| The Unigram Newsletter for May 2018 Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento |
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2425 Sierra Boulevard,
Sacramento, CA 95825
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May 6: Opening Our Hearts to #MeToo
Rev. Lucy Bunch preaching, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Jess Reynolds
Music Director Keith Atwater, and accompanist Ina Jun
Amid
the chaos and challenge of our times rises the #MeToo movement of women speaking out about sexual violence they have experienced in their lives. We explore this painful topic with respect and honesty, finding room for healing to all who have been affected by sexual aggression and violence in their lives. Let us come together in love to consider this important topic. This is a PG-rated service with some descriptions of trauma.
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice: Labyrinth Walk at 9:45 a.m.
May 13: Our Congregational Bouquet
A Service for All Ages
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones; Worship Associates Larry Boles and Celia Buckley
Flower Communion and Recognition of Mother's Day
In this annual service we celebrate the beauty of our congregation and recognize our volunteers, all of whom make this community blossom. Bring a stem of fresh flowers to place on the table in the welcome hall. Everyone will take home a flower brought as an unexpected gift by another member or friend. Bring an extra stem or two if you can for guests who may not have prepared for this special exchange.
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice: Introduction to Tai Chi and
Qi Gong
at 9:45 a.m.
May 20: Daring to Trust and Being Worthy of Trust
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Ginny Johnson, Music Director Keith Atwater, and the UUSS Choir.
Pancake Brunch anti-slavery fundraiser by Kids' Freedom Club after church
Congregational Meeting 11:50 a.m.-1 p.m. Exploring Unitarian Universalism 9:30-10:15 a.m.
All of us have been lied to or let down, says spiritual teacher David Richo. Yet despite our pain, we can grow in resilience and the skill of discernment. We keep the heart open and proceed with caution. On this day when UUSS members will vote on a budget, a strategic plan, and a slate of lay leaders, we consider trust and transparency in community life as we bring the best of ourselves to each day we're given to live.
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice: Silent Meditation, Room 6 at 9:45 a.m.
May 27: Compassion and War: Love Your Enemies?
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, preaching, with Worship Associate Celia Buckley,
Music Director Keith Atwater, and the UUSS Choir; Ina Jun, piano, and Gordon Gerwig, trumpet.
Milestones: Joys and Sorrows ritual in worship (4th Sunday of the month)
On this Memorial Day Weekend, we consider that place where compassion has no quarter: military conflict. Knowing your enemies is crucial to stopping them (by violence), so caring about them is counterproductive. But why would Jesus of Nazareth and other spiritual prophets preach "love your enemies"? On this day of memory and in this time of hope, let us consider compassion and war...and peace.
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice:
Reading and Reflection on Poetry, Room 6 at 9:45 a.m.
Newcomers' Orientation and Campus Tour at Noon
June 3: Kindness and the Patient Heart
Rev. Douglas Kraft, preaching, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones and Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Marilyn Reynolds.
UUSS members named the Rev. Doug Kraft our Minister Emeritus in 2017. He served as our lead minister from 2000-2013, leading us to a heart-centered focus on mission and covenant and a clarity of purpose and policies. Now he facilitates Easing Awake, a Buddhist sangha.
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice: Labyrinth Walk at 9:45 a.m.
Summer ArtWorks in Religious Education begins. Last day to register for All-Ages Camp.
Celebratory Reception after church for Minister Emeritus Doug Kraft! Snack donations welcome.
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Shared Offering Recipient this Month
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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 March we contributed $2,925 to the Children's Receiving Home. Thank you! Our May Sunday offerings will support Sacramento Senior Safe House, which provides e
mergency shelter for seniors who suffer from abuse, neglect, or exploitation in a home-like environment.
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Senior Minister's Message:
If Trump Can Tweet, Why Can't I?
