| The Unigram Newsletter for October 2017 Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento |
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2425 Sierra Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95825
Office (916) 483-9283
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October 1
Path to Choose: Unitarian Faith and Family Life in Transylvania
Rev. Emese-Lidia Bodor, preaching, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Ginny Johnson, and special music from Romania and Hungary.
Sunday Spiritual Practice at 9:45 a.m.: Labyrinth Walk in the meadow behind the main hall
Discussion forum with guest preacher and Keith Atwater to follow at noon.
Soup Sunday after the service.
Emese is a teacher at a Unitarian high school in Kolosvar, the heart and headquarters of Unitarianism in Transylvania (a province of Romania since 1918). The Unitarian faith started there among Hungarian-speaking people in the 1560s. She is spending this year as the Balazs Scholar at Starr King School, our UU seminary in Berkeley. She's getting to know UUs around North America and has a special interest in Religious Education, especially Our Whole Lives sexuality education and Coming of Age. Don't miss this family visitor!
See "More Things to Know and Do" below for Emese's after-church event.
October 8
The Protestant Earthquake: 500 Years of Reinventing Faith--and the World
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Laura Sheperd, Music Director Keith Atwater.
This October marks 500 years since anti-Semitic monk Martin Luther (among others) started a reformation that has been a revolution in human history. Without that, we would not have some great music, inspiring ideas, repressive ideas, creativity, cruelty, nation states, town meetings, or even Unitarian Universalism. Come hear a few greatest hits of Protestant composers!
Sunday Spiritual Practice at 9:45 a.m.: Tai Chi/Qi Gong in Fahs Classroom
Soup Sunday after the service.
October 15
Beloved Conversations
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Rev. Lucy Bunch, members of the congregation
Worship Associate Jim Eastman
Twice in the past two years, ten members of our congregation have gathered on Saturday mornings for eight weeks to explore racism and white privilege along with members of other local UU congregations. This Sunday we hear from some of them as they share the process of having their hearts opened and their consciousness expanded.
Exploring Unitarian Universalism: Survey of UU History at 9:30 a.m. in Fahs Classroom.
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices at 9:45 a.m.: Silent Meditation in Classroom 6.
October 22
Redemption
Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Jess Reynolds, Music Director Keith Atwater and the UUSS Choir
Youth Groups @ 10:30 today: Junior High (grades 6-8) & Senior High (9-12) .
Celebration and welcome of recent New Members in the service
Congregational Meeting after the service from 11:50 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Redemption is an old fashioned religious word that can be off-putting. Who needs it! Apparently, from what you read, sports teams, politicians, movie stars, prisoners, and possibly you and me. We will explore this important theological concept of restoration, wholeness, power, and depth.
Spiritual Practice at 9:45 a.m.: Reading and reflection on poetry and prose in Classroom 6.
October 29
We Call our Beloved Dead: An All-Ages Service
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associates Ginny Johnson and Larry Boles, Music Director Keith Atwater and the UUSS Choir
If you would like to have a picture of your beloved dead shared on the projection screen during the service, please send, scan, or bring a photo to the office by October 1
At the season of All Souls Day, we come together in community to honor any of the loved ones who have died and whom we wish to remember and celebrate. We will read the roll call of names of those in our community who have died in the past year. We will acknowledge the pain of loss and the joy of loving.
Child Dedication Breakfast Meeting with Rev. Roger at 9:00 in Classroom 7/8. Child Care opens at 9:00 in Room 11 and continues till 1:00 for the Newcomers' Orientation & Tour.
November 5
What I Don't Understand about Compassion
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Marilyn Reynolds, Music Director Keith Atwater; Special Music by tenor Tom Voigt
1st Sunday Labyrinth Walk in the meadow at 9:45 a.m. Soup Sunday Lunch after Service
This is part 1 of a sermon series based on Karen Armstong's book Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life (oh, only 12?!). What is compassion and how does it work? Is it easy for you, or difficult?
