The Unigram

Newsletter for April 2017

Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento

2425 Sierra Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95825
Office (916) 483-9283
A MONTH OF SUNDAYS
Upcoming Services
April 2, 2017
 
Why I am Not an Atheist
 
Rev. Lucy Bunch with Worship Associate Jim Eastman
 
UUSS members and friends have a variety of concepts about god from pure atheist, to various forms of theism.  This month we continue our conversations about concepts of god that began with the sermon "That's so Random" that our ministerial intern, Scott gave last month. This Sunday Rev Lucy will explore the development of her own theology in a revisit to a sermon she gave in 2015.  
 
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice at 9:45: Labyrinth walk
 
 
April 9,2017
 
God Is a Verb
 
Rev. Lucy Bunch preaching, with Ministerial Intern D. Scott Cooper
Worship Associate Megan Reynolds
 
We need a new word and a new concept for god, one that strips away the baggage of the bearded father in the sky. This Sunday we will explore some concepts of god that may resonate more comfortably with those who consider themselves atheist but are open to connection, compassion, spirit, and possibility. This is a continuation of the last week's sermon.  
 
Banner Banter at 9:30 in room 9
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice at 9:45: Tai Chi and Qi Gong in the Fahs Classroom
Drumming Workshop after the service
 
April 16, 2017
 
"Practice Resurrection": Musings on a Manifesto
 
Ministerial Intern D. Scott Cooper preaching
with Rev. Lucy Bunch and Worship Associate Ginny Johnson
UUSS choir with Music Director Keith Atwater and Accompanist Ina Jun
 
Wendell Berry is a Kentucky novelist, poet,  environmental activist, cultural critic, and farmer. The final line of his powerful poem "Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front" is "Practice resurrection." While many churches will discuss resurrection this Easter Sunday, join us as we take a distinctly different spin on the concept.
 
Exploring UU: Faith at 9:30 in the Fahs room
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice at 9:45:  Meditation in room 6.
Easter Egg Hunt for our children after the service.
 
April 23, 2017
 
Dreaming of the Promised Land  
 
Allison Claire preaching, with Worship Associate Jim Eastman
Milestones-Joys and Sorrows
 
On this Sunday following the conclusion of Passover, we will consider the ancient story of the Exodus and its relevance for our times. The escape from slavery in Egypt didn't lead straight to the Promised Land - it was followed by 40 years in the wilderness! What does this story tell us about the nature of liberation? And how can we best make it through the desert together? 
 
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice at 9:45: Reading and Reflection in Room 6
Newcomer Orientation after the service, begins in the Library.
 
April 30
 
Blue Boat Home

A Service for All ages
Rev. Lucy Bunch and Ministerial Intern D. Scott Cooper
Marilyn Reynolds and Laura Sheperd Worship Associates
Members of the Earth Justice Team
UUSS Choir with Music Director Keith Atwater and Accompanist Ina Jun
Celebration of April Birthdays
 
 "The wide universe is the ocean I travel, and the earth is my blue boat home."
Come join us to celebrate Earth day 2017. We will share our joys and concerns about our beautiful earth and consider our commitments to the challenge of protecting our world for future generations. 
 
Banner Banter at 9:30 in room 9
Shared Offering Recipient in April
Every month we give half of the Sunday service offering to a local not-for-profit group. UUSS members vote every year to choose 12 community partners that embody our values and our mission to be a healing force. In February we raised $2,999 for Black Lives Matter. Our shared offering recipient in April is St. John's Program for Real Change ; it serves women in crisis and their families.
FROM YOUR MINISTERS
Acting Senior Minister's Message
Measures of Growth
How do we measure growth in congregations? The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) requires us to provide membership numbers in January every year.  From the UUSS bylaws we know that a member is someone who has signed our membership book, and has made and sustained a financial and service pledge to the congregation. In January 2017 our number was 418, up from 388 in the prior year - a 7% increase. We also have 65 pledging friends, and at least 30-40 newcomers in process of getting to know us. 
We have seen a surge in newcomers, and our Sunday attendance has grown since the election. Former members have returned. But the real test is not how many show up, but how many come back, and how many become part of our community. In March, we welcomed 18 new members (and counting), an indication that people are indeed staying and joining.
Yet numbers are only one way of measuring growth. The UUA suggest three types of growth in addition to numerical:
  • maturational-the spiritual maturity of each member
  •  incarnational-making real and living our values in the world
  • organic-a congregation's ability to maintain its health and engage the world
How do you think we're doing?  When I reflect on these categories I see positive signs of our growth. Spiritual maturity fits with our mission to "deepen our lives," and we are doing that in so many ways, including our spiritual deepening circles, ministry groups, resilience gatherings, classes, book groups, and other forms of interaction.  Incarnational growth is the "be a force for healing in the world" part of our mission. We are burgeoning with energy and commitment through our various social justice activities, including our new interfaith connections. Organic growth is reflected in our momentum, particularly in our welcoming of newcomers and our willingness to be changed by all who enter our community.   
No matter how you measure it, this is an exciting time to be a part of UUSS. I am proud to be serving this wonderful congregation and excited about what the future will hold.
Where's Lucy in April?
I always appreciate your thoughts, ideas, concerns or challenges. My office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons and I welcome your visits. Other times available by arrangement. Please call or e-mail first to make sure that I am available.  Scott and I will be away at a minister's retreat April 21-23.
Ministerial Intern's Message
Be Careful What You Wish For

