​The energy at First UU this past Sunday, February 8th, was nothing short of electric. We gathered with a shared purpose: to decide on the future of our ministry. We are thrilled to announce that by an overwhelming majority, the congregation has voted to call Rev. Kristen Kuriga as our settled Associate Minister!

By the Numbers: A Strong Showing
The meeting was called to order by Board President Karen Lamphere, who confirmed that we hadn't just met our quorum—we blew past it. While we needed 144 eligible voting members to make the decision official, 213 members made their voices heard.

The engagement across our community was inspiring:

• 153 members voted in-person
• 46 members voted online
• 14 members cast absentee ballots

When the final tally was shared, the result was definitive: 211 members (99.1%) voted "Yes" to call Rev. Kristen.

A Spirit of Connection
While the vote was the "business" of the day, the atmosphere felt more like a family reunion. Rev. Justine opened the meeting by lighting our chalice, setting a tone of warmth and reflection.
During the interludes while votes were being counted, the sanctuary was filled with music and storytelling. Rev. Justine led the congregation in song, and members took turns at the mic to share heartfelt reflections on what Rev. Kristen and this church community mean to them. It was a beautiful reminder of the deep roots we’ve already planted together.

The Path to "Yes"
Before the results were announced, the Call Discernment Team gave a brief presentation on the journey that brought us here. They detailed the intentional, six-month process they led to ensure everyone who wanted to share was heard. This successful vote is a testament to that hard work and the clarity of our collective vision.

The Celebration
The moment the vote was announced, the room erupted. Rev. Kristen graciously accepted the call to a resounding standing ovation.
​
The festivities didn't end in the sanctuary, though! The congregation moved to Bard Hall to keep the momentum going. We celebrated this new chapter the best way we know how: with plenty of laughter, community spirit, and, of course, cake.

Thank you to everyone who participated, voted, and shared their heart during this process. We are so excited to see what the future holds with Rev. Kristen officially by our side.

In a powerful display of unity and solidarity, faith leaders and congregants from across San Diego County, including First UU ministers and congregants, gathered on Sunday, January 25th, for the "Procession of Faith: Standing for All That is Sacred." This event was sponsored by the San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP) and was a direct response to increased ICE activity in San Diego neighborhoods, aiming to reclaim the sanctity of the streets and stand in unwavering support of immigrant brothers and sisters.

The afternoon began at Cesar Chavez Park in Barrio Logan, where hundreds of people converged. Faith leaders opened the gathering with heartfelt prayers, setting a tone of solemn purpose and hope.
Following the opening prayers, the crowd embarked on a walking procession through the vibrant streets of Barrio Logan. The procession was not merely a walk but a pilgrimage of purpose, stopping at five different locations where recent ICE raids have impacted local San Diegans. Each stop served as a poignant reminder of the human cost of these actions and a moment for collective prayer and reflection.

Local elected leaders also participated, demonstrating their support for the community and the powerful message of the procession. The journey culminated at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, where the participants engaged in a deeply meaningful act: the signing of a prophetic declaration. This declaration boldly affirmed their commitment to standing for all that is sacred, specifically for and with their immigrant neighbors who face intimidation and fear. Reverend Kristen read the English version of this powerful pledge, resonating with the hearts of those present.

The "Standing for All That is Sacred" procession was a powerful testament to the strength of faith, community, and solidarity in the face of adversity. It was a day when the streets of Barrio Logan became a sacred space, reclaimed by those who believe in justice, compassion, and the inherent dignity of all people.

Sign the Prophetic Declaration: Standing for all that is Sacred.

When: Thursday, February 26
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Where: Bard Hall, First UU Church of San Diego
Admission: Open to the public. Bring your perspective and an open mind.​
Free event

​In an era of political noise and global uncertainty, sometimes the most profound insights come from a flickering screen and a man with a toothbrush mustache.

​The Social Justice Film Series is honored to invite you to a special screening and discussion of Charlie Chaplin’s 1940 masterpiece, The Great Dictator. This isn't just a "classic movie night"—it’s a deep dive into the roots of tyranny, the power of resistance, and the enduring hope for human dignity.

