Complete Service-first Unitarian Universalist Society Of San Francisco

"Gifts Great and Small" (March 15, 2020) This is Pi(e) weekend. The ratio of the radius of our circle of caring and sharing to its circumference, geometrically, is forever roughly 3.14. So just what does this mean for our relatively small, church community in relation to the great surrounding spiritual and social needs of the city and world in which we live? What part of the whole pie of services that UUSF attempts to provide goes to whom? What proportion of those efforts should each of us try to support with our gifts of time and treasure? Rev. Dr. John Buehrens, Guest Preacher Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Richard Davis-Lowell, Worship Associate Dr. Mark Sumner, Music Director Reiko Oda Lane, organ and bell choir director Joe Dellert, Canvass Co-Chair Lori Lai, Board Treasurer Shulee Ong, Camera Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

"A Thousand Cuts and the Work of Healing" (March 8, 2020) This week we will look at what are called micro-agressions, how they unfold even in our community, how we intervene and imagine a world without them. Members Mari Maglione and Michael Bossier from Fake Comedy Radio, Don Shearer, Rochelle Fortier-Nwadibia and our ministers will lead a journey of skits and reflection as we explore this way to be better and more whole together. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Sharon Weld, Ministerial Intern Dr. Mark Sumner, Music Director Reiko Oda Lane, organ Wm. García Ganz, piano Mari Maglione, TWZ Player Michael Bossier, TWZ Player Don Shearer, TWZ Player Rochelle Fortier-Nwadibia, TWZ Player Leandra Ramm, soloist Brielle Nielson, soloist Asher Davison, soloist Ben Rudiak-Gould, soloist Eric Shackelford, Trustee Shulee Ong, camera Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits, drums

"What Goes Around..." (March 1, 2020) So many stories, good stories — aren’t we in need of some good stories — to tell of another possible law of the universe. Or maybe just another addition to the Golden Rules worth risking on. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Sharon Weld, Ministerial Intern Nancy Buffum, Annual Operating Fund Drive Campaign Co-Chair Joe Dellert, Annual Operating Fund Drive Campaign Co-Chair Dr. Mark Sumner, Music Director Reiko Oda Lane, organ Wm. García Ganz, piano Scott Benbow, Trustee Eric Shackelford, camera Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

"Envisioning Justice" (February 23, 2020) As you imagine a better future, what changes would you make for yourself, for the church, for the neighborhood? We will envision personal and collective change that inspires us all, and we will spotlight the justice work already achieved by this congregation. Sharon Weld, Ministerial Intern Jan Oringer, Worship Associate Sam King, Worship Associate Emma's Revolution, Guest Music Dr. Mark Sumner, piano Kerry Parker, song leader Judy Payne, Trustee Shulee Ong, camera Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits, Drums

"From Darwin to Unitarian Universalism" (February 16, 2020) Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection set into motion a way of thinking that has profoundly affected not only the understanding of biology but also influenced a much wider range of human concerns, including religion. This is most evident in Unitarian Universalism. We will trace how this came about and reflect on how this way of thinking can lead to greater fulfillment of life’s potentials. Jim Barnett has been a UU for 45 years. He is retired from his career in biomedical research, a graduate of the Humanist Institute and currently the chair of the Humanists and Non-Theists committee at UUSF. Jim Barnett, Worship Leader Carmen Barsody, Worship Associate Dolores Perez Heilbron, Worship Associate Dr. Mark Sumner, music director Reiko Oda Lane, organ and bell choir director Eric Shackleford, Trustee Sharon Weld, camera Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

"I Do, I Do: A Sermon on Relationships" (February 9, 2020) After all these years of doing weddings, and watching marriages (and living in one), and being in relationship, what can we say definitively about love and what makes us stick together. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Dennis Adams, Worship Associate Mark Sumner, music director Reiko Oda Lane, organ Bill Ganz, piano Asher Davison, soloist Amy Kelly, trustee Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits, drums

"The Year of..." (February 2, 2020) Our congregations draw from the wisdom and experience and the traditions of their families and communities-of-origin, the practices they carry forward, and how they weave these into lives that feel grounded and guided. This Sunday as we are in the season of Lunar New Year, we'll take a moment -- in no way is this service a celebration of Lunar New Year as any one who grew up with it would recognize -- and we'll take a moment to honor some of the threads that weave through this season of celebration and beginning. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Daniel Jackoway, Worship Associate Lori Lai, Board Treasure Kat Liu, Worship Associate Andrés Vera, cello My Hoa Steger, piano Mark Sumner, piano Ben Rudiak-Gould, song leader Reece Hart, Trustee Don Shearer, Camera Operator Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