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 @pastorcranky is the handle for my Rev. Roger account on Twitter, a social media platform. Unlike the 45
th
US President, it's rare for me to post an original comment (known as a tweet). Usually I only forward articles and messages that others have posted (this is called "re-tweeting"). Since the President gets attention for his early-morning missives o
f 140 characters or fewer, perhaps I can too.
- #EnvironmentalRacism panel & lunch after church April 29 with our Interfaith Earth Justice and @SacramentoACT
- #WizardOfOz! Fun for all ages on our UUSS stage. All seats $5. Saturday shows 11 & 2. www.theaterone.org
- #ChurchCamp weekend for all ages, singles, families, June 8-10. Camp fire pool potluck pancake breakfast! 1 hour away, a world apart. www.uuss.org/camp/
- #UprootingRacism. Paul Kivel workshop at UUSS: How White People Can Work for Racial Justice. 2-4 p.m. May 6. http://bit.ly/2qoVwHr
- #ChaliceCamp! Grade-school kids get a year of UU heritage & values & fun in a week of day camp at UUSS July 9-13. www.uuss.org/re/chalicecamp/
- #PancakeBrunch May 20 Fundraiser by our kids to @FreetheSlaves round the world.
- #CongregationalMeeting Big voting on UUSS lay leaders, budget, Strategic Plan goals, new Constitution. Members, come! May 20 11:50.
- #JoinUUSS "Considering Membership?" class with Rev. Lucy & @pastorcranky on what it means to be a member here. Before church June 3. @UUA
- #ArtWorks Children's Religious Education summer Sunday Sessions our kids build community & skills with artistic & crafty UUs. www.uuss.org/re/
- #OurAnniversaryDonations for big patio cover structure & furnishings & new parking lot lights. Gifts from $20 to $20K are getting us closer! roger@uuss.org
- #SpiritualPractices every Sunday 9:45-10:15. Labyrinth walk, tai chi & more!
- #Mission "We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world."
Yours in service,
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, Senior Minister
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Where's Rev. Roger in May?
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From April 27-29, several of us will be in Portland (OR) for the UUA Western Region Assembly; I've been nominated for election to the board of our Pacific Central District (PCD). The PCD has its annual meeting at this assembly. Starting in May I'm at UUSS Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and other times by appointment. It's very hard to have a fruitful conversation when you and I are greeting everybody on Sunday mornings, so let's make an appointment!
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Assistant Minister's Message:
We Can Be Kind
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Last year our choir sang a song,
We Can be Kind.
The lyrics are:
So many things we can't control, so many hurts that happen everyday
So many heartaches that pierce the soul, so much pain that won't ever go away
How do we make it better? How do we make it through?
What can we do, when there's nothing we can do?
We can be kind, we can take care of each other
We can remember that deep down inside
We all need the same things
And maybe we'll find, if we are there for each other
That together we'll weather whatever tomorrow may bring
It's kind of a schmaltzy song - but oh so true!
When the world seems to be falling apart, when we are stressed and our feelings are raw, when we don't know what to do, we can be kind to each other.
Kindness begins at home. It's an exciting time at UUSS; our community is growing and changing. But along with growth and change there is also stress and anxiety. The chaos in the world adds to distress. On Sundays at UUSS, it is often crowded after service (and often, during!). Sometimes we can't find a place to park. Sometimes we get caught up in our busyness and find ourselves being short with each other.
What can we do to help our community to weather these changes and challenges? We can be kind. We can care for each other. We can all do what we can to make our community warm, loving, and welcoming to all.
I know that I, for one, can do better. Sometimes on Sunday mornings or at meetings, I am stressed about solving a problem, and I don't offer my best self to you. But that is not who I want to be. If I am ever abrupt or unkind to you, please let me know. Please help me to know how my words and actions have affected you. This is part of taking care of each other.
In so many ways, it feels like a harsh world out there. Let us hold each other in care, cut each other some slack, and help each other to be our best selves.
"And maybe we'll find, if we are there for each other, that together we'll weather whatever tomorrow may bring."