There was a local evening interview show on NPR in Dallas several years ago, and the host would always end the show by saying, "Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it!" I was reminded of that by the wonderful reflection Marilyn gave on the Sunday I preached in March. She got her wish, but realized "gimme a break" has multiple meanings!
 
Many ministers wish for active, growing and thoughtful church communities, beautiful bustling campuses, and sanctuaries and parking lots at near capacity on Sunday morning. We have gotten our wish!
 
The fulfillment of our wish is most evident to me when I try to book a room for a meeting or workshop. As I wrote last month, many weeknights, nearly every room on campus is booked!
 
So, the question becomes, what do we do now? As you might suspect, I have a few suggestions.
 
Go out of your way to greet new folks. Speak to someone you don't know. Sit next to a future friend at Soup Sunday. Where do you have a better chance of meeting someone fascinating than at a UU church?
 
Consider carpooling. Find out who lives near you, and ride together. It saves a parking space, and you'll have a great conversation. (Keep checking uuss.org for an upcoming ride-sharing board.)
 
Think about teaching Religious Education. With more families joining us, we will need more teachers and advisors to help. You may be surprised at how much you will learn!
 
And finally, to keep the wish going, if you believe that worthwhile things are happening at UUSS, don't keep it a secret. UUs are notoriously allergic to evangelizing, and I'm not advocating going house-to-house, knocking on doors with a copy of Walden in your hand. But don't be afraid to mention where you spend your Sunday mornings to friends and co-workers; they may be wishing they knew of a place like this too! Your sharing may be how they get what they wish for.
 
Peace, Salaam, Shalom,

Scott

Where's Scott in April?
My regular office hours are now Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons. I share the RE Office with Miranda and welcome your visits. Please call or e-mail first so I can be sure to be available. Lucy and I will be away at a minister's retreat April 21-23.
Choir Director's Message
Our drumming workshop / circle takes place on Sunday,  April 9.

Our UU songbook and our music traditions often include rhythms of the folk music of the world, from Cuba to Africa and beyond. Have you ever wanted to try drumming and / or playing a percussion instrument? Here's your chance! American River College music professor Eric Chun is a teacher and recording artist, but also a master of many drum instruments. Join Eric after the service on April 9, from 12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. for a hands-on drum training and jam session. Bring your own drum, or use one of the many amazing instruments Eric will bring. We hope to see you there.

FROM YOUR LEADERSHIP
For Such a Time As This: 2017 UUSS Pledge Drive
Thank you! Thank you to those who have turned in your pledge cards with increased pledges, to those who have turned in your pledge cards but had to decrease your pledges, to those new members who turned in pledge cards for the first time, and to those who have returned your pledge cards with unchanged pledges. Thank you!!
 
Do you notice a pattern? We need each of you to turn in your pledge card. We use the pledge cards to determine our annual budget. We are the financial stewards for UUSS. We make it happen. Each of our pledges helps to keep UUSS operating as a caring community with outstanding services, religious education, and other programming, as well as social outreach, bringing justice and compassion to the world outside our community. We need your help for such a time as this.
 
Whether your pledge is larger, smaller, the same or new compared to last year, please turn in a pledge card. If your pledge is unchanged, we still need a completed pledge card to count towards next year's budget.
 
