| The Unigram Newsletter for February 2018 Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento |
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2425 Sierra Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95825
Office (916) 483-9283
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January 28
Defining Moments and Movements in UU History
Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching, with Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones
Worship Associate Marilyn Reynolds, Music Director Keith Atwater, and pianist Ina Jun
As religious denominations in the United States, both Unitarianism and Universalism are more than 200 years old. How did we get from then to now? What were the defining moments and movements in our denomination? Rev. Lucy will share her top five (or maybe more) defining moments in UU history.
Sunday Spiritual Practice: Reading and reflection on poetry and prose at 9:45 in Room 6
Soup Sunday -- a fundraiser for Recreate for Health, American River Parkway Foundation's youth outreach program, offered by our Interfaith Earth Justice team
February 4 Compassion or Caretaking or Codependency
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch
Worship Associate Laura Sheperd and Music Director Keith Atwater; guest cellist Jia-mo Chen
"If you really cared about other people, you'd do this for me!" Have you ever heard this? Sometimes it can be confusing to know whether we are choosing compassionate action or being goaded into taking responsibility for another person. Or we feel compelled ourselves to save others at our own expense. It's a challenge to sort it out and observe healthy boundaries. This is part of a sermon series on compassion.
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice: Labyrinth Walk at 9:45 in the Meadow
Soup Sunday for all after the service
February 11
Courage and Commitment -- Thomas Starr King
Rev. Lucy Bunch preaching, Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones
Worship Associate Jim Eastman
UUSS choir, Keith Atwater Music Director, Ina Jun Accompanist
Starr King, was one of the most famous Unitarian and Universalist in the 19
th century. He spoke zealously in favor of the Union and was credited by Abraham Lincoln with preventing California from becoming a separate republic. He is sometimes referred to as "the orator who saved the nation." Come and be inspired by his courage and commitment.
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice: Qui Gong and Tai Chi at 9:45 in the Fahs room
Soup Sunday for all after the service
February 18
Fire and Blessing
Service for All Ages
Rev. Lucy Bunch and Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones
Worship Associates Celia Buckley and Laura Sheperd
It's time to prepare our hearts for the coming spring. Just as we do spring cleaning in our homes, we also do so for our hearts and spirits. What do you need to burn away to prepare for new growth to come?
Exploring UU History 9:30 in the Fahs Room
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice: Silent Meditation at 9:45 in Room 6
Soup Sunday for all after the service (provided by the Board of Trustees)
February 25
Powering Our Commitment to Love, Justice and Healing:
Who's Got the Secret Sauce?
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch
Worship Associate Marilyn Reynolds
Music Director Keith Atwater and UUSS Choir; Ina Jun, piano
Our Unitarian Universalist values of love and courage power our mission and our effectiveness as a congregation. Our financial generosity is a key source of the power and vitality of UUSS. Today launches the Stewardship Campaign, when we pledge to support our staff, fund our programs, and power our mission. Come hear great music and stories of putting our values into action here at UUSS and in the world. Stay after for a celebratory stewardship reception.
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice: Reading and reflection on poetry and pros, 9:45 in Room 6
March 4-150th Anniversary Celebration Kickoff Sunday
10:30 Sermon: Reinventing Unitarian Universalism: Sacramento's Sesquicentennial and Beyond
Rev. Dr. Susan Ritchie, Sesquicentennial Speaker, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones and Rev. Lucy Bunch
Worship Associate Ginny Johnson, Music Director Keith Atwater
Establishing liberal religion in California, far from its New England roots, presented both challenges and opportunities to the brave souls in the capital city. This creative reinvention of Unitarian Universalism says a lot about our past, but it also suggests directions for the future of our living tradition as well.
Lunch served between the service and forum. Childcare will be available until 1:15 p.m.
12:00 Forum:
Pirates, Puritans and Prophets on the Pacific Coast:
Explorations in Unitarian Universalist Identity.
Dr. Susan Ritchie explores some of the most pervasive themes in Unitarian Universalist identity, stopping to elucidate the unique experience of the Pacific Coast in relationship to the questions that forged our living tradition.
