Chalice Unitarian Universalist Inspiration

Recent events have reminded us how important Unitarian Universalism’s voice is in our world and raised a deeper question: Why do we gather? This Sunday, as we celebrate our newest members, we’ll explore how spiritual community offers belonging, wisdom, hope, and joy, while helping us become a force for love and light in challenging times.

The phrase "Be Gay, Do Crime" became popular after the discovery of some graffiti in Marseilles, France in 2016. Embraced by the queer anarchist movement, the phrase is now a rallying cry for the LGBTQ+ community, whose very existence has been (and still is) seen by some as deviant and even criminal. How do queer folk continue to wake up every morning embracing their true selves and finding joy in...

What if life is not a race to be won, or a destination to arrive at, but a pilgrimage to be walked with presence, courage, and wonder? Drawing on stories and insights from her sabbatical travels to pilgrimage sites across Europe, Rev. Nica explores what it means to live life as a pilgrimage, and how we might be transformed when we learn to walk through life with openness, intention, and awe.

Today, Rev. Nica returns to Chalice from her sabbatical. Please join us in welcoming her back and beginning to get a sense of her adventures.

Guest Speaker Rev. Kikanza Nuri-Robins will discuss how Yeshua (Jesus) distilled the 613 laws of Israel to 2: Love your God and Love your Neighbor. What does it mean today for UUs to Lead with Love?

The language we use has a much larger impact on the people around us than we realize. Today we'll talk about small steps we can take to change our defaults and be more inclusive in everyday life - and why it matters.

Strong and bold, or quiet and kind, every one of us is unique and filled with possibilities. Our service today is based in part on Fred Small's iconic folk song that became an anthem for generations. Everything Possible celebrates love and friendship, encouraging us to dream our own dream, choose our own path, and embrace our possibilities, wherever they may take us.

As we recognize Earth Day, and with the words of John O'Donohue, Celtic philosopher, poet, and nature lover guiding us, we will explore our relationship with rivers and our interdependence, focusing on the integral role they play in our spiritual journeys. We recognize the flow of these rivers of life as a metaphor for the flow of our own lives, and we honor the ecosystem of wisdom they offer; one...

As Earth Day approaches, we orient ourselves toward the interdependent web of all creation. As UU’s, we recycle, we compost, we drive EVs. But what if we re-conceive our relationship to the natural world and see how it takes care of us?  How might that shift our perspective on… everything?  This morning Sam Thomas, CLU professor of Religion & Environmental Studies, will explore themes of recip...

During this time of Passover and Easter, we celebrate our Unitarian Universalist tradition of the flower ceremony. As we gather to honor the beauty of nature, let us also be reminded of the seeds of hope planted with our community. Please bring a flower for this treasured ritual of connection and renewal.

Long-time member and democracy activist Pamela Lopez reflects on the challenging times we find ourselves in today and explores the possibility of creating a path to a hopeful, inclusive and sustainable future.

The Sabbath is Spirit in the form of time. Sabbath rest is allowing Spirit to rest within us and connect with God. What happens when you lean into something that is always there? What do you notice when something that's always been there goes missing? What can you learn about yourself and your world during this season of fasting and reflection?

Popular guest speaker and UCLA oncology chaplain, Michael Eselun will reflect and explore the idea of a single thread that may run through our entire lives - what it takes to find it, what is our relationship to it, and how it just might help us make sense of the whole journey thus far.

Although 3500 plus years old, these ten imperatives—examining God, Sabbath, family-life, adultery, killing, robbery, lying, and greed—furnish a lodestar for the moral agenda and spiritual life of 21st century progressives. The Rev. Dr. Tom Owen-Towle is grateful to be preaching again at Chalice and will have his latest book, Living with Purpose and Integrity: A Fresh Perspective on the Ten Command...

"Do I Belong Here?" This is a question many of us carry—sometimes quietly, sometimes without words. This Sunday, Grenda David, invites us into a month-long celebration of Chalice as we launch our annual pledge season. Through music, personal story, and reflections on the spirit of the 1960s, the service explores belonging, courage, and the power of community to heal.

Rev. Benefiel Bijur will be exploring the theme of “The Generous Heart,” anchored in the guiding idea of a critical mind and a generous heart. This service invites us to reflect on how intellect and rational thinking can coexist with openness of heart—how we can hold both at once. Rev. Benefiel Bijur will also speak to the mutuality of generosity and interdependence, as reflected in our Time for A...

Do you have a book that has informed your life? A long-time favorite of Rev. Maddie’s is Parker Palmer’s “Let Your Life Speak: Listening to the Voice of Vocation.” Is how we live our lives congruent with our deepest sense of self and meaning? How does our life speak to us in these times?

Michael Eselun, UCLA oncology chaplain and popular guest speaker, will explore those liminal spaces in which we sometimes find ourselves on life's mysterious journey -- thresholds that are neither one reality or another, and yet may open a path to our deepest truths. Possibly even the sacred.

Sometimes it feels like there's no way to reach people who disagree with us on important topics like immigration, LGBTQIA rights, or how to fix our broken healthcare system. It can feel pointless, like you're talking to a brick wall. Bethany Simonsen will tell us about her journey from being a devout Mormon to becoming a UU, and what experiences helped knock down the walls that kept her from heari...

There is no virtue more crucial at this juncture in human history than the steadfast practice of hopefulness! It is the energizing power and presence we desperately need as we launch 2026, the 250th anniversary year of the founding of the United States of America. Our special guest speaker Reverend Tom Owen-Towle, is the author of two dozen books on progressive spirituality and social justice, and...

The inevitable outcome of life, for many, appears to be one of the largest points of procrastination - if not wholesale evasion.... but at what cost?

Buddhist monk, Kusula Bhikshu, shares his journey of wanting to be a Buddhist and how practicing Buddhism has changed life in so many ways. He will share stories and insights from his book "Urban Dharma" published last year.

One of Chalice's newer members, Susan Seats has recently returned from China. Her passion has been connecting with people globally heart to heart. She brings in the New Year with a service focusing on a mindset of hope, kindness, and lightness amid these turbulent times. Through stories, video, and a little magic, she will explore the importance of personal growth and becoming better versions of o...

As the season of new beginnings arrives, how do we recognize and nurture the sacred energy that permeates all existence—the spirit of life and love that flows through every breath and relationship? Through sharing her personal narrative, Melanie will explore how this spirit is not distant or reserved for exceptional circumstances, but rather inherent within each individual, compelling us to live w...

Join us this Christmas Eve as we honor the love that continues to be born in us and among us. With story, music, fun for the kids, and our beloved candlelighting ritual, we gather in love and joy. Bring the whole family to this hope filled service and join us for cookies and merriment afterwards, and maybe even a visit from Santa!