2022 Sermons

"The Darkest Week"

Winter Solstice is December 21, making this the darkest week of the year. With merriment all around us, the joy of the holiday season can be elusive. This Sunday we make space for the mixed emotions of imperfect holidays.

Rev. Dr. Kent Doss
December 18, 2022
"All Ages Holiday Celebration"

With stories and music, this special holiday service is designed to engage the whole family. Tapestry children and youth will help lead us in worship together.

KC Marie Pandell
December 11, 2022
"Joyful Presence"

Heading into gift season, we remember that money and gifts cannot buy happiness. Creating our own joy and sharing joy with others is a skill worth developing. This Sunday we celebrate the non-material aspects of joy.

Rev. Dr. Kent Doss
December 4, 2022

"Becoming an Ancestor"

Most of us think of the mark that we make on the world in our short years of living. Taking a longer view, this Sunday we consider the material and emotional impact that we hope to leave for generations that follow us.

Rev. Dr. Kent Doss
November 27, 2022
"Transgender in Orange County"

Guest speaker Ally Roach is the Secretary of the Trans Health and Wellness Committee at the Orange County LGBTQ Center of Orange County. This Sunday, Ally shares some of their experience as a gender non-binary person and reflect on Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Ally Roach
November 20, 2022
"Housing as a Human Right"

This year the US Department of Housing and Urban Development declared that housing is a human right. This Sunday we consider what we are entitled to simply be being born human.

Rev. Dr. Kent Doss and KC Marie Pandell
November 13, 2022
"These Things We Carry"

We are continually faced with decisions about what to hold on to and what to let go of. This Sunday we consider the importance of memory in our search for the sacred.

Rev. Dr. Kent Doss
November 6, 2022

"Everyday Mysticism"

A deep vein of mysticism runs through our Unitarian Universalist tradition. This Sunday learn about some of our predecessors spiritual experiences, and how we can embrace more intuitive ways of knowing our world today.

Rev. Dr. Kent Doss
October 30, 2022
"Seeking the Sacred"

Unitarian Universalists are, by and large, a reason-seeking bunch, and there is certainty in the tangible that often brings comfort. Beyond a sense of knowledge, though, is sometimes a feeling of something more. Today, we examine that feeling, and how we make meaning from the known and the unknown.

KC Marie Pandell
October 23, 2022
"'Awe…' and Pet Blessing"

Hallmark movies, coffee commercials, and country love songs are not always a bad thing. Sometimes we need a little rest and comfort. This Sunday we remember that warmth and compassion can also be a way to truth. Also this Sunday, we will have a blessing of the animals. Well behaved and socialized pets are invited to attend in person. Everyone is encouraged to email pictures of their pet to be included in the slide show images.

Rev. Dr. Kent Doss
October 16, 2022
"A Smaller God"

God is omnipotent according to many. More recently theologians have proposed smaller, less powerful visions of the divine. This Sunday we will consider value of a smaller vision of the transcendent, and how that might offer meaning in our lives.

Rev. Dr. Kent Doss
October 9, 2022

"Water Communion/UU Awakening"

Historically and today Unitarian Universalist faith offers a powerful alternative voice to rhetoric of fear and division. This Sunday we look at some of those historical moments and consider how we are each called to share our Unitarian Universalist viewpoint when faith and values are on the table.
Rev. Dr. Kent Doss
September 18, 2022
"Dog Sees God: Lessons from Canines"

Humans consider ourselves largely at the top of the food chain, and with so much knowledge and advancement at our fingertips, who wouldn't? Take all that away, and what is our place in the world? How do we connect with nature, with each other, when we let all of that go? This week, we take lessons from humans' furry, four-legged best friend to see what can be awakened when we stop trying to be the Top Dog.
KC Marie Pandell
September 11, 2022
"Blue Pill / Red Pill"

Religious, political, and philosophical ideologies often promise fundamental changes or completely alternative realities. Maybe waking up doesn’t depend on being let in on a big secret that one group of people seem to hold. Maybe waking up is more about accepting life for what it is here and now.
Rev. Dr. Kent Doss
September 4, 2022

"Ecotones"

Michael Eselun, UCLA oncology chaplain and popular guest speaker, will explore those liminal spaces in which we sometimes find ourselves on life’s mysterious journey--- thresholds that are neither one reality or another, and yet may open a path to our deepest truths. Possibly even the sacred.

