Previous Celebration Previews
Interested in knowing more about our previous Sunday services. Read on for brief description of previous topics at Starr King UU.
2008
April
Regular Schedule 9:30am & 11:00
(Children's programs available at 11:00 only)
April 6 Listen to this episode (podcast)
Enriching Our Soil: Toward the Beloved Community
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
Today, let us attempt to answer the questions “How can I make a difference in the world?” and “How can one smallish congregation make a difference?” As we dedicate our resources and ourselves, we find we live a life not only can sustaining, but possibly even enriching to our planet and each other.
April 13: Listen to this episode (podcast)
What Color is Our Sky?
(Rev. Katie Kandarian & Carol Bodeau) There’s a slogan that calls us Church of the Boiling Globe. How do we deal with the reality of global warming without letting it paralyze us á la Chicken Little? And what do we do with those critics who say that we’re all Chicken Littles? How do we ground our response in our own deep, respectful theology?
April 20: podcast Listen to this episode
Earth Day Service: Greening our Faith.
Members of Starr King Earth Ministry will introduce the Green Sanctuary program and reflect on what this means to our lives and to the Earth, our “Blue Boat Home.”
April 27: podcast Listen to this episode
How to Live Slow
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
When even Starbucks has a drive-thru window, how can we attempt to live a life that moves at a bit of a slower pace? How can our food choices become an integral part of our choice to slow down and experience peace and contentment?
March
March 2 Listen to this episode
The Life That Is Waiting for Us
(Rev. Katie Kandarian) Steven Sondheim wrote the play Into the Woods to remind us that happily
ever after isn’t always. How might we rewrite our dreams to create
happy endings?
March 9
Peace & Celebration
(Carol Bodeau & Rev. Katie Kandarian)
We’ll joyfully celebrate sharing in this community
through our pledged financial support. Looking to the past and to the future, we ask, “What have we got to celebrate this year in the life of our community?” In what ways does Starr King UU Church bring
peace and joy to us individually and to our world?
March 16
A Moveable Feast
(Carol Bodeau)
On the last Sunday in the season of Lent that precedes Easter, we will explore the meaning of Palm
Sunday in a creative worship format. UUs are increasingly exploring contemporary worship forms that include movement, lots of special music and dynamic ritual. How can these new ideas enliven our ritual
practice and our shared worship?
March 23 Listen to this episode
What to Say When the Ducks Show Up
(Rev. Katie Kandarian & Carol Bodeau) **INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE** This Easter Sunday
we’ll share our annual Flower Communion and ask the question, Are we ready for the unexpected? Please bring a flower to share, and if you’re younger, be ready to find Easter eggs.
March 30 (podcast) Listen to this episode
Spiritual or Religious?
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
I’m spiritual—not religious, say many. What exactly are they getting at? Is one good, the other bad, one free, the other burdened? What are you? Today’s special collection will go to the work of the California UU Legislative Ministry.
February
Feburary 3 (podcast) Listen to this episode
The Transcending Mysteries and Wonder of Lent
(Rev. Katie Kandarian) Easter comes early this year, with Ash Wednesday this coming week. One of the sources of our faith is the direct experience that can make our lives rich and meaningful. What if we made Lent a time to note those experiences, and share them?
February 10
A Call to Love (Carol Bodeau)
In the face of commercialized “love” and exaggerated romanticism, how can we return to a recognition of the deeper meanings of love? Together we explore the challenges and rewards of deeply loving commitments to others.
February 17:
The Lovers, the Dreamers and Me (Rev. Tess Baumberger)
This service will take a creative look at how like the Muppets our congregations can be. Despite all our differences, we are all earthlings.
February 24 (podcast) Listen to this episode
Real Life True Stories of a Heretic (Rev. Katie Kandarian)
College students are learning critical thinking by reading Out of the Flames about Unitarian heretics from the past. Michael Servetus is the “fearless scholar” who was burned at the stake. How did printing and publishing lead to his death?
January
January 6 (podcast) Listen to this episode
Burning Brightly
(Rev. Katie Kandarian & Carol Bodeau)
INTERGENERATIONAL.
The first Sunday in January welcomes our annual Burning Off ceremony, where we attempt through ritual to rid ourselves of the old negative influences and start the new year afresh. It’s not always easy, but here is a good place to start. Immediately following the service, the minister will hold a brief informational session in the Library for those with questions about Unitarian Universalism or interested in membership.
