New Year, New UU: Telling our Story of Shared Values

January 5th, 10:30am. Topic: “New Year, New UU: Telling our Story of Shared Values.” Service led by Rev. Stacy Craig.

Worship Leader: Reverend Stacy Craig (Zoom)

Worship Associate: Susan Bachlor and David Strohmeyer

Music: Megan Johnson and Chris Perske

Tech: Malachi Smith-Lewis and Dave Keller

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.

The Poetry of Spirituality

January 12th, 10:30am. Topic: “Story and Spirituality.” Service led by Rev. Asya Lesly.

Do the words that we use to express our spirituality matter? Does it make a difference if we use the word God, Goddess, Spirit of Life, The Universe, Love, or Great Mystery make a difference? Unitarian Universalists often spend a great deal of energy deciding which words to use. But does it really matter? Or are we just uptight?

Worship Leader: Reverend Asya Lesly

Worship Associate: Angela Risdon

Tech Support: Malachi Smith-Lewis

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.

What’s in a Name?

January 19th, 10:30am. Topic: “What’s in a Name?” Service led by Rev. Alex da Silva Souto

An origin story and reflection on the power of naming and being named.

Worship Leader: Reverend Alex da Silva Souto (Zoom)

Worship Associate: Megan Johnson

Music: Dave Keller and Chris Perske

Tech Support: Malachi Smith-Lewis and Dave Keller

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.

Telling Stories: How we Thrive and Survive

January 26th, 10:30am. Topic: “Storytelling.” Service led by Rev. Stacy Craig.

It’s said humans can survive three weeks without food, three days without water, and three hours without shelter. How long would we survive without storytelling? At this service, we’ll explore the role of storytelling not only in surviving but thriving.

Worship Leader: Reverend Stacy Craig

Worship Associate: Merrily Stover

Music: Choir and Pam Sachs

Tech Support: Jeff Sachs

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.

Dare I Say it? There I Said it!

February 2nd, 10:30am. Topic: “Dare I say it? There I said it!” Service led by Rev. Alex da Silva Souto.

Let us examine our inclusionary and exclusionary practices. Let us find ways to “Draw the Circle Wide” in lovingkindness, but not at the cost of the most vulnerable.

Worship Leader: Reverend Alex da Silva Souto (Zoom)

Worship Associate: Meagan Fischer

Music: Chris Perske

Tech Support: Malachi Smith-Lewis

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.

Doctrine of Discovery

February 9th, 10:30am. Topic: “Doctrine of Discovery.” Service led by Rev. Stacy Craig.

In 1452, a Papal decree was issued that theologically justified the right of Christian nations to conquer and confiscate Indigenous lands on behalf of Christendom. This practice eventually became international law known as the Doctrine of Discovery. The U.S. Supreme Court adopted this as the law of these land, and cases continue to be decided based on this legal precedent. For over 45 years, UU fellowships have worked to refute this doctrine’s impact on current day policies and beliefs. Several other religions have taken this up in recent years. At this service, we’ll explore some of the confluences of religious history, justice, and equity and lift up examples that are working towards reparations and the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Worship Leader: Reverend Stacy Craig (Zoom)

Worship Associate: Angela Risdon

Music: Chris Perske

Tech: Malachi Smith-Lewis

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.

Birds Do It, Bees Do It, Sometimes We Do It: Let’s Talk About Sex

February 16th, 10:30am. Topic: “Birds Do It, Bees Do It, Sometimes We Do It: Let’s Talk About Sex.” Service led by Rev. Asya Lesly.

Worship Leader: Reverend Asya Lesly

Worship Associate: Susan Bachlor

Music: Chris Perske

Tech Support: Malachi Smith-Lewis

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.

Revelations of Divine Love

February 23rd, 10:30am. Topic: “Revelations of Divine Love.” Service led by Rev. Stacy Craig.

The first book in the English language written by a woman is Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich. Julian was a mystic and lived as a monastic recluse during the 1300’s: times filled with anxiety and suffering. When she took ill with fever, last rights were called for, but she survived and received a message: “all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” At this service, we’ll walk with Julian through her mystical vision, wonder around mystery, and uncover her messages about divine love.

Worship Leader: Reverend Stacy Craig

Worship Associate: Megan Johnson

Music: Pam Sachs and Choir

Tech: Jeff Sachs

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.

