By Cathy George

Plan to attend the Congregational Meeting on May 17, at 11:30 a.m., in Pilgrim Hall at Sierra Arden Church, 890 Morse Ave. We will elect officers, approve the budget for 2015-16, and get updates on the building project and from our ministers and president. Please attend this important meeting.

Be prepared to vote on the Budget!  To make the big meeting short, sweet and smooth, our Treasurer and other Trustees will present the proposed 2015-16 Operating Budget in advance of the business meeting.  They will explain the changes from this year's budget, and answer your questions about it after service the next two Sundays, May 3 & May 10.  Grab a cup of coffee and join them in the Mayflower Room at Sierra Arden. 

By Mary Howard

Thank you donors, bidders and volunteers for making this year's silent auction, dinner, raffle, and cakewalk a rousing success.  It was great to see some new faces volunteering and bidding.  Some of you may be enjoying your winnings as you read this!  Lucky you! 

Approximate totals on the silent auction alone are $18,000, plus about $2,000 from dinner and raffle tickets.  If you did not pay the night of the auction, please go on the UUSS website for directions on how to find your winnings and how much you owe. There are also directions for finding out who won your donations. 

But wait, you can also still bid!  If you forgot to bid on a special item, hike or event, you can purchase unsold items until May 31.  The great thing is you won't be outbid! Information on how to bid on unsold items is at  the Auction button on www.uuss.org.  If you don't have access to a computer, call Mary Howard at (916) 359-7359 or Abby Rosenblum at (916) 956-0450 for help.  Thanks again for supporting the operating budget at UUSS.

By Mary Howard

Have you seen the new UUSS building recently at 2425 Sierra?  Walls are up, the roof is on, and windows and doors are in!  Very exciting.

But where will we sit?  We've ordered our new chairs, which will be arriving right before we move in.  They cost $60 each and we are asking every member to "buy a chair" or donate whatever amount you can toward the cost of a chair.  The chair you buy won't have your name on it, but you can be proud that you have been a part of this challenging effort to build and furnish our new home.  Help us fill our hexagonal worship space at home with 350 comfy, attractive chairs! 

The easiest way to buy a chair is to write a check to UUSS with "chairs" in the memo line and send it to Michele Ebler at the UUSS office.  (Donations are tax-deductible.)  We'll announce when there's a way of donating for them at our web site as well. 

By April 26, we had sold 50 chairs-well on our way to filling Everyone who donates the cost of a chair gets a special chair sticker to wear on your name badge. Be the first on your block to buy one! 

With much appreciation,

UUSS Funding Team Volunteers

Pictures Galore-We Have a New Web Site!

By Rev. Roger Jones

Over dinner with a friend recently, I was proud to show him not only construction photos and the artist's rendering of the project on his cell phone, but to show off our new www.uuss.org.  He was impressed.

Our new site is "cell-phone-friendly" and "tablet-friendly" (older sites are designed to be read on a computer screen).  Also, the top right of the site shows updates and new photos all the time.  So far, ours is the only UU church web site that posts so many regular updates.   Our activity and ministry groups, committees and staff can post updates and photos to keep us all in the loop.  You can post a comment or question about an activity and a lay leader or staffer can post a reply to your query.

I am not big on technology and am easily overwhelmed. So I'm so happy to know how easily our leaders can post to the site.  Several busy UUSS groups and staff colleagues are far ahead of me in posting to the site as well as to  our Facebook page. 

Dirk Tuell reports that every day, 40 to 50 non-UUSS people now visit our site!  The web site is our front door to appeal to web surfers and spiritual seekers. It's our parlor for entertaining guests, our family room for shared activities, a bulletin board for memorable photographs, our file drawer for important papers, and the workshop of our common endeavors. 

We thank the Endowment Trustees and its many donors for the funds for the new site. We thank site designer, Dirk Tuell, and the web site committee:  Bob Oyafuso, Judy Lane, Kathy Styc, and Peter Killian.  They have held conference call meetings two Monday nights a month for over a year to work with Dirk step by step.  I don't think he realized how many extra hours would be spent in helping committees decide what to post to the new site, or handholding people like me in editing and adding to it.  But he put in these extra hours with good cheer and enthusiasm for our community.  

