|
Join Our List |  |
|
|
|
A Month of Sundays
| | |
Services and Religious Education at 10:15 am at
890 Morse Avenue
Nursery Care Staff on duty from 10:00-12:00
September 7
Gathering of the Waters--Annual Ingathering Service for All Ages
With Rev. Roger Jones and Rev. Lucy Bunch; Lay Leaders Taylor Lewis & Molly Stuart
Introducing our new Pianist and Choir Accompanist, Ina Jun!
Bring small jars or bottles of water that represent your summer activities, whether near or far: an ocean, glacier, lake, river, public pool, garden hose or kitchen faucet. We celebrate coming together for a new church year by mingling the waters. This UU tradition takes place in many congregations on the continent this time of year.
Today we start a tradition of saluting those who have a birthday in the month during our Chalice Lighting at All-Ages services!
September 14
Thinking Like a Mountain vs. Acting Like a Dinosaur
Rev. Roger Jones, preaching, with Lay Leader Kevin Sitter, & Kids' Freedom Club
UUSS Choir with Interim Conductor Meg Burnett & Pianist Ina Jun
Writer Aldo Leopold coined "thinking like a mountain" to talk about the scientific insight that all of nature is connected and inter-dependent, and about the spiritual experience of unity with all of life. In these times of ecosystems and human communities in peril, let's consider the inspiration and comfort offered by thinking like a mountain.
This sermon ties in with today's Ask a Scientist forum about climate change with blogger and environmental scientist Dana Nuccitelli.Also, UUSS kids will invite your advocacy on the issue of contemporary slavery around the globe.
September 21
What's It All About?
Guest Preacher: Joshua Searle-White, Ph.D. (UUA District Executive),
with Rev. Roger Jones, Lay Leaders Mike Irwin & Linda Roth
UUSS Choir with Interim Conductor Meg Burnett & Pianist Ina Jun
What is the purpose of life, if in fact it has a purpose at all? Is it about attaining salvation? Making a difference? Mastering the hokey-pokey? Join us as we examine one of life's most persistent questions and offer a potential answer to it.
Josh is the Unitarian Universalist Association's Pacific Central District Executive and a staff member of the UUA's Pacific Western Region. Formerly a professor of psychology in Western Pennsylvania, he has moved back to his native California and lives in Santa Cruz. He is best known in UU circles for his storytelling and his book Magic Wanda's Travel Emporium: Tales of Love, Hate, and Things in Between.
September 28
Spirituality: Something Deeper than the Ordinary
Rev. Roger Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch & Lay Leader Mary
Howard
Maybe spirituality is less about pursuing peak experiences and more about being receptive to the wonder just under the surface of ordinary life. What helps you be receptive? What gets in the way?
Recycle Sunday returns! The colorful boxes to receive your used batteries, CFC light bulbs, printer cartridges, and cell phones are in Pilgrim Hall at coffee hour the 4th Sunday of every month.
|
|
Shared Offering to Support Mustard Seed School in September
| | Established in 1989 to help homeless children, the Mustard Seed Schoolis a free, private school for children up to 15 years old. It provides a safe, nurturing and structured environment, a positive learning experience, happy memories, survival resources of food, clothing and shelter referrals, medical and dental screenings, immunization updates, counseling for children and their parents, and assistance entering or reentering public schools.
At UUSS, we share every weekly offering with the greater community.
For May, we sent $1,800 to Effie Yeaw Nature Center; for June - $2,148 to the Senior Safe House; for July - $1,698 to Sacramento SPCA. Thank you!
|
|
Senior Minister's Message:
| | |
What I Want Everyone to Know about Religious Education
By Rev. Roger Jones
 As in so many other areas, UUSS is not missing a beat in this year of construction and Sunday relocations. We are growing in attendance, creativity and program offerings.
In Religious Education (RE), volunteers will get a boost from a day-long training at UUSS from the Boston-based Spirit Play creator Dr. Nita Penfold. The RE Champions who coordinate this program year are members Shannon Williams and Carrie Cornwell.
By the time you read this, the special after-church program of Our Whole Lives for 4th-6th graders will be under way thanks to Sally Lewis and David Libby.
The Senior High Youth Group (SHYG) will experience a mix of programs this year - conversations about ethics and UU values in daily life, sharing of personal passions, and experiencing spiritual practices.
I'll be more involved in RE this year, especially in SHYG, but we will seek new volunteers advisors in SHYG to replace a volunteer couple expecting a new baby. Let Anita Lundin or me know if you have ideas or questions of how you might help. Since the UU Community Church of Sacramento ceased operations in July, we will have a handful of lively youth transferring from there.
Every Sunday, the Junior High Youth Group (JHYG) will welcome and interview UUSS adult Guests about their personal passions or activities that help to center, ground and renew them spiritually. Irwin Rosenblum is recruiting these Guests to visit one or more JHYG sessions, as well as a few key volunteers to be Guides for these intergenerational conversations. Contact Irwin Rosenblum or Miranda Massa if you have ideas or questions. And we WILL be contacting you!