The Story: A Tale of Two Identical StrangersThe film follows two parallel lives:

• The Barber: After spending 20 years in a hospital following WWI, a Jewish barber returns to find his shop covered in cobwebs and his community living in the shadow of fear.
• Adenoid Hynkel: The tyrannical dictator of Tomania (a thin veil for Adolf Hitler), who is obsessed with world domination and "purifying" his nation.

As the barber and his spirited neighbor, Hannah, navigate the cruelty of Hynkel’s henchmen, the film builds toward one of the most famous and moving speeches in cinematic history—a plea for humanity that still brings shivers to audiences today.

Why This Film? Why Now?
The Great Dictator was a "visionary satire" in the truest sense. Chaplin began filming before the full horrors of WWII were known, yet he managed to capture the absurdity and the danger of authoritarianism with uncanny precision.

History marked the film, and the film marked history. It serves as a reminder that:

1. Satire is a weapon: Humility and humor can disarm even the most imposing figures.
2. Apathy is the enemy: The barber’s surprise at the graffiti on his window mirrors our own need to stay awake to the changes in our society.
3. Universal Humanity: The struggles faced by the characters in the 1940s echo the social justice battles we continue to fight today.

• "We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness." — The Great Dictator

Join us for the screening followed by an engaging community discussion where we’ll bridge the gap between this 80-year-old satire and our current social landscape.

Our stories are the threads that weave our community together, and some stories offer a unique mirror to our own identities. This February, the Racialized Identities Awareness (RIA) Book Group invites you to pull up a chair and dive deep into a masterpiece of contemporary literature.


We will gather to discuss this year's One Book, One San Diego selection: "Deacon King Kong" by James McBride.

About the BookSet in 1960s Brooklyn, Deacon King Kong is a vibrant, funny, and deeply moving novel that begins with a startling act of violence and unfolds into a beautiful tapestry of interconnected lives. McBride explores themes of race, faith, and the complex social structures of urban life with wit and profound humanity.
It is the perfect catalyst for our ongoing conversation about racialized identities and how they shape our world.
Gathering DetailsWhether you’ve finished the book or are still mid-chapter, we welcome your voice and your perspective.

• Date: Friday, February 6
• Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
• Location: Room 321 at First UU
• Focus: Deacon King Kong by James McBride

Why Join the RIA Book Group?The RIA Book Group provides a safe, reflective space to explore how race and identity impact our lived experiences. Through the lens of literature, we practice active listening, empathy, and critical thinking to better understand ourselves and our neighbors.
​

Have questions? For more information or to find out how to get a copy of the book, please reach out to Louise at [email protected].


We look forward to a night of rich conversation and community building. See you in Room 321!

In times of uncertainty, our greatest strength lies in our faith and our community. Recently, we have witnessed an increase in ICE activity that has brought a growing sense of fear to the doorsteps of our neighbors, friends, and families.
​
As people of faith, we know that we cannot remain silent when our community is hurting. We are called to a higher purpose: to act as a public witness, rooted in prayer and moral clarity.
Why We WalkThis isn't just a march; it is a prayerful procession. We are coming together to demonstrate that every person is sacred and that our solidarity is stronger than fear. This is an invitation to stand on the side of love, dignity, and justice for all our families.

Event DetailsWe invite you, your family, and your congregation to join the San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP) for this vital community action.

• Date: Sunday, January 25th
• Time: 4:00 PM
• Starting Point: Cesar Chavez Park (1901 National Avenue)
• Ending Point: Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
• Parking: Paid public parking is available at the Cesar Chavez Parking Structure.

How to Join UsTo help us prepare and ensure we move as one united body, please let us know you are coming.
RSVP here: bit.ly/SDOPsacred
Let’s walk together, pray together, and show our community that they do not stand alone. We look forward to seeing you there.

A message from Tony Bianca, Director of Spiritual Exploration and Worship Arts.
Watch the video or read the transcript below!