Many of us have known Dirk over the years as a Youth Group advisor, Coming of Age mentor, Pride Fair booth volunteer, June All-Ages Camp-goer, and Sunday worshiper, as well as the computer consultant for several members.  During this project, Dirk went a step forward and made the decision to join UUSS as a pledging member.  Thank you, Dirk and others, for this new, "virtual" gift toward our mission "to come together and be a force for healing in the world." 

Yours in faith,

Roger

Making Contact:  Where's Roger in May?

Regular office hours at UUSS are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons, except for Suburban Office Hours (see below).  (Tuesday is my Sabbath day.)  Also, I'm happy to make an appointment or talk by phone with you!  I'm overwhelmed by e-mail, so if you don't get a reply, I may have missed your e-mail missive.  Please try again!  I'm home all month except when I preach for the UUs in Reno on May 3.  I'll be at our Flower Communion and Congregational Meeting on May 17.  I hope you will, too! 

God, Rev. Roger and Coffee:  Suburban Office Hours

On May 1 and 21 and June 5, Roger will hang out at coffee house cafes in suburban areas:  Folsom, Roseville, Carmichael, etc. for lunch, coffee, and group conversation. Possible topics:  your changing ideas of God, hopes for UUSS, reviews of both of the May plays by Theater One, etc.  Suburban Office Hours from 11:30-1:30.  He will also be available for private pastoral appointments in each location before and after that time frame.  Now accepting caf?/city suggestions.

Friday, May 1, 11:30-1:30:  The caf? in Raley's at 8870 Madison and Hazel in Fair Oaks.  For later dates, watch the Bluesheet or his his Roger Jones Minister Facebook page.

May is a very important month in the life of our congregation. On May 17, we hold our Congregational Meeting and elect new officers for our lay leadership positions (Board, Nominating Committee, and Program Council) and vote on our operating budget for the next church year.  Prior to this meeting, the Board will host budget workshops on May 3 and 10.  If you attend one, you can come to the May 17 meeting with your questions already answered and concerns addressed. 

Our budget for the coming year includes some unknowns because of the move back to UUSS.  Our rental revenue, for example, is harder to predict, but we are hoping it will increase because of the beautiful new space we will have for weddings, workshops, and other types of events.  A team of members and staff will be looking at ways to promote UUSS as a rental location and create a brochure to advertise our space.  This new effort should make us more visible to the community and increase membership.  Wouldn't that be great?

At the May 17 Congregational Meeting we'll announce the move-in date for our first service at our expanded and renovated home church!  We are planning to have a rededication ceremony in September or October.  It will be a wonderful celebration and we will be forming a committee in the near future to plan this event.  Make sure you answer your phone when we start calling!  Or let me know of your interest.

Recently we had our annual Service Auction and it was a huge success.  There were so many wonderful offerings, and I feel fortunate that my husband and I were successful in getting a couple of things we bid on.  There will be many fun events for members to participate in and continue to build fellowship. Thank you so much to the volunteers who worked so hard to make the event so great.

Once again, I would like to say how proud I am of our church, this special community of people, and I feel incredibly honored to serve as your president.

Namast?

Linda

With Rev. Roger Jones, Rev. Lucy Bunch, and hosts from the Membership Team.

In two parts:  Mondays, June 1 and 8, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at 2425 Sierra Boulevard.  Light supper provided at no charge.  Child care available if reserved with Miranda by May 24.

This course is for you to learn more about UUSS programs, activities, and opportunities for involvement.  Learn about our liberal religious heritage and values.   Meet other newcomers and get to know our lay leaders and clergy.  Learn what it means to join UUSS, and decide if you are ready to become a congregation member.  This free course takes place only three times a year, so sign up at coffee hour or the UUSS Office.

Course donations:  If no fee is listed for an Adult Enrichment class, a freewill donation to UUSS is encouraged to help cover overhead expenses. 

Rides:  If you need or wish to offer a ride to any event, see the sign-up sheet at the Adult Enrichment table in Pilgrim Hall each Sunday.

A daylong workshop with SoulCollage? and Labyrinth walks. 

Saturday May 16 (rain or shine) 

10:00 - 4:00 Lunch provided 

With Rev Lucy Bunch and Rev Connie Beall, certified SoulCollage? facilitator.