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My regular office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. You are welcome to visit. Please call or e-mail before you come so I can be sure to be available.
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By Keith Atwater, Music Director
When I attended the March 24th rally in support of gun control, I was moved and thrilled to see so many young people involved, expressing their solidarity with the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. This is especially important to me, as my career began many years ago teaching middle school and high school band, choir, and occasionally English and History, too. I miss the energy, passion, and humor of teens now that I'm a college instructor. Seeing many marchers from that age group and reading their bold, creative signs inspired and energized me and I'm sure many others.
I chose not to photograph any of these brave minors, and instead include a picture taken with permission of a foursome of angry grandmas who sang to the crowd. We at UUSS are like these marchers, a multi-generational "gentle angry people," and let's not overlook or take for granted the young people among and around us who go to school every day with fear and hope.
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Rehearsals are Wednesday night 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Fahs classroom, all welcome, mid-August through May. We sing two Sundays a month in services. For more information, contact
Music Director Keith Atwater at
choir@uuss.org
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Have you been attending UUSS for a while and feeling connected? Would you like to know more about what it means to be a member? Join Rev. Roger and Rev. Lucy on Sunday, June 3, at 9:30 a.m. in the Fahs Classroom where they will offer a class,
Considering Membership
. Come learn about the history of our congregation, our connection to the association of UU congregations, and the privileges and responsibilities of membership in UUSS. Everyone is welcome, no reservations necessary. Child Care opens at 9:20 in the Room 11 nursery. We hope to see you there. Questions? Contact Rev. Lucy:
lucy@uuss.org
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In Memory of Mary Deuel (Radsliff)
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A longtime UUSS member and Religious Education volunteer leader and RE director on staff for us dating back to the 1950s, Mary Deuel passed away in April at age 89. With her former husband, Ed Radsliff, she reared four children, the oldest of whom is our member Claudia Desmangles. They lost a fifth child in infancy. Rev. Roger will officiate at the memorial service for Mary at UUSS on Friday, June 15, at 11:00 a.m. The family invites memorial contributions in Mary's honor to the Heritage Fund at UUSS. The June Unigram will include a link to her obituary.
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UUSS has a program for reaching out to homebound members or those living in care facilities so that they may know they continue to as beloved members of this caring community.
Because the need is too great for our ministers to meet without help, some congregation members volunteer to aid in providing this pastoral care. If you are interested in being part of this effort, please tell one of the ministers and they will give the information to our program coordinators, Rev. Martha Hodges and Christine Lewis.
Please help us to reach all UUSS members who would appreciate regular visits or calls from our volunteers. Tell
Roger
or
Lucy
about anyone you may know, including yourself, who has limited mobility due to aging or illness, and who is unable to regularly attend UUSS services and events. We will do our best to make sure that all are included and appreciated.
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Have you ever wondered what really goes on in our UUSS Board meetings? You may be guessing that the meeting may begin with the lighting of a small chalice. Good guess; you'd be right. But then what? Are they dull and full of routine business?
I confess to maybe being a bit biased, but I find our Board meetings are now engaging and productive. We grapple with big issues involving policy and the congregation's future. Where do we want to go over the next five years? What organizational structure will support that? Should we have the same structure (Board of Trustees, Program Council, the same committees and task forces) or do we need to rethink the model so that we are truly supporting the actions necessary to meet our new goals. How will we validate the work of our social justice groups, for example?
You may be thinking, "Okay, but you also have routine reports." We do. Our Treasurer provides a monthly budget report, reflecting revenue, expenses and status of the annual budget to date. Actually, we're pretty happy if that's routine. We look forward to the informative reports from our very busy ministers. Individual Board members do serve as liaisons to various key committees, but we no longer hear monthly updates from them. Instead, we trust the capable leaders of those groups and their members to bring any policy-related issues or problems to us.
Members are welcome to attend our Board meetings, if you're interested in learning more.
