"It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness."
~Eleanor Roosevelt
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Parking this Sunday the 22nd: Our very small parking lot will be even smaller this Sunday as we are setting up a tent to create more seating for our Thanksgiving meal. As always, these few spaces are reserved for our members and friends with mobility issues. Thank you!
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November 22, 10:30 a.m.: "Building the Common Good: The Easy and Sometimes Not-So-Easy Ways to Be a Great Westside Member," with Rev. Beatrice Hitchcock. This is the third sermon in a series on caring for yourself, your congregation, and the greater community. There is more to belonging to a congregation than signing a book and making a pledge. What we know about church membership is that the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. Find out how to enrich your life and the life of this congregation. This Sunday will also launch the UU Service Committee's Guest at Your Table program.
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November 29, 10:30 a.m.: "Responsible Gratitude" Crystal Zerfoss
How do we practice responsible gratitude, honoring the gift of our shared experience, acknowledging that all we have is an extension of what others have done for and given us, gratefully naming our place in the interdependent web of all existence.
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Podcasts of many past sermons are available on our website:
www.wsuu.org. Click here to see sermon podcasts. |
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Crystal Zerfoss, RE Teacher Support Coordinator and Seminary Intern
As I reflect on my experiences with Westside's Religious Exploration ministry, I see how vitally important it is to intentionally open myself up to young people even amidst the hustle and bustle of Sunday work. Being present with children and youth may look very different than presence with adults because young people have different needs. One recent Sunday, I had the opportunity to sit with a vibrant fifth grader at our soup lunch event. Without hesitation, she shared excitedly about a sports team experience this fall, things that happened at school the week before, and a special event in her family. I listened. And I shared with her. I wanted her to know that what was important to her was important to me because I care about her. We conversed at length while I actively ignored the voice inside my head reminding me of the responsibilities to attend to in that hour.
Read more...
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Because changes are difficult, and much has changed at Westside, both over the years and recently, there will be two opportunities for healing coming up in the first week of December.
The first is a
Healing Focus Group, in the Fireside Room, on Tuesday, December 1st, at 7:00 pm. This group is limited to 12 participants. If more people are interested, another group will be scheduled. Participants will be invited to first write, and then speak about changes and/or conflict at Westside. There will be an opportunity to think about what you will miss and what you will not miss, and to create useful information for the Ministerial Search Committee's consideration.
The second offering is a
Healing Ritual in the Social Hall, on Wednesday, December 2nd, starting at 7:00 pm.
This will include Candles of Remembrance for those who are no longer a part of the congregation, and a Truth Mandala with four stations, representing anger, sadness, disillusionment, and fear. It will conclude with Candles of Hope. There is no limit on the number of participants, but it is helpful to know how many people are planning to attend.
You may attend either group, or both, as you choose. RSVP to Rev. Beatrice:
minister@wsuu.org.
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OMG! Olive Oils Fundraiser at Westside: Enrich your Kitchen, Add to Your Holiday Gifts, and Contribute to Westside All At Once!
It's never been easier to buy delicious olive oils and vinegars than now! Phil Harris will have a table set up during our own Social Hour for tasting and purchasing OMG! products that he sells at his pasta stand (Pappardelle's Pasta) at the Pike Place Market. Phil is donating all proceeds to the WSUU general fund. Last Sunday was a great success. Look for his OMG! table in the Social Hall again on December 6th, 13th, and 20th. Cash, checks, or credit card payments will all be accepted. See you there!
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| New Year's Eve Party Cancelled: Due to anticipated low attendance (many folks traveling over the holidays) our New Year's Eve party has been cancelled - but stay tuned! Plans are in the works for a fun event to replace it this spring! |
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Our RE Program Needs FELT: We are in need of felt of varied colors, for the story baskets we use in our curriculum for Pre-K through 5th grade. Large pieces are ideal, but we'll use any felt that's donated! You can bring donations to the greeter table on Sunday morning, or to the Administrative Office during office hours, or you can put it outside of the RE office door on the 3rd floor. Many thanks!
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Trial Changes to Joys and Sorrows:
The Worship Council met last Thursday and decided to try the book of Joys and Sorrows during a two-month period of discernment. They invite your comments on this practice.
The book, in which you are invited to write your joys or sorrows, is located in the narthex (entryway to sanctuary). These will be shared from the pulpit and/or incorporated into the prayer during the time for Joys and Sorrows.
