Sunday Services:  9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

Religious Education program at 9:30 a.m.  

Nursery Care at both services

January 5

Learning How to Pray

Rev. Lucy Bunch with Rev. Roger Jones

Special Music by Nicholas Dold, Piano

Prayer can be a tricky matter for UUs.  Some of us have a regular prayer practice, for others it is not a useful form of spiritual practice.  During her time as a hospital chaplain, Rev. Lucy faced the challenge of praying on behalf of someone else.  She will share stories from her experience and tell us how she discovered the power of prayer.

Piano soloist Nicholas Dold returns!  He played for UUSS at our August 25 Ingathering.  Now in the Bay Area, he has degrees from the Indiana University School of Music.  He has held staff positions with the UU Church of Bloomington, the I.U. Summer Opera Workshop, I.U. Summer Piano Academy and Roundabout Opera for Kids.  He is on the accompanying faculty of the Duxbury Music Festival.

Religious Education at 9:30:  Story Time (age 3-5); Spirit Play topic:  The Story of the Children's Church - a story of reusing an old church for the children's religious space at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Milton, MA (grades 1-5); Junior High Youth Group (grades 6-8) and Senior High Youth Group.

Today is Soup Sunday after the 11:15 a.m. service.

January 12

My Vision for Ministry with You

Rev. Roger Jones, preaching

Two weeks from today all UUSS Members can exercise their vote on calling the congregation's next settled Senior Minister.  Today the candidate will reflect on our time together since he began serving as Family Minister in 2008.  He'll give his vision for a deeper shared ministry for the future with us.

Religious Education at 9:30:  Story Time (age 3-5); Spirit Play topic:  The Source Cards - looking at the sources for our UU faith (grades 1-5); Junior High Youth Group (grades 6-8) and Senior High Youth Group.

A reception with snacks will follow both services and a time for Q&A after the 11:15 service, with child care extended untill 1 p.m.

January 19

Honoring Dr. King versus Hearing Dr. King

Rev. Roger Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch and the UUSS Choir

As with all great figures of history, people with a variety of perspectives and competing agendas can lay claim to the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Yet before asserting what we wish to be true, let's ask if we are willing to be humbled by the radicalism of his social criticism and the depth of his faith.

Religious Education at 9:30:  Story Time (age 3-5); Spirit Play topic:  A Lesson for Martin Luther King Jr. (grades 1-5); Junior High Youth Group (grades 6-8) and Senior High Youth Group.

January 26

Good News/Bad News/Good News

Rev. Roger Jones preaching

Today, voting Members of UUSS will make a decision about the future of our congregation's professional ministry-whether to call Roger as our settled Senior Minister.  Whatever decision results from the vote, this will be a big step for us.  Yet it pales in comparison to the crises we confront at national and planetary levels, the tragedies we lament and the cruel strife that plagues the human family.  Against this nearly overwhelming backdrop, what good news can we bring as Unitarian Universalists?

Religious Education at 9:30:  Story Time (age 3-5); Spirit Play (grades 1-5); Junior High Youth Group (grades 6-8) and Senior High Youth Group.

Child Care will be extended up to 1:00 p.m. until the congregational vote has been completed.

February 2

Secrets

Rev. Lucy Bunch

Years ago a man placed ads and distributed flyers encouraging people to write their secrets on a postcard and send them to him.  Thousands responded, and the PostSecret project was born.  This Sunday we will view some of the postcards from the PostSecret project and explore the meaning of secrets--why we keep them

and why we share them.

Religious Education at 9:30:  Story Time (age 3-5); Spirit Play(grades 1-5); Junior High Youth Group (grades 6-8) and Senior High Youth Group.

• Class meets Saturday, January 4, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Meet ministers, staff and volunteer leaders.  We want to get to know you!
• Learn ways to get involved here.  Meet other newcomers at UUSS.  Make friends.
• Learn about Unitarian Universalist history, theology, spiritual values and governance.
• "What is membership?"  Decide if you'd like to make this congregation your home!
• Take a tour of the campus. Learn about our move and our building renovation plans.
• Breakfast snacks and lunch provided!  Child care is available by reservation.
• Sign up for this at the Sunday Greeters' Welcome Table and pick up a folder.
• If you won't be at services before January 4, register with JoLane Blaylock in the Office. Or you may call Elaine Cooper at 916-483-9283 on week days.

