One all-ages service at 10 a.m., September 1

Winter schedule with two services (9:30 and 11:15 a.m.) begins September 8, including Religious Education program at 9:30 a.m.

September 1

Modern Slavery:  Kids Making a Difference

Service for All Ages at 10 a.m.

Rev. Roger Jones with members of the Kids' Freedom Club

There are 27 million people in bondage today, mostly in countries where slavery is against the law!  Aliya (age 10) started the Kids' Freedom Club to raise money and awareness in solidarity with adults and children who long for freedom, school, fresh air and paid work.  The service is open to all ages but there will be child care for those who choose it.  Miranda Massa would like to know by August 25, if possible, if you wish child care for September 1.  This is the last summer Sunday service at 10:00 a.m.  On September 8, we return to the two-service schedule.

September 8

Everyday Spirituality, Part 1-

Imperfection:  The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Two services resume today at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m.

Rev. Roger Jones

Religious Education program starts at 9:30 a.m. today!

The Jewish High Holy Days invite reflection on those times we fall short of our own values.  This is a good time to consider the spirituality of imperfection.  Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is an invitation to start anew.  Of course, every day is an invitation to start anew.

September 15

Four Little Girls and 50 Years Later:

Grieving Our History, and Learning from It

Rev. Roger Jones

On this day 50 years ago, white Christian American terrorists bombed a black Baptist church during Sunday school in Birmingham, Alabama, killing four little girls.  This year includes many sad anniversaries of tumultuous events of 1963.  Today we remember the crimes, appreciate the struggle and give thanks for the gains wrought out of so many sacrifices.

September 22

Everyday Spirituality, Part 2-

Widen Your Field of Vision

Rev. Roger Jones

Do you feel too busy to have a spiritual practice?  Does "being spiritual" seem too lofty, beyond reach?   Never fear!  Spirituality is about the here and now.  As taught by Annie Dillard, H. D. Thoreau, or Thich Nhat Hanh, the essence of spiritual practice is to take a breath, take a step back and invite a wider view on the challenges, blessings and beauty of life.

September 29

Before Us and Beyond Us:  Whose are We?

Rev. Lucy Bunch

How much of who we are is from those who came before us?  What are we passing on to those yet to come?  This Sunday we will explore our connections through the generations of our families and communities.

October 6

Animal Blessing Service-

The Beloved Community of People and Pets

All Ages and All Species Worship

Rev. Roger Jones

On the Sunday near St. Francis of Assisi Day, we invite our pets to church with us to receive a blessing.  Let's reflect on their blessings on us, and our duties to the non-human animals around us.  Dogs at 9:30, cats at 11:15 a.m. recommended.  Leashes too, please!  If your beagle would balk or your kitty would cringe to be with other beasts, just bring a photo of your beloved for the blessing.

I didn't expect I'd miss them.  The male-female couple in the apartment across from mine moved away in May, taking the calico cat they had inherited from previous neighbors.  Due to allergies, they made her a bed in a box outside their door.  During the day, she lounged around in the courtyard.  She visited neighbors like me.  She was the community's kitty. 

They and I often chatted in passing, and waved to each other from our living room windows, but we never "hung out."  After I moved in, she brought me two cupcakes.  When I was away on a trip, they noticed, and asked about it. 

That same week, the neighbor downstairs moved to a Section 8 apartment across town.  She had filled the courtyard by our two doors with flowers and potted plants.  I hid a key under her Kwan Yin statue.  She lent me her ironing board, and I lent her a listening ear now and then.  Now I have some of her surplus plants around my front steps.  We were friendly, but not friends. 

I was not prepared for the feeling of personal emptiness after both of their apartments became empty.  I entered the courtyard on arriving home and looked toward their doors.  Inside my place, I looked out the window for them.  Going out, I expected to greet the dozing kitty.  But they were all gone.  I missed them.  

Wow!  I had gradually become attached to them.  Their presence had been reassuring to me.  Part of what made my apartment into a home.

This makes me think of church, and all the people who choose to make it a spiritual home.  Most of us come here because we are seeking, hoping and wanting to receive something for our own lives by participating.  That is natural. 

But there's more. 

We get attached to each other, even if we don't know everybody's name.  By coming here on Sundays and at other times, by giving the gift of your simple presence, you are making a difference to others. 

