Welcome to OCUUC
On behalf of our congregation, welcome to OCUUC! We are an intimate and open-minded
group brought together by our ongoing search for a spiritual home-a home that
encourages religious questioning, nourishes individual pathways, and provides
a respite from life's daily demands. We hope the information you discover in
the FAQs below—and throughout our website—piques your curiosity
enough to join us this Sunday at 9:30 or 11:15 to experience the life and vitality
of our congregation. Come, learn for yourself if who and what we are suits
you and your family. If you'd like to engage in a one-on-one conversation with
a member of our congregation, you may do so before or after a service, or contact
us at membership@ocuuc.org or
(949) 646-4652.
Go shining (and visit us soon)!
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Unitarian movement began in Europe during the Reformation in the 1500s in opposition to the Christian doctrine of a holy trinity. Viewing God as a single, unitary spiritual force, the movement's pioneers became known as "Unitarians." Universalism traces its roots to colonial America, where church pioneers advanced the idea of a kind and loving God offering universal salvation based on the supreme worth of every individual.
In 1961, the Unitarian and Universalist organizations merged to form the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), whose members today share a faith that expands beyond its roots in liberal Christianity to encompass the teachings and texts of many world religions, as well as the wisdom and insights of science, literature, and the arts. For a more in-depth review, please visit our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) web site.
Unitarian Universalism believes that personal experience, conscience, and reason should be the final authorities in religion. In the end, religious authority lies not in a book, person, or institution, but in ourselves. We put religious insights to the test of our hearts and minds.
We uphold the free search for truth. We are not bound by a statement of belief. We do not ask anyone to subscribe to a creed. We say ours is a noncreedal religion. Ours is a free faith. We believe that religious wisdom is ever-changing. Human understanding of life and death, the world and its mysteries, is never final. Revelation is continuous. We celebrate unfolding truths known to teachers, prophets, and sages throughout the ages.
We affirm the worth of all people. We believe people should be encouraged to think for themselves. We know people differ in their opinions and lifestyles, and we believe these differences generally should be honored. We seek to act as a moral force in the world, believing that ethical living is the supreme witness of religion. The here and now and the effects our actions will have on future generations deeply concern us. We know that our relationships with one another, with diverse peoples, races, and nations, should be governed by justice, equity, and compassion.
Unitarian Universalists affirm and promote:
- The inherent dignity and worth of every person
- Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
For more information about the history and beliefs of UUs, visit the UUA Web Site.
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In North America, Unitarianism and Universalism developed separately. Universalist congregations began to be established in the 1770s. Other congregations, many established earlier, began to take the Unitarian name in the 1820s. Over the decades the two groups converged in their liberal emphasis and style, and in 1961 they merged to become the Unitarian Universalist Association.
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No. Because of our inclusive values and the independence of each congregation,
people often don't know that we belong to a larger organization—the Unitarian
Universalist Association of Congregations in North America (UUA). We are a
member association, or as we call it, “The Uncommon Denomination.” The
UUA provides a central office for the support of local congregations, and,
as a community, we do have a common identity and purpose.
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Some Unitarian Universalists are nontheists and do not find language about
God useful. The faith of other Unitarian Universalists in God may be profound,
though among these, too, talk of God may be restrained.
Why? To avoid confusion over the wide-ranging use of the word “God,” many
Unitarian Universalists are more apt to speak of “reverence for life” (in
the words of Albert Schweitzer, a Unitarian), the spirit of love or truth, the
holy, or the gracious. Many also prefer such language because it is inclusive;
it is used with integrity by theist and nontheist members.
Whatever our theological persuasion, Unitarian Universalists generally agree
that the fruits of religious belief matter more than beliefs about religion-even
about God. So we usually speak more of the fruits: gratitude for blessings, worthy
aspirations, the renewal of hope, and service on behalf of justice.
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OCUUC is a spiritual home...a community...a place for celebration, exploration, and personal growth. As individuals, we come from many backgrounds-Unitarian Universalist, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Atheist, Agnostic, Pagan, and other traditions. We take pride in our differences, and from this diversity comes our strength. We welcome new members without regard to race, gender, or sexual orientation, and are pleased to note our continuing growth in membership, in pledging, and in the capacity to serve the needs of our congregation and the community at large.
