There is evidence that even as we multiply our contacts on Facebook and other social media venues, people in our modern society are generally becoming more socially isolated. One study found that while in 1985 nearly three quarters of people reported having a friend in whom they could confide anything, two decades later only half said they had this kind of support and intimacy from one person. Also, the number of people Americans reported having in their closest circle of friends dropped in those two decades from three to two.

         In this time of increasing isolation, people need opportunities to connect with others face to face. This need increases the importance of voluntary communities like congregations - where people can network with others, find and strengthen friendships and share their lives in more depth than is possible through our many technological connections.

         To be effective in creating deep human connection in our congregations, we need to be as hospitable as we can, both to those we know and those we have yet to become acquainted with. We need to practice hospitality as a kind of religious discipline. Former UUA President Peter Morales has written about how we can do this:

A true religious hospitality reaches out to those we do not yet know. This can be as simple as greeting those seated near you on Sunday morning and working up the courage to talk to a stranger during coffee hour. It means warmly welcoming those who come looking for a religious home.

 

      Let us work on practicing this religious hospitality among ourselves and toward the stranger who visits us for the first time. In this way we can serve the community by helping to answer the modern human cry for a sense of connectedness, and we can both deepen and grow our liberal faith, extending a warm welcome to all who enter our doors. 

 

Jeffrey Melcher,  M.Div.

dre@uuMarin.org

Upcoming dates link to the UUCM calendar for saving on iCal, Outlook etc.

Budget Hearing - May 21

12:15 PM - 2:00 PM

Game Night - June 2

6:00 PM - 9 PM

Anuual Congregational Meeting - June 4

12:30 - 2:30 PM

End of Year Potluck - June 11

2017 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Karen Glickman, A Marin Villages volunteer, will do the pulpit appeal for Marin Villages on May 28.

 

The offering basket will be shared 50/50 with Marin Villages: an alliance of local villages established by geographic area to build community through social and educational events, delivery of volunteer assistance and individual aid in accessing vetted help and service here in Marin.

Each year we put out a call for "Wesley Grants".  The funds for these grants come from the Wesley fund, whose purpose is to provide up to approximately $6,000 each year to be used on enhancement projects.  Individual grants can range from a few hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars.  A written proposal is required, stating the amount, the purpose, and how it enhances our congregation and makes us better able to fulfill our mission.  The proposal should also state who will have ownership of getting the project completed.

 

If you have an idea and would like to submit a request, please submit it in writing to Janette Morrow by June 16.  All proposals will be considered by the Board in the June 29th meeting.  All persons submitting a request will be notified of the decision subsequent to that meeting.

 

In faith,

Dianne

Due to Joan's "out-of-whack back," UUCM will need a new co-ordinator/

supervisor for this rich and rewarding program project which she has administered

for the last nine years. Contact her for more information. 

Joan Nelson -  415-506-4166  -  c: 415-595-6221

General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through the democratic process. Anyone may attend.

New Orleans, LA  June 21-25.