Shows
Chalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationSummer Surprise!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.2025-07-0617 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationBeyond the Pulpit: Unveiling MinistryWhat 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.2025-06-2923 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationMy Gay Brother's Keeper“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.2025-06-2234 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationFreedom and ResponsibilityOn this special Sunday, we explore how true freedom is not the absence of responsibility—but the deepening of it. As we welcome new members and discover all that's going on at Chalice, we reflect on the liberating power of community and the sacred commitments we freely choose. How do we embrace both freedom and responsibility? Join us in celebrating the freedom to belong, to care, to listen within and to co-create a beloved community.2025-06-0418 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationFreedom to Be You!In a world where authenticity can be risky, choosing to live boldly as yourself is an act of courage and love. Join us as we celebrate Pride and the radiant beauty of human diversity, because the world needs each of us, exactly as we are.2025-05-2518 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationMemorial TimeWe welcome guest minister, Rev. Maddie Sifantus. She reflects on this time of remembering those who are gone this Memorial Day Weekend, along with a special consideration of our UU military chaplains who walk beside those who serve our country.2025-05-1823 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationDreamWhat dreams might take flight if nothing stood in your way? In this service of wonder and imagination, we’ll explore what becomes possible when we unshackle ourselves from limitation and dare to envision a life guided by our deepest longings. Join Rev. Nica as we stretch the boundaries of what we believe is possible—within ourselves, our community, and the world.2025-05-1119 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationThe Many Ways of Being Human: A Mother's Day Reflection on Neurodiversity, Love, and Sacred UniquenessThis Mother’s Day, we come together to honor the beautiful complexity of the human mind and the many ways we move through the world. Through story, song, and shared reflection, we’ll celebrate neurodiversity as a vital part of our collective wholeness. Grenda David will share her experience as the mother of a neurodivergent child, and how that journey has opened a deeper path toward love, connection, and inclusion. This gathering invites us to reflect on what it truly means to belong—and how embracing difference can expand our hearts and transform our communities.2025-05-0423 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationPure ImaginationJoin us for a service where creativity knows no bounds. This is our 'out of the box' service in which we'll explore the power of imagination to transform our Sunday gatherings. Join us as Rev. Nica and the Worship Team help us go beyond the bounds of our imagination.2025-04-2756 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationThe Joy of Collective ActionThe connection we have to each other in this congregation is important and powerful. Today we celebrate Earth Day by looking at how Collective Action can lead to deeper connection personally and greater impact for good in the world. Chalice member Clint Fultz and CFROG representative Abrah Steward will catch us up on the work of this local organization. This, in turn, gives us a chance to consider how joining together can be a vehicle to manifesting greater joy in our lives.2025-04-2006 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationEaster - Joy Springs from Adversitye themes of suffering, death, and resurrection—how the story of Jesus' crucifixion, which seemed like the ultimate loss, transformed into joy and renewal. For many of us, this moment represents the paradox of life itself—sometimes the worst thing can become the opening for something new, something beautiful, something full of joy. Join us this Easter as we celebrate our annual Flower Celebration to remember the beauty that arises from darkness. Please bring a flower to share.2025-04-1316 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationJoy as Resistance - A Community CelebrationToday we invite you to embrace joy as an act of defiance against the challenges and injustices that seek to diminish our spirit. In the face of adversity, experiencing and sharing joy as a community strengthens our resilience and reminds us of our shared humanity. As we close our pledge drive, we honor the power of collective joy in building a better, more compassionate world. Join us for a celebratory lunch after service.2025-04-0616 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationLiving in Truth: A Day of Visibility and EmpowermentJoin us for a very special service dedicated to celebrating and uplifting our transgender community during this Week of Trans Visibility. Together, we’ll honor the courage of those who live their truth and advocate for a world where everyone can be seen and valued for who they are. Let’s unite in solidarity and celebration, empowering each other to shine brightly in our authenticity.2025-03-2514 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationBe the LightToday we reflect on what it means to be the light—for ourselves, for each other, and for the world. As a community, we ask: What does it mean to be a beacon? To shine not only in times of ease but in times of challenge? How do we ensure that this light—our Chalice community—burns brightly for all who seek its warmth?2025-03-1610 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationGrowing TrustIn a world that teaches us to guard our hearts, what happens when we choose trust instead? By practicing Lectio Divina with Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer’s poem Growing Trust, we will explore the courage to release our armor and say yes to life. Together, we’ll reflect on how we trust, inviting us to unfold like a sunflower turning toward the sun.2025-03-0922 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationFace the Music and DancePopular guest speaker, and UCLA oncology chaplain, Michael Eselun will explore the dance we do between acceptance and self-compassion. If we