Your presence at UUSS is a source of comfort and reassurance to other people at UUSS, even people you do not know.   

Thanks for all that you do and all that you give.  And most of all, thanks for being here!

See you in church,

Roger

P.S.-Don't forget:  We switch to our two-service schedule on Sunday, September 8.  Religious Education starts at the 9:30 service.  Thanks to our RE volunteers!

Where's Roger in September?

I am happy to make an appointment with you.  Office hours are weekday afternoons.  Usual day off is Tuesday and sermon-writing day is Friday, so I avoid e-mail those days.  On September 9 and September 16, I have two clergy study group meetings in the Bay Area.  Our Office staff knows a lot of answers, and they can reach me in an emergency.

What an exciting month it has been for me.  I have spent time getting to know the staff, attending meetings and learning all that I can about this marvelous community.  Next month I will be with you for three Sundays and offering my first sermon on September 29.  I look forward to meeting all of you in the coming weeks.   

As I write this, I am packing my bags for a weeklong ministry training in Bloomington, Minnesota (August 19 to 23).  This is training for ministers who are working with congregations in transition.  I believe you would agree that UUSS qualifies!  I look forward to sharing what I have learned with you in the coming months. 

Calling all Harry Potter fans:  Rev. Roger and I are planning an intergenerational service on October 26.  We are looking for Harry Potter fans to participate by reading some portions of the books (already selected).   All ages, genders, welcome, including muggles.  Family groups especially encouraged.  Call (483-9283, ext. 201) or e-mail me (lucy@uuss.org) and let me know you're interested.

Where's Rev. Lucy This Month? 

My office hours are Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday afternoons.  Please call or e-mail me so that I can make sure to be available.  I will be in church on Sundays, September 8, 22 and 29.   

August proved to be a very interesting month.  Our new part-time minister Lucy Bunch has joined the staff and we will be saying goodbye to Eric Stetson.  UUSS hosted a meeting of 15 Pacific Central District (PCD) board presidents on August 10, and it was an enlightening and informative get together.  I now know that I and the Board have support both inside our church and outside as well.

On Monday, August 12, several members of the congregation and the Implementing the Master Plan (IMP) Committee attended the County Planning Commission meeting and we expected to be rewarded with our use permit.  But it was not to be.  The approval of our use permit was postponed to Monday, August 26.  I am hopeful that by the time you read this, we will have been approved and we can move forward with our plans to start construction next year.  This brings up quite a few opportunities for our members to participate in the many activities that our move and construction will entail.

This month the Candidate Committee will begin their work with the congregation toward a vote this spring to call Reverend Roger Jones as our new lead minister.  As I had mentioned in a letter to the congregation, this will be a very open process, and again I want to say that if any of you have questions, please feel free to contact me or any member of the Board of Trustees.

Now the fun part:  On August 9, I joined a group of fellow congregants for a trip to the Amador County wine country.  It was a lovely afternoon of wine tasting culminating with dinner and music at Helwig winery.  This was one of the wonderful activities that were offered at the annual Service Auction.  I had the opportunity to get to know a couple of members that I hadn't known before and had lots of great conversation and wine!  It brought home to me again the reason I love this church so much--nice people, great activities and a thoughtful and loving community. 

As summer comes to an end, I look forward to the new church year and a return to our two Sunday services.  I'm sure that everyone will have had a great summer, vacationing, learning and lots of relaxing.  There will be new Our Whole Lives (OWL) classes starting, great sermons by Reverend Jones and Reverend Bunch, more activities and the possibility of some new "Fun" raisers!

Yours in Faith,

Linda

UUSS shares half our offering every Sunday with a local "community partner."  In the budget year that ended June 30, we gave away $23,000 to a dozen local organizations doing important work in the community and across California.  In June we sent $2,000 to the Gender Health Center.  In July we sent $1,400 to the Sacramento SPCA.  In August, the shared offering helped Family Promise, which provides support and services to homeless families with children.  In September, our shared offering will go to Mustard Seed School. Thank you!

An important way in which our congregation supports the local community is by donating to Community Partners through our shared offering.  Members of the congregation will be voting on Community Partners at our congregational meeting in October.  If you'd like to nominate a non-profit organization as a Community Partner, please fill out the form available in the office or on the UUSS website. You may e-mail the information to Cathy George at cathygeorge255@gmail.com or leave your completed form in the office.  Nominations will be accepted through September 22.

