Neighborhood Weekly News
August 17, 2017
Worship
Summer Schedule - One Service at 10 a.m.
Childcare for Ages Infant through Five
All Youth Activities for 1 - 8th grade
Senior High Youth Meets

August 20 :   Yarn Communion
Angelia Robinson, Gail Shand, Suzanne Smith
As humans, we engage with color in many ways - visual, emotional, spiritual, even musical. Angelia Robinson, Gail Shand, and Suzanne Smith will lead an exploration of the role of color through music and reflection. Together we will celebrate the colors of our world with a Yarn Communion and recognition of our members who have died during the year. Dress in the colors that speak to you, and feel free to work on your fiber arts creations during the service.

August 27:   Time for Truth and Reconciliation in America
Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater, Executive Director, Friends in Deed

S eptember 3:   Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur, guest minister

Two Services at 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. resume
September 10:   Water Communion & Welcome Back Potluck
Rev. Lissa Gundlach, Senior Minister 

September 17:   Teacher Dedication
Rev. Lissa Gundlach, Senior Minister 

September 24Rosh Hashanah
Rev. Lissa Gundlach, Senior Minister 

Upcoming Events:
  
August 14 - August 20
  • Sunday, August 20: Building Bridges meeting, 11:15 a.m., NH Dining Room.
  • Sunday, August 20:  Writing as a Spiritual Activity, 11:15 a.m., Music Library. 
  • Sunday, August 20:  Green Council Presentation, 11:00 a.m., NH Living Room.  

  • August 21- August 27
  • Friday, August 25 - Sunday, August 27:  Summer Camp at de Benneville Pines.
  • Sunday, August 27:  Documentary Black America Since MLK Part 2, 11:15 a.m., NH Living Room.
  • Sunday, August 27:  Writing as a Spiritual Activity, 11:15 a.m., Music Library. 
  • Sunday, August 27: Gay Men's Mixer, 5:00 p.m., Eagle Rock.

  • August 28 - September 3 
  • Sunday, September 3: New to Neighborhood, 11:30 a.m., Neighborhood House Living Room.
  • Sunday, September 3:  Writing as a Spiritual Activity, 11:15 a.m., Music Library
     
  • September 4 - September 10
  • Wednesday, September 5: Social Justice Knitting, 7:00 p.m., NH Dining Room.
  • Sunday, September 10: Welcome Back Potluck, 12:30 p.m., Courtyard.
  • Sunday, September 10:  Writing as a Spiritual Activity, 12:30 p.m.., Music Library.
  • Sunday, September 10: Shakespeare Group, 1:00 p.m., Room 5.
  • Sunday, September 10: Helen Brown Memorial Service, 4:00 p.m.

  • Visit our web calendar for more upcoming events. 
    Congregational Life


    Response to Charlottesville
    Sunday, August 20, 11:15 a.m. 

    Sanctuary.

    Join us for an informal conversation about the events
    last week in Charlottesville VA, culminating in the death of anti-racism activist Heather Heyer. Let's
    explore the rise of white nationalism in our nation, how UUs might respond to racial violence, and what we can do to stem such hate. Led by White People for Racial Justice. All are welcome. For more info, contact Stephanie at sballard@neighborhooduu.org.
    Helen Brown Memorial Service
    Sunday, September 10, 4:00 pm.

    Our indomitable friend and member Helen Brown, who passed away on July 28, will be remembered in a memorial gathering and celebration of her life on Sunday, September 10th at 4:00 p.m. here at Neighborhood Church. The family requests that if you plan to come, please RSVP to Dylan Brown by September 1st, for catering purposes. 
    Courtyard Pavers Available Now 

    A personalized donor paver installed in the church courtyard is a great way to commemorate a special person or occasion or memorialize a deceased loved one. The $250 cost is tax-deductible and helps provide courtyard maintenance. Click HERE to order today or contact Taylor Chazan.   Order and payment due August 31 for September installation.
    Join the Bell Choir!

    Is there music in your soul that needs to be expressed?  Does the sound of the Bells on Sunday morning  intrigue you?  The Bell Choir  is  organizing for the year and would love to have you come and explore ringing with our small, close knit group of music makers.  No bell experience or musical background needed.  For more information call Audrey Vaughan at 626 791-3802 or email a_vaughan@att.net.
    SAVE THE DATE!
    September 17, October 15 and November 19, 5 p.m.
    Sanctuary

    JAZZ 'N PAZ...WHAT? 
    A Jazz Series in Pasadena, you say? Yes, Indeedy Do...and to benefit NUUC Too!  