 Come join us on a journey of discovery of what is blossoming for you this spring.

 SoulCollage? is a creative and satisfying collage process.  Each participant will make one or more collage cards and we will use the cards intuitively to answer life's questions and participate in self-discovery.  No artist skill needed - just an open mind and open spirit.

 Two facilitated labyrinth walks during the day will help us deepen our understanding.  

Sliding scale $50-$75   Limited to 18 participants, prepayment required.

(scholarships available - no one turned away for lack of ability to pay)

Sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento

2425 Sierra Blvd (1 Block north of Fair Oaks, between Fulton and Howe)

To register call 916-483-9283

Or email  [email protected]

With Rev. Roger Jones and other quiet people

You are welcome to gather any Wednesday evening in Classroom 6 for some opening words and then 20 minutes of silence.  By sitting and breathing together, we support one another in the practice of mindfulness.  No experience required; no fee, but in the Buddhist tradition we welcome "dana" or freewill generosity toward UUSS.  Note the schedule change:  May 6 and 13 at 6:00 p.m.  Starting on May 20, we sit at 5:30 p.m.

With Paula Joy Welter

Bicyclers:  Come to a workshop in Room 7/8 at UUSS Thursday, May 7, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.  Paula Joy Welter can share logistics with anyone who wants to pedal more, weigh less, and go greener!  Learn about the safest routes to pedal, in and around Sacramento, and get hints on how to start bicycle touring.  Though we won't be riding, bring your bike if you wish, especially if you have questions.  Paula Joy will bring her touring bike to show you.

In May, the UUSS Book Readers will be reading One Summer: America, 1927 by Bill Bryson.  The meeting will be on Tuesday, May 26, at 7 p.m.  For more information, contact Jim Glidden at [email protected] or (916) 649-9697.

Final meeting of the church year!  All welcome!  Come for coffee or tea and to sign in at 10:45.  Guest speaker's presentation begins at 11:00 a.m. sharp.  Bring your lunch and stay for conversation and fellowship at noon.  Donation requested $3. Held in the Fahs Classroom at 2425 Sierra Blvd. See Vivian Counts with questions.

Sunday, May 3

10:00-11:30    Child care available - Kindergarten and under

10:15-11:30    RE programs for children and youth

Sunday, May 10

10:00-11:30    Child care available - Kindergarten and under

10:15-11:30    RE programs for children and youth

Sunday, May 17

10:00-12:30     Child care available - Kindergarten and under

10:15-11:30     Service for all ages - Flower Exchange Celebration

11:30-12:30     Child care provided during Congregational Meeting

Sunday, May 24

10:00-11:30     Child care available - Kindergarten and under

10:15-11:30     RE programs for children and youth

Sunday, May 31 - Farewell Sunday for the regular RE Year

10:00-11:30     Child care available - Kindergarten and under

10:15-11:30     RE programs for children and youth

 RE Summer ArtWorks will bring new art projects, crafting, music, Yoga, and friendship-building to participants. In ArtWorks, we invite members and friends from our congregation to spend each Sunday with our group of kids. In doing so, they share their wonderful talents with all. Parent participation and Sunday volunteers are highly appreciated. We need two Sunday helpers each weekend. I would love to hear from you if you would like to be a part of the fun. Please contact me at [email protected].

helps adolescents discern what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist, individually and as part of the larger faith community. COA has its own schedule and separate registration. It includes a few weekend meetings or retreats at UUSS plus three weekend retreats at other UU churches (October, January, April).  Each COA youth chooses an adult mentor from the UUSS congregation. Rev. Roger hopes to unite a minimum of six youth for this important program. In order to make this program happen, Roger is inviting adult volunters to lead with him. The time given to the youth helps them transition from childhood into the teen years as Unitarian Universalists. For more information, to offer your time as a leader, or to request registration, please contact Miranda.

OWL is a series of sexuality education curricula for different age groups that helps youth make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior.We are planning for the 2015-2016 class sessions. The next teacher training is scheduled for June 19 to 21, in Palo Alto.Please contact Miranda or Rev. Roger with questions or to express your interest. If selected to help with this big commitment, UUSS will pay for your registration. OWL is not only a commitment to the youth, but also to our church and the families.

year or perhaps are an 8th grader looking forward to the beginning of your high school years, RE will also change for you come fall.  It is exciting!  New 6th graders will be entering JHYG as our new 9th graders will be starting SHYG. On Sunday, May 31, you will be given a chance to spend the morning with your new RE group.

