Chalice Unitarian Universalist Inspiration

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 that holds life lessons for each of our journeys. "I'd love to live my life like a river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding." ~John O'Donahue

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 reciprocity, gift economy, and land ethics in conversation with Indigenous writers and other deep ecology voices.

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 Commandments.

"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 All Ages story, "A Special Trade." Then lead us into deeper reflection with several essential questions: Is there a conflict between critical thinking and generosity—and if so, how might we resolve it? And what does generosity truly mean when we think in terms of treasure?

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 hearing what the other side was saying. There are things we can do to create meaningful dialogue and move past the conflict inherent in Us vs Them.

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 his latest book, Living with Purpose and Integrity: A Fresh Perspective on the Ten Commandments (2025)

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 ourselves.

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 with purpose, empathy, and openness. Together, we’ll explore what it means to channel the spirit of life and love into the world.

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!

On this Winter Solstice we honor the turning of the year, the shortest day and the longest night. Together we will journey to the neolithic tomb of Newgrange in Ireland, where once each year a single shaft of sunlight pierces the darkness, reminding us that even in our deepest shadows the light returns. Join us for this sacred morning of reflection and hope as we share a sabbatical send-off ritual for Rev. Nica. This is her final Sunday service before sabbatical, though she will also lead our Christmas Eve celebration.

In a time when society is becoming more secular and polarized, we may wonder why our faith matters? What gifts does Unitarian Universalism offer that make it worth showing up, belonging, and participating? This Sunday we’ll explore these questions as we joyfully welcome new members into our community and welcome back returning Chalice members from as far back as the 1970s. Together we’ll reflect on how our UU values, mission, and community create a place of light, love, justice, and deep connection, offering a home for the soul in challenging times.

Join us for an exploration of religious and secular faith and spirituality. Clint shares his story of leaving the Christian Church and turning to other avenues to seek out the metaphysical and ontological. What he found led him to activism, social justice work and Unitarian Universalism. Perhaps the story of his journey can help you on yours—but just don’t call it a sermon!

As the season of gratitude arrives, how do we open our hearts to thankfulness when life feels uncertain or hard? This Sunday we’ll explore the practice of gratitude not as denial of struggle, but as a pathway to resilience and joy. Together we’ll share our annual Harvest Bread Celebration, breaking bread in community and giving thanks for the blessings that sustain us even in difficult times.

Many Unitarian Universalists feel a discomfort around the figure of Jesus, because his teachings have been distorted by dogma, politics, and fundamentalism. But what if we look beyond doctrine and politics to rediscover the heart of his message? Who was Jesus, really, and what did he stand for? And might his wisdom still speak to us as UUs today? Join us as we explore Jesus as mystic, rebel, wisdom-teacher, and activist.

Rev. Ellie Kilpatrick joins Rev. Nica to share her journey within her Jewish identity about Israel and Palestine, and how love called her to grow in her understanding of peace. Join us for this important ongoing conversation.