reach for acceptance of our circumstances as a pathway to inner peace, what part does self-compassion play?2025-03-0222 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationWhat Can We Trust?When the world around us is devolving into chaos, what can we trust? Trusting ourselves can feel impossible when we are overwhelmed by uncertainty, grief, or fear, yet deep within us lies a wisdom that has guided us through every challenge. This service explores how we can cultivate trust, not through control or certainty, but through deep presence, self-compassion, and an openness to life as it unfolds. Grounded in Unitarian Universalist values and the world's wisdom traditions, we will reflect on how we can trust both ourselves and our community, moving beyond fear into a place of quiet confidence, resilience...2025-03-0223 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationThe Gifts of InclusionWhen I think of inclusion I can’t help but think of its polar opposite—exclusion, and its many costs, spiritually, materially, and culturally. We are so much better off, and deeply enriched, when we welcome diversity into our experience. We’ll take a glimpse at western society’s evolving relationship with otherness, some of our failings and successes, and what it means today to celebrate the full spectrum of humanity’s rainbow.2025-02-2319 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationWholeness Within: Embracing our ShadowInclusion begins within. This service invites us to explore what it means to embrace the shadowed parts of ourselves—the fears, flaws, and complexities we often hide. Through love and self-compassion, we’ll discover how honoring our whole selves deepens our capacity to accept and include others, creating a more authentic and connected community.2025-02-1622 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationHousing is a Human RightAt Many Mansions we envision a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone has access to affordable housing and the support needed to thrive. How does shifting our perspective to housing as a human right break down divides and build up community and belonging? The Rev. Laurel Johnston serves as Director of Individual Giving for Many Mansions and is an ordained Priest in the Episcopal Church.2025-02-0917 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationBoundless Welcome: The Heart of our Inclusive FaithUnitarian Universalism celebrates diversity as a cornerstone of our shared faith. Today, we will explore how our inclusive principles and values invite us to honor every person’s worth and dignity, build bridges across difference, and create a spiritual home for all. Together, we’ll reflect on the transformative power of truly embracing one another and welcoming all.2025-02-0220 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationClimate Justice RevivalIn the midst of overlapping climate crises and mounting social injustice, we are in a time of great change and profound anxiety. Taking a note from those who have gone before us, the UUA Climate Justice Revival is meant to be a time to come together and re-commit. Join Chalice and hundreds of other UU congregations all over the country for a time of renewal and re-commitment at the intersection of the climate crisis and the deep justice commitments of our congregation.2025-01-2619 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationCultivating Mental Resilience in Challenging TimesAs we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and embark on a new presidential term, we draw inspiration from Dr. King's profound mental strength in the face of relentless adversity. His unwavering commitment to justice and hope offers us a guide for navigating times of uncertainty and fear. In a season when the future feels precarious, we’ll explore how we can cultivate resilience, courage, and purpose, drawing strength from our shared values and our vision of a more just and compassionate world. Together, we will reflect on how to stand strong, as Dr. King did, for th...2025-01-1924 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationStorytelling with SoundSpecial guest Cory Hills uses the power of percussion to deliver fun and engaging stories. While his typical audience is kids, there is much all of us can learn from his adaptations of old folktales, classics, and original stories. Be transported with some of the most unique instruments by this Grammy award-winning, two album-producing artist. Young ones won’t want to miss this interactive treat!2025-01-1324 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationWriting a Better StoryNarrative identity is the story we create about ourselves - our own personal myth, so to speak. Our stories can also shape our future, but they're not written in stone. Join us as we begin exploring the theme of story and the possibilities that come with changing our storyline or writing a better story.2025-01-0517 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationHow to Be Happy All The TimeDid you smile when you read the title of today’s service? That’s a good start. Is the purpose of life to be happy all the time, anyway? Is this too many questions? How should I know? I’m just a student of life, like you. But after seven decades of watching the wheel turn I’m starting to see some patterns. And I know Maya Angelou spoke the truth when she said, “Nobody but nobody can make it out here alone.” Let’s explore together, shall we?2024-12-3026 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationThe Gift of Presence through Stories of ResilienceOur survival instincts (and the media) encourage us to focus on the worst of what is going on in the world. There is evidence that we are remarkably resilient beings with the capacity to evolve, heal and renew. Presence is the gift of knowing we are not alone as we journey and the holiday season is filled with human rituals of connection and hope that can help us guide our way. Join Grenda as she shares stories of resilience, hope and presence.2024-12-2218 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationA Celebration of the HolidaysDecember is filled with holidays from around the world--and around our congregation! Please join us for this intergenerational celebration with music and stories as we honor the many beautiful and sacred traditions within and beyond our Chalice community.2024-12-1532 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationKnock Knock2024-12-0819 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationBeing a Goldfish - The Happiest Animal on EarthTed Lasso is more than a comical hero in a warmhearted series. His wise words about being a goldfish teaches us about the importance of living in the moment. The gift of presence is hard to appreciate, especially as our lives become more and more inundated with distractions, worry, and regret. Let us come together and explore why it's so hard to be present, and what we can do about it.2024-12-0123 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationThanksgiving - The Whole StoryJoin us for a Thanksgiving service that goes beyond the traditional story. We'll delve into the rich history of this land, honoring Indigenous Peoples who have inhabited it for over 10,000 years. We'll explore land acknowledgements and share in our traditional communal bread ceremony. We will gather after services for our annual ‘breaking bread’ event. Let’s set the tone for a meaningful Thanksgiving week with gratitude and respect.2024-11-2413 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationRepairing Our HeartsWhen our hearts have been broken by what's going on in our country, our world, and our own lives, we gather together today to mend them in community. Join us to explore repairing our hearts, so they are strong and resilient for the days ahead.2024-11-1721 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationFor Times Such as TheseOn this Sunday after our country's election we gather as a Beloved Community, however we are feeling. No matter what, we are more resilient, hopeful, and courageous together. Come one, come all. You are welcome here. Join us to feel the support of friends and community.2024-11-1023 min
Chalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationRooted TogetherThe natural world is a beautiful teacher of the possibility of relationship surrounding us — and the harmony possible in community. What truth and connection might we find just outside our back doors? How might we learn some powerful lessons from the buzzing bees and the sprouting leaves? This Sunday, we’ll consider how we are … Continue reading Rooted Together2022-05-2916 minChalice Unitarian Universalist Inspiration“How Are You” and Other Tough Questions When You’re In GriefWhat do we say to the simple question “How are you?” after we suffer the loss of a loved one? Do we avoid the question? Do we give a straight answer? Does it depend on who is asking? Today’s service will be about coping with loss, and answering hard questions about how we are that … Continue reading “How Are You” and Other Tough Questions When You’re In Grief2022-01-3017 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationDeepening Relationship to our AncestorsTo celebrate All Souls, All Saints, Dia de Los Muertos and Samhain, today we deepen our relationship with our ancestors. Join us for our annual tradition in which we share photos of our deceased loved ones and other ancestors we wish to honor. Anahi Quiroz will share wisdom from her culture and join Rev Nica … Continue reading Deepening Relationship to our Ancestors2021-10-3108 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationWhat Happened to Soul 22? The Story of Our Soul AwakeningIn the Pixar animation, Soul, middle school teacher and jazz pianist Joe Gardner has a sudden near death experience that sends him to the Great Before where he is assigned to mentor the little ball of potentiality known as Soul 22. Cynical and ornery, Soul 22 has for eons thus far resisted entering life on earth with all its bittersweet possibilities. Soul 22 is a kind of alter ego for Joe Garner as he weighs the meaning of his own life hanging in the balance. Soul. What does it mean?Is it what you feel when you hear Aretha Franklin or Luciano Pavarotti...2021-05-3017 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationAll in for Climate Justice: People, Power and PlanetExtreme heat. Extreme cold. Hurricanes, fires, droughts, storms. The devastations of climate change are terrifying and very real. As we venture into 2021 we look at the possibilities and opportunities that have been presented out of the extreme challenges we’ve faced. Today we imagine our Climate Future.2021-01-3114 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationBe Thankful. Stay HungryWe have much to be thankful for, but it's no time to fall into complacency. Our work to build a more just and equitable world continues. Join Worship Leader and Board President Jason Hall for this post Thanksgiving service.
2020-11-2916 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationWisdom and the Art of Not MansplainingOne of the best gifts a man can give is the gift of hearing and listening. Yet we often can't stop ourselves from ruining the gift with advice, explanations, and "here's what you should do-isms." Explore the speaker's journey down the path of becoming a better listener, something he continually fails at.
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Meeting ID: 209 555 249
Phone: 166990091282020-03-2911 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationWhy We Awe To…This service will touch upon the diverse aspects of "nature" as it pertains to awe and its affect and effect on us (whether we were looking for it or not). This could occur simply looking at the stars on a crisp dark evening imagining the worlds beyond, watching a whale breach the surface, the chemistry of love developing with another, or contemplating what the nature of what, if anything, may lie beyond the curtains of this world for us.2019-12-2911 minChalice Unitarian Universalist Inspiration“Pride, a journey to self love.”Services at 9:15 and 11:00a
50 years of Gay Pride
How did we begin? What's have we accomplished? Where are we headed?
The day after 2nd annual Conejo Valley Pride festival at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. We are thrilled to welcome James Laguna, a friend of Chalice, to discuss 50 years of Gay Pride events. 2019-09-2914 minChalice Unitarian Universalist InspirationChalice PlayersCVUUF us designated as a Welcoming Congregation which supports the LGBTQ community. This original Chalice Players presentation is the story of James Stoll, the first gay Unitarian Universalist minister, as told by his friend, Reverend Leland Bond-Upson. The iconic music of the 1960’s will take us back to that revolutionary time.2019-03-3126 min