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Worship Service and Children's Religious Education at 10:30 a.m.
Congregational Meeting Notice: Sunday, October 23, after service
October 2
Home
Ministerial Intern D. Scott Cooper preaching, with Rev. Roger Jones, Rev. Lucy Bunch, and Worship Associate Linda Roth
October Birthdays Recognized at Chalice Lighting.
Soup Sunday after the service!
Maya Angelou told us, "I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself."
Scott has called various places home, from Kentucky to Texas to Northern California. But each move was a deliberate choice, one of several options. We'll consider those with fewer options, including the homeless and refugees far from their native lands. He'll ask how our principle of "justice, equity, and compassion in human relations" may lead us to help these who long to find a home.
October 9
Forgiveness
Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching, with Rev. Roger Jones, Ministerial Intern D. Scott Cooper, Worship Associate Laura Sheperd, UUSS Choir and Music Director Keith Atwater
2nd Sunday Candles of Celebration and Sorrow
Soup Sunday after the service!
Yom Kippur, one of the holiest of times in the Jewish tradition, begins on Tuesday October 11. Drawing on these traditions we will consider the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in our own lives.
October 16
Pacific Universalism: Our Faith in the Philippines!
Guest preacher: Rev. Tet Gallardo, UU Church of Manila, with Rev. Roger Jones, Rev. Lucy Bunch, Ministerial Intern D. Scott Cooper, Worship Associate Mary Howard, and Music Director Keith Atwater and the UUSS Choir
As we prepare for United Nations Day, let's meet some of our UU family from across the globe.
Ordained in 2013 by the UU Church of the Philippines, Rev. Tet Gallardo serves a lively and loving congregation in the Bicutan area of Manila, Luzon Island. (All other 29 UU churches are on Negros Island, where Universalism was founded in 1955.)
For over 20 years, she has organized women, youth, farmers, and workers for better legislation, serving with over 30 NGOs. She's been a strategy and communications consultant for government leaders and political campaigns. Taking a break from UU church work, Tet spent March 2016 in Nepal as a volunteer in disaster relief. She is spending this year as a special student at Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley.
October 23
Will You Pray for Me?
Rev. Roger Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Ministerial Intern D. Scott Cooper, Worship Associate Ginny Johnson, Music Director Keith Atwater
As Rev. Roger prepares to depart for a sabbatical from UUSS, he not only asks us to keep him in our thoughts and prayers, he asks: What is prayer? What are different ways of thinking about it? Roger hears a request for prayer frequently beyond our walls and here in our UUSS family. It's time for prayer to come out of the closet.
October 30
We Call our Beloved Dead: An All-Ages Service
Rev. Roger Jones, Rev. Lucy Bunch, Ministerial Intern D. Scott Cooper, Worship Associates Laura Sheperd, Linda Roth, and Molly Stuart, and Music Director Keith Atwater and the UUSS Choir
At the season of All Souls Day we come together in community to honor any of the loved ones who have died and whom we wish to remember and celebrate. We will read the roll call of names of those in our community who have died in the past year. We will acknowledge the pain of loss and the joy of loving.
November 6 -
Fall Back! Set clocks back 1 hour as Daylight Savings Time ends
"Is Class in Session?"
Ministerial Intern D. Scott Cooper preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch
November Birthdays Recognized at Chalice Lighting.
Soup Sunday after the service!
"Downton Abbey" and before that "Upstairs, Downstairs" fascinated viewers on TV. As did "Slumdog Millionaire" at the multiplex and Academy Awards. We enjoy watching the class distinctions of other countries play out on a screen from this side of the pond! We like to believe our American 'classless' society provides equal opportunity to any people willing to "pull themselves up by their bootstraps." Does it? Surely our Unitarian and Universalist forebears saw "
the inherent worth and dignity of every person" regardless of class. Did they? Our Social Justice theme continues as we consider the complex notion of class.
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Shared Offering Recipient in October
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Every month we give half of the Sunday service offering to a local not-for-profit. UUSS members vote every year to choose 12 community partners that embody our values and our mission to be a healing force. In July we raised $2,530 for the Children's Receiving Home and in August we raised $2,440 for Mustard Seed School. Thank you! Our shared offering recipient in October is Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.
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Senior Minister's Message
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The Serenity Prayer for Election Season 2016
By Rev. Roger Jones
grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know
the difference.
Give me the grace to stop obsessing about Hillary, Donald, and the overlooked alternative candidates. Or at least limit my fretting to 15 minutes a day. Grant me the will to stop reading every on-line headline, every tweet or Facebook post, and every e-mail about this election. I cannot stop the craziness by obsessing about it. Give me the grace to let others lose sleep about what I cannot change.
