Each week our Sunday services are recorded and made available for those who were unable to attend or who wish to listen again to a service they found particularly meaningful. You can listen to or download recordings of the sermon from August 2009 onward. For copies of the whole service, or for services older that August 2009, pease contact the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

January 29: “The Age of Reason” in the Era of Globalization & Occupy Wall Street: A Celebration of Tom Paine’s Birthday
Jeffrey Melcher & BFUU's Social Justice Committee

On his 275th birthday, the Social Justice Committee leads a service on the revolutionary intellectual and pamphleteer, Thomas Paine. Drawing on writings including “Common Sense,” “The Crisis Papers,” “The Rights of Man,” “The Age of Reason,” and his letters, we examine how Paine's ideas remain relevant today, particularly to the “Occupy Wall Street” movement.
 

 

January 22: Love and Justice in the Heart of Berkeley
Rev. Earl Koteen

Reverend Earl Koteen, our Community Minister for Climate Justice, reflects on the history, the present, and the future of the Fellowship.  As Dylan said, "the times they are a-changin," both within and outside the Fellowship, and these words are truer today than when he wrote them.  Let us all find love, joy, and justice in this community we cherish.

Andrew Scott, Service Coordinator. Aline Prentice, Musician.

 

January 15: Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Sunday: “When Systems Fail, Character Calls”
Rev. Ben Meyers

We celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. best when we remind ourselves of his clarion call to respond to ‘the fierce urgency of now.’  Our ‘now’ moment of economic collapse, societal change and global crisis calls us to remember and repeat the lessons in leadership which King taught.  We live in an urgent moment and must respond to the issues of social justice locally, nationally, and globally. Come and let’s inspire one another!
 

January 8: What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been
Andrew Scott, Ministerial Intern

This is the story of how your Ministerial Intern ended up in Berkeley (of all places), and in Seminary (of all places)! It’s a story about how the class clown discerned a call to ministry. It is also a story about lunacy and perseverance, about a young man who found his mind in Thailand before losing it (again) in Colorado, and how he got to “be here, now.”

Coordinator: Rev. Ben. Time for All Ages: Caitlin Cotter.

January 1: The Burning Bowl: A Ritual for the New Year
Rev. Ben Meyers

The ‘New Year’ is an artificial ‘beginning,’ but a useful way to reflect on the year past and an opportunity to release ourselves from things we said or did that we wish we hadn’t, or what we didn’t say and didn’t do and wish we had. The ritual of the Burning Bowl is a timeless invitation to “begin again.” This will be a simple service of music, meditation and sharing.

 

Saturday, December 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service of “Lessons and Carols” for All Ages
Rev. Ben Meyers

A lovely service of song and story, poetry and light.

December 18: “Celebrating the Light and Dark of the Season” - Intergenerational Service
Rev. Ben Meyers

For everything there is a season—a time of light and a time of darkness. With the arrival of winter’s low dark sky, communities around the world look to the miracle of light as a sign of rebirth and a source of hope. At this service celebrating the holidays of winter, we celebrate the promise of new life in ourselves and the world through both new and familiar stories and songs and by kindling the lights of the season.

Musicians: Susan Mashiyama, harp and piano, Erik Newman, flute, the BFUU Choir and Children's Choir and many others.

Dec. 11: Living in the Present: From Genesis to Revelation to Nagarjuna
Andrew Scott, Ministerial Intern

A sermon about the shape of emptiness, and the shape of ideas.
 

December 4: “FAQs for UU’s: Answering While Standing on One Foot”
Rev. Ben Meyers

What do Unitarian Universalists believe?  What is the essence of our liberal faith and spiritual grounding that compels us towards social justice and openness to religious pluralism?  How do we articulate all this….succinctly? As suggested by it’s title, this sermon will attempt such. This is a very good service to invite your neighbors and friends to BFUU and introduce them to this UU community.

 

November 27: Sacred Stories, Sacred Community
Patrice K. Curtis

Touching on the experiences of refugees and displaced people in Africa and Europe, we will explore how we can create communities of love through the act of listening deeply to the stories of each other.

Patrice has an MA in International Affairs, and post-graduate studies in complex humanitarian emergencies. She’s lived and worked in Sudan, Kenya, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Patrice is currently a student at Starr King School for the Ministry.

November 20: “What Occupies You?” - A Sermon on Joy and Thanksgiving
Rev. Ben Meyers

Gratitude is often born of hardship as much as joy, for it is in hardship that we realize and appreciate what we have. Yet, what truly sustains us is dependent upon what we give our focus, time and attention: in short, it depends on what occupies us. What if we choose to focus on what is right, on what makes us happy, on what fulfills us, on what is working?

In this time in which many of us are occupying spaces in order to bring about change, let’s focus on the change we seek!

November 13: Promises Shape Our Lives and the World
Rev. Jeanelyse Doran Adams

As Unitarian Universalists we are bound together by covenant, not by dogma but by the promises and the stories that we share. Our promises not only bind us together in our communities but also bind us through time. Covenants act as both a container and a catalyst for living our shared values. Those values have the capacity to transform the world.

November 6: Manifesting Hope?
Andrew Scott, Ministerial Intern  

A sermon about a legacy of guilt, about the structure of much of western thought, and how it prevents us from imagining a new reality.  We will explore the ways in which we can begin to free ourselves from the bondage of outmoded thought, how we can conceive of new possibilities for peace, justice, and ecological harmony, when we are liberated from the prison of ideas upon which our modern reality has been constructed.  This sermon will explore the underlying notions that are to this day influencing human decisions on a fundamental, yet unconscious level.

October 30: “Day of the Dead” Intergenerational Service
Rev. Ben Meyers, Caitlin Cotter, Andrew Scott

In the spirit of Samhain, Halloween and Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) we invite you to gather and celebrate those who have passed before us.

Wear festive or celebratory garments and bring an item of remembrance for an altar honoring our departed loved ones.

Special Music for the occasion, and a time to remember Jerry Diamond, long-time member and leader of BFUU.

October 23: New Conversations About the Death Penalty
Pam Gherke, M.Div., Ph.D.

Speaker Pam Gherke, made up her mind that the risk of human error makes capital punishment untenable. But what about public safety? What about victims' families? What about justice? As the campaign gets under way for a 2012 ballot initiative to abolish the death penalty in California, we lift up stories and statistics to explore some of the issue's complexities.

Pam Gehrke is a UU ministerial candidate and a graduate of Starr King School of the Ministry.

October 16: “Where Do We Come From?”
Rev. Ben Meyers

A whirlwind tour of Unitarian Universalist history in under two thousand words!

Guest guitarist, Alex Jacobs, of the ‘Music for Healing Program’ and our choir, provide music.

October 9: Olympia Brown Speaks!
Carol Ann Amour

Olympia Brown (1835-1926) dedicated her life to opening doors for women. Ordained as a Universalist minister, she was the first woman to graduate from an established theological school and achieve full ministerial standing recognized by any denomination. As a young minister, she took an active role in the women's suffrage movement and lived to vote in the 1920 presidential election.
Carol Ann Amour, who became a UU in Racine, WI, where Olympia Brown was a minister, recreates the minister/activist and brings her life and work alive.

Oct 2: Teshuvah: A Service of Forgiveness
Rev. Ben Meyers

The Jewish High Holy Days are traditionally a time for reflecting on the year past and an opportunity to “set things right” for the coming year. The term teshuvah, or ‘turning’, provides us a context in which to do the difficult, but necessary, work of changing our patterns of behavior and letting go in order to move ahead.

A ritual recitation of the Al Chet will be a part of the service. Special Music for the occasion and Children’s Religious Exploration program offered for all ages.

September 2011

Sept 25: Association Sunday 2011: Excellence in Ministries
Rev. Ben Meyers, with Caitlin Cotter, Patrice Curtis, Hassaun Ali Jones-Bey, Carrie Knowles, Matthew McHale and Andrew Scott.

Unitarian Universalist congregations are self-governing entities whose connections to one another sometimes seem tenuous. We need Association Sundays to strengthen the bonds of common purpose. Even more importantly, we need to combine our resources in order to make Unitarian Universalism a stronger voice of liberal religious values in the world.

Special music by harpist and soprano, Susan Mashiyama.

Sept 18: “Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow”
Dr. Carrie Knowles, Ministerial Intern

In Dr. Carrie Knowles' last sermon of her ministerial internship, she looks back over the months since January and counts her blessings.

 

Sept 11: Moving Planet: Air, Land & Water
Rev. Earl Koteen, Community Minister

On Saturday, September 24, thousands will gather in San Francisco to join with activists around the world in the demand that we move from fossil fuels to cleaner and healthier transportation and land use. Rev. Earl Koteen, our Community Minister, helps us explore the depths of this movement.
 