As many of you know, we will hold a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, February 8 at 11:30 am at our Hillcrest campus. At this meeting, we will decide together whether to call Rev. Kristen as a settled minister at First UU.
According to our bylaws, decisions of this significance require a quorum of 35 percent of our voting members. For our congregation, that means 144 voting members must be present, either in person or live online, for the vote to take place. In the coming weeks, you will likely receive several reminders encouraging participation so that we can meet this requirement.
I would like to extend a slightly different kind of invitation. Rather than focusing on 144 as a minimum number to reach, imagine what it would feel like if everyone who is able to vote chose to participate. Picture the meeting house filled with 350 or even 400 people, gathered as a community committed to spiritual growth and to making important decisions together through our democratic process. Imagine the joy, the energy, and the shared sense of purpose in that moment.
This meeting is not only about meeting a requirement. It is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as a congregation, to be together in joy, and to affirm our commitment to one another and to our shared future.
I hope you will join us on February 8 at 11:30 am at Hillcrest, bringing a spirit of joy, connection, and community as we make this important decision together and continue our journey toward becoming a beloved community.

As we approach the one-year mark of the current administration, ICE Out of San Diego has grown from a local movement into a pillar of resistance. Week after week, our community has met cruelty with courage, refusing to let intimidation silence the demand for justice.

This Thursday, January 22, the momentum continues. The San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium (SDIRC) and Alliance San Diego are co-hosting our weekly rally at the Federal Building. We are standing together to demand accountability, due process, and a return to fundamental human rights.

Why We Are Still Here
Even in the face of rising federal overreach and intimidation, San Diegans continue to show up. We are gathering not just to demand that ICE get out of San Diego, but to call for a total end to the brutality and impunity that have defined this past year. We believe our city’s safety and dignity should always come before enforcement games.

A Year of Courage
This rally marks one year of resistance. It is a celebration of the ways you have shown up, spoken out, and stood firm.
We invite you to bring your signs from this past year. Let’s lift up a visual history of our collective struggle and a single, clear demand: SHAVE ICE OUT OF SAN DIEGO.

Rally Details

• When: Thursday, January 22
• Gathering: 10:30 AM
• Program Begins: 11:00 AM
• Where: Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building (880 Front Street, San Diego)

RSVP and Join Us: Sign up on Mobilize here

Together, We Stand For:

• Dignity and Justice for all families.
• Community, not cages.
• Accountability for those who lead in our name.

Bring your voice, your courage, and your friends. We’ll see you on the front lines as we continue to meet cruelty with courage.

In an era defined by political volatility and social uncertainty, how do we move beyond fear and toward collective action?

Dr. Bob Nowlan, Professor Emeritus of Critical Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, in collaboration with the Democratic Socialists of America–San Diego, is proud to announce a new course offering through the Free University of San Diego: 

End Times Fascism–or What? How Understanding the Present Can Salvage (and Enable the Fight for) the Future.

This eight-week seminar is designed to be more than just a lecture series. It is a shared space for San Diegans to dismantle the isolation of modern individualism and replace it with collaboration, participation, and mutual responsibility.

Course Details

• Dates: Eight consecutive Sundays, March 8 – April 26, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Location: The Common Room, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4190 Front Street 92103
• Cost: Free
• ​Open to the public

Why This Class Matters
We are living through a unique socio-political phenomenon that many find difficult to name or navigate. By theorizing the "precarious present," we can begin to see the roadmap to a far better future.
The curriculum may draw from the works of influential thinkers, activists, and scholars, such as:

• Contemporary Voices: Naomi Klein, Astra Taylor, Nathan J. Robinson, and Robert Reich.
• Historical & Theoretical Frameworks: Umberto Eco, Roger Griffin, and Jason Stanley.
• Expert Analysis: The Global Project on Hate and Extremism, Joan Braune, and The Salvage Collective.

Join the Conversation
Whether you are a longtime activist or simply someone looking to make sense of the world today, your voice is welcome. We will move through these complex texts and ideas together, practicing the very community-building skills necessary to fight for the future we want to see.