Mission Statement. The purpose of the Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church is to create and nurture a place in Orange County that welcomes all persons into a diverse, empowering and caring spiritual community that exemplifies and promotes our Unitarian Universalist values. We do this by:
- Offering programs for worship, religions education, and fellowship for all ages.
- Providing opportunities to help create a more just community.
- Generating opportunities for spiritual, intellectual, and leadership growth.
- Supporting and participating in the wider Unitarian Universalist Community.
We covenant to act amongst ourselves and in the larger community in a way that affirms Unitarian Universalist principles.
Are you UU? Our caring congregation of 250 members welcomes a diversity of people and treats each one as a unique and valuable human being. Is OCUUC right for you? If you answer "yes" to the following questions, you'll likely feel at home at Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church:
Are you looking for greater meaning and spiritual depth in your life?
Would you or your family like to belong to a supportive, creative, and dynamic religious community?
Are you seeking an open-minded place that will nourish your children's ethical and spiritual growth while encouraging them to think for themselves?
Do you want to be part of a religion that makes a difference in your community?
Are you looking for a spiritual home that respects and supports your religious questioning?
Click here to learn about our rich, 50-year history.
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Our minister, Karen Stoyanoff, came to OCUUC in August 1998 from Third Unitarian Church in Evanston, Illinois. Karen earned a B.A., M.A.T., and PhD from Northwestern University, and her Masters in Divinity from Meadville-Lombard Theological School in Chicago, Illinois.
Karen serves in many denomination-related capacities, such as being a member
of the District's Leadership Resources Council and Journey Towards Wholeness
Committees. She is also the center rep for the Pacific SouthWest District (PSWD)/UU
Ministers Association (UUMA) chapter, and has given several workshops on various
topics for district events. She has served as staff for two of the district's
recent Leadership Training Weekends.
In the larger community, Karen is a member of the board for the Newport Mesa Interfaith Council, and Vice President of the Orange County National Conference for Community and Justice. She is also Vice President of the local ACLU chapter, a member of the Advisory Committee for the Orange County Child Abuse Prevention Program, a Rotarian, and on the planning committee of the Religious Diversity Faire.
Aside from her impressive commitment and qualifications, Karen is the enlightened
nucleus of our congregation, a unique and blessed personality—in short, someone
you must meet.
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What is the significance of the Tibetan Singing Bowl used in the church
service?
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The Tibetan singing bowl used to open
the service in tone is a sound meditation device that has been used
in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries for centuries. One of our members,
who opens the service by striking the bowl each Sunday, discovered
Tibetan singing bowls at the UUA General Assembly in 1997 and now
maintain a collection of bowls of different sizes and tones. Made
of a complex alloy of bronze, iron, and zinc, the bowl sings with
a complex harmonic tone that draws the mind into meditative focus.
It may be struck (as is done to open the service in tone) or “sung,” by
holding the striker in a vertical position and moving it around the
outside rim of the bowl to produce a multi-harmonic, continuous tone.
If you wish further information or wish to try “singing” the
bowl yourself, please let us know
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Unitarian Universalists have been known to live their religion. At OCUUC,
our foundation is in Seeking Truth, Building Just Communities, and Caring for
One Another. It is not enough that we talk about and understand what is needed
to create justice, dignity, and integrity in social change. We are committed
to action. We strive to “walk our talk.” As individuals and as a congregation,
we work to help others and improve the world around us. Giving and receiving
help are simple gifts benefiting both the giver and receiver, and you will
learn more about our passionate community involvement by perusing our website,
but more importantly, by attending a service and speaking to our members. We
promise you'll find ample opportunity to give-and receive-within our community.
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Our ceremonies of marriage and starting a new family, naming or dedicating our children, and memorializing our dead are phrased in simple, contemporary language. We observe these rites in community, not because they are required by some rule or dogma, but because in them we may voice our affection, hopes, and dedication.
Though practices vary in our congregations and change over time, UUs celebrate many of the great religious holidays with enthusiasm. Whether we gather to celebrate Christmas, Passover, or the Hindu holiday Divali, we do so in a universal context, recognizing and honoring religious observances and festivals as innate and needful in all human cultures.