Giving Yourself Grace: The Power of Self-Compassion

March 2nd, 10:30am. Topic: “Giving Yourself Grace: The Power of Self-Compassion.” Service led by Bev McMillan.

In Buddhist psychology, self-compassion is not a way of thinking about yourself, it is a way of caring for yourself.  According to Dr. Kristin Neff, a psychology professor at the University of Texas and pioneer of studies of the effects of mindful self-compassion, self-compassion involves accepting that you are human and, as all of us do, you make mistakes. It also means that you don’t dwell on those mistakes or beat yourself up for being less than perfect. At this service, we’ll look at the main elements of self-compassion and skills we all can learn to practice it effectively, including being kind to yourself, being mindful of who you really are, flaws and all, and allowing yourself the freedom to be imperfect.

Worship Leader: Bev McMillan

Worship Associate: Susan Bachlor

Reflection: Joan Shephard

Music: Chris Perske and Pam Sachs

Tech: Malachi Smith-Lewis

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.

Peeling Back the Layers: Finding A Spiritual Sense of Place

March 9th, 10:30am. Topic: “Peeling Back the Layers: Finding A Spiritual Sense of Place.” Service led by Reverend Stacy Craig.

In 2008 and 2009, Alan and Stacy Craig moved and renovated a turn of the century Finnish settler’s cabin. This is the story of the power of a dream, but even more so, as they peeled back the layers of particle board, wallpaper, and siding, it is the story of discovering the layers of relationship with the land and the meaning of ‘sense of place’. No matter where one lives, sense of place and the spiritual practice of simple living can provide grounding and deeper connection to the interdependent web of life.

Worship Leader: Reverend Stacy Craig (Zoom)

Worship Associate: Merrily Stover

Music: Chris Perske and Megan Johnson

Tech: Dave Keller

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.

Breath In. Breath Out.

March 16th, 10:30am. Topic: “Breath In. Breath Out.” Service led by Rev. Asya Lesly.

Join us as we listen to Reverend Asya as she shares how she has been influenced and inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh’s life and teachings. Then, she will explore how his teachings may help us find our way in a broken world.

Worship Leader: Reverend Asya Lesly

Worship Associate: Megan Johnson

Music: Chris Perske and Pam Sachs

Tech: Malachi Smith-Lewis

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.

Celebrating the Spring Equinox!

March 23rd, 10:30am. Topic: “Celebrating the Spring Equinox!” 

Join us as we celebrate the Spring Equinox with members of the Druid community. This service will be held outside under our cherry tree with Worship Associate Meagan Fisher and music supported by Pam Sachs

For those of you participating through Zoom, we would like to invite you to join our friends at the Unitarian Universalist Community of the Mountains – Grass Valley for their Spring Equinox service. Their service starts at 10:30, and their zoom link is open at 10:10, with music and announcements playing until the service starts.

Worship Leader: Don Taylor

Worship Associate: Meagan Fischer

Music: Pam Sachs

Tech: Malachi Smith-Lewis

Across the Great Divides: Building Trust and New Member Ceremony

March 30th, 10:30am. Topic: “Across the Great Divides: Building Trust and New Member Ceremony.” Service led by Rev. Stacy Craig.

There are three Great Divides in the landscape of this country: the Lake Superior watershed, the Rocky Mountains, and talking with Republicans and Democrats. How did the U.S. become so polarized that many have estranged family members and neighbors that glare instead of wave? Using lessons from serving two very different geographic areas, Rev. Stacy will offer reflections on the practice of trust and how it can be a roadmap to hope and reparations. This service will also include a celebration of new members into the fellowship.

Worship Leader: Reverend Stacy Craig

Worship Associate: Angela Risdon

Reflections on the Little Mermaid: Finding our Voices

April 6th, 10:30am. Topic: “Reflections on the Little Mermaid: Finding our Voices.” Service led by Reverend Asya Lesly.

The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson is a tale about a young mermaid who gives up her “voice” to pursue her love of a man. How important is our voice and the way in which we use it?

Worship Leader: Reverend Asya Lesly

Worship Associate: Susan Bachlor

Music: Chris Perske and Pam Sachs

The Four Elements

April 13th, 10:30am. Topic: “The Four Elements.” Service led by Reverend Stacy Craig.