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Shared Offering Recipient in October
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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 reflect our mission to be a force for healing in the world. In August, we raised $2,503 for Opening Doors. Our community partner for October is
Wind Youth Services which provides supportive services and opportunities to youth experiencing homelessness as they pursue self-determined lives of stability and independence.
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Elder Law & Caregiving forum POSTPONED
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The expert panel on elder law and caregiving needs and issues will be rescheduled. It will NOT take place this Saturday. If you would like to be told when we have a new date, please
email Rev. Roger.
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Theater One Closing Weekend
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This Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM are the last opportunities to see the powerful play "Shadow Hour" at UUSS. Visit
Theater One
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Senior Minister's Message
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Honoring the Devoted, Healthy, and Fruitful Ministry of Doug Kraft
At the suggestion of several church members and with my encouragement, our Board of Trustees will bring to voting members of the congregation a proposal to award the title of
Minister Emeritus
to the Rev. Douglas Kraft, who served as our Lead Minister from 2000 to 2013.
The emeritus title (or emerita for a female) is an honorary title to recognize the meritorious and successful service of a minister after a long tenure of devotion and achievement. At UUSS, the Rev. Dr. Ford Lewis retired in 1971 and was designated minister emeritus six years later. The Rev. Theodore Webb retired in 1983 and was made emeritus in 1985. Both men and their wives retired in Sacramento and were supportive members of UUSS. Ford passed away in 1998, and we lost Ted in 2014. Doug and Erika Kraft are pledging members of UUSS, and he has been teaching meditation classes here ("Easing Awake"). He remains connected to the UU Ministers Association's area chapter, along with Rev. Lucy and me.
Longtime members and pledging friends have appreciated Doug's intellect, musicality, stimulating sermons, and exploration of spiritual and existential themes, especially through his immersion in Buddhist thought and practice. (You can learn some of this from his books, available in our own bookstore in the Theodore Abell Library.) Doug is noted for his open-hearted listening, spiritual depth, kindness, light spirit, and creativity.
Doug was called here by an overwhelming vote in 2000. He arrived at just the right moment for UUSS. Our lay leaders and former interim clergy had begun leading and nudging UUSS away from an entrenched culture, regrettably infused with elements of animosity, factionalism, and pessimism. His arrival was a turning point for us, and his tenure was marked by healthy progress. In his ministry, UUSS adopted our current statement of Mission and Values, and we embodied our UUSS Covenant more faithfully. As I said in my July 30 sermon, he listened to members, and he loved our members into listening to one another.
Doug launched the program known as Ministry Circles, guided the founding of our Program Council, and supported our lay leaders in establishing clear policies on important church matters. Under his ministry, we discerned and wrote a Long-Range Plan in 2008, adopted it by unanimous vote, and launched a Capital Funds Campaign in 2012, raising $1.3 million. All of this resulted in the beautifully expanded and renovated home we now enjoy and share with the wider community.
As UU ministerial colleagues, Doug and I will craft our own covenant for this official relationship and we will explain Doug's role as emeritus minister in our community life. There will be a forum to explain this more fully and to answer your questions after the October 15 service, led by Coleen Schlaepfer, UUSS Communications Facilitator.
Please let me know if you have questions. Please attend the October 22 Congregational Meeting. After conversation, deliberations, and an enthusiastic majority vote by UUSS members, we will have a good reason for a party, in celebration of a loving minister who remains a beloved friend. (Maybe you'll volunteer to help throw the party.) I hope you will give this decision your attention and your affirmation with a yes vote!
Yours in faith,
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones
P.S.:
On September 30, I go to the Oakland church for the Pot of Gold RE conference and I bring back a minister visiting from the Unitarian Church of Transylvania. Be sure to meet her Sunday, October 1!
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Where's Rev. Roger in October?