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About Our Sesquicentennial Keynote Speaker
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We are fortunate to have an amazing scholar, beloved professor, and enchanting storyteller to launch our celebration of 150 years of liberal religion in Sacramento. Susan Ritchie holds a PhD in Cultural/Religious Studies from the Ohio State University. When Susan taught UU history and polity at Starr King School for the Ministry, Lucy Bunch took three courses from her! Susan has served the UU church in Lewis Center, Ohio, since 1991. She served six years on the Board of the
Unitarian Universalist Association, including the office of Secretary. She is the author of a book on the early kinship of Unitarianism with Islam and Judaism in Europe. She is the founder and Director of the UU House of Studies at Methodist Theological Seminary of Ohio. Susan enjoys family time with her spouse of 26 years, anthropomorphizing their pets, hiking, home repairs, and ridiculously ambitious gourmet cooking. Don't miss the chance to meet her.
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Shared Offering Recipient this Month
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Every month we give half of the Sunday service offering to a local not-for-profit group. UUSS members vote every year to choose 12 community partners that embody our values and reflect our mission to be a force for healing in the world.In December, the contributions totaled:
- Sacramento Food Bank: $3,405
- Christmas Eve Collection - River City Food Bank: $1,576
Our February Sunday offerings will be shared with Black Lives Matter Sacramento.
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Senior Minister's Message
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On a Roll!
This congregation is on a roll! We're celebrating 150 years since our 1868 founding. We're half way to raising $200,000 in Anniversary Gifts for improved lighting in the large parking lot and a patio cover structure and furnishings to go under it. We'll kick off a year of anniversary celebrations on March 4.
Our Strategic Planning Team conducted an all-church vision retreat and then a series of Listening Sessions to discern and clarify goals and objectives for the next five years. We had a full house at services in December and January-and full hearts too, thanks to our musicians, soup-makers, greeters, RE volunteers and hardworking staff members, all of whom provide a place of warmth and welcome. We have Games Night, Theology on Tap, Auction Jubilee, Saturday Stitchers, and more. Social action opportunities abound (see details elsewhere)
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In addition to music on Sundays, we've had special concerts and a prom. We'll enjoy dancing to the rock and roll of the No Divas band on Saturday, February 17- "Love Is All You Need." Lonon Smith's production of
Treasure Island (starring Taylor Lewis) starts soon, and we've had amazing art exhibitions in our gorgeous building. The landscape is lush, the kids are cool, the coffee is hot, and the fun is all around. (Add your own shining example here.) Yes, things are great at UUSS.
Yet life is not always "on a roll" for everyone. Some are hurting or grieving, some are anxious or uncertain. Many hold fears for the future of democracy. We worry about the plight of our neighbors and vulnerable friends-immigrants and refugees, folks in grinding poverty, others living precarious lives.
This is also why we are here-because life and the world are not always full of good news or shining stories. As a vital, strong and generous congregation, we provide a place to welcome all who come, no matter what life is dealing out for them. Together we are powering a place of hope and healing as well as joy and creativity. Thank you for making this possible by your participation, your generosity, and your love.
Yours in faith,
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, Senior Minister
PS-We also have the annual Stewardship Campaign starting in late February. This is the time when members and friends think about the value of this congregation in our lives and the value of its mission to the world around us. Then we make a monetary pledge to UUSS for the next budget year. The generous financial support of members and friends is what powers our commitment to love, justice, beauty, and healing. Thank you for your support!
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Where's Rev. Roger in February?
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Let's make an appointment! I'm at UUSS Wednesdays and Thursday afternoons and either Monday or Tuesday late afternoon. I go to Florida January 21 to 26 for the UU Ministers Association Institute for Excellence in Ministry, back in time for the UUA Region's Board Development Day, which UUSS is hosting for several area UU church boards. My office hours vary in February, as I've been asked to teach a weekly class on church administration in the spring semester at Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley.
