We teach about the uniqueness of all people, and though we know that we have gifts differing from one another, we focus on our flaws and short comings. We apologize for who we are and how we are. We strive to be better, but we never acknowledge that we started out as good. If you believe in the inherent dignity and worth of every person, then you must find your place. Find the way and the place in the world, where you can be your best self. #yourbestself #thisisme #prideinself

 

I know a number of people who respond to queries about their well-being by saying, “I’m Blessed.” My response is to affirm the obvious and then ask, “Yes, and are you being a blessing?” It is important to acknowledge all of the good things in one’s life. It is also important TO BE one of the good things in the lives of others.

Our liberal congregations were among the first to fight for LGBTIAQ+ rights and they were in instrumental in securing those rights after decades of activism and community-building. Join us for our annual service honoring Pride Month. We will offer “I Had a Bad Dream!” by the late kweer scholartivist Ibrahim Farajajé. We will also commission our newly reformed Pastoral Associates — and the Annual Meeting will follow our worship service. We hope you will join us in the Pride March next week as well!

 

 

⇒ We’ll re-gather today in the Sanctuary at 12:00 pm for our 95th Annual Congregational Meeting!

UUSM is returning to the LA Pride Parade on June 12th for the first time since 2018 and we need YOU to join us! Members and friends of all ages, persons of all LGBTQIA+ identities and friends and allies are all invited to help us continue a long tradition of representing our congregation and our values at this historic event — which is part of UUSM’s even longer history of standing up for human rights and equality. But for this tradition to live on, we need a strong turnout. 

The group will begin meeting at the designated staging point near Sunset & Vine in Hollywood at 10:30AM. Bring water and sunscreen along with UU apparel and pride/rainbow accoutrements. Extra signs and banners will be provided. We will have a small pickup truck as our centerpiece to decorate!

After checking in and lining up in the staging area with other groups, our contingent will likely wait for 1-2 hours before "step-off." (This is why water and snacks are a good idea.) This will give us time to decorate and practice our chants/songs. The parade route is a 1.3 mile walk through the heart of Hollywood and is estimated to take about 40 min. As the event does not provide (or recommend) parking options, public transportation or rideshares (e.g. Uber, Lyft etc. if possible) are strongly encouraged. There will be groups departing from UUSM and other points including Culver City — we will do our best to help make connections to get everyone to the event who wants to go. Please use the SIGNUP FORM HERE or email Faith In Action at justice@uusm.org to to coordinate transportation.

Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae, preaching

JoAn Peters, worship associate

 

Our is a shared ministry that is only possible with the generous gifts of time, talent, and resources from our many congregational leaders, members, friends, and staff. Join us as we celebrate our many volunteers and staff and explore what opportunities for volunteer service and leadership are emerging in this time of renewal and rebirth.

Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae, preaching

Amy Brunell, worship associate

 

We open our worship services like most Unitarian Universalist congregations with the lighting of our flaming chalice. This beloved tradition has deep liberal religious roots with multireligious significance. Join us as we reflect upon this tradition and sacred stories of light in religious history.