Would you like to get more connected here?  Find out what this congregation is about?

Come to the next Orientation:  Two Monday nights, September 30 and October 7.  Light supper.  Child care provided if reserved by September 22.  There is an Orientation sign-up sheet at the Greeters' Welcome Table.  Pick up an Orientation folder at the Welcome Table or from the UUSS Office on any other day.

Contact me to discuss joining UUSS if you just can't wait to join, or if you are transferring from a UU congregation in another city.  Our key staff person for this is JoLane Blaylock, Congregational Support Coordinator.

The church will observe the Labor Day holiday, but to make sure about the status of your own favorite UUSS activity, please read the weekly Blue Sheet insert and check "This Week's Events," posted in the glass case near the office.  - Rev. Roger

Dear friends,

As your music director, I write to you one last time.  I've stepped down from my position, and my last day will be September 1. I'd like to use this space to thank you all for three wonderful years, full of learning, travel, gardens, friends, concerts and lots and lots of music.  I was brought on board in the fall of 2010, fresh out of college and eager for the chance to be working in music leadership.  In just these few years, you've seen me get married, learn the ropes of choir direction and figure out how to weave my quilt of part-time jobs and side gigs into a career.  It's that last part that draws me away-my wife Kate and I need to branch out and find more work so we can have comforts like health insurance and move out of our small apartment.  I've lived a troubadour's lifestyle for a while, and it suits me okay-but I have to admit, it does wear one down over time.  I'm ready for the next big step, be it full-time work somewhere and/or pursuing my own independent music career more seriously.

There are a few folks that I want to specifically thank at the risk of missing a few that deserve equal praise.  Firstly, Music Committee Chair, Judy Lane-you have been a mentor to me from the beginning.  Thanks for being steadfast in waters calm and rough.  Maryly Reinertson-your smile is enough to make my whole week better.  You are and always will be a beloved friend of mine and Kate's.  My choir regulars, some since day one: Meg Burnett, Peter Killian, Joan Rubenson, Barbara Hopkins, Deirdre Downes, David Paul, Elizabeth Pataki, Tom Hiltunen, Patti Nogales, Kevin Sitter...   There are many who have joined us for a stretch of the journey and offered their voice in song.  You've sustained me throughout my stay and made me a better person.  It is impossible for me to thank everyone who deserves it.  I won't ever be able to repay all the kindness I've received from this congregation, not in ten lifetimes.

For all who enjoy being a part of UUSS, I want to say something especially important.

I am one employee who has worked hard to make your Sundays joyous and your membership at UUSS an enriching experience.  I get to stand in front of you and sing and play music.  You've gotten to tangibly see the fruits of my labor.  There are others hard at work-maybe even at this very moment, who serve you with just as much dedication, if not more so:

JoLane Blaylock (Congregational Support Coordinator) and Stanton Vedell (Facilities Coordinator) are outstanding colleagues to work alongside.  Without their efforts to make sense of Monday through Saturday, there would be no opportunity for folks like me to sing pretty on Sunday.  Michele Ebler (Bookkeeper) serves with grace and dignity at what is often a thankless job, but without her knowledge and expertise, we wouldn't be who we are today.  Elaine Cooper (Receptionist) is often the first smiling face that a visitor sees during the week.  Miranda Massa (R.E. Coordinator) is an inspiring, amazing person.  Seriously, you're lucky she's here.  If I have children of my own one day, I can only hope that they have a teacher like her to inspire them to acts of kindness, sparks of creativity and achievement of greatness.  My accomplice...err, accompanist, Rachel Kang, confidently juggles a perpetual onslaught of last-minute requests with ease.  She even meets with congregants at their homes to rehearse during the week (betcha didn't know that!).  Our custodial staff-Angel and Miguel Neri, Aaron Molina, and Ricardo Sanchez, have a more diverse workload than I have ever seen requested of people in their position.  I've seen these guys fixing electrical boxes on the roof, using jack-hammers to get at broken water pipes, creating a new system of airflow so the coolers can operate more efficiently, even installing a whole network of security cameras to protect us after repeated break-ins.  In short, they do a whole lot more than just set up chairs.

