#2- First Unitarian Universalist Church

Last Sunday, I didn't make it over the bridge to First Congo, so I googled some churches in the area and settled on First Unitarian Universalist. Dan was not feeling churchy that day so he dropped me off and spent his Sunday morning worshipping in the aisles of Trader Joe's.

The church was a big, beautiful building, and the pews were nearly full. The service very much reminded me of Dan's and my former United Church of Christ church (Edgewood United) back in East Lansing. There was an organ and a choir and classical music. It was somewhat liturgical, but not as much as the Catholic church. There were three white men in robes leading the service (which differs from Edgewood where there was one white, lesbian pastor). But both churches mentioned various social justice issues up at the pulpit just like Edgewood would.

The congregation was mostly white older folks, with a few Asian-Americans and Latinas. Still no African-Americans. There were also some middle-aged folks as well as a few young people. Instead of a sermon, the choir was performing a requiem that day. I'm not a big fan. It was in a minor key and sounded very ominous. They were very good though. I'm sure there are a lot of people who would have enjoyed it. The congregation seemed to.

Their bulletin had a paragraph that read, "Who are we? We are thinkers and feelers, atheists and believers, Eastern and Western, children and adults, sinners and saints, gay and straight, rich and poor, New Agers and old timers, native San Franciscans and recent arrivals, conservatives and liberals, early birds and procrastinators. Our differences unite us. Surely there is a place for you too."

God was mentioned often, even though the website had a video titled "God is optional, you are not," (which, frankly, annoyed me). I felt very comfortable there as a Christian, but I really can't imagine everyone mentioned in the above paragraph feeling comfortable there, specifically atheists and conservatives.

Next week the sermon is called "Noah's Ark and Animal Rights," and they're having pets in the courtyard that you can adopt! I sat in that beautiful and sunny courtyard after church and watched a visiting Pagan group raise the May pole for May Day. I took note of the beautiful open space and wondered if I could sneak back there sometime just to catch some rays.

I felt very satisfied after going, even though it wasn't really my thing. I'm feeling venturesome lately, which is so different than last year when I was feeling sick, tired and overstimulated. I'm also conscience that I am experiencing more freedom in regard to other faiths and religions. I never would have gone to a Unitarian church in high school or early college. I feel much more solid in my own faith now and am less fearful of other religions and belief systems. And it's always nice to not think you have to convert the whole world to Christianity like I did in junior high and high school!

#1- St. Paul's

The first church I visited in San Francisco was St. Paul's, a Catholic church in Noe Valley a couple of blocks from our apartment. They had sent us a nice welcome-to-the-neighborhood letter when we first moved to SF that said: you are welcome to come visit us, this is what we are about, and also, here is another list of all different kinds of places of worship in the area if our church is not your thing. Dan and I were impressed. We had also looked them up on the internet and discovered that Sister Act was filmed there! Woo hoo! I LOVE Sister Act.

The place was pretty empty the day we visited. We were attending the second and later service, however, so it's possible the first service had more people.

The service was, of course, very liturgical and formal. There was no way to know (as clueless, visiting Protestants) when to sit or stand or cross ourselves so we had to watch the people around us and follow them as closely as we could. Some part of me was definitely expecting the choir to break out into "My God" so I was a little disappointed, to say the least.

There were several people and even a large GROUP of people who came in just for the communion and then left afterwards. That was fascinating to me. I didn't go up for communion this time because I didn't know the routine and I was afraid the priest was going to persecute me in front of the whole congregation if he knew I wasn't Catholic. But I'm determined to ask one of my Catholic friends to teach me what to do, so I can participate next time.

There was an organ and hymns, which are not for me. The priest seemed nice. There were Latinos, Asian Americans and whites- no African-Americans.

Probably won't go back again unless I hear Whoopi is stopping by. It was nice to visit though!

exploring

I've had the desire to explore other places of worship in San Francisco. I am not planning on leaving my home church in Oakland- I really don't think anything can compare. But I'm feeling adventurous lately and want to know what all is out there.

My church in Oakland is in major transition right now after the resignation of our prophet pastor a few months ago. There is a possibility that the church may die out in the next year or so, which would be very sad. All I know is that I always want to stay in touch with my family there, in some capacity. And I know I need a kick-ass place to worship with gospel/rock music.

But there are those days, when I don't feel like dancing and clapping and raising my hands and instead need quiet . . . or to be anonymous with strangers . . . or just need something different. So! . . . I'm going on an exploration and will keep this blog updated with my adventures!

energy work/body work=awesome shit

I've been practicing craniosacral and massage on my good friend and neighbor Meghan. She recently got her Reiki certificate and practiced on me tonight. It was amazing. I know there are a lot of people out there who can't comprehend how this shit works. But man, this shit works. It was so powerful. I just really believe that we were all made with the innate ability to put our hands on one another and heal each other. Thank you God for letting me into this new dimension of life.