There are many ways we build community across the generations, and you may have some ideas or talents to share. Please be in touch, and step up when you are invited to support our UUSS mission in this way. Creativity grows among us!
Yours in service,
Roger
P.S.- A special donation now to the Building Fund in celebration of the launching of our Expansion and Renovation Project will shrink the amount needed for a building loan. Let me know if you have questions, and thank you!
Where's Roger in September?
I'm available by appointment with you and I'm in the office weekday afternoons. Usually I take off Tuesday as a Sabbath. Fridays I study and write at home. I'll post variations in the Blue Sheet. NOTE: I no longer have a home landline phone due to lack of calls. Voice messages at the work number go to my e-mail. Office staff and Rev. Lucy can reach me in an emergency.
|
|
Sunday Sound System at 890 Morse Avenue
| | |
By Rev. Roger Jones
Megan not only put in many extra hours getting our sound system up and running at our Home Away from Home, but she also went in early to support the acoustic needs of our landlord, the Sierra Arden United Church of Christ, before our August 3 start. She has a control panel in the balcony and welcomes volunteers to take turns in staffing it - a great way to support the congregation. Email Megan Brooks or see her on Sunday, or call the Office and leave your name and number. Thanks!
|
|
Newcomers' Orientation to Membership - Tuesdays, September 16 & 23
| | |
Get to know other newcomers, key lay leaders and our ministers. Learn about our heritage and spiritual values, find out how to get connected at UUSS, take a tour, see the plans for the building project. Most important, learn what it means to become a member and stakeholder of this thriving congregation, and decide if you'd like to join. This course is offered only three times a year, so don't miss it! It will be held at 2425 Sierra Blvd., our home base.
We start with a light supper both nights at 6:00 and the program starts at 6:20. We're done by 9:00 PM. Please register at coffee hour or call the UUSS Office. Pick up your folder of readings at coffee hour or at the office starting September 10.
Child Care - if you need it for either night, please reserve it by September 8 so we can arrange for staff to be on duty.
|
Adult Enrichment Programs!
| | |
Course donations: If no fee is listed when an Adult Enrichment class is offered, a freewill donation to UUSS is encouraged for overhead expenses.
Ethics: What's the Right Thing to Do?
Led by Rev. Lucas Hergert with Rev. Roger Jones
Two Sundays, September 21 and 28, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Fahs Room, 2425 Sierra
This course examines complex and provocative ethical questions. Is killing ever justified? Are there limits to what money can buy? Is there such a thing as human rights? How do we know what's moral? This will be a rich conversation with something for everybody. To prepare for the class, please watch a 34-minute lecture on Youtube by the philosopher Michael Sandel, "What Money Can't Buy." For those with no internet, there will be a special showing at UUSS on a weeknight (before dark).
A graduate of Harvard Divinity School, Rev. Hergert is the minister at UU Church in Livermore and teaches philosophical ethics at Las Positas College. Minimum six (6) people, maximum 22.
Fee is $25 to $45 (sliding scale) for the course. Free if under age 21. Please sign up at Sunday coffee hour or call the UUSS office by Friday, September 18.
Buddhist Meditation Booster-Wednesday Nights September 17-October 29
With Rev. Roger Jones & Others
Roger has some introductory books about meditation to lend you, but the most important thing is just to start sitting! Group support makes a difference; we encourage one another to take time for sitting in the days between meetings. Join us for opening 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. We may have different members talk about their Buddhist-related practice of service in the community or their approach to meditation. A freewill donation ("Dana") to UUSS Adult Enrichment is encouraged for overhead expenses. Sign up at coffee hour or call the UUSS Office so we make enough space in Room 7/8 at 2425 Sierra.
Beginning Meditation Course Starts September 22
If you'd like an introductory Buddhist meditation course, try Sacramento Insight Meditation. UUSS member Rich Howard is president of this organization. He will co-teach a 6-week course, Mondays 7:00-9:00 PM, Sept. 22-Oct. 27, and a One-Day Retreat Saturday, Oct. 18. SIM will rent the Fahs Room for the class. Beginning Meditation provides the basic techniques for learning Insight Meditation (vipassana), both during sitting meditation and in daily life. This is mindfulness meditation that has been handed down from the time of the Buddha and is still relevant to the modern world. The course is a hands-on, experiential program for beginners as well as those more experienced meditators who are interested in revisiting and working with their meditation skills. Click this linkor call Rich at 916-359-7359 to learn more.