As you read this, we hope you have already pledged. If not, you can get forms and information from Stewardship Committee members, at www.uuss.org/stewardship/ or by e-mailing stewardship@uuss.org . We appreciate your generosity and continued support of UUSS.
Spring Congregational Meeting
Plan to attend our May Congregational Meeting next month: Sunday, May 21, immediately following Sunday service. We'll choose our new UUSS officers and vote on our budget for fiscal year 2017-2018. Only members can vote, but all are encouraged to attend and see our Democratic process in action!

Janet Lopes
Meet the Candidates
After the May 14 service, join the candidates who have been nominated for UUSS elective offices at the annual Meet the Candidates event.  They will be available for questions and conversations that will help you get to know them better in preparation for the May 21 Congregational Meeting to have our annual election of UUSS officers. For further information about the process or about the responsibilities of officers, contact members of the Nominating Committee or e-mail them at nominating@uuss.org .
 
To learn more about those who have agreed to share their service and talents with our congregation during 2017-18, see the listings and bios of our nominate candidates at the end of this April Unigram newsletter.
JUSTICE WORK
Our Social Justice Theme-Confronting Economic Inequality
First Thursday Social Justice Movie Night
Join us for film and discussion at 6:30 p.m. in the Welcome Hall.
 
April 6 - A Place at the Table
 
50 Million Americans-1 in 4 children-don't know where their next meal is coming from. A Place at the Table tells the powerful stories of three such Americans, who maintain their dignity even as they struggle just to eat. In a riveting journey that will change forever how you think about the hungry, A Place at the Table shows how the issue could be solved forever, once the American public decides-as they have in the past-that ending hunger is in the best interests of us all. Watch the trailer.
Monthly Book Discussions
April 30Divided:  The Perils of Our Growing Inequality edited by David Cay Johnston
 
According to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Cay Johnston, most Americans, in inflation-adjusted terms, are now back to the average income of 1966. Shockingly, from 2009 to 2011 a third of all the increased income in a land of 300 million people went to just 30,000 of them, while the bottom 90 percent saw their income fall. Yet in this most unequal of developed nations, every aspect of inequality remains hotly contested and poorly understood.


May 2017 - White Trash by Nancy Isenberg

In her groundbreaking bestselling history of the class system in America, Nancy Isenberg, takes on our comforting myths about equality, uncovering the crucial legacy of the ever-present, always embarrassing-if occasionally entertaining-poor white trash.
Interfaith News
The board voted in March to affiliate with Area Congregations Together (ACT). This Interfaith group is an affiliate of PICO (People Improving Communities Through Organizing).  Check out their web site.  

ACT is very engaged in social justice issues in the Sacramento region.  60 congregations and non-profit organizations are affiliated with this group.    Engaging in interfaith efforts has a three-fold benefit for UUSS: 1) our congregation can lend its considerable gifts to support local efforts and make our name better known in the community; 2) individuals in the congregation can engage with a broader group in activities that matter to them; and 3) we can change the world for the better.

ACT has several active committees and we have representatives to two of them. These folks will be attending meetings, and bringing information and opportunities to the congregation.

Immigrant Justice: Susan Lange will be serving as our representative to ACT in this area and leading our engagement with immigration issues. She also coordinates our Faithful Friends Visitaion program.  She learn more at our web page .

Homelessness : Sally White is our representative for this committee.  She will work with our Family Promise and other efforts to help us make a difference in this area.   Stay tuned for more.

There are other Act committees where we can engage:  Relations with law enforcement, prison reform, education, county budget, and more. Call Rev Lucy if you want to learn more about serving as the UUSS representative to these committees.
 
We are expanding in other interfaith areas as well.

Earth Justice: Christine Bailey, with the support of our Earth Justice Team has taken on a role to coordinate us with Interfaith efforts in Climate Justice. She has already listed some activities on our   web page .  

Relations with the Muslim community : Rich Howard has agreed to help us outreach to the Muslim community.   He will be working with the Council of American Islamic Relations, having more Mosque tours (building on the one led by our Junior High group in February, and other opportunities to meet and connect with the Muslim community in Sacramento. 

