We are committed to compassion. We are….
…a sanctuary for diversity, spiritual growth, and social justice
…nuestra misión es ser un santuario de diversidad, crecimiento espiritual y justicia social
Worship Services
Sunday Worship: “A Rebirth of Possibility: Earth Day and the Transformation of Hope”
Sunday Worship: “Blossoming Into Life: Flower Communion”
News in Brief
Annual Business Meeting Notice
The Annual Business Meeting will be held both in person in the church Sanctuary and on Zoom. The link to the Zoom meeting can be found in the newsletter every week until the meeting.
The matters to be considered are described in the agenda. Twenty-five percent of Voting Members (Members who signed the membership book at least 30 days beforehand and who are not designated Inactive) must be present in the room, participating via Zoom, or have submitted or postmarked absentee ballot by April 22, to transact this business. Fifty percent of Voting Members either in person, online, or by absentee form is required for approval of matters submitted for determination by vote.
Voting will take place by secret electronic ballot or absentee ballot submitted or postmarked by April 22. The election results will be e-mailed and posted beginning May 1.
Bread not Stone: Transformation
This month in worship and in our chalice circles, we are exploring the. Last of the values expressed in the UUA’s proposed new description of our central values: Transformation. This value is shared with these words:
Transformation. We adapt to the changing world. We covenant to collectively transform and grow spiritually and ethically. Openness to change is fundamental to our Unitarian and Universalist heritages, never complete and never perfect.
Open to Change
In some climates, where seasons change, “April showers bring May flowers.” Reportedly, April, the name of the month, originally takes its name from the verb “to open,” as in the season when flowers and trees begin to open. Perhaps it’s no surprise then that April brings Earth Day, on the 22nd.
As we usher in the opening season, are we open to change? Do we encourage enough spiritual growth? Have you transformed lately? Do you value transformation? Rev. Riddell will be asking us to consider transformation this month in his Sunday messages:
Growing Connections to Our CommUnity
This following post is the beginning in a series of mothly posts outlining what stewardship means to us at UUCOD. Each month we will explore a different aspect of being in CommUnity.
Growing Connections To Our CommUnity
Three: Support Our Social Justice Committee Activities
At the heart of Unitarian Universalist beliefs is the recognition that we do not all start from the same place. We believe that we must acknowledge this and do our part to help adjust these inherent imbalances. We strive to achieve fairness and justice in all our endeavors and our Social Justice Committee develops and leads many programs and activities with this in mind.
The “Share the Plate” Sundays are a perfect example of how we learn about local programs that work with those in need. We share our treasures with them so we can work toward righting imbalances and provide justice and fairness in the world. Please donate generously. We encourage Members and Friends to search for deserving programs to add to next year‘s list of Share the Plate recipients and consider getting involved with them beyond the Sunday service. Also, consider giving generously of your time and talent as well as your treasures. Perhaps your talents fit the Social Justice Committee?
Consider actively participating in the other Social Justice Committee guided activities. In addition to the Pride Parade, we have marched against gun violence and for women’s rights, written letters to get out the vote, supported safe schools for LGBTQ+ students, campaigned for ecological justice, and petitioned for support from our U.S. Representative Dr. Raul Ruiz. In addition, we provide holiday food boxes and gifts for migrant families and children throughout the Coachella Valley.
Getting involved on a personal level, such as packing food boxes, delivering our Sunday donations to the various organizations, handing out holiday turkeys and food to lines of cars with deserving families, brings great joy to those involved. Working alongside other Members and Friends to better the lives of others is a wonderful way to help us bond and further Grow our CommUnity!
If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of our greater Coachella Valley community, please contact our Social Justice chair, Denise Janssen-Eager, at djansseneager@gmail.com.
UUCOD Stewardship and Membership Committees
What’s Happening This Week
Week of Events
Socks on the Second
On the Second Sunday of the month we collect a sock donation for the clients of Well in the Desert. The Well serves the population of the Coachella Valley in poverty prevention, intervention and advocacy.
Sunday Worship: “Reality is Gorgeous”
Sunday Worship: “Reality is Gorgeous”
Worship Leader: Peter Mathews
Worship Associate: Joni Padduck
The connotation of the very word “reality" can turn us away. But, in all religions and prophetic thought, reality is a window into an emotional state of inner peace. Christians call it heaven. Buddhists call it nirvana. Reality is truth, and the truth does indeed set us free. And this freedom is available even in the most horrific of times.
Board of Directors Meeting
Board of Directors Meeting
The Board of Directors carries on the buiness of the church every third Tuesday of the month. Members, feel free to show up in person or online during the Voices […]
Drop-In Scrabble
Drop-In Scrabble
Interested in joining other UUCOD members in a friendly game or two of scrabble? ALL ARE WELCOME-FROM NOVICE TO EXPERT! We will meet the first and third Thursday of the month at […]
Afternoon Book Club: The Tubman Train by Doug Peterson
Afternoon Book Club: The Tubman Train by Doug Peterson
Born into slavery, young Harriet Tubman knew only hard work and hunger. Escape seemed impossible--certainly dangerous. Yet Harriet did escape North, by the secret route called the Underground Railroad. Harriet […]
Volunteer Oppportunities
The gorgeous grounds are calling!
Tuesday mornings from 8:00-11:00 am
Are you feeling more connected, more appreciative of the grounds? Here’s a great opportunity – come join us at our weekly work parties.
The tasks are not physically demanding – we might blow sand off the patio, walk the grounds to pick up wind-blown trash, trim a small bush, or other light maintenance. This is a great opportunity to deepen your connection to the land and nature.