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Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley
  • About
    • Welcome, Newcomers!
      • We're glad you found us. Click the links below to learn more about what we have to offer and to plan your visit.
      • New to UUCB? Welcome!
      • Becoming a Member
    • About Our Church
      • Mission, Vision, and Covenant
      • What We Believe
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      • An LGBTQIA Welcoming Congregation
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    • About Our Education Program
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    • Youth
      • Children’s Religious Education
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      • Youth Activities
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      • Adult Religious Education & Exploration Events
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      • Chalice Circles (Small Group Ministry)
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        • Applied UU Buddhism
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        • Freestone Property
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      • Social Justice at UUCB Overview
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      • PRIDE Project
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      • Partner Church in Homoródújfalu, Transylvania, Romania
      • UUCB Friends of Developing Indigenous Resources (Chandigarh, Punjab State, India)
    • Racism & Oppression
      • Confronting Racism & Oppression
      • Anti-Racism Task Force
      • LFDMC-Literature, Film, Drama and Music Contingent of the Social Justice Council
      • The Honoring Indigenous Peoples Group
      • The People Of Color Caucus (POCC)
      • Working to Overcome White Supremacy (WOWS)
      • Widening the Circle of Concern
    • Get Involved
      • Immigrant Solidarity Project
      • Supporting Equity in Berkeley Schools
      • Voting Justice Project
      • World Peace Committee
      • Climate Justice Committee
        • Solar Energy at UUCB
      • Volunteering through Social Justice at UUCB
        • Good Neighbor (Sharing Our Collection Plate)
        • GRIP (Greater Richmond Interfaith Program)
        • Read Aloud Volunteer Program
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Mission, Vision, and Covenant

Mission Statement

The mission of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley is to create loving community, inspire spiritual growth, and encourage lives of integrity, joy, and service.

Vision Statement

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley is a welcoming and vibrant congregation. We joyously support spiritual development guided by individual faith, reason, and conscience. We are committed to serving one another, the church community, the community at large, and the global community. We foster a spirit of generosity and trust that encourages care for our church home and affirms diversity and relationships consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles.

Covenant of Right Relations

(long version)  We covenant to build a religious community guided by love and sustained by respectful relationships.  Believing that building healthy relationships is a spiritual practice, we aim to listen appreciatively, speak with care, express gratitude, honor our differences, and assume good intentions. We endeavor to communicate directly, honestly, and compassionately, particularly when we are in conflict.  When we hurt one another, we will try to forgive, make amends and reconnect in a spirit of love.  In celebration of the common purpose that unites us, we will do our best to abide by this covenant.

(shortened version)  Love guides this church. The quest for truth and justice is its common purpose. To give thanks, listen deeply, speak with care, honor our differences, and seek and grant forgiveness: These things we covenant with one another.

  • New to UUCB? Welcome!
  • Mission, Vision, and Covenant
  • What We Believe
  • FAQs about UU and UUCB
  • An LGBTQIA Welcoming Congregation
  • Accessibility of Building and Programs
  • History of UUCB
    • Ministers at UUCB
    • Our Tree of Life Mosaic
    • Looking Back – Stories from 1991
  • Our Ministers and Staff
  • Directions
  • Reservations & Rentals
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  • Work With Us
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  • About Us
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  • History of UUCB
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  • An LGBTQIA Welcoming Congregation
  • Accessibility of Building and Programs

Beacon Archives

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Chalice Circle Testimonials

Members of UUCB Chalice Circles comment on what the experience means to them.

Testimonials - Lynne Cahoon, Jane Lundin, Linda Laskowski and Natalie Campbell

Testimonials - Annemarie, Jean Bassel, Lenore Ralston and Dick Sherman

Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge that this church occupies land in Huchiun in the unceded territory of the Chochenyo-speaking Ohlone people.  May we have the humility and courage to do our part to restore what has been broken and the wisdom to live into a new solidarity with Indigenous communities and the earth.

