By Rev. Roger Jones

Well, we did it! After two years of operating without a paid choir director and without having two full-time ministers, we have restored funding for these important ministries at UUSS. The congregation members approved the Board's recommended Budget at the May 17 meeting. Hallelujah!

Given the momentum gained in the past two years, even while renting a home away from home, imagine how much more vitality these bold steps will bring to UUSS. Thank you! 

Thanks for the generous monthly pledges you have made, including those who stretched to raise your pledge to UUSS. Thanks to those who give generously in the Sunday morning offering basket, to those who attend our fundraising events, and of course to those creative leaders who organize and lead our fundraisers!

Thank you to our Board and all of our lay leaders. Thanks to all of you who give your time and talents, to all who volunteer to make UUSS a place of hospitality, celebration, depth, service, and healing. 

It has been a great gift to UUSS and to me to have such a talented, optimistic, wise, and joyful collaborator in ministry as Rev. Lucy. I look forward to unleashing her gifts even more when she goes to full time in July.

It has been an honor to work with all of our paid staff, and I thank them for their service and look forward to another fiscal year together of serving this congregation with grace and good will. 

It has been a joy to work so collaboratively with our volunteer Interim Choir Director, Meg Burnett. She's the energizer bunny!  Keeping up with her keeps me on my toes. Her boundless enthusiasm has caused our choir to grow in number, musicianship, and community spirit. Thank you, Meg, for your gifts of leadership and encouragement.

It's a privilege to serve in ministry with all of you. Blessings and Namast?!

Yours in faith,

Roger

P.S:  Last month I cheered that our new web site is "cell-phone-friendly" and "tablet-friendly." (Older sites are designed to be read on a computer screen.) Also, the top right of our site shows updates and new photos all the time. Check it out, every day!

Making Contact:  Where's Roger in June and July?

My regular office hours at UUSS are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons, except for Remote Office Hours on June 4, and others TBA. 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 depart for the UU Ministers Association meetings and the UUA General Assembly, June 22 through 29. I will be here June 30 to July 9, then out of state on vacation July 10 to 30.

God, Rev. Roger and Coffee:  Remote Office Hours

On June 5 and July 2, Roger will hang out at coffee house cafes in areas near and far.  Possible topics:  your changing ideas of God, hopes for UUSS, spiritual practice. Remote Office Hours from 11:00 to 1:00. He will also be available for private pastoral appointments in each location before and after that time frame. Now accepting caf?/city suggestions. Watch the Bluesheet, his Roger Jones Minister Facebook page, and the daily updates at www.uuss.org for locations identification!

Congregation Meeting May 17, 2015

I have just returned home from our May congregational meeting. It was a great meeting and we finished in less than an hour--even including a discussion of the new budget. Great questions were asked and answered to everyone's satisfaction, I think. For those who attended the meeting, you can stop reading now as I am including my remarks from the meeting for members who were unable to be there.

As I have said in past meetings I would like to thank everyone in the congregation for all of your support. In fact, you have so supported me that I decided I will not go away. I'm afraid that you are stuck with me another couple of years. Too late now!

It certainly has been an interesting year for us. We settled into SAUCC very well and now it almost feels like home--but not exactly. It will be nice to go back to our own space and not have to work around others' needs when we want space for our activities. The people here at SAUCC have been so gracious, I feel that they went out of their way to make us feel welcome and accommodate our needs. We owe them our deep gratitude.

Not only has our congregation survived this past year, I believe we have actually thrived. Activities have continued, Theater One has had several very successful productions. Lots of new activities were well attended and the Spiritual Deepening Circles have been a great addition. Financially, we have done quite well with our budget, which we will talk more about when we get to that part of the agenda. We have a redesigned web site that is interactive, dynamic, informative, and current. I want to thank the Web Committee, especially Dirk, for all of his hard work and the many hours I am sure he committed to this project.

You will also hear from Margaret about the building progress, and I just want to say that the Steering Committee has done a fabulous job. That includes everyone on the building committee. I want to specifically mention John McMillan and Judy Moran: one or both of them has met with Jackson Construction every Monday morning at 7 a.m. since construction started--not something I would have wanted to do! I want the rest of you on the building committee to know that each and every one of you has contributed in no small way to the success of this project. We will do a lot more thanking when we get back home and have our rededication.

I would like to acknowledge two people who have been so instrumental in our accomplishments of this past year - years, actually.  We are saying goodbye to two Board members, although they aren't leaving us, just leaving the Board.