Read about it here
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Assistant Minister's Message
Faith of a Unitarian Universalist
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Last month in our Spiritual Deepening Circle we explored faith. What does faith mean to a UU? I was quite inspired by the depth of sharing in our circle. I think that many of us were surprised and inspired thinking about how faith can guide our lives. We shared some quotes about faith and then talked about which of the quotes spoke to us. Here are two of my favorites:
Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother. - Khalil Gibran
Faith can be an extension of what we know is so. Reason and experience shine a light on our path. We walk as far as our logic, common sense and past lessons take us, and then we take a step of faith into the darkness. -Neal Jones
When I consider the quote that doubt is the twin brother of faith, I feel regret for the times I held myself back out of doubt and fear. I feel the loneliness in the times that I withdrew because of concerns that something would not have turned out right. Of course
, sometimes all will not be well. Catastrophes happen, all of us will die, and there are no guarantees. We do our best to make sense of the world, and as Neal Jones says, when we go as far as reason and common sense can take us, we have our faith to help us keep moving. Having faith means taking risks. I thank my circle members for the rich discussion.
What is my faith? I have faith in the essential goodness of humans. I refuse to let the current negativity in the world cloud this faith in my fellow human beings. I have faith that love trumps hate. I have faith in the cycles of life and in the creative force that sustains us. I have faith that when I do my best and rise to the occasion I am contributing to the welfare of all beings. What about you?
Sending love to all,
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Where's Lucy in February?
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My regular office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons. You are welcome to visit. Please call or e-mail before you come so I can be sure to be available. I will be on study leave February 12-17.
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Thanks for the Generous Holiday Gifts for Staff
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Thanks to the authorization and support of our Board of Trustees, Rev. Roger and Rev. Lucy collected monetary gifts from numerous lay leaders and other UUSS members to provide a cash holiday gift to each of our hourly staff members at UUSS. We divided the total pool of money according to the size of each non-clergy position based on its hours per week (full or part-time or Sunday-only hours). The generosity of members and friends was amazing, with donations ranging from $10 to $500. Also amazing was the success of the stealth campaign the ministers conducted to receive donations. Our staff was totally surprised when they opened their New Year's cards. Thanks for your generosity.
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Pastoral Concerns and Prayers
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We extend our condolences to Kenji Ota on the loss of his father, just a few months after the passing of Liz Ota's mother. We extend our sympathy also to Patti Nogales on the loss of her Aunt Helen, to Denise Wieland on the loss of her mother, to Laurie Jones on the death of her brother, and to Janet Lopes on the death of her cousin. We send our love to member Judy Morrison and her partner
, Glenn Waters. Judy fell down the stairs and cut her head two nights before Christmas; she is healing in a local rehab facility. We send our love to former member Roger Barr; he was hospitalized with a severe influenza and is in assisted living in Ventura. Several members have suffered from colds and flu in recent weeks! Please take care, wash your hands, and get enough rest.
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All who attend our Sunday services have discovered that music is a vital part of our community, whether it's piano, instrumental, vocal, or choir music. All who share a passion for music are invited to participate in this vital, rewarding (and fun!) ministry. The UUSS choir sings twice a month on Sunday mornings from September through May, and rehearses every Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Fahs Room. There is no audition, and music reading is not required. All are welcome to drop in any Wednesday and discover the joys of singing! Those who are proficient on a musical instrument are also encouraged to share their gifts.
Please contact our Music Director, Keith Atwater, by e-mailing him at
Keith@uuss.org
, or call the church office and leave a message.
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Are you aware that we are again a Unitarian Universalist Association Honor Congregation? You may see our new 2017 certificate on display soon and wonder what it means. The honor is given to congregations that contribute their full requested amount to the UUA Annual Program Fund. These contributions are the primary source of income for our larger UU ministry in the world. They make possible initiatives that we could never do as individual congregations. The funds, for example, allow us as collective UUs to speak out and act on national moral issues, have a voice at the United Nations, bring Our Whole Lives sexuality curriculum to tens of thousands of people from children to elders, provide scholarships for service-learning trips and more. Our official certificate, signed by our new UUA President Susan Frederick Gray, will soon be on display.
At the end of January, our UUSS Board of Trustees hosted a UUA Pacific Central District Board Development Day for all congregations in our region. We had nearly 50 board members and ministers from Auburn, Davis, Grass Valley, Marin, Lake County and UUSS. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another and celebrate our shared values.
How about a hot Sunday lunch on a cold February day? Board members will be making and serving soup after the service on February 18, with the funds to go to UUSS. Put the date on your calendar and allow us to serve you!