How to Enroll
Enrollment is completely free and open to all members of the community.
For more information or to express your interest in enrolling, please contact Bob Nowlan at ​[email protected].

Looking for a thought-provoking and timely theatrical experience? Join us at the First UU on January 25th, 2026, at 4:00 PM for a special presentation of "Everything You Need to Know About Abortion in an Hour or Less."

Presented by Tuyo Theatre, this play offers a unique and vital perspective on a complex issue. Set in an Oklahoma high school in December 2023, the story follows an educator on her very last day before retirement. In a final, courageous act, she chooses to bypass the status quo and provide her students with essential, often-stigmatized information.

What to Expect:
The play delves into crucial topics with honesty and compassion, including:

• Medicated Abortions: Demystifying the process and providing factual information.
• Crisis Pregnancy Centers: Understanding the reality of these facilities and their impact.
• The Power of Companionship: Learning how to be a supportive and caring presence for someone navigating an abortion.

This isn't just a play; it's an educational journey wrapped in a compelling narrative. It explores the challenges faced by educators and the importance of empowering young people with accurate information and empathy.

Event Details:

• Date: January 25th, 2026
• Time: 4:00 PM
• Location: Meeting House
• Free event. Reserve your spot here.
• More Information: Visit the Tuyo Theatre website at https://www.tuyotheatre.org/everything-you

​Don't miss this opportunity to engage with a powerful piece of theatre that encourages dialogue, understanding, and compassion. We hope to see you there!

​Feeling the urgency of climate change and wondering how you can make a real difference? Or perhaps you're already engaged and curious about the diverse efforts happening across San Diego 350? Then you won't want to miss the Climate Open House, January 15th, at 5:30 PM in Bard Hall at First UU!

When: January 15, 2026 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Where: Bard Hall, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 
298 W Arbor Dr San Diego, California 92103

Join First UU's Climate Justice Team and San Diego 350 for an evening dedicated to understanding and engaging with crucial climate action. We'll be highlighting the vital work of SD350 in areas like Transportation, Legislation, Raising the Alarm, and so much more. This is your chance to get an inside look at our current actions and ambitious 2026 goals.
​
What to Expect:

• Meet the Teams: Ever wondered what your fellow SD350 teams work on? This is your opportunity to meet volunteers from various committees, including the Transportation Committee, Raise the Alarm team, the Legislative team, and many others. They'll share their experiences, current projects, and aspirations for 2026.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Thinking about volunteering but want to chat with someone before diving in? Our open house is the perfect low-pressure environment to connect with experienced volunteers and learn about how you can contribute.
• Federal Response Actions: We'll also be sharing opportunities to take action as part of our crucial federal response efforts.
• Community Connection: Meet like-minded individuals who are passionate about climate action and building a sustainable future.
• Refreshments & Fun! Enjoy some refreshments while you mingle, and get ready for some fun climate trivia and SD350 t-shirt giveaways! * Empowerment and Hope: We understand that the scale of climate change can sometimes feel overwhelming. But getting engaged, seeing the tangible difference you can make, and being part of an organized effort is incredibly empowering and hopeful. Now's the time to get involved!

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and empower yourself in the fight for a livable planet. We look forward to seeing you there!
Free event.

Kick off the new year with service and community! After a successful shift in our schedule last month, we’ve decided to stick with our 4:00 PM start time. It worked beautifully for our volunteers and our neighbors downtown, so we’re keeping the momentum going.This month’s project will take place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Event Details

• When: Tuesday, January 27th
• Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Where: Common Room at First UU San Diego (298 W Arbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92103)

What to Expect (The Itinerary)
Whether you can stay for the whole evening or just help with the prep, every hand makes a difference. You are welcome to participate in the preparation, the distribution, or both!