Stay tuned for information on how to sign up for notifications from these groups.   Interfaith action is an important way to live our mission to" be a force for healing in the world."
Earth Justice Ministry
A lot has been happening! Please join us for our monthly meeting, April 10, 4:30-5:45 p.m., Fahs Room.  We'll discuss Commit2Respond, the Earth Day tabling event at Southside Park on Sunday April 23, as well as the UUSS Earth Day Service on April 30, Butterfly Garden, upcoming CCL film and a repeat of the Leonardo Di Caprio movie. Contact Patricia Johnson at 916-642-6067 or email: Earthjustice@uuss.org .
Regional Social Justice Training: Saturday April 15
Join leaders from around the region to learn more about relationship-based social justice activities at a free training sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry of California (UUJMCA), a Sacramento-based organization working to advance justice in our state by cultivating and connecting leaders and communities, and by empowering the public voice of those who share UU values and principles. 

The focus of the day is to help us learn about a variety of social justice activities, from economic equality and immigration to climate, water, and racial justice.

There will be a presentation by Katia Hansen from UURise (UU Refuge and Immigrant Services and Education).  We will also work in small groups to identify and develop partnerships with impacted communities.  You will have time to meet and network with leaders from many other UU congregations in our region.  The no-cost training begins at 9 am and ends at 4 pm in the Welcome Hall.  To learn more visit http://uujmca.org/training-education/regional-justice-trainings/
ADULT ENRICHMENT
Great World Religions

Ray Reynolds, from the Adult Enrichment committee, has been hosting videos and discussions on the  Great World Religions DVD series. The videos are presented by five college professors who conduct an authoritative, informative and up-to-date survey of the history and nature of the world's five major religions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism. The purpose is to enhance our knowledge of these major faiths and to view them in their totality as a unified, integrated human activity.
 
The videos and discussions are presented each Friday afternoon in the library, 3 to 4 p.m., and again from 7 to 8 p.m. They began on February 3. The religion currently being covered is Judaism. You need not register for the session, just drop in. Obtain additional information at the Adult Enrichment table on Sunday mornings.

Not meeting on March 31, due to Caesar Chavez Holiday. Office is closed.
Monday Yoga at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Page Labrie teaches Yoga with Chairs in the Fahs Classroom at 10 a.m. and Yoga with Mats in Classroom 7/8 at 7 p.m.  $10 drop-in fee or $8/week for a two-month session.
Dance Class for Seniors
Malia Jones, a professional dancer, choreographer, and teacher of dance has started a beginning dance class for seniors at UUSS.  It started on March 22 and is held from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. each Wednesday. It is a drop In class and costs $15, a portion of which is donated to UUSS.   

Have fun dancing to a wide variety of upbeat musical hits and learning dance basics in a fun supportive environment!! Check it out and sign up at our Adult Enrichment table in the Welcome Hall. Any questions? E-mail adultenrichment@uuss.org or call (916) 961-0316.
Book Readers Group
On Tuesday, April 25, the UUSS Book Readers will meet at 7 p.m. to discuss
Early Warning by Jane Smiley. For more information, contact Jim Glidden at
uureaders@uuss.org or (916) 649-9697.
Exploring Unitarian Universalism
Every third Sunday before services we offer  Exploring Unitarian Universalism. There our four different 45 minute sessions offered consecutively: Principles and Sources, Faith, Social Justice, and UU History. Both newcomers and long-time members are welcome.  Each class includes some presentation, sharing by current members and opportunity for small group discussion.  Join us April 16 at 9:30 for Faith: What does it mean to a UU?
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices
Looking for some quiet time in your week?  Need an opportunity relax and deepen your spirit? Join us every Sunday at 9:45 (except 5th Sundays) to share spiritual practices.  Open to all.  Childcare is available, no reservation needed.
 
1st Sunday - Labyrinth walk - meet at Labyrinth
2nd Sunday - QiGong & Tai Chi Chuan - Fahs Classroom
3rd Sunday - Silent Meditation - Room 6
4th Sunday - Reading and reflection on poetry and prose - Room 6

We hope to see you there.
MORE THINGS TO KNOW AND DO
Auction Without Borders: Think Outside the Wall
The auction is coming soon! Our biggest fundraiser of the year will be   Saturday, April 29 . Can you donate services, dinners, picnics, hikes, bike rides or other adventures? Attending or donating to an event helps UUSS, but also helps you make connections within our community. Have some fun with other UUs!
 