The Board is very appreciative of the enthusiastic congregational participation in our long-range planning Listening Sessions. We had almost 80 people share their thoughts about our preliminary goals and objectives and their vision for our congregation over the next five years. See the update in this issue from our Force for the Future strategic planning team.
Margaret Wilcox, Board President
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2018-2019 Stewardship Campaign Theme:
Powering Our Commitment to Love, Justice, and Healing
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We will celebrate the Kick Off for the Stewardship drive on
Sunday, February 25, with a media show and cake during coffee hour, and we invite you to be part of the festivities to celebrate one of our spiritual practices:
Generosity.
Over this past year, UUSS members have been vital and active participants in building a church community where together we live out our mission to "come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world." During 2017 (
For Times Like These) we have initiated new programs and expanded existing ones to meet the changing needs of our own membership and the greater community. The Board of Trustees will be developing a new budget for 2018-2019 based on this growth and the strong commitment to support social and environmental justice locally and globally. It will then be up to each of us to demonstrate our gratitude for being part of a caring, loving community by making as generous a pledge as possible. "If it's to be, it's up to me."
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Force for the Future (Strategic Planning) Update
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We've retreated and visioned together; we've shared and listened together. What's next on the Strategic Planning front? Well, first of all, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the listening sessions on the initial goals. We appreciate that you took the time to sit together and share your thoughts about these draft five-year goals and objectives. Another huge THANK YOU to all those who volunteered to facilitate the listening sessions. We couldn't have gotten this far without your generosity of time and attention in collecting valuable input from the congregation.
Next, the intrepid Force for the Future team will be sifting through all the gathered input and revising the goals and objectives to align more closely with your collective input. We'll be putting out another version for feedback, ultimately working towards having a finalized set of goals for a congregational vote at the Spring Congregational Meeting. Once the goals and objectives are adopted, relevant teams and committees will begin working on plans to turn these goals into reality during the next 5 years.
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Reach out to any of the members of Force for the Future. We are Margaret Wilcox, Carrie Cornwell, Carl Gardner, Karen Gunderson, Marion Randall, and Shannon Williams.
Watch this space for Future updates!
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It's Auction Time! Get in on the action and donate now to the "Auction Jubilee," the 2018 UUSS service auction and dinner happening on Saturday, April 14! This annual event, which is our largest fundraiser of the year, can't happen without your donations. Can you provide babysitting for busy parents, an art walk in town, a meal for six, or a vacation home? How about leading a hike to your favorite spot or sharing a skill you have with others? Think of what service you can offer to the auction that others might find useful and will enjoy. We also will be taking donations for our famously exciting raffle. In the past we've had Kings' tickets, chocolate baskets, gift cards and many other fun items for the whole family.
Wouldn't it be great if we had 50% of the members donate at least one item? Think of all those opportunities to benefit from the generosity of our friends and spiritual community! The many hosted events offer an array of occasions to get to know your fellow UU's while sharing a meal together, a hike in the hills, a sporting event, and so much more.
The best way to donate is by going to the auction page on the UUSS website,
uuss.org/auction and clicking DONATE ONLINE. You will then see the login button in the top right-hand corner of the page. Type in your 10-digit phone number including the area code
and the dashes, and your pin number (which is the last four digits of your phone number). If your phone number is not recognized, you can add yourself to the auction directory. Look for the red link.
After logging in, find the Donate a New Item box and let your imagination guide you as you describe your fabulous offering. If you are donating a hosted event, you must include the date and time of your event before submitting the donation form.
Paper donation forms will be available at the Auction table on Sundays beginning February 18. Auction veterans will also be on hand to answer questions and help you brainstorm your donation ideas. Donation forms will also be available in the office.
If you would like to work with the Auction committee to plan and produce this wonderful event, please let us know at
auction@uuss.org.
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It's LIVE: UUSS Between Sundays Facebook Page for Members and Friends.
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Welcome to the new Facebook page for members and friends of UUSS: Between Sundays
This closed group is our inward facing Facebook presence, any member or pledging friend who joins the group can make a post that shows up in the main group feed.