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May 20 Congregational Meeting Notice
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Please plan to attend our annual
May Congregational Meeting
on Sunday, May 20, at 11:50 a.m. after our Sunday Service at UUSS. We need a quorum to conduct business, so your presence is very important in accomplishing our important tasks: we elect new officers and vote on our budget for 2018-2019. Absentee ballots for the election will be available in the church office. Childcare will be provided. All are encouraged to attend, but only members can vote.
Questions? Contact
board@uuss.org
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Our Sesquicentennial Celebration
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City Council Salutes 150 Years of UU Activity in Sacramento
On the date of our 150th anniversary, March 29, 2018, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and the City Council recognized our congregation's contributions to the community with a City Proclamation. It reads, in part:
....[This] congregation is the spiritual home to a diverse and broad-reaching community, which has long been involved in political action and social justice, as exemplified by participation in relief programs for war-torn Europe, in the aftermath of World War II, leadership to expand health services in the Central Valley, solidarity with agricultural workers to improve their employment condition, unity with communities of color to advance civil rights and, throughout history, demonstration for equal rights and peace globally ....
"
You may see the entire proclamation in the Library/Bookstore or
at this link
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History Notes: When Did this Congregation Begin?
The Sacramento Bee carried this story on Saturday, December 21, 1867: "UNITARIAN - Rev. Henry W. Brown, said to be a most eloquent divine who has just arrived from the East, will preach his maiden sermon in California at the Metropolitan Theater in this city tomorrow evening. He is said to be the most fascinating preacher on this coast."
Brown reportedly was a graduate of Harvard Divinity School and a teacher, so he probably came here primarily to teach in the public schools. There were regular newspaper notices of weekly services by him in the Metropolitan on K Street between 4th and 5th. The formal inauguration of the church was Sunday, March 29, 1868. On Saturday the Bee had announced: "UNITARIAN - There will be Unitarian services at the District Courtroom, corner of I and Sixth Streets, at 10 3/4 a.m., and 7 1/2 p.m. tomorrow. Preaching by Rev. H. W. Brown. All are cordially invited."
Seventeen families were present to adopt this Article of Agreement: "We, the undersigned, do hereby associate ourselves in a body corporate, to be known as the First Unitarian Church of Sacramento, for the worship of God and the service of men."
[Source: In Good Times and in Bad: The Story of Sacramento's Unitarians, 1868-1984, by Rodney Cobb and Irma West, edited by Doris Simonis, Jeff Voeller, and Kathryn Young].
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Your Creative Fundraising Ideas?
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The Fundraising Strategy Team is calling for any creative ideas from anyone in the congregation concerning a fundraiser that he or she might be interested in suggesting and organizing. Please contact Linda Klein at
frst@uuss.org
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2018-2019 Stewardship Campaign:
Powering Our Commitment to Love, Justice, and Healing
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Thank you to all the members and friends who have made our Stewardship Campaign a success! Although the Stewardship Committee worked hard to facilitate the process, ultimately your individual generosity powered the commitment to Love, Justice and Healing
and raised the money needed to sustain and support our beloved church: staff, facilities, music, outreach, and social and environmental justice programs.
Bobbie Keill & Janet Lopes, Co-Chairs
We kicked off the campaign February 25 with a special video message from our UUA president, Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray. Later a video highlighted some UUSS folks suffering from Fundraising Fatigue, who joyfully discovered that the cure was simply to complete their pledge card. They all testified they instantly felt better. We also heard heartfelt testimonials from members who shared the importance of UUSS in their lives. On one Sunday we briefly experienced what it would be like to have our wonderful senior minister repossessed if we fell short of our goal of $550,000.
As of April 16, we received 289 completed pledges, totaling $492,538. At the May 20 Congregational Meeting, members will be asked to vote on the proposed budget. If we fall short of our stewardship goal, it may be necessary to reduce the budget. Which program, service, or staff are we willing to cut? The answer is, None! With each person making the most generous pledge possible, we will have adequate funds for all budget items.