Sept 4: Intergenerational Service: Honoring the Waters Ceremony
Rev. Ben Meyers & Caitlin Cotter

This Sunday traditionally marks the beginning of a new program year for the Fellowship. It is a time to “re-gather” from our summer travels through the ritual of the “Gathering of the Waters.”
Our choir will sing, and a special story written by Hassaun Ali Jones-Bey and performed by TheaterWorks! will round out this service honoring this fundamental element of life.

August 2011

August 28: Serious Fun: Ingenious Improvisation, Money, Food, Waste, Water and Home
Carolyn North

Author, Healer, and Hunger and Sustainability Activist, Carolyn North shares a unique and thought provoking look at finding and maintaining balance in an unbalanced world.

August 21: The Blessings of Imperfection and Other Lessons for Living in the Real World
Rev. Ben Meyers

The world is not a perfect place, and mistakes are inevitable. It was the great hockey player, Wayne Gretsky, who said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” (What he didn’t mention is that even if you are very, very good, you still miss 70% of the shots you do take!) I believe some of the most important lessons in life are those which come through the grace of failure.

August 14: “On Being Called”
Dr. Carrie Knowles

Dr. Carrie Knowles reflects on her call to ministry and her spiritual journey. As she approaches the close of her Ministerial Internship at BFUU, she considers surprises, fulfillments, and the road that lies head.

August 7: From Hiroshima to Disarming Collaboration
Rev. Dr. John L. Young

A sermon observing the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Japan.

Rev. Dr. Young is a retired UU minister. He is a member of the Board of the Interfaith Center at the Presidio in San Francisco and Chair of the Committee on Veterans Affairs.

July 2011

July 31: Eve and the Serpent
Dr. Carrie Knowles, Ministerial Intern

"Eve and the Serpent," a verse play in two scenes, by Dr. Carrie Knowles, will be presented as a reading-in-the-round that reconsiders the myth of Adam's Fall and Eve's choice of wisdom over obedience.

The reading will be followed by a "Talk Back" on issues raised in the drama.

July 24: The Moral Injury of War
Dr. Carrie Knowles, Ministerial Intern

No man or woman returns from war without profound change both within the self and in relationship to society.  Modern warfare leaves spiritual wounds that affect the warrior and the peace-maker.  Dr. Carrie reflects on her experience of ministering to veterans and their caregivers.

July 17: Confessions of an Inactivist
Rev. Earl Koteen, Community Minister

Forty years have passed since the heyday of activism in the 1960s. While many, especially in Berkeley, continued their activism, others dropped out. Returning to activism, they found a different world. This service will explore reconciling with our past and acting in the present to prepare for our future.
 

July 10: This I Believe
Carol Ann Amour and Hassaun Ali Jones-Bey

Carol Ann and Hassaun tell of their core beliefs and share some of the stories of their spiritual journeys.

 

July 3: Patriots' Peace Potluck Picnic
Dr. Carrie Knowles, Ministerial Intern

Vic Sadot and other BFUU Social Justice Committee members and balladeers will be sharing songs and poetry for our second annual Patriots' Peace Potluck Picnic. Bring food music and poetry to share.

June 2011
 

June 26, 2011: Semi-Annual Poetry Service: “Who I Am… Reflections on Identity”
Carol Ann Amour and Frances Hillyard, coordinating, with participation from the myriad bards of BFUU!

Participants will share poetry exploring experiences and values that make them who they are at this point in their spiritual journeys.
 

June 19, 2011: “My father walked through dooms of love”  -- E.E. Cummings
Rev. Ben Meyers, Kevan Jenson, Hassaun Ali Jones-Bey, and others from the BFUU community will participate.

This is a father’s day service on the foibles, fables and blessings of being (and having) fathers.
NOTE: This is Rev. Ben’s last service with us until August 21… He’d love to see everyone there!

 

June 12, 2011: Annual Flower Communion
Rev. Ben Meyers, Matthew McHale, and Carol Ann Amour, coordinating.

There will be special music for the occasion and participation by TheatreWorks! This will be a great service to bring visitors and friends. Children will be with us for the flower communion ceremony at the end of the service.
BRING A SPRIG, SPRAY, BLOSSOM OR STEM TO ADD TO OUR COMMUNAL BOUQUET!!!

June 5, 2011: "Of Chickens, Choices and Change"
Rev. Ben Meyers

Change is the most consistent and persistent cause for stress and anxiety in our lives. Yet, Emerson said: “We wish to be settled in our lives…but it is only in our being unsettled that there is any hope for us.” The service will explore the questions: “How do we hold one another during times of anxiety and change without making each other wrong?” and, “Why DID the chicken cross the road, AGAIN?”

 

May 2011

 

APRIL 2011

April 24, 2010 INTERGENERATIONAL EASTER, AN EASTER SERVICE FOR ALL AGES. In this season of rejuvenation and renewal, we gather together to celebrate the miracles of springtime and the tim eless stories that remind us of rebirth in our own lives.  Today we explore the origins of this holiday that celebrate joy and hope and mystery and symbolism.  Do you know  the origins of the Easter Egg, or why we have baskets and bunnies and flowers everywhere this time of year?  Did you know that "Hot Cross buns" were originally "Gifts to the Queen of Heaven?" Rev. Ben Meyers with Caitlin Cotter and Dr. Carrie Knowles and of course our children will lead us as we look to the roots and make new meaning of this holiday called Easter.  Special music by Aline Prentice, pianist.

 

April 17, 2011 "OUR SPIRITS FED BY ART, AND JUSTICE OUR DAILY BREAD". Each year we focus on the efficacy of our Fellowship in our lives and in this community and assess how we will support its continuance and vitality as a place for "Spiritual Growth and Social Action".  Today we "kick-off" our process of discernment by focusing on how these two elements of our mission make a difference in our lives.  One place to begin is by asking: "What would I be/do without this community?"  Special music for the occasion and stewardship materials distributed after the service.  Please plan now to play a role in the future health and wholeness of BFUU.   the Rev. Ben Meyers preaching

 

April 10, 2011 Musical Missions of Peace and Rev. Ben Meyers.

Rev. Ben Meyers has invited the talented and inspiring duo of Cameron Powers and Kristina Sophia to present with him a musical service on peace.

Peter and Kristina travel the Middle East and the Americas as the "Musical Missions of Peace". They are world musicians bringing music from Egypt, Greece, Peru, Iraq, Mexico, Syria and more.They are frequent guests in UU churches around the world.

April 3^rd We Are Good Enough For God!

Guest Minister: The Rev. Erika Demeter,

Hungarian Unitarian Minister and Scholar

Sunday Coordinator: Rev. Ben Meyers

In Acts, 10:1-2, 9-15, 34 of the Bible, Peter has a vision where he refuses to eat the food offered to him by God, believing it to be unclean. This symbolizes Peter's prejudice against human beings different from himself. This morning we will reflect on the concept of prejudice, a human attitude that still exists in so many of our communities.  Like Peter’s vision, the message of today’s sermon is that only God has the right to judge us, and He/She always says, “We Are Good Enough for God!”.  Our plate this Sunday will be used to support the continued exchange of scholars from Hungary.

Bio:  The Rev. Erika Demeter is minister to congregations in Erdőszentgyörgy, Gyulakuta and Havadtő, Transylvania. While spending the 2010-2011 academic year in Berkeley, where her husband Rev. Levente Lázár is the Balázs Scholar at Starr King School, she is studying pastoral counseling at the Graduate Theological Union. She hopes to continue her counseling studies upon returning to Transylvania.

MARCH 2011

March 27^th Ordinary Miracles the Rev. Ben Meyers, preaching. Music by the Wind Trio, Coriolis and a scene from Twelfth Night by Subterranean Shakespeare. Carol Ann Amour is the coordinator for this magical service.

Things we come across in our everyday lives give meaning and beauty to our existence (if we notice.) They lie all about us and they come to us from the forces that are beyond you and I. This sermon is a less-than-subtle reminder of the incredible gifts all around us which inspire joy, awe, and wonder. Come be inspired by your presence with others!  Special Music by the Wind Trio, "Coriolis," consisting of oboe, clarinet and bassoon. And a special scene from Twelfth Night presented by Subterranean Shakespeare.

We may have an Ingathering ceremony for those wishing to join BFUU.  Out time for all ages will be a story: "That's Amazing", as told by Caitliin Cotter, Lifespan Learning Coordinator.

 

 

March 20^th How To Be Invisible

Dr. Carrie Knowles' sermon considers the ways we screen out of our awareness people who are differently abled, or other perceptions that challenge us. Special Music by jazz vocalist, Christine Noble, and pianist, Peter Vasilev.  Dr. Carrie Knowles, M. Div., our ministerial intern at BFUU, graduated from Starr King School for the Ministry this year.  Her advanced degrees are also in psychology and law. Her work for many years as a psychotherapist and teacher led her to reflect often on our consciousness of injury--of the body, mind and spirit--in ourselves and others.

