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January 17, 2019
Issue #483
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January 20, 2019: There is No Away
Rev. Marcus Hartlief
"We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality," preached Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, and we are still coming to understand the depth of truth in his words. How does the radical understanding of interdependence that we are coming to know as truth impact how we make, break and repair our covenants?
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Upcoming Topics and Leaders
1/20/19
Journey Towards Wholeness: Natural Healing
Sondra Schwartz
1/27/19 What Does Love Look Like?
Kim Holscher
More Info and additional service topics.
The Sunday Circle is held from 9:00 am to 10:00 am each Sunday in the Fireside Room.
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Thank you for your energy and engagement last Sunday as we began our conversation about the mission of this congregation. Here's a link again to
the article by Rev. Thom Belote, from a collection of essays he edited,
The Growing Church: Keys to Congregational Vitality. Thank you for the poignant responses to the question, "Why did you come here today?" Two more questions will remain up for the next few weeks, please take a moment to jot down a response on a sticky note and add it: "What's the most important gift in your life from Unitarian Universalism that you would like to share with others?" and "What can the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin be Proud About?"
I look forward to continuing our conversation at the congregational workshop on January 25th and 26th!
A couple people mentioned after the service that it inspired them to think about their personal mission statements. So I wonder, what purpose are you organizing the community of your own being around right now? I don't have the jazzy verbs yet in my current mission, but I know that I am seeking Joy and Wholeness in my life and in the world. I'd love to hear yours!
With you on the journey,
Rev. Marcus
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We are part of something bigger. And I don't just mean in the metaphysical sense or the interconnected web of all existence. We as a congregation are part of the
Pacific Central District of the UUA (PCD). Within this district, we have several supporting entities to foster Unitarian Universalism. One of these is the highly acclaimed
UU Middle School Gatherings (MUUGs), an adult-led weekend retreat program for youth in grades 6-8. We also have a
PCD Coming of Age Program for youth in grades 8-10 which is usually matched with a year-long curriculum at the congregational level. There are two HS youth retreat programs. One is youth-led (
YRUU of the Pacific) and the other is
PCD YRUU led by teams of adults and youth working together. The last youth-centered program I want to mention is the program for youth at the
PCD Annual Meeting that happens at the end of April. These are the main youth-centered programs of the PCD. Each helps our local congregational youth experience being part of out larger UU movement. I think it is a key part of youth development to connect beyond family and beyond UUCM to the wider world. In this way, we give our youth a stronger self-identity and sense of being in the world for years to come.
MUUGs Retreat at UUCM, January 18-20.
UUCM is hosting middle school youth and adult program leaders this weekend for an action-packed UU experience. One of their projects this weekend is to work with Rev Marcus preparing 15 minutes of the Sunday service. (Thank you, Cat Woods, for arranging this awesome learning experience.)
Lunar New Year Celebration, Feb 2, 5:00. Family fun and open to all. Bring your friends and their kids too. Crafts, food, fun, and a Lion Dance.
RE Budget Process.
I will be starting the budget process for the RE program 2019-2020 within this next month. Parents, teachers, and other congregants can make suggestions for program expenditures directly to me or one of the RE Committee members. This includes suggestions for use of the RE Enhancement Fund (REEF).
Toiletries packaging. Thank you to all who contributed and packaged this year. We have now put together 114 kits that will go to homeless and/or fire victim resources centers. We stepped up our game this year and included toothbrushes in almost all the kits.
All Congregation Retreat - May 3-5,
Walker Creek Ranch.
Save the Date.
The whole family can come. Programs for kids, family activities, hikes, good food, campfire songs, teen tie-dye workshop, and more. A highlight of the year. You won't want to miss this.
[
View photo collection from Retreat 2017 HERE]
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Upcoming dates link to the UUCM calendar for saving on iCal, Outlook etc.
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My humble apologies for sharing fake news during joys and sorrows last Sunday, I was poorly mistaken. Sondra Schwartz has not broken a hip-she had a minor leg injury and is doing fine. Thank you for all your caring responses.
-Rev. Marcus
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Congregational Workshop
Friday, January 25, 5:30-9:00pm
(for the entire congregation)
Saturday, January 26, 8:45am-12:00pm
(for congregational leaders)
Rev. Jan Christian, our regional congregational life staff, comes this month to facilitate a "Start-up" workshop. UU congregations across our denomination have found the opportunity for an outside professional to facilitate conversation between a congregation and a new minister early in their ministry to be an incredibly valuable experience. This weekend will energize and inspire us for the road ahead.
On Friday evening, Jan will engage our whole community in exploring the history and culture of the congregation. We'll begin with a potluck supper at 5:30, and plan to end at 9pm.