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Unitarian Universalists affirm a diversity of religious ideas and support spiritual development guided by freedom, reason, and conscience.
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Yes. Please click here for more information.
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Your child is always welcome to stay with you during the worship service.
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Yes. Our church is a Welcoming Congregation to bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender people. Several of our more active members are openly bisexual, gay, lesbian or transgender. We welcome and encourage individual choice and lifestyles.
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Our congregation is comprised mostly of people who are Caucasian, with a few but growing number of people whose ethnic origins include Africa, Asia, Mexico, Central and South America, Indonesia, the Middle East, and the Subcontinent.
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We believe in choice. It's a private decision. Our larger community has consistently supported the right of a woman to choose: it is a personal and spiritual decision.
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We worship in our Sanctuary each Sunday as a way to nourish our minds and hearts through reflection, through connection with one another, and through our reverence for the mystery and beauty of life. At a worship service or meeting, you are likely to find members whose positions on faith may be derived from a variety of religious beliefs: Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, naturist, atheist, or agnostic. Members might tell you that they are religious humanists, liberal Christians, or world religionists. All these people, and others who label their beliefs still differently, are faithful Unitarian Universalists committed to the practice of free religion.
Our typical service follows a traditional structure: gathering (piano prelude
and welcome), celebration tradition (opening words by minister or guest speaker
followed by chalice lighting), sharing in responsibility (a unison affirmation
is made and an offering is taken), centering (a brief meditation followed by
a sung response), proclaiming our message (the minister or guest speaker reads
a selected text and delivers the sermon; the choir sings an anthem), affirming
our community (closing hymn, sharing of joys and sorrows, piano postlude; after,
we enjoy coffee, tea, donuts, and conversation). The readings and music are
drawn from many religious traditions and sources of inspiration.
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You name it. So long as there exists a remote universal appeal, we
explore—and challenge—timely topics. Whether they be social action,
war, freedom, or justice, we bravely, and with an open mind, present
meaningful, topical subjects. For a review of our past sermons:
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The flaming chalice is a cherished symbol amongst all UUs, uniting our members in worship and symbolizing the spirit of our work. The flaming chalice, like our faith, stands open to receive new truths that pass the tests of reason, justice and compassion. Please click here for the story behind the flaming chalice.
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Music of all genres is central to our services, and our music a heartfelt
means of coming together. For those so inclined, there are many ways to become
involved in our Music Ministry. The Orange Coast Choir performs 2–3 times
per month, a Family Choir for ages four through adult performs quarterly, our
Children's Choir sings a few times a year, plus there is a Festival Choir that
performs occasionally for special events. There are even opportunities for
instrumentalists to perform in the service. E-mail Beth
Nakao for more information.
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Beth Nakao has been the Pianist
since August 2001, and she has been the Music Director at OCUUC since June
2003. She plays the piano during the Sunday morning services, directs the Family
Choir and Children's Choir, and directs the Orange Coast Choir.
Beth has played piano since she was three years old. She has a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance and a Master's degree in Music History.
In addition to performing, Beth enjoys passing on the joy of music to piano
students with special needs. She and her husband Jim live in Huntington Beach
with their young son Joseph.
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Yes. We welcome experienced singers and novices alike. Reading music is an
advantage, but not necessary. If you love to sing and can make a commitment
to come to rehearsals and be present when the choir sings, we would love to
have you join us. Come to any Thursday evening (7:30 p.m.) rehearsal and talk
to Beth, our Music Director.
We rehearse every Thursday night in the sanctuary of the church at 7:30 p.m.
The Orange Coast Choir sings 2–3 Sundays per month, usually performing
during both services.
During Sunday services, we sing a selection appropriate to the sermon message,
and any choral responses the minister requests. Plus we usually present an
extended program once a year at the church. One of the great advantages a UU
choir has over other church choirs is that it is not limited to singing sacred
music. Rather, our choir sings secular and sacred music in a variety of classical
and contemporary genres.
In addition to English, we sing in French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish,
and Latin—whatever the music requires. Few of us are trained singers,
but we grow in singing and vocal technique at each rehearsal. Many have been
in the choir for several years, and some are newcomers.
