The Week Ahead at UUCB

Hunted by Grace
Rev. Marcus Liefert
Sunday October 18 Worship Service 11 am

As we close a worship series on the search for salvation, one last turn: what if we’ve had the hunt backward all along? The 19th century English poet Francis Thompson called it “The Hound of Heaven”—grace not as something we chase down through vigilance and effort, but as what has been chasing us, patient, relentless, unwilling to lose the scent. What does it take to let ourselves be caught?

In Person, Facebook Live and YouTube
Wanna watch last week’s sermon? Replay it here.
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Sunday October 18, 2026

9:30 am Hospicing Modernity
Fireside Room – Join Rev. Marcus, writer Courtney Martin, and friends for an exploration of the theme of “hospicing modernity,” drawn from a book of the same name by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira. So much is breaking down right now in our personal and political lives, but there is also potential for real breakthrough. We will explore questions of growth together over the course of six weeks. No need to read the book, but you can learn more about the themes here. Drop ins welcome. Limited series, meeting Sundays through the end of October. More info. 

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 Childcare
In Person – Located in the Childcare Building. Parents must sign out latest after service. All ages 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 – Hunted by Grace. 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.

We need your help to make church lunch happen! You can sign up to volunteer here. 

12:30 pm Immigrant Solidarity Group
Meditation 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 Safir Room – Ray Westergard, “Important political issues for the Midterm Elections” followed by a group discussion.The 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.

1 pm Roy Zimmerman Concert
Fireside Room  – Roy Zimmerman writes funny, socially conscious songs. He’s sung these songs on stages, screens and airwaves for over thirty years, bringing laughter and encouragement to progressive-minded people across the nation. His motto: “Sing. Laugh. Defend Democracy.” His new album is ROADMAP, a collection of classic social justice songs re-imagined for this fraught moment in our history. More info. Get tickets here. 

The Week

Monday, October 19

9 am Write for Your Life
Zoom – “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 Art
Safir Room – The Textile and Arts Group provides support, fellowship and growth through sharing and exploration of fiber and other arts/media. Creative growth enriches our UUCB Community. Organizers: Helen Toy, Judy Sam, Karen Tripp. Email adulted@uucb.org to contact organizers.

7 pm HEBREW BIBLE: An Introduction for Skeptics, Seekers, and Religious Liberals
Zoom – Join Rev. Dr. John Buehrens, former UUA President and author of Understanding the Bible: An Introduction, for an eleven-week evening journey through the Hebrew Bible — built for skeptics, seekers, and religious liberals alike. Meeting Monday evenings via Zoom from September 21 through December 14, this course moves from Genesis through the Prophets, exploring the Bible not as dogma but as a library of human wisdom, struggle, and hope worth wrestling with on our own terms. More info and registration here. 

Tuesday, October 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.

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

9:30 – 11:30 am Immigration Courtroom Vigils
In Person, off-site – Come show solidarity with people going to immigration court in Concord at 1855 Gateway Blvd. We’ll be on the sidewalk in front of the building’s driveway. We hold signs, offer food and blessings, and side with Love. Bring sun protection & water — a chair if you need one. Register to volunteer here: Interest Form. Contact Karen (510-219-5544) for details.

5:30 pm Sound Bath
In Person – Come bask in the sounds of crystal singing bowls and the church organ. This event is happening monthly this autumn. Hosted by Alison Minton and Katya Kolesnikova.

7 pm Program Council
Zoom – Monthly meeting for church programming reports and discussion. Paul Hudson will be there to introduce the new Stewardship campaign. Program Council typically meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, but was moved this month only to accommodate the Inner Compass workshop. Contact Marta Tobey for more info.

 

Wednesday, October 21

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.

12:30 am Story Telling Workshop with Karin Werner
Safir Room – In this workshop, we will explore the world of storytelling. UUCB Member, Karin Werner, is an accomplished storyteller. Karin was instrumental in helping The Storytelling Association of California to create annual recognition and venue to valued California tellers. Stories should be between 5 and 10 minutes long. Bring a lunch. We’ll have snacks. More info. RSVP by emailing Karin.

6:30 pm Your Inner Compass Awaits: Find Grounding in Chaos (Module 2: True Purpose Workshop)
Fireside Room – Learn how to open a real, two-way connection between you and the deeper sacred presence that already knows you intimately. No dogma, no religion to believe in, just an open heart and the willingness to have a direct, personal dialogue with a trusted source of wisdom and guidance that you can return to every single day. Prerequisite: Module 1: Trusted Source Connection. Registration required. This is the second of three sessions for Module 2. More info. 

Thursday, October 22

9:30 am Women’s Meditation Group 
Zoom – 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, October 23

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.

11 am Textile/Arts & Thank You Circle
Safir Room – The Textile and Arts Group provides support, fellowship and growth through sharing and exploration of fiber and other arts/media. Creative growth enriches our UUCB Community. Organizers: Helen Toy, Judy Sam, Karen Tripp. Email adulted@uucb.org to contact organizers.

5 pm Families in the Park
Off-site – Join Rev. Marcus and Rev. Kathryn at Berkeley Strawberry Creek Park for pizza, conversation, and fun.

Saturday, October 24

7:30 pm Kensington Symphony Orchestra Concert: Wagner and Brahms
In Person – Delight in Wagner’s Overture to Die Meistersinger and Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 in D Major. This is a musical experience you won’t want to miss! We look forward to seeing you there! More info.

Upcoming Events

Oct 25: Nominating Committee Info Q&A
Nov 1: Good Neighbor Nominations Deadline
Nov 1: Report Back from Poland: A Historical Pilgrimage
Nov 1: Your Inner Compass Awaits: Find Grounding in Chaos (Module 3: UUCB’s Purpose Workshop)
Nov 7: Creating Rituals Retreat
Nov 7: 40th Annual GRIP Harmony Walk

Announcements & Resources


A Friendly Reminder About Email Scams: We’ve noticed an increase in phishing emails and wanted to share a few reminders to help keep our community safe. Be especially cautious of unexpected emails claiming to contain requested transactions, pdf directory requests, signed documents, signature requests, invitations, or greeting cards, and always check the actual sender’s email address, not just the name displayed. For more information about recognizing suspicious emails and protecting yourself from scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s helpful guide, How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams


The Nominating Committee will be holding an Informational Meeting after service on Sunday, October 25 in the Safir Room. 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. Our goal is to DEMYSTIFY the process of and encourage individuals to consider becoming a Board Member. More info and the Beacon Blog post here. 


Nominations for 2027 Good Neighbor Organizations

The Social Justice Council is asking for nominations for our 2027 Good Neighbor Line Up. Anyone in the Congregation is free to nominate eligible non profits. Nominations are due by Sunday, November 1. 

Nomination Form

Good Neighbor for October


Tiny Village Spirit
The mission of Tiny Village Spirit is to work to end the crisis of homelessness through engaging communities in constituent-led development of decent, dignified emergency housing villages and in community organizing for systemic change toward creating housing justice. 

UUCB Staff and Board Contact 

  • Board Listening Presence: Helen Toy. 
  • Rev. Marcus Liefert: Email
  • Rev. Kathryn Jay (Minister of Congregational Life): Email
  • Bryan Baker (Director of Music): Email
  • Janae Heard (Operations Director): Email
  • Peter Barnholdt (Facilities Manager): Email
  • Charis Domador (Manager of Membership and Engagement): Email
  • Eliza Cantwell (Office Administrator and Rentals Coordinator): Email.
  • Diana Steinbach (Finance Administrator): 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 racial
justice, embodying anti-racist practices, and confronting and
dismantling 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.”


Donate

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

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