Sermons-First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco

"The Quick Fix: A conversation about what is lost when we attempt to rush reconciliation."

Sunday, August 6, 10:50 am

August is a month in which people around the world celebrate the ascension of the Virgin Mary and mourn the horror unleashed in Hiroshima. What can these two events tell us about our capacity for causing harm to vulnerable populations and to our own spiritual development when we attempt to assuage our discomfort with the work required of us when we are faced with spiritual and societal strain or fracture? Please join Worship Associates Richard Davis-Lowell and Mari Magaloni Ramos for this one of a kind conversational service.

Richard Davis-Lowell, Worship Associate; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Mark Sumner, songleader, Elliott Etzkorn, pianist

Eric Shackelford, Camera; Alicia Cover, Order of Service; Jonathan Silk, Audio; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

“Worth and Dignity”

Ever since the 1860’s, when led by our Minister, Thomas Starr King, this congregation has been notable for its commitment to Social Justice. We give scholarships to first generation students, we help feed people in need. We provide free after-school care for local children. We shelter those, who have none, during the winter months. We support ministries in the community, and much else. Today our firmest belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person, is being assaulted by the forces of Capitalism, the increasing wealth of the rich, the ethos of materialism, and the coercive power wielded by the media. All this contributes to the widening gap between people who are wealthy and those who struggle to survive. How can we be true to our beliefs? This morning we will explore ways in which we can become more aware of the ecological, economic, and power dynamics which benefit the few, and keep us separate. Believing that study and reflection in community, can heal us, if we dare to face the truth.

Sister Sheila Flynn, Guest Preacher; Rev. Margot Campbell Gross, Minister Emerita; Elliott Etzkorn, pianist; Bill Ganz, pianist; Ben Rudiak-Gould or Nancy Munn, songleader

Shulee Ong, Camera; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Alicia Cover, Order of Service; Carrie Steere-Salazar, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Lessons on Community from Nature"

What are the important lessons humans can learn about leadership, adaptation and cooperation? In this sermon, guest preacher, Aisha Hauser will share her favorite stories and lessons from nature about how we can better support each other in community.

Aisha Hauser, Guest Preacher; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; Radim Zenkl, multi instrumentalist

Shulee Ong, Camera; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Alicia Cover, Order of Service; Desired Effect, audio support; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"WEAV: What is it?"

This past Spring, UUSF piloted a new program from Starr King School of the Ministry, WEAV. What is this program and how does it help with our 8th principle work?

Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Sam King, Worship Associate; Jayanti Chapot, Reflection; Rochelle Fortier Nwadibia, Reflection; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; Michael Mandrell, guitarist; Richard Fey, songleader

Alicia Cover, Order of Service; Shulee Ong & Eric Shackelford, Livestream Cameras; Eric Wood (Desired Effect), Audio; Tom Brookshire, Live Chat Moderator; Matias Salazar & Tony Miller, Sextons; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Setting Boundaries"

I had a therapist years ago who said each day do one thing that makes you more of a self. What she meant was one thing that honored your needs, wants and/or named in a grounded way your expectations. As a country that flaunts human behavior without boundaries OR boundaries enforced to extreme (the right to shoot folks who wander on our property, for example) we seem to have lost the gentle, healthy frameworks and art of setting boundaries. Let's talk, from intimate ways, about the diversity and beauty of healthy boundaries.

Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Carmen Barsody, Worship Associate; Reiko Oda Lane, organist; Christine Tulis, harpist and vocalist; Nancy Munn, songleader

Alicia Cover, Order of Service; Shulee Ong, Livestream Camera; Eric Shackelford, Livestream Camer; Eric Wood (Desired Effect), Audio; Gregory Stevens, Live Chat Moderator; Matias Salazar, Sexton; Tony Miller, Sexton; Amy Kelly, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Big Music Sunday"

Today we feature the Areté Singers, performing the live concert premiere of a new work called Mass for the Eighth Day with its award-winning composer, Luke Mayernik, sharing a reflection on it, as well as accompanying the work on organ. Several other choral gems will surround the musical centerpiece of the service. Some of the finest singers in the Bay Area will be performing, including a number that our regular congregants will recognize. The Chorus is made up of artists from all around the bay each a part of the Areté Singers Network — an organization that provides performers for concerts, operas, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, corporate, and other life events. More info at Aretesingers.com.

Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; Areté Singers, Tim Salaver, conductor; Mark Sumner, songleader; Luke Mayernik, organist; Kassidy Mayernik, soprano; Leandra Ramm, mezzo soprano; Solo Quartet: Stephanie Collins; Leandra Ramm; Ben Rudiak-Gould; Asher Davison; Irene Cheng, conductor

Shulee Ong, Camera; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Steven Kroeger, Sound, Sound; Gregory Stevens, Live Chat Moderator; Alicia Cover, Order of Service; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher; Jonathan Silk, AV Remixes

"Our Authentic Selves"

To parent (officially or unofficially) we have to be our best selves, but also increasingly I realize the gift of being our authentic self -- as parents, more so perhaps than in any other role. That gift is not an easy one to offer, but we find ways to do it. And the world splits gorgeously open when we do.

Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Richard Davis-Lowell, Worship Associate; Michele Kennedy, Soprano; Reiko Oda Lane, Organist; Mark Sumner, Pianist

Eric Shackelford, Camera; Santana Gonzalez Gomez, Live Chat Moderator; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Life is Pure Jazz"

There are so many metaphors for life: a journey, an unfolding (like a flower), a cycle (like the cycle of the seasons), a drama ("Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player/That struts and frets his hour upon the stage"). And there are just as many metaphors about how to approach life so you weather it with grace, find some joy, meaning and come out on the other side having made something of it. How about life as jazz, pure jazz?!

Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Wonder Dave, Worship Associate; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Jon Silk, Drummer; Wm. García Ganz, Pianist; Richard Saunders, Bassist; Lambert Moss, Soloist

Shulee Ong, Camera; Eric Shackelford, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Asani Seawell, Live Chat Moderator; Matias Salazar, Sexton; Tony Miller, Sexton; Kelvin Jones, Sexton; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Extravaganza!"

Join us for this multigenerational celebration of the end of our year together. Bring a flower to be part of our celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Flower Communion introduced by Unitarian minister Norbert Čapek of Prague, Czechoslovaki and hear the story of Čapek and the ritual. Let's sing, hear the bells, enjoy the choir and tell stories. Service will be followed by our Annual Meeting! Please bring a flower from your garden to be part of this Sunday's Flower Communion ritual!

Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Dennis Adams, Worship Associate; UUSF Bell Choir led by Organist Reiko Oda Lane; UUSF Choir led by Mark Sumner, Music Director; Wm. García Ganz, pianist

Eric Shackelford, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Gregory Stevens, Live Chat Moderator; Athena Papadakos, Flowers; Matias Salazar, Sexton; Dan Barnard, Facilities Manager; Linda Messner, Head Usher

"Nap Ministry"

Tricia Hersey, ordained and tired, got drawn to the idea of a ministry around rest, nap-in-happenings but also the larger idea of rest as revolution. Tied deeply to undoing some of the patterns of a culture that has made models of extraction more than colonial models abroad, Hersey unpacks what virtue around rest and work and justice embodied ask of us. It is all very fun and deeply powerful to consider. Note: This Sunday is the Sunday of the Bay to Breakers run so if you come to church in person (please do, if you are inclined!) just check your route against the route of the race!

Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister; Rev. Laura Shennum, Minister of Congregational Life; Mari Magaloni Ramos, Worship Associate; The Bernal Hill Players: Martha Rodríguez-Salazar, flute; Leah di Tullio, clarinet; Jennifer Peringer, piano; Richard Fey songleader; Wm. García Ganz, pianist

Shulee Ong, Camera; Jonathan Silk, Communications Director; Tom Brookshire, Live Chat Moderator; Judy Payne, Flowers; Linda Messner, Head Usher