| The Unigram Newsletter for November 2018 Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento |
|
2425 Sierra Boulevard,
Sacramento, CA 95825
|
|
|
|
November 4 -
Daylight Savings Time Ends: Fall Back one hour
Falling Back and Failing Forward
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Larry Boles
"Failing forward" is a term some activists use after a campaign doesn't quite make it. It implies that in the failure of a crucial effort, there may still be some gains or progress to recognize. Is this applicable in our own lives? Is it a helpful idea for children and the adults who care for them? Or is failing forward really a way to stay in denial? If you're not working today to Get Out the Vote, get yourself to church!
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices at 9:45 a.m.: Labyrinth walking meditation in the back meadow
Soup Sunday: UUSS volunteer teams provide a wholesome selection of soups--$5 donation.
November 11
Marking the End of War, 100 Years Later
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Jed Shapiro, Music Director Keith Atwater with tenor/baritone/bass voices, drums, brass, and piano.
Are there any lessons for peace in the stories of the pointless and absurd First World War? Today is Veterans' Day and the exact 100th anniversary of the formal Armistice that ended the war. We will have special music and centennial reflections on that moment of exhaustion and hope when the fighting ceased and the Armistice began at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918. And we'll ask for peace.
Sunday Spiritual Practice at 9:45 a.m.: Introduction to Tai Chi and Qi Gong in the Fahs Classroom
Soup Sunday: provided by the UUSS Choir - $5 donation
November 18
We Give Thanks
All-ages worship with Child Blessings
Rev. Lucy Bunch and Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones
with Worship Associates Celia Buckley and Ginny Johnson, Music Director Keith Atwater
UUSS Choir, Michelle Dunnaway and Lisa Derthick, vocalists
Celebration of November Birthdays ~
Child Blessing ritual (see article below)
Gratitude is a powerful force of love and healing. At this time of thanksgiving, we bring together our church community of all ages to offer our thanks for all the gifts we have been given in this life. Come let your heart be full as we celebrate together.
Exploring Unitarian Universalism: UU Principles and Sources, 9:30 a.m. in the Fahs Classroom
Sunday Spiritual Practice at 9:45 a.m.: Silent Meditation in Classroom 6.
November 25
What We Leave Behind
Rev. Lucy Bunch preaching with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones and Worship Associate Francis Myers,
Music Director Keith Atwater and Ina Jun, piano
Continuing our Fall theme of Heritage and Legacy, Rev. Lucy considers "stuff" -- all the geegaws and collections that we keep. What do these things say about us while we are alive, and how will they represent us after we are gone? Karen Hirsch, a collector and vendor of vintage items will share some of her thoughts as well. Our Music Director Keith Atwater will sing "Patchwork Quilt" by Michelle Lanchester about the AIDS quilt and the people that it memorializes.
Spiritual Practice at 9:45 a.m.: Reading and reflection on poetry and prose in Classroom 6.
Fourth Sunday Newcomers' Orientation and Tour 11:45 a.m.
Child Care at 9 a.m. in Room 11; it continues till 1 p.m. for the Newcomers' Orientation and Tour.
|
Child Dedication and Baby Blessing Ritual this Month
|
|
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. Roger and Rev. Lucy have set the 10:30 service on Sunday, November 18, as the time when the ritual will take place. Parents, guardians, grandparents! You are invited to join Roger in an hour of conversation (with snacks) to talk about what this church ritual means for you. Join Roger on Sunday, October 28, 9:10-10:10 for conversation, in Room 7/8. Child Care is in Room 11. Call
Rev. Roger if
you can't make this meeting but wish to participate in the dedication ritual!
|
Shared Offering Recipient this Month
|
|
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 September, we contributed
$3,643 to the Mustard Seed School. Our November Sunday offerings will be shared with Loaves & Fishes, a volunteer-staffed organization which provides an oasis of welcome, safety and cleanliness for homeless men, women, and children seeking survival services.
|
Senior Minister's Report to the October 21 Congregational Meeting
|
|
Dear Congregation,
Energy!