2014 will be an historic year for the Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento.  Years of planning, hard work and fund-raising have paid off and in May of 2014, construction will begin on the project to renovate our campus.  The countdown has begun and we will soon be moving to our temporary home at the Sierra Arden United Church of Christ.

The progress on this project in 2013 has been incredible and the participation and contribution of the congregation has really made the difference.  Our architect Jeff Gold has met with many focus groups, and he has developed an inspired design plan for our campus with his expertise and their thoughts and recommendations.  A copy of the new plan is available for members to view in the office.

Decisions were made last month on many elements in the interior design; and floor plans, patterns and finishes were selected.  Color schemes were also chosen and details such as chair rails and skylights were addressed by the Committee.  And while discussions continue on such items as chair fabrics, table shapes, and placement of the piano and organ, the plans are now being shared with Jackson Construction so an accurate cost estimate can be developed for a presentation in January.

The next critical milestone will be the issuance of the building permit by the county.  The plan is to submit the construction drawings to them in February.  Work also continues on the planning of our move to Sierra Arden and the storage of equipment and supplies during our relocation.  There will be a Congregational Conversation on this project on January 19, and we hope many of you will come and hear the latest news on this very exciting project!

Longtime member Bob Cornwell passed away December 21 at age 87, after an ordeal of many medical complications and trips between hospital and convalescent center.   A native of Minnesota, Bob was a teacher and then a high school counselor for many years, a loyal UU, a political junkie, and an encouraging friend to many.  We extend our condolences to Maxine, his wife, and to daughters Carrie, Launa and Nancy, and son, Bob Jr., and the rest of the Cornwell family.  Bob's service takes place Sunday, January 5, at 2 pm.

We extend our condolences also to our member Dixie Laws and her daughter, Bridget, on the sudden loss of Galen, her son and Bridget's brother.  He died December 17 at the young age of 39.   Galen held a degree in philosophy from UC Santa Cruz.  His memorial service takes place at 2 p.m. January 20, Martin Luther King Day, in the Fahs Room. 

UUSS friend Robert Hamilton died in September at age 92.  He leaves behind two grown sons and many friends, including students who lived in an apartment at his Sacramento home.  I will co-officiate at the service for him Saturday afternoon, January 18, likely at 2 p.m., with his friend Rabbi Shula Calmann.   

Have you read the Candidate Committee's booklet about the vote to call me as your minister?  It has little quotations from esteemed people-just like the back of a new book that is surely to be the next great American novel, perhaps a life-changing book (but also an easy read).  I blush at the gushing! 

There is also a message from me, headlined "Why does Roger want to be our settled Senior Minister?"  I won't repeat my message here, but you will find it soon on our web site.

I offer myself to UUSS, with my experience and talents, and also my flaws-those you've come to know and those yet to be known!  I offer my commitment to Unitarian Universalist ministry and my ongoing love for this congregation. 

Since 2008, you have offered to me the opportunity to conduct the most challenging, varied, and gratifying work of my 18 years in ministry. 

You have offered one another a warm welcome, good food and coffee, creativity, patience and spiritual comfort, inspiration and encouragement and many generous gifts of time, talent and money.  All good gifts!

It's worth remembering that what we offer to one another is only the foundation for what we can offer the world beyond our walls-the wider community with all its needs and struggles, and the people who need our message of heart and hope.  We offer a commitment to openness and curiosity, efforts to grow in understanding and kindness, and our aspiration to widen the circles of inclusion. 

As a congregation, UUSS has so much to offer.  As a person, so do you.  As this new year begins, think about what you, personally, have to offer the world.  All of us have cause to give thanks for this community, which welcomes our gifts and gives us much in return.

As the year begins, let us give thanks for all good gifts.  Blessed be!

The joy continues,

Roger

Where's Roger in January?
I am happy to make an appointment with you! Office hours are weekday afternoons. Usual day off is Tuesday, and study/writing day is Friday, so I avoid e-mail on those days. You may feel free to call my home. Our Office staff knows a lot of answers, and they can reach me in an emergency. On December 29, I preach at First Unitarian in San Francisco. In exchange, their minister will preach here this summer.