Introduction to the Labyrinth at UUSS Sept 9
Rev. Lucy Bunch, a trained labyrinth facilitator, invites you to an orientation to our outdoor labyrinth, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 1:30 p.m., at 2425 Sierra Blvd. Just show up! But if you'd like to attend a Saturday Labyrinth workshop, watch the Blue Sheet or visit the Adult Enrichment table at coffee hour to sign up
UUSS Book Discussion Group Meeting: 916 Ink on September 30
In September, the Book Group holds a special meeting on 916 Ink Sacramento, which promotes Literacy and Creative Writing. Marilyn Reynolds will discuss the organization and read student works. All welcome!
Tuesday, September 30, 7:00 p.m. (always the last Tuesday of the month),
Room 12 at 2425 Sierra. For information, email Jim Glidden or call (916) 649-9697.
Yoga Mondays at 2425 Sierra Boulevard with Paige Labrie
Paige has taught at UUSS and in the local area for many years and is a regular volunteer in Religious Education here. She invites you to try a session first for free, then decide whether to pay for a series. Held in UUSS classrooms. Come a little early for your first time!
Yoga in a Chair (for all abilities) - Mondays 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Yoga on a Mat (bring one if you can) - Mondays 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Full-Moon Labyrinth Walk - Once a Month
Would you like to walk the Labyrinth at 2425 Sierra in the presence of other walkers? Our outdoor Labyrinth is available at all times, but at night you might prefer some company. Let Roger Jones know and he will connect you with others.
|
|
SOCIAL ACTION-Service, Education, Giving and Advocacy
| | |
Child Refugees from Central America
Resolution Adopted by the UUSS Board of Trustees, August 2014
The Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento endorses humane treatment of the children who have arrived at our borders from Central America. We consider these children refugees who are escaping a violent environment and they, therefore, should receive all of the legal rights given to those who are refugees using a transparent legal due process that respects the dignity and worth of each individual and ensures their health and safety while respecting current laws and local limitations.
In support of that endorsement, Linda Clear, UUSS Board President; Roger Jones, Senior Minister; and Lucy Bunch, Assistant Minister, are encouraged to speak on behalf of the Society at social and public gatherings to convey our concerns about these events and bring awareness to the congregation and community.
We join with ethnic communities in building coalitions and engaging in efforts to make visible and clear that this predominantly white religious denomination recognizes the need for grass roots engagement to counter the largely anti-immigrant rhetoric that is gaining so much attention.
|
|
Children at the Door: My Visit to the Borderlands, October 21 to 26
| | |
By Rev. Roger Jones
Thanks to Ted's Web for drafting and the UUSS Trustees for passing a final draft of the above Resolution. In response, I will do a
border areas witness journey for clergy led by the president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, Rev. Peter Morales, and the director of the UU College of Social Justice, Rev. Kathleen McTigue. Click here
to read about the trip. We have to read two books in advance: Trails of Hope and Terror, by Miguel de la Torre, and Justice in a Global Economy, ed. Pamela K. Brubaker et al. Colleagues have said this is an eye-opening and spiritually challenging trip.
The College urges justice workers and peace makers to have a simple spiritual practice to sustain us for the long haul toward a more just world. I will take your spirit of compassion with me and will count on your prayers and good intentions!
|
|
| | |
There is not an umbrella Social Responsibility group at UUSS at present, but there are many folks involved at UUSS in many forms of activism, witness, hands-on-service, listening presence, and monetary generosity for the local community and the larger world we share.
See various articles in the Unigram every month and in the Sunday Blue Sheet, or check our on-line Pathways listing or the printed brochure. Call the office if you have questions!
|
|
September 11 Alliance - UU Visitors to Detained Immigrants in Local Jails
| | |
By Vivian Counts
The Alliance Group starts Thursday, September 11, at 10:45 a.m. in the Fahs Room at UUSS. Lunch will be served at noon. Our speaker this month is Joan Lacktis who will tell us about "Faithful Friends ~ Amigos Fieles." Trained UU volunteers visits immigrants in detention at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center and the Yuba County Jail. A supportive presence helps these detainees end the isolation they experience. Many do not have families or friends nearby, and a boost to their morale is important.
Please RSVP to Vivian Counts at [email protected] or call the UUSS Office in advance of September 11 so that we can provide enough food for lunch.
|
Global Warming: How It Affects All of Us - Now and in the Future
| | |
By Kathy Styc
 Please join the UUSS Earth Justice Ministry for lunch and to talk about how climate change affects us on Sunday, September 14, from noon to 2:00 p.m. in SAUCC's Pilgrim Hall.
California has been hit hard by drought and wildfires in recent years, and extreme weather in parts of the world has caused flooding and destruction. These events have left many of us wondering, is this extreme weather linked to global warming and what can we expect for the future? At this event, scientist Dana Nuccitelli will present basic climate science and the latest scientific research into the possible links between global warming and these extreme weather events in California and around the world. Some of us have seen his fascinating slideshow presentation and highly recommend it. There will be lots of time for him to answer your questions.
