Environmental Rebels
Rev. Kathryn Jay
Sunday April 19 Worship Service 11 am

We often think of rebels as folks fighting alone against the status quo. But we are all part of the crew, transforming our grief and anger into action. In this Earth Day service, we’ll ground ourselves in the simultaneous realities of lament and hope. For all Earth Day events, click here. 

In Person, Facebook Live and YouTube
Wanna watch last week’s sermon? Replay it here.
Listen to a recording of our sermons wherever you get your podcasts

Saturday, April 25

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

4:30 pm Parents’ Night Out

7 pm Youth Social Event

Sunday April 19, 2026

9:30 am Personal Theology – Rev. Dr. Jane Simmons, “An Integral Approach to Evolutionary Transformation”
Fireside Room – Personal Theology guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Jane Simmons teaches a yearly course in Unity Church’s ministerial school on Ken Wilber’s Integral meta-system. 
In her presentation, “An Integral Approach to Evolutionary Transformation,” Dr. Simmons will share why she, and the national Unity Church, have allied themselves with the Integral movement; and how it can help guide us through this time of cataclysmic change and on into a world we want for ourselves and our descendants. 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 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 – Celebrating Nature at UUCB
In Person – Join us for Religious Exploration (RE). For a special Earth Day RE, Phil will take the children and youth on an outdoor nature hike and even dissect an owl pellet! For more information, please email Kathryn Jay, Minister of Congregational Life. 

11 am Worship Service
In Person, Facebook Live and YouTube – Environmental Rebels. Rev. Kathryn Jay, 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 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 Freestone Discernment Committee Reflect Back
Sanctuary  – After 3 listening circles, the Freestone Discernment Committee will reflect back what they have heard in the process so far, and what needs they are identifying that need to be addressed in the ensuing process.

1 pm Humanist Connections
Zoom and Safir Room (North) – Dennis Monthei will lead the discussion topic “Future Tech Problems: Taiwan, AI, and Data Centers,” 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.

The Week

Monday, April 20

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

1 pm Grief Circle
Fireside Room – Grief is part of our shared humanity.  Whether we grieve the death of a loved one or another loss, healing begins when grief is shared and witnessed.
In this circle, we gather in a spirit of compassion to listen, speak honestly, and hold one another in care. Show up as you are, with no expectation to “move on” or have answers. Through conversation, reflection, and deep listening, we create a community where grief is honored and healing can unfold. Led by Ministerial Intern Liesl Dees. 

Tuesday, April 21

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 Sangha
Zoom – A weekly discussion group with time for meditation. Contact Lynnette Delgado for more info.

12:30 – 2:30 pm Immigrant Solidarity Project Vigils
In 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, April 22

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.

5:30 pm Arik Housley Workshop
Fireside Room – As we look back on our lives and ahead to the future, how do we honor our losses without being defined by them? This workshop explores the shift from living in grief to living with it—integrating our past heartbreaks into a narrative of strength and grace. We will focus on the sacredness of the present moment and how to maintain deep, empathetic connections with our loved ones. We’ll also share practical wisdom on “what to say when you don’t know what to say,” helping us all speak to one another with more heart and clarity during life’s most significant transitions. More info. 

 

Thursday, April 23

10 am Women’s Meditation Group 
Zoom and In Person– 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.

6:30 pm LGBTQIA+ Support Group
Safir Room – Support Group for adults on the LGBTQIA+ continuum. A confidential place to share from your heart & encourage others. Facilitated by Marsha Lanier, MSW

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, April 24

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 and Art and 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. They are joined by the Thank You Circle. Come join us for coffee, chatting and note-writing to thank the MANY volunteers at UUCB. We meet on the fourth Friday of the month. Organizers: Carla McCasland, Judy Sam, Karen Tripp, Beth Jerde.

7 pm Earth Day Event: Growing Our Green Sanctuary- With Honor, Love, and Resolve
In Person – This all-church gathering will feature voices from children and youth, UUCB members, and community leaders sharing their love and their actions, big and small, to support a healthy planet for all. We’ll have music, sharing, an honored guest from Tiny Village Spirit, and a speaker from California Interfaith Power and Light. We’ll explore the Green Sanctuary Four Essentials and commitments we can make for a healthy planet. Optional: Bring vegan finger food to share. More info. 

Saturday, April 25

9 am Bird and Plant ID Walk
In Person – Phil will lead bird and plant nature walks for all, the bird walk from 9 -11 am and the plant walk from 12 – 1 pm. All are welcome! Meet at entrance to UUCB for both. Part of UUCB’s Earth Day events. Contact: PhilMaynard3@me.com.

7:30 pm French Connection: A Kensington Symphony Orchestra & Luminescence Choir Joint Concert
In Person – From Fauré to Saint-Saëns, this program captures the full sweep of French music — beauty that moves you, and joy that delights you. Featuring piano soloists Bryan Baker and Margaret Fondbertasse. More info. 

Upcoming Events

Apr 26 – The Vitality of Indigenous Storytelling: Place, Time, and Beings
Apr 26 – Alternative Transportation Fair
Apr 26 – Newcomer Q&A
May 3 – Pathway to Connection, Session 3: UU and Personal Theology
May 17 – Raise Your Voice In Love And For Justice
May 17 – Newcomer Q&A

Announcements & Resources


This month we are hosting a number of events in celebration of our Sacred Earth! Please join us in these Earth Day celebrations. You can view all the events 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.

May 3 is Doctors of Durability Sunday! Our annual service will recognize those “80 and better,” in appreciation for their years of contributing to their family and friends, our church, their workplaces, their communities, and the world. We’ll especially celebrate the 25 people with milestone birthdays in 2026, as some share their learned wisdom.

Thanks everyone for contributing to the Blessings Bags assemble last Sunday!  
Fifty bags were made and distributed by UUCBrers. We will continue to collect toiletries in the fuchsia box in the atrium for the next assemble in the fall.

The Textile/Arts Group, the Peace Committee, Immigrant Solidarity at UUCB, 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.

Good Neighbor for April


Berkeley Food Network
Their mission is: “The Berkeley Food Network seeks to end hunger and poor nutrition by using innovative, community-centered solutions to build a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food system.”

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 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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