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Office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons. Let's make an appointment! It's very hard to have good connections with so many folks on Sundays, so drop me a line or give me a call. From October 17 to 19, Rev. Lucy and I will attend the fall meeting of this area's chapter of the UU Ministers Association; Lucy serves as its treasurer. We are grateful for the strong support of our gifted staffers when we are here or away!
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| In Loving Memory |
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- Our loyal, devoted member Barbara Amberson died September 13 at the age of 89. A UUSS member since 1973, she tended the church grounds, organized dinners for Thanksgiving and Theater One shows, and attended forums and all congregational meetings, ensuring proper use of Robert's Rules of Order. Her mind was curious and sharp, and she was reading books to the end. Annie Kempees and I are planning a memorial service at UUSS at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 9. Donations may be made in Barbara's memory to the UUSS Heritage Fund.
- Our member Chuck Berkstresser died peacefully September 22 at age 94. Born in Iowa, he was a hydrologist/geologist for the US Geological Survey. In retirement he consulted as a geologist and taught at CSUS and community colleges. He and Beverly (his wife of 59 years, who died in 2006) joined UUSS in 1961, though he had been a Unitarian in Madison, Wisconsin. Chuck's memorial service will be at UUSS at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, November 12. Memorial contributions are invited to the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, or the UUSS Heritage Fund.
- Ruth Davis Barr, a native of rural Oklahoma, UUSS member since 1981 and a poet, passed away at age 93 on September 2. Her memorial service at UUSS is tentatively scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 19 and will be confirmed in the Blue Sheet announcements and November Unigram. Her daughter Melanie welcomes memorial contributions to the ACLU or the UUSS Heritage Fund.
- We extend our condolences to member Victoria Owens and family on the loss of her father, Dr. Kenneth Owens, to cancer on September 10. A professor emeritus of history, he specialized in the American West and published books on the Gold Rush. Ken was honored when Sacramento State created the Kenneth N. Owens Award for Excellence in Public History. He was also a string bass player for many years with the Camellia Symphony, to which memorial donations are invited in his honor. Victoria lost her husband, Steve Crump, in June. We appreciate her dedication in serving as UUSS Board Secretary and on the Spring Auction Committee, and we extend our care to this UUSS volunteer and member.
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Our Child Blessing and Baby Dedication Ritual
Meet with Rev. Roger
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It is gratifying to have so many children in the UUSS family. Unitarian Universalist ministers conduct a blessing ritual for children of any age in the congregation. With words, a flower, and a few drops of water, we pronounce the child as blessed and whole, and pray for a life that is rich in love and joy. We do this during worship to invite the whole community to make a commitment to the welcome and nurture of children among us.
Rev. Lucy and I have set the 10:30 service on
Sunday, November 19, as the time when the ritual will take place.
Parents, guardians, grandparents! You are invited to join me in an hour of conversation (with snacks) to talk about the spiritual experience of child rearing and what this church ritual means for you. Join me and other parents Sunday,
October 22, 9:00 light breakfast, 9:15-10:15 conversation, in Room 7/8. Child Care is in Room 11.
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Assistant Minister's Message
Reaching Out to the Vulnerable
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Since the election, I have encouraged all of you to reach out and support the most vulnerable in our community and our country. UUSS currently has programs to support the homeless, the hungry, immigrants, refugees, and other populations. Our efforts are making a difference.
I want to raise awareness of another more invisible but highly vulnerable population - the incarcerated. Did you know that more than 750 individuals behind bars identify as Unitarian Universalist? These people are members of our Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF), the largest UU church in the country. The 3,500-member CLF includes people from all over the country who live in areas not served by UU churches. They create community on-line and through the mail. One of their focus ministries is to these incarcerated UUs. Some were already UUs, but the majority learned about Unitarian Universalism by this CLF connection through others who are incarcerated.