The primary purposes of this communal space are:
- sharing of meaningful things happening in your life such as the birth of a child, a new job or moving plans. For general items or political posts please use your personal Facebook page.
- posting events happening in the church and the larger community that may be of interest to our members such as promoting a concert, inviting other UUSS folks on an outing, arranging a ride, suggesting movies, books and enriching activities within or beyond the congregation.
- posting notices about items for sale or rent, give-aways or opportunities of interest to UUSS members and friends such as a room for rent or car for sale. This is not a place to post sales pitches for a business on a regular basis, though it is appropriate to post general information about your business or a service that you offer.
Posts are expected to be in line with our mission, vision, and UU principles. The ministers, web master and volunteer members serve as moderators for all content shared within the group.
All members and pledging friends are welcome to participate. If you would like to participate, search Facebook for
UUSS Between Sundays, and then request permission to join. Our moderators will approve all members and pledging friends. There will also be a link from our web page.
We hope this page will spark greater communication and connection at UUSS.
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Community Partners Results
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At our Congregational Meeting on October 22, we voted on which local organizations to be our Community Partners for 2018. Below is the list of chosen groups and the month in which they will receive one-half of our Sunday offering:
January - Family Promise Sacramento
February - Black Lives Matter Sacramento
March - Children's Receiving Home
April - St. John's Program for Real Change
May - Sacramento Senior Safe House
June - Welcome Home Housing
July - International Rescue Committee of Northern CA
August - Opening Doors
September - Mustard Seed School
October - Wind Youth Services
November - Loaves & Fishes
December - Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
Thank you all for your continuing generosity to these worthy organizations and for supporting our mission--to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world.
Victoria Owens, Board Secretary
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First Thursday Social Justice Movie Night
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Racial Justice is sponsoring the film
"13th"
Thursday February 1
, at 6:30
In the UUSS Welcome Hall
Join us for this provocative documentary about the history of race and the criminal justice system in the United States.
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Paul Kivel, Author of Uprooting Racism at Sac State
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Paul Kivel author of Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Racial Justice, will speak at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at the Leslie and Anita Harper Alumni Center.
Paul Kivel is an American writer, educator, and activist.
Join Rev Lucy for this important event. We will carpool from UUSS - meet at 6 PM in the parking lot in front of the office. Bring a friend.
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Book Discussion on Racial identity in UU Churches
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A Book Discussion with Rev. Roger, Tuesday, February 6, from 7 to 8:45 p.m. at UUSS.
Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry, a new book edited by the Rev. Mitra Rahnema, is a UUA Common Read. This book "centers" the stories, analyses, and insights of UU religious professionals of color as they explore how racial identity is made both visible and invisible in Unitarian Universalist communities. The book is on sale in the UUSS Library during coffee hour or at
www.uuabookstore.org.
Register at the Adult Enrichment table, and please read at least half the book.
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UUSS Interfaith Earth Justice (IEJ) Committee
Showing Up for Justice!
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We join together....For the Healing of the Earth" (Pat Kane from
Life Prayers). Those words reflect our mission and the momentum is ever increasing through our involvement with Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT) Environmental Justice Committee. The committee has continued to do research to identify local climate and environmental issues, especially how they impact people of color and low-income communities. For example, we learned that a 2014 study showed 70% of people in Sacramento County who went to emergency rooms or were hospitalized that year for heat-related illness were people of color. Most recently committee members have met with the Sacramento Housing Alliance and with UCD Prof. London from the Center for Regional Change.
At the January meeting of the Sacramento ACT Environmental Justice Committee, Oscar Balaguer, an environmental scientist from the Sacramento Climate Sangha, addressed the Sacramento County Climate Action Plan (CAP). His key points were: (1) the CAP is part of the General Plan 2030, adopted in 2011, but few of Phase 1 commitments have been achieved and Phase 2 has never been adopted. (2) Since 2011 there has been a 1.4% increase in Green House Gas (GHG) emissions in Sacramento County, primarily due to on-road vehicles, and (3) Increasing temperatures in the Sacramento Valley are already having a dramatic impact.