Donation forms are available after Sunday services or at  uuss.org/auction , Donation advisors will also be there to help you brainstorm your donation ideas. Or you can contact Annette Emery at  involvedcitizen27@yahoo.com .

This is a ticketed event, and ticket sellers will be in the welcome hall after services through April 9. We sold out last year, so be sure to get your tickets early so you don't miss out! Pre-bidding this year is on April 16 and 23 and catalogs will be available then. The Buy It Now option can guarantee a win for one or two lucky bidders.

What else is needed? Donations of gift cards and fancy desserts for our raffles. And we really need your help for everything to go smoothly, especially on the cleanup team after the event. Yes, all volunteers do need to purchase an auction ticket (if you plan to attend the auction), BUT ... you will receive 10 free raffle tickets as a token of our appreciation!

For questions or to volunteer, please stop by the table after church or e-mail
auction@uuss.org . Find more information on our website at  uuss.org/auction  and keep your eye out for upcoming Bluesheet announcements.
2017 Activity Groups Fair
Here is your chance to find out about the rich tapestry of the groups and people that make up our UUSS community. So many ways to learn, play, serve, deepen and heal together ! The Program Council is hosting the annual Activity Groups Fair after the service on May 7. Tables staffed by members of each of the 60+ groups will be on the back patio, volleyball field, and labyrinth area. This is a super opportunity to find out more about groups you've been thinking of looking into, and some you hadn't thought of.  It's always fun and interesting ... with lots of socializing too!  Questions? Or does your group still need to sign up for a table? Contact  programcouncil@uuss.org .
New Art Exhibit
Two UUSS members are our next featu re artist s. Both will show a diversity of work. Virginia Dunston presents her watercolors of animals, flowers, and village scenes. Ilona Montel's work includes both landscapes and color saturated abstracts.  Please join us at the reception and artist talks on Friday, April 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the main hall. For information, e-mail  Patricia Pratt or call her at (916) 482-3018.
     
Alliance Program: "Mothers of Invention"
The Alliance Group will meet on April 13 at 10:45 a.m. in the Welcome Hall. Carolyn Martin will give us a lively presentation titled "Mother's of Invention" on remarkable women inventors. Some of their inventions were Scotchguard, chocolate chip cookies, Liquid Paper, and disposable diapers.
 
Refreshments will be offered. Bring a friend. A $3 donation will be appreciated. For more information e-mail Vivian Counts: viviancounts@yahoo.com .
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE)
UUSS RE
We have two more solid months of RE left before we transition to our Summer ArtWorks program. Watching the classes come to life is rewarding, and we are very thankful for the participating families, volunteer teachers, and our Room 11 Nursery staff who continue to share their gifts of talents and time with our children and youth each Sunday. Our work is helping children understand the UU faith.
 

The UU Principles are called Promises in our Spirit Play group and this is how they read:
 
Red is Respect for all beings.
Orange is for Offering fair and kind treatment.
Yellow is to Yearn to learn throughout life.
Green is for Growing by exploring ideas and values together.
Blue is for Believe in our ideas and act on them.
Indigo is Insist on peace, freedom, and justice for all.
Violet is for Value our interdependence with nature.
 
Such wonderful and gentle reminders for all of us. The overall presence of each of you contributes to the wonderful community we have here at UUSS. Thank you.
 Kindly,
Our Whole Lives, Grades 7-8-9
Next year we will be offering the age appropriate   UU sexualities curriculum   Our Whole Lives for  youth in grades 7-8-9. For questions about or to reserve your place e-mail: re@uuss.org
 




Chalice Camp in summer at UUSS
Chalice Camp is designed for kids entering 1st through entering 6th grades. The group focuses on getting to know each other, playing games, talking about Unitarian Universalist heritage, creating art, and deepening children's identities as Unitarian Universalists. We need at least 10 participants to make it happen. Do you have a child going into first through sixth grade? If interested, please e-mail RE Coordinator,  Miranda  today!
Re: RE: Quick Reference!
-Easter Egg Hunt after service on Sunday, April 16. Please bring your own basket for egg collecting.
-All ages UUSS Games Night is scheduled for Friday, April 21, 6 p.m. in the Fahs classroom. Games Night hosts are needed for the next few months. Contact gamesnight@uuss.org for more information.
-Sunday, April 23 the Nursery stays open longer for families to attend the Newcomers' Orientation. Just let the child care staff know you would like to attend.
-The Nursery in Room 11 is open every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for parents attending Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices .
-RE calendar details and other information http://www.uuss.org/re
- I hope you can stay up-to-date with reading the RE Outreach, which is always a great source for information, events, and other neat things about our 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!
-Feel creative? Help make story sets for our Spirit Play group. Hot gluing felt creations, painting blocks, gathering nature or knick-knacks are just some possibilities. Contact re@uuss.org today! Miranda will help with instructions, ideas, and will be there to cheer you on!
-Nursery request: If you have any gently used outside toys or equipment that you are ready to donate, let staff know on Sunday morning.
Religious Education (RE) Calendar, April 2017
Sunday, April 2
9:30-12:00     Child care
 