January 13: (podcast) Listen to this episode
To Touch Inward Springs
(Rev. Katie Kandarian & Carol Bodeau)
The founder of American Unitarianism, William Ellery Channing, believed that it was our responsibility to
inspire a lifelong love of truth and learning upon the young. How do we follow his important model?
January 20 (podcast) Listen to this episode
The Moral Arc of the Universe
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
On this Sunday before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we’ll look at sources of King’s inspirations, including our own Unitarian reformer Theodore Parker. Where can we find inspiration to make change in our day?
Monday 21 January • Join us at 9:30 A.M. in front of Hayward City Hall for our annual Martin Luther King, Jr. march and rally!
January 27: (podcast) Listen to this episode
Justice, Equity and Compassion
(Carol Bodeau) Our second principle of Unitarian Universalism calls us to build a world where all humans experience a just and sustainable life, and our denomination has made a committment to anti-oppression
work. One important area of this work is in building cultural sensitivity and eliminating cultural misappropriation. How are we, as individuals and as a community, supporting this work?
2007
January
January 7
Fire Communion: A Ceremony for Letting Go
(Rev. Katie
Kandarian)
Each year we observe this popular ritual: We place
something on paper that we would like to rid ourselves of and
ceremonially burn it away. How might we take the ritual more
to heart and seriously consider what it is we might leave behind?
Do we have bad habits the letting go of which might
leave us with better lives? Come, join us for the powerful
communion of fire.
Immediately following each service, the minister will hold a
brief informational session in the Library for those with questions
about Unitarian Universalism or interested in membership.
January 14
The Creatively Maladjusted
(Rev. Katie Kandarian) Martin
Luther King, Jr. said, “Human salvation lies in the hands of the
creatively maladjusted.” Just who was he speaking of? As we
prepare for our Martin Luther King, Jr. march, let us remember
all that he asked of us. We will be joined today by guest
musician Hans York.
Monday 15 January 2007 • 9:30 A.M.
Hayward City Hall Plaza
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday March & Rally
January 21
From a Proud Line of Heretics
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
To be
a heretic is to be one who chooses. How is our Unitarian and
Universalist history defined by the heretic’s vision? What does
our present and future hold for the heretic?
Bookstore Open.
January 28
Why Do I Have to Believe This?
(Dr. David Sammons)
In both
current conversations and looking back at UUhistory, particularly
our theological development, there seems to be pressure
to believe. Yet Emerson said we could intuit right and wrong,
that we didn’t need the Bible — or a fear, even a love, of God— to communicate it to us.
February
February 7
Blooming Stories
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
Do we have a way of telling our stories that latch on to the problem and won’t let go?
Is there another story in our lives that doesn’t get told as often, but might be just as true? We will be accompanied today by Marla Bacina.
Immediately following each service, the Katie will hold a brief informational session in the Library for those with questions about Unitarian Universalism or interested in membership.
February 11
The Work of Love
(Rev. Katie Kandarian) Valentine’s Day is often about the falling part of love, but not much effort is
devoted to the hard work of keeping love alive. Philosopher Jacob Needleman writes, “We are born for meaning, not pleasure — unless it is a pleasure that is steeped in meaning.” Let us find that meaning and pleasure.
February 18
Is There a Place Where God is Not?
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
Bill Schulz served Unitarian Universalism as president of the UUA for eight years; then serving twelve years at the helm of Amnesty International has taught him a thing or two. Can we as liberal religionists trust that God is everywhere? What about in the torture chamber?
February 25
We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For.
(Bill Scarvie)
Bill Scarvie’s workshop “Change the Story, Change the Future,” to be presented at General Assembly 2007, is based on Dr. David Korten’s The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community. Dr. Korten is a leader within the anti-globalization movement; Bill Scarvie is a member of the UU Fellowship of Los Gatos.
March
March 4
Not Ready to Make Nice
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
Do we set out in this world to be prophets? Or do we simply say what it is we believe and then follow through? The models we look to may be as consequential as Jesus or as unlikely as The Dixie Chicks.
How do we respond when challenged? Immediately following each service, the minister will hold a
brief informational session in the Library for those with questions about Unitarian Universalism or interested in membership.