On Saturday morning (8:45am-12:00pm), Jan will lead a conversation for congregational leaders about expectations of roles and responsibilities, supporting us in clarifying how we will work together to achieve our five developmental goals. The Board, Committee on Shared Ministry, all committee chairs are encouraged to attend.
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Social Justice Committee Meeting - Jan 20
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Social Justice Committee Meeting, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019
Noon in Fellowship Hall
Rev. Marcus will join us and we'll be hearing about the good work
UUCM, along with other faith communities, have been accomplishing in Marin.
We will also be charting our course for 2019.
Our focus is on the following areas:
*Housing and Homelessness
*Racial Justice (Immigrants Rights and Black Lives Matter)
*Environmental Issues
Join us in Social Justice and be part of the change!
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Celebration of the Lunar New Year - February 2
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On
Saturday, February 2nd, come celebrate the Lunar New Year with Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin from
5:00 to 8:00 pm. Join us for a wonderful fun filled evening with
Lion Dancers, festive buffet, and other activities including a raffle with Chinese Dinners, a Vietnamese Dinner, Haircuts, Car washes, a Hand-dyed scarf, and other wonderful items.
In addition, we will auction off a
3 night stay in San Francisco for the weekend of the Chinese New Year Parade and festive street fair. The accommodations include a 3 bedroom suite for family, friends, or up to 3 couples to share starting
February 22, 2019. The Parade is the evening of
February 23rd, and the hotel is located less than a ½ mile from the parade route.
Admission -
$25 for adults, $5 for kids under 18
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Remarkable People - February 15
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Remarkable People is back! We are planning four sessions this spring: Third Fridays of February, March, April, and May, at 7 PM in the Fireside Room. New members are especially encouraged to attend: this is a chance to hear two members each month sharing with us important aspects of their lives. Refreshment time allows for conversation and a deepening sense of community.
Our speakers for Feb. 15:
Joyce Rhodes and Rich Panter
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Out with the Old, In with the New!
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Our Lost and Found
closet is bursting with coats, sweaters, scarves, and other things people have left behind.
Our kitchen cupboards have many plates and bowls that have appeared out of nowhere.
We no longer have room for all these extra items. Please take a look to see if we have something that belongs to you. We will be donating everything in mid-January. Many people are in need of coats and sweaters this time of year. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Gilstrap (
mhg123009@gmail.com
).
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Save the Date - May 3 to 5
You will not want to miss the 2019 All Congregational Retreat at
Walker Creek Ranch, May 3 to 5, 2019.
Fun for all ages with workshops, ropes course, camp fire singing, barn dance and oh my the food is terrific!
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Poems Read at December 30 Service
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Calling all Poets and Poetry Readers
We would like to post the poems read at the December 30th
Participatory Poetry
service on the web. Kat Braeman will collect them. Please email the poem you read at the service to kajudge@gmail.com or if your poem was handwritten or from a book and you don't want to type it you can hand it to Kat and she can type it for the web site.
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Join us for Dinners for Eight (or Six)!
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Join us for Dinners for Eight (or Six)! This is a long-running tradition of potluck dinners held at members' homes. The next dinner is scheduled for February 9th.
The host provides the main course, and the guests bring the rest! You need not host in order to attend these dinners, held usually on the first or second Saturdays of the month.
New members are encouraged to join, you need not commit to anything but enjoying a meal in an informal setting and getting to know each other.
If you are interested in attending or hosting the next dinner, please let Sher know ASAP.
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Social Justice Education/Action
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Social Justice Committee Meeting, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019
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If you are not already receiving emails from the social justice committee and wish to receive them along with information about social justice actions/rallies in and around Marin, please send your email address to:
socialjustice@uumarin.org
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UUSC Take Action Items - Sign petitions, learn about issues, donate money. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you want to make a difference in our county and the world?
We focus on local issues which are relevant to all of us. Bring your ideas and concerns to the
UUCM Social Justice Committee.
We meet the third Sunday of each month at noon. (
SJ meetings are on hiatus until Jan 20)
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Continue your commitment to environmental and economic justice by shopping at
http://shop.uusc.org
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Staff Links
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Office hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: mid-morning to late afternoon or into the evening.
Call, text or email to make an appointment.
415-578-9632 (direct), 510-213-0404 (cell)
Office hours:
Wed 10:30-2:00
Thursday 10:30-2:00
Sunday 9:00-1:00
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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)
Weekly, UUCM Connect and Special Announcements Editor: Lisa Cohen
Backup Production Editor: Valerie Taylor
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin
415- 578-9577 - Direct
240 Channing Way
San Rafael, CA 94903
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