• 4:00 PM | Assembly: We gather in the Common Room to assemble burritos. This involves scooping beans, rice, and corn into warmed tortillas, wrapping them, and bagging them with two cold waters.
• 5:00 PM | Distribution: Once we’ve cleaned our workspace, we load up the van and caravan downtown to distribute the fresh meals to our neighbors.
• 7:00 PM | Return: We will return to the Hillcrest campus by 7:00 PM at the latest.

Note for Families: Children are more than welcome to support this project under the direct care of a guardian. It is a wonderful, hands-on way for families to serve the community together.

How to Sign Up
To ensure we have enough supplies and hands on deck, please send an RSVP to our Youth and Young Adult Coordinator:
RSVP to Lara Anderson: [email protected]

This initiative is proudly funded through our Young Adult Ministry program. We are incredibly grateful for the leadership and energy our young adults bring to this project every month.
We look forward to seeing you in the Common Room on the 27th!

We have some incredible news to share! Typically, our Burrito Project is a monthly staple, but thanks to the inspiring initiative of our youth volunteers, February 2026 will feature two opportunities to serve.

After learning about the costs associated with each project, a group of our youth stepped up and raised the necessary funds to add an entire extra service date to the calendar. Because of their hard work, we can reach even more neighbors in need this month.

Mark Your Calendars
To help us plan accordingly, please get these dates on your radar and RSVP as soon as possible. We are offering the same itinerary for both evenings:

• Monday, February 16, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

​Location: Common Room at First UU San Diego
298 W Arbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92103

What to Expect (The Itinerary)
Whether you can stay for the whole time or just a portion, your help makes a difference. You are welcome to participate in the preparation, the distribution, or both!

• 4:00 PM – Assembly: We gather in the Common Room to assemble burritos. This involves scooping beans, rice, and corn into warmed tortillas, wrapping them, and bagging them with cold water.
• 5:00 PM – Distribution: After cleaning our workspace, we load the supplies into the van and caravan downtown to distribute the meals.
• 7:00 PM – Return: We will be back at the Hillcrest campus by 7:00 PM at the latest.

Note for Families: Children are more than welcome to support this project under the direct care of a guardian. It’s a wonderful way for families to give back together!

How to Sign Up
Please RSVP to our Youth and Young Adult Coordinator, Lara Anderson, if you are interested in serving on one or both of these days.
RSVP Email: [email protected]

This initiative is proudly funded through our Young Adult Ministry program. We are so grateful to the young leaders in our congregation for making this second project possible. We hope to see you there!

The Interfaith Coalition for Earth Justice (ICEJ) is excited to announce their "Hands in the Soil" program, offering monthly volunteer opportunities to connect with the earth and support local environmental initiatives. Partnering with three incredible organizations – Project New Village, Farm Lab, and Surfrider Foundation – ICEJ invites you to dedicate your time and energy to making a tangible difference in our community and for our planet.


​What is "Hands in the Soil"?
"Hands in the Soil" is ICEJ's commitment to active environmental stewardship. By collaborating with established local organizations, they provide a platform for individuals to engage in meaningful work that directly benefits our ecosystems and communities.

When and Where Can You Volunteer?
Mark your calendars! Volunteer opportunities are scheduled for the third Saturday of each month, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Here's a look at the schedule for the first half of 2026:

Project New Village

• Website: www.projectnewvillage.org
• Location: Mt Hope Community Garden, 4261 Market St, San Diego
• Focus: Project New Village is dedicated to growing food, growing community, and growing opportunities in underserved neighborhoods. You'll be helping to cultivate fresh produce and foster sustainable food systems.
• Volunteer Dates: January 17, February 21
• 9 - 11 am

Surfrider Beach Cleanups

• Website: www.sandiego.surfrider.org/programs/beach-cleanups
• Location: Moonlight Beach, 400 B Street, Encinitas
• Focus: Join the Surfrider Foundation in their crucial efforts to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches. You'll be helping to remove trash and debris, keeping our coastlines pristine.
• Volunteer Dates: April 18, June 20, July 18
• 9 - 11 am

Get Involved!
This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn about local environmental efforts, and contribute to a healthier planet. Whether you're passionate about sustainable agriculture or ocean conservation, there's a place for you in "Hands in the Soil."
​
Stay tuned for more information on how to sign up for these volunteer dates and details regarding the partnership with Farm Lab.

