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

May 4 at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m.

Youth Coming of Age:  Take Note!

All Ages Services

Youth from the 2013-14 Coming of Age Group

With Rev. Roger Jones, Taylor Lewis, Ginny Johnson;

coordinators David Libby, Sally Lewis and Mentors

Today we see and hear from the six youth and their mentors in the Unitarian Universalist Coming of Age Program of this church year.  We hear the youths' statements of belief and learn about their weekend retreats with youth from other congregations in the Pacific Central District.  They participated in a ropes course, nature vigil and city streets retreat.  Here at UUSS they have met monthly in groups with their chosen volunteer mentors.  Always a highlight of the year!

Child care available - age 0-5 at both services.

No Religious Education - worship for all ages.

May 11 at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m.

The Spirituality of Children-and the Child within You

Rev. Roger Jones, Preaching,

with special music by Dwight Trible, jazz vocalist, and Ross Hammond

Don't miss this amazing Southern California singer's voice and spiritual power.  Dwight is the headliner for tonight's In the Flow concert, for which UUSS is one of the venues!

For Mother's Day, Roger considers the spiritual experiences and perspectives of children, and the child within all of us.

Child care available - age 0-5 at both services.

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

May 18 at 10:00 a.m.

Note:  One service only,  starting May 18!

The Prosperity Gospel vs. The Spirituality of Abundance:  Where Do We Stand?

(Everyday Spirituality, Part 6)

Rev. Roger Jones, Preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch and UUSS Choir

Let's consider different approaches to personal desires, social needs, money and all kinds of resources.  Does our UU tradition have more in common with the promise of the Prosperity Gospel or the insights of the Spirituality of Abundance?   Or do Unitarian Universalists prefer a spirituality of scarcity, sacrifice, gloom and doom?

Religious Education programs-10:00-11:15 a.m.

Members, please sign in for the Congregational Meeting right after service so we can start the discussion right at 11:30 a.m.  Supervised child care and fun is provided during the meeting until 1:00 p.m. in Room 11 and the playground.

May 25 at 10:00 a.m.

Soul Repair-Recovering from "Moral Injury" after War

Rev. Roger Jones, Preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch

Linda Dawson, volunteer guest pianist; Tom Goff, volunteer trumpeter

Farewell Day for this year's Religious Education programs

In honor of Memorial Day, Tom will fill our sanctuary with the sound of Taps.  Linda will offer her nourishing compositions on the piano and accompany our hymns.

The sermon considers the spiritual wounds that often lead to mental illness, emotional distress, and an epidemic of suicide among returning war veterans because of what they have gone through, witnessed or participated in.

Child care available for age 0-5, and will continue to be available during services through the summer.

Last day for Religious Education-9:30-10:45 a.m.

June 1

So Much in Bud, Ready to Bloom:  Flower Communion Sunday

All-Ages Service

Rev. Roger Jones, Rev. Lucy Bunch

and Miranda Massa, Religious Education Coordinator

Musical Guests:  Heartroot - Mindy Dillard & Eric McEuen from Berkeley

The message is about the promise inside everyone, and the ways we can help one another to blossom into our fullness.  Bring one or more stems of fresh flowers before the service begins and place in the common vessel.  We'll take home a flower given by somebody else.  All are welcome even if you forget a flower.  We will honor the Religious Education volunteers today.  Musicians Mindy & Eric sang at our 2013 Auction and did an all-ages service.  Today they sing soulful Americana!

No Religious Education today but child care available for age 0-5 in the Room 11 Nursery.

June 8

Climate Change, Despair and Hope:  Remembering the Creation Within

Cindy Pincus, Pacific School of Religion, Preaching

Now preparing for the Unitarian Universalist ministry, Cindy has an undergraduate degree in environmental biology.  She worked as a field biologist and environmental chemist before seminary.  She also was a lay leader at First Unitarian in Denver.  In February she participated in the National Preach-In on Climate Change, organized by Interfaith Power and Light.  Don't miss her prophetic and spiritual message today!

In Religious Education, ART WORKS! begins today.  Child care available for age 0-5, and will continue to be available during services through the summer.

We share every weekly offering with the greater community.  For March, we sent $2,500 to the UU Justice Ministry of California.  In May, we share our donations with the Effie Yeaw Nature Center and the American River Natural History Association to which it belongs. 

In addition to providing a gorgeous escape for all residents, the 77-acre Nature Preserve holds educational programs for kids from local schools.  It is  "dedicated to bringing awareness of the beauty and diversity of the natural world to children, families and the community through education initiatives that foster appreciation, enjoyment and stewardship of the unique natural and cultural resources of the Sacramento region."  

