"The Work of Freedom”

Freedom is often celebrated as an achievement, but it is also an ongoing responsibility. Tapestry congregants reflect on where we are called to protect, expand, or deepen freedom, personally or collectively?

Rev. Celia Young & Bruce Johnson
July 5, 2026

"Israel, Zionism, and God"

Wrestling with Israel, Zionism, and God: The story of a young anti-Zionist in exile from Judaism, and how faith-rooted activists organized him back into being a Jew. Autumn Overton is on the leadership team of Jewish Voice for Peace, Orange County; is the co-founder of Rad Jews of Orange County & Long Beach, a community of non-Zionist and anti-Zionist Jews; and a faith-rooted organizer with Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice. He renounced his Jewish identity in the early 1990s after experiencing the virulent Zionism of his family, and it wasn't until 2017, when ICE abducted his neighbor, that he finally learned about and began inheriting the radical, queer, justice-seeking traditions of the Jewish Left.

Autumn Overton
June 21, 2026

"Juneteenth; Bridging Different Worlds"

Bridging Different Worlds On June 19, 1865, freedom finally reached Galveston, Texas—years after it was promised. For some, Juneteenth was a day of liberation; for others, it passed unnoticed. How do these “different worlds” of history still echo today? Together we’ll reflect on Juneteenth—honoring the resilience of Black Americans while asking what it means to build one shared world of justice and belonging.

Rev. Dr. Jason Cook
June 14, 2026

"Flower Communion"

Join us for this special celebration of the story of Norbert Čapek, creator of the first flower communion. Long after the flowers themselves have faded and wilted, what remains?

Rev. Dr. Jason Cook
June 7, 2026

Answering the Call

Sometimes life throws us for a loop, and the things we expected don't come to pass. Often, though, those course changes give us the opportunity to find new ways forward. Change can be scary, though. But what happens if we find the courage to just say "yes" to possibility? What magic might we find if we can remain spiritually curious about the unknown?

Rev. KC Pandell
May 31, 2026

Strangers From a Different Shore

"Strangers From A Different Shore; Honoring AAPI Heritage” During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we pause to honor the stories of struggles, resilience, and wisdom along the journey of being invisible and striving to belong to this land. Their history in the U.S. will remind us that there is still so much more work to do to make this a better homeland for all.

Rev. Celia Young
May 24, 2026

Listening for What Matters

In a time of rapid change—both in the world and within Unitarian Universalism—how do we listen deeply to one another? Together, we’ll reflect on the practices of healthy communication that help us move beyond assumptions, honor our differences, and discover what is calling us forward as a community.

Rev. Dr. Jason Cook
May 17, 2026

What Is Peace

It’s Mother’s Day, the perfect time to explore the story of Julia Ward Howe who imagined a world without war and violence. Her Mother’s Day Proclamation—one of the first calls for a Mother’s Day holiday--is as relevant as ever. In a world where so many fundamental rights have been under assault, what inspiration can we draw from this historical story? Can we move beyond the news of the day to truly be curious about what peace really is?

Rev. Dr. Jason Cook
May 10, 2026

Beyond "I'm Fine"

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Rev. Jason explores what it means to really be “fine” in today’s world. We all have mental health: how do we tend to it, remain aware of it, and treat one another gently?

Rev. Dr. Jason Cook
May 3, 2026

"Lost, buried, and still speaking today"

The Bible as we know it was shaped as much by what was left out as by what remained. Texts like the Gospel of Mary, the Gospel of Thomas, and the Gospel of Judas were set aside, hidden, or declared too unsettling to keep. What wisdom still rises from those silenced voices? And what might their rediscovery ask of our own search for truth, meaning, and wholeness today?

Rev. Dr. Jason Cook
April 26, 2026

"To Be Human"

Humanism reminds us that the work of meaning-making—and the work of justice—rests in our own hands. In this service we explore how Humanist thought has shaped Unitarian Universalism, how it calls us to center our shared humanity, and what it means to build an inclusive community even across deep difference. Where do Humanist values meet love, accountability, and hope? And how do we keep faith in humanity when being human is so often hard?

Rev. Dr. Jason Cook
April 12, 2026

"Falling in Love with the World Again"

In a time when the headlines can feel overwhelming, it’s easy to fall out of love with the world. Violence, injustice, and uncertainty can make us wonder whether hope is naïve or even possible. And yet most of us have known moments when the world felt full of beauty, friendship, wonder, and possibility. This morning we explore those moments and ask a difficult question: how do we fall in love with the world again—not by ignoring its pain, but by refusing to give up on it?