The high level of energy at UUSS is my theme as I report to you. Consider all these developments as indicators of the vitality of our congregation:
September and October were exciting months of celebration for the 150th Anniversary, with two denominational leaders preaching, a reception honoring women's heritage at UUSS, an Old- Fashioned Holiday Market, great music, and large crowds.
We also had a major boost in donations for the Anniversary Gifts project (new parking lot lighting and a permanent patio cover structure to give us more gathering space). We're only $20,000 away from our goal now!
- The unanimous vote at our May 20 meeting, approving the five-year Strategic Plan.
- The new Family Ministry Team is pursuing the goal of building a deeper community for all ages, with one family-friendly fellowship event planned for each month, such as the "Coco" movie with cocoa, and December 7 holiday party. We hosted a regional UU Religious Education conference with a keynote theme of reimagining of RE and family ministry.
- It's a blessing to serve with Rev. Lucy Bunch, now in her sixth year at UUSS. Thanks to her energy, we have many more opportunities for connection and involvement here, plus dozens more members. Under her leadership, our Administrative Staff's morale and commitment are at the highest level I've seen in my decade here. I'm glad Lucy is taking a three-month sabbatical this winter. We'll have at least one guest preacher per month in January, February and March, and we're cooking up some fun all-ages worship services too. Most of the programs that Lucy has begun will continue with the support of dedicated lay leadership. We will miss Lucy, we'll do fine while she's away, and we'll look forward to giving her a warm welcome back.
- It's gratifying also to have the support and the ministries of several other colleagues here-our Minister Emeritus, Rev. Doug Kraft (and his talented wife, Erika); Rev. Martha Hodges, co-leader of our Pastoral Visitors and a popular Adult RE leader here; Chaplain Cynthia Davis, leading a Senior LifeSong series, and Sangye Hawke, a seminarian who is teaching Spiritually Mindful Parenting. I appreciate the dedication of RE Coordinator Miranda Massa and the volunteers and child care providers whom she supports for our Sunday RE ministry to kids and youth. There is always room for you as a volunteer! Read about our RE opportunities here.
- I appreciate Keith, Ina, the Choir, and all the musicians who make our worship services both grounded and transcendent. Krystal, Elaine and Michele serve our many volunteers and users of the facilities; our custodians hustle to make our spaces clean and ready for multiple users every week. We all appreciate the work of the Administrative and Property Management Committee. I enjoy working directly with the Program Council, Fund Raising Team, and several other UUSS committees. I admire them, as well as those groups for which Lucy is the lead minister.
- I look forward to Theater One's performances, the February 16 church auction, and the March Stewardship Campaign (pledge drive for the operating budget). The energy is here!
Yours in faith,
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, Senior Minister
|
Where's Rev. Roger in November?
|
|
I'm here every Sunday this month, but to have a good conversation, let's make an appointment! Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, but I will be out of town November 20-24. Sermon and study days are Friday and Saturday. Tuesday is my day off. I'd love to connect with you, so give me a call.
|
Assistant Minister's Message:
Love and Courage that Sustain Us
|
|
During at least one service every month we say together the Mission, Values and Covenant of UUSS. As I read the words in concert with all those present, different phrases stand out for me.
Late
ly I have been inspired by the section that we label "our values":
"We value the goodness in everyone, the openness and curiosity that illuminate that goodness and the love and courage that sustain us."
There is much here to inspire. It feels countercultural to me, almost radical. Instead of looking for the worst in everyone, we aspire not only to value the goodness but strive to "illuminate" the goodness in everyoneby practicing "openness and curiosity." Wow! Such simple words, and yet so difficult to live by. How's that going for you? After the bitter and painful Supreme Court confirmation process, it is a struggle for me to practice openness and curiosity, especially when the tendency is to compartmentalize everyone as either with you or against you, or worse, good or bad. It is so much harder to practice openness and curiosity than to follow the pack. And yet if we value the goodness in everyone, then we need to resist this tribalism.
But I think it is also difficult to live these values, even in our own community. In our Spiritual Deepening Circles, we practice deep listening with an open heart and a non-judgmental mind. And it's hard! We are so used to criticizing and categorizing people that it is a challenge to practice openness and curiosity as someone shares their own truth. But the practice is transformational.
