Upcoming Services
November 26, 2017 “Looking to Our Teachers”
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Los Angeles, CA
In the season of gratitude, we can take time to recall the teachers in our lives, past and present, traditional and unexpected. When we find ourselves needing guidance, how do the stories of the wise ones in our lives help us to renew and gain courage? Join Megan Dowdell, candidate for UU ministry and professor at Starr King School for the Ministry, in a service of music and words looking to our teachers.
January 7, 2018 Throop Unitarian Universalist Church, Pasadena, CA
February 4, 2018 “Staying Curious in Conflict”
Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto, CA
Sometimes living our values becomes a challenge when we find ourselves in passionate disagreement with someone who does not share our perspective, or at an impasse with someone we love. Conflict is often about communication, but it is also about culture — the context of our lives shapes our relationships and patterns of interacting with people around us. Join Megan Dowdell, Visiting Assistant Professor of Ethics and Society at Starr King School for the Ministry, as we explore how to stay curious in conflict through story, sermon and song.
February 18, 2018 Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church, Goleta, CA
March 18, 2018 Starr King Unitarian Church, Hayward, CA
Previous Worship Services
July 30, 2017 “Staying Curious in Conflict”
Neighborhood UU Church, Pasadena, CA
Sometimes living our values becomes a challenge when we find ourselves in passionate disagreement with someone who does not share our perspective, or at an impasse with someone we love. Conflict is often about communication, but it is also about culture — the context of our lives shapes our relationships and patterns of interacting with people around us. Join Megan Dowdell, Visiting Assistant Professor of Ethics and Society at Starr King School for the Ministry, as we explore how to stay curious in conflict through story, sermon and song.
June 18, 2017 “A Generous Comfort”
First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, Hawai’i
When we offer ourselves comfort, we can build internal resources that allow us to be generous with others. Imagine all the possibilities when communities come together and give courageously of their talents and treasures! This final service invites us to practice generosity within our own hearts and bodies, so we can transform our world.
June 11, 2017 “Expression and Identity: Finding Integrity”
First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, Hawai’i
Theologian and religious leader, Howard Thurman, said “follow the grain in your own wood.” As we grow up, we learn what we desire, what makes us feel whole. We also receive messages about what parts of ourselves are “good” and ought not to be expressed. How do we share our true selves with others? Together, we can celebrate the beauty of all souls.
June 4, 2017 “A Body is Good to Think With”
First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, Hawai’i
Religion has always had a lot to say about bodies, but how do our bodies help us think about religion? When we “heed the guidance” of science and the body, we find tools to understand ourselves, connect with others, and live with greater purpose in the world.
May 7, 2017 “Embodying Resistance: Learning about White Supremacy”
Emerson UU Church, Canoga Park, CA
White supremacy* is a set of institutional assumptions and practices, often operating unconsciously, that tend to benefit white people and exclude people of color. As people of faith, we are called to understand the ways in which white supremacy culture operates in society, as well as within communities. Our bodies can become our resource in staying present in learning about white supremacy and caring for ourselves as we resist racism and systemic oppression. Join in song, meditation, and spiritual practice, as we journey together toward justice and embodying resistance.
*If you are interested or curious to learn more before we gather together for worship on May 7, please check out this resource on “white supremacy culture,” which has been a key document in educating to dismantle racism for the past 15 years: http://collectiveliberation.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/White_Supremacy_Culture_Okun.pdf
February 5, 2017 First Unitarian Universalist Church of Los Angeles, CA
January 29, 2017 “Integrity of the Body”
Throop Unitarian Universalist Church, Pasadena, CA
November 27, 2016 “Faith at Ten Thousand Feet”
St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Los Angeles, CA
October 23, 2016 “Generosity Out of the Box”
Conejo Valley UU Fellowship, Thousand Oaks, CA
June 12, 2016 “God is…an Adventure”
First UU Church of San Diego, San Diego, CA
May 8, 2016 “Becoming Creative in Conflict”
First UU Church of San Diego, San Diego, CA
Rev. Dr. Megan Ruth Visser 