David Dean presents
a sermon written by
Rev. Rod Richards
Minister of Unitarian Universalists San Luis Obispo (CA)
“Long to Belong”
Elizabeth DeCoux, Worship leader
Dr. Gary Smart, Accompanist
Diane Freeman, Native Flute

We’ll explore the complexities of the meaning of “belonging,” the human need to belong to something meaningful and larger than ourselves, and the differences between positive and negative belonging.

About our Speaker
David Dean, a BBUUC member and an integral part of our Worship Team, is an Emmy-nominated editor who works as Senior Editor/Post-Producer for the PBS series “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love.” David is also a presenter, writer, and storyteller who volunteers his time as the editor of our worship videos and contributes his other talents in the worship arts to our ministry.

About the Sermon Author
Rev. Rod Richards, the author of this sermon, is the minister of the Unitarian Universalists, San Luis Obispo (CA) since 2012. He previously served the UU church of Southeastern Arizona in Sierra Vista. He also serves as Vice President of the UU Ministers Association. Rev. Richards is committed to the practice of sacred flexibility.

About our Musician
Diane Freeman is our BBUUC Board Vice President and has been a member since 2017. Born in Ocala and raised in Orlando, she attended the University of Florida and received her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in Counseling Psychology there. She had a private practice in Ocala, where she was also the President of Altrusa, a service organization for professional women and men. Diane was also a Charter Board Member of the Marion County Literacy Coalition. Before becoming a UU, Diane was raised as a Presbyterian and was active in the church for much of her adult life, serving in many leadership roles. She is an avid nature lover and loves to visit our country’s National Parks. Her favorite is Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska. In addition to playing the Native American flute, she is also a weaver. In early 2022, Diane was designated as legally blind. Ever-adaptable, Diane has embraced the challenges and utilized the tools she has explored to engage and live her best life.