Annual operations Budget Meetings will be held Sundays, May 4 and May 11, at 12:45 p.m.  Come learn about the pledge results and other income and what the Board recommends for spending for 2014-15  Check the announcement board for rooms.  A Congregational Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, to elect officers and to vote on the 2014-15 budget.

Plan to attend the Congregational Meeting on May 18 at 11:30 a.m. (after the 10 a.m. service)

The meeting will include:

•  the election of members for the Board of Trustees, the Program Council, and the Nominating Committee
•  the approval of the budget for 2014-15
•  updates from the President, Building Committee, and Ministers  

If you'd like to know more about the budget, please attend one of the budget discussions that our Treasurer Glory Wicklund will be holding on May 4 and May 11 at 12:45.  Information on candidates is in the May Unigram and there will be a Candidate Reception on April 27.  Childcare and children's activities will be provided during the meeting. Contact Linda Clear at [email protected] if you have questions about the meeting. 

We easily achieved a quorum of members at the April 6 meeting of the congregation.  After her introductory remarks, Linda Clear, UUSS Board President, received a motion and a second for authorization to borrow up to $1.1 million to ensure sufficient financing of Phase 1A of the Master Plan for the Building and Grounds.  This was a big deal!

After much respectful discussion from supporters of this motion and those expressing opposition, Linda called for a vote by hand.  The results were 93 yes, 7 no, 2 abstain.  Thanks to all for your enthusiasm and caution, your questions and ideas-thanks for your participation! 

With this approval, we can set about doing two things: 

1)     raising donations to minimize the amount of borrowing and to save on annual interest costs.  We may launch a second two-year capital giving campaign for this purpose.

2)     getting ready to build; moving to our Home Away from Home by fall.  The Master Plan Building Committee is working on all of this.  Stay tuned for announcements.

I am confident the results of our Building Project will be worth it:

• A bigger, brighter, welcoming space for all the spiritually progressive and spiritually hungry folks who will come looking for a place to belong and connect.
• An energy-efficient facility, plus bike racks, and better drainage-putting our green principles into practice.  The facility will be more accessible and safer.
• More space so we can all meet together in a service and for fellowship activities.  A beautiful sanctuary to give spiritual comfort in times of stress or grief.
• A larger profile in the region as a beacon of liberal religion and service to the local community.  More facilities to support our social justice ministries.

Because I think the result will be worth it-and because I like avoiding debt-I am thinking how deeply I can dig into my assets to increase my level of participation in the Building Fund.  I know that many of you are thinking about that as well.  

I know that not everyone can make a large gift.  That is okay!  We would never ask you to make a gift that you don't have.  However, we can all be generous, so we hope that everyone will find a way to participate in a way appropriate for them. 

Your moral support, encouragement, good questions and creative ideas also matter very much. This is how we build the beloved community.   Thank you for your giving and your vision. 

Thank you for being part of UUSS.

Yours in service,

Roger

PS-There's a Congregational Meeting on May 18-our annual one, when members vote on a budget, elect trustees and other volunteer leaders and hear updates on major UUSS projects.  Please try to attend.  We have only one Sunday service starting on this day, at 10 a.m.  Child care provided through the meeting.

Where's Roger in May?

If you send me an e-mail but don't hear back in a few days, I may have missed it.  Please e-mail again or call me!   I'm here most weekday afternoons, but I write sermons and ransom notes at home on Friday.  I am happy to make an appointment with you at a time that works for us both.   Tuesday is my Sabbath-and my e-mail holiday.  I plan to be here all of May, including Memorial Day.  See you in church?    

As we move in to the next phase of our building project, Roger and I, along with the leadership, are grateful that we can turn to other UU congregations and ministerial colleagues for their support and inspiration.  Our Association of Congregations-the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)-has also provided us with advice and support; and we are members of the Pacific Central District of the Association-a group of congregations in northern CA, Hawaii and Northern Nevada.  These congregations are our neighbors and we are all part of the larger family of UU congregations.

As Unitarian Universalists our congregation is a member of this Association-along with more than 1,000 congregations in the United States.  UUSS pays dues to be a part of the UUA, and in return receives support, guidance and advocacy for our shared values.