We are winding down our annual stewardship campaign, but pledges are gratefully received throughout the year. Simply contact Michele Ebler, our bookkeeper; she will assist you with setting up a new pledge, answering your questions or helping you change your current pledge. Reach Michele at (916) 483-9283, ext. 205, or e-mail
michele@uuss.org
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For the Stewardship Committee members, it has been the work of the heart to lead this annual pledge campaign, but it is YOUR generosity that sustains UUSS.
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Post Auction Jubilee News
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Thank you to Donors, Bidders, and Volunteers for making the Auction Jubilee a rousing success!
We raised over $47,000
for UUSS programs and outdoor improvements, including shade for our patio and lights for our parking lot. MC Alison Claire, pianist Linda Dawson, auctioneer Rev. Roger, cakewalk hostess Petra Stanton, bartender John McMillan and chef extraordinaire Tiki Harlow, were just some of the volunteers who fed and entertained us.
We hope you won at least one item you wanted. But if you missed out on that special dinner or were unable to attend the auction, there is good news. You can still buy any of the remaining silent auction items at the minimum bid price! Don't postpone taking advantage of these great donations or they may be gone. For more info and instructions, go to
uuss.org/auction
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To find out what you've won, and who won your offerings, go to the auction web page and click the link for Auction Statements. You may also call the office at (916) 483-9283 and ask that a statement be mailed to you. Your winnings will automatically be charged to your credit card if you gave us permission to do so. Otherwise, please send a check for the balance due to the UUSS office or call our UUSS bookkeeper, Michele, to make a payment by phone.
Thanks again for a fun-filled auction night. And enjoy your winnings!
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Annual Election of Officers and Other Lay Leaders: Meet the Candidates
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The annual election of officers and other lay leaders takes place on Sunday, May 20 during the Spring Congregational Meeting. Your Nominating Committee has worked to provide you a strong slate of candidates. The Spring Special Election edition of the Unigram, e-mailed at the end of March, had information about those candidates. You may click here
to see that information again. Also, on April 29 information will be posted in the Welcome Hall and on May 6 after service you may meet the candidates in the Welcome Hall. We hope to see you there.
-The 2017-18 UUSS Nominating Committee
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Force for the Future (Strategic Planning) Update
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UUSS Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives
Last Chance to Engage Before the May Congregational Meeting
Since October 2017, we have been at work on the Strategic Planning Goals and Objectives.
The Force for the Future team started with the All-Church Retreat, followed by the Listening Sessions in January, and Open Forums in April. Thanks to all who took the time to participate in helping us lay the foundation of the next five-year strategic plan.
If you missed other opportunities to engage around this important information and desire to do so, all is not lost:
- The goals and objectives are posted at UUSS.org/future, and you can make comments and ask questions right on the webpage or send an e-mail to future@uuss.org.
- If you stop by the Force for the Future table at the May 6 UUSS Activity Fair, you can pick up a copy of the goals and objectives and/or talk directly to team members.
- As always, members of the Force for the Future team are available to chat in person. They are: Margaret Wilcox, Carrie Cornwell, Carl Gardner, Karen Gunderson, Marion Randall and Shannon Williams.
Remember, we officially vote to adopt the Strategic Plan's goals and objectives at the Spring Congregational Meeting on Sunday, May 20. We will then engage our teams and committees in developing action steps to bring the objectives alive over the next five years! The Force for the Future Team is excited about how the plan is shaping up and hope that you are too!