Though I didn't take a class last semester, I have a required seminar with my cohort for the doctoral program at Pacific School of Religion, during the day on January 13 to 17.

We've had a lot of deaths and other separations among the lives and families of this congregation. Post-holiday times can be stressful or sad, so give me a call to check in.  

An Introduction to Ministry Circles will take place from 6:45 to 9 p.m., Thursday, January 9, 2014, at UUSS and is open to all.  This will be a chance to connect with other UUSS members and pledging friends as well as to learn how we do small group ministry.  Then you can decide if you wish to continue for five more weeks in a small group.    

One week later, January 16, a five-week Newcomers' Ministry Circle will take place at the home of Tiffany Urness.  This opportunity is rare, as Tiffany and her spouse spend half the year in Paris! 

Known in some congregations as covenant groups, Ministry Circles offer members and pledging friends a way to deepen connections and pursue spiritual exploration in a caring, supportive group.  Last year's Newcomers' Circle generated friendships, spiritual depth and a sense of belonging in the church.  There is no charge, but a commitment to regular attendance is crucial.  

We especially encourage new members to attend, but anyone curious about Ministry Circles is welcome to attend the Introduction.  The whole series will have a maximum of 12 people. 

Attendance at the January 9 Introduction is open to all.  But it is required for those planning on the following weekly series, and we ask you to commit to at least four out of the next five sessions.  Note that attending the Introduction does not commit you to the series. 

On the next five weeks, the Newcomers' Circle will meet at the home of Tiffany Urness, in the Foothill Farms/ARC area.  She will give you a map on January 9.

Circle dates are January 16, 23 and 30, and February 6 and 13.  For questions, e-mail Tiffany or Rev. Roger, or call the office.

This month marks the halfway point of my one-year contract with the congregation.  You have welcomed me, challenged me and inspired me in our time together.  I have experienced you as a thriving and resilient community poised to enter a new chapter of your history.   What will this new year bring?   Voting on your next minister, moving to a "home away from home,"  fund raising, building raising, spirit raising, community building.  Living our mission to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world. 

One more thing the new year brings-something ancient and mystical and yet real and grounded-our labyrinth, completed by dedicated volunteers at the end of December.  The first step realized in our 50-year master plan. 

January is a month for contemplation, and I hope that you will take the opportunity to walk the path of the labyrinth.  If you do, you will be walking in the path of many before you, experiencing the power of this ancient walking meditation.  One foot in front of the other-letting go, opening up, taking in. 

Step by step leading into the new year.   

Where's Lucy in January?

My office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.  Please call or e-mail if you would like to visit so I can make sure to be available for you.  I will be with you on the Sundays of January 5 and January 17.  On January 26, I will be at a meeting of the Commission on Appraisal of the Unitarian Universalist Association.  

Following the retirement of the Rev. Doug Kraft, our associate minister, the Rev. Roger Jones became acting senior minister and candidate for settled senior minister.  We will hold a congregational vote on January 26 on whether to call Roger.  The UUSS Constitution requires a 90 percent affirmative vote in a meeting where our quorum of 35 percent of the membership is met, including authorized proxies. If you are thinking of becoming a member, now is a great time so that your voice can be heard in all of our UUSS elections. You may also pick up information, ask questions and submit questions for Roger at the Candidate Committee Table in the foyer on Sundays. 

In January we'll have a few more events so that we can all get to know Roger better and discuss his leadership style and vision for his ministry at UUSS.

• January 12: Reception between and after services. Roger will give a sermon about his vision for ministry at UUSS on that day.  Q&A after the 11:15 service.
• January 19: Chat about  Music and Worship after each service.
• Friday, January 24: All-Ages Potluck in the evening.

• January 26: Congregational vote. Proxy voting will be possible, and proxy forms will be available in the office or at the Candidate Committee table in January.  It must be signed by you as a UUSS member and brought to church on the day of the vote by a UUSS member who has been designated your proxy voter. 

"New Discoveries," the 2014 UUSS auction and dinner is happening Saturday, April 4, 2014.  This annual event is our largest fundraiser and an opportunity to bid on events or items that will enhance your spiritual and physical lives. 