Roger and I are both active in our Association.  At the District level I serve as the chair of the Growth Committee, of which Roger was also a member for 10 years.  At the national level Roger serves on the UU Funding Program which awards grants to UU congregations and nonprofit social action community organizations.  I serve on the UUA's Commission on Appraisal, a group charged to study and report on any topic that will provoke deep reflection and evoke timely, creative transformation of Unitarian Universalism. 

General Assembly (GA), the annual business meeting of our Association is coming up again this June.  This year it will be in Providence, Rhode Island.  It is an amazing opportunity to meet with thousands of UUs for worship, singing, meeting, social justice and great fun.  If you haven't been to a GA you should mark your calendars for June 2015 in Portland, Oregon.   

There is power in our membership in the Association.  We know that we are part of a larger group of congregations that share our values and goals to deepen our spirits and build a better world.  At General Assembly and in our shared association, our voices come together to make a sound loud enough for the world to hear. 

Where's Lucy in May?

I will have my normal office hours in May-Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.  Please call or e-mail if you want to stop by so I can make sure to be there.  I always welcome visitors, even if all you want to say is hello. I will be with you for worship on May 4, 18 and 25, and preach on Father's Day.  

THANK YOU!

Our building project received an overwhelming vote of support on April 6, and I want to thank everyone involved in this critical step.  From the team that prepared materials, to the members that expressed their opinions publicly, and finally for everyone who voted, thank you all for the hard work and contribution.  The success of this project depends on our continued collaboration and communication, and the meeting we had on the issue of seeking a loan has shown me how strong our congregation is.

We heard positive results from our loan application, and the Board has prepared a proposed budget for the next church year, 2014-15.  A key part of that budget decision will be the timing of our move to a new facility. Your Board is currently analyzing some alternatives, and we will have much more information and specifics at the May 18 Congregational Meeting.  I hope you will attend that important meeting so we can all continue this conversation on the future of UUSS.

The other news that I want to share is that the Board and the Implementing the Master Plan (IMP) Building Committee are discussing structural changes to the committees to ensure smooth coordination and more effective management of the project.  These changes will be announced soon and your support of the members in their new roles will be needed.  As the project moves forward, we know there will be many questions. I want to assure all of you that the communication channels will remain open.  

I realize this column has been pretty dry and business-like, but I think it is important at times to share facts and administrative details.  I have many personal thoughts and reflections on the past few months, and I will be sharing them in future columns.  I am attending the Pacific Central District Assembly April 25-26, and hope to also share some of that experience next month.

Yours in faith,

Linda Clear, President 

Are you a Member or Friend who needs access to the latest monthly version of the UUSS Directory? Have you heard about the new Photo Directory but haven't seen it yet? To access these you will need a user account for our website, but it is easy to sign up if you don't already have one. Simply visit the Member and Friend section of our website and click to sign up for a new user account. I will contact you via email once the request has been processed and you have instant access on the go to all the contact information you could hope for. Plus a great deal of other important information. Sign up for your account today if you are a Member or Friend who has not done so yet!

Almost six years ago I attended my first Sunday service at UUSS. I was anxious and nervous as I didn't see how a church could welcome a Pagan ex-Catholic looking for community for her family. I will always remember the first two smiling faces I saw were Janet Lopes and Jeannine Newcum at the RE sign-up table. That very moment they drew me in and took me under their wings. Shortly I was a member of the RE committee, was active in many groups and activities, and my children were ensconced in the RE program with the amazing RE Coordinator Miranda Massa. These sorts of relationships are the cornerstone of this church, and the people here are the most amazing thing about this institution.

Word is slowly traveling through the congregation that I will be leaving UUSS at the end of the fiscal year. This is true. I have an opportunity to return to Social Work and will be employed full time by a small local agency as of July 1. I find myself excited about the widening opportunities available to me, but sad to leave all of you.

This congregation has been my primary community in Sacramento all these years. I treasure the time I've spent with you all and the relationships I will carry with me out into the next phase of my life. I will still see you occasionally, as my children will remain involved in the congregation, but I will be a drop-in guest from time to time instead of here a little bit every day.

I will especially miss the day to day interaction with the amazing support staff of this church. Michele, Miranda, Elaine, Stanton and I have worked so closely together day in and day out. Your support staff here is so very dedicated to this congregation and to each other. They are a little powerhouse of activity and productivity for this church, and an enormous support to each other in both their personal and professional lives. UUSS is so lucky to have these people in your corner every day.

Thank you all for all the fellowship, friendship, love and support you've provided me over the years. I will think of you often and carry you in my heart. Blessed be.