Michael Eselun
August 28, 2022
"Safer Space, part 2"

In our desire to foster dialog and diversity, often people say they want to create safe space. This Sunday we ask, safe for whom? If we truly desire to embrace, grow and act beyond our own culture, we may need to make room for conflict and discomfort from time to time.

Rev. Dr. Kent Doss
August 21, 2022
"Killing the Buddha"

Any worthwhile religious tradition makes space for humility and curiosity. Unitarian Universalism is often called a Living Tradition. This Sunday we explore the task of build meaningful faith without holding too tightly to certainty.

Rev. Dr. Kent Doss
August 7, 2022

"A Celebration of Life"

The human body is complex and beautiful beyond our best scientific understanding. This Sunday we celebrate our loved ones and the gift of being alive.

Rev. Dr. Kent Doss
July 31, 2022
"My Wild and Precious Life"

Based on the famous poem by Mary Oliver, “The Summer Day” three Tapestry members offer their insight based on the question, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

Tapestry Members Grayson Gothard, Paul Bonfanti & Mickey Jackson
July 24, 2022
"Final Gifts"

This Sunday we reflect on the final gifts we receive from loved ones, the points of awareness that come into focus when a life is seen in full perspective. The aim is not to sugar coat a painful experience, but to honor the lessons and transformation that can come out of that struggle.

Rev. Dr. Kent Doss
July 17, 2022
"Helping Our Neighbors"

The Executive Director of South County Outreach shares with us a little bit about the organization's work and why he is drawn to work with those who are struggling.

LaVal Brewer
July 10, 2022
"Five Remembrances"

The five remembrances are short truths of the Buddhist tradition that are intended to be memorized and recited. They offer a wonderful window into Buddhist perspective and introduction to our month’s theme, Cycle of Life.

Rev. Dr. Kent Doss
July 3, 2022

"Coming Out Religiously"

Religion and sexuality pair together in some very interesting ways. In honor of Pride Month, this Sunday Tapestry members will share how their experience as GLBT people influenced their faith journey.

LGBTQ+ Action Group
June 19, 2022
"Prophetic Imperative"

What does it mean to speak with a prophetic voice in 2022? This Sunday we look back at the ancient prophets and consider how we might more effectively cry out for justice and envision a better world.

Rev. Dr. Kent Doss
June 12, 2022
"A Vision for Our Future"

This Sunday the sermon is delivered by three of the graduating seniors. Other youth share in leading the service. Also, we honor all of 2022’s graduates and celebrate their upcoming life adventures.

Grace Miller, Madox Stelovich, Taylor Ellsworth
June 5, 2022

"Courage of Conviction"

Trying to create change in the world requires stepping into the unknown. This Sunday we celebrate the courage involved in both dreaming about and creating the world we hope to live in.

Rev. Dr. Kent Doss
May 29, 2022
"Loving Boundaries"

Sometimes the hardest and the most loving thing to say is “no.” This Sunday will be a pep-talk for using that powerful two-letter word when it is necessary.

Rev. Kent Doss
May 15, 2022
"A Mother's Influence"

Motherhood is no easy feat; it takes courage and strength to do Mom's work. Today, we celebrate the mother figures in our lives, and share our hopes for the mothers yet to come.

KC Marie Pandell
May 8, 2022
"From the Heart"

Courage is a virtue with many different facets. This Sunday we look at the ways we each have been more or less courageous, and we explore ways of strengthening the heart.

Rev. Kent Doss
May 1, 2022

"Earth’s Mightiest Heroes"

In honor of Earth Day, we reflect on Unitarian Universalism’s 7th Principle, and how it might help shape us as stewards of nature and our planet.