Do you have a special meal you like to prepare or a skill you can share with others?  Want to share memories of a trip or have a passion for the arts?  Love to explore the outdoors?  Or do you have an object that would be useful and/or meaningful to others that you could donate for sale?  Think of what you can offer to the auction that others might enjoy.  We're looking for ways to bring people together in shared experiences.

Beginning in February, you can submit your donation on the auction website or on a paper form.  Look for more information in the February Unigram. 

We hope all of you will participate in some way in our largest event before the move to our home away from home in May.

"Fear and Integrity" is the title of the next workshop that is part of the "Deepening our Conversations and Connections" series.  What do fear and integrity have to do with one another?  Find out by participating in an interactive workshop led by Lance Ryen and Judy Bell.  The workshop will be held on the first Sunday of the month, January 5, at 12:45 p.m. in the Fahs Room.  Come join us. 

We invite you to welcome Family Promise families when we host January 12 to 19, and March 16 to 23.

Thank you to the many faithful UUSS volunteers who share their warm hospitality to welcome Family Promise guests as they make our church home their home for a week.  Since 2005, as we turn the Fahs Room into a dining/living area and the RE rooms into private bedrooms, you have brought tasty homemade meals and have stayed overnight, assuring that the program operates smoothly.  Because of our renovation project, UUSS will not serve as a Family Promise Host Congregation after the weeks of January 12 and March 16, until the fall of 2015.  We will, however, become a support congregation.  See Barbara Hopkins for details.

Please come to the Family Promise table in the foyer and talk with team volunteers about the types of opportunities available when we host on the above dates.  See you on Sunday at the table... or if you have any questions, e-mail team coordinators Cathy Bowen at [email protected] or Barbara Hopkins at [email protected]. Thanks for your ongoing support.

The UUSS Family Promise Team--

Cathy Bowen, Barbara Hopkins, Paul Kinsella and Nancy Oprsal

We are pleased to announce that Chuck Pivetti will show a montage of his African pictures at Alliance on Thursday, January 9, in the Fahs Room.  Chuck and Jane have made many photo safaris to Africa, and Chuck has pulled together the best of the best in his photo show.  He will show people and scenes as well as animals.  This will be a meeting not to miss.  Coffee will be served at 10:45 a.m., the program begins at 11, and lunch is at 12.  Bring your lunch as usual, and dessert, coffee and tea will be provided.

Here we are in a season of new beginnings! In this New Year, UUSS will begin a beautiful new change to our church home with our Master Plan. We will start the summer in Our Home Away From Home and bring our lovely and vibrant community into a temporary space. For now, as 2014 commences, I wish each of you happiness and days full of spirit and love. We are here, in this New Year.

Pause, reflect and smile.

With gratitude,

Miranda 

We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world.

We value the goodness in everyone, the openness and curiosity that illuminate that goodness and the love and courage that sustain us.

We, an intergenerational community, travel together with open minds, open hearts and helping hands.

We value justice, compassion, integrity and acceptance.

We seek spiritual growth, intellectual stimulation, caring and laughter.

To these ends we pledge our time, talents and support.

Here is a simple and fun way to incorporate hand movements when reciting this poem:

We are Unitarian Universalists. (Make U's by cupping each hand.)

We are the church of the open mind, (Touch your hands to your head.)

The loving heart, (Put your hands over your heart.)

And the helping hands. (Put your hands in front of you palms up.)

Together we care for our earth (Make a circle with your arms over your head.)

And work for friendship and peace in our world. (Hold hands with your neighbors.)

The UU Legislative Ministry of California (UULMCA) has a new name and focus. It is the UU Justice Ministry of California (UUJMCA.)

Executive Director Evan Junker announced that Patrice Curtis has started at UUJM as the Public Policy Mobilization Director.  She has a very impressive r�sum� of justice advocacy and a degree from Starr King School for the Ministry.

UUJM will place more emphasis on leadership development and grass roots organizing to help congregations work together for social change.  California UUs and congregations can expect guidance in four key areas:

1)  Providing access and participation in justice education and advocacy to deepen faith and make changes.

2)  Insuring that justice leaders are trained, effective, inspirational and connected.

3)  Helping them use UUJM resources to strengthen their Justice Ministries.

