’s Day, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, “The Jewish Days of Awe” are celebrated. It is a time to think about our mistakes, particularly the breaking of moral and ethical values, to contemplate repentance and forgiveness and to set intentions for the coming … Continue reading Days of Awe and Wonder
Unitarian Universalism is a faith with a long history of freedom of both the pulpit and the pew. We are a covenantal faith, not a creedal one. Our congregations have covenanted to affirm and promote our seven principles, but our members are not required to affirm or deny any particular theological beliefs. Do we want to be a congregation that is a gathering for like-minded … Continue reading A Free Faith
Last week we gathered to discuss a legacy of defying hate. This week we will continue to defy hate by meditating, sharing, and reflecting on celebrating being a loving community. Lara Abel, Worship Associate; Jesus Contreras, Music Director; Suzanne Kimmel, Director of Religious Education Worship and Children’s Religious Education at 11:30 am; Social Time at … Continue reading A Loving Community