UUSS Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives
For approval at the May 2018 Congregational Meeting
Goal 1: Strengthen our connections and commitments within our congregation to deepen our lives
Objectives:
- Deepen our connections with each other and the love and courage that sustain each of us through continued church programming and intergenerational activities
- Strengthen support for individual and family growth and development
- Support programs to deepen the relationship with the children and youth in our congregation
- Assess impact from strengthening our connections and commitments within our congregation on current organization and infrastructure
Goal 2: Increase our presence and identity in the larger community by living our mission of being a force for healing in the world
Objectives:
- Deepen our engagement with interfaith and community partners
- Broaden and deepen our interactions with other UU congregations through an increase in denominational activities
- Build on and enhance existing social justice efforts
- Assess the impact of increasing our presence and identity in the larger community on our current organization and infrastructure
Goal 3: Live out our commitment to justice, equity and compassion
Objectives:
- As individuals, deepen our understanding of our role in perpetuating racism and that anti-racism work is a spiritual practice
- Understand and address how all forms of privilege impact our community and congregation
- Develop and implement strategies to be more welcoming and inclusive as a congregation
- Assess impact from living out our commitment to justice, equity and compassion on current organizational infrastructure
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UUSS Activity Fair Sunday, May 6
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Here is your chance to find out about the rich tapestry of programs, groups and people that make up our UUSS community. So many ways to learn, play, serve, deepen, and heal together
! The Program Council hosts the annual Activity Groups Fair
right after the service on May 6
. Tables staffed by members of many of our more-than-60 UUSS groups will be on the back patio, volleyball field, and labyrinth area. This is a super opportunity to find out more about groups you've been thinking might be of interest to you. It's always a fun and interesting event...with lots of socializing as well! Questions? Contact:
programcouncil@uuss.org
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JUSTICE WORKS: A FORCE FOR HEALING
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The Immigrant Justice group at UUSS will facilitate a program to explore how an anti-racist framework can deepen our activism and solidarity work, with a focus on immigrant justice. Sessions take place on the first Tuesdays of May, June, and July from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., with a final session on August 7 from 6 to 7 p.m. We meet in the Library and dinner will be provided.
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How White People Can Work for Racial Justice
Lecture and Workshop with Paul Kivel
Sunday May 6 at 2 PM
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How White People Can Work for Racial Justice
Lecture and Workshop with Paul Kivel
Sunday May 6 at 2 PM
UUSS Main Hall
Are you concerned about racism in our country but don't know how to make a difference?
Do you have questions about race and racism but don't know who to ask?
Are you looking for an opportunity to discuss important issues around race?
Then this workshop is for you.
Come learn how white people can work for racial justice.
Paul Kivel is a well- known author and speaker who has been doing work in
racial justice for decades. Paul's work grows out of four decades in community education, engaged parenthood, political writing, and practical activism all focused on one overriding question: How can we live and work together to nurture each individual and
create a multicultural society based on love, caring, justice and interdependence?
Co-sponsored by:
Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento
Pastoral Support Committee of Sacramento Presbytery
UU Church of Davis
Social Justice Coordinating Committee
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Book Discussion: Waking Up White by Debby Irving
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Join Rev. Lucy to discuss and reflect on this powerful narrative.
Two sessions: Wednesday May 9, 2:00-3:30 p.m. and Wednesday May 16, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Come to one or both.
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Sacramento ACT Environmental Justice Committee
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Taking Action and Focusing on Environmental Health Equity
On May 8, our ACT Environmental Justice Committee will address the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors when they consider adoption of Phase 1 of the County's Environmental Justice General Plan amendment.
We will speak to the need to include affordable housing, transit access, and climate change in the scope of this work, and will recommend changes to bring greater confidence that Phase 2 will result in meaningful actions to address environmental inequities.
Rev. Lucy will be among our speakers-she will buy a clerical collar for the occasion! You don't want to miss this! Plus, we would love to have your support if you can attend this meeting and help to illustrate our UUSS power to the County Supervisors.
We will know by Monday morning May 7 what time this item will be heard by the Supervisors, and we will post it on our Facebook "UUSS Between Sundays," and on our UUSS website.
We meet on the second Wednesday of each month at UUSS, and our next meeting is May 9 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in our Library. All interested UUs are welcome.