Grant me the courage to help where I could make the biggest impact. Stir in my soul the urge to give donations to local campaigns, to sign up for a phone bank shift or walk door to door. Help us all to remember the elected officials who serve our neighborhoods, counties, cities, and state. Help me to make up my mind about our
17 California propositions...affecting the death penalty, marijuana, taxes, ammunition, plastic bags, prison sentences, etc. Then grant me the courage to do what I can for my favorite propositions.
Give me the wisdom to discern when I am not merely concerned or full of passion, but really going off the deep end! Help me to focus on other things.
When I'm ranting at endless commentary on NPR in the car, prod my fingers to change the station to classical music. When it's time to go to bed, lead me not to the laptop for one more peek, but to the teapot for one more cup (herbal, please) and then to a good book. When I'm online, remind me to look up a
Poem a Day to restore my soul and give me hope. When I'm worried, send me out for a walk or a swim, or a look at the stars.
Restore my sense of humor with a bit of satire or a funny stand-up comic. Guide me to the Sunday worship service and Theater One's play and the wondrous pages of
www.uuss.org. Help me remember that I am embraced by a generous community of all ages, blessed with open minds, open hearts, and helping hands.
Grant me the wisdom to count all my blessings and speak my thanks.
Amen and blessed be,
Roger's Reminder
Don't miss the fall Congregational Meeting after church October 23. We'll hear updates from clergy and lay leaders. We'll vote to choose 12 community partner agencies to receive half of non-pledge offering money in 2017. Parents/guardians: Child care will be extended till 1:00pm so you may attend this meeting, though it usually ends well before that.
Where's Rev. Roger in October?
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoons; evening meetings some of these nights. Always good to make an appointment! Sabbath day is Tuesday. Writing/study on Friday and Saturday. At a UUMA retreat with Scott & Rev. Lucy Oct. 25-27. On sabbatical from UUSS in November and December, back for part of January, and then gone till late May. Consider joining the pilgrimage tour to the UU congregations in the Philippines, January 30 to February 13, 2017. Read more about sabbatical plans later in this Unigram and at
this link.
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Assistant Minister's Message
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We'll Build a Land
By Rev. Lucy Bunch
Many UUs are fans of the music of Carolyn McDade, composer of
Spirit of Life,
Come Sing a Song with Me and other favorites. One of my favorite hymns from her is
We'll Build a Land because it calls us to commit to a vision of a world of peace and justice. For our congregation, part of that commitment is engaging with our social justice theme this year: Confronting Economic Inequality.
If you are like me, you receive multiple Facebook and e-mail solicitations each day asking you to support this or that cause, or to give funds to this or that important initiative. Most of them are worthy, but it can feel quite overwhelming. One of the goals of our social justice theme is ultimately to concentrate our congregation's economic and political power in ways that can make a difference in our community.
Confronting economic inequality starts with learning and engaging. And that is where we will start this fall. We will engage with the complex history and realities of economic inequality through sermons, films and book discussions, classes, workshops and speakers. We will learn how UU principles, sources, and values can inspire and ground us in seeking to bridge class divides and create a more just and equal world. We will build on the wonderful outreach currently being done in our congregation. For our fall outreach UUSS has committed to work with Habitat for Humanity in the Build for Unity program and will work with other congregations to build two homes for immigrants to the Sacramento area. Stay tuned.
As UUs, our faith calls us to make a difference in the world, calls us to face the challenges of our world. Our faith requires us to understand how our behaviors may perpetuate the problems, and it inspires us to work to make a difference, together in community. We'll build a land, as Carolyn Mc Dade's song says "where justice shall roll down like waters, with peace like an everlasting stream." May it be so.
Where's Rev. Lucy in October
My normal office hours are Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday afternoons. Please call or e-mail first so I can be sure to be available for a visit. I will be away at a workshop starting October 3, returning the afternoon of October 6, and then away with Scott and Roger at the district ministers' retreat October 25 to 27.
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Ministerial Intern's Message
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"And when October goes
The snow begins to fly
Above the smokey roofs
I watch the planes go by"
When I anticipate October and put pen to paper, or rather cursor to pixel, I can't help but think of Johnny Mercer's evocative lyrics set to Barry Manilow's music and lusciously sung by fellow Kentuckian Rosemary Clooney. I guess I'm a hopeless romantic.
But just as snow flying is not anticipated in northern California during October, the melancholy lyrics belie the excitement I anticipate here at UUSS in the upcoming month.
I'm excited to be preaching for the first time at UUSS October 2, and I hope that you make a special effort to come and support me! My topic is "Home" and I'll not only be revealing a bit about myself by describing the places I consider home, but also reflecting on how we might help those whose homes aren't as safe, secure, or sheltering as they - or we - would hope.
