| The Unigram Newsletter for December 2016 Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento |
2425 Sierra Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95825
Office (916) 483-9283
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Upcoming Services
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Worship Service and Children's Religious Education at 10:30 a.m.
December 4
The Rest of the Story
Ministerial Intern D. Scott Cooper preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch
Laura Sheperd, Worship Associate
Advent theme: Preparing our Hearts
Everyone loves a good story, and the holidays are chock full of stories: of Grinches and Scrooges transformed; of a baby and three wise men; of George Bailey's guardian angel and of Ralphie's Red Ryder air rifle; of a generous, white-bearded man in red; of menorahs and dreidels; and of winter solstice.
What might be the underlying benefit to remembering and sharing these stories from generation to generation? To what degree - if any - must we scrutinize these stories for veracity to receive moral lessons and spiritual gifts from them? Join us to ponder these questions and hear the rest of the story.
NOTE:
The California International Marathon takes place on this Sunday, and Fair Oaks Blvd. will be blocked. But don't despair; there are easy ways to get to church for those who come from Highway 50. The church is north of Fair Oaks Blvd, so you will need to go north on business 80 off of 99 or 50.
From 99 south or Hwy 50 both directions: take business 80 heading north. Exit at Exposition and continue east to either Howe or Fulton Ave. Turn right. Traffic slows the closer you get to Sierra, so allow time for that.
December 11
Jesus of Nazareth: A Voice for Our times
Rev. Lucy Bunch preaching, with Ministerial Intern D. Scott Cooper
Linda Roth, Worship Associate
UUSS Choir, Keith Atwater Music Director, Ina Jun Accompanist
Ross Hammond, guitar
Advent theme: Possibility (willingness to be changed by what we've started)
2nd Sunday Candles of Celebration and Sorrow
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices: Tai Chi at 9:45
More than 2,000 years have passed since this Jewish teacher preached his powerful message of radical love and outreach to those in need. Over the centuries his message has been blunted, conscripted and tarnished. We will strip away all this overlay, rediscover the essence of his message and consider what is relevant for our times. Come with an open mind and open heart.
Soup Sunday after the service!
December 18
Deck the Halls--A Yule Celebration
A Service for All Ages with Tree Trimming and Ornament Making
Rev. Lucy Bunch with Ministerial Intern D. Scott Cooper
Worship Associates Jim Eastman, Marilyn Reynolds, Mary Howard and
Laura Sheperd
UUSS choir with Music Director Keith Atwater and accompanist Ian Jun
Brass choir
Advent theme: Making A Way Out of No Way
We come together in community to celebrate Yule. Carols, stories, Rudolph and the 12 days of Christmas! Don't miss the music and the fun of this special big service.
Bring a favorite ornament or use one of ours to trim the trees during the service.
9:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices: Silent meditation in Room 6.
9:30 a.m. Exploring Unitarian Universalism before service: Learn about UU approaches to Faith with Mary Howard and D. Scott Cooper in the Fahs Classroom.
Nursery care provided in Room 11.
Saturday, December 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Light in the Midst of Darkness
Rev. Lucy Bunch, D. Scott Cooper, Allison Claire and Worship Associates
Music Director Keith Atwater, Pianist Ina Jun
With the arrival of winter's low dark sky, communities around the world look to the miracle of light as a sign of rebirth and a source of hope. We seek hope for our troubled world. This hour-long service includes favorite carols, silence, candles, spoken reflections, and the conclusion of our month the Advent celebration. It is good to be together. Our shared offering will benefit the River City Food Bank.
December 25
Christmas Blessings
Rev. Lucy Bunch and Ministerial Intern D. Scott Cooper
Don't be alone on Christmas morning - come join your UUSS family for service at 10:30. We will share stories, memories and songs. There will be coffee, tea and cocoa during the service. Bring some cookies from your stash. You can even come in your pajamas if that is your Christmas morning tradition. Hope to see you there.
There will be no Religious Education classes or Nursery care that day, but all ages are welcome at the service.
There will be no Newcomer Orientation.
There will be no Spiritual Practices before the service.
There will be a warm and welcoming community.
New Year's Brunch and Labyrinth Walk, Sunday January 1
Let's continue the tradition started last year b
y celebrating the New Year with Labyrinth walk and pot luck breakfast. Rev Lucy will guide us in starting off your new year with a spiritual tune-up that only the labyrinth can provide.