The CLF prison ministries program is called "Worthy Now," which refers to our first principle, the worth and dignity of every person - every person including those serving times for crimes they have committed. I encourage you to consider supporting these fellow UUs. The CLF Worthy Now website offers many ways to get involved, including:
- Circles of Support - communities of people dedicated to working within the justice system, going deeper in understanding mass incarceration and the prison industry, building relationships with others involved in prison ministry, contributing to and providing administrative support for the Worthy Now Network.
- Letter Writing Ministry - a one-on-one letter-writing connection with a UU living in prison whose pen pal may be his or her only contact with the outside world.
- Classes - on-line educational offerings cover such topics as the prison-industrial complex, anti-racism/anti-oppression, compassionate communication, etc.
I have decided to support this program in two ways: contributing funds to keeping it strong, and participating in the letter-writing ministry to reach out and engage with a UU behind bars.
I would love to hear from those of you who feel called to support this ministry. You can find out more about the Worship Now program at this
link
. WE must believe that our small actions can make a difference.
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My regular office hours are TWTh afternoons. Please call or e-mail if you would like to visit so I can be sure to be available. I will be away on a birthday celebration trip from September 16 to October 3.
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In late August, Board members gathered for a day of discussion, deliberation, and contemplation. Nourished by goodies and with coffee in hand, we shared ideas about the role of a Board member as described in our UUSS governing documents and what that role meant for our responsibilities -- individually, to each other, and to the congregation. We agreed that our primary focus will be on policy, looking at the big picture, and engaging with the congregation in imagining and planning for our future.
What does this mean for our meetings? Our agendas will not be driven by updates on our key committees, but rather by understanding that we have wonderfully capable leadership on each of those committees. If there are issues or concerns that need attention, the Board would welcome being informed about and discussing those. Otherwise we will trust that our committee leaders and their teams are successfully engaged in their work.
So what will we do at Board meetings? We will strive to create a model of board governance that supports the large-size congregation that we have become. For example, while we love to connect with one another, it's no longer as easy to do on Sunday mornings because there are so many of us. Connections are now happening, especially for new members and visitors through our diverse and rapidly growing activities and groups. How might the Board support this?
Board members are reading Governance and Ministry: Rethinking Board Leadership by D. Hotchkiss for guidance and inspiration. We look forward to stimulating and exciting Board meetings as well as a wonderful year for our UUSS community.
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Planning for the Future of UUSS
Be a Force for the Future
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Do you ever think about the future? Ever wonder about the future and direction of UUSS?
Well, now's your chance to help shape that future! The congregation will launch:
Force for the Future,
the UUSS long-range planning effort that will engage all of us in charting where our spiritual community should be headed over the next five years -- h
ow we will live our mission here at UUSS as "We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world."
We'll kick off this planning effort with a fun and engaging retreat for all ages on
Saturday, October 28
(gathering at 9:30 a.m., going until 3 p.m.), aiming to include as many voices as possible as together we envision the future of our community. All UUSS members and friends are invited and welcome. Childcare and lunch will be provided. Two consulting ministers from the Unitarian Universalist Association will be here to facilitate the retreat.
To provide maximum opportunity for input, small-group listening sessions in November and January will explore more deeply the various goals that arose from the retreat. All this and more will lead to adoption of a new five-year plan at our May 2018 Congregational Meeting.
We hope you will join in the retreat and listening sessions, so together we can discern the best way to take UUSS into the future. This effort is being led by a group of six UUSS members: Margaret Wilcox, Carrie Cornwell, Carl Gardner, Karen Gunderson, Marion Randall, and Shannon Williams. Any of us will be very happy to talk with you about the strategic planning process; we'll also be reaching out for help from time to time over the coming months. To register for October 28 or to ask questions: future@uuss.org.
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Fall Congregational Meeting October 22
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Please plan on attending our October Congregational Meeting on Sunday, October 22. We'll meet in the sanctuary after the Sunday Service, 11:50-1:00 p.m.
Child Care continues all morning till 1:00 in Rom 11.