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Child Blessing Ceremony: During our annual Family Holiday Multi-generational Service on Sunday, December 20, we will have a baby/child blessing ceremony. This ceremony honors each child's birth, their uniqueness, and their special relationship with parents, other adults and our faith community. All ages of children who have not before had a Unitarian Universalist blessing are invited to participate. You may have recently given birth or adopted a child, or perhaps you are new to Westside, and want to have your older child blessed. For more information and to make a reservation, please contact Rev. Beatrice (
minister@wsuu.org
) by 12/14.
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Counseling Referrals:
Rev. Beatrice would like to assemble a good list of psychological counselors/therapists to have for referrals.
Please send your recommendations to
minister@wsuu.org
, with any other information you think is relevant, that would be very helpful. Location, contact information, as well as type of counseling, example: Family, Children, Individual, etc.
Any information you give me about your personal experience will be confidential.
Thank you.
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Holiday Greens Sale to benefit Westside's Youth Program: Visit their table during social hour this Sunday, Nov. 22nd -- Great selection of wreaths, swags, and garlands. Pick up your purchases on December 13 or after in the social hall. Cash, checks and credit cards accepted. Deck your Halls and support our youth programming! This is our youth programs's primary fundraising project. Our youth have chosen to donate 20% of the proceeds to our general fund. Thank you!
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Thanksgiving Celebration
So Much to be Thankful For!
Are you coming to our Thanksgiving meal on November 22 after the service? Please provide our banquet volunteers with some important information.
Won't you please let us know:
- Yes, I/we plan to attend. How many?
- Sorry, I/we can't make it.
If you are coming and have not already told us, what dish will you bring?
- A vegetable dish for 8
- A salad for 8
- A dessert for 8
Turkey, dressing, potatoes and gravy will be provided.
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Newcomer Orientation Nov. 29, 12:00 in the Fireside Room.
You've found us, you think you like what you see... what's next? Join a Westside member to learn more about Unitarian Universalism, our beloved community, and how you can get connected. RSVP to
office@wsuu.org
or just show up!
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Save these Dates!
Thanksgiving Feast - Nov 22 following the service
WSUU & Rainier Valley UU History Gathering - January 23, 10:00-12:00, Social Hall
Westside Annual Auction: January 30, 2016
Annual Seabeck Family Retreat - April 22-24, 2016
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Shoe Tags for Mary's Place Families: This year, one of our holiday giving projects is going to be shoe tags for Mary's Place families. The way it works is that Mary's Place has made an arrangement with a large discount shoe store to accept a $20.00 card from Mary's Place family members in exchange for one pair of shoes of the card holder's choosing. For example, a family of four can present four $20 shoe cards from Mary's Place at the store and buy four pairs of shoes or boots - one each of women's, children's, or men's - to get them through the wet winter.
We will have $20 shoe tags available for you to buy starting Sunday, November 29th through Sunday December 13 on the giving tree in the social hall, and/or the Mary's Place table placed near it. Mary's Place wants to give shoe tags to every member of every Mary's Place family at their annual holiday party on December 21st. Let's help make that possible!
We are also hoping to have our annual sock drive starting soon. See Regina Brennan during social hour for more information!
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Westside Environmental Justice Group News: The Westside Environmental Justice Group is committed to climate activism. Our regular monthly meetings are on the 3rd Sunday of the month from 12:00 to 1:30 in the Sanctuary. We draw inspiration from the Unitarian Universalist Association's definition of climate justice which includes these words: Justice means recognizing that the peoples who contribute the least to climate change are the ones suffering the most because of it, and that climate mitigation is an essential component to reduce the suffering of vulnerable peoples.
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For information about Recipients of our Sunday Morning Plate Collection click here.
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Religious Exploration for Children and Youth
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Do you want to know what's happening in our vibrant RE programs? Click
here
to read about RE Program News and Events (
www.wsuu.org/re_news
)
If you are a parent, teacher, RE volunteer, or would just like to be included in the weekly RE news that is emailed on Fridays, please contact our Director of Religious Exploration, Betsy Lowry (
dre@wsuu.org).
