Complete Service-first Unitarian Universalist Society Of San Francisco

A Welcoming Community (June 14, 2020) We look at the importance of community and the power of radical welcoming - a celebration of the congregation and a thanks for priceless gifts. This will be Sharon's last sermon with us as our 2019-2020 Ministerial Intern. Sharon Weld, Ministerial Intern Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister Reiko Oda Lane, organist Jennifer Peringer, pianist Ben Rudiak-Gould, song leader Eric Shackelford, camera Joe Chapot, Social Media Chat Support Alex Darr, Zoom Remote Host Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

For Such a Time as This (June 7, 2020) Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Rochelle Fortier Nwadibia, Worship Associate Ben Rudiak-Gould, tenor Asher Davison, bass-baritone Wm. Garcia Ganz, pianist Eric Shackelford, camera Joe Chapot, Social Media Chat Support Alex Darr, Zoom Remote Host Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits, drums

“Apart/Together” (May 31, 2020) One of the side-effects of physical distancing and shelter-in-place is loneliness. According to Dr. Vivek Murthy, the former Surgeon General, research shows that more than 20% of the US adult population struggles with loneliness, and that was before COVID19. Social connection is baked into our nervous system. We need human interaction to survive. What causes loneliness and how can we help to alleviate it?  Faith communities, I think, are a great place to begin the conversation. Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister Richard Davis-Lowell, Worship Associate Reiko Oda Lane, organist Michele Kennedy, soprano Brielle Neilson, mezzo-soprano My-Hoa Steger, pianist Jon Silk, drums Eric Shackelford, camera Joe Chapot, Social Media Chat Support Alex Darr, Zoom Remote Host Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

"The Human Spirit, Hardy and Delicate" (May 24, 2020) Poppies come to us in magnificent clumps of color. They grow wild. They bring us hope.  If not for their brightly colored blooms, they would be considered a weed, given how their seeds drift on the wind and take root by any road or on any hillside. Their flowers are delicate, their life force is hardy. It was for these characteristics that they became Memorial Day's symbol of remembrance. In wartime, we want to protest the violence and honor the lives of those serving. It is never easy to reconcile loss, especially untimely or violent loss, and regret. It is our task to hold both things, letting neither outweigh the other. It is our task to honor the human spirit which is both hardy and delicate. Carmen Barsody, Faithful Fool Sam Dennison, Faithful Fool Sharon Weld, Ministerial Intern Andrés Vera, cellist My-Hoa Steger, pianist Asher Davison, song leader Eric Shackelford, camera Joe Chapot, Social Media Chat Support Alex Darr, Zoom Remote Hos

"Negotiating Risk" (May 17, 2020) Life is risky business, always, and always has been, but life right now has put the idea of risk at the center of our lives, and in more ways than one. Let's talk risk and what it brings into sharp(er) focus in our own lives and the world, and how this close dance-with-risk might change us! Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Sam King, Worship Associate Reiko Oda Lane, organ Mark Sumner, bass Wm. Garcia Ganz, piano Asher Davison, bass-baritone Eric Shackelford, camera Joe Chapot, Social Media Chat Support Alex Darr, Zoom Remote Host Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

"It Takes a Village: The People Who Shaped Us" (May 10, 2020) Mothers are important, but also mothering and befriending, grand parenting and neighboring all shape us too as we grow, come to know ourselves, choose how and who we'd like to be in the world.  This Mother's Day we will celebrate the stories of, as Garrison Keillor says, "The Mothers and Others." Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Anish Johnson, Worship Associate Reiko Oda Lane, organ Mark Sumner, bass Wm. Garcia Ganz, piano Brielle Nielson, mezzo-soprano Asher Davison, bass-baritone Jon Silk, drums Eric Shackelford, camera Joe Chapot, Social Media Chat Support Alex Darr, Zoom Remote Host Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

"How Are You Feeling?" (May 3, 2020) Fred Rogers taught us that it's important to express our feelings, and to be listened to and respected. It's not always easy to say what's in our hearts. We need to feel safe and know that others can be trusted. It's what we strive for in our Sunday School, and in all of our church interactions. This Sunday, we'll draw lessons from Mr. Rogers neighborhood that can help us on our way. This Sunday concludes our formal Sunday School programming. Our children and youth will join us virtually for the start of worship for a special Message for all Ages, then depart for their virtual classes, and wrap up for the church year. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister Reiko Oda Lane, organ Mark Sumner, piano and baritone My-Hoa Steger, piano and soprano Brielle Nielson, mezzo-soprano Asher Davison, bass-baritone Jon Silk, drums Eric Shackelford, camera Joe Chapot, Social Media Support Alex Darr, Zoom Remote Host Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound,