The Sacramento ACT committee is currently focused on
showing up for justice for the new SB 1000-required Sacramento County Environmental Justice amendment to their General Plan. Committee members attended County scoping workshops in January to advocate for adding affordable housing, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and public transit to the County's new Environmental Justice Element. Currently, these three critical topics are not included in the element's initial scope.
A reminder: The monthly Sacramento ACT Environmental Justice Committee meeting will be at UUSS on February 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Interested in becoming involved in the work of the UUSS Interfaith Earth Justice program? We encourage you to sign up to receive regular updates by contacting us at
interfaithearth@uuss.org.
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Meditation Opportunities
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On January 8, an eight-week Meditation Class will begin, led by Doug Kraft, a Dharma teacher, psychotherapist, author and our Minister Emeritus. He has trained in Buddhist meditation for 40 years with over a dozen American teachers and Asian masters. The meditation style is similar to Insight Meditation but has some essential differences. Not a one-pointed concentration method, it blends the cultivation of ease with the cultivation of insight. It emphasizes relaxation, ease, and sense of humor.
You'll be asked to meditate daily for at least a half hour or longer if possible. If you already have a meditation practice, please be ready to set it aside for the duration of the class so you can give this style a try. Classes will include meditation, discussion of various issues related to the practice, personalized instruction, and time for questions and answers.
Beginning in January, the class will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. each Monday in the Fahs room at UUSS. Doug's book, Buddha's Map, will be used as the text. The teachings are offered freely. Donations (called dana) are accepted gratefully as they help make it possible to offer these classes.
Sign up at the Adult Enrichment table on Sunday mornings or at info@easingawake.com.
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On Tuesday, February 27, the UUSS Book Readers will meet at 7 p.m. in the Library to discuss
The Muralist
by B.A. Shapiro. For more information contact, Jim Glidden at
uureaders@uuss.org.
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Second Tuesday
TED Talk
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February 13, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., in the UUSS Welcome Hall. We will view two TED talks on the subject of "Science and Consciousness". Join Tiffany Urness and for an interesting a lively evening.
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Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices
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Every Sunday before church (except the fifth Sunday) we offer a different form of spiritual practice.
They start at 9:45 and go until 10:15 so you won't be late for the service.
Childcare is available, no reservation needed. You can drop off your child in room 11 as early as 9:30.
Here's the line-up:
1st Sunday - Labyrinth Walk. This session starts with an introduction to help you get the most out of your experience. Come experience this ancient form of walking meditation. Meet us at the Labyrinth.
2nd Sunday - QiGong and Tai Chi Chuan in the Fahs Room. Join John MacMillan and experience a taste of this transforming practice.
3rd Sunday - Silent Meditation in Room 6
. Need some silence in your week? Our wonderful team of meditation leaders will help you settle into a quiet time and space.
4th Sunday - Reading and Reflection on Poetry and Prose in Room 6.
JoAnn Anglin - a wonderful poet herself - leads this spiritual deepening practice of finding your meaning in a piece of poetry and sharing your thought with others.
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Exploring Unitarian Universalism --3rd Sunday of the Month
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This month: February 18 at 9:30 a.m. "Survey of UU History"
Join us every third Sunday of the month before the service for "Exploring Unitarian Universalism." There are four different 45-minute sessions offered consecutively:
- Principles and Sources
- Faith
- Social Justice
- UU History
Both newcomers and long-time members are welcome. Each class includes some presentation, sharing by current members, and opportunity for small group discussion.
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Introduction to Walking Meditations using the Labyrinth
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 February 24, 2018
9:00 a.m. - noon
Have you been wanting to learn about labyrinths? Walking meditations using this ancient tool, as one of many techniques to meditate, is a powerful experience for many.
Come join this informative and fun workshop.
Christie Braziel is a certified, trained labyrinth facilitator and is providing a workshop for anyone new to labyrinths or wanting a refresher to learn about this ancient and powerful meditation tool.
YOU WILL LEARN:
- What is a labyrinth and its history in world-wide civilizations
- Difference between a maze and a labyrinth
- Amazing meditation benefits from walking a labyrinth
- Guidelines for walking the labyrinth
- The three stages of the labyrinth walk
- How to find local labyrinths to walk-wherever you live or travel
WHERE:
Library -
Handouts included
COST:
Love offering
FEEDBACK:
"Joyful! When I finished, I was smiling." "Really calming." "I am much more at peace now." "Exhilarating"! "I felt I left the world behind." "The path reflected my life journey."