Religious Education is valuable because of the dedication from our volunteers.  Their generous support is such a gift.  Each person brings forth personal styles and creative ideas, making the environment enjoyable.  On June 1 we will recognize the RE volunteers in our all-ages Flower Communion service.  

The Religious Education (RE) Committee is dedicated to giving assistance and support to the staff, volunteers and activities of the Religious Education program.  Committee meetings are held nearly every month, plus various committee retreats and teacher training sessions.  All interested are welcome to join as we transition to a new RE year.  There are many way to get on board! 

If you are finishing up your 5th grade regular school year or perhaps are an 8th grader looking forward to the beginning of your high school years, RE will also change for you come fall.  It is exciting!  New 6th graders will be entering JHYG as our new 9th graders will be starting SHYG. On Sunday, May 25, you will be given a chance to spend the morning with your new RE group. 

• May 4, we see and hear from the six youth and their mentors in the Unitarian Universalist Coming of Age Program of this church year.
• May 18 and May 25, RE begins at 10 a.m. as we transition to one service on May 18.
• Huge thanks to Patty Taylor Gutermute for sharing her talents in Jr. and Sr. High, making art books and making use of the Unitarian Universalist Principles.
• Huge thanks to Paige Labrie who shared her passion for yoga recently in Spirit Play.
• Religious Education would benefit from your gently used plastic storage totes.  If you have one or two that you are willing to part with, please let me know!
• RE calendar details and other information at http://uuss.org/Groups/RE/index.php.

Many thanks to our Coming of Age youth and mentors for making Family Promise their project in March.  Their efforts added to the comfort and enjoyment of our guests, and we hope they will continue.

The energetic boys, Kristopher Baily, Erik Jensen and Leroy Preston, and their mentors finished the set-up in half the time it takes regular volunteers.  Lily Rosenblum made the five-year-old girls happy by teaching them how to make bead bracelets, and Charlotte Selton and Ruby Exum made a special mac and cheese dinner.   Their contributions are in accord with the UU value of service and were greatly appreciated.

Pictured standing in front of the trailer that transports Family Promise guests' belongings  back and forth from FP Day Center to the host churches:  Barbara Hopkins, Family Promise Coordinator; Denis Edgren, Mentor; Kristopher Baily; Leroy Preston; Erik Jensen; Taylor Lewis, Mentor; Jordon Lewis; and Paul Kinsella, Family Promise Coordinator

Friday, May 2 - Sunday, May 4

Sr. High CONference at the Davis UU Church  

Sunday, May 4

9:15-12:45      Child care available - age 5 and under

9:30-10:45      Youth Coming of Age Credos Service at                                    both services

10:45-12:30    Kids Freedom Club Meeting

Sunday, May 11--Mother's Day

9:15-12:45      Child care available - age 5 and under

9:30-10:45      Religious Education

Sunday, May 18, One service only starts on May 18!

9:45-1:00        Child care available - age 5 and under

10:00-11:15     Religious Education

Sunday, May 25

9:45-11:45      Child care available - age 5 and under

10:00-11:15     Last Religious Education class

Sunday, June 1

9:45-11:45      Child care available - age 5 and under

10:00-11:15    All Ages RE Teacher Appreciation Flower Communion service

10:45-12:30    Kids Freedom Club Meeting 

The next workshop that is part of the "Deepening our Conversations and Connections" is entitled "Living Life Fully."  There are various reasons that keep us from feeling like we are living our life fully:  losses, responsibilities, limitations, etc.  Through an interactive workshop we will become aware of these reasons and experience being more mindfully engaged in whatever we do, thus " living life fully." Sunday, May 4, at 12:45 p.m. in room 7/8.  Led by Lance Ryen and Judy Bell.  Come join us.    

We UUSS Coordinators for the Family Promise Program-Barbara Hopkins, Cathy Bowen, Nancy Oprsal, Paul Kinsella-thank you, our 80 UUSS volunteers, for nine years of contributing your caring, time and work.  Four times each year, you have provided food, attention and friendship to family units seeking temporary shelter until they can move into stable housing and self-sufficiency.

During our last Family Promise Week, March 16 to March 23, those who kept the program operating smoothly:

• the planning team, by making lists and recruiting for our hospitality needs;
• donors of supplies needed to host our guests for a week;
• set-up and clean-up crews who created the dining room & private sleeping areas;
• friendly cooks, dinner hosts and overnight volunteers;
• those who entertained with music, crafts, reading or playing with children or visiting with the adults;
• the congregation's sharing of our RE rooms with the Family Promise guests;
• the crucial ongoing support of ministers and staff. 