Since January 1 is a Sunday we will begin our walk at 8:30 a.m. in order to have time for a shared meal before the 10:30 service. Meet in the Welcome Hall.
Bring your favorite breakfast food to share.
January 1, 2017
Hereby Resolved: Take Inventory and Use My Gifts
Ministerial Intern D. Scott Cooper preaching
New Year's Labyrinth Walk and Brunch before the service (8:30 AM)
What invariably happens during the first few days of a new year? Stores take inventory of what did and didn't sell during the holiday season (and begin putting out Valentine's Day candy), lucky recipients begin using the gifts they acquired (at least the ones that fit or came with batteries), and the thoughtful and earnest folk create (and sometimes just as quickly break) New Year's Resolutions. Join us on the first day of 2017 to consider how we might resolve to take a personal inventory in order to deepen our lives and begin using our inherent gifts to be a force for healing in the world.
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Shared Offering Recipient in December
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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 October, we raised $2905 for the Sacramento Food Bank. Thank you! Our shared offering recipient in December is the American River Natural History Association/Effie Yeaw Nature Center, an award-winning environmental and cultural education center on the American River Parkway. Features include exhibits, information, live animals, and a book store; and the trails are open daily from dawn to dusk.
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Acting Senior Minister's Message
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Celebrating Advent and the
Return of the Light
With the arrival of winter's low dark sky, communities around the world look to the miracle of light as a sign of rebirth and a source of hope. At this time of year we come together in community to celebrate the promise of new life and recommit ourselves to the protection of everyone's right to his or her own radiant humanity.
For Christians, Advent is a season of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the nativity of Jesus. The name derives from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming." For pagans, this is a time marks the period leading up to the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and celebrates the rebirth of the sun and beginning of winter. It is one of the oldest winter celebrations known. The Jewish celebration of Chanukah begins December 24 and celebrates the triumph of light over the darkness.
It is from these sources that we draw our inspiration for a celebration of Advent at UUSS. For the first three Sundays in December and concluding on Christmas Eve, we will reflect on an Advent theme and light a candle in recognition of the theme. These rituals have special significance in a year when many people in our country are feeling troubled and anxious about our future. We need the power of stories and ritual to help us stay grounded and strong during times of struggle. We need to remember the message of hope and possibility present in these ancient stories.
The themes are:
December 4: Preparing our Hearts
December 11: Possibility (and willingness to be changed by what we've started)
December 18: Making A Way Out of No Way
December 24: Light in the Midst of Darkness
UUSS member Allison Claire will be sharing Advent stories from the Christian scriptures
about Mary, Joseph and the birth of the baby Jesus. Many of you expressed appreciation for these stories we have offered in the past two years. I asked Allison top share something of what these stories mean to her and here is what she had to say:
"When my kids were small, I carefully curated the family collection of picture books. Our home library included a multicultural array of myths, legends, and folktales. Together we entered the worlds of Coyote and Baba Yaga, Persephone and Amaterasu. The Ramayana. Aesop's Fables and Tales from the Arabian Nights. Stories about the Buddha and stories about the ancient Hebrews. Stories about the origins of the earth and its people, stories about the birth of the sun, and stories about the birth of Jesus. So much magic, and wisdom, from so many sources!
Young children don't ask or care whether a story is "true." Even older children intuitively understand that stories (like poems and pictures) can convey true feelings, true questions and longings and ideals, even when they describe events that couldn't have actually happened. A good story grabs the imagination, opens the heart, and inspires the spirit to reach beyond itself. That's why good stories from all traditions can support spiritual growth, whether the stories are classified as sacred or secular by adults who care about such distinctions. And that's why, like many UU parents, I wanted my children to be exposed to a wide range of wisdom stories from varied sources, including stories from the Jewish and Christian traditions that inform our heritage.
When my children were still young, I began telling my own version of the traditional Advent stories about the birth of Jesus at my former UU congregation. It was a way for me to share one of the gifts I still treasure from my own liberal Christian background. These stories have remained emotionally powerful and spiritually significant for me long after I rejected Christian theology, precisely because I relate to them as stories. Like all great myths and legends, they have profound metaphorical power. By exploring the stories through the lens of my UU sensibility, unhampered by dogma, I continue to discover new layers of wisdom.
These are stories about light in the darkness, about the transformative power of love emerging where we least expect it. These are stories about becoming willing to be changed. About taking in refugees. About preparing room for what we need to be born in us, and in our world. These are stories that we need this Christmas season more than ever. I look forward to sharing them with you again this year."