4)  Assisting California policymakers and leaders in valuing UUJM as a visible and credible partner to advance justice work in California.

For questions or information on participating, contact Bruce Moulton, UUSS/UUJMCA Sacramento area cluster liaison.

After taking December off for the holidays, it is time to play games again. January's Games Night will occur on Friday evening, January 10, in the Fahs Room.  Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for those who want to gather for a potluck dinner, which we will eat at 6 p.m.   Game playing begins at 6:30.

Please join hosts Ginny Johnson, Megan Snyder and Carrie Cornwell for our monthly evening of gaming fun.  Games we play include cards, chess, checkers, board games, toddler games, kid games and adult games, including the ever-popular Rummikub.  If you're coming, bring your own favorite game and we will play it with you.  We've had evenings of Fictionary, Game of Thrones and Apples for Apples.  And we're always ready to learn a new game or to play an old favorite.

For more information or if you would be interested in helping to host Games Night, call or e-mail Megan Snyder ([email protected] or 333-8203), Ginny Johnson (649-0575 or [email protected]) or Carrie Cornwell (442-1637 or [email protected]).

Everyone of all ages is welcome, as long as you come to play!

UUSS CUUPS (Covenant of UU Pagans) will hold a short meeting between services on Sunday, January 12, for those interested in earth-based spirituality and helping plan a spring equinox celebration.  If you are interested, whether you can make the meeting or not, please contact Laurie Jones at [email protected].

In January, the UUSS Book Readers will be reading Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel, part of an award-winning series about the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell.  We will meet on January 28, at 7 p.m.  For more information, contact  Jim Glidden at (916) 649-9697.

Just in time, our voting members chose WIND Youth Services as one of the Community Partner agencies to receive half the offering donations in 2014.  WIND is listed for January services.  That's important, as federal budget issues left WIND without crucial funding, and it had to close its drop-in program for homeless and at-risk teenagers, the only one in this region!   This link will take you to a November 14 article in the Sacramento News & Review.  To learn more about WIND, click www.windyouth.org.  In November we sent over $1,800 to Loaves & Fishes.  Thank you for your generosity.  

Our Treasurer and Bookkeeper have reminded us that operating budget Pledge amounts and Capital Campaign Giving Commitments can be paid soon.  If checks are written by December 31, you may receive a tax deduction for 2013.

If you donate stock or mutual fund shares which have appreciated significantly in the past year, you can apply for a tax deduction on all of the gain on your investment.  (The S&P 500 stock index has increased about 27% since January 1.)

For questions about the status of your operating budget Pledge payments or Capital Campaign donations, or for stock donation information, contact our Bookkeeper.

Many of us no doubt have received many requests from not-for-profit organizations in our local area and around the country. 

You may wonder how to put some of your special giving toward the mission of your UUSS home.  Here are a few choices to consider. 

               Options to make a Year-End Gift to UUSS:

• Annual operating budget-supporting our staff, varied ministries, Sunday services, child and youth programs, building and grounds upkeep, denominational dues, etc.  The Bookkeeper sends out quarterly pledge updates and will send 2013 giving summaries by the end of January for your tax purposes.
• Special Donations - Many people make a holiday donation to congregations or other local organizations in addition to their regular pledge.  This is a nice way to honor someone or give extra thanks for this Unitarian Universalist Society.  A special gift might help UUSS end the calendar year in the black!
• Capital Campaign-implementing the Master Plan for our building and grounds, and ensuring a strong start for our expansion and renovation project.
• Endowment Trust-supporting one-time projects that benefit UUSS for the long term.  The principal is restricted so it generates dividends for a long time. Read more here.
• Minister Discretionary Fund -supporting persons in our UU community in a financial or health crisis and funding one-time benefits for congregational life not otherwise funded.  The minister's confidential use of this fund is reviewed annually with the Treasurer. 

How to make a donation?  Contact Michele Ebler or our Treasurer, Glory Wicklund.  Thank you to everyone for your generosity, and for your participation here.  Your presence is a gift!  

Remember, the deadline for you to submit Unigram items is the 15^th of the month preceding the month of publication and your event.  The most effective articles will pick out one or two items to highlight.  Any announcements should contain a date, a time, and a contact person, including an e-mail or phone number.