Archives: Services

We Need Not Think Alike to Love Alike –The Story of the Unitarian Church of Transylvania

September 29, 2024 at 10:30 am Rev. Kevin Mann (he/him/siyá)

The Unitarian Church of Transylvania has over 60,000 members and is the birthplace of Unitarianism with many churches over 400 years old! Theologian Francis David convinced the Hungarian Royal Court to enact the Edict of Torda in 1568 which established Unitarianism and allowed congregants to freely elect their preachers and represented the first expression of … Continue reading We Need Not Think Alike to Love Alike –The Story of the Unitarian Church of Transylvania

The Extraordinary Behavior of Birds

September 22, 2024 at 10:30 am Rev. Dr. Carrie Knowles (she/her)

Rev. Dr. Carrie Knowles describes the new look at how birds conduct their lives—their remarkable strategies and intelligence as they communicate, forage, court, breed, and collaborate, and also deceive, manipulate, and cheat. Rev. Dr. Carrie Knowles (she/her) describes herself as a recovering psychologist and recovering attorney, who graduated from Starr King in 2011 and was … Continue reading The Extraordinary Behavior of Birds

Creative Problem Solving for Important Problems

September 15, 2024 at 10:30 am Brett Torres (he/him)

This sermon will explore a creative problem solving method that the congregation can use interactively in to solve important issues we face like climate change and creating a better and more just society. Brett Torres is a local musician that has been attending BFUU for over a decade. He graduated from UC Berkeley and has … Continue reading Creative Problem Solving for Important Problems

Gathering of the Waters Ceremony

September 8, 2024 at 10:30 am Rev. Ben Meyers (he/him)

It was at a gathering of white women in 1980 when this ritual first came to pass; making new meaning, shifting the old ethos. Today, may our gathering of the waters reflect our collective courage in service of the grace and love that is promised by our liberal faith. NOTE: This is not a ‘travelogue’ … Continue reading Gathering of the Waters Ceremony

“Life Calls Us Up, Out and On…”

September 1, 2024 at 10:30 am Rev. Ben Meyers (he/him)

In the theme of “Invitation”, which most UU congregations will explore this month, the sermon asks the question: “What do we rely upon to help us face the future boldly, and to accept Life’s invitation with joy, love, grace, hope and courage?” The Rev. Ben Meyers (he/him) loves living near Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA. His … Continue reading “Life Calls Us Up, Out and On…”

What It’s Like to be a Fungus

August 25, 2024 at 10:30 am Rev. Dr. Carrie Knowles (she/her)

Rev. Dr. Carrie Knowles reports on the remarkable life of Fungi, that live inside and around us, and sustain us and all that we depend upon. Rev. Dr. Caroline Knowles (she/her)Rev. Dr. Carrie Knowles describes herself as a recovering psychologist and recovering attorney, who graduated from Starr King in 2011 and was ordained to UU … Continue reading What It’s Like to be a Fungus

Return of the Aloha Spirit with ‘Ahamele Hawaiian Music Ensemble and Hula

August 18, 2024 at 9:30 am

Aloha is not just a word. What is it, exactly? You can find it in Hawaiian music, and you don’t have to go to Hawai’i to find Aloha. We can look for and share Aloha in our everyday lives to help make our world a better place. **Please join us for a service filled with wonderful traditional … Continue reading Return of the Aloha Spirit with ‘Ahamele Hawaiian Music Ensemble and Hula

Art Saves Young Lives

August 11, 2024 at 10:30 am

Youth Spirit Artworks opened the first tiny village shelter for transitional age youth (18-25) in the United States. Through trauma informed, clinical-based practices we seek to foster healing, belonging and transition to permanent housing for participants through our housing and art programs at the shelter (Oakland) and art studio (Berkeley). Zae Illo (he/him)Zae is a … Continue reading Art Saves Young Lives

“Hope is a verb with its sleeves rolled up”

August 4, 2024 at 10:30 am Rev. Ben Meyers (he/him)

This timely quote from David Orr is essential to the work that lies before us in our lives, our community, and our country. Theo Kocs-Meyers, guest musician. Bring a friend! The Rev. Ben Meyers loves living near Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA. His ministry spans 28 years: half of that time as a parish minister … Continue reading “Hope is a verb with its sleeves rolled up”

Women in Science Now

July 28, 2024 at 10:30 am Rev. Dr. Carrie Knowles (she/her)

For too long, women were excluded from science. Rev. Dr. Carrie Knowles presents the voices and person stories of women who have entered this recently liberated realm. Rev. Dr. Carrie Knowles (she/her) describes herself as a recovering psychologist and recovering attorney, who graduated from Starr King in 2011 and was ordained to UU ministry in … Continue reading Women in Science Now

Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists

Archives: Services