Dana will also discuss a proposed free market, bipartisan solution supported by many liberals and conservatives alike: a carbon fee at the source with 100 percent citizen rebate; and the Citizens' Climate Lobby.
We are fortunate to have Dana join us. He is an environmental scientist and risk assessor with a private environmental consulting firm in the Sacramento area. Dana has a Bachelor's Degree in astrophysics from UC Berkeley, and a Master's Degree in physics from UC Davis. As a researcher in climate science, economics, communications and solutions since 2006, Dana also writes about climate change for The Guardian and SkepticalScience.com.
For more information about our September speaker please see http://www.skepticalscience.com/posts.php?u=1683 and http://www.theguardian.com/profile/dana-nuccitelli.
This is a free event and donations will be accepted. Donations exceeding the cost of the lunch will be given to the UUSS Building Fund. For more information about Earth Justice Ministry, please contact Kathy Styc at [email protected].
|
|
In Loving Memory
| | |
Shirley Hewitt, a UUSS member since 1953, died in her sleep July 23, at age 89. A founding and long-time member of our Theater One company, she hosted cast parties and appeared on our stage, as has her daughter Blythe. She leaves behind two sets of twin children (Adrianne & Blythe; Robert & Robbin) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. A graduate of the University of the Pacific, Shirley taught voice and diction for 31 years at City College and was a president of its faculty senate. She was elegant, generous--a performer and teacher but also a shy person who responded to those who reached out to her with a listening ear and a warm smile. So many of us will miss her! I was honored to officiate at her memorial service at the Newman Catholic Community center at CSUS. -Rev. Roger Jones
Beth Bennett, a member since 1961 and a prior member of many UU churches, died at home August 13. She was a fan of dancing - including the tango - with her late husband, Larry. She attended many UUSS lectures, Adult Enrichment courses, Alliance presentations and art exhibit receptions. Every Sunday, she sat near the back with her walker, often in a jacket covered with a rainbow of peace signs. She leaves behind her daughter Yvonne Bonnie Solis and son Glenn Bennett. At press time, the family had not scheduled a memorial service.
We remember Beth as a feisty presence and a devoted Unitarian Universalist. Diagnosed with COPD since her 30s, Beth often said she was surprised she was still alive. She credited her longevity to Jazzercise and ballroom dancing. After so many years in her lively presence, it's hard to believe she's gone. Namaste, dear Beth
|
|
Contributions in Loving Memory
| | |
Donors who wish to make a special contribution to UUSS in memory of someone or in honor of someone or some occasion often will give to the
Endowment Trust
or the Heritage Fund as well as to the Building Fund. Shirley Hewitt's daughters have asked that any gifts in memory of Shirley be made to the Building Fund, and several gifts have come in. Thank you very much for these tributes.
|
|
Welcome to Ina Jun, our New Choir Accompanist
| |
 Welcome to Ms. Ina Jun [pronounced ee-nah june], newly hired for our Wednesday choir rehearsals and for playing piano at least two Sunday services per month.
Ina has experience as an accompanist at churches in South Korea and Western Massachusetts. Starting college in Korea, she was a drummer in a rock band. Then she transferred to the Hartt School at the University of Hartford, where she earned a bachelor of music (summa cum laude) in piano performance. She moved to Sacramento in hopes of pursuing a master's degree in piano. She teaches young pianists privately and at a studio in Elk Grove.
We were impressed with Ina's piano playing, her poise and her preparation for the interview/audition. She understood our UU approach to religion and worship and showed enthusiasm for providing a diversity of music for a liberal religious community. We enjoyed singing to her accompaniment as well as talking with her. Thanks to the hiring team: volunteer Interim Choir Director Meg Burnett, Judy Lane, Dennis Pottinger and both ministers.
Come sing at choir practice-Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Fahs Room. (Except September 10, when we will practice at 890 Morse Ave.)
|
Update on "Bridge the Gap" - Our Special Gifts Appeal
| |
At our farewell service at 2425 Sierra, we were invited to make a special contribution to the Building Fund in celebration of the Ground Breaking and expansion of the Main Hall. The "gap" is $1.1 million - the amount above our current holdings we need to raise or borrow to complete this project. Linda Clear reminded us that every new gift made now to the Building Fund will reduce the amount of any loan during construction and save UUSS annual costs on a loan.
The response has been amazing!
New gifts and new commitments for gifts to the Building Fund in recent weeks total over $50,000! This means we are more than $200,000 toward the goal. Thank you for your generosity and your vision! To make a gift in honor of a person or an event, or just in celebration of this project, you may mail a check or give it to any staff or board member. To donate stock or mutual fund shares, please contact our Bookkeeper, Michele Ebler. Thanks!
|
|
Unigram Deadline
| | |
By Christine Webb-Curtis
The deadline for articles to be published in the Unigram is the 15th of the month preceding the month of the Unigram. So for the October Unigram, for example, articles must be received by September 15. All articles should be sent to the Unigram team at [email protected]. The editors' duties rotate, so the first editor of the month will respond to the sender to make sure you know that we have received your article. For any questions, contact us at [email protected]. |
|
We Did It!
| | |
By Rev. Lucy Bunch, Assistant Minister
 After much planning, negotiating, packing, moving, and celebrating, we have settled in our new Sunday Home Away from Home. It has taken the work of many people to make this happen, along with creative ideas and determination at the rough spots in the transition. I could not be more impressed with the resourcefulness and good will of all of you who have helped make this happen and all of you who have come to services with an open mind and open heart. Blessed be.