Special Events

  • Your Inner Compass Awaits: Find Grounding in Chaos (Session 2: True Purpose Workshop)
    • October 28, 2026
    • Discover a simple, practical way to reconnect with your own inner wisdom – the grounded, unwavering source of clarity that has always been present, waiting for you to listen.
  • Deadline for Good Neighbor Nominations
    • November 1, 2026
    • It is that time of year when we start thinking about who we will select as our Good Neighbors for 2027.   During the month of October, we ask for nominations from our community.  The final day to submit nominations is Sunday, Nov. 1.Click here to submit your nomination.
  • Report Back from Poland: A Historical Pilgrimage
    • November 1, 2026
    • Rev. Jay Atkinson and Anne Greenwood traveled to Poland to walk the places where Unitarian faith first took shape. Now they're coming home to share the story: the people, the places, and what it all means for us today.Join us for photos, reflections, and time for your questions. Everyone is welcome, whether you're a longtime Unitarian Universalist or just curious about where this tradition began.
  • Your Inner Compass Awaits: Find Grounding in Chaos (Session 3: UUCB's Purpose Workshop)
    • November 1, 2026 - November 15, 2026
    • Discover a simple, practical way to reconnect with your own inner wisdom – the grounded, unwavering source of clarity that has always been present, waiting for you to listen.
  • Annual Fall Organ Recital
    • November 1, 2026
    • Benjamin Bachmann, a fantastic local musician, will be playing a program of french music - some iconic pieces of organ repertoire, including, among others, Litanies by Jehan Alain and Choral No. 3 by César Frank. Click through for the full program and bio.
  • HEBREW BIBLE: An Introduction for Skeptics, Seekers, and Religious Liberals
    • November 2, 2026 - December 14, 2026
    • This eleven-session course, led by Rev. Dr. John Buehrens — former president of the Unitarian Universalist Association and author of Understanding the Bible: An Introduction (Beacon Press) — offers a guided, unhurried path through the text for people who are curious, doubtful, or simply want a deeper foundation than "Sunday school version" they may have grown up with. No prior knowledge assumed, and no belief required — just a willingness to read closely and ask real questions.
  • Amp Up the Arts Show and Sale
    • November 6, 2026 - November 8, 2026
    • Announcing a fabulous weekend ARTS SHOW AND SALE: Friday Nov. 6 Reception, 6 - 8 pm Saturday Nov. 7 11 am - 4 pm Sunday 12:30 - 3 pm. 18 UU Artist and Artisans and their friends!! Much media: paintings, drawings, photography, guitar making, mobiles, books, cards, collage, textiles, etc. Fri. reception will also feature poets and musicians and food/drink. A fine party for all! Let’s celebrate the COLOR and ART and EXPRESSION and CRAFTSMANSHIP...
  • Creating Rituals Retreat
    • November 7, 2026
    • How do we create rituals that anchor our UU faith while expanding our spirituality? Rituals — whether quiet daily practices or shared communal moments — help us mark transitions, hold grief and joy, and stay rooted in what we value most. In this day-long retreat, we'll explore the role ritual plays across Unitarian Universalism and other spiritual traditions, reflect on the practices already present in our own lives, and experiment with creating new rituals.
  • Spiritual Practices of UUCB Members: Lonnie Moseley
    • November 8, 2026
    • 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room, in-person and on Zoom. "Spiritual Practices of UUCB Members." Presenter, Lonnie Moseley. Kicking off this new Personal Theology topic for 2nd Sundays of each month, UUCB Member, Lonnie Moseley, will share with participants her particular spiritual practices that renew and sustain her. Click the heading for the link.
  • UUCB's Three Sisters Garden & Potluck
    • November 8, 2026
    • After Service, Sunday, November 8! Please bring a potluck dish! Homemade or purchased foods, inspired by the by the harvest or food that you’re inspired to bring!
  • Contact Us

    1 Lawson Road
    Kensington, CA 94707

    (510) 525-0302

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    Land Acknowledgment

    We acknowledge that this church occupies land in Huchiun in the unceded territory of the Chochenyo-speaking Ohlone people.  May we have the humility and courage to do our part to restore what has been broken and the wisdom to live into a new solidarity with Indigenous communities and the earth.

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    • October Board News October 15, 2026
      The Board has called a special Congregational Meeting for Sunday, November 2, at 1 pm on authorizing use of the balance of the Calkins Trust funds for a portion of the five-year capital projects budget.  An Informational session and background materials will be provided in advance of the meeting. The sale of our Freestone property […]
    • News from the Nominating Committee October 7, 2026
      Hello all -   The Nominating Committee is excited to begin our search to replace the positions on the Board of Trustees whose tenure is coming to an end in 2027. As several of us on the committee can attest, joining the Board of Trustees is a deeply rewarding and enlightening journey.  It’s an opportunity to channel your PASSION […]
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