Please join us in welcoming Rev. Karen Van Fossan. UU Minister and author of “The Fire at the Center: Solidarity, Whiteness, and Becoming a Water Protector” Rev. Van Fossan takes readers behind the scenes of the Dakota Access Pipeline conflict, to penitentiaries where prisoners of war have carried the movement onward, to the jail cell where she was…

During the month of May, East Shore will celebrate our partnership with the Khasi people, who live in the rain-blessed hills of Meghalaya, India. On May 5th we will dedicate our worship service to the bond that East Shore has with these Unitarian friends.על ידי East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue WA

What would it look like if we opened the doors to East Shore with love? How can that change the way people feel welcomed and help us all move in our journey of becoming a beloved community. We will also be welcoming new members into our community!על ידי East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue WA

Join our Climate Action Ministry Team in collaboration with our Religious Education participants in celebrating Mother Earth with interactive art making, joyful music, and inspirational messages.על ידי East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue WA

How do we adapt to the changing world? How do we collectively transform and grow spiritually and ethically? Transformation is fundamental to our Unitarian and Universalist heritages, never complete and never perfect. At the heart of our Unitarian Universalist movement is Transformation: A value that challenges us to both personal and collective cha…

Images hold power. They shape and inform how we perceive the world. They also influence how we treat people around equity, accessibility and inclusion. Join us as we learn to break down societal barriers in order to break through, break open and break free into a more expansive, liberated world for people of all abilities.…

Join us in celebrating Easter, Ostara, and the amazing Trans siblings in our lives! Easter and Ostara celebrate new life, the Resurrection, and Spring. TDOV celebrates the joy and resilience of trans and non-binary people everywhere by elevating voices and experiences from these communities.על ידי East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue WA

Join Rev. Maria Cristina and members of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) as we explore the rituals of making home altars as a healing spiritual practice.על ידי East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue WA

Join us in celebrating International Women's Day by imagining and helping to create a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. Together we can celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about discrimination, and take action to drive gender parity. Also during the service, join us for a very special Blessing of the Children ceremony…

Social Justice as a Spiritual Practice. We often make a distinction between social justice actions and spiritual practices. Can social justice activism be sacred? Are we making artificial distinctions that separate us from the spiritual nature of social justice activism? Join us as we explore mindfulness-enriched approaches to antiracism and social…

This month our theme is Love, and we UUs believe in expressing love through service. Our partner for Share the Plate on February 25th is PorchLight, formerly Congregations for the Homeless (CFH). East Shore has partnered with them for many years through hosting their Rotating Shelter each October.על ידי East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue WA

Unitarian Universalism centers love in the shape of social justice. We nourish community, value relationships, care for the suffering, and practice love by breaking through labels and divisions. What are the challenges and lessons of being a welcoming congregation? How do we find our way back when we miss the mark? How do we widen the circle of car…

There is so much causing us to stress these days. Sometimes one of the greatest gifts we can give each other is the gift of laughter and fun. Join us in sharing the wonderful gifts of laughter, love, and togetherness. It’s not always appropriate to get silly, but when we can, it’s a wonderful thing!על ידי East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue WA

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. The Clara Barton Sisterhood was created in her name as a way for local women’s groups, congregations, and individuals to honor women aged 80 and over…

“We need a new theology of darkness—a new way to relate to the darkness, blackness, and brownness that surrounds us.” Inspired by Minister and Poet Kristen L. Harper, we are invited to explore and transform our perceptions of blackness. Join us as we lift up the strength and beauty of the Darkness Divine.…

"We need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers" This Sunday we honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King by lifting up the collective power of community. We recognize that every great leader needs people to support them, often anonymously and behind the scenes. We'll shine the light on the architect of the March on Washington:…

The Feast of the Epiphany reminds us to honor all of our life’s journeys, particularly the unexpected detours. We’ll reflect on the meaning of the Epiphany and those unexpected “Aha!” moments that might change the course of our spiritual journeys. With impending change, come both fear and child-like wonder. Let us ponder the magical experience of f…