Rev. Dr. Jason Cook
March 29, 2026

"Who We Are Together, Who We are Becoming"

Anniversaries like Tapestry's 30th invite us not only to look back, but to choose what comes next. Who are we called to be in this moment? What kind of spiritual home do we want to offer the future? Linda Haghi shares what this stewardship drive has taught her about who Tapestry is right now. Rev. Jason offers a shared vision for who we are becoming together.

Rev. Dr. Jason Cook
March 22, 2026

"A Celebration at 30 Years"

Jim Semelroth, Penny Kinnear, and Lynn Cowan share the story of Tapestry: a history of courage, and vision that brought us to this moment. In remembering our roots, we reconnect with what still grounds us. Come celebrate this beloved community!

Jim Semelroth, Penny Kinnear, and Lynn Cowan
March 8, 2026

"Meet the Moment"

We honor those whose generosity built Tapestry over the past 30 years while reflecting on what it means to carry that trust forward. V.P. of Finance Julia Rampone will offer practical clarity about our shared resources, Stewardship Chair Linda Haghi explores the joy of being stewards of the community we love, and Rev. Jason shares gratitude for what has been and what is still becoming.

Rev. Dr. Jason Cook
March 1, 2026

"Centering Love: Immigrants, Black Faith, and the Soul of Unitarian Universalism"

In a time of rising anti-Blackness, anti-Brown, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and growing pressure to conform, this service calls Unitarian Universalists back to the heart of our faith: love made visible through justice, courage, and community. Drawing on the legacy of Jamaican-born Unitarian minister Egbert Ethelred Brown, the prophetic ministry of Rev. Dr. Hope Johnson, and the enduring contributions of Black UUs across generations, this sermon lifts up the immigrant roots of our faith and our nation. Together, we will celebrate heroes and sheroes, honor the ancestors, and recommit ourselves to a Unitarian Universalism that centers love boldly, globally, and without apology."

Rev. Dr. Jason Cook
February 22, 2026

The Minneapolis Services #3: “Love's Radical Call”

We talk a lot about love these days—but what does it mean to practice love as a spiritual discipline that demands real change? Our Universalist heritage invites us to claim love not as sentiment, but as transformation—especially in times like these. Rev. Jason reflects on his experiences with clergy from multiple traditions and communities of faith doing on-the-ground work in Minneapolis. Join us for a participatory service in honor of Valentine’s Day.

Rev. Dr. Jason Cook
February 15, 2026

The Minneapolis Services #2: “George, Renee, & Alex”

Minneapolis has become a stark example of what happens when state violence takes root. How do we respond—spiritually, morally, and together? Rev. Jason shares firsthand witness from Minneapolis, and what this moment is asking of us now.

Rev. Dr. Jason Cook
February 8, 2026

The Minneapolis Services #1: "Reflections from Minneapolis"

Returning from a large clergy witness in Minneapolis, Rev. Jason reflects on this historic moment. What can we learn from public acts of moral courage—like Minneapolis, and Selma before it? And what might these moments be calling us to do now, as we seek faithful ways to resist and protect human dignity?

Rev. Dr. Jason Cook
February 1, 2026

"Joyspan"

Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life's Second Half. Learn what Dr. Kerry Burnight has to share on GCAG (Growth, Connection, Adapting, and Giving).

Dr. Kerry Burnight

January 25, 2026

"Through Martin's Eyes"

Tapestry members Claire Johnson, Marjorie Gauley, and Bruce Johnson will offer selected readings about Resistance through Martin Luther King's eyes.

Claire Johnson, Marjorie Gauley, Bruce Johnson

January 18, 2026

"The Buddha Meets AI"

What can the Buddha’s teaching about reality and the working of the mind tell us about this emerging technology? Rev. Straube has served UU congregations for 35 years, in Washington State, North Carolina and, most recently, as Lead Minister of the First UU Church of San Diego. He currently has a ministry of spiritual direction, preaching and teaching.

Rev. Dr. Arvid Straube.

January 11, 2026

"Turning Point"

We celebrate the new year with our annual New Years service, honoring death and birth, letting go, and holding on. We'll pass out reflection words for the year and set our intentions going forward into 2026.

Rev. Dr. Jason Cook

January 4, 2026