Advertise on podcast: Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto Sermons and Reflections

From “I Never KnUU” to “Now YUU DUU!” Following our Oct. 4 look at early (16th century) UU history, this service moves into the 19th and 20th centuries to explore another figure who expanded UUism as a tradition of inclusion and free choice. Worship leaders: Rev. Peter ... read more.

“Really? I Never KnUU That!” Courageous, compassionate characters people Unitarian Universalism’s inception and development. This service explores one early figure who helped make UUism a tradition of inclusiveness and free choice. Worship leaders: Rev. Peter Farriday Special music: Yuri Liberon, classical guitar Follow along in the order of service ... read more.

To live with a rare disease, or devote your work to curing one, is to practice hope in the face of uncertainty. No one sustains that hope alone. Resilience is communal: carried between patients, families, scientists, clinicians, and communities. Together, we refuse despair. Worship leaders: Amy ... read more.

“Your One Wild and Precious Life” Mary Oliver closes her poem “The Summer Day” with this query: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Just days before this summer departs, we’ll explore how responding from our ... read more.

The Door is Round and Open This Sunday we explore some spiritual wisdom from the great Sufi mystical poet Rumi, including his amiable yet profound urgings to unearth and express our soul-essence. Worship leader: Rev. Peter Farriday Special music: Becki Wright, baritone Ukulele All are welcome to stay for ... read more.

Revolutionary Love Project founder Valarie Kaur points out that spiritual teachings call people “to practice love beyond family and tribe.” When she labored to apply such love, Kaur found it can restore trust and hope even in the face of hatred and violence. Worship leader: Rev. ... read more.

What do Burmese Buddhism, pagan traditions, nature and Unitarian Universalism have in common? Thida Cornes explores the human search for transcendence through sacred spaces, the natural world, and moments of connection that invite us beyond ourselves. From temple courtyards to towering trees, this sermon considers ... read more.

Conflict is integral to good stories and is woven into being human. This service explores what conflict is, some ideas about how to deter it, and failing that, ways to repair relationships after a breach. Worship leader: Marianne Neuwirth Worship associate: Ed Haertel Special Music: Ruth Huber, vocalist, ... read more.

This service offers a message of encouragement, and evidence based hope, about our country and the world; with a simple method of growing the emotional balance and resilience we will need in times of great change. Worship Leader: David Nielsen Worship Associate: Mayo Tsuzuki Special Music: Aurora Singers Follow ... read more.

Gary Rosin, a member of our congregation and a retired law professor who has written poetry since he was sixteen, brings “Eye of the Dark” to our pulpit this week. “Eye of the Dark” is prose mixed with poetry to argue that poetry is the ... read more.

Soul Focus: “InSoulvent: The Costs of What’s Been Lost” (Part 6 of 6) Rev. Peter continues his ongoing exploration of the soul and society. Worship Leader: Rev. Peter Farriday Special Music: Veronika Agranov-Dafoe, piano Follow along in the order of service https://bit.ly/uucpa_oos_20260621.

Soul Focus: “InSoulvent: The Costs of What’s Been Lost” (Part 5 of 6) Rev. Peter continues his ongoing exploration of the soul and society. Worship Leader: Rev. Peter Farriday Special Music: Jim Stevens, folk guitar Follow along in the order of service bit.ly/uucpa_oos_20260614.

Soul Focus: “InSoulvent: The Costs of What’s Been Lost” (Part 4 of 6) Rev. Peter continues his ongoing exploration of the soul and society. Worship Leader: Rev. Peter Farriday Special Music: Veronika Agranov-Dafoe, piano Follow along in the order of service bit.ly/uucpa_oos_20260607

This Sunday’s Flower Communion celebrates the garden of blossoming beings that make up UUCPA, including those who most recently set down spiritual roots here. And since every garden needs TLC to thrive, we’ll also honor all those who tend and nurture it. If it’s easy ... read more.

We all make mistakes, so practicing forgiveness is vital to people’s well-being. Last week this 2-part inquiry began with a focus on forgiving others. This week looks at how to seek forgiveness from others—and how to forgive ourselves. Worship Leader: Rev. Peter Farriday Special Music: Steven Chanan, ... read more.