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| Need some help navigating our growing congregation? here are some available resources: |
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Common Quest Adult Ed Program
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| The Science, Politics, and Immorality of Climate Change: Sunday, Dec. 6, 12-1:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary: Dr. Richard H. Gammon, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Oceanography at the University of Washington makes a return visit to Westside to discuss the science, politics and immorality of climate change. He is actively involved in improving public understanding of the climate change challenge. There will be time for Q & A. |
| 2016: Year of the Heart: Sat. Dec. 12, 11:30-2 p.m. in the Fireside Room: Look ahead to 2016 with renewed vigor by exploring the language of your own heart. Give your brain a break from its rational, linear, and orderly planning cycle and tune in to your heart's creative, inspirational, and intuitive messages. This workshop taps in to your heart's desire for the New Year, enabling your brain to weave a few new ideas into your year's calendar. To prime your thinking, listen to Viveca Monahan's sermon podcast from August 16. "Language of the Heart." |
New Yoga Class at Westside!
Westside is Offering a new class -
"Yoga for Everyone"
2nd and 4th Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Social Hall. Beginning Nov.25. A gentle flow hatha style class with meditation. This class is offered by Tom Townsend, Certified Yoga Instructor and Westside Member. Suggested donation $0-$10 per class.
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Family Circle Suppers: Second Saturdays, 5:30-7:30 in the Social Hall:
Join other Westside families for a potluck dinner in the social hall. Bring a dish and a drink and some family friendly games. Set up and clean up are cooperative efforts. All are welcome! Contact Cecelia Hayes with questions:
cecelia.hayes@netzero.com
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Circle Suppers: Second Saturdays, 7:00 p.m. in member's homes. WSUU members meet in homes for dinner and stimulating conversation on the second Saturday each month. To join a group, either as host, co-host, or guest, reserve a seat one month at a time, by contacting the coordinator by the 25th of each month. Contact Joan Whitley wsuu.circle.suppers@gmail.com or 206-935-2175
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Covenant Groups: Are you looking for a way to get to know more people in our congregation?
If so, Covenant Groups might be right for you!
Each week
we reflect on different topics that help us to examine our own attitudes, feelings,
and beliefs. Topics cover a wide range, including UU Principles, moral choice,
friendship, mentors, and life's challenges.
We always have room for one more, and you may join anytime. For
more information, contact Steve Becker at 795.7386 or at
stevebecker7@comcast.net
.
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Spiritual Study Group: 3rd Monday of every month. Dec 21 we'll discuss chapters 5 & 6 of A New Earth-Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle (cheap on-line). We focus on in-depth discussion with a particular focus on the relevance to our lives. But it isn't all seriousness we usually we have fun too. Even if you haven't read the chapters we hope you'll join us! For questions contact Cynthia Townsend at cynthiastownsend@gmail.com or (206)-261-5141.
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Westside Women's Group: The Westside Women's Group invites all women to join and learn more about each other, to share our journeys and to have fun. We meet the 2nd Thursday each month at WSUU in the evening and the 4th Saturday morning at a member's home. Contact: Amy Youngblood. To join the mailing list, send request to WSUUWomen@yahoogroups.com
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Men's Group:
The Way of the Peaceful Warrior: 2nd and 4th Tuesday nights,
7 - 9 p.m. Westside Social Hall.
The Way of the Peaceful Warrior. Join the Men's Group for an evening of grounding, which starts with a short meditation. "We check in by describing our time since we last met. Then we share stories: we tell about experiences with facing success and difficulty; stories of new starts, work, travel, health-care, and creative expression. These are the beginnings of personal histories. They are the age-old tradition around the campfire." Contact Richard Clark:
richard@secondroot.org.
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Free Thanksgiving Meal: Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering will host a free, elegant Thanksgiving dinner for the community at the Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 Fauntleroy Way SW) on 11/26, noon-3 pm. All are welcome, both singles and families. I have gone several times and it's a lovely meal and atmosphere. If anyone would like to join me there, please let me know and we can arrange a time to meet. Sue Mariconda -
suemariconda@gmail.com
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Holiday Arts & Crafts Show December 5 at WSUU:
You're invited to begin your holiday shopping at our 6th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show on Saturday December 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will feature paintings by local artists and one-of-a-kind crafts, including jewelry, hats, scarves, handbags, cards, stocking stuffers, and more. There will be free holiday refreshments. The Holiday Show will be held at the WSUU social hall. Contacts: Carolyn Matthews:
carolynm45@hotmail.com
and Theresa McCormic
theresamcco@comcast.net
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