"Life in the Monastery" (April 26, 2020) Part of me has always wanted to live in a monastery. The only problem is that my spouse wouldn't agree, and there are all those vows too. Lately, though, there is a lot monastic about my life, and maybe yours. What if we think of framing our time of stay-at-home as "Life in the Monastery"? What would that mean or might it. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Dennis Adams, Worship Associate Reiko Oda Lane, organ Giacomo Fiore, electric guitar and electronics My-Hoa Steger, pianist Brielle Nielson, mezzo-soprano Asher Davison, bass-baritone Eric Shackelford, camera Joe Chapot, Social Media Support Alex Darr, Zoom Remote Host Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

"Earth’s Lessons" (April 19, 2020) On April 22,1970 “teach-ins” launched the first Earth Day. Fifty years later, voices from across the globe are demanding that we wake up, double down, and respond more quickly to the climate crisis. “Climate change is a timed test” (McKibben) and the 2020s will be our exam. This is neither a test of individual purity, nor an exam we can pass alone.  In this time of trauma and possibility, what are we learning? How can our faith help us to answer this existential call? Rev. Lindi Ramsden, Guest Minister Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Sharon Weld, Ministerial Intern Reiko Oda Lane, organ Dr. Mark Sumner, piano Asher Davison, bass-baritone Michele Kennedy, soprano Jon Silk, drums Eric Shackelford, camera Joe Chapot, Social Media Support Alex Darr, Zoom Remote Host Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

"Easter in Holy Week Times" (April 12, 2020) This, you might say, is not exactly an Easter time.  The events of Holy Week, as it is traditionally celebrated, feel so much more accurate a description of where most of us find ourselves around the globe. We live now, more than we often do, together in the shadow of loss, keeping company with human limitations, facing our mortality, and present to all the ways in which bad things happen to good and not-so-good people alike. You might say we are a Covid-19 global tribe weather Holy Week times. So where is the hope and joy of Easter Sunrise for us?  Let's name it and sing of it together! Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister Sharon Weld, Ministerial Intern *Reiko Oda Lane, organ *Tom Dambly, trumpet *Handbell Choir Dr. Mark Sumner, piano Asher Davison, bass-baritone Laurel Sprigg, soprano Jon Silk, drums Eric Shackelford, camera **Joe Chapot, Social Media Support **Alex Darr, Zoom Remote Host Jonath

"At Ease" (April 5, 2020) During times of crisis and uncertainty, we experience suffering, and seek out ways to bring comfort to those in need, including ourselves. It being Palm Sunday, and Buddha’s birthday on April 8, we’ll journey with Jesus and Buddha to contemplate ways we can ease suffering and bring comfort to our souls. Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister Sharon Weld, Ministerial Intern Reiko Oda Lane, organ Wm García Ganz, piano Asher Davison, vocals Brielle Nelson, vocals Jon Silk, drums Eric Shackelford, camera Joe Chapot, YouTube Social Media Chat Support Alex Darr, Zoom Remote Host Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

"Perspective: The Power of Climbing up onto the Balcony and What Can We See?" (March 29, 2020) We all know that anxiety and fear sharpen our minds and brains down to a narrow tunnel of needs and priorities and put our thoughts on infinite repeats of certain “What If’s” — or a long, tired, bleak list of them. The antidote to that is, in part, perspective, what one author called, “Getting up on the balcony.” So, let’s try and get up there, this morning. What can we see from the balcony of these days? What’s the long view? What do we ourselves, even, look like from up here? Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Sharon Weld, Ministerial Intern David Heilbron, Worship Associate Reiko Oda Lane, organ My-Hoa Steger, piano Brielle Neilson, mezzo soprano Ben Rudiak-Gould, tenor Eric Shackelford, camera Joe Chapot, YouTube Social Media Chat Support Alex Darr, Zoom Remote Host Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Drums, Video Edits

"Are We Saved?" (March 22, 2020) A sermon about the age-old religious question and the honest-to-God answer (at least by this preacher)! Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Rev. Alyson Jacks, Associate Minister Joe Chapot, Office Assistant & Young Adult Coordinator Reiko Oda Lane, organ My Hoa Steger, piano Michele Kennedy, soprano Asher Davison, bass Eric Shackelford, camera Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