A special thanks to the Rich Howard Ministry Circle for the Wednesday dinners, and to the Coming of Age youth (see article in the RE section).

Given our need to relocate during our UUSS building project, we will not host Family Promise again until fall of 2015.  Meanwhile, we are a Support Congregation to help other congregations, when requested, to bring dinner, stay overnight, set up and clean up.  We hope you will volunteer to be part of this changed support.

Our congregation is invited to the Family Promise "TEA to REMEMBER" on May 31, an 11 a.m. fundraiser at Antique Annie's Vintage Boutique at 18803 Del Paso Blvd.

Contact me or send your reservation and $25 check to Family Promise, PO Box 13, Sacramento, 95812. Space is limited, so please RSVP to Robin Moore, at 921-6002.

Several not-for-profit organizations will gain corporate matching funds based on the contributions raised on just ONE day of special giving, Tuesday, May 6. I know about this through my service on the advisory board of the Sacramento YMCA, but there are many organizations that you may know and love.  Several of these organizations are UUSS Community Partners, which receive half of our Sunday offerings.  To learn more about putting your money where your heart is, see http://bigdayofgiving.org/

We extend our condolences to Ginger and Roy Enrico and Ginger's mother and siblings on the death of their father, M. K. "Johnny" Johnson, MD. An orthopedic surgeon, he fought cholera in Egypt after medical school and our polio epidemics of the 1950s.  A socially progressive, fiscally conservative Republican in Santa Monica, he championed the desegregation of apartments and the school board, on which he served.     I will officiate at a service for him on Saturday, May 10, at 2:00 PM at the nearby Sunrise Assisted Living, 345 Munroe Street.

We extend our condolences to member Jeannine Newcum on the death of her son James Reed Parker after a long struggle with cancer, at age 64, surrounded by love.  He leaves behind also his wife, two daughters, two granddaughters, four stepchildren and seven step grandchildren.  Jeannine's middle child and her last surviving one, Jim grew up in a Unitarian church in Pittsburgh, PA. 

We extend our condolences to Jean Flint on the passing of her husband, Ellery "Bud" Flint, last month.  Jean had been married to the Rev. Theodore Abell, our UUSS minister from 1945 until his death in 1960.  She is a UUSS friend who attends the Alliance Program. 

We extend our condolences to Hossein Mehrdadi and Mary Lund on the passing of Hossein's mother, Nouri, in Iran March 18 after two strokes.  She leaves behind 21 grandchildren, including Michael, in our RE programs.  Following Hossein's return from her funeral there, he is hosting a luncheon at UUSS, with tea in the Persian tradition, with some words offered by me, Sunday, April 27, 2-4 PM, in Classroom 7/8.

We extend our condolences to the family of Charlotte Pratt (pictured) In April I officiated at the service for this member from the late 1950s-before we built and moved to the current buildings-until the 1980s.  Among other volunteer activities, she taught Religious Education and her late husband served as Treasurer.  They raised their children here:  Jean Fleury, who came into Charlotte's life at age 9; Stephanie Pratt, and Thomas Pratt.  She leaves behind four siblings and nine grandchildren.  A woman of deep heart and a quiet listening presence, Charlotte was a teacher of kindergarten students and those with special needs.  Donations in her memory may be made to the Endowment Fund at UUSS.  

"Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Gratitude Attitude

Feelings of deprivation drive selfishness, allowing one to feel entitled to take advantage of others' charity, generosity and hospitality.  Selfishness destroys relationships and leads to sorrow and loneliness.

On the opposite pole is altruism, which is the practice of concern for the welfare of others.  It involves sacrificing time, energy or possessions without the expectation of compensation.

It's usually not all or nothing and people can unknowingly operate in the spirit of selfishness with things, people and situations; but the closer you are to altruism, the healthier and happier your life.

Q.  How can one work toward becoming more altruistic?

A.   When you look into your heart feeling grateful for the abundance in your life, you can make a conscious choice to focus concern for others and practice serving and giving. 

Last chance to sing with the choir until the fall.  We sing "Hand in Hand" on May 18.  Rehearsals on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. through May 14.   All are welcome.  Questions?   Contact our volunteer Choir Director by e-mail or call the UUSS Office to leave a message for Meg Burnett.  Thanks to our many UUSS musicians for their generosity!

Many thanks to Megan, Ian, Ernest, Dave, and other volunteers now staffing the sound board and setting up sound for sermons and music.  Tech-phobic?  No worries-it's like following a recipe, very easy to learn and do.  Megan is available to train you and provide ongoing support.   This is a great way to support the congregation.   Contact Megan Brooks by e-mail or see her on Sunday, or call the UUSS Office and leave your name and number.  Thanks!  

