Smoke and Memory
Rev. Marcus Liefert
Sunday March 15 Worship Service 11 amWe are the inheritors of a tradition that believes in the sovereign self — the individual who chooses, who transforms, who transcends. But what do we do with the inheritance we never chose? How might we be led by Sankofa, the Akan symbol of the courage to turn and face what you’re already carrying?

In Person, Facebook Live and YouTube
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Sunday March 15, 2026

9:30 am Parents’ Discussion Group
Safir Room – Parent/Grandparent Discussion Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month at 9:30 am. We welcome parents and grandparents at all stages of the parenting journey. Drop-ins welcome!

10 am Youth and Children’s Choir Rehearsal
Meditation Room (below the Sanctuary) – Open to all children and youth, ages 5½ and up. Prior musical experience is not required. Email Teacher Katie for questions.

10 am Coffee and Community 
Atrium – Coffee, tea, and light refreshments

11 am Religious Education
In Person – Join us for Religious Exploration (RE). We have activities for children from kindergarten through 12th grade. Together, we will talk about building the common good. For more information, please email Kathryn Jay, Minister of Congregational Life.

11 am Worship Service
In Person, Facebook Live and YouTube – Smoke and Memory. Rev. Marcus Liefert, preaching.

12 pm Light Lunch
Social Hall – Be our guest for a light lunch in the Social Hall after the service. Helpers to prepare food and clean up are always welcome! For information on how to volunteer, please email Rev. Kathryn Jay.

12:30 pm Newcomer Q&A
Sanctuary – Informal gathering where visitors and newcomers can learn more about what UUCB has to offer.

12:30 pm Immigrant Solidarity Group
Music Room  – The Immigrant Solidarity Project of the Social Justice Council has been formed to collaborate with outside organizations, including East Bay UU congregations, to create a safer environment for immigrants in the East Bay. If you are interested in participating, please join us on the third Sunday of the month.

1 pm Humanist Connections
Zoom and Fireside Room – Paul Ullrich will lead the discussion topic “What should Democrats do if they win the House and Senate?” followed by a group discussion. Humanist Connections group meets weekly to discuss topics relating to our humanity, values, ideas. “A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” (4th principle of Unitarian Universalism.) For more information, contact Harold Ogren.

The Week

Monday, March 16

9 am Write for Your LifeZoom – “Write For Your Life” is a meditative sharing practice for people who like to write. Please email Kit Hewitt for Zoom link and details.

11 am Textile and ArtSafir Room – Provide support, fellowship and growth through sharing and exploration of fiber and other arts/ media. Contact Karen Tripp, Helen Toy, and Judy Sam

Tuesday, March 17

10 am Improving Your Balance Through Tai Chi 
In Person – Tai Chi reduces stress, improves cognitive functions, increases your body awareness, enhance your stability, and build strong muscles. Share in quiet community with Neil, a seasoned practitioner and patient teacher. Sessions are donation based. Email Neil Clark for more information.

12:15 pm Applied UU Buddhist SanghaZoom – A weekly discussion group with time for meditation. Contact Lynnette Delgado for more info.

12:30 – 2:30 pm Immigrant Solidarity Project VigilsIn Person – Join us to show solidarity with people going to immigration court in Concord at 1855 Gateway Blvd. We’ll be on the sidewalk between the entry and exit lanes of the building driveway. Bring sun protection, water and a chair if you need one. We have signs in English and Spanish. Contact Francey (970) 391-2547 for more info. Interest Form and Calendar.

Wednesday, March 18

10 am Walk & Talk Group
A small group meets for a vigorous one-hour walk. All are welcome. We are building loving community while supporting our physical and mental well-being. On 1st Wednesdays, meet at Pt. Isabel (dog park) parking lot. On 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, meet at the UUCB front parking lot and we will walk from there. On 3rd and 5th Wednesdays, contact Ann Harlow or Lisa Maynard for meeting location.

10:30 am Aging with Grace
Zoom – A weekly gathering of people sharing ideas and encouragement as they age. Contact Anne Greenwood or Jane Ramsey.

7 pm Program Council
Zoom – Monthly meeting for church programming reports and discussion. Contact Marta Tobey for more info.

Thursday, March 19

9:30 am Women’s Meditation Group 
Meditation Room– This group meets weekly to practice “Mettā” (pr. METTT-tttah) or “loving kindness” meditation in the Southeast Asian Buddhist philosophy tradition.  Contact: Evelie Delfino Såles Posch.

5:30 pm Learn Javanese music at UUCB! In Person – Experience firsthand the meditative Javanese gamelan. All ages and levels of musical skill welcome. Contact Daniel Schmidt or Tom Tripp.

7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
In Person – Luminescence, our choir of adults, joins to sing on Thursday nights in the Sanctuary.  New singers are most welcome! You don’t need choral experience, nor do you need to read music—though both help in learning the new music.

Friday, March 20

9:30 am Improving Your Balance Through Tai Chi 
In Person – Tai Chi reduces stress, improves cognitive functions, increases your body awareness, enhance your stability, and build strong muscles. Share in quiet community with Neil, a seasoned practitioner and patient teacher. Sessions are donation based. Email Neil Clark for more information.

Saturday, March 21

9 am Work Party
In Person – Help spiffy up of our UUCB Building and Grounds. Enjoyable work for all, in good company! party starts at 9AM with coffee and cake; but come anytime to help. Outdoor Projects include weeding, pruning, and improving the terrace and parking lots. Bring work gloves and sun hat. Questions or suggestions, contact Phil Maynard.

