Starr King Unitarian Universalist Church

Inspiration through Improvisation

An unusual and interesting lay led service presented by the Worship Committee and our SKIT group.  Many of today’s worship elements will be made up on the spot.

Someone With Skin

Led by Rev. Joy Atkinson.

What do we want to receive from being in a religious community like Starr King Church? What are we prepared to offer one another to make sure that this congregation survives and thrives, and lives into its promising future?

This One Life

Led by Guest speaker  Rev. Mary Ganz.

Who are we? What are we called to do? As Unitarian Universalists, how do we balance our activist passion to make a better world with our need to be held in spiritual community? — or, in the words of E.B. White, “to save the world or to savor it.”

Rev. Mary Ganz is a minister with the Faithful Fools Street Ministry, who recently returned to the Bay Area after eight years serving congregations on the East Coast.

Transcendence and Transcendentalism

Led by Rev. Joy Atkinson.

The religious, philosophical and literary movement of the 1830s known as American Transcendentalism emphasized personal religious experience over tradition, ecclesiastical authority and scripture. The sermon will explore how Transcendentalism transformed our Unitarian and Universalist traditions, and its relevance to our lives and to Unitarian Universalism today.

Toward a Culture of Peace

Toward a Culture of Peace

Jim Scott, Guest Musician and Speaker. Jim presents songs and reflections on peace and non-violence as a spiritual value, suggesting that UUs could adopt an "Eighth Principle" of the non-violent resolution of conflict. Beyond the inter-personal behavior, Jim suggests three points: that we work to gain a greater perspective on our privilege, look into the healing of our own wounds, and reclaim our creative voices to bring about a healing of the world.

All That Has Given Us Birth

Led by Rev. Joy Atkinson.

Amazingly, there are still those who question the scientific theory of evolution on religious grounds. But to many modern scientists and theologians alike, science and religion are not enemies. Many religious organizations set aside a weekend day in February annually to celebrate the contributions of Charles Darwin, born 205 years ago on February 12^th, as an answer to those who continue to denounce the theory of evolution. The sermon will explore the interface of the scientific and religious world-views.

Failure Is Impossible!

Led by Rev. Joy Atkinson.

Today is the 195^th birthday of Susan B. Anthony. The sermon will explore and honor the life and contributions of this famous Quaker/Unitarian suffragist and abolitionist.  She may even make an appearance!

The Footprints of Gossip

Sunday Service, February 1, 10:30 am
The Footprints of Gossip - Led by Reverend Joy Atkinson.
Gossip is such a delicious temptation, but it can be so destructive! Might it also have a positive function? If so, how does it sometimes turn into a destructive force? The sermon will explore the phenomena of rumor and gossip in human experience, their effect on communities (including religious communities) and how we can become effective “gossip busters.”

The State of the Congregation

Led by Rev. Joy Atkinson
At this approximate mid-point in the “church year,” our interim minister will offer some observations on how Starr King Unitarian Universalist is faring in this transitional, in-between time, what the congregation’s current strengths and special challenges are, and what the future might bring.

A Dream Deferred

Led by Rev. Joy Atkinson.

The service will honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, and explore the phenomenon of white privilege. The sermon will include poetry and prose by Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, Langston Hughes and Dr. Martin Luther King.