Let's get our hands in the soil and work together for a more just and sustainable earth!

Are you looking to deepen your understanding of social justice in the Middle East? Do you want to learn how our congregation can put our Unitarian Universalist values into action?
​
The Palestine/Israel Social Justice team invites you to a vital educational forum on the Apartheid-Free pledge movement. This is an opportunity for our community to come together, listen, and engage with one of the most pressing human rights conversations of our time.
Event Details

• Date: Sunday, February 1
• Time: 11:30 AM
• Location: The Common Room
• Perks: Pizza will be served!

What to Expect
This forum is designed to provide clarity and context regarding the international movement to end apartheid. We are honored to host two distinguished speakers who will lead our discussion:

• Reverend Sarah Millspaugh
• Rabbi Alexis Peace
• Jason Folkman
  

Together, they will explore why "apartheid" is increasingly used by human rights organizations as an accurate legal and descriptive term for the current situation in Palestine/Israel.

​All three are knowledgeable, and Jason Folkman, who leads the Palestine Israel Justice Team at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito (UUFSD), can provide insight about how the process has been going at UUFSD.

Why Now?
In 2024, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) issued a powerful Statement of Solidarity with Palestinians, which explicitly urges UU congregations to take the Apartheid-Free pledge.

During this session, we will:

• Deconstruct the Pledge: Walk through the specific wording and commitments of the Apartheid-Free pledge.
• Connect to Our Faith: Discuss how this alignment fits within our UU principles and the recent UUA statement.
• Look Inward: Discuss the active campaign for First UU to officially join the movement and what that means for our community's future.

Your Voice Matters
Following the presentation, there will be dedicated time for questions and open discussion. Whether you are well-versed in this topic or are hearing about the pledge for the first time, your perspective is welcome as we navigate this journey of conscience together.

"Justice is what love looks like in public." — Cornel West

We look forward to seeing you there for a morning of education, reflection, and community building.

There is no better way to celebrate community than by gathering together to share traditions and delicious food. We invite you to join us for the South Bay Tamalada, an afternoon dedicated to connection, culture, and nourishment.

Whether tamale-making is a cherished generational tradition in your family or you’ve never spread masa on a husk in your life, all are welcome! This event is a true community effort—we each bring a portion of the ingredients or tools needed to make the tamales, ensuring there is plenty for everyone to enjoy.

Event Details

• When: Saturday, January 10
• Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Where: South Bay Campus, Social Hall (760 First Ave, Chula Vista)

How to Participate
Because this is a communal "potluck-style" preparation, we ask that you sign up in advance to contribute an item. Your contribution helps make this afternoon of nourishment possible for the whole group!

Click Here to Sign Up

Questions?
If you have any questions about what to bring or what to expect, please feel free to reach out to Carlynn Ashley at [email protected].

We can't wait to see you in the Social Hall for a day of food and friendship!

Want to volunteer to accompany immigrants at the downtown San Diego courthouse?




Sign-up for training
​Date: Jan 9th, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: St. Peter's Episcopal Church 
334 14th St, Del Mar, CA 92014
Sign up here (the button is halfway down the page)

Read what it's like
Join other UUs and read one's reflection here.

Saturday, Jan 10th
7 pm - 9:30 pm
Meeting House at First UU
Free event. Reserve your spot at Eventbrite.


​Community is built on the stories we tell and the songs we sing together. This month, we invite you to a very special evening dedicated to the struggles, triumphs, and enduring spirits of the women who paved the way for LGBTQ+ rights right here in our own backyard.

From Oral History to the Big Screen
Over the summer of 2025, Diversionary Theatre staged a powerful production titled The Lesbians of San Diego. This wasn't just any play; the script was meticulously crafted from real-life interviews with the women who formed the backbone of the San Diego lesbian community throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.