The four elements: earth, wind, fire, and water are in religious rituals, prayers, and practices. They are the components of nature needed for life, but relationships with the elements are changing with climate catastophies. How do we reclaim our relationship with the elements that bring life and destruction? Perhaps it has to do with the fifth element, the human element.

Worship Leader: Reverend Stacy Craig (Zoom)

Worship Associate: Megan Johnson

Music: Chris Perske

Tech: Malachi Smith-Lewis

Rebirth of the Environment: Thirsting for Water Justice

April 20th, 10:30am. Topic: “Rebirth of the Environment: Thirsting for Water Justice.” Service led by members of the UU Social Justice Committee.

This week, join the Social Justice Committee as we consider our vulnerable and precious resource: water. We’ll look at threats to our waterways and public lands. We’ll also celebrate the recent revival of rivers and their fish populations. What’s our relationship with Earth and this priceless gift? And how can we work for water justice? Come generate possibilities with us this Sunday.  

Worship Leader: Social Justice Committee

Worship Associate: Social Justice Committee

Music: Pam Sachs, Kerry Curtis, and Choir

Tech: Jeff Sachs

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.

Practice of Joy

April 27th, 10:30am. Topic: “Practice of Joy.” Service led by Reverend Stacy Craig.

Being worry free is not a prerequisite to practicing joy. Philosophers and religious thinkers have been engaging this topic from ancient times to current times. If we can choose joy, can we choose non-joy? If joy is an art, can we create it? Come and find out!

Worship Leader: Reverend Stacy Craig

Worship Associate: Meagan Fischer

Music: Chris Perske

Tech: Malachi Smith-Lewis

Poetry Sunday

May 4th, 10:30am. Topic: “Poetry Sunday.” Service led by Megan Johnson.

Worship Leader: Megan Johnson

Worship Associate: Merrily Stover

Music: Chris Perske

Tech: Malachi Smith-Lewis

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.

The Practice of Imagination

May 11th, 10:30am. Topic: “The Practice of Imagination.” Service led by Reverend Stacy.

“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”
― Theodore Parker

This quote from Unitarian minister Theodore Parker (1810-1860) is often ascribed to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King was a master at moral imagination, or the ability to vision and lead a world with belovedness at its center. At this service, we’ll explore how the practice of imagination is required to bend the arc.

Worship Leader: Reverend Stacy (Zoom)

Worship Associate: Angela Risdon

Music: Chris Perske and Pam Sachs

Tech: Malachi Smith-Lewis

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.

Is It Just MY Imagination…

May 18th, 10:30am. Topic: “Is It Just MY Imagination…” Service led by Reverend Asya Lesly

Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will. – George Bernard Shaw

We will explore the power of imagination and how it shapes our world.

Worship Leader: Reverend Asya Lesly

Worship Associate: Susan Bachlor

Music: Chris Perske

Tech: Malachi Smith-Lewis

Love Your Enemies? Seriously?

May 25th, 10:30am. Topic: “Love Your Enemies? Seriously?” Service led by Reverend Laura Horton-Ludwig.

Unitarian Universalists often ask, are there really no exceptions to our tradition that says everyone is loved by a Love bigger than we are–even the worst among us? And are we personally supposed to love those people too? Seriously?!? Today we’ll tackle what that unconditional love means for us today, and why it’s still vitally important–even now.

Worship Leader: Reverend Laura Horton-Ludwig

Worship Associate: Meagan Fischer

Music: Pam Sachs and Choir

Tech: Jeff Sachs

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.

A 15-Frog Day: The Practice of Gratitude

June 1st, 10:30am. Topic: “A 15-Frog Day: The Practice of Gratitude.” Service led by Reverend Asya Lesly.

We will explore the purpose and practice of Gratitude. When we set aside time for Gratitude and make it a priority, we can have more of it leading to some surprising consequences. 

Worship Leader: Reverend Asya Lesly

Worship Associate: Megan Johnson

Music: Chris Perske

Tech: Malachi Smith-Lewis

Annual Flower Service: A Bouquet of Gratitude

June 8th, 10:30am. Topic: “Annual Flower Service: A Bouquet of Gratitude.” Service led by Reverend Stacy Craig.

The annual ritual of the flower service celebrates the diversity and unique gifts of this gathered community. Please bring a flower and place it in the communal vase when you arrive. This service will also feature the Child Dedication Ceremony.