Our past concerts included the following works:
- Vessels of the Sun, Jim Scott (world premiere)
- Liebeslieder Waltzes Op. 52, Johannes Brahms
- Ceremony of Carols, Benjamin Britten
- Testament of Freedom, Randall Thompson
- Magnificat, J. S. Bach
- Dirait-on, Morten Lauridsen
- Requiem, Gabriel Faure
- Locus Iste, H. H. Pater Otto Leidol
- If Touched by Love's Own Secret, John E. Giles
- Alleluia, Ralph Manuel
- Gloria, Sonja Boorman
- Eyes of My Beloved, Orlando di Lasso
- May Sun Warm You, Gerald Custer
- Set Me As a Seal, René Clausen
- Frostiana, Randall Thompson
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Beth Nakao is our choir director.
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Do you have religious education
program for children and youth?
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Yes, OCUUC offers lifespan religious education that supports members and friends
of all ages on their personal spiritual journeys. As part of our programming
for children and youth we offer religious education for classes during the
11:00 AM service, and adult programs throughout the year. Click
here for Religious Education for children/youth. Click here for
adult programs.
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Our adult RE programs and activities are more fluid and diverse than our children's/youth RE, and are conducted by lay-led groups, which cover topics such as ethics, theology, leadership, and many more. You are welcome to join any existing group, or to launch your own! For more information, please visit here or contact us at (949) 646-4652.
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As part of the UU's Pacific Southwest District, we have access to beautiful Camp de Benneville Pines, a 6800-foot elevation site amidst towering pines, cedars, and oaks in the San Bernardino National Forest. We sponsor a number of chaperoned retreats annually, which give our kids-and adults-a welcome break and lifelong memories. Winter camps for Jr. and Sr. High are held in December. For older elementary, we offer a President's day weekend camp in February. During March, we hold a weekend intergenerational retreat. Every summer, there are camps for elementary, junior high, senior high, and families.
Please visit Camp de Benneville Pines' web page for more info about the Camp.
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Attend a service. You will be greeted at the door and can learn about small-group opportunities for education and spiritual growth. Please, stay for coffee, donuts, and conversation following the service. We all wear nametags, so you can confidently approach any member to introduce yourself and get to know us.
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We put less emphasis on formal beliefs and more on practical living. Our interest
is in deeds, not creeds; as such, we appreciate the biblical text, “Be
ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Our members have been active leaders
in the struggles for racial equality, civil liberty, international peace, and
equal rights for all people.
We work as individuals, in congregational social action, including AIDS Team
Ministry and Share Our Selves. We also work with the Unitarian Universalist
Service Committee, which brings critically needed social change to many parts
of the world. Please visit here for more information about these activities.
We also engage in a variety of social groups, including Covenant Groups
and a Women's Group, and many others. Please visit
here for
more information about our active congregation.
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OCUUC hosts a wide range of programs for socializing, including picnics, potlucks, auctions and concerts, Movies with the Minister, celebrations, and special events. Various church committees schedule activities throughout the year, including trips, live performance events, book sales, and more. For details, please see our newsletter for upcoming events.
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Sunday Services are held weekly at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m.
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We are conveniently located upon a beautiful hilltop location in Costa Mesa (near Brookhurst and Hamilton). Please visit here for map and directions. Park at the church or in the Viva Life Sciences lot just East of us.
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Yes. Our church is accessible to people in wheelchairs, and handicapped parking is available at the end of the driveway on the East side of the property. The sanctuary is wired for sound and guests and members can hear unaided from any seat.
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Some people dress up and others dress quite casually. Many are grateful for a break from the Monday-Friday dress code. Wear what feels comfortable to you.
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Yes! If you are interested in holding an event at our church, such as a wedding,
party, lecture, or forum, please visit
here for more information.
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OCUUC is a member of the Pacific Southwest District of the UUA, which covers Southern California, Southern Nevada, and Arizona. UUA Churches are democratically run institutions, with the power to select and approve their own ministers. Church policy, budgets, and programs are overseen by a Board of Trustees. Church work is shared by various committees, and staffed by some volunteers among our 250 members. Board of Trustee and committee appointments are recommended annually by a nominating committee and subject to annual confirmation by the congregation at large. The church budget and all major non-budget expenses are subject to congregational review and approval by majority vote.