• UUSS Religious Education would love the Easter bunny to visit us next year! Who out there in our fabulous congregation can sew us a big white costume??
• This month's all-ages service will be on Sunday, May 17. On this morning we will recognize our RE Volunteers and have our Flower Communion service. Bring a flower or three! There will be no RE classes on this day, but child care is offered in the Nursery for those in Kindergarten and younger.
• WUUKY is a week-long UU youth summer camp held in the Mendocino Woodlands from July 6 to 11. Think community, fun, worship, and bonding-with trees! This camp is for youth ages 14 to 20. For more information, please see the flyer.  One member of SHYG at UUSS is a Dean for this camp, and we think that is pretty spectacular!
• RE calendar details and other information are at http://www.uuss.org/re.

By Rev. Roger Jones

Marie Flanagan-Marie was a UUSS member since 1988, and she won the UUSS Unsung Hero Award in 2001.  She passed away at her apartment in Midtown Sacramento on Friday, March 27, at age 93.  We extend our condolences to her children, Cristina Sutphin, Randy Sutphin, and Jim Schwartz, and to her three grandchildren.  A UUSS memorial service will be scheduled and announced at a later date.  The family invites memorial contributions in Marie's honor to the Building Renovation Fund or UUSS Endowment Trust.

Loss of Parents - We extend our condolences to Patti Nogales on the passing of her mother, to Barbara August on the passing of her mother, and to Kathleen Mead on the passing of her father.  Our thoughts are with you as you deal with such major transitions.  Dear members and friends, please feel free to let your ministers know of losses in your own circle of care.

Bequest from Marti and William Campbell-UUSS recently has received a generous bequest of $20,000 from the estate of the late Martha Jane (Marti) and William Campbell. 

The couple joined UUSS in 2004, and William passed away 2005.  After his death, UUSS received a larger bequest, and the recent one is the final distribution. 

He was in the construction business.  Marti moved from Sacramento to Carmel.  She passed away June 11, 2014, four months before her 100th birthday.  She was a patron of the arts, leader of a Girl Scouts troop, a leader of the League of Women's Voters, the People to People exchange program, and a board member of the Family Service Agency and other local organizations.  She leaves behind a daughter and son-in-law, three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. 

We are grateful to Marti and William for supporting the congregation's future strength by remembering UUSS in their will.  Read her obituary at this link.

By Susan Madden

Our next play for children is "Jungle Book," by Rudyard Kipling and adapted by Vera Morris. Come see it in the Fahs Room from May 2 - May 30, Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Fun for all ages!  Directed by Jill McMahon, the cast includes UUSS members Susan Madden, Ron Galbreath, Laurie Jones, and David Paul. The cast is rounded out with Andrea Kersten (our Chicken Little), Jerold McFatter (our Foxy Loxy), Monique McKisson (Turkey Lurkey), and Alex DeNizzo. Tickets at the door for $5. See www.theaterone.org .

"Circle Mirror Transformation" is our next adult play. It is directed by Michael Erwin and features UUSS-ers Lisa Destro Erwin and Jesse Claire-McKown, as well as Lynnette Blaney, Kevin Toole, and Jeff Bagley. In an artsy small town, an unlikely collection of strangers sign up for Marty's "Adult Creative Drama" class. Unfolding like a charmingly funny indie film, the group plays Marty's imaginative (and sometimes awkward) theatre games. But as their relationships develop over the course of the summer, the seemingly silly games generate some real-life drama. This show runs May 8 - May 30, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets at the door for $10. See  www.theaterone.org.

By Meg Burnett

The purpose the Banner Project Team is to honor the past and enhance our future worship environment for our evolving congregation. We maintain the original intention of the 1984 Banner Project to give artistic reminders of all the world's religions and ethical traditions from which we can draw inspiration. They have been a treasured tradition for which UUSS visitors, friends, as well as members, have often expressed wonder and appreciation.

The 2015 Team of Meg Burnett, Dick and Georgene Tarble, with the assistance of the Aesthetics Committee's Patty Taylor, is engaged in renovating and mounting our original sanctuary banners in our future worship space in a beautiful display to suit the renewal of our original building.

We are delighted and grateful that Dick and Georgene Tarble are part of the new team, as enthusiastic as they were in 1984! Georgene's skills with quilting, appliqu?, research of the original designs, and writing continue to be valued gifts of service going forward. Their modesty does not allow us to list all their many contributions.

We seek historical artifacts from long-time members.  If you have information leading to the recovery of a video of the 1984 Banner Installation ceremony, photos or helpful information, please e-mail [email protected]. We also look forward to creative discussions of possibilities for the future of the Banner Project and ways to tell its story.

We're happy to show you a few of the banners for your appreciation after services this month. A modest amount of donations for this project will provide the entire funding for this labor of love, independent of the impressive building fund collected for the many critical aspects of building our sacred home and getting it ready for us to gather, worship, and continue to be a force for healing in the world. Come talk to us about the possibilities!

By Rev. Roger Jones

Congrats and thanks to our Earth Justice Ministry volunteers for the great work they did hosting weekly conversations between World Water Day and Earth Day, and the Climate Ribbon project. See www.uuss.org/earthjustice/ if you missed it!  Congrats and thanks to our Kids Freedom Club for the money and awareness they raised at the March 15 pancake breakfast! 

Many thanks for our Family Promise dinner hosts and overnight hosts as well as the cooks and donors who give a week of hospitality to parents and children.  A group of homeless guests arrive at Sierra Arden Church again on the evening of May 17.  Sign up after church May 3 or May 10 to help in co-hosting.

You can learn about the monthly opportunities at UUSS to learn, serve and reach out in the local community by picking up the Pathways brochure during Sunday coffee hour or by clicking this link on our new website.  

In April we gave away half of every Sunday offering to the UU Justice Ministry of California.  It is the nation's first statewide advocacy network founded by UUs.  Click on the name to learn about the issue areas it is focused on.  Here are upcoming events:

May 18 Immigrant Justice Lobby Day at the Capitol - Executive Director Evan Junker invites us to participate with UUs from all over the state as well as other advocates for justice, dignity, and fair treatment for undocumented immigrants in California.  Please go to the site and register for this day of action and witness.  If you don't have a computer, see Bruce Moulton, Ginny Johnson, or me.

July "UU Borders" Trip to Tijuana to Learn from Immigrant Deportees - Meet with deported immigrants, visit advocacy and hospitality organizations on both sides of the borders, and learn up close what it's like to live in the borderland-on both sides.  It will be eye-opening and moving.  I have been asked to serve as the chaplain for the next UU Borders immersion trip to Tijuana, just across from San Diego County.  If three of you would sign up, I'd have a great reason to go!  But in any case, the UU company and that of local leaders will inspire you.  The cost is $470 plus your travel to San Diego from here.  Dates are Friday to Monday, July 10-13.  More immersion trips may be scheduled for the fall.  Click the name to read more and register.

August "Walking the Walk" Annual Justice Summit & Family Camp - This is the fifth annual justice summit, for learning about issues, learning about the connection between social justice and liberal religious faith, and experiencing the important role that music and worship can play in our lives if we work for justice.  This is an intergenerational camp, held at the beautiful UU conference center, Camp DeBenneville Pines, August 8-12.  There's only one every year, so this is your chance!

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Linda Clear, President:  Linda has been a member of UUSS since 1995 and is completing her second term as President in June of this year.  She is running for another term because of her commitment to the Building Project and her passion for growing UUSS as a presence in the Sacramento area.  She came to UUSS after being raised Lutheran and finding Unitarian Universalist principles to be more consistent with her values and interests.  In addition to being President and Vice President of the Board in the past, she has also served as the Chair of the Membership Committee and the Stewardship Drive. Linda has worked for United Airlines, the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and Williams Sonoma, but is now retired and enjoys gardening, photography, and traveling.  Linda is married to fellow member Dennis Clear and has two grandchildren growing up way too fast-Jake and Samantha.