By the time you read this, Spiritual Deepening Circles and various Religious Education and Adult Enrichment opportunities have begun. There is a plethora of ways to learn and grow, help others, engage in Social Justice work and just have fun here. I hope everyone in your family has found multiple ways to connect with others and get involved in the life of UUSS.
The month ends with one of my favorite holidays-Halloween. I'm sure you've noticed the costumes, decorations, and candy on sale already! It's just a reminder that a busy autumn and holiday season are right around the corner. I'm excited to be spending this time here with you!
In the words of Louisiana writer Sarah Guillory, "October had tremendous possibility. The summer's oppressive heat was a distant memory, and the golden leaves promised a world full of beautiful adventures. They made me believe in miracles."
May the miracles begin.
Peace, Salaam, Shalom,
Scott
Where's Scott in October?
My regular office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons. I'm sharing the RE Office with Miranda and welcome your visits. Please call (916) 483-9283 or
e-mail
first so I can be sure to be available.
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Strumming and Serving
By Keith Atwater, UUSS Music Director
Recently the choir sang a gathering song accompanied by ukuleles, guitar, autoharp, and string bass, and I got to strum with our UU ukulele practice group. What fun! In this photo, I am holding a ukulele which was signed by my choir when I left the Congregational Church (UCC) of Auburn. The pastor there is a ukulele player and formed a small group of volunteers to strum with him in church.
There are so many ways we can serve and minister to each other and to our visitors and our community--playing ukuleles and other instruments, singing; making coffee, salads, soups, and art with rocks, water, fabric, flowers, wood, and shells; supporting our display of banners and sculpture; growing garden produce and flowers; and developing the art of giving to refugees and to all whom we meet. This is the spirit of "Aloha" that I associate with the "uke." Mahalo! (Thank you).
Let us continue to give in so many creative ways.
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Upcoming Congregational Meeting: Oct. 23
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By Janet Lopes, Board Secretary
Please plan to attend our Congregational Meeting on Sunday, October 23. We'll meet in the Sanctuary at the conclusion of our regular Sunday Service. This is an annual business meeting which will require a quorum of members to attend. You will get to hear from President Linda Clear, Treasurer Gordon Gerwig, Ministers Roger and Lucy, and other groups who perform the business of our congregation.
Members will also vote on our Community Partners for the 2017 church year. Partners are nonprofit organizations nominated by members of the congregation. Members who nominate groups will have one minute at the meeting to explain their nominees' mission and why we should support it. We will then vote using ranked choice voting to elect our partners for 2017. If you wish to nominate a group, please download a Community Partners Nominating Form from the "Forms" section of the "Members" drop-down menu on the UUSS web site. (Non-electronic members may call the office for help.) Fill out the form and submit it by Sunday, October 9, for consideration.
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UUSS Social Justice Theme 2016-17
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Confronting Economic Inequality
Come learn, engage, and grow
Activities this Fall
Sermons 
October 2 -
Home
November 6 -
Is Class in Session?
November 27 -
Spirituality of Money
December -
A Prophet for Our Times: Jesus of Nazareth
First Thursday Social Justice Movie Night
Join us for film and discussion at 7:00 p.m. the first Thursday of each month.
Robert Reich discusses the grave economic and social consequences that may result if the gulf between rich and poor continues to widen.
PBS documentary about how we are shaped by class.
Monthly Book Discussions
Sunday afternoon October 23
True story of a daughter's struggle to keep her family alive, through poverty, homelessness, and incarceration
February 2017 -
A
ftershock by Robert Reich
March 2017 -
Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
April 2017 -
Divided: The Perils of Our Growing Inequality edited by David Cay Johnston
Opportunities for Engagement
Sunday, Oct. 16,
Refugee Welcome Kits assembled after service. With 200 refugee families coming soon to this area, the International Rescue Committee has asked us to hold another drive for items that new neighbors will need to set up housekeeping. Drop off your donations before church or the week before. Read more at the
UUSS Refugee Support Program webpage or pick up a flyer on Sundays.
First Monday morning of each month: Help cook and serve meals for the homeless guests at
Loaves & Fishes headquarters in Sacramento.
By Barbara Hopkins
You are invited to be one of our UUSS volunteers to help welcome four Family Promise (FP) guest families during Family Promise Week. It starts October 23. Set-up and meals are two of the many jobs done by volunteers to help make our Religious Education rooms into sleeping rooms for our guests. Set-up includes hanging privacy curtains in the rooms and moving cots to and from the FP trailer to the families' rooms--the RE classrooms. For the seven dinners, volunteers make or buy all or part of a dinner and bring it to the Fahs Room. Our warm hospitality is appreciated by guest adults and children--especially when our teens or kids play games with them. Kudos to a teen regular, Elle Harlow! Some guests may ask about Unitarian Universalism as they learn about various faiths in the Family Promise interfaith network.