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Although the Board of Trustees has primary responsibility for carrying out
congregational mandates, most of the church’s activities occur in committees.
A few of the committees, such as Finance and Nominating, require specific skills
or have special responsibilities and are either elected by the congregation
or appointed by the Board.
The rest of our committees are open to anyone who’s interested and willing
to contribute the appropriate effort. Some people join committees that call
on their professional skills; others use the committees to stretch their experiences;
or to exercise talents outside their daily routine. All find a sense that some
call “ministry” in committee work, that they are working for a cause that
transcends the humdrum.
Committees and groups are generally small and friendly, and are an excellent way to meet people and become part of the OCUUC community.
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Sarah Jones, our Church Administrator,
has been here since November 1999. Sarah is the hub of church activity. She
coordinates the church calendar and building use, supervises distribution of
the newsletter, prepares the order of service, maintains the church database,
mailing list, and directory—and welcomes all with a smile! Sarah can
answer any question you have, and maintains office hours Monday–Thursday,
9:30–1:30; Sundays 8:30–1:00. Please feel free to leave a message at (949)
646-4652 if the office is closed.
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Many people rightly wonder what responsibilities come along with membership. As a member of OCUUC, you are responsible in at least three ways: To yourself, you owe the pursuit of a personal spiritual journey. To others, you owe participation as a member of a shared community. To the institution, you owe a commitment of financial support in the form of an annual pledge.
If you're interested in learning more about church membership, please plan to attend a Pathways to Membership orientation. These lay-led gatherings promise to put you at ease, and provide all the information you seek on your pathway to becoming an OCUUC member.
Participants in our community are generally at one of three levels of commitment, each with the following rights and benefits:
- Guests. Are welcome to attend services and all activities.
- Friends. Make a contribution of record, either by ongoing participation in a committee or by financial support.
- Members. Have made OCUUC their church home, provide financial support, and participate in activities.
Only members may hold office, serve as committee chairs, and vote in congregational
affairs. Members receive the UU World magazine, as well as the PSWD
(Pacific Southwest District) Newsletter, The
Netwuurk, as part of their connection to the greater Unitarian Universalist
Association. They also become “owners” of de
Benneville Pines, the district-owned camp.
To join OCUUC, we ask that you fill out an “intent to join” form and
give it to a member of the membership committee or to the church administrator.
You may also make an appointment with the minister. You are then invited to
sign the membership book at periodic new member ceremonies or with the minister.
Once you have made OCUUC your church home, we ask that you provide financial
support and participate in the life of the church.
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Have you considered joining our “beloved community?” Are you interested
in being of service by making a contribution to a vibrant religious community?
Then, please, attend our next Pathways to Membership from noon to 3:00 p.m.
(lunch served!), generally held quarterly (or more frequently, as appropriate),
in the Social Hall. Reverend Karen Stoyanoff and active church members will
lead you down the path of discovery, touching on: UU history, UU principles
and covenants, congregational polity, our ministry programs, youth and adult
education, covenant groups, Green Sanctuary, the Auction, and other benefits
of membership. For more information about our upcoming “Pathways to Membership,” please visit our New Visitor Events page.
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The church has an annual budget to meet, and funds for the budget must come
from the congregation. In short and in round numbers, the church has about
250 members, and the annual budget is about $325,000. If you are at the upper
end of the income scale of the membership, you might consider a pledge that
is considerably above the average. If you are experiencing economic difficulties
and cannot contribute anything near the average, pledge what you can afford.
The guiding principle of our community is always this: from each according
to his or her ability; to each according to his or her need.
Your contributions help us improve, enhance and expand our programs, staff and church facility. To obtain pledging guidelines, or to make a pledge directly, please contact the Membership Committee or (949) 646-4652.
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For information about the church or Unitarian Universalist principles, please attend the next Pathways to Membership. For quick questions, visit the Visitor or Member Table after services, or contact the Membership Committee or call (949) 646-4652.
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