A
s you struggle to practice these values, remember that you are not alone. That is where the last part of our values come into play. We value "the love and courage that sustain us." After a challenging week of negative headlines, I feel the power of the love and courage of this community profoundly. It sustains me. Many of you comment on how much joy I show when I sing. I get that joy from you, from us being together, for the difference we make in each other's lives. And by living our values we make a difference in our community and in our world.
Someone left a note in the collection plate last Sunday. This happens occasionally, and I always imagine that the person writing the note has something they want to share with all of us, usually a gift of gratitude. Yesterday a note said, "This church is a blessing to the whole world." Indeed we are.
May you be blessed with love and courage as your strive to live our values this month.
Sending love to all,
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Assistant Minister
|
Where's Rev. Lucy in November
?
|
|
My regular office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. I love your visits. Please call or e-mail if you want to visit so I can be sure to be available for you. Please note that I will be on sabbatical from January through March, 2019. Don't wait until the last minute of the year to bring me your questions, concerns and ideas.
|
|
|
|
John Bernier-
John passed away October 4 at age 92, leaving behind daughters Wendy and Kay. His wife, Eiko Bernier, M.D., died several years ago. John joined UUSS in retirement after careers in journalism, government, and immigration law. Rev. Roger led a service for him on October 21. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to Sacramento Family Promise.
Daniel Mahoney-
Dan passed away October 10 at age 76 from esophageal cancer, leaving behind his wife of 50 years, Roz Mahoney, and their sons Nate and Josh. A memorial service and catered reception will take place at UUSS at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 3. He worked as a field engineer on industrial scales. He was a member of several railroad clubs and an avid traveler. Memorial contributions in Dan's honor may be made to the UUSS Heritage Fund or the History & Heritage Center of St. Johnsbury, Vermont.
Family members of congregants -- *We extend our condolences to member Anne Bruno on the sudden loss of her middle child, Matthew Schiller, age 60. He leaves behind also his four siblings and two daughters. Donations in Matthew's memory are invited to the Heritage Fund at UUSS.
*We extend our condolences to Linda and Bob Buckley on the passing of Linda's mother, Shirley Callis Callaway, at age 88. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
*We extend our condolences also to Tiki, Dave, and Elle Harlow on the passing of Tiki's mother, Jackie Steg
,
who died at age 91.
Memorial donations may be made to the
Heritage Fund at UUSS
. We extend our care and love to all our members who are mourning the loss of loved ones.
|
|
|
|
Jean and I recently made a brief trip to New Hampshire-our first ever-to see the fall foliage. Locals call us tourists "leaf peepers!" We were enchanted by the multi-colored hillsides, quaint rural towns, colonial architecture, rivers and lakes, and a vivid sense of our history, including our UU heritage. This was surely enhanced by our historic B&B inn with its Underground Railway basement and attic hideaways, and our visits to sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens's and President Franklin Pierce's homes, and historic churches. One small UU church in Tamworth (pictured here) drew us in for a visit, as the lone Prius in the parking lot indicated the pastor was in! She told us stories of their 50 members standing in the town square holding signs on many a Sunday after their service! And I was reminded of our UU roots via Emerson, Channing, Thoreau, Hawthorne, and others as Jean and I walked through old cemeteries and on paths circling ponds and lakes with trees ablaze above us.
You may also feel that poignant sense of our past on November 11 when the choir sings a setting of a Civil War poem honoring Union soldiers by Walt Whitman, a favorite poet of mine and many UUs. We are a California community in its 150th year, but we draw from the artistic and spiritual legacy of many New Englanders.
On other notes:
Singer/songwriter/activist
Holly Near
will perform at Saint Mark's Methodist Church, 2391 St. Mark's Way,
Friday, Nov. 30, 7 p.m. as part of their Moon Lecture series. Tickets can be purchased
at the St. Mark's website
. Many UU's know her music, including the hymn "Singing for Our Lives." She has generously granted UUSS permission to freely reprint, teach, and sing her song "I Am Willing
."