Peter Killian:  A loyal member of the congregation for many years, he's a long-time choir member and member of the Men's Group. For the Board, he served as secretary and, for the past two years, as a member-at-large. He has juggled his work schedule for Board retreats and activities. He has also served for two years on the committee to launch the new UUSS web site. He's a generous person who always speaks and acts with kindness, who has always been positive and optimistic about the church.

Cathy George:  To say Cathy has been a great Board secretary is an understatement.  She set the bar very high, not only doing an outstanding job taking minutes, but also taking on many other projects. She was an integral participant in the last two Stewardship Campaigns, making sure all of the Board documents were transitioned to the new web site. The Congregational Meetings have gone off without a hitch and she has handled the elections flawlessly--and we have had several--Roger's call to ministry, Community Partners, and elections of officers. These are not easy tasks. For me, I will miss her on the Board. Her insight, her honesty, her thoughtful comments, and her hard work have contributed so much.

(Cathy and Peter received certificates of appreciation from the Board and the ministers.)

All in all it was a very satisfactory meeting. The budget passed for next fiscal year and I believe all of the candidates were elected!

By Rev. Roger Jones

Both our ministers, several members and even some friends of UUSS head up to Portland for this year's UU convention.  General Assembly is a meeting of congregations, where delegates do the business of our association of congregations and everyone enjoys music, lectures, a social witness event, exhibit booths, worship services, workshops, reports from leaders of our wider movement, and making 4,000 new friends.  At UUSS, we will send them off in a ritual on Sunday, June 21. 

Several events will be streamed, and news posted on uua.org.  But several folks IN SACRAMENTO will meet for the first time in front of a computer screen for a Virtual GA.   Learn more and make contact with them at this link, or call the UUSS Office for their contact information.

By Meg Burnett

My two seasons as UUSS volunteer interim choir director and Music Task Force member are coming to a close after the wonderful last Choir music on May 31. It has been a joy to work with Roger, Lucy, and so many helpful, talented musicians, worship leaders, office staff, and sound technicians.

The Music Task Force - Roger Jones, Paula Joy Welter, Joan Rubenson, Cathy Whitney, and me - has reviewed 20 years of notes of the past achievements and weaknesses of our program, developed a new Music Committee Charter, and created a job description for a Choir Director/ Music Coordinator, in  addition to painting shelves, moving music, and many other tasks on a weekly basis. I am excited that we accomplished our goals of developing a strong music agenda and building a choir that our congregation looks forward to hearing.  We are excited about implementing those well-laid plans for next season.  Thanks to the John McMillan, Tim Anderson, and Kathryn Canan, we also have a new office and green room next to the new sanctuary.  The office will be shared with Theatre One, our Choir Director, and Music Committee.

 Following passage of our UUSS Budget at the congregational meeting, we can now hire professional Choir Director and Music Coordinator. We hope to interview candidates in June. In July, a Music Program page on our website, with public and private access, will facilitate communications with all of you and our musicians on a regular basis.

 I am grateful to all of you and our Board of Trustees for your input and encouragement this season--especially your appreciation of our choir, Ina Jun, our wonderful accompanist, and our guest musicians.  Part of our memorable All Ages Music Service on April 26 is available in a partial video clip, as is a copy of the Choir Director Job Description for your perusal.

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.

Newcomers' Orientation to Membership Course

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

In two parts:  Mondays, June 1 and 8, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., at 2425 Sierra Boulevard.  Light supper provided at no charge.

Come 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.

Wednesday Silent Meditation at 5:30

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:  Wednesdays, May 27 to July 1, at 5:30 p.m. in Classroom 6 at UUSS.

Soulful Summer Tuesdays:  Music, Silence, and Reflection at UUSS

With Rev. Roger Jones and Ina Jun, pianist

Join our staff pianist Ina Jun and me for a vesper service on these Tuesday evenings, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., in the Fahs Classroom at 2425 Sierra Boulevard.  We will hear inspiring words and music (from Ina on the piano and perhaps other musicians).  We will experience silence, sing a song or two, light candles in honor of our milestones and important concerns or deep joys. This is an informal but quiet time.  All ages are welcome. No charge, but freewill donations to UUSS will be accepted. 

Tuesdays, June 30 and July 7, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.

UUSS Book Readers:  June 30

By Jim Glidden

For June, the UUSS Book Readers have chosen Stone Mattress by Margaret Atwood.  The meeting will be Tuesday, June 30, at 7 p.m. in room 12. For more information, contact Jim Glidden at [email protected] or (916) 649-9697.

