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Next Issue August 11, 2016
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Geri Randall, with Valerie Taylor, Worship Associate
As Unitarian Universalists, we have no mandated beliefs in God, no rigid religious doctrine. What we do have are seven principles, inspired by humanistic teachings and the guidance of wisdom, reason and science.
Two of those principles are:
5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.
It may come as a shock to you that anyone would question the practice of democracy. Indeed, UUs accept democracy as an article of faith. We are likely to cite Churchill's famous dictum: "Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time." In her talk, Geri will suggest that, in light of current political events, we need to recognize the perils of democracy-perils that were identified as long ago as 400 BC by Socrates and Plato, and more recently by, among others, the founders of our nation and the drafters of our Constitution, including James Madison and John Adams. She will discuss the reasons people vote the way they do, and she will raise the questions of whether democracy is always compatible with our goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all, and whether there are any preventatives for the perils a democracy may present.
Geri Randall is an attorney who for 40 years worked as an independent arbitrator and mediator, resolving thousands of labor and employment disputes. She was on the panel of arbitrators who addressed the issues which led to the crippling 1993 American Airlines strike, pursuant to a deal brokered by then-president Bill Clinton. She was appointed Special Master by a federal court to hear numerous claims of sex discrimination filed against State Farm Insurance Company.
Geri has also been a successful real estate investor since she was 23 years old. She paid for her law school expenses with profits from her first investment. Geri holds an AB in math from UC Berkeley, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa. She obtained her JD from UC Davis. She is a life member of Mensa. Geri first began attending UUCM in 1977. She left in 2001 to live in Hawaii, and returned to UUCM when she got "island fever" and moved back to the Bay Area.
Dick Park, with Michael Lessin, Worship Associate
The Participation Service has its roots in the Quaker Meeting. There is quiet music with introductory words in the beginning, and quiet music at the end, but in between, the silence is broken only by individuals sharing thoughts and feelings that are significant to them. When others are speaking, listen with love. If you respond to others, be sure to let them know that you have understood what they have said, whether or not you agree. It is preferable to speak out of your own feelings and experiences, therefore talking in terms of "what I feel" rather than "what people feel." Silence is preferred to time-filling conversation.
Dick Park is a retired social worker and long time member of this congregation.
(If you have an announcement for the Sunday service, send it to
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Contemplative Service 9 am
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This year we will be continuing the Contemplative Service through the summer, and the general topics and lay leaders are listed below.
We also decided to add a few other "potluck" sessions in addition to our periodic Wisdom/Humor Potlucks. For any "potluck" all comers are invited/encouraged to bring something to share---but it is also fine to just come empty handed and partake. In August we plan a Favorite Books potluck where everyone will share their lifetime "3 favorite books".....
We will fill in the remaining topics through the Ingathering in September over the next few weeks.
Topics and Leaders:
7/31/16 Great Writers at the End of Life/Janice Prochaska
8/7/16
Mystical Experience/Yvonne Devine
8/14/16
Favorite Books Potluck
8/21/16
Gallows Humor/Joan Nelson
8/28/16
Long Term Relationships/Janice Prochaska
Our lay-led Contemplative Services are held from
9:00 am to 10:00 am each Sunday in the Fireside Room.
The Contemplative Service was started more than ten years ago to provide an opportunity for Sunday worship in a small group setting. It gives attendees a reflective, spiritual foundation and quiet source of inspiration for the coming week. Readings introduce a silent period to reflect on a topic or idea, followed by an opportunity to share individual thoughts.
Join us. All are welcome to try this weekly alternative to UUCM's traditional Sunday Services.
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Religious Exploration nUUs
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From your DRE
Our religious exploration includes the value of putting our faith into action. "Faith without works is dead." - James 2:14. UUs want to make a better world and this takes leadership.
We want to develop moral leadership characteristics in our youth.
We have a bunch of kids who want to learn how to be good leaders in society.
Please help me help them.
Help us get our YAC to the Youth Leadership Training in Portland. A YAC is a Youth and Adult Committee responsible for planning and implementing youth programing in the church. Our HS youth group (YRUU - Young Religious UUs) has been participating in a Bay Area Youth Lab sponsored by a grant from the UU Church of Berkeley. The grand finale of the grant is a trip to a Pacific Western Region (PWR) weekend skills training in Portland (arriving at PDX airport). We hope to take six youth and two - three adults. The cost is about $250 per person, but if you have mileage points for flying or from a credit card which you could donate that would help out our expenses.
contact Jef
Save the Date - November 19th - Grateful Dead historian and publicist Dennis McNally will be at UUCM in a rare speaking engagement. Our Youth Advisor, George Pegelow, has a special connection with the Dead. He will share this at the event too. This is a fundraiser to support YRUU projects and leadership development. We expect standing room only, so keep an eye out for early bird ticket sales.
Teens at M
endocino
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| Upcoming Dates |
Upcoming dates link to the UUCM calendar for saving on iCal, Outlook etc.
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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Visitor's Box
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We cherish diversity and welcome among us
people of all races, cultures, ages, abilities, sexual
identities/orientations, and faith perspectives.
GUESTS
are always welcome. Sunday worship is a time for inspiration, renewal, and connection.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH will have a summer program in the foyer and outside.
Nursery and toddler care is provided during the 10:30 service.
There is a speaker system to bring sound from Fellowship Hall to the nursing room and
the pre-K area.
REFRESHMENT HOUR
in the Courtyard or
Fireside Room follows the services.
There are four "Sunday First Time Visitor" parking spots at the top of the parking lot.
Come, join us!
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Sign up to light the Chalice on Sunday
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We need people to sign up for the Chalice Lightings in August. You can sign up directly through SignUp Genius, or call Valerie,
(415)827-0800
or email Valerie.