This annual business meeting requires a quorum of voting Members to conduct business, but friends are welcome to attend. You will get to hear from President Margaret Wilcox, Treasurer Gordon Gerwig, Ministers Roger & Lucy, Long Range Planning, and other groups who perform the business of our congregation. Also: the UUSS Unsung Hero Award!
Members will vote on our Community Partners for the 2018 church year. Partners are non-profit organizations nominated by members of the congregation. Congregants who nominate groups will have one minute at the meeting to explain their nominees' mission and why we should support it. We will then vote using ranked choice voting to elect 12 partners for 2018. To nominate a group, please download a Community Partners Nominating Form from the "Forms" section of the "Members" drop-down menu on the UUSS website. Fill out the form and submit it by Monday, October 9 for consideration.
Victoria Owens, Board Secretary
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Social Justice Movie Night
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Join us October 5, at 6:30 p.m.
A Fierce Green Fire: Battle for a Living Planet
The film, a thorough documentation of the rise of the modern environmental movement includes environmental racism, the battle against toxic waste at Love Canal, and climate change, narrated by Van Jones, Robert Redford, Ashley Judd, Meryl Streep and others. Come join us as we view and discuss this important film.
November 2
Martin Luther King in Palestine - 2013 film
Hosted by UUs for Justice in the Middle East
The film tells the story of a play about King performed by the Palestinian National Theatre and an African-American gospel choir; it was presented to audiences all over the West Bank. This intense cultural exchange between two peoples encompassed the joy of new friendships, creative collaborations, and eye-opening experiences. None who participated remained unchanged.
http://www.clarityfilms.org/mlk/index.html
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UUSS Interfaith Earth Justice:
Doing "Small Great Things" that bring about change:
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Supporting Nature Programs for Disadvantaged Youth:
On September 10,
several UUSS members met with Chris Aguirre, Development Director for the American River Parkway Foundation (ARPF) and Jason Fariera, educational ranger from the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, to determine how UUSS can best support their youth programs. It was decided that the UUSS Interfaith Earth Justice program will focus on supporting the ARPF "Recreate for Health" program, but will also promote Jason's program needs to UUSS members as individual volunteer opportunities. He is looking for adult mentors to work with the youth participants on a one-on-one basis.
Developing an Interfaith Environmental Justice Committee under Sacramento ACT:
Our first Interfaith Environmental Justice Committee meeting met at UUSS on September 19 to identify our priorities and plans for addressing environmental justice issues in Sacramento. This committee meets the third Tuesday of each month.
Serving as Advocates for Climate Change Issues: 
On Sunday, October 8 from 1:00-3:15 p.m., attend our Interfaith Forum on Climate Change. Speakers from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian groups, and the UUSS (our own Rev. Lucy Bunch!) will share perspectives on climate issues in the context of spiritual and moral values and principles. Local climate change organizations will staff information tables on local climate issues. Come for the forum; stay for refreshments!
Volunteer Opportunities with the Interfaith Earth Justice Committee:
We need volunteers to help with the October 8 Climate Forum. Here is how you can help:
- Greet guests at the door and distribute programs
- Staff the welcome table
- Provide refreshments
- Set up the refreshment area
- Clean up after event
To be added to our mailing list to receive regular updates, or if you want more information, please contact us at
interfaithearth@uuss.org
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UUSS Earth Justice Ministry
This group meets Monday, October 9, 4:30 p.m.
Room assignments are posted on all doors of both buildings.
Some future events: Speaker Tom Suchanek PhD, UCD Professor and USGS scientist; the movie PlanetEarth; the book This Changes Everything; and an interesting educational activity of counting our own carbon footprint. Questions? Text or leave message at 642-6067 or email
Earthjustice@UUSS.org
or
patricia459@yahoo.com
. Hope to see you there!