UUSS member and Coffee Team volunteer and acclaimed solo guitarist Ross Hammond is featured by the B Street Theatre in a solo show at The Sofia in Midtown, Saturday, Dec. 1, 7:00 p.m.
|
|
|
|
Rehearsals are Wednesday nights from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Fahs Room. All are welcome, mid-August - May. We sing in two Sunday services a month.
--
Keith Atwater, Music Director
|
|
|
|
It is exciting for the Board to see the engagement and energy of leaders of our UUSS committees and groups as they reflect on their past and current activities, while also imagining the action steps they might take to help achieve the goals and objectives in our developing strategic plan.
The Board is asking a similar question. What meaningful actions might the Board take? How are those actions consistent with our charge as a policy-making body? Our agenda for the next several months will include time to focus on and debate these questions.
I suspect much of our Board role will include ensuring that we have policies consistent with and supportive of the actions being proposed. I also imagine that our attention will be critical in addressing the final objective under each goal: "Assess impact [of addressing each goal] on current organization and infrastructure." What changes must we anticipate as an organization in order to truly support the action steps that are identified?
It's a delightful challenge and a wonderful opportunity for our congregation. Mark your calendar for Saturday, January 19, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, for an all-church event where your voice will be heard in deciding our action steps toward accomplishing our three goals.
|
Strategic Planning Event for All -- DATE CHANGE!
|
|
Save the New Date! On Saturday, January 19, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, the Strategic Planning Team is hosting an all-church event at UUSS to identify the actual, specific steps that we will take to accomplish our new Strategic Plan objectives. Bring your ideas and your wisdom to this highly interactive event. It's a chance for you to have a voice in determining how we will achieve the goals that most interest you. See the Plan that members adopted at the May 20 congregational meeting at this link.
|
2018 Unsung Hero(es) Award
|
|
At the October 21 Congregational meeting, the Program Council presented the Unsung Hero award for 2018 to two very deserving folks: Janet Lopes and John McMillan. The two of them have been generous with their time, talents, treasure and especially their goodwill for more than two decades as active members of our congregation. John gets involved with facility and grounds repair in a major way and is a member of the Admin and Property Management Committee. He can always be counted on to tend the bar for the annual auction and other UUSS events. He also leads an intro to Tai chi and Qi Gong once a month before the Sunday service. Janet was an RE teacher, and hard-working member of the RE Committee, chaired and co-chaired the annual pledge/stewardship drive, served as president of the Board of Trustees as well as other positions. Her quietly reflective approach has lowered anxiety and reassured us all. The two of them put their money where their values and love are - supporting this congregation. They've mentored our youth in the Coming of Age program and perform several roles at Camp Norge All Ages camp each summer. Their greatest combined contribution has been their wonderful children - Ian and Alice. The award hangs above the water fountains in the Welcome Hall - stop by and tip your hat - better yet-----thank John and Janet the next time you see them!
|
|
UUSS Sesquincentennial Celebration
|
|
|
|
By the spring of 1970, Rev. Dr. Ford Lewis had informed the Ministerial Relations Committee that he was retiring from the ministry. At a special meeting of the Board on April 27, it was reported that thirteen members of the congregation had agreed to be candidates for election to a committee of seven for the purpose of selecting a new minister. The election was to be held in the forthcoming Annual Meeting on May 17. Thus, the apparatus for a thorough and deliberate selection of the next minister was put into place without delay. In July the congregation honored Rev. Lewis and wife Barbara with an evening dinner, held at the Dante Club on Fair Oaks Boulevard, in appreciation of their decade of devoted service.--
Excerpt from "In Good Times and In Bad: The Story of Sacramento's Unitarians, 1868-1984," by Rodney Cobb and Ira West.
|
UUSS Authors Festival Sunday, Nov. 18
|
|
FIRST ANNUAL UUSS
Please join us for our first annual UUSS AUTHORS FESTIVAL, Sunday, November 18, 2:00 - 5:00. Chat with authors about their writing and publication experiences, browse and/or buy books, and enjoy short readings. Whether your interest is poetry, mystery, memoir, children's stories or non-fiction, you're sure to find it here. All of this plus refreshments and door prizes! Don't miss it! Contact Marilyn Reynolds
for further information.
|
|
Justice and Compassion Work
|
Building Community in West Arden Arcade
|
|
Our UUSS-hosted Sacramento ACT Environmental Justice Committee is building community with the people in our neighborhood.
