The “Blessing of the Animals” is a beloved tradition in many congregations, and we are going to bring it here to USSB. What does this mean? Bring your animal friends to church! Yes, really! Bring your actual pet – on leash, in a carrier, or bring a photo/token in their place – and we will … Continue reading A Blessing of the Animals
Resilience has been a “buzz word” for recently, and as a 150 year old institution, the Unitarian Society has learned a thing or two about what it takes to stand the test of time. But resilience is not just about “bouncing back” to where we’ve been – it’s the ability to survive and thrive into … Continue reading Ready for Anything
There is a new spin on an old theology: “The Sin of Empathy” is making headlines. What does it mean for leaders in our society to claim that “empathy” is a manipulative trick, and why is caring about the suffering of others now framed as a doorway to sin?
No matter how we might feel about it, AI (Artificial Intelligence) is here. How do we create an ethical framework for its use? How do we shape our relationship with this powerful technology so that no one gets left behind?
In times of fear and uncertainty, it can feel as though the progress we’ve fought for is slipping away. But history reminds us that moments of instability often sow the seeds for deeper growth. Drawing on John Lewis’s call to make “good trouble” and stories of resilience from the past, we’ll explore how we can … Continue reading The Ground Beneath Our Feet
In January, five youth and five adults from USSB traveled to Mexicali to spend the weekend volunteering at a migrant shelter and learning firsthand about the situation at the border. How can we respond with love and compassion to the assault on immigrant rights?
They say all ministry, like politics, is local. So let’s get local! California has become the “liberal boogeyman” for many in the nation. In times of crisis, it is disheartening to hear the vitriol aimed in our direction. Yet in these times of increasing climate disaster, it’s important not just to mourn the losses, but … Continue reading In Defense of California
Many in our society are struggling to connect with other people in meaningful ways. It can be hard to drop down into deeper friendships, to find places to talk about what really matters, to figure out how to make a difference in the world. The Unitarian Society can be an antidote to this isolation – … Continue reading Better Together
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” -MLK Jr. As James Preller (the author of “Bystander”) reminds us, Dr. King issued an indictment against the tyranny of silence, reminding us all of our responsibility to speak up. Join us as we honor the work and legacy of the … Continue reading The Tyranny of Silence
On the first Sunday of the new year, we cast our troubles into the fire! Join us for our annual Burning Bowl service, where we will let the flames consume what we want to release, so that we can make space for new possibilities to emerge in the coming year. *This is an “All-Ages Welcome” … Continue reading The Burning Bowl
