Sermons given at UUCB, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley

Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley September 6th, 2026Getting Comfortable with CapacityRev. Marcus LiefertModernity places hope in humanity's endless potential to grow—"Onward and upward forever!" as one of our spiritual ancestors declared in the Five Points of the New Theology. But overemphasizing our power and neglecting our limitations and vulnerability leaves us ill equipped to meet the challenges of our times. How do we hold a conversation that both honors our constraints and inspires us to build the capacity to achieve our purpose?

Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley August 30, 2026The Faith Is In The CrossingRev. Marcus LiefertSome traditions look out on the world and see people in need of conversion, lost souls who could be saved if only they are reached by the right message. Liberal religion holds instead a vision of pluralistic partnership. What kind of faith do we need to take the risk of crossing that chasm?

Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley August 23, 2026Holding Under PressureRev. Kathryn JayWe cross bridges every day, trusting trusses, rivets, and beams to bear the heavy weight. We need communities that inspire that same kind of trust. How can we shore up the institutions of our common life to withstand the forces working to bring them down?

Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley August 2, 2026The Power of HeartbreakRev. Dr. Kathryn JayBroken-heartedness is a fact of life. How can we grow and be transformed by the moments that break our hearts, making space for individual and communal healing in a world beset by loss and disappointment?

Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley July 26, 2026Rooted in Rich SoilRev. Sheri Prud’hommeFrom where do we draw our religious authority? Part of the answer is from the theological heritage of Unitarian Universalism. Ours is an open and evolving faith, and we are stewards of its unfolding. Knowing our theological roots grounds our resistance to authoritarianism, consumerism, militarism, and racism as well as our capacity to imagine a better way.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley July 12, 2026Spiritual and ReligiousIntern Minister: Liesl DeesWhat does it mean to be both spiritual and religious? In this closing service of our series on Reclaiming and Reimagining Religion, explore how personal spiritual practice and shared religious community can deepen and sustain one another. Together, we’ll reflect on what is sacred in our lives, what is of lasting worth, and how we build beloved community rooted in love.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley July 5, 2026Becoming What We BelieveIntern Minister: Liesl DeesA religious life is not only about what we believe, but what we practice. We’ll reflect on the sacred work of living our faith beyond Sunday morning—shaping lives rooted in love, justice, and compassion.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley June 28, 2026Reading The World Intern Minister: Liesl DeesWhat counts as a sacred text? As we continue our series on Reclaiming and Reimagining Religion, we’ll explore wisdom found not only in scripture, but also in literature, life, and landscape. Together, we’ll reflect on how we learn to read the sacred woven throughout our lives.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley June 21, 2026Glitter and Grit Rev. Kathryn Jay

A Prophetic Imagination Rev. Liesl DeesProphets are often imagined as lone figures predicting doom. But what if prophecy is really the courage to tell the truth, name what others refuse to see and call people back to relationship, justice, and compassion. Together, we’ll reclaim prophecy not as supernatural prediction but as the sacred work of imagining a more loving world.