And now we settle in for the year away from home. Many of you have told me about things you like about our host church: the stained glass windows in the sanctuary, the nice courtyard between the buildings, the large social hall for our coffee hour, the balcony and many others.
It will be an interesting year for us as a church that is being hosted in another space, rather than our usual role of hosting others. And an interesting year for our hosts as well. They moved and shortened their worship service in order to accommodate us. They have been flexible and gracious. If you see one of them, please thank them for welcoming us. We are planning some joint events in the coming months, so stay tuned for opportunities to get to know the Sierra Arden United Church of Christ (SAUCC).
Each Sunday there is a total of seven churches which worship at the campus. I mentioned this in my homily on August 3, and many of you asked about the other congregations. In the sanctuary, SAUCC holds their service from 9:00 to 9:50 a.m.; our service is 10:15 to 11:30 a.m., followed by the La Hermosa Christian Congregation at 12:30 p.m. Right across the path is a small chapel and other rooms which house the House of Refuge at 10:00 a.m., Nazareth Baptist at 10:30 a.m. and Anointed Brethren at 1:00 p.m. Finally, the International Christian Fellowship meets in Pilgrim Hall at 4:00 p.m. Wow, an ecumenical center every Sunday.
What an opportunity to engage with a variety of people in one place. During our time away, I encourage you to be open to our fellow congregations at SAUCC. If you see someone you don't know, say "hello," ask about their congregation. We have a great opportunity to learn and grow from the others in our space. Let's make the most of it.
Where's Lucy in September?
I serve this congregation at 75 percent time and will be with you for two Sundays in September: 7 and 28. My office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons, with the exception of the third week of the month. Please call or e-mail me if you would like to visit so I can be sure to be available.
|
|
Community Partner Nominations Due September 30
| | |
By Cathy George, Secretary, UUSS Board of Trustees
An important way in which our congregation supports the local community is by donating to Community Partners through our shared offering. In 2013-14, UUSS gave over $20,000 to our community partners. We will be voting to choose 12 Community Partners for 2015 at our congregational meeting, October 12, at 11:45 a.m. If you'd like to nominate a non-profit service organization, please fill out the Community Partner Nomination Form available on the UUSS website (
uuss.org/Forms). You must be a member of UUSS to nominate partners and to vote at the congregational meeting. You may e-mail the Nomination Form to Cathy George at [email protected]
or contact me by phone if you can't access the web site at (916) 454-3350. Nominations will be accepted through September 30.
|
|
RE Child & Youth Registration Day--September 7!
| | By Miranda Massa
Sunday, September 7, is the day to register your teenager, child or baby for the new year of Religious Education programs and nursery care. If you can't come to the September 7 Ingathering Worship for All Ages, you can pick up a registration form, or I can e-mail one to you. This form is necessary every fall for church staff and RE volunteer leaders to connect with you, to keep your child safe, and to know how we can best serve your family. This form is required prior to Sunday RE class attendance. The first day of RE is Sunday, September 14. It is available at the RE Table in the church lobby and is online at this link. Contact Miranda for more information. |
Welcome back, Religious Education Families & Volunteers
| | |
By Miranda Massa, Religious Education (RE) Coordinator
Religious Education at our Home Away from Home will be very similar to RE at UUSS -except for some exciting changes! We have new classrooms, our materials and supplies will be packed in and out of totes every weekend, and we will spend the first few months getting settled in our new special spaces. We have two new fired-up Spirit Play Co-Champions, Shannon Williams and Carrie Cornwell, and we are hosting Spirit Play training with the creator! We have a new lead Junior High Youth Group Advisor, Irwin Rosenblum, who will be focusing on spiritual practices in conjunction with a series of Guests. Rev. Roger would like to spend more time with the Senior High Youth Group Advisors and youth! Our Whole Lives take place in the month September for 4th and 5th graders. What's not to be energized about!3
My weekday office hours remain at 2425 Sierra along with other staff members.