    Beginning Sunday, September 17th, the amazing L.A. Jazz scene will be brought right to our door every 3rd Sunday of the month from 5PM to 6PM.  Jazz N' Paz, is a jazz series curated by Jamie Perez/Performances a la Carte as a fundraiser for NUUC. Some of L.A.'s finest jazz musicians (we're talking Grammy awards and the like) are lined up to take center pulpit for this benefit series. 
    Subscription Tickets for the entire 1st Series of  Sunday performances, (Sept 17th, October 15th & Nov. 19th) will be on sale after church service on the patio. Subscription series tickets (all 3 concerts) are $45 with Reserved Seating. Advanced single tickets will also be available for $18 per ticket (no reserved seating). Tickets at the door will be $20 cash only. Open to the Pasadena community, this series will sell out so don't miss out on attending - Get your tickets NOW at http://neighborhooduu.org/jazz/ ! For more info email Jamie Perez at singsforsupper@gmail.com

    Let's Get to Know Each Other - Gay Men Mixer
    Sunday, August 27th, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. 
    Eagle Rock
     
    Calling all gay men at Neighborhood Church - You are invited to attend a mixer at Bob Gotham & Mike Manuel's Eagle Rock home. Bring a snack to share.  Beverages will be provided.
     
    Please RSVP to Bob Gotham. Address information will be provided in response to the RSVP.

    Multicultural Transformations Within Our Congregations
    Saturday, September 30, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
    Pacific UU Church, Rancho Palos Verdes

    Our world is becoming more multicultural, yet according to the Pew Research Center, 78% of Unitarian Universalists still identify as White or Euro-American and 53% are considered upper middle class. How can we move toward a more inclusive and diverse Beloved Community more reflective of the community we find ourselves in? How can we cross cultural barriers without creating World War III or be left feeling guilt and shame? How can we frame this sacred work theologically grounded in our principles and rich faith tradition?

    Join the Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kupono Kwong and the Rev. Tera Klein in exploring culture defined broadly by increasing both our intercultural competency and humility. Learn some tools and exercises to communicate across culture and handle conflict cross-culturally when (not if) it arises.

    Fee: $20/person includes lunch
    Registration Deadline: Sept 20th, 2017
    Click HERE to register.
    Questions? Contact Vivien Hao at prvivien@gmail.com or (323) 893-4743

    Neighborhood Church is a caring congregation. The Pastoral Care Team and minister are here to help you in times of crisis or need and to rejoice with you in times of celebration. We can provide meals, rides, run errands, and offer one-on-one support.  Please contact Sue Iri , Pastoral Care Coordinator, if you or someone you know needs assistance.

    Our minister, Rev. Lissa, is also available for pastoral care visits and counseling sessions for members. Sunday worship is a time when we witness the joys, sorrows, and life-transitions of the congregation. Do you have a life event (birth, marriage, illness, death, milestone or celebration) which you would like shared in the order of service or lifted up in the prayer? 
    Email or call Rev. Lissa
    Religious Education


    Summer Chalice Camp
    Summer Sundays, 10:00 a.m.
    Room 4

    Youth K-8th join us during the service this summer in room 4 for Chalice Camp!
    Chalice Camp Sundays are all about using art, theatre, stories, and fellowship to deepen our children's and youth's understanding of themselves as Unitarian Universalists while expanding their knowledge of Unitarian Universalism and their capacity to be articulate about our faith.

    2017-18 Youth Religious Education Parent Orientation
    Sunday, September 24, 10:30 a.m.
    Ross Chapel

    Please join the Religious Education Staff in Ross Chapel between services on Sunday, September 24 th, for our Youth Religious Education Parent Orientation! 

    You will:
    •          Explore what your children will be learning in our YRE classes
    •          Discover how we will help you take the learning home
    •          Learn how you can become involved
    Matt and Kat will be on hand to answer any questions you might have. For more information, contact Director of Religious Education Matt Vasko.
    OWL Teacher Training
    September 29 - October 1 
    Neighborhood Church 

    Have you ever considered becoming trained to teach Our Whole Lives (OWL) to children in grades K-1 or 4-6? OWL is a positive, comprehensive, and age-appropriate sexuality education program that promotes sexual health. Certified trainers from the Pacific Western Region will lead the training. For questions or to sign up for the training, please contact Director of Religious Education Matt Vasko.