10:30-11:45   RE
 
Sunday, April 9
9:30-12:00     Child care 
 
10:30-11:45    RE
 
Sunday, April 16 Easter
9:30-12:00      Child care
 
10:30-11:45    RE
 
Sunday, April 23
9:30-12:00      Child care
 
10:30-11:30    RE
 
Sunday, April 30
9:30-12:00      Child care
 
10:30-11:30    All Ages, no RE
Meet the UUSS Elective Candidates for 2017-2018
PRESIDENT
 
Margaret Wilcox joined UUSS in 2004 after moving from the Bay Area. Following a career as an educational psychologist, university faculty member, and UC Extension administrator at the Berkeley and Davis campuses, she is now having fun as a volunteer with several organizations, including UUSS. She was previously UUSS Board Vice President, followed by two years as Board President.  In addition to chairing the Membership Committee and the recent Building Project Steering Committee, she has been active with a variety of congregational committees and activities. Margaret and her husband, Wayne, have a daughter who lives with her wife in Seattle and a son who resides in Connecticut with his wife and daughter (and one on the way!).
 
VICE-PRESIDENT
 
Denis Edgren has lived in the Sacramento area for 28 years and is a 17-year member of UUSS. He attended Unitarian Universalist churches in Hawaii and Monterey, CA, in addition to UUSS. Until 1998, Denis served in the US Navy as a Naval Flight Officer, and he recently retired after working for a global investment management company. Currently chair of the Finance Committee, he finishes his term as UUSS Treasurer in June. Denis has served as an adult volunteer teacher in almost every age group of RE, including Junior High and Senior High Youth Groups. He is married to Karen, and together they have two sons, a daughter and three young grandchildren.  
 
SECRETARY
 
Victoria Owens was introduced to Unitarian Universalism in Boise, Idaho. As an active member of Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship for over 22 years, she variously served as Treasurer, Chair of the Sunday Service Committee (where her favorite duty was picking the weekly hymns, even though she can't read music or carry a tune), and Newsletter Editor. The BUUF community helped her through some rough times and always made her feel connected. In 2011, she returned to Sacramento to be closer to family. She began attending UUSS and found the same sense of community and purpose here.
 
Victoria works for UC Davis as an auditor and fraud investigator and enjoys the freedom to be less structured on the weekends. She is a volunteer docent at the California Automobile Museum, enjoys spending time with her dogs, doing crossword puzzles, and playing bridge. She raised two amazing daughters: Geneva and Avalon. Like so many parents, her main motivation to begin attending church was to provide her girls with a solid foundation and loving community. She is pleased to say they both are active members of their local UU churches.
 
Unitarian Universalism has been an important part of Victoria's life for many years, and she is honored to be nominated to serve as Secretary of the Board. 
 
 
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
 
Carl Crain 's spiritual journey began early in life as a "PK" (preacher's kid) in Southern California. Thankfully, his mom and dad were both open-minded and active leaders in a progressive Christian denomination, teaching him by their words and actions to ask questions, to listen honestly, and to seek the truth. He moved his family to Cameron Park in 1990 and became active in a church congregation from the denomination he grew up in. As a result of years of asking questions and searching for deeper truth and meaning, he discovered Unitarian Universalism and became a member of UUSS in December 2010. Although he is no longer an active member of a congregation in his former denomination, he has continued to serve for 15 years as a counselor and music leader for high school youth at their winter and summer camps.
 
Carl graduated from Chapman College in 1980 and completed his M.A. at the University of Redlands in 1987. For over 30 years, he has been a buyer/contracts manager supporting both the private and public sectors. He is proud to be a civil servant, having spent the last 15 years with the County of Sacramento.
 
