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March 4, 2018: Random Acts of Kindness
Rev. Joy Atkinson
In the aftermath of yet another tragic mass shooting, let us take a look at how we can all participate in creating a healthier, more caring community and world at large.
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Upcoming Topics and Leaders
3/4/18: Bedtime Rituals
Kim Holscher
3/11/18: How Improv Can Improve Your Relationships
Janice Prochaska
The Sunday Circle is held from 9:00 am to 10:00 am each Sunday in the Fireside Room.
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Words of Joy - Black Lives UU Appeal
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Last Sunday, during our Promise and Practice service, we launched an appeal for the Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism Organizing Collective. This campaign is part of the Unitarian Universalist Association's promise to help raise $5.3 million for BLUU to carry out their work on behalf of black Unitarian Universalists. The money will be used to fund the efforts of BLUU to support UUs of color and to expand the role and visibility of Unitarian Universalists of color within our faith.
During the service, we showed a video of the Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, President of the UUA, and Lena Gardner, Executive Director of BLUU, speaking about the need to fund this effort. Members of this congregation donated $1040 following the service. If we can reach a total of $1270 (just $10. per member) our donations will qualify for a matching amount. Generous Unitarian Universalists Julie and Brad Bradburd have offered up to $1 million in matching funds to encourage UU congregations to support this effort.
We are almost at the matching level (but we don't have to stop there). If you would like to donate to this effort, you can send a check to UUCM, written to UUCM and marked "BLUU" in the memo line. You can also donate through an electronic fund transfer by going here; indicate your contribution in the "Other" box and on the next page designate your contribution to BLUU.
In the words of Susan Frederick-Gray and Lena Gardner from the video:
If you believe that our faith must become radically inclusive, justice centered, multiracial and multigenerational, then there is no better way to advance that vision than through your support for BLUU. The power and promise of Unitarian Universalism is waking up to meet fear and hate with radical imagination, transformative partnership, resilience, and joy. We make it possible through our commitment and our generosity. Thank you for your support.
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Upcoming dates link to the UUCM calendar for saving on iCal, Outlook etc.
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Retreat Update - May 4, 5, 6
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If you received your registration form last Sunday or downloaded it from a previous weekly news, please fill it out and return it this coming Sunday.
Forms are due no later than March 25.
If you would like to offer a workshop, please let Thomas Ervin know (
thomas.ervin@comcast.net). We are planning a joyous retreat with scrumptious meals, learning and playing together in the beautiful setting of Walker Creek Ranch. Nothing could be finer than to spend a weekend in the country in May with your family and friends! We can't do it without your registration forms. Please attach a check or pay online and note the online payment on your form.
Thanks,
Thomas and Dianne
Retreat Waiver
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From the Facilities Committee
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As you may have noticed, the play structure has been demolished and completely removed. What remains is a blank slate for the R.E. committee to design a new and exciting outdoor experience for our children, community and guests.
A big thank you goes to everyone who contributed substantial amounts of time in both the demo and the disposal: Jim Harrison, Thomas Ervin, Jim Finn, Dick Park, Norman Davidson, Dianne Estrada, Peter McAllister, Henry Kingdon, Nathan Estrada, and Ethan Lessin.
We tried to pick up all of the stray hardware, but please keep an eye out. If you see any remaining items (bolts, brackets, nails, etc.) please pick it up and dispose of it properly. For safety, please respect a "no bare feet" policy in this area.
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General Assembly Kansas City, Missouri
The call of our Unitarian Universalist faith has a place for each of us.
All Are Called
to join us this June 20 - 24 in Kansas City to build courageous, collective leadership with tools, skills and connections.
Financial aid for General Assembly is available in the form of working volunteer positions as well as registration scholarships and travel grants. There are several different funding sources available via the General Assembly Unified Scholarship Application, including additional funding committed by the UUA Administration to the 2018 budget to facilitate the participation of People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Persons at GA. Financial Aid applications are accepted March 1 through March 31.
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| Board President Ted walks the labyrinth. Try it, access below the courtyard at UUCM.
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Women's REST Sunday Supper Crew Needs YOU!
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We had a heart warming start this fall -- now we're looking for more volunteers. Come join the crew who are preparing Sunday Suppers and spreading kindness at the Women's REST shelter. For 10 years, with the help of volunteers from congregations like ours, the shelter has provided a meal and a place to sleep for up to 20 women a night during the winter months.
This year we're implementing a new model with a rotating "lead" for each Sunday Supper. The "Lead" recruits participants, organizes food, company and clean-up for the meal. The Lead may chose to have or to not have Ukulele players from "The Fountain of Ukes". Our goal is to encourage more people to become involved in supporting the women in the REST Program -- so feel free to invite your neighbors, co-workers and friends!
Heartfelt thanks to Joan Nelson for many years of inspiring leadership for this program -- and to Walt Littrell who this year is connecting us with the Ukulele Players and creating a festive atmosphere. We can truly say that participating in supporting this program will lift your spirits. Join us!