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Where's Lucy in December?
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I always appreciate your thoughts, ideas, concerns or challenges. I have office hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons and welcome your visits. Other times available by arrangement. Please call or e-mail first to make sure that I am available.
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Ministerial Intern's Message
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Be of Good Cheer
When I was a kid, each December Andy Williams would grace our TV screen  and assure us in his mellifluous tenor,
"It's the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you be of good cheer
It's the most wonderful time of the year!"
Everyone telling us 'be of good cheer.' For many people, that's easier said than done, especially at this time of year, and especially this year in particular. And it's made all the more difficult because of the pressure to pretend that it is the most wonderful time of the year - good cheer, indeed!
Please don't heed those who would tell you what your emotions should be. And while I'm dispensing advice, please don't neglect taking care of yourself in order to attend events you don't want to or buy things simply to have something to give.
Please gather with those who make your time in the world a joy - and for whom you do the same. Spend time with people much younger than you - the holidays are more fun, at least for me, through their eyes. Spend time with people older than you - it's a difficult time to be lonely, and both of you will be enriched. Spend time with yourself. You're a fantastic person to spend time with, and you need some down time to reflect during the forced hub-bub of the season.
Peace, Salaam, Shalom,
D. Scott Cooper
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Where's Scott in December?
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My regular office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons. I'm sharing the RE Office with Miranda and welcome your visits. Please call or e-mail first so I can be sure to be available.
Also, I will be away from the office from December 5 through December 10
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Where's Rev. Roger in December?
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Now in his ninth year of full-time ministry with UUSS, Rev. Roger Jones is away on his first sabbatical since arriving here. He will be finishing his Doctor of Ministry thesis in December, then return to UUSS for most of January before taking the last four months of sabbatical leave from February through May.
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Our Social Justice Theme - Confronting Economic Inequality
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Ways you can make a difference
December featured activity: Together We Share is a food gathering and distribution service at UUSS. You bring the food on Sunday morning and place it in the
red grocery cart that you'll find parked outside or inside the Welcome Hall. Much needed (unopened and unexpired) food items include canned goods such as tuna, chicken, beans, peanut butter, soups, chili, and fruits. Dry goods such as granola bars, cereals, crackers, pasta and rice are much appreciated as well. We can also take fresh fruits and vegetables, clothing, and household items.
A team of 8 people take turns picking up UUSS donations and take them to one of various food pantries in Sacramento or to the main
Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services (SFBFS) distribution center. If you want to know more about the extensive services of the
SFBFS, you can just dial 211.
We hope that you'll find this a convenient way to help others on a weekly or monthly basis!
If you want to know more about the Together We Share program, contact us at
this link
. Thank you for your interest!
Join our project to build houses for immigrant families. UUSS is a sponsor of this effort of local religious institutions to promote cooperation across faiths and solidarity with Muslim congregations, while building homes for recent immigrants. Are you eager to put your hands to work in building a house or two?
There are only eight places left on February 22. Don't be left out. Sign up after church in the welcome hall of through the web site by
clicking here.
Ways you can learn:
First Thursday Social Justice Movie Night
Join us for film and discussion at 6:30 p.m. in the Welcome Hall.
December 1:
Dog Town Redemption
This documentary tells the powerful story of recyclers in West Oakland who depend on redeeming trash for survival. Their daily fight to survive raises questions about race, class, and the rights of the poor.
Book discussions -- Stay Tuned for Dates
January 2017:
Hillbilly Elegy, J.D. Vance
From a former marine and Yale Law School graduate, a powerful account of growing up in a poor Rust Belt town that offers a broader, probing look at the struggles of America's white working class. Come join the discussion to understand more about the challenges in our country.
February 2017:
Criminal of Poverty: Growing up Homeless in America by Lisa Gray-Garcia
True story of a daughter's struggle to keep her family alive, through poverty, homelessness, and incarceration. We will have copies of this book available in the book store next month.
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By Patricia Johnson
Earth Justice will meet on Thursday evening, December 1, 2016 to discuss current events, groups we're working with in the community, steps toward Green Sanctuary recertification, progress on butterfly garden/pollinator garden and more.
Meeting time: 7:00 to 8:15 p.m., Room 6. Questions? Please contact me at
by clicking here or call and leave a message: (916) 642-6067. Hope to see you soon!