Gordon Gerwig, Secretary: Gordon Gerwig grew up in San Diego where he was first exposed to Unitarian Universalism.  He first joined UUSS in 1980 when he was married in a ceremony officiated by Ted Webb and re-joined in 2006 after a brief spiritual walkabout.  He was a Board of Trustees member from 2012 to 2014, sings in the choir, and appeared in exactly one "Theatre One" production.  He is a volunteer tutor at Thomas Edison School.  He has been married to Chris Gerwig for 35 years, is proud father of three children, and proud grandfather of three grandchildren.  Gordon works as a commercial lender for First U.S. Community Credit Union and is a graduate of U.C. Berkeley, U.C. Davis, and the University of San Francisco.

Janet Lopes, Member At Large:  Janet says she came to Unitarian Universalism in her late teens.  She just wasn't aware of it at the time.  A Unitarian minister performed her wedding ceremony (late 20's), but it wasn't until she had
young children (mid 30's) that she felt it necessary to look for a spiritual home.  She started attending the Coronado UU fellowship in 1994, implementing their first Religious Education program.  After moving to Sacramento in 1997, she joined UUSS, where she has served on the Music, Nominating, and Search committees.  For five years, she was deeply involved with the Religious Education program at UUSS.  She is currently a Member at Large of the Board of Trustees.  She has studied Theater and Early Childhood Education and currently works as a Special Education Aide with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children.  She is married to member John McMillan and has two adult children.

Terry Preston, Member At Large:  Terry is currently serving as a Member at Large of the Board of Trustees and has offered to serve a second term, and we were happy to recommend him.  After the Nominating Committee completed its work, Terry suffered a major stroke and entered the ICU.  We are keeping Terry and his family in our thoughts at this time of crisis. We are sending him our appreciation and wishes for courage and healing.

Dennis Pottenger, Member At Large: Dennis lives in Sacramento with his 

wife, Rebecca.  Dennis is an award-winning writer and published author who now works as a licensed psychotherapist.  Dennis has been a member of 

UUSS since June 2014. In support of the UUSS spiritual community, Dennis and Rebecca have co-facilitated a Spiritual Deepening Circle.  Dennis also serves on the Adult Enrichment Committee.  In January 2015 Dennis presented an Adult Enrichment program on Jungian Psychology and Spirituality.  Dennis has previous board experience in both academic and nonprofit settings.

PROGRAM COUNCIL

JoAnn Anglin:  JoAnn joined UUSS in 1978, has helped on several committees and served as a Board member, RE teacher, and Worship Leader. Currently, she is on the Unigram editorial team. She has lived in Sacramento most of her life, mostly in the Tahoe Park neighborhood. JoAnn worked in various writing jobs for the State of California and, since retirement, has enjoyed a bit of travel, grandparenting, the arts, and gardening. She gives much time to writing and reading poetry, and has taught poetry writing to children, seniors, and prison inmates.  She is currently on the Program Council and has agreed to run for a second term.

Linda Roth:  Linda is a Sacramento native and graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Mathematics.  Her three children all live and are employed in the area.  She is retired after 32 years in California state government, working at various agencies, most often in Information Technology.  She also served as a lobbyist for Caltrans and as the Administrative Deputy managing the creation of a new Caltrans District Office in Orange County, where she worked temporarily for a year. She retired as the Bureau Director over software development at the Franchise Tax Board.

She has been a member of UUSS for just over a year, but has jumped into many activities to get to know more about how UUSS works and to get to know more people in the congregation.  She is a co-facilitator for a Spiritual Deepening Circle, a co-leader of the Religious Services/Worship Leaders Committee, and the facilitator for the Reel One Film Group.  She participates in Book Club, Game Night, UUrthSong Garden, and sometimes meditation sittings.

Patricia Johnson:  You may have seen Patricia around the Religious Education classes!  She attends the Book Club, cleans up the American River Parkway on a Second Saturday morning, gardens at UUrthsong garden,  participates in CUUPS, the labyrinth, Thanksgiving Turkey dinner, stays overnight for Family Promise in her sleeping bag, takes Adult Enrichment classes and is active in our new Earth Justice Ministry.

She is passionate about promoting the human rights of children. She likes to bicycle and to hike.  She's a Sierra Club hiking leader.

You may have heard her sons Edek and Nathaniel sing and play during a service.  Now she's taking lessons with Ross Hammond who plays guitar during our services.  Her sons are proud of her!