Dr. Carrie Knowles, preaching

REMEMBER DAYLIGHT SAVINGS BEGINS THIS MORNING!

March 13^th A Theology of Doubt

“Cherish your doubts, for doubt is the attendant of truth.”--Robert T. Weston.  Some people never reach the stage of doubt in religious development, some seem to be born with it. Religious doubt, despite its unconventional nature, is a legitimate and important stage of spiritual development.  It comes when the mind is well-enough developed to ask questions, to live with those questions, and to grow into their answers.  Today we will explore and honor Doubt as “an attendant of truth” and the servant of self-discovery and spiritual maturation.  BRING A FRIEND SUNDAY!!!  This is an EXCELLENT service to bring your friends and family! Service coordinator: Dr. Carrie Knowles, Ministerial Intern.

the Rev. Ben Meyers, preaching.

March 6^th Eat Pray Love

Rev. Larry Jay is bringing the message. Shirley Adams is the worship coordinator. Caitlin Cotter shares a special story for all ages about choices. We will celebrate the pleasures of food and the joys of sharing meals. We will also focus on how our personal food choices impact people around the world, our social justice values and our own quality of life here in Berkeley. This topic is a UUA congregational study initiative. for the years 2008 -2012.  Special Collection To Assist Berkeley Food Pantry. Reverend Larry Jay, preaching

 

 

February 2011

February 27^th The Chalice and The Flame BRING A FRIEND SUNDAY!

A symbol is a visible sign of something invisible.  It is often an object or image that creates cultural significance and the capacity to unite, excite, or inspire.  The Flaming Chalice, within two concentric circles, has emerged as the symbol of American Unitarian Universalism in this century.  The origins of this image which are manifold, historical and, perhaps apocryphal, tell the story of our religious journey as a denomination and can be used to represent our current goals, hopes, and aspirations.

Special Music by Yonatan Landau, a jazz pianist, saxophonist and singer, and recent graduate from the UC Berkeley Music Department, he currently organizes for the non-profit startup Cooperative Food Empowerment Directive (www.cofed.org).  Religious Exploration Class: "A very short rule" -because all people should be treated fairly and kindly. Story for All Ages by Caitlin Cotter, Lifespan Learning Director. Tom McAninley, Coordinator.

the Rev. Ben Meyers, preaching

February 20^th Heroes: The Qualities That Living People Bring

What are the qualities that acknowledge someone as a hero?  Several voices will outline their personal take on what makes a hero.

Dr. Carrie Knowles, preaching

 

 

February 13^th Love Works …...

"Hatreds do not ever cease in this world by hating, but by love; this is an eternal truth…” --Dhammapada 1.5

Standing on the Side of Love (SOSL) is our Unitarian Universalist Association's public advocacy campaign. Its' purpose is to actively promote respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person. As it says on the official website, “We believe no one should be dehumanized through acts of exclusion, oppression, or violence because of their identities." Period. SOSL is about lifting strong religious voices proclaiming love in the face of fear and hate.  Come join your voice and stand with us in promoting marriage equality amd immigrant rights with peace, justice and equity for all.  Vocalists Dan Cunningham, Carol Ann Amour, Jennifer Whitten and Ben Meyers will provide love songs for Valentine's Day. We will unveil a SOSL banner on the Bonita St. side of the Hall after the service.

the Rev. Ben Meyers, preaching

February 6^th Landslides and Detours: On Changing Careers

Carrie describes ways that we can cope when the road ahead appears blocked.  She tells the story of the career changes of her own life and significant events that required change.  Shirley Adams, Coordinator, Brett Torres, pianist.

Dr. Carrie Knowles, preaching

 

January 2011

January 30^th "Being Loyal to the Sky: A Service On Social Activism"

Marisa Handler—writer, activist, singer-songwriter, and speaker—is the author of "Loyal to the Sky: Notes from an Activist," which Booklist called a “must read,” and which won a 2008 Nautilus Gold Award for world-changing books. Marisa speaks and sings about visionary social change all over the country. It is our pleasure to welcome her to our pulpit this morning.  Service Co-ordinator, Rev. Ben Meyers.  Aline Prentice, pianist.

January, 23^rd "Abortion: Questions of Life and Liberty" the Rev. Ben Meyers, preaching. Every argument has its own rules but one universal rule is that each side's greatest strength is the other's most obvious weakness. Abortion is an issue which, given our current, polarized political and religious climate, commands our earnest engagement and steadfast attention.  On this Sunday prior to the 38th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, I wish to (re)examine some challenges inherent in the Abortion issue.  Jo Green, Service Coordinator.  Guest Musician: TBA.

 

January 16^th Annual MLK Sunday Service

On this Sunday which honors the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and promotes civic service, we welcome Ms. Allison Cook, Special Project Coordinator of the Story of Stuff Project., launched in 2007 by Annie Leonard. As Special Projects Coordinator, Allison develops organizing campaigns and leads collaborative projects with faith-based and educational communities.  The Story of Stuff Project amplifies public discourse on a series of environmental, social and economic concerns and facilitates community involvement in strategic efforts to build a more sustainable and just world.

Service Coordinator: Rev. Ben.  Musician: Brett Torres.

Following the service we will perform some service projects at The New School of Berkeley. Please plan now to help clean, paint, etc. by signing up or calling the office at 841.4824. Thanks.

January 9^th Special Service to Induct Carrie Knowles as our Ministerial Intern! We are so happy and fortunate to formally welcome Ms. Carrie Knowles as our Intern here at BFUU.  Today, Carrie will ‘officially’ begin

her 9 month internship and will share the pulpit with Rev. Ben with homilies entitled “Of Interns and Infants” and “Teaching and Learning”, respectively.  The Rev. John Young, minister emeritus from the UU Society of Sacramento, as well as members of Carrie’s Intern committee will be on hand.  A special celebratory lunch will follow. Music by the jazz pianist, Mr. Richard Hall.

 

Sunday, January 2, 2011: “By Another Way,” a sermon about new beginnings for a New Year by the Rev. Ben Meyers.

January is named for the god, Janus -- the two-faced god who looks both forward and back. Janus is the symbol for what we tend to do at the turning of the year: Look back on the year and the years of our life that have now passed, And look ahead to the unknown future that lies before us.

Come start the New Year off in a good way with us at BFUU. Special music and a ritual for the occasion will be offered.

Please return your “Guest At Your Table” boxes on this Sunday!

After the service you are invited to join in the “Downing of the Browns” and “undeck” the Halls! Lunch and recycling bins, provided.

 

December 2010

Sunday, Dec. 26, 10:30am "The Healing Power of Laughter." In this time of long nights and overcast skies, humor lifts the spirits-- and supports the immune system.  Dr. Caroline  (Carrie) Knowles is in our pulpit today. Music TBA.

Dr.Knowles graduates from Starr King in December, 2010. She is a clinical psychologist and has a law degree along with her masters in divinity. She will be joining the BFUU staff for 9 months as a ministerial intern. Welcome Carrie!

Surprise: We are giving the Lunch servers a well-deserved holiday on Dec. 26! Make some plans with other members to spend time together after the service. And express your appreciation to each of those members who have fed you week after week.

 

ChristmasEve, December 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5pm: Lessons and Carols” for all ages. Plan now to invite your friends and family to this lovely service of song and story, poetry and light.  Please bring cookies to share with all following the service. Aline Prentice at the piano.

 

 

December 19, 2010: “The Law of Volcanoes”, the Rev. Ben Meyers, preaching.  Midway through the twenty-one poem cycle of love poems by Adrienne Rich comes this line:  “Every peak is a crater.  This is the law of volcanoes.”  As we stand poised before the mountain of expectation called Christmas, I propose we pause to consider what is at the core of our celebrations and ask ourselves, “From whence comes our power to transcend darkness into light?”  The Children will linger for a while longer than usual as hymns, carols, and all things Christmas will be sung and shared before the sermon.

 

December 12, 2010: “The Lights of the Season: An Intergenerational Service”
For everything there is a season—a time to die and a time to be born. With the arrival of winter’s low dark sky, communities around the world look to the miracle of light as a sign of rebirth and a source of hope. At this service celebrating the holidays of winter, we celebrate the promise of new life through story and song and recommit ourselves to the protection of everyone’s right to his or her own radiant humanity by kindling the lights of the season. Service Leaders: Rev. Ben, Caitlin Cotter, Dolores Helman and others.  Musician: Aline Prentice

 

 

 

 

Dec. 5, 2010, 10:30am. “Becoming ‘Expeditors’: Alternative Faith-Based Voices” The Rev. Ben Meyers is preaching.  Mr. Richard Thomas will be our pianist.   The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously said, “the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.” This is the great hope of liberal religion; that in the long run, goodness will prevail here on earth. It is our work as humans, especially of liberal religionists, to expedite that day.

