The Week Ahead at UUCB

Who Sets the Table
Rev. Marcus Liefert
Sunday November 15 Worship Service 11 am

Early on, the first Christian community hit a crisis over dinner: some were going hungry, and those doing the serving were stretched too thin. As we welcome new members, we look honestly at what it takes to keep a congregation, and a democracy, alive. When so many of us are running on empty, how do we build a commons that feeds the people who keep it?

In Person, Facebook Live and YouTube
Wanna watch last week’s sermon? Replay it here.
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Sunday November 15, 2026

9:30 am Personal Theology – Poetry as a Spiritual Practice
Fireside Room and Zoom – Presenter, Peter Guerrero, will engage participants in discovering how poetry — (in the words of poet, George Orr) — plays a crucial role in our psychological, imaginative, and spiritual lives.  This is not a “how to write poetry” talk.  It’s how to use existing poetry as part of our spiritual practice.  Come prepared to be delighted. 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

10:30 am Drop-in Choir
Sanctuary – Come sing with the choir! You don’t need to read music, you don’t have to have a beautiful voice, just a desire to sing and feel what it’s like to be surrounded by other singers. We’ll work on three songs to share during the service, the full choir, and anyone else who would like to come! 

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 – Who Sets the Table. 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. 

12:30 pm Your Inner Compass Awaits: Find Grounding in Chaos (Module 3: UUCB’s Purpose Workshop Session 3 of 3)
In Person  – This session will focus on UUCB’s Purpose. The whole congregation is invited to participate in a process to gather information about church’s purpose, which will take place in the social hall during lunchtime. There are no pre-requisites. If you can’t join us, a Zoom session follows on Wednesday, November 18, 6:30 – 8 pm. More info.

1 pm Humanist Connections
Zoom and Music Room – Dennis Monthei “The Impacts of Loneliness”. 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.

5 pm Berkeley Baroque Strings presents: O, London!
In Person – Please join Berkeley Baroque for their Fall program, including works by Purcell, Handel, Dowland, and Smith. Admission is pay what you can. More info. 

 

The Week

Monday, November 16

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. Meeting Monday evenings via Zoom from September 21 through December 14. Zoom link is provided after registration. More info.

Tuesday, November 17

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.

1 pm Amp Up The Arts
In Person – “Amp Up for the Arts” encourages the flourishing of visual art, music, poetry, storytelling, dance, and other creative expressions within the life of UUCB. We believe the arts open pathways to wonder, connection, and deeper engagement with ourselves, one another, and the wider world.  Email Diane Rusnak for more information.

1:30 pm Poetry As a Spiritual Practice
Safir Room – “Poetry as a Spiritual Practice” is a free 10-week workshop meeting Tuesdays Nov 17, 2026 through the end of Jan 2027. Facilitator Peter Guerrero, an avid poetry reader who has led similar workshops for three years at the Port Townsend UU Fellowship, invites participants to share and discuss poems they love, including their own, though this is not a “how to write poetry” class. No texts are required, and by the end participants will have gathered dozens of poems to build a personal “book” of works that offer solace, courage, and healing. To register, email lonniemoseley@hotmail.com. More info. 

7 pm Information Session:  Congregational Vote on Use of Calkins Trust funds
Zoom – UUCB Treasurer provides an explanation of the financial and operational background for the 11/22/26 congregational vote on use of the Calkins Trust funds.

Wednesday, November 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.

6:30 pm Your Inner Compass Awaits: Find Grounding in Chaos (Module 3: UUCB’s Purpose Workshop Session 3 of 3)
Zoom  – This is a session for anyone unable to attend the in-person gathering on Sunday, November 15. Please join us to share your thoughts on UUCB’s Purpose. There are no pre-requisites. More info.
 

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

 

Thursday, November 19

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.

4 pm Information Session:  Congregational Vote on Use of Calkins Trust funds
Zoom – UUCB Treasurer provides an explanation of the financial and operational background for the 11/22/26 congregational vote on use of the Calkins Trust funds.

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.

5:30 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, November 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, November 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 removing invasive weeds and improving the terrace and parking lots. Bring work gloves and sun hat. And fun in the kitchen making sandwiches for Sunday lunch. Questions or suggestions contact Phil Maynard.

4 pm Berkeley Broadway Singers Concert presents: Voice for Change
In Person – Please join the Berkeley Broadway Singers in their Fall Program, “Voice for Change: Singes of Resilience and Hope.” Admission is free; donations welcome. More info.

4:30 pm Parents’ Night Out
In Person – We provide childcare, pizza, and a short parent discussion, plus you get a night out! Space is limited, so please click here to RSVP.

7 pm Youth Social Event
Chrysalis Room – 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

Nov 22: Honoring Indigenous Peoples (HIP) Service
Nov 22: Special Congregational Meeting
Nov 22: AI and Deeper Learning: Promises, Paradoxes, and Evolving Practices
Nov 24: Sound Bath with Katya Kolesnikova and Alison Minton
Nov 29: Theatre Skits and Misfits: Comedy, Tragedy, and Something In Between
Dec 5: Tree Decorating Family Holiday Gathering
Dec 5: A Ceremony of Carols Holiday Concert
Dec 5-6: Holiday Sale
Dec 5: Death Cafe Conversations
Dec 12-13: Holiday Remembrance Activities
Dec 20: Messiah Sing-Along
Dec 21: Church du Soleil Winter Solstice

Announcements & Resources

UUCB’s Annual Food Drive has begun! All donations will go to the Richmond Emergency Food Pantry. They are especially looking for: menstrual products, pasta, canned tuna, mac and cheese, canned veggies and beans, vegetable oil, granola bars, and peanut butter. Cash donations are also accepted. We will bless our donations at the end of service on Sunday, December 6. 

Farewell, Peter!
We want to thank Peter for his time here at UUCB over the past few years. His contributions have made a difference in our community, and we are grateful for the dedication he brought to his work. He will be missed, and we wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career!

Stewardship will begin their Pledge Drive for 2027 soon! The drive begins with the Stewardship Kick-Off on Jan 31 and ends on May 2 with Celebration Sunday. 

Good Neighbor for November


Richmond Emergency Food Pantry
Their mission is to provide food for over 40,000 individuals annually. REFP run on volunteers and donations alone. 

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
  • 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).

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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