March 11
What We Enjoy
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
Please make a special
point to join us today for Celebration Sunday. Today we take recognition of the importance of this congregation in our lives. Please come ready to make your pledge, as well as to partake in the spiritual gifts of a loving community and a tasty and festive reception.
March 11 is Celebration Sunday. Please come prepared to sign your Pledge Card for 2006-2007.
March 18
Seeking Hope in a Time of War
(Rev. Lydia Ferrante-Roseberry)
On the fourth anniversary of the War in Iraq, with an anticipated troop ‘surge’ and a new Congress calling for a new direction, the focus of the world is on our government’s politicking. But what are the spiritual implications of an ongoing war on the soul of the nation? How do we as individuals keep connected to global issues in ways that don’t deaden our own spirits? Join us for a service of realistic hope-mongering. Bookstore Open.
March 25
Reflections on Islam
Members of the Evening Discovery will share personal insights about our study of Islam and discussions on No God but God by Reza Aslan.
April
April 1
The Trickster: What Kind of Foolish Faith?
(Rev. Katie Kandarian) The trickster exists in mythology, sometimes, but not always as divine. It exists in various forms from Fox to Coyote. Where is the trickster in our faith, in our life?
Immediately following each service, the minister will hold a brief informational session in the Library for those with questions about Unitarian Universalism or interested in membership.
April 8
Easter Sunday: Rolling Away the Stone
(Rev. Katie Kandarian & Jean Wilcox)
Today we’ll celebrate Easter with our annual flower communion and a sermon about possibilities, both for
ourselves and the world. This will be an intergenerational service with special music.
April 15
Signs on the Journey Excerpts from a Diary
(Rev. Erika Orban)
Erika is the Balasz Transylvanian Scholar studying at Starr King School for the Ministry; its annual invitation to study tuition free brings the gifts of a Transylvanian Unitarian minister, committed to improving the lives of fellow congregants and to sharing with North American UUs their passion and caring for their homeland and for our common faith tradition.
Bookstore Open.
April 22
To Be Whole
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
As we celebrate Earth Day, we’ll consider what it means to be human in the world that exists all around us. In so doing, we may just make the world more livable for all.
April 29
And Justice for All: The Heart of Christianity
(Rev. Jeffrey Lambkin)
Today we will explore how a progressive Christian theology can help to more fully inform our work of building a just society while also guiding our necessary collaboration along the way with Christian justice workers.
May
May 6
Neighborhood and UU (Rev. Katie Kandarian)
How do we, as liberal religionists, live in a world where many folks are much more conservative religiously than we? These are not only the folks in the Midwest or the South, but our neighbors, our relatives, our friends.
Immediately following each service, the minister will hold a brief
informational session in the Library for those with questions
about Unitarian Universalism or interested in membership.
May 13
What Do Mothers Need? (Rev. Katie Kandarian)
It seems to be increasingly difficult to parent in this day and age. Have mothers always felt this way, or have our times put everdifficult demands upon parenting?
May 20
Recognition of Giving (Rev. Katie Kandarian)
What are the rewards for giving? Do we only receive a personal sense of satisfaction, or does giving have a deeper more theologically significant reward?
Bookstore Open.
Following Second Service Our Congregation’s Annual Meeting Members, please attend to elect Board members and vote on issues of congregational importance.
May 27:
Common Language or Tower of Babel? (Bob Meyerson)
We speak English, but do our words mean the same thing to all of us? Misunderstandings cross all areas of human endeavors, from religion to politics. Come hear a ‘serio-comic’ perspective on why words can be misunderstood and can be dangerous.
June
June 3
To Walk Together
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
Our religious tradition has been a covenantal one for hundreds of years. And now we’ve just adopted a covenant. What is our history, and how does it still function in our congregation today? Immediately following the service, the minister will hold a brief informational session in the Library for those with questions about Unitarian Universalism or interested in membership.
June 10
Stuff Happens
(Jean Wilcox & Rev. Katie Kandarian)
John Lennon once said, “Life is what happens when you’re making other plans.” Jean Wilcox, herself no stranger to the turbulences of life, will share with the congregation her experiences of the last four years at SKUUC and the memories she will take with her. On this day we will also honor our teachers and elebrate
the Rite of Passage of one of our youth.
Sunday 10 June • ALL CHURCH PICNIC
Following worship today, we will share good food and fellowship on our Church grounds.
