Musings on the Winter Solstice.

A message from the series “Sunday Services.” Musings on the Winter Solstice ✨🖤✨

Reverend Ellie carries a message of grace as we, like the oil that lasted for 8 days which we celebrate each Hanukkah, continue to do our best even though we are being stretched beyond our limits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All over California, cities and counties are starting to shut down again to relieve pressure on ICUs and hospital staff. That takes it’s toll on our hearts and minds. so Alex is sharing 5+ ideas for how to take care of ourselves and each other this winter.

As we move into December, we are seeing a cluster of holidays that promise that a new world is possible. It is hard to wait. And it feels more and more like we are waiting for something that may not come. But this week’s Pep talk reminds us that we have already come so far together and we will continue to rely on eachother as we move forward. Even in our failures, we are moving toward a new world.

Reverend Ellie talks about the history of Religious Education and how we can reimagine RE to create youth community and enrich the entire span of our lives.

A message from the series “Sunday Services.” What is prayer to Unitarian Universalists?

Let’s Face It, the Holidays are Hard Enough already. but this year is especially challenging. Let’s talk about it.
UU Oakland Holiday Grief Group-
National Suicide Prevention Hotline-suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Trans Life Line- translifeline.org
The Trevor Project -thetrevorproject.org
RAINN- rainn.org

Also I look at how our faith has prepared me for COVID through OUR WHOLE LIVES curriculum
https://www.uua.org/re/owl

Halloween, Day of the Dead, All Saint’s Day may be behind us. But our ancestors are still near. Alex offers a ritual for us to ask for those who have cared for us to support the work toward more growth, wholeness and safety.

*Please note flash paper should only be used by adults. please purchase flash paper from reputable sources.*

It’s approximately 24 hours before the polls start closing for the 2020 election. Folks are feeling a lot of different emotions right now. What do you do to help with your emotions? Alex offers some ideas of how to take care of yourself and others. And he offers some thoughts on risks of faith.

What are you doing in this time to prepare for the future? let us know in the comments below!