East Shore Unitarian Sermons (bellevue, Wa)

We celebrate the many ways that our East Shore community nourishes our spiritual journeys and keeps us connected. Join us as we pledge our love and support to our Beloved Community and plant seeds for the future.

Join us as we celebrate Indigenous People's Day and reaffirm our commitment to strengthen our connections with our indigenous neighbors. We recognize the impact of settler colonialism. We lift up indigenous ways of knowing to guide us in building the Beloved Community and practice being in right relationship with Mother Earth and all our relatives.

Join us in person or via Zoom for our annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony. You are invited to bring your pets so they can receive a blessing (please ensure they are on a leash or in a carrier). If your animal companions have crossed over the rainbow bridge, please bring their photo so we can honor their memory.

Inspired by the book written by Danya Ruttenberg, we gather to continue exploring paths towards healing from painful and unresolved issues. Rooted in traditional Jewish concepts, the book guides us through the five steps towards healing: Naming and owning harm; starting to change/transformation; restitution and accepting consequences; apology; and making different choices. Join us immediately following the service to continue the conversation with Rev. Maria Cristina. Refreshments will be provided.

The month of September will be dedicated to reflecting upon the many. meanings of “Home.” How has your understanding of “home” changed over the years? How do we contribute to building and nourishing East Shore Unitarian Church, our spiritual home? 

We gather to give thanks for having access to drinking water and for the bodies of water near us that allow us to refresh our bodies and souls. We recommit ourselves to defend, care for, and honor this sacred element on which our very lives depend. Join us as we bring together the waters that we have collected (from rivers, beaches, streams, or kitchen sinks) to pour into a common bowl, symbol of our Beloved Community. Rev. Dr. Maria Cristina preaches.

A celebration of live music and poetry readings – Don’t miss this Labor Day Sunday service centered on social justice and HOPE. Come and be inspired! Rev. Maria Cristina preaches

Join the East Shore Indigenous Connections Team as we share what we have learned while building relationships with our indigenous neighbors. We will also honor two UU women who have worked tirelessly to connect and inspire us and other UUs to engage with indigenous communities and the issues that impact them. Please join us for a potluck after the service. Everyone is welcome!

What is poverty? Who are the poor? Does wealth truly define us? What does 'wealth' mean in the grand scheme of things? Swapnesh Dubey - Indian film-maker, television host, producer, actor and LGBTQ activist shares his experience living with and near some of the poorest people on the planet.

When we settle into the present moment - truly open ourselves to being present - we begin to realize that each moment of 'now' is its own eternity. This service will include several guided mindfulness meditations, and will focus on the Four Eternal Qualities: Loving-kindness, Compassion, Joy and Equanimity.

Join the Salish Sea CUUPs (Covenant of UU Pagans) as we celebrate Lammas and Lughnasadh, or the first harvest. This is a family-friendly celebration. We will celebrate with ritual, music and dancing. Bring with you what you have harvested from your garden, from your relationships, and in your life. Join us as we turn the wheel of the year.

In a world filled with busyness and distractions, it is all too easy to overlook the importance of intentional celebration and the nourishment it brings to our spirits. Let us gather to explore the power of creating rituals of joy in our lives. Led by JeKaren Olaoya.

In just days, delegates at the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations will vote on whether or not to continue the bylaw revision process that has been underway since 2020. The proposed changes to Article II of the bylaws, which contains the seven principles, are an attempt to articulate the values that Unitarian Universalists hold today. With love at its center, this new proposal offers up the opportunity for us to have a deeper conversation about what Unitarian Universalism looks like today. Returning guest preacher Karishma Gottfried will join us virtually from Pittsburgh as they prepare for General Assembly to lead us into a conversation about what a Unitarian Universalism with love at its center might look like.

Join us for East Shore's annual UU Children and Youth Bridging worship. It is an amazing ritual and worship for everyone in your family to join in on. It's also a special Sunday to thank the amazing adults who help to mentor and provide ministry to our children and youth each and every Sunday. We'll be featuring voices from our community and saying our blessings and gratitude to one another. All are welcome!

World-famous drag chanteuse Arnaldo will be performing and sharing on this exuberant, uplifting and informative service. We will be addressing the conservative backlash against drag performers and trans people, with action plans of what we can do to combat these dangerous and deadly bills. But above all, this service will be a joyful celebration of who we are!

This Music Sunday service will be a playful, joyful approach to incorporating music and singing in our daily lives. The East Shore Mighty Choir will sing a few songs, there will be several special musical guests, and the congregation will join voices to express exquisite musical joy. Please submit your favorite hymn (or sing-along song that might not be in either hymnal) and chances are good we will include it in the service! Email music@esuc.org to suggest your favorites.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with us in the name of Miriam, the first prophetess of the Old Testament. Miriam, whose name means star of the sea, fierce sea, beloved, who was dancer, singer, water bearer, worshiper, and wife and mother to no one, will remind us all the unique and infinite ways that we can embody joy! How do we experience joy in our bodies and let it bring forth new life? Together, we call upon joy, for us and for the next generations.

Universalist Clara Barton is best known for her work in organizing nursing services during the Civil War and, later, founding the American Red Cross. She did not start this work until she was over 40. Two members from East Shore will also be inducted into the Clara Barton Sisterhood, which was created in her name as a way for local women’s groups, congregations, and individuals to honor women aged 80 and over for their contributions to their congregations and communities. 

Please join us on Sunday for a very special worship service. This Installation Ceremony is our congregation formally entering into shared ministry with Rev. Maria Cristina. The service will include special guests, music and more. We will celebrate after with food.

Language holds both power and possibility for liberation, healing and wholeness. Yet such liberation depends on who wields the power and how this power is used. Come join us as we seek to redefine and expand our understanding of language in leading to greater equity and inclusion within the disability justice movement.