Carl's wife Julia and he have four grown daughters and five beautiful grandchildren. In his spare time, he may be seen cycling along the American River bike trail, kayaking on one of his favorite spots between Lake Natoma and Wright's Lake, or hiking in the Sierra. He welcomes this opportunity to serve UUSS.
 
Roger Olson was born and raised in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area. After college he and Tamara, his wonderful wife of 52 years, moved to Chicago where he joined what was to become the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. After five enjoyable years in Chicago they moved for a year to help staff a new office in Denver, and then moved back to Minneapolis and another new office, where he served in various capacities until he retired in 1997 after a 32-year career. He and Tamara then moved to Tucson and enjoyed the sunshine, the arts, and friends until they moved here to Sacramento last March to be closer to their family.
 
They have a son, who with his wife, has two children and lives here in Curtis Park.  They also have a daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren who live in Portland, OR.
 
Roger and Tamara discovered the First Universalist Church of Minneapolis in the mid-1970s and realized that they had found a church home. They were members of that church for almost 20 years. While visiting family here in Sacramento over several years, they visited UUSS and quickly felt very comfortable. Upon moving to Sacramento last spring, they started attending regularly. They enjoy all the friendly people, the Book Readers discussion group, and the American River Parkway clean-up group. Roger is a Grasshopper and looks forward to an opportunity to get more involved in UUSS activities by serving on the Board of Trustees.
 
PROGRAM COUNCIL
 
Marian Ashe grew up in Southern California and moved to Sacramento in 1983. She and her husband, Tony VanCuren, currently live in McKinley Park, and both joined the UUSS in 2008. Marian was raised as a Roman Catholic but sought a change to a more progressive spiritual community, which she found with Unitarian Universalism. She worked as an environmental scientist for the state of California, first with the Department of Fish and Game, then the Environmental Protection Agency, before retiring in 2013. She now enjoys the opportunity to travel and to volunteer with several organizations, including the UUSS where she has worked with the Membership Committee and the Intern Committee. Marian especially enjoys welcoming newcomers to UUSS as a greeter on Sunday mornings, and looks forward to serving on the Program Council. 
 
Patty Budding is a graduate of CSUS with a degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology and an M.S. in Special Education. She had worked as a sales representative for a number of years before becoming a teacher. Her teaching experiences include California Youth Authority; Athens, Greece; and Natomas Unified School District, from which she retired after 23 years. Patty has attended UUSS for seven years and became a member four years ago. She has been a greeter for over two years, participated in last year's auction preparation, and is involved in a Spiritual Deepening Circle. Patty enjoys spending time with her family, particularly her three grandchildren, singing in the River City Chorale, and traveling the world. She looks forward to serving UUSS in any way she can.
 
Linda Roth is a Sacramento native who graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Mathematics. Her three children all live and work in the area. She is retired after 32 years at various agencies in California state government, most often in information technology. She also served as a lobbyist for Caltrans and as the Administrative Deputy managing the creation of a new Caltrans District Office in Orange County, where she worked temporarily for a year. She retired as the Bureau Director over software development at the Franchise Tax Board.
 
A member of UUSS since 2013, she is involved in many activities and participates in Games Night, Book Club, and Mah Jongg. Linda serves on the Religious Services/ Worship Associates Committee, the Program Council, Intern Evaluation and Oversight Committee, and the Unigram editing team. She is a co-facilitator for a Spiritual Deepening Circle for the third year. Linda participated in the project to manage Reverend Roger's Installation at SAUCC (the church where we met during our facility renovation) and was Project Leader for our new facility's Re-Dedication Celebration.
 
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
 
John Abbott has been a member of the church since 1994, and has served several terms on the Board of Trustees. He is currently Rev. Jones' appointee to the Endowment Trust and participates on the finance and stewardship committees. He was also a president of the Sacramento State Alumni Association. His wife, Lori Moreland, is a friend of the church; they have been married since 1998. He has three children and two grandchildren.
 
David Libby has been a member of UUSS since 1990. He and his spouse, Sally, were married here in 1991, the Rev. John Young officiating. He last served as the chair of the Nominating Committee in 2009-10. David, an IT professional retired from state service, still works part-time as a retired annuitant. Over the years, he focused his energy mostly in the Religious Education program, but also served on the Religious Services Committee and in the Lay Minister program. He will serve with gratitude and a sincere desire to do what's best for our beloved congregation if elected this year! 
 