For other opportunities for service and social action, see our Pathways Brochure at the Welcome Table or visit the Social Justice tab on the front page of
http://www.uuss.org/
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TED Talks at UUSS
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Do you enjoy TED talks? Wouldn't it be even more fun to watch and discuss them with people afterward? You can! Rev. Lucy Bunch and the Adult Enrichment Committee are sponsoring monthly TED talks and discussions, to be held the second Tuesday of the month starting October 10, in the Welcome Hall at UUSS at 7:30 p.m. Rev. Lucy will host the first two, then we would like volunteers to host. If you have a TED talk you'd like to share and/or you would like to lead the discussion, contact the Adult Enrichment table Sunday mornings or e-mail judybell9a@comcast.net.
Attend our first session on October 10 to hear three TED talks on the subject of fear.
Stay to join Rev. Lucy for an interesting and thoughtful discussion.
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Meditation Opportunities
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On January 8, 2018, an eight-week Meditation Class will begin, led by Doug Kraft, a Dharma teacher, retired UU minister, psychotherapist, and author. He has trained in Buddhist meditation for 40 years with over a dozen American teachers and Asian masters. The meditation style is similar to Insight Meditation but has some essential differences. Not a one-pointed concentration method, it blends the cultivation of ease with the cultivation of insight. It emphasizes relaxation, ease, and sense of humor.
You'll be asked to meditate daily for at least a half hour or longer if possible. If you already have a meditation practice, please be ready to set it aside for the duration of the class so you can give this style a try. Classes will include meditation, discussion of various issues related to the practice, personalized instruction, and time for questions and answers.
The class is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. each Monday in the Fahs room at UUSS. Doug's book, Buddha's Map, will be used as the text. The teachings are offered freely. Donations (called dana) are accepted gratefully as they help make it possible to offer these classes.
You can sign up at the Adult Enrichment table at UUSS on Sunday mornings or send a note to info@easingawake.com.
On Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Library at UUSS, there is a weekly Sangha for meditators. No need to sign up but you can get questions answered about the Sangha by sending a note to info@easingawake.com.
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UUSS Book Readers
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On Tuesday, October 31, the UUSS Book Readers will meet at 7 p.m. in the Welcome Hall to discuss
Sapiens: a Brief History of Mankind
by Yuval Noah Harari. For more information, contact
Jim Glidden by email
o
r (916) 649-9697
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Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices
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Every Sunday before church (except the fifth Sunday), we offer a different form of spiritual practice. Fall is the perfect time to try one.
They start at 9:45 a.m. and go until 10:15 a.m. so you won't be late for the service.
Childcare available, no reservation needed. You can take your child to room 11 as early as 9:30 a.m.
Here's the line-up:
- 1st Sunday - Labyrinth Walk. This session starts with an introduction to help you get the most from your participation. Come experience this ancient form of walking meditation. Meet us at the Labyrinth in the meadow.
- 2nd Sunday - QiGong and Tai Chi Chuan in the Fahs Classroom. Join John McMillan and experience a taste of this calming and transforming practice.
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Exploring Unitarian Universalism 3rd Sunday of the Month
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October 15 at 9:30 a.m.
Survey of UU History, in the Fahs Classroom
Join us every third Sunday of the month before the service, for "Exploring Unitarian Universalism." Four different 45-minute sessions are offered consecutively:
- Principles and Sources
- Faith
- Social Justice
- 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.
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Covenant of UU Pagans
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CUUPS activities:
Saturday, October 6: "Alohafest" at Cal Expo (free) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Octover 6: UUSS Prom, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, October 7: Greek Festival at Greek Orthodox Church, after UUSS service
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Remembering those We Have Lost October 29
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If you would like to have a picture of your beloved dead shared on the projection screen during the all-ages service, please send, scan, or bring a photo to the office by October 19. Pictured here, Chuck Berkstresser (1923-2017).