Spirituality has to do with renewal, when we take our worn lives and cultivate a new enthusiasm for what is ours.  It's about building bridges of connection between our solitary self and others.  It's about finding your place in the family of things, in the family of life. 

When I meet people socially they often ask what I do, where I work.  I usually tell them.  In reply, they might say, "Oh, well, I'm an atheist."  Their tone implies:  If you're angling to invite me to services, Mr. Minister, I'm off the hook!  But I say, "Oh, good.  I have plenty of atheists in my congregation! Agnostics too."

.  . .

I like to think of a UU congregation as an inter-faith community.  We strive to welcome differences of theology while celebrating common ethical values.  But it's not easy.  

It can feel vulnerable to speak from the heart, to express your personal views.  When we dare to speak from the heart, it calls for trust and courage.  When we ask another "What do you believe?"  it calls for the practice of curiosity and a discipline of respect.  Let us help one another to practice courage and respectful curiosity. 

At our best, we can be an intentional inter-faith community.  What holds us together in our diversity is a set of shared values, and a set of promises, which we call a covenant. 

Listen to the whole sermon, and find others, at http://uuss.org/Sermons.

We UUs helped pass California's Human Right to Water Act in 2012 by winning many (and losing some) battles, but the struggle rages with more goals ahead, like implementing the right to safe, affordable water!

Our UU Justice Ministry and partners have produced a wonderful documentary, "Thirsty for Justice:  The Struggle for the Human Right to Water," intended to educate on what it is like to live without potable water.  Please make time to learn about this issue. The film will be shown to the public Wednesday, May 14, the California Museum, 1020 O Street, downtown Sacramento.  The reception starts at 5:30 p.m with film after.  Watch the trailer at http://ejcw.org/thirsty/ then sign up on-line at http://ejcw.org/thirsty/?page_id=313 or call UUJM-CA at (916) 441-0018.  If you have questions, ask Bruce on Sunday or call the UUSS Office.

Matthew Barber's 2003 Tony-nominated play Enchanted April opened April 18, for a three-week run-Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.  The run concludes in May with performances Friday, May 2, through Sunday, May 4.  Buy tickets at the door: $15 general, $12 seniors, students and SARTA members.

Feeling lost in their marriages, two post WW I London housewives answer an ad promising wisteria and sunshine and rent a small medieval Italian castle.  After recruiting two upper class women to share the cost, the four clash, bond and finally bloom.  The husbands who eventually join them on their sojourn are unsuspectingly brought into the "enchantment" as well.

Directed by Lisa Karkoski and Michael Erwin, the play features Sacramento theater veterans Monique McKisson, Elly award-winner Susan Madden, Catherine Rasmussen and Giorgio Selvaggio.  Sacramento newcomer Elizabeth Anne Springett as one of the two adventurous wives and Mallory Monachino as an upper class Brit both make their local debuts.  Theater One regulars Ron Galbreath and David Paul appear as the two less-than-enchanted husbands.  Our own UUSS pal and Elly award-winning set designer Tim Anderson provides both the set and lights. 

In May, our 53-year old theater group, Theater One, will meet Thursday, May 22, 7-9 p.m., at UUSS to debrief our successful spring production of Enchanted April, plan our August 10 Sunday service and discuss activities over the next year during our building renovation.  With sufficient attendance at the meeting, we will choose leaders for the next year.  All interested are invited to attend.  No experience necessary.  It's fun, good training, stimulates the brain, helps UUSS, and we need you!  You can contact me at [email protected], 916-342-3226.

Buddhist Meditation Booster-Wednesday Nights:  April 30, May 7, 21, 28

With Rev. Roger Jones

The most important thing is just to start sitting!  No experience required.  Group support makes a difference.  We will encourage one another to take time for sitting in the days between meetings.    

Join us for introductory words at 6:10 p.m., silent meditation from 6:15 to 6:45 and a gentle discussion on mindfulness meditation practice until 7 p.m. (so singers can attend choir practice).  If this is of interest but the schedule does not work, let me know.

A freewill donation to UUSS Adult Enrichment is encouraged for overhead expenses.