June 17
Father Figures
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
Freud said we all have
the childhood need for a father’s protection, and Alice Walker says she’s got lots of them to look toward. How do we find our father figures, and are they healthy choices?
Bookstore Open.
June 24
Summer Solstice
(Ruth & Bill DeSmidt) In honor of the Summer Solstice (Litha), otherwise known as Midsummer’s Eve, today we celebrate the longest day of the year in song, word and spiritual dance. This service will explore Midsummer’s Eve as the festival of growth and glory.
July
July 1
Different, Not Deficient
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
The presenter at ministry days in Portland is Jeremiah Wright, who is the pastor to Senator Barak Obama and whose sermon, The Audacity of Hope, inspired Obama’s book of the same name. How does his faith perspective compare to our own? Immediately following the service, the minister will hold a brief informational session in the Library for those with questions about Unitarian Universalism or interested in membership.
July 8
Choices that Matter
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
Attendees from General Assembly that just took place in Portland, Oregon will share their good news, discoveries and other inspirations from this wonderful annual gathering of congregations.
July 15 (mp3 recording available on request)
A Natural History of the Spirit
(Janis Hall-Fuller)
The spirit is a camera-shy creature. Where does it live, what does it feed on, how does it multiply? A dedicated observer shares some notes on the habits and behaviors of the spirit. Janis Hall-Fuller is a
recent graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry.
July 22
To Live Until We Die
(Rev. Jade “JD” Benson)
Our culture doesn’t want us to prepare for it, but eventually we will all die; many will anticipate death with a life-limiting diagnosis: Cancer, AIDS, End-Stage Dementia, diseases yet to be named. What do we do when the word comes? How do we live until we die? JD Benson serves as a hospice chaplain to people of all, any and no faith traditions.
July 29
Taking It to the Enemy
(Rev. Lee Williamson)
Following Jesus’ insistent call to love enemies, to pray for them, to do them good and not harm, we will explore such questions as: Is there a way to take peace to an enemy, instead of war? How might we, as a nation, cooperate in building a global neighborhood, instead of pursuing a competitive quest for goods and power?
August
August 5 (mp3 recording available on request)
Creating Your Own Sabbath
(Susan Kirkcheney)
Resting is a holy act. Taking time for rejuvenation and for the spirit are crucial to being fully human. How can we build rituals of rest and rejuvenation that will enhance our lives? By building moments of Sabbath into our days.
August 12 (mp3 recording available on request)
From Fundamentalism to Freedom
(Marc Adams)
Our guest today, the son of a fundamentalist Baptist minister, is a former student and employee of Jerry Falwell. Marc will share his personal journey and his eventual coming out and recognizing
his own sexual identity.
August 19(available on request)
Drawing Upon the Sources
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
It says in our Association bylaws, as well as on the back of our bulletin,“the living tradition we share draws from many sources. ” How might we draw upon those very sources to create spiritual practices to enrich and sustain us?
August 26 (no podcast this week)
The Trouble with Praying
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
Will Rogers said, “The trouble with our praying is, we just do it as a means of last resort.” I imagine this might be true for UUs more than anyone. Prayer can provide more for us if we imbue it with a little more faith, a little more meaning.
September
September 2 - 10:00.am(available on request)
We Shall Not Be Moved
(Bob Britton)
Don’t miss this special Labor Day service and the joyous music of solidarity! Union organizer Bob Britton will compare the 1909 garment workers strike in New York City, known as the Uprising of 20,000, to the struggle of immigrant workers today
Saturday September 8
September 5-7 P.M.
Back-to-Church Barbecue Let’s kick off a new church year with fellowship and fun.
September 9 - Resume 9:30am & 11:00 (available on request)
Return Again
(Rev. Katie Kandarian & Carol Bodeau)
Join us today for the annual Starr King Church water communion. Bring a small container of water to represent one of your summer journeys, far or near. Where is the home of our soul? Is it the place where we were born? The place of our roots? Can we develop new roots?
September 16 (available on request)
My Life Belongs to the Community
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
As we formally welcome our newest members, we ponder the meaning of our lives in community. What makes this church larger than just a group of gathered folks?
September 23 (available on request)
Forgiveness Has Its Rewards
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
The Jewish high holy days include Yom Kippur’s focus on forgiveness. Here we, too, have an opportunity to look at the past and make needed changes for the year ahead.