The live run in August was a massive success, playing to sold-out crowds at every performance. For those who missed the live show—or those who want to experience the magic again—producer Kit Gately captured a professional recording of a performance. We are honored to host a special screening of this vital piece of local history.

A Night of Music and Memory
Music has always been the heartbeat of community life and activism. Before the screening begins, we are thrilled to welcome two legendary local voices back to the stage.

Pam Briggs and Maggie Beck, both of whom are portrayed as characters in the play, have brushed off their guitars and tuned up their voices to join us once again. Longtime locals may remember them from their regular performances at the San Diego County Fair, the Old Time Cafe, and various music festivals.
One of their most iconic moments was joining the San Diego Women’s Chorus in 1997 for a performance of "A Woman’s Anthem"—a song that remains just as relevant and stirring today as it was nearly thirty years ago.

Join Us
Come early to catch the music, stay for the history, and celebrate the incredible women who helped shape the San Diego we know today.

• 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM: Live Music by Pam Briggs & Maggie Beck
• 7:45 PM: Screening of The Lesbians of San Diego

Settling In
It has been two months since the Food Pantry pulled up stakes and moved to our new home at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Chula Vista. Transitions of this size are never easy, but thanks to an incredible team and a lot of heavy lifting, the move has been a resounding success.


Making the Move
Moving an entire pantry is a logistical puzzle. Between hauling heavy equipment, prepping the new rooms at St. John’s, and navigating the paperwork for our city permit, there was plenty to do. We are incredibly proud to report that we only missed one Saturday of distribution during the entire process.

By the Numbers
To ensure a smooth start, we intentionally restricted the number of tickets during our first Saturday at the new location. We wanted to make sure our systems worked before opening the floodgates. Since then, we’ve hit our stride:

• 543 Families: Our new weekly average for families receiving food.
• 143 New Clients: We’ve already registered over 140 new neighbors -- some who live close to St. John’s.
• The Regulars: We are so relieved to see the familiar faces of our long-time clients—it’s clear they had no trouble finding us!

Smoother Than Ever
A huge shout-out goes to Deirdre, Corina, Sara, and Rhea. This team has been instrumental in organizing the new layout. Thanks to their hard work, we’ve integrated additional carts, tables, tarps, and flags that have made the distribution flow even more efficiently than before.

Whether you are a neighbor who just joined us or a volunteer who helped us move the very first crate, thank you for being part of this new chapter at St. John’s. We are honored to serve the Chula Vista community from our new home.

To volunteer with the Food Pantry email us at [email protected].

Our annual holiday potluck is always a highlight of the year, but this one felt extra special. On December 20th, we gathered for our first-ever potluck at our new home in St. John’s Episcopal in Chula Vista. We had a fantastic turnout, with volunteers from the entire week joining us after the Saturday distribution to share a meal and celebrate our hard work. From homemade favorites to festive desserts, the spirit of the season was in full swing. Check out the photo gallery to see the faces (and flavors!) that made the day so memorable.

In 2024 the film No Other Land was awarded the Oscar for best documentary motion picture. Despite the award, it has not been widely seen in the United States because no distributor had the courage to pick it up. (It is now available for individuals to rent via streaming services). In November, the Palestine/Israel Social Justice Team, with the support of SJET, screened the film in the Common Room. 

It was painful to watch. The film shows the forced displacement of the Palestinian residents of Masafer Yatta, a group of hamlets with roots in the 19 th century. When Israel decided it would use the area for tank maneuver training, soldiers systematically demolished residents’ homes. They sealed off  Palestinians’ water wells by filling them with cement and bulldozed their children’s playgrounds. Meanwhile Israeli settlers attacked residents, unchecked by nearby Israeli soldiers. During the making of the film two unarmed Palestinians were shot by soldiers, one of whom, Haran, paralyzed from the neck down, dies for lack of medical care.