"Millie Phillips Ordination Service" (January 26, 2020) On January 26th, at 6PM in our Sanctuary we ordained into UU Ministry Millie Phillips. Millie is a long time member and lay leader in the congregation who completed her studies at the Starr King School of the Ministry and was cleared for ordination this past spring by the denomination. As is the custom of Unitarian Universalism it is a congregation that ordains people into ministry and ours voted this fall at a special meeting to ordain Millie. Rev. Millie Phillips Rev. Christopher Bell, Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Dorsey O. Blake, Presiding Minister Rev. Cat Cox, Spiritual Director Rev. Margot Campbell Gross, Minister Emerita Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister Carrie Steere-Salazar, Moderator, Board of Trustees Stephen Schwichow, Ordination Committee Chair Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Dr. Amy Kelly, Ordination Committee Eric Langhirt, Ordination Committee Jan and Howard Oringer, Ordination Committee Stephen Schwichow, chair, Ordinatio

"Who Are You to Judge?" (January 26, 2020) These days everyone's a critic. We all make judgments, good and bad, some with lasting and profound effects. Judgement assumes thoughtful deliberation, but we've all had occasion to make a snap judgement now and then. What forms and informs our ability to judge? When we strive to be non-judgmental, what role does judgement play? Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister Sharon Weld, Ministerial Intern Reiko Oda Lane, organ Dr. Mark Sumner, Music Director Christopher Rodriguez, Trustee Shulee Ong, Camera Operator Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

"Honesty and Legacy II: Inspecting the Family Tree" (January 19, 2020) Once we hit on the idea that our legacy as a person, a family or a nation is tied inextricably to our history, we have to own the responsibility to dig into that history, especially the parts that got papered over or conveniently forgotten. We looked at that in November (or started to) around the United State’s history with Native and Indigenous peoples. Let’s look this morning at two families and their journeys and just some of what they unearthed and had/have to reckon with. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Don Wiepert, Worship Associate Reiko Oda Lane, organ Wm. García Ganz, guest conductor Eric Shackelford, soloist Judy Payne, Board Secretary Don Shearer, Camera Operator Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

"Religious Experience and the Ascent of Mount Ventoux" (January 12, 2020) Fourteenth Century poet and scholar, Frencesco Petrarca, more commonly known as Petrarch was part of the early Italian Renaissance. He was also Catholic and is widely considered one of the first humanists. At 32, he and his brother and two servants ascended Mount Ventoux. The journey up (and down) would be a turning point in his life. And the story raises the question, what is “religious experience”? Moreover is it important and if so, how, and so what? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Sam King, Worship Associate Reiko Oda Lane, organ Roy Zimmerman, guitar/vocalist Ben Rudiak-Gould, song leader Linda Harris, UUSC Scott Benbow, Trustee Gino Fortunato, Auction Vanessa Vanderlaan, Camera Operator Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

Angels Among Us (December 24, 2019) Please join us for a retelling of the story of Christmas, for carols and candlelight and an invitation for the spirit of the season to take hold of us! This year there will be no pageant, but plenty of story telling, candles, gorgeous music of all kinds, and magic. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister; Sharon Weld, Ministerial Intern Richard Davis Lowell, Worship Associate Dr. Mark Sumner, Music Director Reiko Oda Lane, organ and bell choir director Nancy Cooke Munn, soloist Laurel Sprigg, soloist Brielle Nelson, soloist Asher Davison, soloist Ellen McEntire Cowan, soloist Eric Shackelford, Camera Don Shearer, lights Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

The Big Question (January 5, 2020) Is there a difference between believing that God exists and believing in God? Rev. Dr. David Usher, Guest Minister Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Lisanicole Sarkisian, Worship Associate Reiko Oda Lane, organ Eric Hamilton, guitar Shanon Warto, song leader Reece Heart, Trustee Joe Chapot, Camera Operator Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