Summer Book Discussion Group with Rev. Lucy

Summer is a great time to discuss some thoughtful and provocative books.  Rev. Lucy will lead three evening discussion sessions:

June 17         Being Mortal by Atul Gawande

July 15           Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

August 19      TBD (Send Lucy your suggestions.)

By Derek Czajka

All of those from 18-39 are welcome to join the 20s & 30s Group. Our next event is lunch on Sunday after service. Visit uuss.org/20s30s or on Facebook to contact us and for information on our events.

The last weekend in May is the closing weekend for the Saturday 11 PM and 2 PM showings  of "The Jungle Book" and the 8 PM Friday and Saturday showings of "Circle Mirror Transformation."  All at 2425 Sierra Blvd. in the Fahs Room.  You'll be glad you saw them!  Click theaterone.org.

By Rev. Roger Jones

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. 

The UU Justice Ministry of California is the nation's first statewide advocacy network founded by UUs. Click on the name to learn about the issue areas it focuses on. 

Upcoming events:

• 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 border.  See what it's like to live in the borderland. Cost is $470 plus your travel to San Diego from here. Friday to Monday, July 10 to 13. More immersion trips may be scheduled for the fall. Click the title to read more and register.

• August "Walking the Walk" Annual Justice Summit and Family Camp - This is the 5th annual summit for learning about the connection between social justice and liberal religious faith, and also experiencing the important role that music and worship can play in our lives if we work for justice.  This intergenerational camp is held at a UU conference center, Camp DeBenneville Pines in the San Bernardino National Forest, August 8 to 12.

By Mary Howard

Our expanded and renovated spiritual home on Sierra Boulevard is nearing completion. How will we fill it? The money you have generously given to the Capital Campaign and the loan we've taken out will pay for some of the furnishings and equipment, but, like any new house, it's a lot of space to fill.

Our chair campaign has taken off -- see Roger's item, below. Even non-UUSS members are buying chairs.  They know how vital our congregation is to the larger Sacramento community. Thank you everyone!

Now we're also asking you to help donate money toward the cost of a new and state-of-the-art Audio Visual system. We need new speakers, wireless microphones, a projection system screen, intercom system and lighting fixtures.

The nursery in the Religious Education program has particular needs. See the article by Miranda Massa, below. For more information on needed furnishings and equipment and instructions for donating, go to uuss.org/fill or call the UUSS Office!  With your help, our new building will be well equipped!

By Rev. Roger Jones and Ginny Johnson

We invite members, friends, and supporters to buy a new chair for our new

People are lining up to sit in the model chair during coffee hour. Not only is it tasteful in color and shape, but it is comfortable. Folks of all sizes and height tried it out and pronounced it "just right" for their body type. We will post comments on the website.       

The project continues to move along without delay.  It will be completed mid-August. Planning is underway for our move back to UUSS from SAUCC during the week of August 31 to September 4. Our first service in our new facility should be on September 6 and the rededication ceremony and celebration will occur on September 13.

Now that the plumbing and electrical work is complete, the interior and exterior walls, along with the windows, are being installed. The signage committee is working on the entrance sign and various other signs required by code and suggested by members.  The project delivery team is coordinating delivery of our new chairs and working with our staff on selecting new office furniture.

Efforts are underway to update our banners, pulpit chairs, and both the stage curtains and library drapes. Once the construction vehicles and other heavy equipment leaves, the driveway will be repaved up to the first speed bump and the remainder of the driveway resealed. While the parking lot will be restriped, improvements to it - either paving or sealing - will be deferred to the next phase of the project.

As construction activities wind down, the Building Project Steering Committee (BPSC) is working with the Board and team members on interior furnishing and equipment issues.  Updates will be provided in the Blue Sheet and on the website regarding these details.  If any member has questions about these matters, please feel free to contact any member of the BPSC.

By Rev. Roger Jones

Delmar Janson-We lost our friend and member Delmar Janson May 8 after a long decline from heart failure, at age 90. Delmar was a generous, kind, reliable and quiet member of UUSS for 51 years, serving in many volunteer roles, especially as one of our groundskeepers, the Grasshoppers. A Utah native, Delmar was a Battle of the Bulge veteran, Caltrans bridge engineer, avid gardener, and leader of Sierra Club hikes.