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Community Partners for 2017
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By Janet Lopes, Board Secretary
At our Congregational Meeting on Oct. 23 we voted for who we choose to be our Community Partners for 2017. The list of groups chosen and what month they will receive 1/2 of our Sunday plate are as follows:
January - Family Promise
February - Black Lives Matter
March - Children's Receiving Home
April - St. John's Program for Real Change
May - Sacramento Senior Safe House
June - UU Justice Ministry CA
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.
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Act of Kindness from Caring Community
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Ashraf Mansour and Sayed Assad Hatami are recent refugees from Afghanistan. Ashraf, 22, was in medical school in Afghanistan, and his father worked for an NGO that helped the US government. After being hooded, kidnapped and left in a cave once by the Taliban, Hatami felt his family wasn't safe there and applied for the Diversity Visa Lottery. However, since they didn't qualify for refugee status to receive help from organizations such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC), they arrived here with nothing.
They picked Sacramento after Ashraf did a Google search of nice places to live in the USA and also because they couldn't afford LA where their plane landed. So, they got on a bus and arrived without a place to stay. They searched Sacramento by bus and on foot and found an apartment. Next, Ashraf read on Facebook that the Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento was a friendly place that might help him, so he rode a bus for three hours from South Sacramento to arrive at the church and talk to the minister.
Many in the church offered to help which led to Linda Klein, a church member and resident of Rancho Murieta, telling Sally Davis of Rancho Murieta, that the family was in need of furniture. Sally sent out an e-mail and told her friends as did Linda. Lynn Baugher of Rancho Murieta heard of the search and subsequently contacted the mother of Ellen Moe. The result was that Ellen and Bill Moe of Rancho Murieta offered some furniture they weren't using and friends of Linda's and Dave Thomas', Julie Jackson of Rancho Murieta offered her truck, and Woody and Dee Poynter of Sloughhouse also offered some of their furniture as well as Woody's spacious and beautiful trailer.
The result is that the family now has an apartment full of furniture and other things that they needed. It was a community effort, and they are grateful to the generosity of our community. Ashraf is presently an Uber driver, but has applied to UC Davis Medical Center to work as a translator since he has a medical background and speaks five languages fluently, including English quite well. His parents are starting English classes this month, and Ashraf plans to continue his pursuit of a medical career once they are settled and he has the residency to attend college here.
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Family Promise of Sacramento
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By Barbara Hopkins
Thank you to the many UU Family Promise volunteers for their generous contributions, including the varied hospitality tasks needed to host and welcome the Family Promise guests from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. for one week in the RE rooms. Family Promise is an interfaith network of congregations that sponsors the Family Promise of Sacramento program headed by a Board of Directors, Exec Director and staff in an office on the Loaves & Fishes campus. This social service ministry is devoted to helping homeless families qualify for housing and "get back on their feet".
We greatly appreciate all the dedicated UU Family Promise volunteers and especially welcome the help of new volunteers and regret any omissions! Welcome to Megan Reynolds, Dave Rice, Carol Goodin, Samantha Arthur, Connie Buckley, Fred and June Sugar, Kathy Bernard, Kim Marta, Francis Myers, Melanie Dahl, Margaret Licha, Jean and Bill Anderson, Sessol Tirer, Stephanie Hardaway, Trish Higgins. And a special thank you to the many volunteers for their generous donations to pantry items.
Family Promise guests will come again to UUSS for the week of Sunday February 19, 2017. Family Promise Week begins on a Sunday when volunteers set up the Fahs Room as the dining/activity area and turn the RE classrooms into family sleeping rooms.
Beginning Sunday, January 22, 2017, there will be a Family Promise table in the Welcome Hall where you can sign up for a variety of tasks and talk with volunteers about the various jobs; pantry donations needed; being a meal host and setting up; or making a meal or staying overnight. We invite all UU's to be a part of the UU Family Promise team, welcoming our guests and making their week at UUSS comfortable.
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On Tuesday, December 27, the UUSS Book Readers will meet at 7:00 p.m. in the Library to discuss Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. For more information, click
Jim Glidden to send an email or call him at (916) 649-9697.
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Building Your Own Theology: a Workshop
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What are your guiding beliefs? Come build your own theology.
As Unitarian Universalists, we are encouraged to construct, examine, and reconstruct an individual system of beliefs over the course of a life
time. These personal "theologies" may or may not include an understanding of God at their center. This process is best undertaken in the good company of other seekers.
