Ann Johnson and Ray Krise Have you ever looked at something in nature – whether the Grand Canyon or the Monarch Sanctuary – and just felt that sublime sense of being both insignificant and ennobled? Part of something infinitely bigger than yourself? Join us as Worship Associates Ann Johnson and Ray Krise offer their perspectives … Continue reading “The Wonders of the Natural World”

Rev. Axel Gehrmann and Ann Johnson Religious wisdom is often associated with the deep insight and understanding we may acquire in the course of a long life. We imagine the young are foolish, while our elders are wise. And yet, spiritual teachings don’t necessarily agree. Some Buddhists seeking enlightenment strive to cultivate a beginner’s mind, … Continue reading “Of Wisdom and Wonder”

Revs. Elaine and Axel Gehrmann and Corey Brunson Join us for our annual multi-generational Water Communion Service, a celebration of our community. Please bring a small container of water from someplace sacred to you, which you can contribute to this worship service for all ages. The children and youth of our community are heading back … Continue reading Water Communion Service

Mary Kay Hamilton and Robin Jensen “Wonder” engages our senses, elicits curiosity and instills reverence. “Wondering” can also ignite distress and concern. Whatever we may experience or believe, we all have access to those moments that connect us to the wonder of existence and even in dark times the possibility of joy.

Social Justice Committee Members Laura Nagel and Molly Lewis The most recent estimates of refugees in Monterey and San Benito Counties place the number at 48,000. Since voting to become a Sanctuary Congregation last spring, many of us have been doing what we can to improve their living conditions. In this service, we will share … Continue reading Immigrant Stories

Rev. Steve Edington and Worship Associate Katie Hamilton The sermon title is also the title of a recently published book by Rev. Steve Edington. It traces his religious and spiritual journey (or migration) from an evangelical Baptist church to a forty-year career as a UU minister. This morning we’ll explore how we cultivate a relationship … Continue reading “God is Not God’s Name”

Robert Sadler and Robin Jensen Cortes and his soldiers invaded Mexico in the early 1500’s in pursuit of gold. A hundred years later, only about 4% of the indigenous people had survived. They spoke neither English nor Spanish, the two major languages of the Americas. What’s it like for one of these indigenous people to … Continue reading Latin History and the Importance of Sanctuary

Rev. Dennis Hamilton and Mary Kay Hamilton What was once surmise now has been proven through genetics and archaeology. We evolved from earlier primates in Africa and spread over the entire earth. Understanding our roots gives us clues as to what we are. Now we all must decide where we want to go next. The … Continue reading “Where Do We Come From, Who Are We, Where Are We Going?”

Joseph Bodoracco, a professor at Harvard Business School, pointed out that our behaviors and values are largely shaped during defining moments, the peaks and troughs, of our lives. Is he right? Do the peaks and troughs we experience become intense lessons that, over time, determine a lot about how we behave and what we believe? … Continue reading “Peaks and Troughs” – Bob Sadler and Chris Kage

In this interactive service we will try to uncover some of our conscious and subconscious thinking about class. This important topic is often shied away from or denied altogether, and yet it certainly influences many of our current social structures and issues and aspirations. Come explore this fascinating and important reality with us.