During lunch, following the service, we will "Deck the Halls" with greenery and sing songs and carols for the season, led by our own Dan Cunningham. Bring the whole family...and a friend!  May the lights in our hearts dispell the darkness of the long wintry evenings.

The BFUU adult choir will rehearse Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 before service at 9:30am.

 

November 2010

November 28, 2010 10:30am. Geri Kennedy,"Are You What You Eat?"

We will all be thinking about food this weekend. Join us for a meditation of Ethical Eating in all of its ramifications, presented by Geri Kennedy, member of Redwood City UU. Shirley Adams is the Worship Coordinator. Brett Torres offers us music on the Steinway. Our "World Peace Diet" Book Club will help with readings and the lunch.

Our denomination has asked us to look at the question of Ethical Eating.  What better day than the Sunday after Thanksgiving to explore the complex world of where our food comes from, how it gets here, who benefits, who is harmed and whether what you eat is  feeding your soul along with your body. Read about the four year UUA study initiative on Ethical Eating on the UUA site. This service will certainly give you something to chew on.

Our lunch this Sunday is a 'Rainbow Lunch' in which we will aim to eat all the colors of the rainbow from the plant world. If you want to contribute, please bring something local, organic and colorful.

Click on the image to read more about eating the rainbow. This approach to eating is very useful in cancer prevention and general good health and adding variety to your diet.

Note: The young adults in our congregation are invited to sit at a table together and Caitlin Cotter will help lead an informal exchange about views on ethical eating.

 

 

November 21, 2010, 10:30am. Our Thanksgiving Service with Rev. Ben Meyers in the Pulpit. “Songs of Gratitude; Notes of Thanks,” a sermon by the Rev. Ben Meyers. Harvest Communion during the service…Come celebrate with us! Special Music this morning by Betsy Rose, Aline Prentice and other friends. We will have a different kind of lunch this week. Bring a potluck dish to share and we will have a special

Thanksgiving dinner together.Details later about a main dish and who shall provide that.

 

 

 

November 14, 2010: “Baseball Theology: Some Lessons From Both Sides of the Foul Lines,” a service by the Rev. Ben Meyers and Mr. Tom McAninley.
Herbert Hoover once said: “After religion, that which has furnished the greatest impact on American life than any other institution is baseball.” The Frenchman, Jacques Barzun, offered this insight into people’s passion for the game: “Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball.”
Now, if you are NOT a fan of baseball, this may sound like hyperbole. However, with the conclusion of the World Series upon us, we invite both skeptic and true believer, alike, to join us in this light-hearted service that looks at the deep and abiding lessons to be gleaned from the great American past time.

November 7, 2010 10:30am. November 7, 2010: “It Takes a Congregation…” by the Rev. Ben Meyers.
My sermon title is a take off on the often-quoted expression, ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ No place is that more true in our modern society than our religious institutions. It takes many people and lots of volunteer hours to put together a strong and vital religious community. Our sense of village provides a warm and nurturing environment for people of all ages to grow, to build character, to find access to an inner life, and to put their faith in actions that make a difference in the world.  We have visiting artists Stephanie Bettman and Luke Halprin

 

providing music for this service.Listen to their music on their website.

October 2010

Oct. 24, 2010, 10:30am. Belonging and the Art of Living Well Sermon by Rev. Ben Meyers Coordinator: Shirley Adams Musician:Dan Cunningham. Reading by Kathryn Thompson. Time For All Ages: Caitlin Cotter.
Usher: Jim Beatty.  Greeter: Frances Hillyard. Hospitality: Ben Burch, laurens imanyuel, Carole Holtz, Chris Planellas.
We will enjoy some familiar music on the joy of friendship.
According to Rebecca G. Adams, a professor of sociology at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, “Friendship has a bigger impact on our psychological well-being than family relationships.”

Oct. 24, 2010, 12:30pm: Our semi-annual congregational meeting takes place in the hall after lunch. Plan to stay and talk to committee chairs about how we are doing this year, what our goals are and help us choose a nominating committee.

Oct. 17, 2010, 10:30am. Association Sunday - "Celebrating 50 Years and the Future of Our Faith"
Hear from Tom McAninley, Rev. Ben Meyers, Carrie Knowles, Jo Green and Caitlin Cotter about their connections to UUA and SKSM and why they have made them so prominent in their own lives.
Music TBA.

Oct. 10, 2010 10:30am. "Reweaving the Interconnected Web." By now you have heard of 10-10-10. So you can guess that our service this morning will be focused on climate change and that we will be participating in several 'work parties' on behalf of the environment during the afternoon. Rev. Earl Koteen, our community minister and a staff member with UULMCA, will deliver a sermon on the subject and after lunch we hope that most of our members will engage in some effort that speaks to their love for the earth. We need help staffing a "NO on 23" table at MLK Park this afternoon. And we will have a work group st the fellowship doing much needed landscape and garden maintenance.

 

 

 

 

 

Oct. 3, 2010 10:30am "Do you Hear What I Hear?", a sermon by Dr. Carrie Knowles on listening.  Music by David Udolf. Carrie will present her reflections on the voices within, inner visions, how they change lives, and what she has learned as a Chaplain in a year of profound sharing with hospital patients.

Carrie Knowles is a 4^th year M. Div. student at the Starr King School for the Ministry.  Carrie’s career includes her Ph.D. in Psychology, the J.D., teaching, and practice as a clinical psychologist for many years.  Her past year was spent as a Chaplain intern at UCSF Medical Center.

 

 

September 2010

 

September 5, 2010 10:30am. Annual Water Ceremony. Bring in water from your travels to honor our sources of life-giving water and our renewing of community after a summer of travels and adventures. Aline Prentice brings us her piano music with Debussy's Reflets dans l'Eau. Winston Montgomery comes over from San Francisco to offer us an original song on water politics. This Sunday traditionally marks the last Sunday of summer and the beginning of a new program year for the Fellowship. It is a traditional time to “re-gather” from our summer travels through the ritual of the “Gathering of the Waters” Ceremony.

September 12, 2010 10:30am. Teshuvah Service. UU interpreted celebration of the Jewish holy days of the season. Gene Herman coordinates with Rev. Ben in the pulpit.

September 19, 2010 10:30am. Bring a Friend Sunday. Occasionally we have a sermon that helps those new to our denomination get a better idea of our beliefs and practices.  This is a great Sunday to bring a friend and stay for coffee and lunch.  "Are we a People of Faith?" is the sermon by Rev. Ben Meyers.  Richard Thomas will be on piano.

September 26, 2010 10:30am. Sex, Religion & Politics: The Role of the Unconscious & Dreams in Liberal Religious Thought, by the Rev. Jeremy Taylor with Sylvia Scherzer coordinating the service.  Marty Rosman is on the Steinway this Sunday.  Dr. Taylor writes "Any plan of salvation (personal or collective, religious or political) that ignores the unconscious is doomed to failure. I’ll talk about the ways to acknowledge our unconscious self in our waking life action."

Jeremy Taylor, D.Min. was ordained by The Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian-Universalists congregation in 1980 - - a treasured moment in his life. He is one of four founders of the International Association for the Study of Dreams and past president. Author of 4 books on dreams and the unconscious, Jeremy has taught all around the world for more than 40 years.

 

August 2010

August 1, 2010 Change: Between Trapezes Linda Laskowski, UUA Board of Trustees rep from the PCD Tom McAninley, Coordinator Sophie Megele, guest musician.

August 8, 2010, 10:30am This I Believe. Participants are Sumi Hosiko and Addie Bianchi. Gene Herman will coordinate. Brett Torres plays special music for us.

August 15, 2010, 10:30am “Faith, Flow, and the God Machine”. Clovice and Carol Lewis from Lake County providing words and music. Carrie Knowles is our coordinator. This description is from Clovice: The experience of “flow” that artists and other creative people report is the basis for my discussion. The difference between faith and flow is explored, especially as this relates to our expectations that God should provide services to us if we appease God. My sermon, thus, explores the question of whether a person can maintain a continuously high state of happiness by applying the principles of flow in all aspects of life. Mr. Clovice Lewis, cellist, composer, computer engineer, entrepreneur and theologian is a Unitarian Universalist lay-leader from the UU Congregation of Lake County and a friend of BFUU. We welcome him back to our pulpit, along with his wife and partner, Carol Cole-Lewis, a pianist. Both will also provide music for the service along with Sophie Mengele, our musical gift from Germany this summer..

August 22, 2010, 10:30am. "The Glory of Uselessness" sermon by Rev. Ben Meyers, returning from a summer break. A contemplation of summer, and consideration of E.B. White's dilemma of savouring the world or saving it.  Music by David Udolf. Some summer favorite songs: Summertime and Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!