Rev. Martha Hodges, a member of our congregation, will be offering a popular UUA curriculum that can help. Called "Building Your Own Theology", this ten-session class will meet on Thursday evenings, 7 - 9 p.m., beginning January 12. There will be small homework assignments, but the time required between classes is minimal.
The course is described by the UUA in these words: "Based on the assumption that everyone is their own theologian, this classic UU adult education program invites participants to develop their personal credos: the fundamental religious beliefs, values and convictions that inform and direct the living of their lives. The author, the Rev. Richard Gilbert, poses five developmental tasks in which participants come to terms with human nature, ultimate reality, history, ethics and religious meaning."
Sounds ambitious... But it is also low-pressure and fun, as we share our thoughts and get to know one another in a unique way. See the Adult Enrichment table after Sunday services between now and December 18 to sign up, or call the Office at (916) 483-9283 to register. This will allow us time to order books for the class at the discounted price of $14.60. If this cost presents a hardship to anyone, we will find a way to get the book to you.
Hope you can join us!
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Theater One Acting Classes
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By Judy Bell
A unique opportunity is coming this January. Our Theater One is sponsoring a six week improvisational acting class. Utilizing improvisational theater games, the class will explore spontaneity, confidence and awareness in a fun and supportive environment.
The classes are being led by a very talented professional actor, director and teacher, Betsaida LeBron. She has a passion for teaching and coaching individuals to reach their maximum potential. You can get a copy of her resumé at the Adult Enrichment table on Sundays.
The six sessions will be on Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at UUSS in the Fahs room, starting on January 8 and running through February 12. The cost is $105 for the entire series. The class will be limited to 10-24 people. You can sign up at the Adult Enrichment table on Sunday mornings or contact David Paul to sign up or ask questions.
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MULTIKULTI:
An Introduction to Multicultural Awareness
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Treat your heart to a day of exploring, feeling and sharing our differences
 as we move towards creating change in ourselves and in the world around us. This workshop will make you laugh, look deeper and let go of the stereotypes we are indoctrinated with and which keep us from becoming the family of humanity that we truly are! All in a safe, non-judgmental space and in a loving way. Don't miss it!
"It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept and
celebrate those differences."
--Audre Lorde, American Poet, Teacher and Activist
This great workshop will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The registration is a sliding scale from $40 - $60 and lunch is included. It is being led by Mtuaswa Anthony Johnson, a Starr King ministry student who is visiting and volunteering in our congregation this year. Anthony has presented this workshop in other UU congregations to rave reviews. Please register in advance at the Adult Enrichment table on Sunday mornings. For scholarships available to those who would not otherwise be able to attend, please contact registrar
Judy Bell or
Adult Enrichment.
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It is easy to fall into the holiday hype that practically demands our cheery optimism for at least a full month. But of course, many of us grieve for a myriad of reasons, and the forced jocularity only seems to make things worse. After the first of the year, Scott will be announcing the dates for a six-session course on Navigating Grief. This is a program that has been offered at the First Unitarian Church of Dallas for several years and has been much appreciated by participants. Please watch for more details.
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More Things to Know and Do
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Peggy Makie reports that the November 13 Soup Sunday was financially very successful, earning $510.00. Thank you to Family Promise volunteers who made soup to serve that day. Soup makers: Paul and Gwen Kinsella, Joann Anglin, Nancy Lust, Glory Wicklund, Nan Johnson, Kathy Styc, Patricia Johnson (2), Nancy Oprsal.
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By Vivian Counts
Alliance Group's December program will be on Thursday, December 8 at
10:45 a.m. in the Fahs room. You are invited to see a display of a private collection of costumes from Palestine. Information will be given about each piece and its significance in the culture of the area.
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UUSS Social and Potluck Group
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By Fran Clarke
Holiday Potluck Lunch/Party, Saturday, December 10, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Share a holiday memory, photograph, ornament, toy or similar.
Where: Home of Joan Osborn (916) 967-7424, 8958 Sunset Avenue, Fair Oaks. Formerly known as UUSS Couples Club; all are welcome. RSVP by December 5, if possible:
Fran Clarke, or (916) 283-5884.
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By Laurie Jones
On Saturday, December 17, from 5 to 9 p.m., CUUPS is sponsoring our annual Winter Solstice in the Fahs Room, with the usual portable canvas labyrinth available ringed in LED lights and poinsettias 5-6, pot luck 6-7, and the third in the goddess video series, "Full Circle" 7-8. We can all bring pinecones and craft materials to make goddess images. Candlelighting ceremony. Free, all welcome. Donations appreciated.
