The following is a list of posts blog from the UUSA:

Rivers and Resistance – A sermon by Polly Peterson, member of the UUSA Environmental Action Circle that reflects on how rivers represent the flow of humanity’s march toward justice. 

Easter: Wild Uncertainty – A sermon by Rev. Rachael Hayes that reflects on the moment Jesus’s followers were told that he had risen from his tomb. What will be next for his followers? What is next for us?

Twilight and Tide Pools: Beyond the Binary – A sermon by Sarah Prager, UUSA member and noted author and speaker on LGBTQ+ issues, provides a philosophical and theological basis for understanding the non-binary nature of life on earth.

The Young and Fearless Prophet – A sermon by Rev. Rachael Hayes that notes how Federal Judge Fred Biery cited the teachings of Jesus to call on our politicians to humanely treat immigrants and the oppressed. 

The Giving Tree – A sermon by Worship Associate, Robin Livingston, that asks if the relationship between the Tree and the Boy would improved if the boy followed guidance on reciprocity as articulated in “The Serviceberry” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

The Beloved Community Means Everybody – A sermon by Rev. Rachael Hayes reminds us that a beloved community is  not a community defined around beloved people or for a special group. 

Who Has Time for Collective Liberation? – A sermon by Rev. Rachael Hayes about the roles for collective liberation within a liberal religion like Unitarian Universalism. 

Come Cry With Me – A sermon by Worship Associate, John Gerber, that reflects on how we might respond to both current and historical violence in this country promulgated by white supremacy with an open heart through shared grief. 

The Glow of Generosity – A sermon by Reverend Rachael Hayes that reflects on our new Mission Statement and how it reflects the generosity of our faith and congregation, both to our members and our community.

We Are – A sermon by Reverend Rachael Hayes during our service welcoming new members. We want them to find belonging, and trust our congregation with their real self. To jump in, join in our traditions, share their ideas, and bring their passions. 

Songs of Freedom – A sermon by Reverend Rachael Hayes cites the story of Exodus and other sources to remind us that we do not have true freedom unless all of us are free. 

Seeds of Hope – A sermon by member Polly Peterson that reminds us that the seeds we plant in our garden and in our minds prepare the world we want for us and our community in this 2025 Earth Day service. 

The Silly Octopus –  Reverend Rachael Hayes shares her experience of mirroring an octopus in an aquarium, developing a genuine connection with it, and how developing a whole-hearted relationships helps us and the community. 

Indian Boarding Schools – the UUSA has voted to support this federal legislation. 

Resisting Reproductive Coercion in the Age of Trump – Dr. Carrie Baker delivers a sermon about the campaign against pregnant women to deny them of reproductive health services and how to resist.

A Stone of Hope – A sermon by the Reverend Rachael Hayes on the eve of the day of remembrance for Dr. Martin Luther King, in which she reflects on his dream and the “stone of hope” for a beloved community.

Thoughts on Tolerance – A sermon by the Reverend Rachael Hayes on how tolerance of the intolerant can lead to the overall loss of tolerance in our society.

The Heart of Enlightenment – A sermon by the Reverend Rachael Hayes on Bodhi Day, the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that Gautama Buddha (Shakyamuni) is said to have attained enlightenment.

Greater Together – A sermon by Rev. Rachael Hayes on taking up your cause, the one that your feelings direct you toward, with a community that can share their wisdom and direction with you. 

Pathways to Mending Our Minds and Hearts – A sermon by Rev. Rachael Hayes on how to deal with stress, anxiety, worry, or despair that may result from the election, or other social challenges.

Radical Welcome – A guest sermon by Zr. Alex Kapitan on inclusion of LGBTQ members within congregations and preview of fall Transforming Hearts Collective program.

Ferdinand’s Refusal – A sermon by Robin Livingston about the lesson’s that both the story of Ferdinand the bull and Old Survivor (the oldest redwood tree in Oakland, CA) have for how we live our lives.

Ministry in Governance – A co-presidents letter presenting the idea that everything we do is “ministry”.

What a Resurrection! – A sermon by Rev. Rachael Hayes on what the story of Jesus’s resurrection says about a love that is bigger than death and bigger than the Roman empire; and how that applies today.

What to You is Wealth? – A sermon by member Polly Peterson on the lessons from the tale of King Midas, plus the wisdom of Robin Wall Kimmerer, Karen Armstrong, Thich Nhat Hanh, and others.

Growth at UUSA – A letter from the co-presidents observes how we are growing and what we all can do to ensure that it is a positive transition for both new and old members.

Transformation – A sermon from the Reverend Rachael Hayes. “We are all growing, all learning, all loved.” You are not trapped by what you have been or thought before; you are free in every moment to grow from all you have experienced.

Unjust Laws, Civil Disobedience & Reproductive Justice – A guest sermon by Dr. Carrie N. Baker, J.D., Ph.D; lawyer, Smith College professor, and regular contributor to Ms. Magazine.

UUA Statement on the Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza & Israel – A message from Naomi Yanis and link to the full statement

Chutes and Ladders for Universalists – A sermon from the Reverend Rachael Hayes

We’ve Got Siding! – An update to the congregation and a request for financial support

Bringing Hell to Paradise – A sermon from the Reverend Rachael Hayes

Come Sing a Song with Me – A sermon from Alyson Bull

Water Knows No Boundaries – A sermon from the Reverend Rachael Hayes

The Water Ritual – A sermon from the Reverend Rachael Hayes

On Repentance and Repair – Join us for an exploration of the 2023-24 UUA Common Read.

What’s Article II All About?As part of a sermon the Reverend Rachael Hayes spoke to the UUSA about the proposed changes in Article II of the UUA Bylaws…

An Indigenous People’s History of the United States Common Read Thanks to everyone who joined us for a congregational common read of the UUA Beacon Press book, An Indigenous People’s History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, 

2022 National Day of MourningThanks to everyone who joined us for daily actions leading up to the National Day of Mourning – November 24, 2022

Congregational Meeting to Discuss Capital Projects – October, 2022 If you missed the congregational meeting at which we discussed the capital needs of the congregation, here is a video of the highlights.