Join us for a lovely candlelight service with carols and readings that convey the spirit of Christmas.על ידי East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue WA

In many Latin American countries we celebrate Las Posadas, a pre-Christmas tradition recreating the arduous journey of Mary and Joseph fleeing from violence and seeking refuge. In the United States, many churches incorporate this tradition as an expression of solidarity with all immigrants and refugees. We are reminded that we are a living sanctuar…

The wheel of the year has turned again. Once more the Thanksgiving season has arrived. Let us sing our song of gratitude together. Let us gather in community to give thanks for all the blessings we have received. Please join us for a Thanksgiving potluck immediately following the service. All are welcome!…

In such a small world it can mean so much to welcome the stranger. Now, and perhaps more than ever, our generous responses may be the key to building the community we yearn to grow. Reverend Eric Kaminetzky grew up in Unitarian Universalism and serves our Congregation in Edmonds, WA. His first career was in the law as a licensed and practicing Atto…

Join us to honor the memory of our dearly departed. We will begin to build our community altars in the sanctuary on Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28 from 12:00-4:00 pm. You can also bring your photographs, flowers, and mementos on Sunday morning. “At the rising sun and at its going down; We remember them. For as long as we live, they too…

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.על ידי East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue WA

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 …

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?על ידי East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue WA

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 kit…

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 preachesעל ידי East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue WA

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 …

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.על ידי East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue WA

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.על ידי East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue WA

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…

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…

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…

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 n…

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…

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, …

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.על ידי East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue WA

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.…

As Unitarian Universalists, we recognize that our liberal faith is historically and spiritually rooted in Christianity. Therefore, we celebrate Easter, as well as the rebirth of nature and the resurrection of dreams and hopes. The Flower Ceremony, sometimes referred to as Flower Communion or Flower Festival, is an annual ritual that celebrates beau…

Join us as we welcome Sul ka dub Freddie Lane, member of the Lummi Nation. The Lummi House of Tears Carvers are back on the move, transporting a hand-carved totem pole more than 6,500 miles to help protect Oak Flat. This land is sacred to tribes like the Hopi, Zuni, Yavapai and O’odham and is at risk of being destroyed during mining operations on o…

Join us as we honor Dolores Huerta and César Chávez, labor leaders and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers. Their efforts resulted in farm workers in California having the right to collectively organize and bargain for better wages and working conditions. A tireless advocate for workers,’ immigrants,’ and women’s rights, Do…

The Equinox is a time of balance in the earth’s year. The nights and days are of equal length. It is the still point in the great ebb and flow of light into dark and dark into light again. The turning of the seasons is the turning of the wheel. Let us gather to celebrate the return of Spring.על ידי East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue WA

We gather to express our gratitude for all the blessings we receive from our ESUC community, to honor all the people in this congregation whose legacy inspires us to build the Beloved Community. Join us as we honor our church leaders, Ministry Team members, volunteers, and staff.על ידי East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue WA

From “Don’t Say Gay” bills to the swath of laws criminalizing gender affirming and abortion-related care, attacks on bodily autonomy in the US are escalating at an alarming pace. And this nation has always targeted certain kinds of bodies as less worthy of protection and freedom than others. What does our UU tradition offer us as an antidote to tox…

Pastoral care is a ministry of presence. People have stories of grief, trauma, loss, confusion, loneliness and depression. There is healing value in speaking these stories out loud when there is a compassionate person to listen with attention, and with the intention to bear witness. Our lay pastoral ministers will listen without judging, offering a…

Join us as we celebrate Mardi Gras and Purim. Together, we'll reflect upon the power of reversals. Nothing has the power to change us, confront us with reality, open our ears to a new truth, or turn our life in a different direction like a reversal can; a time when our world is turned upside down.על ידי East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue WA