We extend our condolences to Joan, his wife of 56 years, and their daughter, Ruth, who has faithfully traveled here over the years from New York to support her parents. Their joy and pride in her were always obvious when I visited. Sadly, their son Scott died two years ago.  After a disabling brain injury from a motorcycle accident years earlier, Scott had helped his dad in maintaining the lawn mowing equipment at UUSS.  We extend our condolences also to Christina, Scott's daughter and their granddaughter. Joan continues to live at a care home in Citrus Heights; see me if you might visit her.  

A memorial service at our grounds and our renovated building will be announced later.  Ruth notes that members may give memorial gifts to the UUSS Endowment Trust to honor Delmar's life or (because of his devotion to nature) may give to the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants. For those who'd also like to make a hands-on gesture, she suggests scattering native pollinator seeds, as Delmar was fond of watching bees tend his crop of poppies in his garden.  Click to see his May 17 Sacramento Bee obituary.

Bequest from Marti and William Campbell-UUSS recently received a generous bequest from the estate of the late Martha Jane (Marti) and William Campbell. The couple joined UUSS in 2004, William passed away in 2005, and Marti died in 2014.  After his death, UUSS received a bequest, and the recent one is the final distribution. 

Bill was in the construction business and the general contractor for our UUSS building project in 1959-60. Long-time members told me that Bill saved us a lot of money based on his recommendations of less expensive materials for some parts of the sanctuary. After his death, Marti moved from Sacramento to Carmel. She was a patron of the arts, leader of a Girl Scouts troop, of the League of Women's Voters, the People to People exchange program, and a board member of the Family Service Agency. She leaves a daughter and son-in-law, three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. 

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

By Roger Jones

Derek Czajka and I hope to see kids and youth June 7, at 10:15 a.m., at the first session of Summer Sunday Religious Education ArtWorks!  Here's how it will work this year:

VOLUNTEERS offer one or two consecutive Sundays of an engaging activity using art, music, or another creative activity that brings people together. We begin a session with a centering time, Chalice Lighting, and Joys and Sorrows. The focus could include introducing a craft, art, or other activity of spiritual significance--such as Origami peace cranes, or using household or found objects for sculpture, preparing food, or singing.  Each lead volunteer (adult or teen) will need assistants, so please note on the sign-up sheet a Sunday or two when you can assist.      

PARENTS, KIDS, & YOUTH- register in advance for the RE Summer Sundays you expect to attend. This is not an irrevocable registration, but an effort to give advance notice to our conscientious volunteers. Of course, things may come up to keep you from making it to church, or your calendar may change and you find you can come after all. It can be demoralizing to prepare much, then have a group that's too small to make it work. If we do not have at least three kids or youth signed up one week in advance of a given Sunday, we will give the lead volunteer the option of cancelling his or her session.

Kids may, of course, attend any Sunday worship service, and the UUSS Nursery staff is on duty from 10:00 to noon every Sunday; but ArtWorks is the place to be!

*Summer RE ArtWorks Child Registration:  May 10 to 31.

*Summer RE ArtWorks Adult and Youth Volunteer Sign-ups:  May 3 to 24.

Opening Sunday RE with Rev. Roger Jones and Derek Czajka:  June 7!

By Miranda Massa

Summer is here!

We look forward to a fun-filled summer at our host church, Sierra Arden. And even more, we look forward to our grand return to UUSS on Sierra Boulevard on Sunday, September 6!  I have been working to put together a group of artistic individuals to share their talents with our RE children and youth in June, July, and August. It'll be a blast!  Rev. Roger debuts ArtWorks on Sunday, June 7. Summer SHYG sessions have been scheduled for once a month with their adult Advisors. SHYG youth, please mark your calendars for the third Sunday of the month over summer - June 21, July 19, and August 16. Youth are invited to attend service or join ArtWorks every other Sunday.

The nursery at UUSS will be set up in August to prepare for our littlest members' return. (While we have been away at our rented facility, Room 11

Together we'll recreate the Nursery space. For more information about ways to help purchase items or help on a designated day to put the Nursery back together, please contact Miranda.

-This month's all ages service will

-RE calendar details and other information http://www.uuss.org/re

Religious Education (RE) Calendar, June 2015

Sunday, June 7

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

10:15-11:30               Summer RE ArtWorks begins

Sunday, June 14

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

10:15-11:30               Summer RE ArtWorks 

Sunday, June 21

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

10:15-11:30               ArtWorks & Summer Senior High Youth Group

Sunday, June 28

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

10:15-11:30               Summer RE ArtWorks