Worship Leader: Reverend Stacy Craig

Worship Associate: Angela Risdon

Music: Chris Perske and Choir

Tech: Jeff Sachs

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.

Inclusion as a Spiritual Practice

June 15th, 10:30am. Topic: “Inclusion as a Spiritual Practice.” Service led by Ben Ogilvie.

What if inclusion is not a policy but a path — a spiritual journey that invites all of us beyond good intentions. True inclusion calls us into humility, learning, and shared transformation. It’s more than a friendly welcome; it’s a way of practicing our deepest values in community, across difference. Join us as we explore inclusion as an act of faith — a practice of love that liberates us all.

Worship Leader: Ben Ogilvie

Worship Associate: Asya Lesly

Music: Chris Perske

Tech: Malachi Smith-Lewis

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.

Nature & Spirituality: Summer Solstice 

June 22nd, 10:30am. Topic: “Nature & Spirituality: Summer Solstice.” Service led by Meagan Fischer.

How do you connect with nature? Do you experience the sacred in nature, or nature as sacred? Seasonal rhythms have always been a part of human religion and culture. On this longest day of the year, what is bright and shining in your life like the sun?

Summer Discussion Facilitator: Meagan Fischer.

Classism and UU Values

June 29th, 10:30am. Topic: “Classism and UU Values.” Service led by Dave Keller.

It might be obvious that our UU values reject classism, the system which categorizes people based on economics, and by extension categorizes people based on educational status, race, abilities, etc, all of which play a role in personal economics. How then do we rely on our UU values to reject classist constructions in our society?

Summer Discussion Facilitator: Dave Keller.

Are We Elitist?

July 6th, 10:30am. Topic: “Are We Elitist?” Service led by Bob Caldwell

In the year of our 200th anniversary UUA suggests we be introspective and ask ourselves the question, “are we elitist?”
AND question what we want to be going forward in this difficult time in our society and culture?

Summer Discussion Facilitator: Bob Caldwell

Positive Reflections on America

July 13th, 10:30am. Topic: “Positive Reflections on America.”

Many Americans are disillusioned with our government, the economy and how we treat one another. However, by considering what is positive about America, it reminds us of why we need to stand up, make our voices heard and create positive change.

Summer Discussion Facilitator: Sharon Stallings

Science and the Search for Truth and Meaning

July 20th, 10:30am. Topic: “Science and the Search for Truth and Meaning.”

Does science inform your religious experience? How? As expressed in our fourth principle, we UUs value the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. For many, that is guided by the scientific process, and many draw great inspiration from discoveries made by the scientific community. This week we will discuss our relationship with science and how it impacts our religious or spiritual lives.

Summer Discussion Facilitator: Mark Ditzler

Are You Prepared for Death and/or Disaster?

July 27th, 10:30am. Topic: “Are You Prepared for Death and/or Disaster?”

In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes. Disasters are also a distinct possibility. Are you prepared for a sudden disaster? Have you prepared for your death in a way that avoids pitfalls? We will share our thoughts and experiences.

Summer Discussion Facilitator: David Strohmeyer

Are You Prepared for Death and/or Disaster?

July 27th, 10:30am. Topic: “Are You Prepared for Death and/or Disaster?”

In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes. Disasters are also a distinct possibility. Are you prepared for a sudden disaster? Have you prepared for your death in a way that avoids pitfalls? We will share our thoughts and experiences.

Summer Discussion Facilitator: David Strohmeyer

Building Bridges Between Our Divisions

August 3rd, 10:30am. Topic: “Building Bridges Between Our Divisions.”

We live in a time of seemingly irreconcilable differences. The obvious intractable difference is political, but others, some public, some personal, are equally troublesome. How can we live best in harmony with our family, our neighbors, and within society at large? It is easy to let differences slide by, but there are times we find we need to address them. When we do, are we seeking to convince, to understand, to open our own minds to change, to just be heard, or something else? Most important, how best might we engage with others in these situations?

Summer Discussion Facilitator: T.W. Theodore

What Does It Mean to be a Patriot?

August 10th, 10:30am. Topic: “What Does it Mean to be a Patriot?”