This is an easy way to participate in the Sunday Service. You can provide your own statement or get a suggestion from the Worship Associate.
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The UUCM Book Club will not meet in July or August. At our September 21st meeting we will discuss books we have read over the summer and plan the reading schedule for the coming year. Bring your calendars and suggestions. All are welcome, we meet the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 in the Clara Barton room.
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Touch of Beauty
Don't forget to bring a flower or two from your yard to add to our TOB potpourri this Sunday - and every Sunday all summer!
Sally Schroeder
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Interview with Ted Gaebler, GA delegate
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Ted Gaebler attended General Assembly as one of our delegates. I spoke with him on July 11 via Skype.
- Had you ever been to a GA before? No, this was my first one and I was a first time delegate.
- What was the highlight of GA? Being together with 3-4000 like minded liberal religious folks.
- What did you do as a delegate? Had an orientation about what to do, attended a webinar which was a preparation for being a delegate, went to special sessions to learn more about what would be voted on. We voted on business resolutions, and actions. All of the UUA presidential candidates made presentations but Ted didn't go to them.
- We used voting cards to vote (see photo). There were 5 different sessions to vote.
- What business will you bring back to UUCM? The next four-year Congregational Study/Action Issue: "Corruption of Our Democracy" and ideas for committees he is on.
- What was your favorite service - Sunday sermons were the best, they would be good to watch at UUCM. Also the opening ceremony with all the banners was very impressive.
- What workshops did you attend- very many in the administrative area (especially regarding interim ministers), budgeting, and membership.
- There were a lot of workshops on music and RE which he did not attend.
- Anything else - there was a disturbing theme at GA - there was so much talk about conflict resolution.
- Would he go again - yes
- Both he and Mary Gilstrap visited relatives in conjunction with their trips which was very nice.
- He highly recommended others to go to GA.
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Gratitude and Commitment Update - 80% pledged
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Thank you to the 84 households who have submitted their Gratitude & Commitment pledge for the 2016-17 budget! We are at 80%! Together we have pledged over $163,000. There are 18 households that have not yet sent in their pledge. Please do so as soon as you can, online at
uumarin.org
or by filling out a paper pledge form. If you need help, please contact Janette in the office at
office@uumarin.org
or call 415-479-4131 x100. Our 2017 church year started on July 1, 2016. Pledging is an annual commitment. We have staff salaries and building costs over the summer that need to be paid. The more you delay in pledging, the more we have to draw on endowment funds to stay afloat. Please help us to be sustainable!
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Viewing General Assembly Videos and Photos
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In case you didn't watch any of the videos of General Assembly they are still available at
http://www.uua.org/ga/off-site/2016. The Service of the Living Tradition and Sunday Morning Worship had wonderful sermons and all the services had fantastic music.
Norman Davidson took photos at the GA and they are posted on our UUCM
facebook page.
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The Contemplative Service will remain (see schedule under Contemplative Service) The choir is on vacation but Milton will still play his wonderful music. We will have
marvelous
guest speakers from our congregation, Starr King and other places, throughout the summer.
Chip is
on vacation and study leave. Contact the office 415 479-4131 for emergencies.
There will be a modified RE program in the foyer and outside.
Refreshments will be provided in a smaller style. Please sign up in the foyer to help.
Our newsletter will be sent on a modified schedule, see article below.
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Summer Newsletter Schedule
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Starting June 30, the newsletter will be published every two weeks until August 25, then it will revert to the normal weekly schedule. Please pay attention to dates when submitting articles. See publication schedule below:
August 25, 2016
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Help needed at Mill Street Shelter
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For many years UUCM has provided a big meal for the Mill St. Homeless Shelter on the first Sunday of every month. This need will continue indefinitely. (June Fesler is doing better but still needs help.) If you can help out, even for just one Sunday, please contact
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Social Justice Education/Action
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We have a newsletter list to inform you about
UU Social Justice actions and local issues. Sign up by
replying to this email and typing
"Yes to Social Advocates".
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Contribute to the 3rd Tuesday night dinner at the
First Presbyterian Church.
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Do you know of an inspirational activist who would be a good speaker for one of the Social Justice Committee's education-action luncheons? If so, please contact Joan at figleafjoan@comcast.net (415-506-4166, Cell: 415-595-6221)
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Continue your commitment to environmental and economic justice by shopping at
http://shop.uusc.org/
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Members only can send an email to UUCM Connect with "subscribe me" in the subject line to start receiving the Uucm Connect newsletter. This is a newsletter for UUCM members who want to sell, give, buy or trade goods or services or make referrals.
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Staff Links
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Nursery Care Provider: Lauren Estrada
Don Beck: 415-892-0642
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Minister's Schedule
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DRE's Schedule
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Minister:
Rev. Chip Wright
On vacation and study leave
For emergencies contact
phone: 415-479-4131 ext. 100
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Director of Religious Education:
Jeffrey Melcher
By appointment
415-479-4131 ext. 104
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I appreciate any feedback about this weekly newsletter.
eWeekly Deadlines for Thursday issue:
Monday by 10 pm - activities and announcements, Staff columns, committee reports
20th of each month - Sunday services
Summer Newsletter Schedule:
August 11, 2016
August 25, 2016
Weekly articles can contain:
- Notices of UUCM sponsored events, meetings, or other activities which involve the entire congregation.
- Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) or Pacific Central District (PCD) announcements of interest to the entire congregation.
(Staff article length 250 words)
Production, UUCM Connect and Special Announcements Editor: Lisa Cohen
Backup Production Editor: Valerie Taylor
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin
415-479-4131
240 Channing Way
San Rafael, CA 94903
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