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.

We pray a lot here at Chalice. We “give thanks for the gifts and the givers”. We consecrate things like babies and backpacks. We say prayers of petition or lamentation. We are a reverent community, but why? Who are we talking to?  Join Rick Wells this week as he engages this existential question of how we create a meaningful life and what this thing called prayer has to do with that creation.

How do we continue to get up each morning and face all the horrors the world offers, without being paralyzed by fear or despair? How do we hold onto our humanity, our joy, our love and peace amidst it all? How do we keep finding the light among all the darkness surrounding us? Join us for this deep dive into what it means to be human at this time.

It has been over 180 years since the Ventura Chumash community has built a tomol in Ventura. They are currently finishing their first tomol in over 180 years... "We are due!" writes Alan Salazar, Chumash elder, who will share this story with us for Indigenous People's Day.

The unconditional love we receive from our animal friends and family members is a gift. In honor of all they have given us, today we offer them a blessing of love, happiness, and good health as we are reminded that our lives are so much better with them.

Join us for a musical celebration of the life and wisdom of Singer-songwriter, Social Justice and Environmental Activist, Carolyn McDade.

A former zen seminary student and poet in residence on the Flathead Indian Reservation, Alex Alviar shares two short essays and an ancient buddhist sutra that explore how to feel at home in one's own skin no matter where in the world you are.

What if our interactions with the earth, and rocks in particular, shape us and we shape them? How do we shape them and what do these interactions say about our culture and values? We will explore stones of: 1. geology and fossils 2. stones of building materials and tools, 3. commerce and trade, 4. art and 5. ritual.

The poet, John O’Donohue, wrote: “May this house shelter your life. When you come home here.” This Ingathering Sunday we come home to Chalice and gather around a living fountain, reminding us of the source that nourishes and sustains our lives. Home is not only where we live, but where we are seen, loved, renewed and inspired. Today we come home to one another, for the new congregational year, celebrating this community and connections that sustain us.

Some time back, Ayanna Gaines presented a service that centered on the concept of the soul: what it is and what do Unitarian Universalists believe about the soul. Now, Ayanna is revisiting the concept of the soul, this time from a popular culture perspective: why do we call Stevie Wonder's songs "soul music," or fried chicken "soul food"? How does this connect to the soul in our hearts?

Living a life that matters is no small thing. Today we are inspired by Michael Josephson's poem: "What Will Matter" to explore what truly matters in our lives, how we find purpose and meaning. Join us for this deep, soulful enquiry.

We are on a journey. It is a challenging one with a new learning curve as we acquire knowledge in how to stay connected, express our discontent but continue to evolve. Diane DeMarco has been a long time Unitarian Universalist practicing psychotherapy in Cambria, California.

Words like God, holy, sin, or church can feel loaded or alienating to many UUs, but do they still have something to offer us? Join us as we gently unpack and reinterpret religious language, exploring how, in translation, it might benefit our shared spiritual journey.

Join us for our Summer Surprise gatherings. Since July and August are theme-free months, Our Worship team will be offering Summer Surprises. This week Sam and Ayanna have a service that is guaranteed to be so fabulous! But you'll have to attend to see what they are cooking up.

What does a minister really do all week? And how is that work connected to the well-being of the whole congregation? Join us, as Rev. Nica shares a behind-the-scenes look at the joys, demands, and sacred responsibilities of ministry. She explores the visible and invisible aspects of her role, and why sustainable rhythms like sabbaticals and study leave matter, not just for the minister, but for the health and vitality of the entire community. Tim Snowber will also offer reflections on the importance of shared ministry and how we grow stronger together.

“We Are Everywhere,” read the bumper sticker on the bookshelf of my brother’s apartment in the early 70s. And yes, every family, nuclear or extended, includes our queer brothers and sisters. Whether we judge, ignore, embrace or celebrate the diversity among us is our choice, one that ripples out far beyond our lifetime. Clifton Snider was a principled and prolific teacher, poet, writer and activist who deeply touched the lives of many and made the world a better place for having sojourned among us. I am proud this month, and every month, to call him my brother.