Weather Note:
If the weather prohibits walking the outdoor labyrinth, an indoor, portable labyrinth is available.
Sign up at the Adult Enrichment table at UUSS on Sunday mornings or send a note to
Christie_Braziel@hotmail.com
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Facilitator: CHRISTIE BRAZIEL
Christie has walked labyrinths for over 20 years. She has presented labyrinth workshops to both secular and religious audiences. Feedback is always very positive from everyone who learns about this ancient practice for our busy lives. She welcomes any opportunity to share the experience with others who seek a way to quiet the mind and enter into a space of peaceful contemplation. Join her on this exciting journey.
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More Things to Know and Do
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UUSS Rocks!
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Saturday, February 17, 2018, from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Dust off the tie-dye and love beads. Dig out the bell bottoms and mini-skirts. It's time to ROCK with the classic music from the 60's and 70's at the "All You Need is Love!" Dance Party, an intergenerational, family-friendly dance featuring
No Divas. All ages welcomed!
Admission: free-will offering for the love of UUSS.
Contact Meg Burnett or Karen Gunderson for information.
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Alliance Meeting
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The Alliance group will meet February 8 at 10:45 a.m. Rev. Roger Jones will speak about his 2017 trip to Korea while he was on Sabbatical.
The meetings are held in the UUSS Library, coordinated by Vivian Counts. A donation of $3.00 for refreshments is appreciated.
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Social and Potluck Group
(Formerly known as "Couples Club")
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All are welcome!
Our next potluck lunch will be February 3, at 12:30 p.m. in the Welcome Hall. Virginia Feagans, UCCE Master Gardener, will present a PowerPoint presentation: "Discovery Tales of Plants-Lewis and Clarke's Journey." RSVP to LaRue Carnes, 283-5129, or Fran Clarke, 283-5884,
fclarke@surewest.net.
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Theater One
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Theater One sails again with a full boatloa
d of pirates. A new version of
Treasure Island
is sneaking up river this March to UUSS, opening Saturday, March 3, and running for four weeks.
Rewritten by Lonon Smith and featuring our very own Taylor Lewis as Long John Silver, this new Treasure Island is sure to please.
NOTE: This adaptation is rated PG-13
Tickets will go on sale in the Welcome Hall on February 11.
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UUSS Talent in Local Theater Productions
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In addition to the coming
Treasure Island production starring Taylor Lewis on our Theater One stage at UUSS, many of our members are involved with local theater productions this month. It's hard to keep track of the talent! Here are two brief opportunities for a great evening or matinee program.
At Sacramento Theatre Company (STC), Annika Lawson appears in "Kiss Me Kate," a comedy with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, in the Young Professionals' Conservatory Company. Annika is a senior in high school and in our Youth Group; she grew up in the UU Community Church of Sacramento. One weekend only
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and right now! Thursday night to Sunday afternoon, February 1-4. Read more at
http://www.sactheatre.org/shows/kiss-me-kate/
Irwin Rosenblum's original dramatic play
Family Cabins will be staged as the first full production at the local park district's Howe Avenue Theater, 2201 Cottage Way. Ticket sale proceeds benefit the local chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness. Shows on three weekends, Friday nights to Sunday afternoons, February 23 to March 10, plus 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 8. Read more at
https://www.familycabinsplay.com
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Violin and Piano Recital by Sandro and Ina February 21
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Our own Ina Jun and our friend Sandro Ladu will play works for piano and violin by J.S. Bach, Beethoven, and Sibelius. Part of the Music at Noon series at Westminster Presbyterian church at 1300 N Street near the Capitol. Wednesday, February 21, 12 p.m. Admission is free. donations welcome.
