Rev. Ben Meyers (he/him) 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 and half as a social justice/community minister. He is the proud father of two sons and loves spending as much time as possible with his two-year old grandson. His passion is working with individuals and faith-based communities throughout the country as a Solar and Clean Energy consultant. His mission is to accelerate the adoption of clean energy as a moral and spiritual imperative. As a proud parent of a transgender child, he is also a vocal ally and avid advocate for LGTBQ+ rights.
To sustain ourselves for the long haul of uncertainty and the perpetual onslaughts of life, we depend on the health and strength of our hearts, minds and spirits –not only to survive–but to even thrive–during these times. The service will include themes and practices of Lent, Ramadan and daily devotions. Special music for the occasion. … Continue reading Something You Already Know
Our values call us to live in the reality of the heartbreak of our world, remembering that: “No one is outside the circle of love.” How can we keep the circle and our hearts open when we may wish to ‘close ranks’? Special music by the Choir and Rev. Ben. Bring a friend! The Rev. Ben Meyers loves living … Continue reading The Open Circle
As we venture into a new year, our journeys often depend on our ability to release that which no longer serves us and to plant seeds for new growth. This ritual will allow us the opportunity to do both. Special Music for the occasion. Bring a friend! Click here for the Order of Service. The … Continue reading New Year’s Rituals –The Burning Bowl and the Planting Urn
The deepest truth about the darkness of winter is that the brightest hope is born, again and again, during periods of greatest darkness. We will celebrate the light that darkness allows from many traditions, stories and songs! The Rev. Ben Meyers (he/him) loves living near Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA. His ministry spans 28 years: … Continue reading In Darkness Comes Light
We all spend time waiting….Waiting for doctors, for dentists, for our tires to be rotated. I realize I’ve also spent a lot of time in ‘phantom waiting rooms’, waiting for something that will NEVER happen…waiting for something I want, but will never get if I keep waiting where I am. Q: What are you waiting … Continue reading Phantom Waiting Rooms
Healing is ‘usually’ presented to us as something binary: something is either broken, or it has been healed from that brokenness. But that’s not how healing happens. Leonard Cohen wrote; “There is a crack in everything…that’s how the light gets in.” The sermon aspires to ‘shed some light’ on ways of thinking about repairing ourselves … Continue reading How the Light Gets In
A service commemorating the Jewish High Holy Days – At this time each year, we, again, delve into the complex and profound spiritual journey of forgiveness, and the ‘turning’ which allows for both the giving and receiving of its healing powers. Through reflection, music, stories, and ritual we will foster compassion, encourage personal growth, and … Continue reading Understanding Forgiveness
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
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…”
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”