KC Marie Pandell
April 24, 2022
"Good News - Flower Communion"

This Easter we consider our personal wellsprings of hope and vision for a better future. Also, we recreate the beloved Unitarian ritual of Flower Communion. If you are able, please bring a flower from home to share. For those worshiping on zoom, to participate in Flower Communion, please come pick up a flower at Tapestry between 11:30 and 12:30.

Rev. Kent Doss
April 17, 2022
"A Chosen People"

Passover and the liberation from Egypt is a defining story for the Jewish community. This Sunday we explore how and why we construct our faith community.

Rev. Kent Doss
April 10, 2022
"Learning to Juggle"

On this first day of Ramadan, we will learn about the Muslim holiday and consider how we UUs make room for the spirit in our own lives.

Rev. Kent Doss
April 3, 2022

"Learning to Juggle"

A balanced life is like juggling: We know we’ll drop a few balls as we go; the importance comes in deciphering which responsibilities we can afford to drop today, which ones we should strive to always keep in the air, and the ones in between.

KC Marie Pandell
March 27, 2022
"Earth in the Balance"

With balance as the theme for our worship this month, we turn to the best teacher of all, our earth. This Spring Equinox we celebrate the intricate Earth balance and rhythms that sustain life.

Rev. Kent Doss
March 20, 2022
"Heart Work"

Despite what you might have heard, life wasn’t made to be easy. This Sunday we consider the bumpy journey to finding our center. This Sunday also kicks of Tapestry’s annual pledge campaign.

Rev. Kent Doss
March 13, 2022
"Legacies of Power"

Stepping away from the extremes of Ash Wednesday and Mardi Gras, this Sunday we explore a middle path. Not to be mistaken with complacency, contentment is an often forgotten foundation for lasting happiness.

Rev. Kent Doss
March 6, 2022

"Legacies of Power"

You were given and you will leave behind a treasure trove of resources. This Sunday we celebrate the diverse gifts that we have received and the opportunities they open for us.

Rev. Kent Doss
February 27, 2022
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"The Power of Truth"

Unitarian Universalists frequently acknowledge the importance of doubt and critical thinking. There is also great power in conviction and faith. This Sunday we remember when and how to leverage the power of truth.

Rev. Kent Doss
February 20, 2022
"Girl Power: A UU History of Women's Suffrage "

Power in any sense is seldom given to those without it; something American suffragettes were well aware. Today, we examine the history of women's fight for the vote, and some of the Unitarians and Universalists who made it possible.

KC Marie Pandel
February 13, 2022
"Power Inventory"

Personal power takes on many different forms. This Sunday we explore the array of types of power available to each of us, and the responsibility that comes with each them.

Rev. Kent Doss
February 6, 2022

"Our Hope"

This Sunday we focus on the message of hope in our Unitarian and Universalist heritage.

Rev. Kent Doss
January 30, 2022
"The Unitarian Universalist Tree of Life"

The Tree of Life has a rich and ancient history in many cultures. Let's explore the roots of the Tree and take a fresh look at how it presents to UUs today as a symbol of love and hope across the generations.

KC Marie Pandell
January 23, 2022
"The Work of Renewal"

Sometimes we just need a good rest, other times more strategy and intention is necessary to get us back on course. This Sunday we consider some of the ways of actively creating renewal in our lives.

Rev. Kent Doss
January 16, 2022
"New Year, New UU"

Every year, Americans this time of year are inundated with commercials and plans from companies insisting to help make this a “New Year, New You!” With all the promise for new things, new looks, what is never promised is how we nurture ourselves in the new year, and beyond. Today, we look for ways we can renew ourselves and our communities.

KC Marie Pandell
January 9, 2022
"Earth Spiral"

Challenged with predictions about our future and looking toward a new year, we turn to the Earth for a sense of renewal and hope.

Rev. Kent Doss
January 2, 2022

Watch sermons from 2021.