HOW TO HELP: Come to the Family Promise Table in the Welcome Hall every Sunday this month till October 23. See the schedule and get more information about volunteering during the week, or drop off pantry supplies. Monetary donations are also appreciated.
HISTORY: UUSS was one of the founding host churches of Sac Family Promise in 2005 when the Day Center was opened in a warehouse at Loaves & Fishes. Homelessness has, sadly, continued since then. UUSS Family Promise depends on the interest and support of both new and longtime UUs--all of us--for the many jobs, large and small.
GRATITUDE: New member Sally Wilkins has joined the UUSS FP Coordinator team, sharing her prior experience with Reno Family Promise. Also a special thank you to Raphael Ganon, Erik Jensen, and Christopher Jensen for their work on site, and to John Merris-Miché for towing the Family Promise trailer from UUSS to the next host site. UUSS Family Promise Coordinators: Nancy Oprsal, Barbara Hopkins, Paul Kinsella and Sally Wilkins.
Coming Soon:
Want to know more? Have an idea for a project or want to support a current activity? Contact Rev. Lucy at
lucy@uuss.org
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Visit the UU Church of the Philippines this Winter
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Join Rev. Roger on a journey of the heart. Deadline October 23!
Rev. Roger will be the designated minister for a UU immersion trip to the UU Church of the Philippines during his sabbatical. Come stir your interest at the October 16 sermon by Rev. Tet Gallardo, who serves in a Manila neighborhood.
In February, enjoy an in-depth introduction to the people and spirit of the UU Church of the Philippines. Starting in Manila, we learn about the vibrant culture and history of the Philippines. Then we fly to lovely Negros Island for a warm welcome by the leaders at UUCP headquarters in the university town of Dumaguete.
Then we are escorted on a road trip on the island to visit UU congregations in farming and fishing villages on the coast and in the mountains. We meet people who treasure their UU faith. We enjoy the tropical beauty of the island and the warmth of the Filipinos. Let our hearts be opened to our interconnectedness; let our minds be challenged and engaged. The road trip concludes in an afternoon closing ceremony in a village.
UUSS members are invited to plan on three extra nights so we can get to know the congregation in Nataban, which has been recommended as a potential match with UUSS as a partner church.
Dates
: January 31 to February 10, 2017, though UUSS folks can stay three extra days to meet a church that wants to be matched as our partner. Cost: $1,780, including in-country transport. Book your flights from SMF or SFO $600 to 900. Read more at: www.uupcc.org/pilgrimages/.
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New: Unitarian Universalist Saturday Stitchers
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By Karen Sparrow
Are you are stitcher, quilter, knitter, crocheter, or any other kind of fiber enthusiast? A new group is forming here at UUSS--Saturday Stitchers! On the first Saturday of the month, we will gather together to work on our favorite projects. Need to learn a new skill? Want to polish up some old ones? Just want to carve out some time for your favorite hobby? This group is for you!
Beginning Saturday, October 1, please join us from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Fahs Classroom. Bring your project, machine, and all the tools to work on your craft. We will supply tables, chairs, coffee, and bottled water. Call Karen Sparrow at (818) 510-2337 or
e-mail her with your questions.
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California End-of-Life Options Act: Details Explalined!
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By Judy Bell
The new
California End-of-Life Options Act (ELOA) was signed into law last year by Governor Jerry Brown and went into effect in June. ELOA gives terminally ill, mentally competent Californians the option, together with their families, doctors, and their faith, to make the end-of-life decisions that are right for them in the final stages of their terminal illness. This includes the option to request a prescription from their doctor to shorten their dying process painlessly and peacefully.
Sunday, October 2, at 12:30 p.m. after the service, come learn about this new law and bring your questions. Our speaker, Ruth Holton-Hodson, is a leader of Sacramento's volunteer action team for Compassion and Choices. This organization advocated for ELOA and is now engaged in a massive outreach effort to ensure that California residents understand their full range of end-of-life options. They want to be sure terminally ill people get the end-of-life options they desire.
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Third Sunday "Exploring Unitarian Universalism"
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The third Sunday of every month from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., usually in the Fahs Classroom. Pick up a card with the full schedule that can be found on the pamphlet racks near the Coffee Kitchen.
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Monday Yoga at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
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Page Labrie teaches Yoga with chairs in the Fahs Classroom at 10 a.m. and Yoga with mats and blocks in Classroom 7/8 at 7 p.m. There is a $10 drop-in fee or $8/week for a two-month session.