 

 

 

August 29, 2010, 10:30am. " The Lady or the Wall" Sermon by Rev. Ben Meyers. 

Rev. Meyers and Stan Boghosian, guest musician

Story for all ages: Statue of Liberty...Emma Lazarus, "The New Colossus".
When we think of symbols and icons of the U.S., many images may come to mind. When addressing the issue of immigration rights and issues, two stand out: the Statue of Liberty and the U.S.-Mexican border wall. This sermon will be one in a series addressing the Unitarian Universalist call to “Stand on the Side of Love.”

 

July 2010

 

July 4, 2010, 10:30am "A tribute to Tom Paine organized by cynthia Johnson and Vic Sadot. Reading by Addie Bianchi and poem by Marianne Robinson.

 

July 11, 2010, 10:30am "This I Believe" Participants include Nancy Palmer offering her 'Credo' and Bill Balderson sharing his passion for working for justice in all that you do. The coordinator for the service is Cecilia Owen. Sophie Mengele will join us at the piano. Wattie Taylor offers us a life story about becoming "No Longer an Island".

July 18, 2010, "How Inherent is Worth?"  Chris Celata (pictured here) from LiveOak UU will be in the pulpit.  Members of the Live Oak choir are participating in the service along with accompanist, Debra Temple. Sumi Hosiko coordinates. Chris Celata and Bonnie Richmond of Live Oak have led this service for their own congregation and some members enjoyed it so much they are coming to experience it a second time. Below is an introduction from Chris about the service:

According to the first UU principle we affirm the inherent dignity and worth of every person. Does that mean that everyone, including barbaric torturing murderers has inherent worth? Then maybe I shouldn't feel so good about having it myself? Surely babies have worth, but can you forfeit what you have due to bad behavior? And how much worth do you have to have to deserve healthcare? a comfortable jail cell? What is "inherent worth" anyway? And what is it that are we all worthy of? Christine Celata, physicist, mother, and presently a member of the Live Oak Fellowship in Alameda, and Neighborhood UU Church in Pasadena, will give her thoughts on these questions

July 25, 2010, 10:30am.  This I Believe.  Participants are Tom McAninley and Cecilia Owen. Sophie Mengele on piano.

August 2010

August 1, 2010 10:30am "Between Trapezes", Linda Laskowski in the pulpit with Tom McAninley coordinating. A special reflection from a much loved and respected member of the UU Bay area community, Linda Laskowski, and our own congregation president coordinating the service.

 

 

June 2010

June 6, 2010 Spiritual, But Not Religious?” Rev. Ben Meyers. Sylvia Scherzer, Coordinator

More and more people in this country identify themselves as “SBNR”(Do you?) Our UU faith tradition embraces the notion that there are truths to be discovered and respected in each of the world’s religions as well as in the tenets of science and through self-discovery. We don’t usually use textbook definitions to define our terms. This is especially true concerning the two terms in the topic, above. How do you define them? The Rev. Ben Meyers, preaching. Music by Sophie Mengele, a classical pianist, from Munich, Germany. and Chris Diggins, who is also an accomplished clarinetist.

June 13, 2010 Celebrating Community:An Intergenerational Service Led by Rev. Ben Meyers & Beth Dana, DRE and Others. Children are invited to join with the entire congregation this Sunday to celebrate the Unitarian Universalist Flower Communion. The Flower Communion is a tradition in many UU congregations. It is a celebration of the way we come together to build world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all. We will also honor our Religious Exploration teachers and children.

June 20, 2010 This I Believe with Kevan Jenson & Brett Torres. Shirley Adams coordinates this service and Julia Haverstock reads the Story for all Ages. Kevan's homily is entitled "Uncomfortable" and promises to be an engrossing exploration of the challenges of living well. And Brett plays the music and delivers a homily entitled "A Wretch Like Me" about his religious path to Unitarian Universalism.

June 27, 2010 Oral History Reflections Led by the Oral History Young Adult Interns. Coordinators: Cecilia Owen & Lena Richardson. The photos will again be mounted in the Fellowship hall this Sunday.

Members of the interviewers/young adult team include Lauren Aczon, Katie Coffey, Moriah Cohen, Mary-Angela Fatta, Olivia Levins Holden, Maria Michaelson, Kathlyn York.

In this service, the BFUU oral history project interns will speak about this year of oral history gathering, what they have gleaned and why listening to stories matters to them. They will also speak about their own life journeys thus far and the key events that led them to seek out the realm of story and intergenerational community. We will take some time to honor the interns' contribution and recognize their ongoing connection to the Fellowship community as bearers of history.

 

 

May 2010

 

Sunday, May 30, 2010, Semi-Annual Poetry Service Semi-Annual Poetry Service. Theme: “War and Remembrance.” Shirley Adams and Frances Hillyard, Coordinators. Special music by Nicole Milner, pianist. and Max Ventura on vocals and guitar. Poets include: Frances Hillyard, Jean Hohl, Carrie Knowles, Clive Matson, Sue Pector, Tom Ross, Gene Sharee.

Children's Religious Exploration Topic: "Asking Questions" Unitarian Universalists believe that everyone should be free to ask questions and make up their own mind about what we believe. This week, we will play Twenty Questions, share our "wonderings," and hear a story about Unitarian astronaut and scientist Maria Mitchell, who wondered about the stars and told her students to "question everything."

April 2010

April 4, 2010 (Easter Sunday) “What Springs Forth: A Sermon On Renewing Our Community,” by the Rev. Ben Meyers,  Tom McAninley, co-ordinator.

Easter and Passover can be a tricky holidays for Unitarian Universalists: our faith is deeply rooted in Christian and Jewish teachings and traditions, but many of our members do not feel a close affinity with the particulars of the resurrection and liberation stories as they are told in the Bible. Many carry wounds from encounters within traditional forms of orthodoxy and the emphasis that is placed on the violence, or the mythology, or the irrelevance of the stories to our times.
However, we are called as Unitarian Universalists to “look beneath” all religious teachings and stories for “the kernel of gold, the core truth, still there underneath the layers of dogma.” That kernel, our faith maintains, can be found within our own hearts.
We invite you to come prepared to examine where we have come and where we are going in the next phase of this radical leap of faith called the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists.  Special music for the occasion. Kickoff for our Annual Stewardship renewal and drive.

Children's Religious Exploration (RE) program: Easter. Easter is a time to share the stories of our Jewish and Christian heritage and to celebrate rebirth, renewal, and growth. We will explore the Easter story, hunt for eggs, and then decorate them with our own beautiful designs.

April 11, 2010 “The Fate of Prophets” by the Rev. Robert Ballint, Hungarian Unitarian minister and Balazs Scholar at the Starr King School for the Ministry.  Coordinator: the Rev. Ben Meyers
‘Prophethood’ is not something that you choose. It is something that arouses with elemental power and compels you to walk a path, an adventurous path that is sometimes joyful, sometimes painful, and often both.  But it is YOUR WAY, and you can't do otherwise. It gives you strength, for it is coming from the SOURCE OF LIFE.

The sermon invites you to get closer to the memory of Balázs Ferenc (1901-1937), Unitarian minister of Mészkő, Transylvania (Alabaster Village). He was a man with vision, a writer, a poet, a community builder, a parent and husband, and the misunderstood prophet of the Valley of God (Aranyos Valley).

The Rev. Róbert Bálint is the 2009-2010 Balázs Scholar at Starr King School for the Ministry. Róbert is the minister to congregations in Mészkő, the Alabaster Village and Csegez.  In addition to his theological studies, he has completed a degree in sociology at Kolozsvár Babes Bolyai University. He has been involved in the Unitarian youth movement, and worked with local social and charity organizations. With others, he has started the Francis Balázs Historical Preservation Project, designed to preserve and promote Balázs' spiritual and material heritage. He hopes to return at the end of his scholarship year having learned more about church organizational life and practices, new springs in Unitarian Universalist theological thinking, and ways of handling social issues.

Children's RE program: Teachers and Learners. "From you I receive, To you I give, Together we share, From this we
live." Throughout our lives, we are all teachers and learners. We never stop learning and we never stop growing. We will reflect on our favorite teachers, and play a fun game of charades to teach each other. Come learn and teach!

April 18, 2010 “We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For” Guest Preacher: Bill Scarvie.  Worship Coordinator: the Rev. Ben Meyers

“The organizing principles of Earth Community are so closely aligned with the principles of my faith that I cannot affirm and promote one without affirming and promoting the other.” In this service we will explore the moral imperative of the Earth Community described in David Korten’s book, “The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community.”

Bill Scarvie was called to bring the good news of Earth Community to Unitarian Universalists after reading David Korten’s book. Bill serves as Coordinator of Outreach for the Earth Community Initiative of David Korten's People Centered Development Forum. Bill lives on Bainbridge Island, Washington, with his wife, Karen. They are members of the Cedars UU Church of Bainbridge Island.