All of these people work very, very hard for you to be able to have a church to call your own.  I want to remind you of that.  These people are more valuable than our building, our renters, or our endowment fund.  You are the lifeblood of this community; they are its heart and brain and lungs.  And it's not always easy.  Please, do what you can to take care of them and make them know they're appreciated.  And I don't just mean cookies, though they are always nice.  I mean allotting more funds in their direction so they can make ends meet while tirelessly serving your interests.  We've seen what our beloved community is capable of by raising over a million dollars toward our new building renovation.  I can't stress enough how important these people are for there to even be a building to stand in at all.

And lastly, thank you Rev. Roger Jones. You were the driving force in bringing me here. My wife and I were married by your words. Your leadership inspires all. You make a fine roommate at conferences, you've gotten me gigs ... you've even bailed me out of being stranded at the airport (These kinds of things, by the way, happen all the time in the life of a minister.)  I used to think it was mostly just waxing poetic once a week.  Nope-it's being the resident parent, teacher and/or sage to all who need any of those things at any given time.

It is my only wish that in my parting, the congregation may be inspired to see its continuing staff, visible or not, as its most valuable asset.  Please, live the seven principles, and remember...

"...the only measure of your worth and your deeds is the love you leave behind when you're done."   -Fred Small

In harmony forevermore,

Eric Stetson 

"I've found what makes children happy doesn't always

prepare them to be courageous, engaged adults."

--Bren� Brown, PhD, MSW

This year's Pot of Gold Conference is hosted at the UU Church of Davis on Saturday, September 7.  It's hosted by religious educators and ministers, but open to all volunteers.  It offers a variety of workshops on Religious Education (RE) administration, youth development, welcoming children and families with special needs, service learning trips and more.  Keynote speaker is the Rev. Michelle Favreault, assistant professor at Starr King School for the Ministry as well as a coach and consultant with RiteHereNow.com.

Michelle will speak to us on "Courageous Leadership: Heartful Practices for Church, Work and Family" and lead a workshop hour to follow up on her keynote. (Other workshop topics cover a broad range!)  Participants who register in advance will have access to a special on-line course with Michelle to explore the program theme of courage, leadership and learning in the week leading up to Pot of Gold.  In an interactive web-based learning laboratory, we will have the chance to:

• Experience a new model for congregation-based faith formation,
• Deepen personal refection,
• Identify transformational leadership possibilities and
• Connect theory and praxis in a structured peer learning community.

Click here if you'd like to learn more or to register.  I am a co-chair of this conference.  

In 2011, I began Doctor of Ministry studies at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley.  Since then I have obtained new sermon ideas, guest musicians and preachers for UUSS, intellectual enrichment, and spiritual inspiration from attending chapel and singing in the choir.  I've made new friends and gained collegial support. 

I've been surprised to see the changes that have taken place in theological education since my graduation in 1997.  (It's harder now!)  I've been inspired by encounters with a bold new generation of progressive Protestant ministry students.  (In short, it's not your grandfather's Christianity!)   

When I began my studies, I was not expecting that my role would change at UUSS.  Now it has, and I am honored by this position.

Given the many changes under way at UUSS right now and the lack of two full-time ministerial positions at present, I don't plan to take a class this semester.  I have up to five years to complete the degree, however.  And if I don't, no harm done. 

My original thesis topic was to interview the ministers in the mountain and coastal villages of the UU Church of the Philippines.   I may change my topic to something I can study without a long research journey, perhaps related to congregational life and leadership or preaching and spirituality.   

I still have a strong interest in the global reach of our UU faith.  I'm donating monthly to sponsor a Philippine UU student through middle and high school.  I hope some of you can visit the Philippine churches in March 2014.  See below and let me know!

For now, my field of study will be the faces of the adults, youth and children in this beloved community called UUSS.  Blessed be!

An in-depth introduction to the people, programs and hopes of the UU Church of the Philippines, a joyful feast for your mind and your heart.

Fees include all flights and ground transportation once you arrive in the country plus your meals, accommodations, entertainment expenses and various other expenses.  You will need to pay about $1,110 for travel between the US and Manila plus costs of alcoholic beverages, gifts, personal expenses and airport transfers as you leave the country.  There is a $150 charge to compensate the host church and the Council for arranging this trip.  The memories and friendships you make come at no charge.  Trip coordinators:  Rev. Rebecca Sienes in the Philippines and Lee Boeke Burke in the USA, available to help you achieve your personal/congregational goals.