    We are thrilled to be hosting a regional-wide training for our 
    volunteers and church colleagues from 13 states! Join us!

    Home Hospitality for OWL Training - Can You Help?
     If you live in the Pasadena area, would you consider providing home hospitality to trainers and trainees? We need rooms for as many as 18 people, but not all in your home! If you could host one or more people it would really help us out. Please contact Matt Vasko.
    Family Trip to the LA Zoo
    Saturday, September 23, 9:45 a.m. (NOTE DATE CHANGE)

    Join NUUC family and friends for a fun outing!  S pend the day together hanging out with old friends and making new ones!

    Please either pack a lunch or bring money to buy lunch. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Admission is $20 for ages 13 and older, $17 for seniors ages 62 and older, and $15 for ages 2 through 12. Children under 2 are free. Neighborhood church member Jay Marx, a zoo docent, will be our guide. Please RSVP to Matt Vasko, Director of Religious Education with the number in your party.

    Volunteer to Teach Youth Religious Education
     
    Our UU Youth need YOU! Would you like to make a positive difference in the spiritual growth and faith formation of our children? Then please consider becoming a volunteer teacher for our children and youth during the 2017-2018 school year!   Complete a YRE Teacher Interest Form by visiting the Lifelong Learning Table or clicking  HERE . Questions?  Please contact Matt Vasko Director of Religious Education.
    Social Justice
    NEW! Small Group Social Change Ministry
    Sign up this Sunday!
    Social Justice patio table

    Our neighbor Orange Grove Friends Meeting asked to partner with us on a project - and we said YES! Using a curriculum developed by Rev. Deborah Holder of the UUA Pacific-NW Region, group members share personal stories, engage hands-on with a social justice issue, then return for reflection and learning. It will consist of seven to eight members from NUUC and seven to eight from OGFM, meeting the first and third Tuesday evenings. With a shared history of activism and compatible values, UUs and Quakers are natural partners. Sign up this Sunday at the Social Justice patio table. Or contact Stephanie Ballard, Social Justice Coordinator. Only a few spots left! 
    Building Bridges Meeting
    Sunday, August 20, 11:15 a.m.
    NH Dining Room

    After the July  retreat, we're gearing up for an exciting year. A three-committee structure was formed to work on both Muslim and Immigrant solidarity: Education, Activism, and Relationship-Building. Please come and join the one (or more) that most calls to you! Committees will work in between general meetings.  Brunch is provided!  Contact  Bonnie Blustein with any questions or for more information. 

    The Politics and Pollution of LA's Oil and Gas Industry
    Sunday, August 20, 11:00 a.m. - noon 
    NH Living Room

    Massive oil drilling is one of LA's best kept secrets. Behind hedges and gates are over a thousand active wells, sometimes twelve feet from a child's bedroom window. Empowered with money, the oil industry both lobbies politicians and places their own regulators in local government positions. Dr. Leah Garland will illustrate the pollution and racism inherent in LA's urban oil drilling and the fight to shut it down.   Contact Susette Horspool for more information.  All are welcome.

    Sunday, August 27, 11:15 am
    NH Living Room

    In his new two-part series, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. embarks on a deeply personal journey through the last fifty years of African American history. Joined by leading scholars, celebrities, and a dynamic cast of people who shaped these years, Gates travels from the victories of the civil rights movement up to today, asking profound questions about the state of black America-and our nation as a whole.

    Join leaders of the  New Jim Crow book club for a screening and discussion of part two, along with a yummy brunch.  Contact Stephanie Ballard, Social Justice Coordinator, for more information.   
    Food Donations Needed at Friends In Deed
     
    The Food Pantry at Friends In Deed serves supplemental food to hundreds of low-income and homeless households each week. Elderly, disabled, families, mentally ill, homeless people - all are made to feel welcome for supplemental food and emotional support. 

    To support the Pantry, please bring unexpired, unopened, non-perishable food items to church and place them in the patio grocery cart.  Proteins, especially pop-top (peanut butter, tuna, chicken, chili, beef stew, dry beans), whole grains (pasta, oats, rice, cereal), and shelf-stable or powdered milk are most needed.  We do not collect perishable foods due to lack of appropriate storage space nor baby foods in glass containers due to health laws.   P lease contact Stephanie Ballard , Social Justice Coordinator, with any questions.
    Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church
    301. North Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103
    626.449.3470 | www.neighborhooduu.org
    STAY CONNECTED:
    Visit our blog