Eric Ross, Chair, has been a UUSS member since 1986. He was raised a Universalist in West Hartford, CT. Over the years, he has been a teacher with youth RE, been a Worship Associate, and served twice on the Board, most recently from 2011 to 2014.  He currently serves on the Fund Raising Strategy Team (FRST) and Stewardship Committees. Recently retired from state service as an Administrative Law Judge, he and his wife Karen (also recently retired) are enjoying more time for travel, friendships, and hobbies, including lots of reading. He has two adult children and one grandchild.
 
Kathy Styc was raised in Sacramento and graduated with B.A. and M.A. degrees in psychology from CSUS. She worked as a research analyst and manager for the state of California for 37 years. When she retired in 2006, she realized that she had finally found the best job ever! She has one daughter who lives in Sacramento, and Kathy recently adopted her granddog. 
 
Kathy started attending UUSS in 2009 and became a member in 2010. She enjoys the wide range of classes offered at UUSS and led the Adult Enrichment Committee for several years. She then led the Earth Justice Ministry (EJM) Committee for two years and continues to be active with that committee. She particularly enjoys the speakers and films EJM has sponsored about the environment, and the climate ribbon project. 
She also participates in Family Promise, Spiritual Deepening Circles, the Refugee Support Program, and serves as a greeter on the Welcome Team.
 
Lauren Davis-Todd is a recently retired elementary school teacher with an M.S. in education counseling in addition to a B.S. in education. She has been a member of UUSS since 2008, but became a UU in her early 20s. In support of UUSS, Lauren and her husband Chuck served on the Stewardship Team for a year, followed by three years as co-chairs.
 
Lauren enjoys bringing a main dish to Family Promise at every opportunity, taking adult enrichment classes, serving soup, buying and selling at the Service Auction, and growing vegetables in UUrth garden for several years. She enjoys taking care of her three grandchildren, all under the age of two, and with Chuck, loves to travel. She's delighted to have the opportunity to serve on the Nominating Committee.
 
Feminist Glory Wicklund credits humor and UUSS for her energy and spirituality. She has been a member for 11 years. Glory is one of the originators of the UUrth Song Community Garden, former Board Treasurer, Family Promise volunteer since its inception, and one of the St. John's Shelter cooks. She worked on the design and purchases for our commercial kitchen, is liaison to the County Health Department, and the one who posts all the "rules" in the kitchen. Glory has served on several committees, and is presently on the Administrative Property Management team co-leading the project to paint the exterior of the Religious Education wing.
 
ENDOWMENT TRUST COMMITTEE
 
Celia Buckley has been a Unitarian Universalist since she and her wife Marion Randall joined the UU Community Church of Sacramento in 1991. She was very active at UUCC, serving in many positions including Board of Trustees Secretary and President. A long-term member and ultimate chair of the Worship Committee, she served a few stints on the Canvas/Stewardship committee. When UUCC closed its operations in 2014, she joined UUSS and has become increasingly happy being involved in a large congregation. As a retired Advanced Practice RN in the field of pediatric cardiology, she has no formal training in finances. However, the years on the UUCC Board gave her insight into reading financial spreadsheets and she manages their personal finances and prepares her own taxes.
 
COMMUNICATIONS FACILITATOR
 
Colene Schlaepfer has been a UUSS member for 14 years. She was active in the process of planning and executing our remodel-and is thrilled with the result. Colene is a greeter and is getting involved with the Refugee Project. She and husband Fred are marriage and family therapists and work as a team with couples. With six children between them, nine grandchildren and four great grands, they enjoy being matriarch and patriarch of this large clan.
WHO WE ARE AND WHERE TO FIND US
April Office Hours and Holiday Closings
The UUSS office is open Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Serving Our Congregation
  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 
     Contact Board members by email:  president@uuss.org
 
PROGRAM COUNCIL
        JoAnn Anglin                                           Deirdre Downes (Chairperson)                     
        Patricia Johnson                                     Peggy Makie
         Linda Roth                               
     Contact Program Council members by email: programcouncil@uuss.org
 
CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Roger Jones, Senior Minister (On Sabbitical)
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