This year the UU Partner Church Council offers three options:

March 10 to 17, 2014:  Travel to Negros Island from Manila to the heartland of UUism.  You will learn how Unitarian Universalism developed and meet the courageous UUs who are working to grow the faith and the hope of their communities.  Enjoy the warmth of this beautiful country and their amazing hospitality.  We will visit with many congregations-some who need a partner church-and enjoy the beautiful tropical environment of the islands.  On road trips we travel in air-conditioned vans and stay in nice hotels.  Some of the oldest coral reefs in the world lie just off shore.  Dumaguete, home of the headquarters of the UU Church (UUCP), is a college town known as the friendliest city in the Philippines.  Our hosts from UUCP welcome us with open arms and smiling faces.  Join us for this memorable pilgrimage.  Cost:  $870 (single supplement $120).

Pre-trip to Manila March 7 to 10:  Enjoy the warm hospitality and lively culture of Manila.  Visit the newest UU congregation in the Philippines.  Learn the history:  This amazing country has seen so much-from the Spanish colonization to the Japanese invasion and the American occupation and rebuilding of the city after WW II.  Explore the heritage and architecture of Manila and get to know the energetic, young UU presence in Manila, as well as a congregation in the poor area of metro-Manila.  An experience you won't soon forget.  Cost:  $460.

Post-trip March 18 to 21, 2014 (can be extended, expenses to be arranged):  Extend your visit with an opportunity to spend a few days in your partner village or explore some of the world's most beautiful beaches and premier dive sites.  Please let us know what your ideas are and we'll see what we can arrange for you.

Learn more or sign up at the UUPCC website or call the UUPCC office at (781) 275-1710.  If you have any questions, please e-mail Lee Boeke Burke or call her at (920) 915-1667.  Minimum of eight (8) travelers to make this trip a go.  Deadline is January 3.  Philippine weather can be quite hot and some of the roads and paths we travel can be rough.  Please discuss any travel concerns you have with us before deciding if this is the trip for you.

We meet every two months and have an opening for at least one male adult.  If you have the calm gift of listening and might want to join us, let me know. 

If you would like a call from this ministry, leave a message at the Office.  This team of trustworthy people offers a caring presence to Members and Pledging Friends of the congregation. They have the grace to listen.   

Gratitude Makes us Feel Good

Mental sunshine will cause the flowers of peace, happiness, and prosperity to grow upon the face of the earth.  Be a creator of mental sunshine.

-Graffiti On A Wall In Berkeley, California-

Gratitude Attitude

Stretching in Gratitude:  UUSS depends on donations and financial pledges for all its ministries and activities.  But giving to UUSS is more than a practical matter.  When we stretch to give, we deepen our own lives and give everyone reasons for gratitude.

Q:        How does being grateful enrich our lives?

A:        Being grateful for everything we have been given, to whatever source we believe is the giver, be it our own concept of God, the universe or something else, helps us feel a connection to ourselves, to each other and to nature.  This yearning for connection is something we all share.  Either spiritual or secular recognition of what we are grateful for helps to fulfill that yearning. 

On July 28, over 60 members of the congregation attended a presentation and discussion on the status of our project to improve and remodel our campus.  This project will have three phases and the costs of Phase 1A-scheduled to begin in late May or early June next year-was the primary topic.  As was mentioned in previous articles, rising construction costs are affecting our plans, and our architect is working on modifications to the design to meet budget restrictions.

We continue to explore financing options to ensure the changes we want to make are affordable and we are acting as responsible stewards of both our property and our funds.  Certain costs of this first phase are still unknown because we are asking Sacramento County to allow us to defer some construction work on the parking lot, fire hydrants and street improvements to a later phase.  That decision, however, has not yet been made.

On August 12, the Sacramento County Planning Commission held a hearing on our application for the permit required for our project; and unfortunately, our request was continued until August 26.  This delay was due to the county's belief that our permit has to address the fact we rent our social hall and other rooms and that it should also reflect concerns expressed by neighbors over noise and the hours that our proposed amphitheater would be in use.

We would like to thank the members who came to the hearing on August 12 and showed public support for this project.