If you have ideas or ways you would like to help, or discover you need materials from our Home Base, let me know! I hope you are able to stay up to date with reading the RE Outreach, as it is always a great source for information, events and other neat things about our wonderful program. Let me know and I will add you to the email list. Ready, set, go!
|
|
Spirit Play Needs Your Help
| | By Carrie Cornwell, Spirit Play Co-Champion
 We are holding a Spirit Play training on Saturday, October 4, to improve our Religious Education program for children in 1st through 5th grades. The training is with Nita Penfold, the woman who developed the curriculum from the Christian "Godly Play" based on a Montessori teaching approach and with a Unitarian Universalist philosophy. Nita came to church five years ago and trained our original set of Spirit Play Storytellers. Most of us who now volunteer in Spirit Play were, however, not at that training, so it seems timely to have her back. She is based in the Boston area, where she serves as Director of Religious Education at the Melrose UU Church. We are lucky to get her to come out here for a day. To facilitate her visit, we are hoping that friends and members of UUSS will volunteer to:
- Pick Nita up at the Sacramento airport at 1:30 p.m., Friday, October 3.
- Photograph the Spirit Play teachers before the training: between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4.
- Supply bagels/pastries and coffee for breakfast, or lunch items, or drinks for Nita and the Spirit Play volunteers she will training on Oct. 4.
- Provide financial contributions to support the training of our Spirit Play volunteers. (Check to UUSS with "RE" in the memo line.)
- Return Nita to Sacramento Airport on Monday morning for her 6:35 a.m. flight.
To help with one of these tasks contact Miranda at [email protected] or by phone. Thank you for supporting Spirit Play at UUSS!
|
|
Purchase a Square for Spirit Play!
| | By Miranda Massa
 As the contractors begin working on the new Sanctuary, a few parents plan a Room 7/8 (Spirit Play Room) makeover. New carpet will be installed in the form of innovative squares connecting to create atmosphere. Purchase a square for Spirit Play!
For $20, your donation will buy a square to be used every Sunday morning by our Spirit Play group. Room 7/8 needs 300 squares to complete the floor. The Endowment Trust has generously provided funds to match any squares purchased through donations. How many squares will you purchase? |
|
Re: RE
| | |
By Miranda Massa, Religious Education (RE) Coordinator
 -RE Registration Day, September 7 -Parents' Spirit Play Orientation September 7 11:45 a.m. -First day of RE classes, September 14 -Spirit Play Training with Nita Penfold October 4. (Registration required.) -RE calendar details and information -- http://uuss.org/Groups/RE/index.php Religious Education (RE) Calendar, September 2014 Sunday, September 7, RE registration day 10:00-12:45 Child care available - age 5 and under 10:15-11:30 a.m. All Ages Service 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Kids' Freedom Club Meeting 11:45 a.m.-12:35 p.m. Parents' Spirit Play Orientation 12:00 p.m. -2:30 p.m. 4/5th Grade OWL class (registration now closed) Sunday, September 14, First day of RE 10:00-11:30 a.m. Child care available - age 5 and under 10:15-11:30 a.m. RE classes during Sunday service 12:00-2:30 p.m. 4/5th Grade OWL class Sunday, September 21 10:00-11:30 a.m. Child care available - age 5 and under 10:15-11:30 a.m. RE classes during Sunday service 12:00-2:30 p.m. 4/5th Grade OWL class Sunday, September 28 10:00-11:30 a.m. Child care available - age 5 and under 10:15-11:30 a.m. RE classes during Sunday service 12:00-2:30 p.m. 4/5th Grade OWL class |
|
Thanks to All
| | |
By Maryly Reinertson
I'm sure I reflect the wholehearted thank you from our congregation to the amazing staff and lay leaders who brought us smoothly and successfully to our move and continuing adjustments. Many months and years of physical and emotional commitment have gone into these days. Their unending efforts toward transparency to the project, early and ongoing information and explanations and input have rewarded us all. How can we thank you? UUers in the far future will benefit and pass it on. We appreciate you.
|
|
Let the Games Night Begin-Friday, September 12
| | |
By Carrie Cornwell
We might be spending our Sundays this year at SAUCC, but on the second Friday of each month, we will be back at UUSS playing games in the Fahs Room.
For September, that means we will meet at UUSS on the evening of Friday, September 12. 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 6:00 p.m. Game playing begins at 6:30.
Ah, and what games we will play: Scrabble, Fictionary, gin, 500, Rummikub, chess, checkers, dominoes and more. The adults play and so do the kids, sometimes together and often apart. We love to learn new games, too, or be reminded of those we've forgotten, so bring a favorite game and we will play it with you.
For information or if you would be interested in helping to host Games Night, contact Megan Snyder (333-8203 or [email protected]), Ginny Johnson (649-0575 or [email protected]) or Carrie Cornwell (442-1637 or [email protected])
|
|
Soup Sundays Return October 5
| | |
By Naomi Keller and Peggy Mackie
Yes, there will be Soup Sunday this year in our new Home Away from Home. The social hall at 890 Morse Ave. is large enough to welcome all of us. Our menu will remain the same - soup, bread and cookies. The price will be $5 with children free. As in the past we will serve the first and second Sundays from October through March.