Children's RE Program: "I am the Lorax, I speak for the trees." "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss tells the story of the evil Once-ler who chops down the truffala trees for profit, and the Lorax who repeatedly warns the Once-ler of the dangers of
destroying the earth. Come hear the story of the Lorax, create your own truffala tree forest, and learn about why it is important to save the environment - because our lives depend on it!

April 25, 2010 Intergenerational Earth Day Celebration

 

March 2010

Sunday, March 7, 2010: "The Heart of the Matter" Sermon by Jeff Melcher and Service coordinated by Rev. Ben Meyers

Why we do what we do: A heart journey of social justice advocacy, self discovery, and my place in the world. What drives a social justice passion? What does the work teach us about ourselves? How can a spiritual practice empower our social justice? Jeffrey Melcher speaks to his journey as UULM organizer and lessons he has learned. Jeff Melcher is an Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry Organizer and past-president of the BFUU.

Children's Religious Exploration (RE) Program: "Working It Out." We believe in working for a world that is peaceful and fair.  Children will learn about the story of Unitarian peacemaker Emily Greene Balch and explore peaceful ways of working differences with each other and in the world.

12:30 to 2pm: ‘Together In Exploration’: Spiritual Growth Group with Rev. Ben and Kate Meyers. Session Title: “Taking A Stand For What Matters To You”

 

Sunday, March 14, 2010: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME: ‘SPRING AHEAD' ONE HOUR OR YOU'LL MISS CHURCH!!! "Roots and Wings: Planting Seeds and Preening Feathers" by Rev. Ben Meyers & Beth Dana, DRE

The pioneering religious educator, Sophia Lyons Fahs, tells us "it matters what we believe."  Some beliefs foster growth, self-worth, respect and       gratitude, and other beliefs foster just the opposite.  But, what happens when we stop fostering ANY beliefs?  This service is about renewing our commitment to ‘teach our children well.'  Please plan to stay for the workshop which follows...

Children's RE: "The Web of Humankind." We believe in caring for each other, and in caring for our earth, the home we share with all other living things to whom we are connected in the great chain of life. Through story ("The Little Red Hen"), discussion, and art children will consider the people chains they are a part of and write a thank you note to an important "link" in their chain.

12:30 to 4 pm: Congregational Startup Workshop For Religious Education

Jeanelyse Doran Adams, Director of Program Development for the PCD/UUA, will lead the congregation in further  welcoming our Director of Religious Exploration, Beth Dana, deepening our understanding of Religious Exploration, and clarifying our commitment to the RE program at BFUU. Congregational leaders and all people interested in supporting Religious  Exploration for Children at BFUU are encouraged to participate.

March 21, 2010: "Belonging" by Rev. Ben Meyers. NEW MEMBER INGATHERING SERVICE

What does it mean to ‘belong?'  Webster's third definition gives a clue, "to be properly or appropriately placed."  Where do you belong? Where do you need to be in the world to "properly placed?" Tom McAninley, coordinator.

If you have been contemplating becoming more involved at BFUU as a member or friend, please contact Shirley Adams This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or call Rev. Ben: 510-841-4003...YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID! Joining this month is: Deena andrew, Sumi Hosiko, and Kathryn Thompson.

Children's RE: "Inherent Worth": We believe that each and every person is important. Through a movement game, stories, and a board game called In-HERE-ent Worth, children will explore what they value most. Children will each get a UU       fortune carrying the good news that all people have inherent worth!

12:30 to 2pm: ‘Together In Exploration': Spiritual Growth Group following service with Rev. Ben and Kate Meyers. Session Title: "How Much Is Enough?" cancelled due to the Father Tamayo event.

March 28, 2010: Lessons from the Jewish genocide by Annette Herskovits

Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza live under military occupation, every aspect of their lives ruled by the Israeli army. Their land has been stolen to build homes for hostile and armed Jewish settlers. As a holocaust survivor and daughter of holocaust victims, Israel's destructive (and eventually self-destructive) path is a matter of constant interrogation and concern. I will share reflections about the need to understand how the past shapes the present, while, in the present, we make every effort to bring freedom and justice to Palestinians, and peace to both people. Service coordinated by Cynthia Johnson. guest musician is Max Ventura.

Children's RE: "Fair to Everyone." We believe that all people should be treated fairly and kindly. But how do we live this out in our lives? We often hear "that's not fair!" - this week children will  explore what IS fair. We will hear the story of twins Tim and Tom struggling with fairness, and of two of our UU foremothers who had dreams of making the world more fair. Come share your dreams for greater fairness.

February 2010

Sunday, Feb. 7 2010   “What (Else) Are You Missing?”, a sermon by the Rev. Ben Meyers

The organizational guru, Jerold Panas writes: “Before you leave this life, you want to be able to say: ‘I was given a certain talent—and I used it all.’ What passion, talent, or desire are you longing to use this new year? What is holding you back? How would life be different if you pulled out all the stops? The sermon is a personal reflection and an inspiring tale. A great service to bring a friend or family member. Open Circle following service: 12:30 to 2pm with Rev. Ben

Sunday, February 14, 2010: Intergenerational Service On LOVE, Coordinator: Beth Dana, Director of Religious Exploration and others

Valentine’s Day is about more than romance, greeting cards, and chocolates. This Sunday, we will celebrate love’s power to transform people and communities. What do you love? How do you show love for the world? This intergenerational service will celebrate the many different ways we love. Margaret Hamilton is sharing a Story for all Ages. Tom McAninley tells about someone he has loved.

Sunday, February 28, 2010: “Making Time: A Sermon for the Hurried, the Harried, and the Hapless” by the Rev. Ben Meyers

Ghandi is attributed with saying: “There is more to life than increasing it’s speed.”

As a world citizen in the 21^st century, I often find that the “time saving solutions” presented me also exact a cost to my sense of balance. I’m perpetually accosted with a false sense of urgency. And yet, it’s so tempting to think that a “two-minute bedtime story” might actually work! Spending time in virtual reality may be productive, but real connections take patience, presence and practice. Let’s practice.  Open Circle/Together in Exploration following service: 12:30 to 2pm with Rev. Ben and Kate Meyers.

January, 2010

Sunday, January 3, 2010

By Another Way?
Rev. Ben Meyers
Come start the New Year off in a good way with us at BFUU. Special music and a ritual for the occasion will be offered. Our children will focus on the UU Fourth Principle by exploring the idea of searching for truth by asking questions.
Coordinator: Cynthia Johnson.

January 10, 2010
True Religion?
Rev. Ben Meyers
Reflections from one who had it, lost it, and later     re-discovered it to be both essential and beyond  belief! An excellent service to introduce UU to your friends or family members!
Coordinator: Syl Scherzer.  Musician: David Udolf
Come meet our new Director of Religious Exploration, Beth Dana!
Also, please stay for a workshop:               
UU WORSHIP PRACTICES AT BFUU, 1- 3:30PM

January 17, 2010
Tribute to Martin Luther King    by Rev. Ben Meyers
Ingathering Ceremony during service for new members

Join in making the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday a meaningful experience.
Coordinator: Tom McAninley  Special music for the Holiday by David Udolf

January 24, 2010
From Harvard, to Jerusalem, and back again led by Cecilia Owen
What do Harvard Divinity School and Jerusalem have in common? They both have become an integral part of my divinity school experience. From riding Palestinian bus lines in Jerusalem to studying Arabic everyday at Harvard, I found myself stretching into whole new areas of knowledge and experience. How could I make sense of these new challenges within my spiritual life? How do we all embrace the multi-faceted dimensions of spiritual and multi-cultural life without becoming overwhelmed and perhaps even become the better for them? Coordinator: Cynthia Johnson

January 31, 2010
Where Love Is: A Biblical Case for Same-Sex Marriage," by the Rev. Ben Meyers.

Many of the arguments from the religious "right" claim to be Biblically-based.  But, are these arguments either religiously or culturally sound?  The sermon will offer both a critical eye and a spiritual interpretation to help us in our respectful and rightful engagement to counter these arguments and to support the rights of all people to marry, "Wherever Love Is."  All are worthy, all are welcome. Musician: Carl Saffira Andrews.  Worship coordinator: Shirley Adams
[NOTICE: The Rev. Paul Sawyer, originally scheduled to preach this day, cancelled. We will reschedule Paul for another date later this Spring.]

