Happy New Year, 2014! This year will mark the 60th anniversary of Starr King Unitarian Universalist Church, first established in 1954 as Starr King Unitarian Fellowship. For sixty years this congregation has kept its liberal light shining in southern Alameda County, initially bringing Unitarian, then after the merger in 1961, Unitarian and Universalist values to … Continue reading Katie’s Bay View – Starr King Celebrates its Diamond!
A funny skit from the comedy show Portlandia lampoons reading, almost as a competitive sport. You can watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7VgNQbZdaw Reading is a value for many Unitarian Universalists, sometimes to the level of stereotype. We like to keep up with recent articles, and news, and read as a way to relax. But many of us … Continue reading Katie’s Bay View – Did You Read?
Veteran’s Day, observed on November 11th, is an official U.S. holiday, one that honors those who have served in the armed services. Even though it’s not a religious holiday, it certainly calls upon those of us who are religious to acknowledge both the moral and spiritual aspects of people who have dedicated themselves both in … Continue reading Katie’s Bay View – A Celebration of Peace and Honoring of Sacrifice
As far back as the mid-nineteenth century, Unitarians and Universalists discussed merging their two separate denominations. In 1947, a commission was formed that led to a vote in which 75% of Unitarian and Universalist congregations approved the formulation of a plan for a federal union. Still, it wasn’t until 1961 that the two organizations were … Continue reading Katie’s Bay View – Authorizing Each Other
I will be away until August 13th, and will join you in worship for the last two weeks of August. But on Saturday, July 13th, I was privileged to be asked to be a speaker for the third Castro Valley Pride (CV Pride) event. I’m excerpting from my speech here: Castro Valley is such a … Continue reading Katie’s Bay View – A Welcoming Community
I just finished reading the wonderful article in the UUWORLD about the historic ordination of Olympia Brown to the Universalist ministry in 1863. Not only is this anniversary an opportunity to learn of the obstacles she overcame to become the first woman ordained by a recognized body, but it is a reminder to us now, … Continue reading Katie’s Bay View – Summer as Sabbatical
It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it. -Oscar Wilde Here are some thoughts to get you going into your summer reading. I like to have a list each year—I’d love to know what’s on yours. Please share! … Continue reading Katie’s Bay View – What Shall I Read This Summer?
This first week in May marks 50 years from the Civil Rights Movement and in particular the Children’s Crusade of Birmingham, Alabama. This was a particular time of tireless work for Martin Luther King, Jr. and other leaders. The task was the vision of justice for African-Americans and the non-violent fight against hatred. It was … Continue reading Katie’s Bay View – What They Dreamed Be Ours To Do
If you are a church member, you should be receiving the UUWorld magazine. The latest cover and accompanying article focused on the search for a new UUA headquarters. The cover featured a gorgeous sparkled photograph of 25 Beacon St., Boston, its banners waving, its lights twinkling, its old red brick standing as a sign of … Continue reading Katie’s Bay View – April 2013 – What’s the Meaning in Place?
I am reminded as this month of March begins, of my dear ministerial sisterhood. Those who came before have helped make this a place that welcomes us all into religious leadership. Not only am I grateful to historical mentors like those first women ministers Antoinette Brown Blackwell and Olympia Brown, I feel kindred threads with … Continue reading Katie’s Bay View – Sisters in the Ministry
