Archives: Services

“Am I My Mother’s Daughter or My Father’s Daughter?”

Celia Barberena and Worship Associates Katie Hamilton and Kathleen Sullivan

Some of us inherit accumulated wealth from our matriarchal or patriarchal lines or from both of them. These provide opportunities to attend good schools, travel, and expand our horizons easily. Some of us do not have … read more.

“Our Religious Histories”

Rev. Axel Gehrmann and Worship Associate Shannon Morrison

An adult education curriculum well-known in UU circles is called “Building Your Own Theology.” It is based on a central tenet of our religious tradition, namely that we each have the freedom to choose our religious beliefs, … read more.

“The Heritages We Embrace”

Rev. Elaine Gehrmann and Worship Associate Ann Jacobson
What makes a heritage “ours” to claim? Birthright, deep knowledge, community, a willingness to learn, an invitation, an affinity? This morning we will explore the challenges and complications of our modern search for heritage and meaning, and our … read more.

“Cherishing Our Challenging Heritage”

Rev. Axel Gehrmann and Worship Associate Corey Brunson
On national holidays and religious holy days, we are encouraged to celebrate historical highlights and heroes, the forebears who built this great land, the ancestors who gave us life. As the moral arc of the universe bends towards … read more.

“Finding Your Best Place”  

Rev. Elaine Gehrmann and Worship Associate Kathleen Sullivan

At the edge of land and sea, numerous living creatures find themselves exposed to crashing waves, air & sun, predators, and changing tides.  It is a marvel how each being, with their unique characteristics, finds their best place … read more.

“World Wide Welcome”

Worship Associates Micah Forstein, Bjorn Nilson, and Ray Krise
Welcoming is a trait practiced by our species throughout our evolutionary development and continues to be practiced today throughout the world. What do these world wide welcomings have in common, despite their variance by region and … read more.

“An Invitation to Innovation”

Rev. Axel Gehrmann and Annie Scott and Worship Associate Corey Brunson
Change is the only constant in life,” an ancient philosopher once said, and many spiritual teachers agree. Change within us and around us is inescapable. We do have a choice, however, in how we handle … read more.

“Building Bridges: Welcoming Those With Whom We Disagree”

Rev. Elaine Gehrmann and Worship Associate Christina Zaro

Why can’t we all just get along? Is our congregation a group of completely like-minded individuals, or is there room, and perhaps even a mandate, to welcome people of different viewpoints? How might we affirm our shared values … read more.

Radical Hospitality

Rev. Axel Gehrmann and Page Galloway, Worship Associate

“Whoever you are, wherever you are on your life’s journey, you are welcome here.” These are some of the words with which we begin every Sunday service. We aspire to welcome all. And yet, to be truly welcoming is easier said than … read more.

“Campout: Worship in the Wild”

Revs. Axel and Elaine Gehrmann in Big Sur Worship Associates Lauren Keenan, Kathleen Craig and Celia Barberena at UUCMP

It’s the Big Sur Campout Weekend! You have two choices this Sunday, you can join Revs. Elaine & Axel and the other campers at the Santa Lucia … read more.