- On October 20, 34 people gathered at UUSS to canvass to get out the vote and to talk with people as our first step in learning about the concerns of our diverse community. We also let people know about the November 12 workshop we have organized. We had a great time with wonderful people and delicious homemade tamales for lunch.
- Please join us on November 12 to talk about the challenges in West Arden Arcade and your hopes for what it can become. Sacramento County is developing a plan to address environmental injustice and hazards in West Arden Arcade, and County staff will be at this workshop to hear your ideas. Make your voice heard! Monday, November 12, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., New Creation Church Arden, 2230 Arden Way F, Sacramento 95825.
- In late October we have a meeting with our Black Child Legacy Campaign Arden Arcade neighbors as part of building relationships with others in our neighborhood.
If you are interested in addressing environmental injustice in West Arden Arcade, please come to our monthly planning meeting on the first Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the UUSS Library. Newcomer orientation is at 6:30.
Or, you can talk with committee members Eric Ross, Ruth McDonald, Hally Cahssai, Julie Snider, Max Soucia or Christine Bailey; or email
interfaithearth@uuss.org.
We'd love to have you join us.
|
Racial Justice Discussion Group (a continuation)
|
|
This fall we will read
We Were Eight Years in Power
, by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Join us alternate Wednesdays, starting October 3 and continuing through the month of November. Contact
racialjustice@uuss.org
for more information.
|
|
by Miranda Massa, RE Coordinator
|
|
The Connections --
Not only human connections are made but spiritual connections as well. Children and youth are gathering to absorb the offerings of
Religious Education
. Elementary kids in
Spirit Play
have visually learned a 1/32 piece of a peeled apple represents the farmable surface topsoil of the planet, the thin skin of the Earth's crust upon which humankind totally depends for the food it grows. (UU Interdendent Web of Life, Violet Promise "An Apple to Value" by Carolina Farmer). Spirit Play also prepared chili for the congregation and raised $462 (98 servings) for the 150th Anniversary Gifsts projects. Thanks to Glory Wicklund, Stephanie Hardaway, Christine Bailey, Bill Becker, Lindsey Bowen, and friends from the garden who served. You all helped to make it happen!
|
|
| Photo shows the Spirit Play story set of, "Celebrating Samhain: The Pagan Ceremony to Honour our Ancestors." |
Youth in our
Junior High Youth Group have begun meeting in Room 6 at 10:30 a.m. (to optimize time), created this year's covenant, and have planned out creative crafts and special projects including a section on our UU Heritage. Our
Senior High Youth Group has planned to meet around twice a month on indicated Sundays, created their 2018-2019 covenant, and have covered topics so far including starting with the end in mind and discussing the question: how do you want to live?
_________________________________________________________________________
Children & Youth Light the Chalice! Sign up!
Every Sunday morning, children and youth are invited to light the chalice for our congregation. Sign up for a Sunday with Miranda or at the RE Welcome table. You will be asked to arrive by 10:15 am to practice and sit up front.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Thanks to ArtWorks
Ginny Johnson and Sally Lewis facilitaed the summer pop up art class of making greeting cards with the RE children and youth over the summer.
67 of 96 cards were sold at the bazaar held on October 27. All the proceeds went to the church.
Lots of people thought the cards were a great idea and some spent a long time making their choices. We had a couple of Moms buy back their kids cards!
_________________________________________________________________________________
Parents, grandparents and kids, we need your help. Which play structure would you like to see in the Nursery play yard? Once we get your feedback, and maybe thoughts from your children, we can move forward with inviting a new play structure into the outside area. I'd love to hear from you!
|
|
 |
| A. |
|
|
|
|
B. |
________________________________________________________________________
Program Support
Want to get involved? Do you have a bit of time, a ton of passion, and energy that parallels the fabulous youth of congregation?! If you would like to help, email me today! Area of high need currently: staffing the RE Welcome Table on Sunday mornings and artistic people to create story sets for our Spirit Play program.
Want to Donate?