"Gifts Great and Small" (March 15, 2020) This is Pi(e) weekend. The ratio of the radius of our circle of caring and sharing to its circumference, geometrically, is forever roughly 3.14. So just what does this mean for our relatively small, church community in relation to the great surrounding spiritual and social needs of the city and world in which we live? What part of the whole pie of services that UUSF attempts to provide goes to whom? What proportion of those efforts should each of us try to support with our gifts of time and treasure? Rev. Dr. John Buehrens, Guest Preacher Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Richard Davis-Lowell, Worship Associate Dr. Mark Sumner, Music Director Reiko Oda Lane, organ and bell choir director Joe Dellert, Canvass Co-Chair Lori Lai, Board Treasurer Shulee Ong, Camera Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

"A Thousand Cuts and the Work of Healing" (March 8, 2020) This week we will look at what are called micro-agressions, how they unfold even in our community, how we intervene and imagine a world without them. Members Mari Maglione and Michael Bossier from Fake Comedy Radio, Don Shearer, Rochelle Fortier-Nwadibia and our ministers will lead a journey of skits and reflection as we explore this way to be better and more whole together. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Sharon Weld, Ministerial Intern Dr. Mark Sumner, Music Director Reiko Oda Lane, organ Wm. García Ganz, piano Mari Maglione, TWZ Player Michael Bossier, TWZ Player Don Shearer, TWZ Player Rochelle Fortier-Nwadibia, TWZ Player Leandra Ramm, soloist Brielle Nielson, soloist Asher Davison, soloist Ben Rudiak-Gould, soloist Eric Shackelford, Trustee Shulee Ong, camera Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits, drums

"What Goes Around..." (March 1, 2020) So many stories, good stories — aren’t we in need of some good stories — to tell of another possible law of the universe. Or maybe just another addition to the Golden Rules worth risking on. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Sharon Weld, Ministerial Intern Nancy Buffum, Annual Operating Fund Drive Campaign Co-Chair Joe Dellert, Annual Operating Fund Drive Campaign Co-Chair Dr. Mark Sumner, Music Director Reiko Oda Lane, organ Wm. García Ganz, piano Scott Benbow, Trustee Eric Shackelford, camera Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

"Envisioning Justice" (February 23, 2020) As you imagine a better future, what changes would you make for yourself, for the church, for the neighborhood? We will envision personal and collective change that inspires us all, and we will spotlight the justice work already achieved by this congregation. Sharon Weld, Ministerial Intern Jan Oringer, Worship Associate Sam King, Worship Associate Emma's Revolution, Guest Music Dr. Mark Sumner, piano Kerry Parker, song leader Judy Payne, Trustee Shulee Ong, camera Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits, Drums

"From Darwin to Unitarian Universalism" (February 16, 2020) Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection set into motion a way of thinking that has profoundly affected not only the understanding of biology but also influenced a much wider range of human concerns, including religion. This is most evident in Unitarian Universalism. We will trace how this came about and reflect on how this way of thinking can lead to greater fulfillment of life’s potentials. Jim Barnett has been a UU for 45 years. He is retired from his career in biomedical research, a graduate of the Humanist Institute and currently the chair of the Humanists and Non-Theists committee at UUSF. Jim Barnett, Worship Leader Carmen Barsody, Worship Associate Dolores Perez Heilbron, Worship Associate Dr. Mark Sumner, music director Reiko Oda Lane, organ and bell choir director Eric Shackleford, Trustee Sharon Weld, camera Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits

"I Do, I Do: A Sermon on Relationships" (February 9, 2020) After all these years of doing weddings, and watching marriages (and living in one), and being in relationship, what can we say definitively about love and what makes us stick together. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Dennis Adams, Worship Associate Mark Sumner, music director Reiko Oda Lane, organ Bill Ganz, piano Asher Davison, soloist Amy Kelly, trustee Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits, drums

"The Year of..." (February 2, 2020) Our congregations draw from the wisdom and experience and the traditions of their families and communities-of-origin, the practices they carry forward, and how they weave these into lives that feel grounded and guided. This Sunday as we are in the season of Lunar New Year, we'll take a moment -- in no way is this service a celebration of Lunar New Year as any one who grew up with it would recognize -- and we'll take a moment to honor some of the threads that weave through this season of celebration and beginning. Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern, Senior Minister Daniel Jackoway, Worship Associate Lori Lai, Board Treasure Kat Liu, Worship Associate Andrés Vera, cello My Hoa Steger, piano Mark Sumner, piano Ben Rudiak-Gould, song leader Reece Hart, Trustee Don Shearer, Camera Operator Jonathan Silk, OOS, Sound, Podcasting, Video Edits