For this service we also will print a Memorial Roll Call of members and pledging friends who have died since October 1, 2016. If a member of your immediate family to this list, please contact Elaine Cooper with correct spelling and date of death by October 22.
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More Things to Know and Do
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About our October 1 Guest Preacher, Rev. Emese-Lidia Bodor
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She writes
: I grew up in Kolozsvár [Cluj, Romania] and studied at the Protestant Theological Institute where I became a Unitarian minister. I am the Religious Education teacher at the János Zsigmond High School, a 450-year-old Unitarian school. For the last eight years, most of my work was related to children, youth, and a variety of educational issues. I believe in the importance of education and I love my work with the students. I have an active life including bicycling and hiking on long trips. I like to call myself an optimistic person. And I feel that I like to deal with people, work with and for them, and help them. I believe that each decision and all the options in my life came by the hand of providence and I am grateful for my life.
Join us at 12:10 p.m. for a forum with her and Keith Atwater. Bring your questions and be ready for hers! Read about the Unitarian Church of Transylvania
at this Wikipedia link
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Discussion about Naming Rev. Doug Kraft our Minister Emeritus October 15
In advance of the vote on the motion to give our former lead minister the title of minister
emeritus, please join us for a forum on the topic from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. after the service Sunday, October 15. If you'd like Room 11 child care to continue during that time, please
let Miranda Massa know
in advance. See the Senior Minister's Message above in this issue.
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October is Coffee Donation Month!
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Coffee drinkers and friends, please bring cans or bags of ground coffee to replenish the
Coffee Crew pantry. We use both regular and decaf, and we count on you to keep these libations flowing. Thank you!
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Carpooling to Sunday Services
Share a Ride to Church
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More than 35 people are currently signed up to participate in our ride-sharing program. We are now forming ride-sharing clusters of members and friends of UUSS who live in relative proximity. Once names and contact information have been gathered, it will be up to interested parties to make arrangements to drive and/or ride--occasionally or every week, based on the information provided. It's not too late for you to join in! This is an ongoing opportunity. To enjoy sharing transportation to church, use the sign-up forms found at the Adult Enrichment table every Sunday. You can also sign up by dropping by the church office, or calling (916) 483-9283, or by using the form on the UUSS website:
http://uuss.org/ridesharing
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Save the Date: Thanksgiving Dinner
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Save November 23, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the UUSS Potluck Thanksgiving. All welcome. Sign-up or RSVP preferred. Last year, we had 80 people. We need your help: turkey pre-cookers, set-up, and dishwashers. Vegetarian/vegan options possible.
Sign-ups after service starting October 20. For more information, contact the organizer, Laurie Jones at 916-694-4471
or at
ljones.asbarc@gmail.com
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High School UU Youth Retreat in Redwood City October 13-15
"RejUUvenation!"
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UU Fellowship of Redwood City
2124 Brewster Avenue, Redwood City 94062
October 13-15, 2017 (7:00 PM Fri-10:00 AM Sun)
$40 registration fee covers food, lodging, and programming.
Deadline for registration is September 28
Hey! It's stressful in today's times. This life-changing event will focus on stress relief and recharging one's spirit through community building, worship, games, spiritual practice, and small group activities. Identity groups/caucusing will also be a featured element! Youth in grades 9-12 are invited. Parents & youth, note: OWL class takes place this day at UUSS.
Cost includes: Transformative programming, lodging at the Fellowship, snacks all weekend, and meals provided all day Saturday and Sunday for breakfast. Safety policies and covenant are paramount at youth events in the UUA's Pacific Western Region (PWR). This includes that all participating congregations sending youth need to also send a vetted, background-checked adult sponsor of at least age 25 in a 1:7 ratio (adult : youth). Register today.
Contact Rev. Roger
with questions.
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2017-2018 Programs for You!
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Our Nursery care, Spirit Play (Kinder - 5th grades) program, and the sexuality education program - Our Whole Lives - all have started off great. Thanks to all the dedicated volunteers for their leadership time and also to our enthusiastic participating families.