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Wednesday Meditation ends October 5
Third Sunday Meditation is October 16
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The last silent sitting meditation will be October 5. Join us at 5:30 p.m. in Classroom 6 September 28 and October 5. After that, please find some quiet time once a day or once a week on your own. Sit in mindfulness by yourself and in spiritual solidarity with all of us meditating near and far. NOTE: On the third Sunday of each month, join the group for Silent Sitting Meditation in Classroom 6 at 9:45 a.m.
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Wednesday Choir Practice at 7:00 p.m.
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The Choir meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Fahs Classroom. All welcome. Contact
Keith if you have questions or feel shy about it.
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The Age Challengers
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Our next meeting is October 6 at 11:00am
to 1:00pm.
Anyone over 70 is welcome - we talk and share how each of us
deals with the changes in life that come up in our aging process.
It helps to hear and listen to our peers facing the same highlights and
the same trials and tribulations. The conversations are always on an 'up' note.
This is a lively group and we invite you to join us on each first Thursday
of the month.
. We bring a brown bag lunch. Come - check us out!
You can register at the hospitality counter on Sunday after the church
service or you can just show up. We meet in the Fah's Room. Facilitator and
fellow Age Challenger is Ilona Montel, Ph.D. Send Ilona an email for more information.
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Theology on Tap: Beer Tasting and Deep Questions
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Join UUSS members, prospective members, and UU-friendly people for a local craft beer or a non-alcoholic alternative. If anybody shows up, we'll do it again next month. Please be aware of the DUI rules and prepare to have a taxi, Uber or designated driver if necessary. Monday, Oct. 10, 8:00 pm at Capitol Beer and Tap Room, in the ugly shopping strip at 2222 Fair Oaks Blvd., the southeast corner of Howe Ave, near Starbucks, behind the Union 76 gas station. Look for Ross Hammond and other members. If a minister attends, prepare for a deep question.
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Monthly UUSS Book Readers
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On Tuesday, October 25, the UUSS Book Readers will meet at 7 p.m. in the library to discuss
H is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald. For more information, email
Jim Glidden at or call him at (916) 649-9697.
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The Twelve Steps as a Spiritual Practice
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Here is a 12-Step Recovery group for anyone who is struggling (or not) with an addiction in any shape or form or who may just be interested in working/learning the 12 steps as a way of life and/or spiritual practice.
The book we will be using is
Recovery, The Sacred Art: The Twelve Steps as Spiritual Practice by Rami Shapiro (can be found at
https://smile.amazon.com/). From the forward: "If you are addicted to anything--and all of us are addicted to the delusion that we are in control of our lives--Rami opens the door to freedom through a deep inquiry into the Twelve Steps and a stunning collection of practical exercises that will guide you to your true nature, the soul within you that is beyond habits, beliefs, and opinions. The soul that is despite your past actions and current afflictions, always pure."
Join Evan and Frankie on the 12-Step journey as we explore our life's unmanageability and learn what it means to surrender or "let it go." For more information,
email Evan.
Thursdays, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in Classroom 9 in the education building at UUSS. Drop in; all are welcome.
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"You Are Not What You Think" workshop in Walnut Creek
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Dave Richo's books are full of examples from myth and religion, with plenty of exercises and practical advice. Fee $65. Bring a bag lunch; beverages and dessert provided.
Saturday, October 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. See
www.mduuc.org
for driving directions.
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Missing Books (and People) of the Bible: The Jesus Seminar in Auburn
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The Jesus Seminar is known for sharing new research widely when traditional churches may be shy about exploring alternative ideas about how Christianity began. Two professors of religious studies talk about a missing Gospel book, missing apostles (including Jesus' female apostles). Friday night and Saturday, November 4 to 5, at First Congregational Church of Auburn. Fee range $20 to $60. See more at the Auburn church's calendar.
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Senior Fellowship Activities
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This activity group is open to those 65 and more, or thereabouts, who want to get together for activities, friendship, community, and adventure. In October we have the following events planned:
Saturday October 1, 10 a.m.:
Crocker Museum, $8 admission, current featured exhibit "Glass for the Millennium." Eat at café afterwards, cost from $12 to $20. Carpool from church at 9:30 a.m. Hosted by Kathy Stricklin/Jean Kohlhoff.
Sunday, October 2: Mather Field Air Show. Eat at event. Carpool from church at noon. Hosted by Peter Foss.
Friday, October 7: Pot Luck and movie at church. Hosted by Elyse Furman.
Saturday, October 15: Powerhouse Science Museum, admission $7, 10:30 a.m. with lunch after, place TBD. Hosted by Ray Reynolds.
If you are interested in more information about any of these events or to just get added to our list, e-mail Jean Kohlhoff at
seniors@uuss.org or sign up on Sundays.