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Pacific Western Regional Assembly, April 27 to 29
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The four districts of the UUA's Pacific Western Region (PWR) will gather April 27 to 29
in Portland, Oregon, for the 2018 Regional Assembly. Speakers include civil rights activist, the Rev. Dr. William Barber; Washington Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal-advocate for women's, immigrant, civil, and human rights; and the Rev. Susan Frederick Gray, newly elected UUA president. Programming includes workshops, worship, district meetings, and an optional social justice activity. A day-long Professional Day designed for religious professionals is planned for
Friday, April 27
, before the start of Regional Assembly. Discount lodging is available at the Portland Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, site of the Regional Assembly. Child care and youth programming will be available. Registration is open now. Check the PWR website
(
www.uua.org/pwr
) for full details.
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE)
Miranda Massa, RE Coordinator
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Our Religious Education
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What does Religious Education at UUSS look like?
- Youth collaborating and brainstorming about healthy relationships, gender roles, values, sexual language, and anatomy.
- Children skipping while holding hands as they head to class.
- Infants and toddlers being cared for in a safe and fun place.
- High schoolers establishing service projects for those in need.
- Stories being told about beginnings and endings, sacred places, ways to pray, world religions, heroes and heroines, and stories of our Interdependent Web.
- Middle school youth partaking in mini workshops pertaining to forgiveness, empathy, and courage.
- Kids painting, drawing, and creating to show understanding and meaning based on their own spirituality.
- Little ones showing bravery as they get up in front of the sanctuary to light the chalice for the very first time.
- Caring youth gathering monthly to combat modern day slavery.
- Friendship building, warm connections making, and overall growth in a safe space.
Want to learn more about ways to contribute, volunteer options, or about our programs in general? Contact Religious Education Coordinator, Miranda at
re@uuss.org
.
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Re: RE
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-High school youth attend a weekend conference February 16-19 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Redwood City. For more information visit
yruup.org
.
-Sunday, February 18 is our all ages service.
-Sunday, February 25 Kids' Freedom Club meeting 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in Room 6. New members always welcome. E-mail
freedom@uuss.org
for more information.
-Sunday, February 4 and February 11 meeting for parents of junior and senior high youth in the Fahs room beginning at 9:45 a.m.
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Religious Education (RE) Calendar, February 2018
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Sunday, February 4
9:30-12:00 Child care
9:45-10:30 Parents of Youth ~ Coffee & Conversation
10:30-11:45 Spirit Play
10:00-12:00 Our Whole Lives grades 7-8-9
Sunday, February 11
9:30-12:00 Child care
9:45-10:30 Parents of Youth ~ Coffee & Conversation
10:30-11:45 Spirit Play
10:00-12:00 Our Whole Lives grades 7-8-9
Sunday, February 18
9:30-12:00 Child care
10:30-11:45
All Ages Service, no RE
Sunday, February 25
9:30-12:00 Child care
10:30-11:30 Spirit Play, JHYG, SHYG
11:30-12:30 Kids' Freedom Club
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WHO WE ARE AND WHERE TO FIND US
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Office Hours &
February Holidays
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The UUSS office is open Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The UUSS office will be closed:
Monday, February 19 (President's Day)
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Serving Our Congregation
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UUSS OFFICERS & BOARD of TRUSTEES
Margaret Wilcox, President Denis Edgren,
Vice-President
Gordon Gerwig, Treasurer Victoria Owens, Secretary
Kathy Bernard Carl Crain
Carl Gardner
Sally White
Roger Olson
Annika Lawson, Youth Trustee
Board meetings: 7:00 p.m., 4th Thursday of the month (exception on November 30)
Marian Ashe Linda Roth
Patty Budding
Deirdre Downes (Chair)
Tamara Olson
Program
Council meetings: 7:00 p.m., 3rd Thursday of the month.
Ministers
Rev Dr. Roger Jones, Senior Minister
Rev Lucy Bunch, Assistant Minister
Rev. Douglas Kraft, Minister Emeritus
Church Staff Members
Krystal Gollaher, Administrative and Facilities Coordinator
Michele Ebler, Bookkeeper
Elaine Cooper, Receptionist
Miranda Massa, Religious Education Coordinator
Keith Atwater, Music Director ~
Ina Jun, Pianist
Shannon Ebler and Leticia Valdez, Childcare Providers
Aaron Molina - Sunday thru Thursday, Custodian
Miguel Neri - Friday to Sunday, Custodian
Brett Hendrickson, Sunday Audio Tech
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