September 30 (available on request)
All My Relations
(Carol Bodeau)
Our new intern minister shares some of her personal theology, which is grounded in earth-based spirituality. What does it mean in theological and practical terms to follow our Seventh Principle of Unitarian Universalism: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part.
October
October 7 (podcast available on request)
A Passion for the Freedom of Conscience
(Rev. Bela-Botond Jakabhazi & Rev. Katie Kandarian)
This year’s Balazs scholar, our Transylvanian Unitarian visitor, comes to Starr King Church in his first preaching opportunity after arriving in the United States. Come hear his wisdom and the vision of Unitarianism in Eastern Europe.
Immediately following the service, the minister will hold a brief informational session in the Library for those with questions about Unitarian Universalism or interested in membership.
October 14
Our Living Tradition: Association Sunday
(Rev. Katie Kandarian & Janet Hayes, UUA Public Relations Director)
Congregations across the country will be participating today in a opportunity to celebrate our movement and assure its prosperity well into the Twenty-First Century.
October 21 (podcast available on request)
Class Consciousness
(Rev. Katie Kandarian)
A recent article in the UU World focused on “the class problem” of our particular faith. Is this just a problem for folks in Walnut Creek or Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, or might there be a nugget of
truth for those of us in the neighborhood of Hayward?
October 28 (podcast available on request)
A Day of Remembering
(Carol Bodeau & Starr King Youth)
Let us honor those we love who have died. For our Dia de los Muertos celebration, please bring a photo of a loved one to place on an ofrenda created by our high school youth , who will join in leading this service
November 4 (podcast available on request)
Healing Places
Rev. Katie Kandarian
Our congregations can be places of spiritual growth, healing and wholeness, especially when we examine some of the more difficult dimensions of life. So many families are affected by addictions, both to substances and behaviors. How can this congregation become a healing place? Immediately following the service, the minister will hold a brief informational session in the Library for those with questions about Unitarian Universalism or interested in membership.
November 11 (podcast available on request)
Heros Among Us
Intern Minister
Carol Bodeau As we recognize Veteran’s Day, we consider all acts of courage and heroism in the service of a greater cause. In what ways are each of us called to be heroic in defense of our values?
November 18: (podcast available on request)
Gratitude is the Best Attitude
Rev. Katie Kandarian
During this month of thanksgiving, let us recognize one of the best spiritual tools of recovery from any sort of addiction that may plague us. Cultivating the practice of a living with a grateful heart takes action every day, but can bring benefits that last a lifetime or longer.
November 25: (podcast available on request)
Kids Give Thanks
Intern Minister
Carol Bodeau What is most meaningful to the children of this congregation, particularly with respect to being part of this community? The 5th through 8th graders will lead us in remembering how to appreciate the simple joys of childhood, and in considering what we have to be grateful for as a community.
December 2:(podcast available on request)
Unplug the Christmas Machine ~
Rev. Katie Kandarian & Carol Bodeau
Let’s face it—we need a whole community to help us let go of some of the consumerism that has become Christmas. Today, we’ll begin in worship, and continue afterwards with a two hour workshop for those who would like to delve deeper.
December 9: available on request
Waiting in Wonder ~
Rev. Katie Kandarian It’s not only children who have a hard time waiting at this time of year. Does the season of advent teach the same thing as acquiring the virtue of patience? What are the gifts?
December 16:(podcast available on request)
A Season of Light ~
Carol Bodeau
The winter solstice is the darkest time of the year, greeted around the world with many holidays of light. How can we both deepen into the darkness and welcome the returning light?
December 23: (podcast available on request)
Christmas in the Barn ~
Rev. Katie Kandarian & Carol Bodeau
INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE Come join in celebrating the spirit of Christmas in an intergenerational service. We’ll create a pageant on the spot, and special participation from members of the congregation of all ages.
Monday 24 December - Christmas Eve - 7pm
Silent Night, Holy Night ~
Rev. Katie Kandarian & Carol Bodeau Starr King Church holds its traditional Christmas Eve service with carols, candle lighting and stories of this very special night.
December 30: (podcast available on request)
Compassionate Living and the Food We Eat: Is There A Connection?
Paul Henderick
Today’s focus is the relationship between trying to live a more compassionate life and one of the most fundamental aspects of living: the foods we eat. Mr. Henderick is the son of member, Zelma Nunez-Borja.
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