Click this link to sign up!
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a054aafac2e5-sunday
These links give more information about the REST Program.
https://www.marinhhs.org/sites/default/files/files/servicepages/2013_12/brochure_rest.pdf
https://www.vinnies.org/news-events/news-media/
Questions? Ask Sarah Tiederman --
bambooplanet@earthlink.net
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UUA 2017-2018 Common Read
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UUCM Adult Ed Committee is sponsoring the UUA 2017-2018 Common Read
Join in the national conversation!
This year we are reading
Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry edited by Mitra Rahnema
Thank you to those of you present at the Promise and Practice Service this past Sunday. Thank you also to those who were able to attend the discussion on white privilege and discrimination within the UU denomination that took place after the service. It was a very honest, fruitful and expanding
conversation. Discussions of "Centering" will be
April 22nd 12:15-1:30PM at UUCM and also at the UUCM retreat May 4-6.
This anthology of vital voices from our own UUA ministry speaks to the challenges of being a minister of color in our denomination.
Adult Ed has purchased 10 copies from the UUA to circulate for reading.
As of last Sunday there was at least one copy of "Centering" available to be checked out from the
Adult Ed Lending Library
which is a well labeled box with a checkout form near the computer in the Community Room.
If you have a copy you are willing to circulate please leave it in the Adult Ed Lending Library in the Community Room.
It's going for $9.99 and $7.99.
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Pacific Western Regional Assembly - April 27-29
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More than 500 individuals
from the four districts of the UUA's Pacific Western Region have already registered for the PWR 2018 Regional Assembly. They will gather
April 27-29 in Portland, OR. Speakers include, the Rev. Vanessa Rush Southern,
Senior Minister at the First Unitarian Society of San Francisco; Washington Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, advocate for women's, immigrant, civil, and human rights; and the Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, newly elected UUA president.
Programming includes workshops, worship, district meetings, and an optional social justice activity. A day-long Professional Day designed for religious professionals is planned for Friday, April 27, before the start of Regional Assembly. Discount lodging is available at the Portland Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, site of the Regional Assembly. Childcare and youth programming will be available.
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Basket Share Participants Needed
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Are you involved as a volunteer or recipient of the services of a local 501(c)(3) agency or program?
You can help that organization raise money by initiating a 50/50 UUCM Offering Basket Share.
Complete the
application form on the UUCM website Social Justice page. Or find one at the Social Justice Table on a Sunday morning. Send it to
socialjustice@uumarin.org or leave it in the SJ box in the Community Room.
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Sending Announcements for the Order of Service
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If you have an announcement for the back of the Sunday Order of Service please send it to
worshipassociates@uumarin.org
instead
of sending it to the office. Please send by 5 PM on Wednesday, any later submissions will be considered for timeliness and room. The Worship Committee members are now putting together the Order of Service and Janette will print it.
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Social Justice Education/Action
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Next Social Justice meeting: Sunday March 18, 12:15-1:30 PM
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We have a newsletter list to inform you about
UU Social Justice actions and local issues. Sign up by
replying to this email and typing
"Yes to Social Advocates".
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Continue your commitment to environmental and economic justice by shopping at
http://shop.uusc.org
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Visitor's Box
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We cherish diversity and welcome among us
people of all races, cultures, ages, abilities, sexual
identities/orientations, and faith perspectives.
GUESTS
are always welcome. Sunday worship is a time for inspiration, renewal, and connection.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH join adults during the first part of the service, and then attend Religious Exploration classes. Nursery and toddler care is provided during the 10:30 service. There is a speaker system to bring sound from Fellowship Hall to the nursing room and the pre-K area.
REFRESHMENT HOUR
in the Courtyard or
Fireside Room follows the services.
There are four "Sunday First Time Visitor" parking spots at the top of the parking lot.
Come, join us!
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Staff Links
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Office Hours:
Tuesday, Thursday 11AM - 6PM
Other times also available. Call/email for an appointment.
phone 415-479-4131 ext 102
Office Hours:
Sunday 12:30 - 1:30 PM
Tuesday 10:30 - 1:30 PM
Thursday 12:30 - 3:30 PM
phone 415-479-4131 ext 104
Nursery Teacher: Glynda Christian
Don Beck: 415-892-0642
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I appreciate any feedback about this weekly newsletter.
eWeekly Deadline for Thursday issue:
Tuesday by 7 am - activities and announcements, Staff columns, committee reports
Weekly articles can contain:
- Notices of UUCM sponsored events, meetings, or other activities which involve the entire congregation.
- Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) or Pacific Central District (PCD) announcements of interest to the entire congregation.
(Staff article length 250 words)
Production, UUCM Connect and Special Announcements Editor: Lisa Cohen
Backup Production Editor: Valerie Taylor
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin
415-479-4131
240 Channing Way
San Rafael, CA 94903
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