 

December

December 6, 2009

Gratitude: Carrying the Light, Entering the Darkness

Edie Hartshorne

Award-winning writer, peace activist and musician Edie Hartshorne invites us to inquire:  How we hold a sense of hope and our own light during this season? As the world grows darker and the Holiday Season often presents challenges, how can we use our personal experience to support our intentions and commitment as activists? How can we respond to community and global challenges in a manner that sustains, rather than drains us? Edie will use music, poetry and readings from her book "Light in Blue Shadows" to share her insights. The Audible Light Trio with Edie (Japanese Koto) and BFUU members Nicole Milner (piano) and PhoeBe Anne (soprano) will offer related music.
Coordinator: Cynthia Johnson

December 13, 2009, ‘Bring a Friend Sunday’
While Standing On One Foot: A Unitarian Universalist Catechism
Rev. Ben Meyers
What do Unitarian Universalists believe? What is the essence of our liberal faith and spiritual grounding that compels us towards social justice and openness to religious pluralism? How do we articulate all this….succinctly? As suggested by its title, this sermon will attempt to do so. This is a very good service to invite your neighbors and friends to BFUU and introduce them to this UU community. Jazz pianist David Udolf will provide special music. Coordinator: Tom McAninley. A special story and children’s religious exploration program will focus on Hanukkah. A ‘UU 101’ orientation session will be offered by Rev. Ben and our Welcoming team after service.

 

December 20, 2009

A Reason for the Season?
Rev. Ben Meyers
As we stand poised before the mountain of expectation of this winter holiday season, I propose we pause to consider what is at the core of our celebrations and ask ourselves, “From whence comes our power to transcend darkness into light?” As this is the Sunday before Christmas and the day before the Winter Solstice, we will sing and share special hymns, carols, and stories. Bring your family and friends!

Thursday, Dec. 24, 5 pm: Candlelight Service led by Rev. Meyers. All are invited for a service of lessons and carols as we celebrate the season together. Appropriate for all ages. Sunday. December 27, 2009
BFUU Poetry on Commitment
Coordinator: Frances Hillyard
What kindles (or rekindles) the flame of your commitment? What is your experience of being committed to causes or relationships? What do you do that engages your whole being? Such questions as these will be explored in poetry by members and
friends of the congregation. In order to take part in the Poetry presentation, please turn in copies of the poem(s) you plan to read by December 20, either to the office or to Frances. Each reader gets three minutes.

 

 

November

 

Sunday, November 1, 2009

All Soul’s Sunday Service: “Myths, Legends, and the Stories That Shape Us”

Rev. Ben Meyers

Halloween—All Hallowed’s Eve—is the night preceding the feast of all the venerated dead.  These are the “saints” of All Saints Day, and the Celtic Samhain, and the Mexican Dia de los Muertos: It is a time to recall and honor those who came before us. In the words of “Breaths,” a popular song, “the dead have a pact with the living.” In this service of remembrance we will explore and celebrate our connections to our dead and their impact upon us. All are invited to bring a photograph or other appropriate item to place upon an “Altar of Remembrance.” Please plan to arrive a few moments before the service for this.

 

 

Sunday, November 8, 2009: "Justice, Equity, and Compassion in Human Relations"

Clovice A. Lewis, Jr., guest preacher.

Drawing upon the lessons and insights his parents gave him about how to live a spiritual life while coping with racism during his childhood, Clovice Lewis will talk about the progress we have made as a society emerging from the era of segregation in the United States. He also discusses the importance of the sixth UU principle on a global level. Lewis writes: “The spiritual and social yardstick regarding valuing others as yourself is, indeed, very high. Unitarian Universalists have been called to a very high standard. It is not necessarily the mandate to love others as you do yourself. Love is not a simple passive act. We have a much broader, more powerful requirement. We are asked to go beyond love towards activism.”

 

Clovice A. Lewis, Jr. is a member and past President of the Unitarian Universalist Community in Lake County. He is a professional composer and cellist, a former professor of computer music at UCSB, and a private pilot. He describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur” and is the CEO of a newly formed corporation called Advanced Housing Technology, LLC, which will manufacture small green emergency housing for disaster relief. He is also the owner of two multimedia companies: Technology Media Enterprises and Jazzical Music. Carol Cole-Lewis, an accomplished pianist and vocalist, will join Clovice in providing music for the morning.

 

 

Sunday, November 15, 2009

New Member Ingathering Ceremony.  Sermon: “A Question of Religion: Have You Ever Thought You Might Be Wrong?”

Rev. Ben Meyers

More often than not, societal conventions convey religion as a set of beliefs which either confine, berate or even condemn human experience. Religion is usually relegated to strict doctrines that must be followed to the letter lest eternal damnation ensue.  Religion could lead us to questions that aid in discerning life’s meaning but, too often, religious education is just a code word for indoctrination, unthinking and unquestioned.  Unitarian Universalism offers a different approach to religion.  It is an approach that sees religion as a "cradle-to-grave" experience, deepened by our doubts.  This service will present some questions that religion must ask if it is to be an aid in living a full life.

We will welcome new members with an Ingathering Ceremony as part of this service.  If you have been thinking of joining this congregation and are ready to do so now, call our minister, Ben Meyers at 510 841-4003.

 

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Thanksgiving Sunday and Bring a Friend Sunday. “A Grateful Heart”

Rev. Ben Meyers.

There is so much to be grateful for; and this is the time of year when the abundance of our lives is noted and celebrated and shared.  For we know that gratitude alone is not enough.  We know that true appreciation requires giving back in some way. In order to keep our gifts pure we must develop a sense of generosity, which comes from participation in serving a cause that is greater than ourselves.  This is a significant part of my understanding of why it is we gather in religious community... to make real and to live out our interconnections with life. On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we pause to take stock.  This Sunday is also an excellent opportunity to introduce your neighbors and friends to BFUU. Special music for the occasion and the children will prepare a Harvest Communion of pumpkin bread and cider in celebration and gratitude for our religious community.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Human Rights, Human Power, and Abortion: A UU Legacy

Darcy Baxter

UU congregations are some of, if not the, most pro-choice religious communities in the USA.  Roe v. Wade was born in the basement of a UU congregation. What spiritual wisdom does our tradition provide in the face of the current shortage of abortion providers and the increasing restrictions and obstacles to reproductive healthcare?  What does abortion teach us about the limitations of human power? 
Darcy Baxter is a 3rd generation UU and 4th year seminarian at Starr King School for the Ministry. Darcy could not have done her work as an abortion counselor, a sexuality educator, or as a chaplain on a neo-natal intensive care unit without the solid moral and spiritual grounding of Unitarian Universalism.

 

October 25, 2009
UN Sunday: A Safe and Dignified Life for All
Rev. Ben Meyers
Following World War II, the United Nations (UN) was founded on 24 October 1945, in San Francisco. With aims to protect human rights and achieve world peace, it is a center for governments to communicate and develop strategies to reach these ends. Since its founding, October 24 has been called United Nations Day. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution recommending that the day be observed as a public holiday by Member States. In celebration of this   annual event, BFUU will join the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO) who invites  congregations and individual UUs to deepen their understanding of the United Nations by devoting one service in October to reaffirming the connections between UU principles and vital issues dealt with at the UN. A sermon by the Rev. Ben Meyers on this year's theme, "A Safe and Dignified Life for All" with an emphasis on human rights, will be given. Special music and Children’s Religious Education program provided.
Sylvia Scherzer, Coordinator

October 4, 2009
Until You Come Home: Making Music for Healing Our Veterans
George Mann
Labor Activist and musician George Mann has crossed the nation lifting up the elderly and the poor.  Today, his focus is on veterans and families as a way to say "Welcome Home".  He will explore with us how these individuals and families deal with loss and the impact of the horrors of war as well as how we as citizens can support the women and men who serve our country. Children’s Religious Exploration program offered for all ages.
Cynthia Johnson, Coordinator

October 11, 2009
Association Sunday: We Are Better Together!  
Rev. Ben Meyers
On this Sunday, we join with UU congregations throughout the continent for the Third Annual “Association Sunday.” This years’ campaign is to build enthusiasm for the goals of growing our faith in numbers, spirit, diversity, leadership and social witness. A special collection will be taken to support the UUA’s Growth in Diversity initiatives. Rev. Ben Meyers will deliver the sermon and there will be  special music for the occasion. Children’s Religious Exploration program offered for all ages.
Tom McAninley, Coordinator

October 18, 2009
Heritage & Change
Rev. Julia Kocs-Meyers
Heritage and change are the twin aspects of the phenomenon we call the history of our denomination. This Sunday we will explore this phenomenon through the connection of our historical roots in Transylvania, described by a Unitarian Universalist minister as ”the land of the Unitarian faith that has not changed in over 400 years.” Children’s Religious Exploration program offered for all ages.

The Rev. Julia Kocs-Meyers is a Hungarian Unitarian minister from Transylvania, Romania, a social worker and a business and executive coach. Prior to starting her consulting practice, she directed Connecting Point, the crisis center for homeless families in San Francisco city and county. She currently lectures on change management at the Functional Restoration Program in Emeryville and serves as the VP of Operations & Strategy for a small firm in Berkeley, CA.
Tom McAninley, Coordinator

September 20, 2009

Answering the Call

Rev. Earl W. Koteen

Cynthia Johnson, Coordinator

Who or what is calling you? What role, what ministry do you perform at the Berkeley Fellowship? in the community outside the Fellowship? How do you see the future and your future in this beloved community? Rev. Earl reflects upon these questions and and invites you to do the same as the Fellowship moves forward in its plans for the revitalization of its ministry to the greater Berkeley community.