The End (December 29, 2019) In the last weekend of 2019, we’ve reached “the end” of a chapter: the end of this year and the end of this decade. We spend much of our lives reading and watching stories that draw neatly to a close, but in our messy real-world lives, “the end” so often brings more ambiguity than clarity. So how do we bring this chapter to a close, and open the next? Rev. Seanan Fong, Guest Minister Sharon Weld, Ministerial Intern Dennis Adams, Worship Associate Nanette McGuinness, soprano My-Hoa Steger, piano/accompanist VanNessa Hulme, song leader Lori Lai, Board Treasurer Eric Shackelford, Camera Operator Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

Blinded by the Light (December 22, 2019) As we honor the time of Hanukkah along with so many other holidays that speak of light, of miracles, of hope, we gather to do the same. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Carmen Barsody, Worship Associate Dr. Mark Sumner, Music Director and Harpsicord Reiko Oda Lane, organ Ellen McEntire Cowan, soloist Asher Davison, song leader Don Shearer, Camera Operator Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

Hanging of the Greens: A Multigenerational Extravaganza! (December 15, 2019) This is a service that was created by the Princeton UU Church and made its way through many congregations and this year makes its debut with us. Honoring the longest days of the year, the ancient traditions of bringing in greens to remind us of what is alive in the depths of winter, we will gather, sing, create, move around the building, drink cider and revel as people of all ages, together, celebrating the all of it. Come join. Risk the experiment of this Sunday! Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister Sharon Weld, Ministerial Intern Sam King, Worship Associate Dr. Mark Sumner, Music Director Reiko Oda Lane, organ Bill Ganz, piano Don Shearer, Camera Operator Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

what are we waiting for? (December 8, 2019) For many people this time of year is one of waiting…for the sun to return, the people to come together, the lamp to burn long enough, for the Savior to be born. This morning will be a time for each of us to reflect, what are we really waiting for? The Offering this morning will go to Kopanang, the women’s empowerment group in South Africa, founded by Sister Sheila in 2001. This congregation has been contributing to Kopanang for the past nineteen years, and our support has been crucial to this community living in the area of shacks, riven by poverty, violence, and AIDS. Sadly, this year Sister Sheila will not be with us, she is in Australia recovering from a bad fall. Rev. Margot Campbell Gross, Minister Emerita Carmen Barsody, Worship Associate Sharon Weld, Ministerial Intern VanNessa Hulme, soloist Dr. Mark Sumner, Music Director Reiko Oda Lane, organ & bell choir director VanNessa Hulme, soloist Eric Shackleford, Trustee Don Shearer, Camera Operator Jona

A Pearl of Great Price (December 1, 2019) This service is about the value in finding the "work of one’s life”…  despite the challenges / obstacles … finding that thing that lights up one’s eyes and life. … mostly an optimistic intention that also acknowledges what is hard. Sharon Weld, Ministerial Intern Don Wiepert, Worship Associate Mark Sumner, piano Andrés Vera, cello My-Hoa Steger, piano Shannon Warto, song leader Amy Kelly, Trustee Eric Shackelford, camera Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

The Ultimate MassUp (November 24, 2019) This Sunday is BIG MUSIC Sunday. If you've never been to one, hold on to your hat and be sure to fasten your seat belts. Actually, DO grab a seat and belt yourself in. We sold out last Sunday at Hertz Hall in Berkeley and those who sat in the aisles may come again THIS SUNDAY to experience it again---to say nothing of those planning to spend $20 at the door who were turned away. It fills up the service in several ways this Sunday, complete with an actual programme and a freewill donation towards our "Alex Post" Fund which support special sharing of this kind in the future. With a chorus of 180, soloists and 45-piece orchestra (If you extrapolate the Hamilton orchestra with this, the comparable ticket price would be over $4,000) we would not want to perform for a congregation smaller than the performing forces! The balcony will be open for overflow congregants. You will NOT want to miss "The Ultimate Mass-Up....a mash-up of movements from the greatest masses ever wri

Happiness is.... (November 17, 2019) Ancient philosophers have talked about happiness. Religions have weighed in on what it means for us and how to find it. And ever since the launching of the field of positive psychology, the study (rigorous, measurable, double-blind and controlled studies) of what makes us happy has confirmed some of what we always knew, but also dismantled some of what we thought we knew would make us happy. Where does knowing all this leave us? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister Daniel Jackoway, Worship Associate Reiko Oda Lane, organ Dr. Mark Sumner, Music Director Judy Payne, Board Secretary Shulee Ong, video camera Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits