Category: Blog

From the Minister – Finding Our Way Home – April 2018

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Every year the UUA Office of Multicultural Growth and Witness offers a retreat for UU Professionals who identify as People of Color, African American, Afro-Caribbean, Latina/o, Hispanic, Native American/Indigenous, Asian/Pacific Islanders, Middle Easterners, and/or multiracial and multiethnic.

Our retreat is called “Finding Our Way Home” and its purpose is to engage in community building, spiritual reflection, and collegial support while connecting participants with local community organizations as partners in service, witness, and advocacy.

This year … Read the rest

From the Board – April 2018

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The big news this month is our board is going over the budget and trying to fit our champagne and caviar dreams into a beer and pretzel reality. We are faced with rising costs for things that are needed and we find ourselves sharpening the pencils more often in search of ways to save money.

 

The good news is that we have had several important budget related events and more are on the way. … Read the rest

RE Reflections – February 2018

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A View of Another Liberal Religious Tradition

On January 7, 2018, I had the honor to experience a Three Kings’ Day Service at Eden United Church in Hayward.   As you may know, I have been trying to establish a relationship with our liberal religious faith neighbors with an eye towards combining youth programs.  In the Fall of 2017, we held monthly youth group activities which culminated in a fieldtrip to Eden UCC for their annual … Read the rest

Minister’s Blog, Beloved Conversations – February 2018

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The topic of communication has been very present during meetings of the Board of Trustees, the Committee on Ministry, and during the recent Adult RE class addressing congregational polity. We are constantly being challenged to reflect upon language, on the ways we communicate with each other, and on the impact of our words on the fabric of our community. Unlike other organizations, we are a community of individuals who have chosen to be in a … Read the rest

From the Board – February 2018

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For those of you who weren’t at the Martin Luther King Day Gathering at Hayward City Hall, it was a powerful experience. Terri Owen has been the chief organizer of this march for many years and once again the turnout filled the square and the march inspired those we passed in cars and on the sidewalks. Our church was joined by others in the South Hayward Parish in both celebration of how far we have … Read the rest

From the Board – December 2017

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The holidays are almost upon us, but the board is still at work. We have been busy with the grounds.

  • Bob Britton has been instrumental in having some trees trimmed at our southern perimeter.
  • Working with Walt Korus and Dave Middleton, the playground has a fresh covering of wood mulch.
  • Preparations are being made to remove Ornea Cottage.
  • There are other repairs that the Board is reviewing as well.
  • A group is looking at establishing
… Read the rest

Minister’s Blog – December 2017

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Las Posadas

“Sanctuary is often something very small not a grandiose gesture, but a small gesture toward alleviating human suffering and preventing humiliation. Sanctuary is a human being, sanctuary is a dream. That is why you are here and that is why I am here. We are here because of one another. We are in truth each other’s shelter”

Elie Wiesel

On Sunday, December 10, we are invited to participate in a beloved Latin American … Read the rest

RE Reflections – November 2017

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November Theme: Gratitude

Featured Faith Tradition: Hinduism

Some people complain because God put thorns on roses.

Others praise Him for putting roses among thorns.

Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami

 

I would like to start out by thanking October’s workshop leaders who did a fantastic job. It takes a village to mentor our young. I appreciate everyone for stepping up. So, thanks to:

  • Roy Dickerson for sharing his coding expertise
  • Michelle Lovett and Diane Meyerson for an
… Read the rest

Minister’s Blog – November 2017

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Beloveds,

 

As we approach a new Thanksgiving Season, I am so grateful for the many expressions of generosity that I have experienced and witnessed among us this year.

 

I am grateful for all the ways our staff and volunteers contribute to building our Beloved Community. I give thanks for each and every one of our community members who give of their time, talents, creativity, and financial support so that we can live into … Read the rest

RE Reflections – March 2017

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The RE curriculum we are using this year, Love Will Guide Us  focuses on the sources of Unitarian Universalism which include:

  • Direct experience- the sense of wonder we all share
  • Women & men of long ago and today whose lives remind us to be kind and fair
  • The ethical & spiritual wisdom of the world’s religions
  • Jewish and Christian teachings
  • Humanist teachings of reason & science
  • Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions

In this program, participants … Read the rest