Sermons given at UUCB, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley

STANDING IN THE RIVEROur memories of the past create a mighty river of love, loss, and longing that refreshes our lives, yet sometimes overwhelms us. Today we honor those who came before us: the ancestors who inspire and encourage us, the people and places we mourn and miss.For more information about the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, visit https://uucb.org/

Spiritual practice is often seen as a solitary journey, but building vibrant community is itself a profound spiritual discipline. It’s communal and contagious... but rarely easy. Exercising our communal muscles takes work, but those critical connections can save us.

PLANTING SEEDS OF JUSTICEWhile human rights and international aid are under attack, it’s easy to feel like change is impossible. The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s (UUSC) partners, however, know first-hand that justice doesn’t just appear overnight. The movement for collective liberation requires ongoing, diligent tending and long-haul commitment. Please join Rev. Dr. Sheri Prud’homme to hear some of the inspiring stories from UUSC’s partners – grassroots movement leaders and activists around the world – and to hear her conversion story from lukewarm supporter to enthusiastic champion of UUSC’s work.

Self-Compassion or Selfishness?The term "self-compassion" has gotten some traction in recent years, prompting the question, is "self-compassion" an oxymoron? Even worse, is it selfish? Buddhist teachers counsel us that in fact, for us to cultivate compassion in ourselves, we need to cultivate compassion for ourselves. We'll practice that this morning.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley Wrestling with Jacob Oct. 5 2025What does it mean to “win” when life itself is full of struggle? Drawing on the biblical story of Jacob wrestling through the night, we explore how struggle can lead not to triumph, but to transformation. Jacob, blessed yet deeply flawed, mirrors both our nation’s history and our personal lives—where success often comes at the expense of others. From the Puritans’ exclusionary covenant to modern injustices, we are challenged to see how the drive to win has wounded us all. Yet Jacob’s story shifts: his struggle leaves him limping but changed, ready to reconcile. Likewise, our own wrestling—with history, with privilege, with conscience—can be holy work. Transformation hurts, but the wound can become a blessing. The struggle itself is where grace lives.

We’ve been exploring the spiritual themes of faith and trust through the lens of games of play. However stacked the odds may be against you, however disastrous the situation on the game board, your turn is bound to come around once again. The stakes are high, the situation is dire, the choices seem limited—yet still, what move will you make?

HOW TO LOSE Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley September 21, 2025

ODDS AREThere is essential mystery in the fabric of reality. Whatever choices we make, whatever odds we calculate, we are always rolling the dice. When the stakes are high, how do you decide when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em?

Most of the time, transformation happens incrementally—a subtle process of things changing bit by bit. But moments arrive when a leap to the next level is required. As we live through a moment that demands a global level up in our species' ability to prioritize the common good, what do we know about the joys and challenges of leveling up from our own personal lives?

Worship Leader, Rev. Kevin Alan MannMinister of Congregational Life, Rev. Dr Kathryn JayDirector of Music, Dr. Bryan BakerSettled Minister, Rev. Marcus LiefertGuest Musician: Evelie Delfino Såles Posch with Mahal EthnoFusion Music Myth & Magic Ensemble: Claudine, Doug, Jedi, Kathy, Kealoha, Marikit, Misha, Nancy, Rynn, Sam, Theda, Tisay, Virginia, Rev KevTitle: “Wings, Roots and Seeds: Emergent Wisdom from the Interdependent Web”Description: adrienne maree brown describes “emergence as the way complex systems and patterns arise out of a multiplicity of relatively simple interactions.” How can UUs learn from birds in synchronized flight, entangled oak tree roots and the structure of dandelions and fungi and apply these lessons in biomimicry to our collective organizing?”