There will be another discussion on this project following our service on Sunday, August 25, and we hope the hearing on August 26 will conclude with the county approving our permit request.

If you have any questions on any item related to this important project, please contact me in person or e-mail, or contact Joan Rubenson, Ginger Enrico or Carrie Cornwell in person or e-mail.

Going to Ghana, West Africa, with Signs of Hope International gave me plenty of opportunities to bring hope into the lives of many deaf children.  The children taught me so much more than any lesson I was able to offer and each student gave me hope as well.

Hope for a simple life.

Hope to wake up each day being thankful no matter what.

Hope that the life I live can be as basic as my two months in Ghana.

Hope that life goes on despite hardships.

Hope for community.

Hope for culture.             

Hope for camaraderie.

Hope for language and communication.

Hope for life full of smiles.

Hope for love.

Just, hope.

By living in Africa over the summer I was reminded that all you need is love-simple, basic love.  The deaf children I taught and the culture of Ghana that I lived in showed me that life can be good no matter the conditions or resources available.  Each day the Ghanaian community displayed that a simple life grants happiness, togetherness and fulfillment.  If you fill your heart with love and hope, you are golden.

I am a curve on this circle of hope.  This hope now outlines my heart and being and forever will.  I continue to carry this simple hope in my everyday life now that I have returned to America and back to work here at UUSS with you.  I look forward to our upcoming Religious Education year and partnering with you all.  Thanks to each of you for your support during my Ghana adventure. 

The Religious Education program is now collecting 2013-2014 RE registration forms.  Please fill out one form per family.  This important document allows us to stay in contact with you and learn of any interests or ideas you may wish to share.  Children and youth participating in any RE activities like Coming of Age, OWL, Chalice Camp, MUUGs and YRUU must have an RE registration form on file. Forms are available at the RE Welcome Table or here.

Religious Education would like to give a special THANKS to all the ArtWorks teachers who committed their time, talents and support over the summer months! 

Take a look at the new penstemon plants in front of the RE building!  Chalice Camp participants spent a morning planting these bee-friendly natives donated by UUSS member Taylor Lewis of Cornflower Farms.  The planting was in support of the camp theme "It matters what we do together."

Once again, our weeklong camp was a big success!  In a new twist, campers learned about several UU heroes, including Thomas Starr King, John Murray, Margaret Fuller, Martha and Rev. Waitstill Sharp and James Reeb.  They engaged in five separate short plays and practiced songs like "Gathered Here," "Spirit of Life," and "Come, Come, Whoever You Are."  Of course, there was also a lot of time for organized games like latch tag or suitcase relay, and unorganized outdoor time playing soccer or "fishing" for mosquito fish in the little pond near the social hall.  A trip to the College Greens Swim & Racquet Club for swimming was also a lot of fun.

Special thanks go out to our lead counselors Nicholas and Zoe and assistant counselors Charlotte and Jacob.  As camp director this year, it was truly a special pleasure for me to work with these older youth.  I also appreciate all the parents and other volunteers who assisted in many ways, especially Carrie Cornwell, whose vision has really driven the development of Chalice Camp at UUSS.  Finally, Religious Education Coordinator Miranda Massa played an enormously positive role in running the camp each afternoon while I was away getting prepared for a new teaching job in Elk Grove.  All of you are testament to the corny but true old saying that it takes a village to raise a child.

Sunday, September 1

9:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m.     Child care in Room 11 - for any who aren't attending the service

10-11:15 a.m.                Worship for All Ages - two RE kids leading with Rev. Roger

Sunday, September 8, Return to the two-service schedule

9:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m.     Child care available - age 5 and under

9:30-10:45 a.m.             Religious Education program begins!