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Alliance Program Meets Thursday, October 13
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By Vivian Counts
The Alliance will have author Barry Martin as speaker on Thursday, October 13, at 10:45 a.m. in the Fahs Classroom in the education building. The author's new book is a Bob Davies: A Basketball Legend. Davies played for the Rochester Royals. During the time Davies played, Dolly King was signed to the team, the first African American player before Jackie Robinson. Barry spent seven years doing research and interviews with the Davies family. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome.
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Will the Paris Agreement Protect Our Climate? October 22 at SLC
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By Rev. Roger Jones
The Sacramento Spiritual Life Center has called UUSS to invite us to a panel discussion
Saturday morning, Oct. 22, from 10:00 to 1:00 PM at 2201 Park Towne Circle, Sacramento. The Paris Agreement on climate change is a spiritual imperative of critical importance to our planet. Opportunities will be provided for attendees to network with local environmental groups to find out what each of us can do to mitigate the effects of climate change and to work toward more sustainable solutions.
Panelists:
Martha Turner, Buddhist Sangha & 350 Sacramento, Dr. Michelle Stevens, Associate Professor, Environmental Studies Department, CSUS
http://www.csus.edu/indiv/s/stevensm/
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Social & Potluck Group Halloween party
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By Fran Clarke
All are welcome to join the UUSS Social and Potluck Group for a Halloween theme party and potluck on Saturday, October 22 at 2:00 p.m. in the Fahs Classroom. Masks and costumes are optional! Please contact Aggie Vawter at (916) 847-8558 or Fran Kennedy at (916) 383-3852 for reservations.
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Theater One presents Middletown
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By Susan Madden
Theater One is proud to announce that its next production will be
Middletown by Will Eno, directed by Lonon Smith. Mark your calendars now. The show opens November 3 and runs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. through November 20.
Don't miss the outstanding cast in this funny, smart production of the award winning play (Horton Foote Award for Most Promising New Play, 2010).
Tickets are $15 general; $13 students, seniors, and SARTA members.
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All-Church Spaghetti Dinner, Saturday, November 5
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By Meg Burnett
Join us for a fun, festive spaghetti and meatball dinner on Saturday, November 5. Vegetarian and gluten-free options provided. Dinner is $15 for adults; children ages 12 and under are $5. Tickets sold on Sundays, October 9 through November 2. Reservations are required, space is limited. You may also make reservations by
e-mailing Meg Burnett
.
Following the dinner will be the Theater One's opening night production of
Middletown at 8:00 p.m. Tickets for the dinner and the play will be available for $25. Note that theater tickets may be purchased separately in advance or at the door ($15 general; $13 students, seniors, and SARTA members).
And I'm looking for some nice Italian music from someone's recorded play list to accompany the dinner!
Come for the Dinner, Stay for the Play
For more information, please contact
Meg Burnett or call me at (916) 494-1638.
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Winter Vegetable Gardening
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By Glory Wicklund
If you are interested in growing kale, lettuce, broccoli, beets, or other cool weather veggies at UUSS, please contact
Pat Skeels
or
Glory Wicklund
by October 15.
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Global UU Women's Convocation nearby in Monterey--
Discount Deadline Friday
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"Weaving Global Partnerships... Forging a Just Future Together!"
Join a thousand women-identified Unitarian Universalists for the 3rd international UU women's convocation, February 16-19, 2017. Enjoy a walk along the Pacific at Asilomar center, network and learn about transformative new programs. Hear the UUA presidential candidates-all three are women! September 30 is the early bird deadline.
Click here to register and save $100!
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Ministerial Sabbatical Q & A
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Senior Minister Roger Jones will be on sabbatical leave starting  October 31.
Some details are covered below. To see more Q & A plus a message from Roger, visit this link
on our web site. If you still have questions, please e-mail
Rev. Roger
or our
Board President, Linda Clear.
Q: What is a sabbatical and where does it come from?
A:
A sabbatical is a time of paid leave for a minister to be free of regular parish duties for the purposes of rest, spiritual renewal, education, reflection, and fun. It relates to the term Sabbath, which means time of rest and reflection. Traditionally in UU congregations, our settled ministers earn one month of paid sabbatical leave for every year of full-time service they provide to the congregation. UUSS has followed this practice for its ministers. The letter of agreement between UUSS and Roger as our settled senior minister provides for a sabbatical leave. As our Family Minister, Associate Minister, and now Senior Minister, Roger has been with us for over eight years and will be taking six months of leave.
Q: How long is the sabbatical? When does he leave?
A:
It will be six months long, starting in November and ending in late May. However, Roger will be back with us in January.
Q: How is a sabbatical different from a vacation or study leave?
A:
UUSS grants vacation time and study leave to its ministers every fiscal year. A sabbatical is earned over several years of service.
Q: Why? What does a minister gain from a sabbatical? What does UUSS gain?