The suppression of No Other Land is replaying with regard to the new film, The Voice of Hind Rajab. The movie is based on the recordings of a terrified 5-year-old Gazan girl trapped in a car with the dead bodies of her family members speaking with rescue workers. Although an ambulance is eight minutes away two hours pass as rescue workers seek a greenlight for its safe passage, while trying to reassure and calm the
child. In the end the Israelis destroy the ambulance and kill its crew, as well as the girl. In the New York Times M. Gessen noted: “Everywhere in the world this film, shortlisted for the Oscar for best foreign movie, has major distributors – but not in the United States or Israel.”

This month's burrito project will take place on Tuesday, December 23rd. We are gathering in the Common Room at First UU to assemble burritos starting at 4:00 pm. Next, we will clean up our working area, load Lara's van and drive downtown to distribute the burritos by 5:00 . We will return to the Hillcrest campus by 7:00 at the latest. ​
 
Assembling burritos involves scooping beans, rice, and corn into a warmed tortilla, wrapping the tortilla, placing two burritos into a bag with two cold waters, and then putting the bagged items into a wagon.
 
You are welcome to participate in either the preparation, distribution, or both. 

Children are welcome to support this project under the direct care of a guardian.
 
RSVP to Lara Anderson ([email protected])

Prep Location and Caravan Meetup:
First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego
298 W Arbor Dr
San Diego, CA 92103
 
Funded through the Young Adult Ministry program

Once or twice a year, the board calls congregational meetings to conduct important business, like voting on budgets, constitutional amendments, or calling new ministers. Best practice requires a clearly-defined quorum—the percentage of eligible voting members needed to conduct official business and take binding votes.

Our constitution previously defined quorum as a percentage of attendees rather than eligible members. This meant that theoretically, a very small number of people could make consequential decisions for the entire congregation. Last June, we approved this change to the constitution:

Section 3. Quorum. A quorum shall consist of 20% of Voting Members present at a duly called Annual or Special Congregational Meeting. A quorum of 35% of Voting Members is required for decisions outlined in Article IV, Section 1. Voting Members attending virtually count toward establishing a quorum.

Technology now enables both in-person and online attendance, and both count toward the quorum. Our meetings feature two-way communication and real-time voting via paper or digital ballot. This reduces the need for absentee ballots, though exceptions may be approved on a case-by-case basis by the lead minister or board president.

We hope absentee ballots become mostly a thing of the past because there is value in coming together and considering issues and questions as a community. How often have you entered a meeting with your mind made up, only to hear a new perspective or information you didn't have before, and then made a different decision? That is how it should be—a process of discernment, whether the topic is approving an annual budget, a policy change, or calling a new minister. The time spent together in conversation, whether in person or online, is an essential part of the process. That's why we tightened up our constitution's language to better define quorum, and why we want to encourage full participation by every member of our faith community.

Friday, January 9th
6:30-8:30 pm
Bard Hall at First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego

Mark your calendars! The Racialized Identities Awareness Book Group is excited to announce a special evening event featuring author Laila Ibrahim to discuss her powerful novel, Yellow Crocus.

Laila Ibrahim, a Unitarian Universalist (UU) from the Bay Area and a good friend of Kristen Keller (a friend of First UU), will be joining us for what promises to be a deeply moving and insightful discussion.

Yellow Crocus tells the story of an intense and complicated relationship that begins the moment the infant Lisbeth is born and immediately handed over to her enslaved wet nurse, Mattie. Mattie is a young mother who has been separated from her own infant son to care for her tiny charge.

Though Lisbeth is born into a life of privilege, she experiences deep loneliness in the company of her own distant parents. As she grows, Mattie becomes more like family to Lisbeth than her own kin. Lisbeth's visits to the slaves’ quarters and their lively, loving community bring the two women closer together than ever.

The novel explores a central, profound question: Can two women in such disparate circumstances form a bond like theirs without consequence?

This deeply moving tale of unlikely love traces the journey of these very different women as each searches for freedom and dignity in a society designed to keep them apart.

Join us for this special event to hear Laila Ibrahim share the inspiration behind her work and discuss the complex themes of race, family, and the search for humanity in the face of profound adversity.

Free Event.
Read more about the book.