We could use the following for Spirit Play story set creations:
- Family figurines i.e. parents, little kid
- Little trees (plastic, clay, homemade)
- 3 feet of felt in the following colors: green, red, black, & blue
- Animal figurines i.e. dog, cat, bird, mice (small & large)
- Small wooden box
With gratitude,
-- Miranda
|
|
Re: RE and Events!
|
|
-Friday, November 2 the
Family Ministry Team is hosting an "Coco" & Cocoa all ages movie night. Bring blankets and friends!
-Friday, November 9 Theatre One's Chicken Little's Christmas Party for kids opens at 7 p.m.
-Sunday, November 18 Child Dedication & Baby Blessing Ritual.
-Sunday, November 18 is our service for all ages. No RE is scheduled.
|
November Religious Education (RE) Calendar
|
|
Sunday, November 4
9:30-12:00
Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-11:30 Spirit Play & SHYG. No JHYG due to MUUGs.
Sunday, November 11
9:30-12:00
Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-11:45 Spirit Play & JHYG. No SHYG due to CON.
Sunday, November 18
9:30-12:00
Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-11:45 All ages, no RE
Sunday, November 25
9:30-12:00 Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-11:45 Spirit Play.
No JHYG or SHYG.
|
|
Second Tuesday
TED Talk
|
|
November 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Welcome Hall
TED Talks are influential videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, tech and creativity. We view and discuss several talks each month on a specific theme.
For November our TED talk theme is Dying Well. Is there a way to talk about death candidly, without fear ... and even with humor? How can we best prepare for it with those we love? Come explore this topic with us.
Do you have a TED talk that you would like to share?
Contact
Rev. Lucy
to find out how you can host one of these sessions.
|
|
Book Readers Group
|
|
On Tuesday, November 27, the UUSS Book Readers will meet at 7:00 P.M. in the Library to discuss Grant by Ron Chernow. This is the first part of a two part discussion. For more information, email
Jim Glidden or call at (916) 649-9697.
|
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices
|
|
Every Sunday before church (except the fifth Sunday) we offer a different form of spiritual practice.
They start at 9:45 and go until 10:15 a.m. so you won't be late for the service.
Child care is available, no reservation needed. You can drop off your child in room 11 as early as 9:30.
Here's the line-up:
1st Sunday - Labyrinth walk in the back meadow.
This session starts with an introduction to help you get the most out of your experience. Come experience this ancient form of walking meditation. Meet Jerry Houseman at the Labyrinth.
2nd Sunday - QiGong and Tai Chi Chuan in the Fahs Room
.
Join John MacMillan and experience a taste of this transforming practice.
3rd Sunday - Silent Meditation
in Room 6
Need some silence in your week? Our wonderful team of meditation leaders will help you settle into a quiet time and space.
4th Sunday - Reading and reflection on poetry and prose
in Room 6
JoAnn Anglin - a wonderful poet herself - leads this spiritual deepening practice of finding your meaning in a piece of poetry and sharing your thought with others.
|
|
|
|
Sunday, November 18, at 9:30 a.m.
in the Fahs Room
Principles and Sources of Our Tradition
Join us every third Sunday of the month before the service, for Exploring Unitarian Universalism. Four different 45-minute sessions are offered consecutively:
Both newcomers and longtime members are welcome. Each class includes some presentation, sharing by current members, and opportunity for small group discussion.
|
MORE THINGS TO KNOW AND DO
|
UUSS Holiday Potluck Dinners
|
|
Members and friends will gather at UUSS for dinners at 2:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, and at 2 p.m. on Christmas Day, December 25. These will be seeded (i.e., with some dishes planned ahead) Potluck Dinners. Participants are asked to contribute $5 per adult and bring one potluck item. We also seek set-up and clean-up help. Sign up in the Welcome Hall in November for Thanksgiving and November/December for Christmas. We are hoping to set up on-line signups as well.