A:
There are spiritual and educational benefits for both minister and congregation in this time. During a demanding and active ministry, this time away provides the minister with
opportunities for
rest, spiritual renewal, education, reflection, and fun. It can bring more clarity, energy, focus, and passion to the minister when s/he returns to the position. It also brings opportunities for the congregation to gain clarity about its strengths and needs for improvement. We can appreciate the minister's gifts in his absence but we can also appreciate that a congregation thrives not by one personality, but by loyalty to its mission, values, and covenant as a community. It's a time for stretching ourselves, and for experiencing new ways of service and greater generosity.
Q: What is the financing for Roger and for UUSS during the sabbatical?
A:
Roger's compensation is in the annual UUSS budget as usual, so he will continue to be paid. Our members and friends have made monthly financial pledges to the operating budget, as we do every year, and we have the normal number of fundraising events this year.
Q: When can I see Roger during his sabbatical?
A:
Roger will be back at UUSS during part of January, and he invites us to join him for a UU immersion trip or pilgrimage to the UU churches of the Philippines from January 31 to February 13. Otherwise, when Roger is away, he will not be available for pastoral visits, preaching, teaching, committee work, or social activities with members and friends. He won't be looking at e-mail and won't be expected to reply to Facebook messages or phone calls. He will be truly on leave.
Q: How will UUSS cover its needs for worship services, pastoral care, volunteer support, and church administration during the sabbatical?
A:
Rev. Lucy will be preaching and leading services more frequently. Also, D. Scott Cooper, our full-time Ministerial Intern, will preach at least once a month. In addition, we will hear from some of our favorite UUSS lay preachers during the year, and we will welcome a few special guest preachers to our pulpit. Our Worship Associates are a full committee, and they will continue to provide support and enrichment in Sunday services. Our Music Director, choir, vocal, and instrumental ensembles and talented soloists will bring even more richness and variety to our services.
Q: Who is in charge?
A:
Rev. Lucy Bunch will serve in the role as Acting Senior Minister. (She joined our ministry team in 2013.) In addition to continuing to supervise our
bookkeeping, office and facility staff, Lucy will assume the supervision of our
Religious Education
staff and
Music
staff. She will also be the supervisor and mentor of D. Scott Cooper, our
Ministerial Intern, from September through May. With ministerial support from the two of them, the
Board of Trustees
will continue in its role of setting policy and overseeing the infrastructure of UUSS. The
Program Council will continue the oversight and support of our many activity groups and program-related committees. The Board-appointed Administrative and Property Management Team (APMT) will continue to meet monthly to oversee and make decisions about management of the facilities and grounds as well as personnel, insurance, and other administrative matters. The Board will continue to benefit from the advice and analysis of the Finance Committee. We do realize that our volunteers and staff will face extra work, and we appreciate their commitment. We all welcome your support, encouragement, and generosity now and always.
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Welcome to fall RE and Thanks for Your Help
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By RE Coordinator Miranda Massa
Classes are under way and Religious Education (RE) friends and volunteers are getting acquainted. Many thanks to the 40+ volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to our program. There is always room for more volunteers to join and many options for volunteer positions, including one Sunday per month as RE Table host in the Welcome Hall.
As we welcome a new church year, now is a great time to learn more. Please contact the RE Coordinator at
re@uuss.org for more information. I hope you are able to keep up with events and updates in my bi-weekly
RE Outreach which I send via e-mail.
Contact me if you would like to be added to the list. I am very honored and thankful to be with you and this congregation for another church year.
All my best,
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This Year's Programs: Important Information
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- Room 11 Nursery staffed for infants and children in preschool. Nursery children can be dropped off in the Nursery before entering the sanctuary. The Nursery is located at the far end of the education wing near the church garden.
- Spirit Play for young children and elementary in Room 7/8.
- Junior High Youth Group or JHYG for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in Room 6. JHYG meets in Room 6 at 10:30 on Sunday morning. Yes, that's right, the kids will go directly to the classroom this year on RE Sundays, rather than coming to the first 15 minutes of the church service. This is to provide sufficient time to explore the other faith traditions that the group will cover this year in Neighboring Faiths. This change is for JHYG only.
- Youth in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 attend Senior High Youth Group or SHYG in Room 12.
- When you arrive at church, please visit the RE Table in the lobby to sign in and make a name tag. Spirit Play kids and Senior High youth are welcome to sit all together in the sanctuary until RE is sung out by the congregation.
- After service, your child(ren) or youth can be picked up from their classroom. Parents, grandparents, and guardians of our elementary RE children, please connect with the class teacher before you and your family leave to ensure everyone is safe. I am happy to help with questions or thoughts via e-mail at re@uuss.org, by phone (916) 483-9283, ext. 207, or in person in the RE office on Mondays. RE registration forms are available onlineor at the RE Table on Sunday.