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By Meg Burnett
Just in time for holiday giving to loved ones and our
sacred home at UUSS, the
Banner Team will be selling the new 14-banner calendar, 26-banner posters and UU note cards in the Welcome Hall on Sundays during December... and in the bookstore after the holidays.
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Master Singers Concerts in December
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By Celia Buckley
Come hear Celia Buckley, Keith Atwater and Lucy Bunch sing with the Sacramento Master Singers. "Angels We Have Heard On High" is scheduled for a single performance at the Harris Center in Folsom, and another four performances in downtown Sacramento at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 26th & K Streets.
These concerts will include old and new, modern and traditional music. Standard ticket prices are $22 and can be purchased online by
clicking here, or by calling (916) 788-7464, or at-the-door 30 minutes ahead of performances, if still available.
Tickets for the performances at St Francis can be purchased at a discount directly from the singers. Contact Celia Buckley for discounted tickets or information at (916) 261-1199 by text or cell. The following dates are available.
- Thursday December 15 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday December 17 at 8 p.m.
- Sunday December 18 at 3 p.m.
- Wednesday December 21 at 7 p.m.
Harris Center tickets must be purchased online by clicking this link or by phone calling their business office at (916) 608-6888. That single concert is on Sunday December 11 at 7 p.m.
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Children's Concert "Jingle All The Way!"
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By Celia Buckley
This 45-minute special Sacramento Master Singers performance for children of all ages and their families will be performed on
Saturday December 17
at 2 p.m
. at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 26th & K Streets, Sacramento. The choir will sing holiday songs the kids are sure to know, and they're invited to sing and play along. This event concludes with a surprise visit from Santa. Tickets, priced at Children $3 and Adults $5, can be purchased online at this link
, or by phone by calling business manager Julie Jenness at (916) 788-7464, or at-the-door 30 minutes early.
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What a year! Immense thanks to all the participants in our UUSS Religious Education program. Appreciation to all that have contributed and attended. The successes each year keep getting better and our program continues to offer meaningful experiences for our youngest Unitarian Universalists. As we head into a new year, I am always willing to discuss ways you can help or find a path to volunteering that is suitable for you. Contact me at
this link.
With thanks,
Miranda
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On Sunday, December 25 there will be no Religious Education. Additionally, our Room 11 Nursery will be closed. We will still have a service on
December 25; however, the Yule service for all ages in which we trim the trees happens on Sunday, December 18.
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Monthly All Ages
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New year, new ideas! Rev. Lucy and I have been discussing ways to incorporate children and youth in the planned monthly all ages services. The overarching goal is not only to make the all ages services shorter in length but also to utilize the talents of our children and youth. Interested children and youth can now help collect the shared offering. Families, what additional ideas do you have? Send me an
e-mail.
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Re: RE: quick reference!
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-All ages UUSS
Games Night is scheduled for Friday, December 16, 6:00 p.m. in the Fahs classroom.
-The Nursery in Room 11 is open every Sunday (except 12/25) 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 10:15 a.m.
- I hope you can stay up to date with reading the
RE Outreach, as it is always a great source for information, events, and other neat things about our wonderful program.
-Looking for a simple way to volunteer in RE? Ask RE Coordinator Miranda about staffing the RE Welcome Tale 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 create story sets for our Spirit Play group. Or if you are ready to put your crafting skills to use, contact us by
clicking here. Miranda will help with instructions, ideas and will be there to cheer you on!
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Religious Education (RE) Calendar, December 2016
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Sunday, December 4
9:30-12:00 Child care
10:30-11:45 RE
Sunday, December 11
9:30-12:00 Child care
10:15-11:30 RE
Sunday, December 18
9:30-12:00 Child care
10:15-11:30 All Ages, no RE
Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve Service
7:00 p.m.
Christmas Sunday, December 25
10:30-11:30 Service
Nursery is closed and there is no RE scheduled.
See you next year!
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Who we are and how to find us
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December Office Hours and Holiday Closings
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The UUSS office is open Monday thru Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
The UUSS office will be closed on Sunday, December 25 and Monday December 26.
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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 (On Sabbatical)
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Assistant Minister
Ministerial Intern D. Scott Cooper (2016-2017)
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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