We hope to see you all on October 5.
Lunch
--Sierra Arden United Church of Christ (SAUCC) hosts a potluck for the congregations using that space, at noon Saturday, October 11, at 890 Morse Ave.
Call to Meeting-Notice of UUSS Congregational Meeting
It takes place Sunday, October 12, 11:45-12:45 in Pilgrim Hall at 890 Morse Ave. Child Care will be provided until 1:00 PM but likely will be needed that long.
Come to hear reports from our President and Treasurer and our ministers. Get an update on our Building Renovation Project and our "Bridge the Gap" special gifts appeal to reduce the amount of a building loan for the project.
Members will vote to select the 12 not-for-profit service organization to be UUSS community partners for the shared offering every Sunday in the 2015 year. Non-members and friends are welcome, but we need a quorum of UUSS members to conduct business.
|
|
UUSS Choir is Hot!
| | |
Join This Month -- Before the Rehearsal Hall Is Too Full!!
By Meg Burnett, Interim Choir Director
 August 13 will go down in modern history for the joyful noises in the Fahs Room at the UUSS campus at 7:00 p.m. It was a wonderful place to be and promises to be, nearly every week through May! The life-affirming
sounds of several brand new singers and returning ones, greeting each other, enjoying the piano expertise and sparkling personality of Ina Jun, our new accompanist, and THEN cake and treats from Joan, Judy, Meg, Pat and Deirdre!!!
For me it is a special gift to be able to share music as your temporary volunteer director of this special group, for evening rehearsals and two Sundays per month. This month we will focus on developing our unified choral sound and introduce music to be chosen for singing in services this fall. The best part for me, after practicing choral pieces, was singing our favorite UU hymns in a circle, listening carefully to each other's voices and blending our sounds harmoniously. It was especially heartwarming to welcome two new choir members who are returning to choral singing after feeling its absence from their lives for several years!
Of course the cake and fun visit afterward were refreshingly late to end after the big reunion. And we are just getting started - a couple of weeks earlier this season - before quite a few of our new and returning choir singers have had a chance to get back from travels and get on board.
Choir sign-ups are ongoing through the year. Choir members are invited to join as soon as possible during the next couple of weeks, if you and the other favorite singers in your life wish to share our gift of choral singing.
We are eager to greet everyone from our congregation at the Music Conversation Display after services this month for information, signing up, sharing ideas, questions and suggestions. I wish to give a special shout out to our new choir friends, Dawn and Kellie Anne, and our new church member, Patty, for volunteering to host the table with me. We welcome anyone to volunteer as a table host: Just sign up with one or two others for a time you could host after service for 20 minutes.
I'm very grateful!! Preparation this month for me could not have happened without Rev. Roger, Rev. Lucy and constant support in so many kind ways from our generous and wise volunteer angels: Judy Lane, Joan Rubenson, and Barbara Washington. I also am happy to welcome Phil , new UUSS friend, who has accompanied Roger and me singing songs in RE. There are also additional special choir helpers to appreciate and acknowledge soon. Look for their names next month! It could be you if you are going to start choir with us soon. Thank you to the folks who e-mailed me to let me know of their intentions to be away one week but join us next time. It really helps us in preparation of materials and rehearsal set-up, as well as planning music for services, to know when we can expect you.
Please e-mail me for more information, and a calendar of choir presentations this year or other questions about signing up for choir. Include your current e-mail and phone information.
FYI: At the Music display there are cookies involved!
Keep a song in your heart!
|
Music Notes: UU Musicians Network Conference, July 2014
| | |
By Meg Burnett, Interim Choir Director
In the middle of my third decade of making music at UUSS, and my second year as your interim choir director, I am grateful to all of you for the variety of ways music here has deeply enriched my life and continues to do so! Now I am re-energized by new possibilities in this church year and beyond. Watch this column every month for news that really is new about our ever-growing music future.
In July, I attended the UU Musicians Network conference in San Diego, my second opportunity to learn and be inspired with an amazingly talented and brilliant group of 300 of the 700 North American UUMN members. Your operating budget pledges have funded one musician from our congregation nearly every summer since 1999. I invite you to visit www.uumn.org to see how much music support is available to us on an on-going basis, in addition to this fabulous annual conference. You will be able to appreciate how much your investment in UUMN membership has been paying off for the past 15 years.
The four to five days are planned for years ahead by a board of 15 hard-working UUMN members - in addition to their own jobs as congregational music leaders - to provide classes, including:
- New hymn and choral works presented by contemporary composers.
- Workshops in the widely diverse needs of our congregations; valuable skills for improving techniques in singing; and directing, accompanying and instruments.
- Musical recitals by very talented performers.
- A local organ crawl to fabulous instruments in the host city, played by local professionals-especially for that group of awesome UU pipe organ geeks and experts. I am tempted to go myself next year in Boston just to hear them!
