Past Programs

Friday, April 10, 2026

Social Justice with Rev. Rodney Lemery

On Friday, April 10th, a meeting was held in the Vista Room of Hillside Complex, Rossmoor.

The program featured Rev. Rodney Lemery, Justice Minister at Mount Diablo UUC. Rev. Lemery provided an insightful presentation detailing current UU social justice initiatives and actionable ways members can become involved in important campaigns. His advocacy work encompasses a wide range of topics, including racial justice, climate justice, economic equality, immigration rights, and the defense of democracy.

The event included a vibrant performance by the Raging Grannies of Rossmoor. This notable group of activist grandmothers offered a performance that showcased their unique blend of activism, song, and humor, dedicated to promoting social change.

Rev. Rodney Lemery

Rev. Rodney Lemery is a dedicated advocate for social justice and a passionate member of the Unitarian Universalist community. He has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting equality, peace, and community engagement.

Friday, March 13, 2026

Refugee Education and Learning International

On Friday, March 13th, we hosted a deeply moving brown bag lunch presentation featuring Dr. Cecelia Wambach of Refugee Education and Learning International (REAL).

Dr. Wambach’s presentation provided a comprehensive overview of REAL International's history, its current initiatives, and the ongoing challenges faced by refugees today. She was joined by Soghra Sadaqat, a refugee from Afghanistan who shared her powerful personal story of benefiting from REAL International’s programs.

REAL International, established in 2017, began with a vital mission to provide education to refugee children and youth on the Greek island of Lesvos following the EU’s border closure in 2016. Starting with volunteer educators teaching subjects like math, science, and English, REAL quickly expanded to include a Girls Empowerment Program offering swimming and biking lessons. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, REAL developed a Virtual Learning Program in 2020, connecting volunteer educators with students across multiple countries. The organization further launched a Scholarship Fund in 2021 and, most recently, in 2023, began offering virtual teaching to girls and young women in Afghanistan, currently supporting 13 teachers and 24 students through their Virtual Teaching Program. REAL continues its vital mission to empower refugees through education, skill-building, and providing opportunities for personal growth.

Dr. Cecelia Wambach

Dr. Cecelia Wambach spent most of her working life as a Math Education Professor at San Francisco State University. She has held diverse roles in education - teacher, principal, workshop leader, and student teacher supervisor. She has a TESOL credential (Teaching English as a Second Language) and is a professional artist.

Friday, February 13, 2026

False Gospel - Christian Nationalism in Modern America.

The February 2026 meeting was an enlightening brown bag lunch presentation in the Vista Room of the Hillside Complex at Rossmoor. Our esteemed guest speaker, Aiden McMahon, Intern Minister at the Mount Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church in Walnut Creek, California, delivered a comprehensive talk on Christian Nationalism.

Aiden meticulously traced the origins of this ideology and elucidated its evolution into its current form. The presentation was designed to arm attendees with the necessary knowledge to identify and engage thoughtfully with Christian Nationalism, an increasingly pervasive belief system.

For those of faith and conscience, grasping the influence of Christian Nationalism on contemporary American society is of paramount importance. Aiden McMahon's insightful presentation offered a golden opportunity for reflection and dialogue, thereby deepening our collective understanding within our diverse community.

Aiden’s slides are available here as a PDF or a PowerPoint file.

Aiden McMahon

Aiden McMahon is the current Intern Minister at Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church in Walnut Creek, CA. Born and raised in Northern New England, he received his M. Div. from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, which is where he first encountered Unitarian Universalism. Having had an upbringing strongly influenced by Evangelicalism, he brings the insights of a former insider to this topic.

Friday, January 9, 2026

The Courage to Look

Rev. Leslie Takahashi, the Lead Minister from Mount Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church in Walnut Creek, California, delivered an insightful talk at our brown bag lunch program on Friday, January 9th. The event took place in the Vista Room of the Hillside Complex at Rossmoor.

Titled "The Courage to Look - Why our values call us to keep on paying attention and how we can find the stamina to do so," Rev. Takahashi's presentation resonated deeply with our community. The talk focused on fostering resilience to sustain focus and dedication amidst long-term challenges, offering valuable strategies for UUoR members to reflect, connect, and draw inspiration as they navigate the complexities of our world together.

Rev. Takahashi's talk was followed by a lively Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage further with the topic and share their perspectives.

Rev. Leslie Takahashi

Rev. Leslie Takahashi serves as the Lead Minister at the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church where she has been part of the ministry for 16 years. Prior to entering into the ministry she worked as a journalist and in public policy and leadership development. Her previous positions included serving as Assistant Vice President for the 59-institution North Carolina Community College System and as the Executive Director of the Wildacres Leadership Initiative, a statewide leadership program focused on building a network of leaders across a diversity of backgrounds. Leslie is a contributing author of two books related to the impact of race and her faith and has an upcoming book called Truth, Trauma, and Transformation. She has held numerous national leadership position in her association and currently served as the president of the Unitarian Universalist Minister’s Association. She lives in Martinez with her two bully breed pups.