Rev. Earl, the first minister we have ordained in many years, was our intern minister during the 06-07 congregational year and has been our organizational development consultant since Aug. 2007.

 

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Teshuvah: A Service of

Forgiveness and Atonement

Rev. Ben Meyers

Sylvia Scherzer, Coordinator

The Jewish High Holy Days are traditionally a time of reflection of the year past and an opportunity to “set things right” for the coming year. The term teshuvah, or ‘turning’, provides us a context in which to do the difficult, but necessary, work of changing our patterns of behavior and letting go in order to move ahead. A ritual recitation of the Al Chet will be a part of the service.

August 2

Illness, Injustice and Hope: Health Care as a Human Right
Megan Dowdell
Coordinator: Frances Hillyard

As UUs who believe in justice, equity and compassion for all people and the interdependent web of all existence, health and health care justice connects us all. Join Megan Dowdell, organizer for UU Legislative Ministry of California and GTU doctoral student, in exploring health care as a fundamental human right. Hear her story of family illness, injustice and hope, then learn how, together, we can promote federal health care reform here, now, and into the future. For more information check out UU Voices in Health Care, a program of UULMCA.

July 12
Inspiration and Ideas from General Assembly Tom McAninley
Coordinator: Christy Baker

Our Board president was our delegate to General Assembly in Salt Lake City from June 24 through June 28. Today he will report back on some of the significant ideas and speeches he heard.

July 5
Adversity, Affirmation and Activism
Kriss Worthington
Coordinator: Cynthia Johnson

Kriss is the go-to guy when you want your justice vision to become a reality. He will reflect on being a citizen and his ongoing spiritual search. His pilgrimage goes from whipped and beaten foster child to homeless teen to international traveler to dedicated public servant. South Berkeley around the UC Campus is Kriss’s City Council district, but you’ll see him on his bike all over town, and he represents us all.

June 14 Time To Say Goodbye
Rev. Kuhwald
Coordinator: Tom McAninley
We have experienced four years of mutual ministry, tendering to each other support, care, respect, and essential co-ministry, a set of experiences that has forever changed the Fellowship in rich and profound ways. Come share in the joy and the sadness as Rev. Kuhwald says his last goodbyes to the Fellowship.
Evelie Delfino Sales Posch will provide music.

June 21 Solstice service
Evelie Delfino Sales Posch
Coordinator TBA
Summer Solstice, known in pagan and religious traditions by many different names, occurs in the middle of June. A celebration of the longest day of the year, it is the beginning of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere. It has been a grand tribal gathering time since ancient times. The Goddess manifests as Mother Earth and the God as the Sun King. Colors are Yellow, Green, and Blue. It is a festival of community sharing and planetary service.
Today we will celebrate a Summer Solstice participatory ritual with music, poetry, singing, storytelling. Bring an item for a magical gift exchange. Bring a drum or a shaker if you have. Joining her will be members of the Spiral Dance Chorus and Band and the Taliesinatore (Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids).
Evelie Delfino Såles Posch is an enChantress, ritualist, Pranic and sonic healer, women’s spirituality teacher, music educator and consultant. She is a sacred songwriter and recording heartist and plays many diverse instruments. She sings with 11 ensembles and directs four. Her music ministry is dedicated to her mother, Divinia, her first music teacher.

 

June 7
Poetry: Respecting the Web of All Life
Fellowship Poets
Coordinator: Frances Hillyard
How do you embrace your part in the web of all life? Poets Adam David Miller, Frances Hillyard, Tom Ross, Marianne Robinson, Gene Sharee, Ardys DeLu, and Bob Randoph will share works exploring their relationship with the wider community of nature and all beings.
Max Ventura will share her musical talents.

 

 

May 31
Choosing Choice
Rev. Kurt A. Kuhwald
Coordinator: Sylvia Scherzer
One of the greatest functions of consciousness is making choices. Is it possible to choose Life, as the First Testament prophet said? What choices must be made to insure a future of relevance, love, and justice for the life of the Fellowship? What choices have you made that changed your life? What choices are still to be made that are pressing for resolution in your life? Join us as we honor the great human power of choice- making (and get a clue or two about good strategies for choosing).  The Annual Congregational Meeting follows the Service today.

 

 

May 24
Spirit, Work and Money: A Partnership for Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
Pat Sullivan
Coordinator: Frances Hillyard
How can current challenges around work and money be a catalyst for personal or group spiritual growth? How can new attitudes towards work and money help rebuild our economy on a more solid, more ethical and more just foundation? Spirit and work expert Pat McHenry Sullivan offers tips, resources and wisdom from all faiths, from all types of work and financial challenges. Handouts include a selection of her "Vision and Values" columns on spirit and work from the San Francisco Chronicle.

 

 

May 17
The Age of Flowers: A UU Communion for Justice and Celebration
Rev. Kuhwald
Coordinator: Tom McAninley
The Unitarian, Czechoslovakian minister Rev. Norbert Capek created a ritual of flowers that UU congregations across the continent celebrate in spring and early summer. Join with us as we, too, celebrate life and justice through the delicate and tenacious beauty of flowers . . . and the graceful ritual of communal exchange. Bring flowers to be shared for the ceremony.
Evelie Delfino Sales Posch will provide the music.

 

 

May 10
Honoring Our Mothers of Blood and Spirit
Evelie Delfino Sales Posch
Coordinator: Cynthia Johnson
To commemorate Mother's Day, and in honor of her mother, Divinia, truly a divine mother on earth, Evelie Delfino Sales Posch will co-create the celebration with music, song, storytelling and ritual. Joining her will be members of the Spiral Dance Chorus and the Taliesin Druid Group.

May 3
A Matter of Principle[s]
Jamie McReynolds
Coordinator: Tom McAninley
What is at the core of our UU faith? Answers to this question have changed over the last two centuries. Are our UU principles, which we are considering revising next month at our annual General Assembly, a transient or a permanent aspect of our faith? Come join us as we explore these questions.
Jamie McReynolds is a seminarian at Starr King School for the Ministry who will be graduating with a Masters of Divinity degree in May 2009. He plans to serve as a chaplain in a hospital or hospice. Jamie is a member and a chaplain of the First Unitarian Church of Oakland.

April 26
Ministry & The Deep River-Runner Path
Rev. Kurt A. Kuhwald
Coordinator: Sylvia Scherzer
This religious/ethical community, the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, has followed a deepening path in the last four years. Choosing to collaborate with a professional minister, Rev. Kurt A. Kuhwald, has reconfirmed what he calls “The Deep River-Runner Path” as central to the congregation’s life. Join us as we journey that path as a gathered community, exploring the many ways we gift each others’ hearts and spirits.

April 19
There's A New World Coming: Songs in a Season of Hope
Betsy Rose
Coordinator: Tom McAninley
Do you feel a new energy, a fresh wind at your back, despite these disastrous economic times? The Obama victory can be seen as a culmination of many years of Progressive organizing and activism in the U.S., and as a beginning of a new era in our country and our world. This service will include historic activist songs and songs envisioning a more just, sacred, and sustainable way of life, one that feels more possible now.

Betsy Rose is a singer, songwriter, and recording artist who has performed at festivals, ecological conferences, and spiritual gatherings. Spiritual leaders Thich Nhat Hanh, Matthew Fox, Joanna Macy, and others have included her music in their work. After 9/11 and during the Iraq invasion she gathered large groups of people to sing peace songs at BART stations. She co-leads the Family Practice Program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and participates in their Path of Engagement program.

 

 

April 12

Accountable: Making Good on Our Promises

Rev. Kurt A. Kuhwald

Coordinator: Aline Prentice

The new political era, ushered in on the democratic tsunami of Barack Hussein Obama’s entry into the White House, calls us to both accountability and holding him, others—and ourselves—accountable for the promises we have made. Join us as we use the work of Tavis Smiley, black progressive political commentator, to dance between the political dynamics of this national moment and the drama of our own inner journey’s elegance and struggle.

From Hope into Emergence

Joel Gilbertson-White

Coordinator: Cynthia Johnson

When we hope, we envision that which is possible and desired. What happens as the processes of hope progress, and how do we know when our hopes are budding into satisfaction? And when we renegotiate our visions and desires, how can we draw more deeply from the well of our imagination? Joel Gilbertson-White is a fourth-year student in the M.Div program at Starr King, a member and youth adviser at First Unitarian Church of Oakland. He is looking forward to being a ministerial intern at First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco in the coming year.