Bragging and Complaining as a Spiritual Discipline-for Parents

With Rev. Roger Jones

This is a small-group activity of confidential support, encouragement, celebration, venting and laughter about the vocation of parenting kids.  Groups of ministers and religious educators found the practice helpful.  A two-hour session will be scheduled based on your availability on a Saturday morning or an early afternoon this spring.  UUSS can arrange child care if reserved in advance.  Donation to UUSS is $10 to $15 per person.   Let me know!  If the parents like it, I'll consider offering it for other groups.

Full-Moon Labyrinth Walk-Once a Month

Would you like to come to UUSS one night a month to walk the Labyrinth in the presence of other walkers?  Of course, our outdoor Labyrinth is available at all times, but at night you might prefer some company.  (It's the full moon, but you can't see the moon from our Labyrinth!)  Let Roger Jones know and he will connect you with others. 

Book Discussions: The Grandmother Galaxy - 3 Thursday Nights

By Kathryn Canan

The Grandmother Galaxy: A Journey into Feminist Spirituality, by the Rev. Dr. Shirley Ann Ranck, who was our Assistant Minister in the mid-1990s.  The Grandmother Galaxy is one woman's journey into three spirals of learning that have emerged and confront us in the 21st century:  women's creative spirituality, a growing appreciation of our earthly home, and a deepening respect for the varied cultures created by human beings.  Led by Kathryn Canan, [email protected], Thursdays at 7 p.m., May 15, 22 and 29.  You may sign up at the Adult Enrichment table. Class members may purchase the book in paperback or eBook format at UU Women and Religion, iUniverse or Amazon. The first discussion will cover Spiral One, pages 1 to 24.

On May 18, at the Spring Congregational Meeting, UUSS members will have an opportunity to cast their votes on the following slate of candidates:

Linda Klein served as Board President and Program Coordinator in the Chico UU Fellowship before joining UUSS in 1992.  She has served four terms as Vice-President of the UUSS Board as well as on the Religious Services Committee and Membership Committee.  Linda retired from 26 years of teaching English/Reading at Sacramento City College seven years ago.  Before that, she taught high school history for many years.  While at City College, she was Chair of both the English and Reading Departments, Vice-President of the Academic Senate, and Learning Commu�nities Coordinator.  She is married to Dave Thomas and the mother of four sons, stepmother of four, step-grandmother to one and grandmother of one.  Dave and she are avid hikers and travelers.  Linda is grateful to UUSS for providing a place to learn and grow and a place that demonstrates to the Sacramento community that liberal and religion are not mutually exclusive terms.

Denis Edgren has lived in the Sacramento area since 1988, and has been a member of UUSS for about 15 years.  He is a lifelong UU, having attended Unitarian Universalist churches in Hawaii and Monterey when he was growing up.  After graduating from college in 1982, Denis served in the US Navy for 16 years and currently works for a Global Investment Management company.  At UUSS, he is currently chair of the Finance Committee, teaches in the Junior High Youth Group of RE and is a member of the UUSS Grasshoppers.  During prior years, Denis served as an adult volunteer teacher in almost every age group of RE classes, was a member of the RE Committee and served on the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee.  Denis is married to long-time UUSS member Karen, has two sons in college (Daniel in Washington, DC, and Alex in Indiana) and his step daughter and two young grandchildren who live in Elk Grove.

Carol Jacobs has been serving as co-chair of the Program Council after accepting a one-year appointment to that committee last year. She is currently co-chair of The Beacon Bookstore and in the past, has been co-chair of the Nominating Committee, a member of Program Council, a volunteer for the UUSS Loaves & Fishes team and assisted with many church events. She worked profession�ally as a registered nurse for many years. Religion has shaped a good part of her life, growing up in Utah (a Mormon by social osmosis with a polygamist great grandfather), baptized and confirmed in the Swedish Lutheran Church and residing with the Benedictine nuns for three years. Accord�ing to Carol, "It is nice to settle in the community of UUSS where I can follow my heart." 

Shirley Hines grew up in Iowa and attended the University of Iowa as an undergraduate.  Later, she earned a Master's degree in Library Science at the University of Illinois.  Presently retired, she worked as a teacher and later as a librarian at Sacramento City College.  Shirley and her family moved to Sacramento in 1989. A widow since 1999, Shirley has three children and five grandchildren.  She has held many jobs at UUSS, including serving on the Program Council and as archivist of our historical documents.  Presently, she is serving as Co-Coordinator of the Friends in Deed group.