She grew up in the North Country.  "Yes, I've visited Dylan's house in Duluth and Hibbing."  She's the youngest of five."I'll be visiting my three brothers in Wisconsin in June!"  She's a graduate of UW-Madison and works as a Public Health Nurse.

Patricia says, "I'm very open to learning what kinds of programs you would like to lead or to participate in."

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Nancy Lust:  Nancy and Dave joined UUSS in the late 70s when they lived in Georgetown.  They became active in the late 80s when their family moved to Carmichael. Their son and daughter attended Religious Education.  UUSS became their spiritual home and loving community, their place to learn, socialize and build lifelong friendships.  Nancy has served as a Worship Leader, served on many committees, and continues to actively support church programs. She appreciates being a candidate for the Nominating Committee for the coming church year.

Cassie Wilkins became active with UUSS in 2010, joining as a member of the Sacramento UUSS community in 2012  She was raised as a Catholic in Southern California and welcomed the change to a more progressive and spiritual home.  Currently, Cassie is employed as a Human Resources Manager for the County of Sacramento and has participated on several committee assignments at UUSS. Cassie was a previous member of the Adult Enrichment Committee and is currently serving on the Nominating Committee and the Building Project Steering Committee.  She and her husband Bill have one daughter, Kate, who works at the Sacramento Food Bank and will be entering UC Davis in the fall as a graduate student in the International Agriculture Development program.  Cassie welcomes the opportunity to serve another year as a member of the nominating committee.

Insert photo Cassie Wilkins

John Abbott has been a member of the church since 1994.  He has served several terms on the Board of Trustees.  He is currently Rev. Jones' appointee to the Endowment Trust and is on the Nominating Committee.  He is also a board member and past president of the Sacramento State Alumni Association.  His wife, Lori Moreland, is a friend of the church; they have been married since 1998.  He has three children and two grandchildren.

Jeff Voeller grew up un-churched, though his parents were

Sacramento Unitarians.  He became interested in UUSS in 1972 at about age 40.  Since then he has served variously on the Board, the Program Council, and a previous Nominating Committee.  Currently Jeff is a Grasshopper, helps clean the UUSS mile along the river and volunteers at Loaves & Fishes.  He is retired from state employment having worked in what was then called "Data Processing" for 38 years.

Christine Webb-Curtis:  Chris was raised a Universalist in New England and upstate New York and was active throughout her youth in Unitarian-Universalist activities, including UU summer camps in New England and New York, LRY (Liberal Religious Youth) in Massachusetts and the New England Region, and SRL (Student Religious Liberals) in Boston.  After a stint in the Peace Corps, she moved to San Francisco, and then to Sacramento.  She attended the San Francisco UU church intermittently until moving to Sacramento and joining UUSS.  Her two younger boys attended Sunday school at UUSS.

At UUSS, her initial involvement was serving on the Religious Education Committee and teaching Sunday school.  When her children were older, she participated in other ways.  She was a member of the Search Committee that brought our former minister, Doug Kraft, to UUSS; and following that, she continued on the Committee on the Ministry for many years.  When the preparation of the Unigram once again became the responsibility of members, she and others worked as editors.  She continues to work on the Unigram.  She has served as a greeter and has worked on the fundraising auction for several years.

She is currently retired from the state of California where she worked in the areas of affordable housing and social services.  While she continues to work part-time, she's learned to fill her time with the challenge of writing and continues to travel with her husband-especially to France.

Larry Thomas:  Larry has been a member of UUSS for six years.   He and his wife Suong came to the Sacramento area

Jim Glidden: Jim has been attending UUSS since 2002 and has been a member since 2005. Before that, he was a member of Neighborhood Church, a Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Pasadena. For the last several years, he has been involved with the UUSS Book Readers and with the Book Store. Jim grew up in Texas and Oklahoma before he moved to Southern California as a teenager. He moved to Sacramento in 2002 to take a position as a Senior Application Developer with a major health Insurance company.

ENDOWMENT TRUST

Aggie Vawter:  

Aggie has been a member of UUSS since 2002 and

has been active in much of the church life during all this time. She is currently on the kitchen committee and the chair of the memorial reception committee. She looks forward to serving on the Endowment Trust.

COMMUNICATIONS FACILITATION

Colene Sawyer Schlaepfer:  Colene, an 11-year member