11 a.m.-1 p.m.               Our Whole Lives (OWL) Mandatory Parent Orientation, Rm. 7/8

Sunday, September 15

9:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m.     Child care available - age 5 and under

9:30-10:45 a.m.             Religious Education

Sunday, September 22

9:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m.     Child care available - age 5 and under

9:30-10:45 a.m.             Garden Day

11 a.m.-1 p.m.               OWL Class

Sunday, September 29

9:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m.     Child care available - age 5 and under

9:30-10:45 a.m.             Religious Education

Sunday, October 6, 2013

9:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m.     Child care available - age 5 and under

9:30 and 11:15 a.m.      Worship for All Ages at Both Services

RE schedule and calendar details at http://uuss.org/Groups/RE/index.php

The UUSS Religious Education office is providing the Our Whole Lives (OWL) classes again this year for youth in grades 7 and 8.  OWL is a series of sexuality education curricula, taught by trained UUSS adult volunteers, which helps young people make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior.  These classes affirm that parents are the primary sexuality educators of their children, but provide youth with additional, accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health and society and culture.  Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, OWL not only provides facts about anatomy and human development, but helps young people to clarify their values, build interpersonal skills and understand the spiritual, emotional and social aspects of sexuality. 

To register, participating families are asked to commit to the entire nine-month program beginning with a mandatory Parent Orientation on September 8, 2013, in Room 7/8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  To register for the OWL Program for 7th and 8th graders, please contact UUSS RE Assistant Miranda Massa at miranda@uuss.org or call (916) 483-9283, ext. 207 (Please leave a message.).

Sign up (there will be flyers on Sundays on the patio) to join us Saturday, September 7, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers are needed to place pavers to outline the paths of the labyrinth.  You can work for just one hour or more if you wish!

What to bring:

• Work gloves
• Garden trowels
• Knee pads or kneeling pads

 What is to be done:

• Mix mortar to secure pavers
• Place pavers in mortar and ensure alignment and elevation

Contact:  John McMillan at mcmillanjohn@att.net.

Our celebration of the Autumn Equinox on Friday, September 20, will begin with walking the labyrinth at 5 p.m., a potluck at 6 p.m. and a ceremony at 7 p.m.  This evening's guest speaker will be Dr. Don Forrester, a retired Kaiser doctor who now trains their doctors in vegan nutrition.  His website is www.donforrestermd.com/ and you can find his videos on YouTube.  His talk may be 90 minutes with questions. All welcome, free. Contact:  Laurie Jones laurievaljo@gmail.com, (916) 342-3226.

The fall speaker series for Alliance will begin on Thursday, September 12, at 10:45 a.m. Our first speaker of the season will be Michelle Phipps from the Mission Oaks Recreation and Parks District.  She will speak about resources and programs that are available for seniors and also the children you may have in your life.

Find out about volunteer opportunities you may want to pursue or that may be good to pass on to someone you know who is looking for opportunities in the community.

Please come and bring a sack lunch to enjoy with other members and guests.  Refreshments will be served.

Welcome back!  We hope you had a nice summer.

To start the new church year off right, UUSS will hold its first games night of 2013-14 on Friday evening, September 13, in the Fahs Room.  That's right, we'll begin this year by testing our luck on Friday the 13th, so bring your lucky charm.

This year Games Night will take place on the second Friday of each month in the Fahs Room.  As with last year, we will provide cards, chess, checkers, board games, toddler games, kid games and adult games, including the very popular Rummikub.  But if you really love to play a certain game, bring it and we will play it with you.  Come by yourself, come with a friend or come with your whole family, but come to play.

Doors to the Fahs Room 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.

For more information or if you would be interested in helping to host Games Night, call or e-mail Megan Snyder at 333-8203 or snydermegan76@gmail.com, Ginny Johnson at 649-0575 or ginnyjuu@att.net, or Carrie Cornwell at 442-1637 or ccornwell@surewest.net.

Let the games begin!

Theater One (T1) needs a director in order to have a fall play.  Please call or e-mail Laurie Jones at (916) 342-3226 or laurievaljo@gmail.com or Pat Skeels at (916) 704-2649 or patskeels11@gmail.com if you are interested.  We are having an emergency meeting on Wednesday, September 4, at 7 p.m. at the church.  Come prepared to present your play to the group. Please limit presentations to five minutes. 

In September, the group will be reading The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson.  This is a novel about North Korea that won this year's Pulitzer Prize. The meeting will be on September 24, at 7 p.m.  We meet on the last Tuesday of every month.  Reach me at jamesglidden@sbcglobal.net.   

There will be a meeting on Sunday, September 8, from 1 to 2 p.m. after the second service to discuss the possibility of offering classes in Cakes for the Queen of Heaven by Rev. Shirley Ranck and Rise Up and Call Her Name by Elizabeth Fisher.  For more information, please contact Laurie Jones at (916) 342-3226 or laurievaljo@gmail.com.