2 pm Death Café Conversations
Safir Room – Death Café is a recent movement that brings people together to “drink tea, eat cake, and talk about death.” When we feel safe talking about death and dying, it helps us make the most of our finite lives. Everyone is welcome. More Info.

6:30 pm Church du Soleil
In Person – As light and dark come into balance, join us for an evening of music, reflection, and community as we welcome the turning toward spring and the days growing longer. Expect live music, moments of wonder, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Come as you are—and bring a friend. More Info.

7 pm Youth Group Gathering
In Person – The Youth Group (middle & high school) meets on the third Saturday of the month to have fun and build community! Bring a friend! There will be food and games and good conversation. Please email Rev. Kathryn Jay for more information.

Upcoming Events

Mar 22 – Personal Theology: Painter and Sculptor, Kim Thoman, “How a Life Becomes Art”
Mar 22 – Open Circle for Freestone Discernment Process
Mar 22 – Moon Circle
Mar 25 – Grounding in a Time of Change: Digital Vespers Service
Mar 28 – No Kings Day Vigils
Mar 29 – Love Songs 2
Apr 12, May 17 – Raise Your Voice In Love And For Justice
Apr 12 – Pathway to Connection 2: UU/UUCB History
Apr 22 – Lessons in Loss, Love & Resilience with Arik Housley

Announcements & Resources

 

The 2026 year’s Stewardship campaign has begun! Please visit the stewardship table all this month and next month to hear about all the fun and exciting things we’re doing with this year’s annual pledge drive. You can get your pledge form and make your pledge!

Pledge Here!

A Little Work, A Lot of Community

Join us for Volunteer Hour—an easy way to connect while helping with small tasks around UUCB. Drop in, chat, and lend a hand for as long as you like. Thursdays, 1–3 pm. More info.

The Textile/Arts Group, the Peace Committee and the Social Justice Council are collaborating on the RESIST with RED FUNDRAISER!  We have mini red hats you can wear on your lapel in solidarity. We’ll be in the atrium this Sunday (sofa area) before and after the service! Norwegians wore red knit hats during WW II in solidarity, as a sign of resistance to the Nazis. We are wearing mini red hats in solidarity, resisting this regime. Funds go to Cuba-Gaza-our local Immigrant community.
 

UUCB’s Chalice Camp in August is now enrolling! Chalice camp is a fun and meaningful week-long summer day camp for rising 1st through 6th graders. We have many community building activities throughout the week.We welcome regular UU church attendees, occasional UU church attendees, and all families interested in learning more about UU values! More Info.
 

UUCB’s Ukulele Summer Camp in July is now enrolling! Family-friendly (Ages 8 and up, including adults) Ukulele Summer Camp is a fun day camp for learning to play and sing with the ukulele with musical instruction, games and activities, and a performance with invited family and friends at the end of camp. Parents are encouraged to enroll and learn along with their kids, and families with two or more campers enrolled receive a discount. More Info.
 

Dear UUCBers
We thank you for the socks and the visit from the tooth fairy who brought toothpaste! We still need small toiletries for the Blessings Bags like shampoo, lotion, soap, toothbrushes. Please put them in the fuchsia box in the atrium.
Thank you!
Beth Jerde

Good Neighbor for March

 

Project Second Chance, Inc
Their mission is: “Provides free, confidential instruction in reading, writing and spelling to English-speaking adults with literacy skills below a 6th grade level. PSC recruits, trains and supports volunteer tutors, who work one-on-one with learners to help them achieve their individual literacy-related goals and empower them in their work and personal lives.”

UUCB Staff and Board Availability 

  • Board Listening Presence: Helen Toy.
  • Rev. Marcus Liefert (Minister) meetings by appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Email
  • Rev. Kathryn Jay (Minister of Congregational Life): open office hours Tuesday and Thursday. By appointment on Wednesday and Friday. Email
  • Bryan Baker (Director of Music): in person Thursdays and Sunday mornings, and remotely Fridays. Email
  • Janae Heard (Operations Director): in office Tuesdays and Thursdays 11-5. Works remotely M-W-F. Email
  • Peter Barnholdt (Facilities Manager): Tuesday-Friday 11-7:30. Email
  • Charis Domador (Manager of Membership and Engagement): in office Thursdays and Sundays. Works remotely M-W. Email
  • Eliza Cantwell (Office Administrator and Rentals Coordinator): in office Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-4. Email.
  • Diana Steinbach (Finance Administrator) works remotely Mondays and Thursdays. Email

Stay in Touch 

  • Pastoral Care Need? If you or a UUCB congregant you know is sick, hospitalized, recovering, grieving or otherwise in need of attention and support, please email us at pastoralcare@uucb.org. In case of a pastoral emergency, you may call Rev. Marcus Liefert at (510) 525-0302 ext. 303  He is always available for pastoral needs, as phone messages will be forwarded to him.
  • Subscribe to our newsletters.
  • Social Justice email list: Email Sheldon Jones.

Submit items for The Week Ahead to weekahead@uucb.org by 8 am Wednesday. Please limit announcements to 325 characters (with spaces).

Submit items for the Beacon monthly newsletter to beacon@uucb.org by the 15th of the month.

Our Board of Trustees Widening the Circle Vision Statement:
“We, the trustees of UUCB commit ourselves to championing racialjustice, embodying anti-racist practices, and confronting anddismantling white supremacy culture and all forms of oppression(including but not limited to racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia,transphobia, classism, ageism, xenophobia and religious oppression,including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia) in everything we do.”


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Mailing address: 1 Lawson Road, Kensington, CA 94707
Telephone: 510-525-0302
Email: info@uucb.org

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