Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin
UUCM Email Weekly!
August 25, 2016
Issue #367
Next Issue September 4, 2016
Sunday Worship Service
uuachalice
10:30 am
Lorena Boswell, with Suzi Musgrove, Worship Associate


Unless we have intentionally removed ourselves from  society, every day we are bombarded with messages on how to maintain the status quo, how to keep society functioning as is. Where we have privilege, we are conditioned to be unaware of others' lack of resources and suffering. Where we are inundated with atrocities in the news, we are conditioned to believe we have little or no ability to influence change. It is essential to become more aware of the nature of our conditioning, so that rather than acting from these unconscious beliefs, we can intentionally choose to align our actions with our values and principles.

Lorena Boswell is about to begin a Residency program as a chaplain at Alta Bates hospital in Berkeley after recently completing her studies at Starr King School for the Ministry. She grew up UU and is now a member of the Humboldt Friends Meeting (i.e., a Quaker) and a sojourning member of Strawberry Creek Meeting in Berkeley. Her Master's thesis in Education, entitled "The Structure Trap," analyses how she as an educator was unconsciously teaching values she grew up with rather than her paradigm-shifting ideals.

Our new Interim Minister Rev. Joy Atkinson will be in the pulpit September 11.

(If you have an announcement for the Sunday service, send it to 
Contemplative Service 9 am
uuachalice
This year we will be continuing the Contemplative Service through the summer, and the general topics and lay leaders are listed below.

 Topics and Leaders:

8/28/16   Long Term Relationships/Janice Prochaska 
9/4/16    S pontaneous Sunday (no specific leader or topic)
9/25/16  Personal choice/ Jim 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. 
Words of Joy
Fare forward, travellers! not escaping from the past
Into different lives, or into any future;
You are not the same people who left that station
Or will arrive at any terminus,
While the narrowing rails slide together behind you;
And on the deck of the drumming liner
Watching the furrows widen behind you....
Fare forward, you who think that you are voyaging;
You are not those who saw the harbour
Receding, or those who will embark.
Here between the hither and the farther shore
While time is withdrawn, consider the future
And the past with an equal mind...
(Excerpt in The Dry Salvages, from the Four Quartets, by T. S. Eliot)

   An interim period in the ongoing life of a congregation provides an opportunity to step back and look at where the congregation has been, where it is now and where it may go in its next "era." It is an "in-between time"-a time "while time is withdrawn," as T.S. Eliot says, to look at the past, assess present operations and point toward the future.
         In dealing with transitions in our own lives and in the lives of our religious communities, we become aware of how what seem like small changes over time can add up to major transformations. We are never the same travelers who first embarked on the journey, nor will we be the same ones who arrive at the next port. As Heraclitus put it, "You cannot step twice into the same river." It, and we, flow inexorably into the next phase. Nor can we step into quite the same congregation twice. Although there is continuity with the past, a congregation will transform itself from week to week and year to year as its people and its identity shift and readjust to changing times.
         And so we begin our interim year together-a time to examine these changes and to plan for the future. I look forward to working with you in this next year and beyond.
         Speaking of flowing rivers: don't forget to bring some water from your summer activities (or stones if you prefer) to add to others at the Intergenerational Ingathering service on Sunday, September 11th.
                  Joy

Rev. Joy will be in the office most Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hours will be posted soon. You may contact her at the office number ( 415-479-4131 ext. 102)  or on her cell phone: 510 821-2394, or email her at revjoy@aol.com

Religious Exploration nUUs
jef melcher
Religious Exploration

~ Unitarian Universalist Religious Education, experiencing spirituality, community service action ~

This Sunday, August 28th:
Playing with Trees, led by Mary Bicknell. Mary has a way with sharing nature with children. She will lead our K-8 in a variety of games and activities designed for experiential connection to nature.

YRUU start-up! Our youth are excited about this year's program and don't want to wait until mid-September to start meeting. Please plan on bringing your 9 th -12 th graders this Sunday, August 28th , or arrange to get them to UUCM.

Youth Leadership trip to Regional Youth Revival in Portland.
We are still seeking Air miles or donations to help get some of our youth to this event. [click for info] This event is September 23-25 th . Please donate soon. Contact Jef.

September 11th is our multi-generational ingathering. All ages participate and this year we will have two lines for the ritual to expedite the process. Pot luck to follow. YUMMY! 

It is going to be a great year together.