Lisa Derthick first attended UUSS in September of 2006.  It was the first service of the new church year, and Lisa's first encounter with Unitarian Universalism.  She felt at home right away and was eager to become active in the church.  She and her husband, Tom, became members in April of 2007, and both taught R.E. the following fall.  Lisa has served as worship leader, actress, scenery painter, music search committee member, choir member, solo vocalist, pledge drive volunteer, Friends in Deed participant, soup chef and labyrinth bricklayer.  Lisa works as a dyslexia remediation specialist and is active in local community theater.  She and Tom have been married since 1982.

Deirdre Downes has been a member of UUSS since early 2010.  She sings in the choir and is a Grasshopper.  She has been a UUSS Worship Leader since Fall 2010 and served as Co-Chair of the Religious Services Committee from Fall 2011 to Fall 2014.  Deirdre's checkered work history includes years as a paperback writer, elementary school teacher, stay-at-home mom and part-time technical editor of CEQA documents.  She is an avid hiker and reader, occasional quilter, new golfer and perennial cat-lover.

David Paul has had a spiritual and social home with the UUSS community since 2001.  UUSS governing activities have included five years on the Nominating Committee and a term on the Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2007.  David has partici�pated in numerous Theatre One productions, and this past year began singing with the choir.  He recently completed four years on the Worship Leadership Committee, an experience he has valued greatly and where he has met many great people.  David enjoys the live theater experience by attending plays and at times participates in plays with the West Sacramento Community Theater Company near his home.  He also enjoys hiking, walking and an occasional golf game.  David is a long-time employee of the City of Sacramento where he works in administration with the Community Development Department.

Joyce Bray grew up in Carmichael and has lived in Citrus Heights for the past 40 years or so.  In between those years, she lived up and down the West Coast and spent a couple of years in Virginia.  Joyce has three children and four grandchildren, all living nearby.  Her Mom's family was Catholic and her Dad's was Southern Baptist; so of course, she became a UU.  At UUSS, she has served on various committees over the past few years, including Adult Enrichment, Family Promise, Finance, Program Council and Nominating Committee.  Joyce has been a tennis player since childhood and still plays as often as she can. 

Kathleen Olson retired from a 30-year career as a professor of Spanish language and literature and moved to Sacramento from the East Coast in 2005 to live near one of her sons and his family.  They introduced her to UUSS, she joined six years ago and now she enjoys the liberal community.  Kathy has served as the Adult Enrichment Chair and on the Program Council and Nominating Committee.  She also volunteers as a docent at the Crocker Art Museum and has co-led a seminar on Latin America for the Renaissance Society. 

Cassie Wilkins became active with UUSS in 2010, joining the Sacramento UU community as a member in 2012.  She was raised as a Catholic in Southern California and welcomed the change to a more progressive and spiritual home.  Currently, she is employed as a Human Resources Manager for the County of Sacramento and has participated on several committee assignments at UUSS.  She has been a member of the Adult Enrichment Committee and is currently on the IMP/Logistics subcommittee.  She and her husband Bill have one daughter, Kate, who is an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.  Cassie welcomes the opportunity to serve as a member of the Nominating Committee.

Taylor Lewis has been a member of UUSS since 2010 and has been greatly honored to be a part of the congregation.  He has willingly served in every capacity offered to him from Coming of Age to the Stewardship Campaign. Taylor spends his days propagating and selling California native and drought tolerant plants and his nights spending time with his two boys, Jacob and Jarrett.  He obtained his BS from UC Davis in Environmental Horticulture with the hope of touching many lives and making the world a better place, one plant at a time. 

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

John Abbott has been a member of the church for 20 years.  He has served several terms on the Board of Trustees and is currently Rev. Jones's appointee to the Endowment Trust.  He is also the current president of the Sacramento State Alumni Association.  His wife, Lori Moreland, is a friend of the church,  They have been married 15 years.  He has three children and two grandchildren. 

Chuck Todd is pleased to be asked to serve another three-year term as an Endowment Trustee.  Since joining UUSS six plus years ago, he has also served on the Stewardship Committee for three years, currently as co-chair.  These commitments have allowed him to give back to the UUSS religious community which has given him so much.

Colene Sawyer Schlaepfer, a ten-year member of UUSS, has been involved with campus planning for at least half of that time, beginning with the entry canopy and lately, the sale of the duplexes.  In the beginning of the Master Plan project she was Communications Chair.  By profession Colene is a Marriage and Family Therapist, working as co-therapist with her husband Fred, specializing in couples work.  She is author of two books. 

Meg Burnett is a long-time member of UUSS who has volunteered here in many capacities over the years, most recently as a member of the Board of Trustees and director of the UUSS choir. We thank her for agreeing to serve as an appointee to Program Council in a position which became open.

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