Volunteers are needed for both dinners. Organizer:
Laurie Jones (916) 476-0149,.
|
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Nov. 20 at St. Ignatius Church
|
|
UUSS is invited to participate in a community service to recognize and celebrate the spiritual experience and expression of gratitude for our various blessings. Our UUSS clergy are always invited to be among the (brief) speakers at this event, and UUSS members are encouraged to join Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and other faith groups for the service and refreshments in our Arden Arcade neighborhood:
St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 3235 Arden Way, at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Waters Edge by Judith Monroe |
|
Please join the Art Exhibit Committee and welcome our featured artist Judith Monroe. The artist
reception will be held in the main hall on Friday, November 23, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
"Judith finds inspiration by exploring the landscape and examining the natural things she finds. She
creates works with original photographs that blend into color, texture, and hidden treasures waiting for discovery." UUSS receives a portion of any sale proceeds. Questions contact Patricia Pratt at 916-482-3018.
|
Theater One Play for Kids Opens November 9
|
|
Did you ever host a party where someone showed up hoping to eat the other guests? No? Well, you can find out what that's like and who saves the day when UUSS's own Theater One
presents Chicken Little's Christmas Party, a play for children and for all who are young at heart. Chicken Little's Christmas Party was written by UUSS member Laura Sheperd, in collaboration with Jill McMahon, one of the directors for Theater One. It was the first children's theater production of Theater One several years ago, and is now back by popular demand.
Chicken Little's Christmas Party
opens at 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 9 but please note this is the only evening performance. All other shows will be on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. beginning November 17 (NOT Nov 10) and continuing through December 1. For reservations, call 916-524-1032. Tickets are $5 each.
J
ill McMahon directs a cast that includes 2018 Elly Award winner Shaleen Schmutzer-Smith as Chicken Little. UUSS members of the cast include David Paul, Susan Madden, Debra Laughlin, and Laura Sheperd. Other cast members are Jerold McFatter, Lynnette Blaney, Gregory Smith, Cathy Rasmussen, and Abby McFatter.
|
|
|
|
 The Mah Jongg group will begin meeting on the 1st and 3rd Monday evenings of the month at 7 p.m., starting in November, in Room 6. (The room location is subject to change when the Family Promise program has families at UUSS.) Effective October 9, 2018, the Mah Jongg weekly meetings held on Tuesdays in Room 6 are no longer taking place. Our group plays "American-style" Mah Jongg using the current year's card of the National Mah Jongg League. All are welcome! E-mail mahjongg@uuss.org for more information.
|
Winter Solstice Celebration
|
|
Sat, Dec 22 1-4: UUSS CUUPS has invited UUSSer Graciela Ramirez to speak on Mexican celebration of the Winter Solstice, based on pre-Columbian indigenous peoples' beliefs, superimposed by Hispanic Catholicism. The canvas labyrinth will be laid out, especially 1-2, talk with possible discussion 2-3, pot luck supper 3-4. We set the celebration in daylight to accommodate those who do not drive at night. Open to all. Free. You may bring an altar item [focus of talk?]. Children welcome. Please join us. Organizer:
Laurie Jones.
|
WHO WE ARE AND WHERE TO FIND US
|
|
|
|
The
UUSS Office is open Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Office closed November 12, 22 and 23 for holidays.
|
|
|
|
Are you having an event at UUSS, and need to find a custodian ASAP?
You're in luck! The Custodians have a new direct number 916-215-0658. Aaron will be in possession of the phone Monday-Thursday 1:00 pm to 9:30pm and Miguel will be in possession on Friday nights and Saturday from 7:00-3:30pm.
|
|
Serving Our Congregation
|
|
UUSS OFFICERS & BOARD of TRUSTEES
Margaret Wilcox, President Denis Edgren,
Vice-President
Victoria Owens, Treasurer Sally White, Secretary
Kathy Bernard Carl Crain
David Harlow Joseph Turner
Roger Olson
Board meetings: 7:00 p.m., 4th Thursday of the month (exception on November 30)
Marian Ashe (Chairperson) Linda Roth
Patty Budding Tamara Olson
Michael Miller
Program
Council meetings: 7:00 p.m., 3rd Thursday of the month.
Ministers
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Senior Minister, and
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Assistant Minister
Rev. Douglas Kraft, Minister Emeritus
Church Staff Members
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
Ivan Caballero, Sunday Audio Tech
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