Jeffrey Melcher, M.Div.
News from the Board President
From the Pres
 
Hello everyone!  I am excited to see our new year kicking off with Rev. Joy in the pulpit on September 11!
 
I am sure you have noticed the major floor work that is currently in progress.  The areas include the Nursery, portions of the Wright Room, and the area on the first floor at the end of the hall.  The work involves asbestos abatement, termite elimination, and installation of LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) flooring.  A huge thank you goes out to Janette Morrow and Norm Davidson, for doing all the logistical work and pulling this together.
 
Another very big thank you goes out to Doug and Carol Kerr, who have agreed to make a sizeable, unrestricted donation that will cover the cost of the flooring, which both allows us to stay within our planned budget this year and allows for other needed building projects that can progress this coming year.
 
Please reach out to all of these individuals with your heart-felt thanks.  Our community is strong, and we have a building that we can be proud of.
 
In faith,

Would you like to see what the board will be discussing at their next meeting on August 30? UUCM  members are welcome to attend most board meetings.  Read the draft agenda.

List of UUCM Board of Trustees:
Board President  Dianne Estrada
Vice President  Thomas Ervin
Treasurer  Margaret Johnston
Secretary  Henry Kingdon

General Trustees: 
Lynne Scarpa, Kristin Jensen, Susan Mathews, Dick Park 
Upcoming Dates
Upcoming dates link to the UUCM calendar for saving on iCal, Outlook etc.
Visitor's Box
  
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! 
Touch of Beauty Signup
Hello, Everyone! The summer has been lovely, but mid August tells us that autumn approaches. And with it, a new Touch of Beauty schedule. Please email your availability to me (or phone me) so I can get the new schedule set up. Your contributions enhance the grace and meaning of our Sunday morning gatherings, and are always appreciated! Many thanks to previous and future contributors.

Sally Schroeder (sallyrschroeder@comcast.net)
Ingathering Potluck September 11
watermelon.jpg
We will be having our Annual Ingathering Potluck after the service on September 11.
Please plan to bring a dish to share.  This is our first social event for the coming year.
 
A-E  Fruit or Bread
F-L   Dessert  
M-S  Main Dish 
T-Z   Vegetable or Salad

The Hospitality Committee will be asking for volunteers to assist with this event.
Save water and stones
water and stones
On September 11, our Ingathering Sunday, bring water and/or stones  from your summer adventures/vacations/stay-cations, real or virtual!



Sign up for the UUCM Connect Newsletter
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 or engage members in joining activities such as hikes, movies. (You do not need to sign up if you already receive this newsletter). This newsletter is published on an as needed basis.
Sign up to light the Chalice on Sunday
We need people to sign up for the Chalice Lightings in August and the rest of the church year. 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.
Book Club
book pile
The UUCM Book Club will not meet in 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.
Summer Changes at UUCM
sunflower-2.jpg
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. 
Our new Interim Minister Rev. Joy Atkinson will be in the pulpit September 11.

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.
Social Justice Education/Action
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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UUSC Take Action Items - Sign petitions, learn about issues, donate money.
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Ever feel frustrated that you're not doing enough to make a difference in the world? Bring your concerns to the  UUCM Social Justice Committee.
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Continue your commitment to environmental and economic justice by shopping at   http://shop.uusc.org/
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Quick Links
 UUCM Web Site UUCM Facility Calendar | Donate to UUCM | 
Staff Links
Interim Minister:   Rev. Joy Atkinson  minister@uumarin.org

Director of Religious Education: 
Jeffrey Melcher  dre@uumarin.org   

Youth Advisor: 
George Pegelow  youthadvisor@uumarin.org
 
Administrator:   Janette Morrow  office@uumarin.org  

Administrative Assistant:  Karen Donohue  karen@uumarin.org
 
Choir director:  Amanda Morando  muusic@uumarin.org    
 
Pianist:  Milton Wong   milton.wong@csaa.com

Nursery Care Provider: Lauren Estrada
   
Membership Coordinator:  Carolyn Bopp  membershipcoordinator@uumarin.org    
  
Pastoral Care Committee: pastoralcare@uumarin.org
Don Beck: 415-892-0642
Interim Minister's Schedule
DRE's Schedule
TBA




Director of Religious Education:
Jeffrey Melcher

Office Hours: 
By appointment

415-479-4131  ext. 104
Newsletter Guidelines

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


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