Our congregational theme for the month of April is The Gift of INTERDEPENDENCE. This theme explores the 7th principle of the Unitarian Universalist Association: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. The proposed Article II revision of the 7th Principle expands upon these ideas: We honor the interdependent web of all existence. With reverence for the great web of life and with humility, we acknowledge our place in it. We covenant to protect Earth and all beings from exploitation. We will create and nurture sustainable relationships of care and respect ..read more

Shared Ministry: Growth through Service by Rev. Terri Echelbarger and John Farrow on behalf of the Transition Team (Diana Candee, Joan Cassman, John Farrow, Tricia Dell, Rev. Terri Echelbarger, and Rev. Tovis Page) “Transitions are ongoing, and they are a process. So where are we in our transitional ministry process at UUSM? We’re so glad you asked! This is an “all hands on deck” process, designed to help the UUSM community move into the future with clarity and intention.” We want to thank those who are investing time and sharing their voices at the transition-related Community Conversations ..read more

Hooray, it’s springtime! I cannot think of a better congregational theme for the month of March than “The Gift of TRANSFORMATION.” Not only is it an apt description for what happens every spring, as we move from darkness to increasing light, but transformation is also a metaphor for what our beloved UUSM community is currently experiencing. Critical to our congregation’s transformation is our ability to understand the importance of shared ministry, and to engage in it wholeheartedly. Early during Rev. Vail’s ministry at UU San Mateo, I was engaged in a conversation with her about something th ..read more

Our congregation’s theme for the month of February is The Gift of JUSTICE & EQUITY. Even though these two “gifts” are named in our 2nd Principle, I found myself wondering what they mean, and if there is a difference between them, however nuanced that difference might be. Perhaps you’re wondering too. So here is what I learned when I visited the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary: Justice is the maintenance or administration of what is just. Just means what is morally right and good To be right/righteous is to act in accord with divine or moral law. Morality means ..read more

Memorial and Celebration of Life services are an opportunity to lift up the values and life choices of the individual, providing comfort and inspiration to those left behind.  You may have already been reflecting on your lived experiences and what you have found meaningful. You probably have things you hope to be remembered for. It’s a good idea to share those insights with your family members and your minister. The Pastoral Care Team has developed a Memorial Wishes Plan form to help you with this. Share your wishes by using the electronic copy of the Memorial Wishes Plan&n ..read more

It is newly 2024 as I write these words. Like you, I’m hoping this new year will be better than the last one, and especially, that I will be a new and improved version of myself. Maybe (just maybe), if I am a little more perfect this year, I will finally do, or say, or be good enough to be truly lovable. But I’m also immersed right now in studying this month’s congregational theme, The Gift of LIBERATING LOVE, which is presenting me with interesting new perspectives and possibilities. My friends at the Soul Matters Sharing Circle have just introduced me to journalist and author Elizabeth Gilb ..read more

Helping Others Navigate Grief, with Liz Sloan from Kara Grief Support Monday, February 5th at 7 pm on Zoom Sunday, February 18th, noon in the Lounge ..read more

The Pastoral Care Committee, UUSM’s Caring Community needs your help to help those who are facing life’s challenges. The Caring Team is creating a list of volunteers that can be called upon when a congregant needs help. Lend a helping hand by making a meal, providing a ride, making love wraps, sending a card, or by singing a song with the Sacred Song Circle. To volunteer or for more information, contact Pastoral Care or speak to Alison White or Kathy Kinner after the Sunday Worship Service. Remind others that they are not alone through your act of kindness. Thank you ..read more

When faced with a mystery, I immediately go into sleuth mode. Just give me an hour or two to Google it, and I’ll come up with the answer! That was my initial thinking when I started to explore The Gift of MYSTERY, this month’s congregational theme. But Soul Matters suggests a far more spiritual path. “…[W]hat if mystery isn’t just something to solve? …[T]he more you pursue the meaning of life’s mysteries, the more distant it becomes.” So if we’re not actively pursuing answers to life’s unfathomable mysteries, what is the alternative? Soul Matters suggests a more spiritual path would be to jus ..read more

In the Philippines, the Christmas season encompasses all of the “R” months at year end: SeptembeR, OctobeR, NovembeR, and DecembeR. Much excitement ensues when September begins, and Christmas decorations start popping up all over the country, especially in the cities. At UUSM, we join in the R month celebrations, since our Ulay Christmas gift boxes must be shipped in September! This year two large boxes contain gift bags for each of the 52 Ulay member families. Each family will receive canned tuna, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soaps, pens and pencils, Christmas ornaments, and a few packets o ..read more