Gallup poll findings released over the July 4th holiday noted that only 58% of Americans feel “extremely” or “very” proud of their country. Overall, the poll found that the percentage of Americans who say they are proud to be an American has declined 9 percent from last year. Is national pride the same as patriotism? Is it important to feel patriotic? At a time when our nation is experiencing widespread dissatisfaction with the state of the nation and intense partisan wrangling, this upcoming discussion session asks us to reflect on and share our views about, what it means to be a patriot.

Summer Discussion Facilitator: Bev McMillan

Mindfulness

August 17th, 10:30am. Topic: “Mindfulness.”

We will share and explore the experience of being mindful, being in extreme presence, slowing down time. Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings emphasize mindfulness, peace, and love. Hanh highlights the importance of living in the present moment, practicing compassion, and recognizing the interconnectedness of all things.

“Many people are alive but don’t touch the miracle of being alive.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Summer Discussion Facilitator: Wayne Shems

Butte County Local Food Network: Community Gardens and Food Security

August 24th, 10:30am. Topic: “Butte County Local Food Network: Community Gardens and Food Security.”

This service will focus on the overarching topic of food insecurity and growing food locally by many home style gardeners and small farmers to promote local and sustainable food, mostly for the benefit of those who aren’t sure when they will have their next meal. The discussion will focus on how we define food insecurity, what are the local efforts to mitigate its impact on people’s lives, and why so much effort is needed. Our two guests will speak briefly on the nature of food insecurity in Chico and Butte County.

Summer Discussion Facilitators: Bob Crowe

Guest Speakers: Rose Febbo and Jenn Goddard

Our Spiritual Paths

August 31st, 10:30am. Topic: “Our Spiritual Paths” Service led by Maughra Conkey.

We came from different places, but somehow, we all ended up here. Let’s take this time to share a bit about our spiritual journey. Where did we come from and what brought us here?”

Summer Discussion Facilitator: Maughra Conkey

Beginnings

September 7th, 10:30am. Topic: “Beginnings.” Service led by Reverend Asya Lesly.

Beginnings are brimming with opportunity. All possibilities lie ahead. May we ponder beginnings together as we begin this church year.

Worship Leader: Reverend Asya Lesly

Worship Associate: Megan Johnson

Music: Pam Sachs

Unitarian Universalism: A Sanctuary Tradition

September 14th, 10:30am. Topic: “Unitarian Universalism: A Sanctuary Tradition.” Service led by Reverend Stacy Craig.

After the November 2024 elections, the president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, Rev. Sofia Betancourt, shared the prophetic statement, ‘We are a sanctuary people.’ At this service, we’ll explore the idea of sanctuary, how Unitarian Universalism has been a sanctuary tradition over the years, and how to continue to be this for one another.

Worship Leader: Reverend Stacy Craig (Zoom)

Worship Associate: Bev McMillan

Music: Megan Johnson and Kerry Curtis

Tech: Malachi Smith-Lewis

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.

Fall Equinox

September 21st, 10:30am. Topic: “Fall Equinox.” Service led by Don Taylor.

As summer turns to fall, join us for an outdoor ritual to bless and wish healing upon our water system, from creeks to oceans. You may wish to bring a small stone for this service; extra stones will be provided. Meet in the courtyard.

Worship Leader: Don Taylor

Worship Associate: Meagan Fischer

Music: Chris Perske and Pam Sachs

Tech: Malachi Smith-Lewis

In Gathering/Water Service

September 28th, 10:30am. Topic: “In Gathering/Water Service.” Service led by Reverend Stacy Craig.

Join us for our annual water service or water communion, a very special day in the UU calendar. Bring a small container of water from somewhere you spent time this summer, be it in the antipodes or in your own kitchen sink, and we will mingle the waters in our communal bowl during the service. We will share connections we have to water, and how water connects us to each other and to our locations. Rev. Stacy Craig will be with us in person to lead us in worship. Her husband, Alan Craig, will provide special music.  

Worship Leader: Reverend Stacy Craig.

Worship Associate: Merrily Stover

Music: Pam Sachs and Alan Craig

Tech: Malachi Smith-Lewis

The Blessing of Animals in our Lives

October 5th, 10:30am. Topic: “The Blessing of Animals in our Lives.” Service led by Susan Bachlor.

Worship Leader: Susan Bachlor

Worship Associate: Megan Johnson

Music: Chris Perske, Dave Keller, and Pam Sachs

Tech: Malachi Smith-Lewis

Click HERE to view a recording of this service.