Junior High Youth Group
JHYG
for grades 6, 7, and 8 and the Senior High Youth Group or
SHYG
for grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, will meet for the first time during the service Sunday, October 22. Unlike the other RE classes, these two youth groups meet only 10 Sundays in the year. On other Sundays we encourage youth to attend the worship service.
Come support us!
Our ministry for children and youth always offers a variety of helping opportunities. If you have considered volunteering in our program, contact
Miranda
soon to learn of many methods of
volunteer work
. I look forward to hearing from you so we can explore an avenue that suits you. Your gifts of time and talents make our RE program work.
RE in the Garden Sunday, October 1
We again offer our annual gratitude to Glory Wicklund for always welcoming Religious Education into the garden. Our community outdoor space gives RE a chance to harvest the remaining produce, play games, eat chips and salsa, and make garden memories. RE Garden Day is Sunday, October 1. Wear garden clothes!
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Re: RE
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Sunday, October 29
is our all-ages service.
-All-ages UUSS
Games Night
will be Friday, October 20, 6 p.m. in the Fahs Classroom.
-Sunday, October 22: our Nursery stays open later for families to attend the Fall Congregational Meeting.
-Sunday, October 29, our Nursery opens at 9:00 a.m. for the Parents' Meeting with Rev. Roger to discuss the Child Dedication ritual planned for November.
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Religious Education (RE) Calendar, September 2017
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Sunday, October 1
9:30-12:00 Child care
10:30-11:45 Spirit Play
10:00-12:00 Our Whole Lives grades 7-8-9
Sunday, October 8
9:30-12:00 Child care
10:30-11:45 Spirit Play
10:00-12:00 Our Whole Lives grades 7-8-9
Sunday, October 15
9:30-12:00 Child care
10:30-11:45 Spirit Play
10:00-12:00 Our Whole Lives grades 7-8-9
All weekend UUA District Youth Retreat (grades 9-12), Redwood City church
Sunday, October 22
9:30-12:00 Child care
10:30-11:30 Spirit Play, JHYG, SHY
11:50-1:00 Congregational Meeting (child care continues till 1:00)
Sunday, October 29
9:00-10:15 Parents/guardian breakfast with Rev. Roger
9:00-12:00 Childcare
10:30-11:45 All Ages worship to honor our beloved dead, no RE classes
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WHO WE ARE AND WHERE TO FIND US
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October Office Hours
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The UUSS office is open Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Serving Our Congregation
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UUSS OFFICERS & BOARD TRUSTEES
Margaret Wilcox, President Denis Edgren,
Vice-President
Gordon Gerwig, Treasurer Victoria Owens, Secretary
Kathy Bernard Carl Crain
Carl Gardner
Sally White
Roger Olson
Marian Ashe Linda Roth
Patty Budding
Deirdre Downes (Chair)
Tamara Olson
CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Senior Minister
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Assistant Minister
Krystal Gollaher, Administrative and Facilities Coordinator
Michele Ebler, Bookkeeper
Elaine Cooper, Receptionist
Miranda Massa, Religious Education Coordinator
Keith Atwater, Music Director
Ina Jun, Pianist
Shannon Ebler and Leticia Valdez, Childcare Providers
Aaron Molina - Sunday thru Thursday, Custodian
Miguel Neri - Friday to Sunday, Custodian
Mike Galindo, Sunday Audio Tech & Custodian
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Our Congregation's Mission
We come together to deepen our lives
and be a force for healing in the world.
We value the goodness in everyone,
the openness and curiosity that illuminate that goodness
and the love and courage that sustain us.
Our Covenant with One Another
We, an intergenerational community, travel together
with open minds, open hearts, and helping hands.
We value justice, compassion, integrity and acceptance.
We seek spiritual growth,
intellectual stimulation, caring and laughter.
To these ends we pledge our time, talents and support.
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