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Our Whole Lives for grades 4, 5, 6
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The
Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education program for children in grades 4, 5,
 and 6 has a busy meeting every Sunday of October. The program wraps up in December. Our Whole Lives: Sexuality Education is a positive, comprehensive, and age-appropriate educational program that promotes sexual health and explores our UU religious values around human sexuality. As we move forward with our new church year and RE programming, I thank all the volunteers and participating OWL families for supporting such valuable and important content.
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Community Garden Day in RE
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Did you know that our church has a garden? The UUrth Song CommUUnity Garden is a
year-round garden with plots planted by the youth in the spring for the congregation's Produce Stand over the summer months. In the fall the RE kids gather all the remaining produce to make salsa. This season's RE Garden Day is scheduled for Sunday, October 2. Bring a hat, wear sunscreen and garden clothes and let's enjoy the outdoors. The junior high and senior high youth groups have a regular RE day.
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Re: RE-- Your Quick Reference!
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- Sunday, October 9, the Kids' Freedom Club will talk about fighting modern slavery at a sister congregation--UUCC.
- All ages UUSS Games Night Friday, October 21, 6 p.m. in the Fahs classroom.
- The Nursery in Room 11 is open every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for parents attending Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices. For parents not attending these special events, the regular Nursery opening time is at 10:15 a.m.
- RE calendar details and other information can be found on the RE calendar.
- Sunday, October 23, our Nursery stays open later for families to attend the Congregational Meeting. Just let our Nursery staff know when you drop off your child(ren) that they will be staying longer.
- Sunday, October 30, our Nursery stays open later for families to attend the Newcomer's Orientation and Tour. Just let our Nursery staff know when you drop off your child(ren) that they will be staying longer. We appreciate you!
- I hope you are able to stay up to date with reading the RE Outreach. It is a great source for information, events, good news, and other neat things about our wonderful program.
- Looking for a simple way to volunteer? Ask Miranda about staffing the RE Welcome Table in the lobby once a month on a Sunday morning. This is always a big help!
- Feeling creative? Stay tuned soon for more information about how you can help to create story sets for Spirit Play. Or if you are ready to put your crafting skills to use, contact re@uuss.org today! Miranda will help with instructions, ideas, and be there to cheer you on!
- Sunday, October 30, we will have a worship for all ages. There is no RE that day. The topic for this month's all-ages service is We Call our Beloved Dead. At the season of All Souls Day, we will come together in community to honor the beings we wish to remember and celebrate. If you would like to discuss this prior to having your child or youth be present for this morning of all ages, please contact re@uuss.org.
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Religious Education (RE) Calendar, October 2016
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Sunday, October 2
9:30-12:00 Child care available
10:30-11:45 RE and Garden Day for Spirit Play
Sunday, October 9
9:30-12:00 Child care available
10:15-11:30 RE
Sunday, October 16
9:30-12:00 Child care available
10:15-11:30 RE
Sunday, October 23
9:30-1:30 Child care extended for Congregational Meeting
10:15-11:30 RE
Sunday, October 30
9:30-1:30 Child care extended for Newcomers Orientation
10:15-11:30 All Ages service - no RE
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Community Interfaith Service in Remembrance of LGBT Deaths Oct. 16
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The 18th annual interfaith Service of Remembrance of our kindred of all genders who have suffered violent deaths by murder or suicide as a result of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression is Sunday, October 16, 4:00 pm, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 2620 Capital Avenue, Sacramento. All invited; reception to follow. Please mark your calendar and plan to worship, remember and stand in solidarity with the LGBT community and its allies.
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Office Hours and Holiday Closings
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The office is open Monday thru Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
There are no scheduled office closings for October. |
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Serving Our Congregation
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UUSS OFFICERS & BOARD TRUSTEES
Linda Clear, President Margaret Wilcox, Vice-President
Gordon Gerwig, Treasurer Janet Lopes, Secretary
Kathy Bernard Denis Edgren
Carl Gardner
Dennis Pottenger
Sally White
Erik Jensen
, Youth Trustee
PROGRAM COUNCIL
JoAnn Anglin
Deirdre Downes (Chairperson) Patricia Johnson
Peggy Makie
Linda Roth
CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Roger Jones, Senior Minister
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Assistant Minister
D. Scott Cooper, Ministerial Intern
Stanton Vedell, Communications and Facilities Coordinator
Michele Ebler, Bookkeeper
Elaine Cooper, Receptionist
Miranda Massa, Religious Education Coordinator
Keith Atwater, Music Director
Krystal Gollaher and Yer Chang, Childcare Providers
Aaron Molina - Sunday thru Thursday, Custodian
Miguel Neri - Friday - Sunday, Custodian
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