- Creative and varied musical worship services, every morning for the first hour, Individual recitals from classical to contemporary and the ridiculously comedic. We were entertained, moved to tears and frequently caught up in episodes of uncontrollable laughter.
- Challenging choral music, to learn and present to our host congregation at their two Sunday Services as a finale to the Conference.
- And the most memorable daily gift - the sound of 300 wonderful, harmonic, beautiful voices singing together-many songs we already love to sing at home magnified incredibly.
I attended workshops focused on developing a long-range plan for a broader, deeper, and professionally staffed music program at UUSS for 2015 and beyond, in addition to increasing our cultural diversity and peace-building. Many subsequent e-mails stemming from new friendships forged at the conference continue to inform and support us with a powerful sharing of ongoing and new ideas, questions and music suggestions for our congregations.
By next fall, UUSS will return to our terrifically improved home worship space in what some of us fondly refer to as the "hex". By then, your music staff and army of talented volunteers will be ready to serve the congregation that we are becoming with a newly re-framed, well-planned music program that inspires and deepens our meaningful choices to be together every week. We are steadily growing with many new members, as well as dedicated long-time members. We also welcome at least 10 new visitors nearly every week - all of whom can appreciate inspirational music presented in fresh and favorite beautiful ways.
And NOW, here in River City, you and your momma, poppa and kids, too, can make improvements to the UUSS Music Program of the future - both near and far-reaching. Without the vision of unique and wonderful you, we have nothing to sing about! Stop by the Music Conversation Display, available after each service for the next few weeks, hosted by UUSS Choir members and other interested volunteers. Learn, volunteer, vote for your favorite UU hymns and offer your ideas. All will be heard, and much will gradually be revealed, including our new list of "Top Ten UU Tunes" in this column each month.
|
|
Autumn Equinox Ritual September 20
| | By Laurie Jones
On Saturday, September 20, CUUPs (Covenant of UU Pagans) will hold our quarterly celebration for the seasonal change of the autumn equinox at UUSS. Both indoor and outdoor labyrinths will be available from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., pot luck dinner will be from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and program from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. In keeping with the autumnal stage of maturity, aging will be honored.
We will do a laptop Youtube viewing, but it will be better to view the three-minute song/music video, "Older Women," by Donnalou Stevens in advance and think about its implications and personal relevance. Should we have a male version? We will call the directions and seasonal spirits and discuss the video and related issues.
This event is free (donations gratefully to UUSS accepted) and open to all. Email Laurie Jones or call me at (916) 342-3226. If you know how to get the lyrics for this song, please let me know. Please come celebrate!
|
|
Duplex Apartments Open House
| | |
In spring UUSS sold the two duplex buildings to the east of our Sierra Blvd. driveways. The sale provided more money for the Building Fund and liberated our staff and volunteers of the headaches, hassles and costs of upkeep. The buyer/developer has renovated and enlarged them already and plans to rent them out soon. He invites UUSS members and friends to come to an open house this Sunday, Sept. 7, after church. Stop by between 11:30 and 1:00 p.m. to check them out.
|
|
Salad Sundays return Sept. 28
| | |
Our Board of Trustees will again provide a lunch buffet of wholesome salads this fall as part of their fundraising commitment for the operating budget. The first Salad Sunday is September 28. Stay after service for a choice of salads, with bread and desserts. Sliding scale (for a good cause--UUSS!): $5-10 for adults; kids are free. You don't have to be on the Board if you'd like to help! Contact [email protected].
|
|
UUSS Security Note
| | | The Offices are now armed.
GHS Interactive Security LLC, installed an alarm system in the RE Wing. The offices are now protected and monitored 24/7. If you are interested in getting more information on an alarm system for your home or office, contact Ben Phillips at 916-812-6388. If you sign up with GHS and mention UUSS, the church will get a $100.00 referral credit.
|
|
|
Serving Our Congregation
| |
UUSS OFFICERS & BOARD TRUSTEES
Linda Clear, President Linda Klein, Vice-President
Denis Edgren, Treasurer Cathy George, Secretary
Shirley Hines Carol Jacobs
Peter Killian Janet Lopes
Terry Preston
Contact Board members by email: [email protected]
PROGRAM COUNCIL
JoAnn Anglin Meg Burnett Sandra Meredith
Lisa Derthick Deirdre Downes Diane Kelly-Abrams Chris Gerwig
Contact Program Council members by email: [email protected]
CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Roger Jones, Senior Minister
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Assistant Minister
Stanton Vedell, Facilities and Acting Communications Coordinator
Michele Ebler, Bookkeeper * Elaine Cooper, Receptionist
Miranda Massa, Religious Education Coordinator
Annie Green, Rebekah Chester, Childcare Providers
Aaron Molina and Miguel Neri Weekend Custodians
Ricardo Sanchez, Weekday Custodian and Maintenance Technician
Ina June, Choir Accompanist
|
|
|