Our member Edward Greaves, M.D., passed away from cancer July 26.  He was a pediatrician, but in his spare time and in retirement, he became a leading American birder and photographer of birds.  We extend our condolences to his wife, Lynne, and their three grown children and two grandchildren.  I will officiate at a Celebration of Life service on Sunday, September 29, at 3 p.m.  Our Volunteers on the UUSS Memorial Receptions committee will provide a reception.  The Sacramento Bee has published an excellent obituary.

Former UUSS member Beryl Spurling died of cancer August 6, one month after his diagnosis.  We extend our love and condolences on this loss to his wife, Joan Spurling, and their five grown children.  Joan was the first coordinator of the UUSS Friends in Deed program.  They have been attending the Sierra Foothills church since moving away from Sacramento a few years ago.  His memorial service was August 24 in Lincoln.

At our August 25 Ingathering service, we spoke aloud a roll call of the members, pledging friends and loved ones of members who had died since last year's Ingathering Sunday service.

Our Program Council and Minister approved the formation of a UUSS-UNO Committee at their meeting on May 19, 2013, with Carl Sweet the designated Envoy.  The stated purpose of this committee is to support and promote the principles and activities of the United Nations and the local chapter of the United Nations Association-USA.  Our philosophical principle is to implement our covenant of "being a force for healing in the world." 

The UUSS-UNO Committee has had two meetings to plan and arrange for some exciting programs for this fall season.  The first was a showing of former Vice President Al Gore's film "An Inconvenient Truth," jointly sponsored with the UUSS Social Responsibility Network.  This was the first event of the national UNO's present campaign on the Climate Change Initiative.  

The UUSS Congregation is invited to participate in the United Nations Association-USA local chapter's September meeting on climate change at the SMUD Auditorium on September 16, at 7 p.m.  Additional information will be printed in the Blue Sheet.

We invite your participation in the UN International Day of Peace Celebration hosted by Kids for Peace and the UNA-USA at the State Capitol west steps on Saturday, September 21, beginning at 10 a.m.  This will be a gala peace event including a delegation of kids from China and Japan, performances and Peace Dove release.  This is an opportunity to practice "healing in the world."

The UNO Committee will take part in the Third Inter-Generational Model United Nations Conference (IGMUN) at San Francisco State University on October 19, with the objective of possibly implementing a model UN program in our UUSS RE Department.

We invite our Congregation to participate in our UNA-USA chapter's annual dinner meeting on October 24, to Celebrate UN Day.  The subject will be the UN International Arms Trade Treaty passed by the UN General Assembly on May 2, 2013.  Here's another opportunity to "be a force for healing in the world."  Watch for further information on this community event.

We welcome participation of the congregation in our UNO Committee and our events.  You can obtain further information from our Envoy at the Connection Central table on Sunday mornings.

"Before I die..." is an ongoing global art project created by Candy Chang, a TED Senior Fellow.  It's been produced in 10 languages in over 30 countries, including Kazakhstan, Portugal, Denmark and in July at UUSS.  Here are some excerpts from the UUSS version.  Before I Die I Want To..."radiate compassion," "dance more," "be the person my dog thinks I am," "see everyone have a first helping before anyone has seconds," "be the most amazing person I can be," "know where I'm going."  Thanks to all who participated and to all who enjoyed it.  For background and further information: www.candychang.com.

The Web Site Committee is embarking on a program of growth and improvement for the UUSS web site. We are drawing up a list of wants and needs to present to a Web developer, and we plan to gather your ideas with an on-line survey in the near future. Be thinking about how you currently use the web site, and what would make it more useful to you.

Remember that committees and activity groups are encouraged to establish their own pages where they can archive documents and post news of their events.

For more information, please contact Web Site Committee Chair Bob Oyafuso at (916) 353-0376 or boyafuso@sbcglobal.net.

Our next art reception will be held on Friday, September 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., featuring our very own Taylor Gutermute, AKA Patty Taylor.  Her show is titled "Some of Each."  She has selected a representative group of artworks created from various materials she enjoys using in her work, including sheet metal sculpture, monotype prints and mixed media drawings.  Come and enjoy the diversity and a welcome back to art on the walls.