We are currently researching environmental health equity issues to determine our committee's next focus. By the time this Unigram is published we will have met with a California Department of Public Health representative and local environmental justice organizers, attended Black Child Legacy's Glory conference, and listened to environmental justice academic and organizing experts at our April Confronting Environmental Racismevent. All of this we will begin to consider in May to determine our next steps in this work.
We have a great group and can definitely use more helpful hands as we move ahead. For more information, contact
interfaithearth@uuss.org.
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Earth Justice Ministry: See Your Carbon Footprint!!
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Please visit our table at the annual Connections Fair on May 6 after service. Take the carbon footprint online quiz and get new ideas about saving water.
We'll plan on showing more Environmental TED Talks after UUSS service May 20 at 1 p.m. Location TBA. Our next meeting is on Monday, May 7 at 4:00 p.m. Have questions? Text: (916) 642-6067
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UUSS Refugee Support: An Award from the IRC
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The Volunteers of Valor award was presented to UUSS by local staff of the International Rescue Committee. Our leadership team coordinates periodic drives for donations of computer equipment and kitchen items for new refugee families to set up housekeeping, and direct help with using the RT public transit system, shopping at local stories, and learning to drive in California (vs. in Afghanistan). Several of our refugee families grow fresh food in one of the plots at our UUSS Community Garden.
The largest volunteer program at UUSS is Mommy and Me. Refugee mothers learn English as a Second Language (ESL) from UUSS volunteer teachers while their infants and toddlers receive joyful and loving child care in the next room! If you are interested in helping out with a donation of time, talent or funds, please contact us at refugees@uuss.org. We also are seeking a few more folks to join our leadership team to help in planning and in connecting with our partners at International Rescue Committee.
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Immigrant Day 2018 at the Capitol
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The UUSS Immigrant Justice group will be joining the California Immigrant Policy Center for Immigrant Day 2018. Hundreds of immigrants and advocates raise their voice to defend and support the rights of the immigrant community. Join us this year!
Contact
immigrantjustice@uuss.org
by April 27 (for lunch registration). Your supportive presence welcome any time. Monday May 14, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. West steps of the Capitol.
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Process Theology with Rev. Roger
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Process Theology: Our Participation in God's Emergence
Three Monday nights: May 7, 14, 21, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
"God is open." In the first round of this series, we consider a science-oriented contribution to liberal theology. These three classes of discussions and lectures will explore the Divine Life not as remote and fixed but as open to the unfolding of your life and the universe. God is just as uncertain about the future as we are! God lures us to the creative good but can't force an outcome. The Divine Life loves, embraces and remembers all we love. Cost for all 3 sessions: sliding scale $20-$40, payable to
UUSS Adult Enrichment. Sing up on Sunday!
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Second Tuesday
TED Talk: "Decoding Our Emotions"
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We experience powerful emotions all of the time, but what are they? Where do they come from? Come hear TED speakers invoke history, language, science and music to help us think about the way we feel. Tuesday, May 8, 7:00-8:30 p.m., UUSS Welcome Hall.
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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. They start at 9:45 and go until 10:15 a.m. so you won't be late for the service.
Childcare is available, no reservation needed. You can drop off your child in 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 out of your experience. Come experience this ancient form of walking meditation. Meet us 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.
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May 20 9:30 in the Fahs room--Social Justice: How Do We Live Our Values?
Join us every third Sunday of the month before the servic
e
, for "Exploring Unitarian Universalism." There are four different 45-minute sessions offered consecutively:
- Principles and Sources
- Faith
- Social Justice: How Do We Live our Values?
- 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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MORE THINGS TO KNOW AND DO
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UUSS Bookreaders
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On Tuesday, May 29, the UUSS Book Readers will meet at 7:00 p.m. in the Library/Bookstore to discuss
A Gentleman in Moscow
by Amor Towles
.
For more information, email Jim Glidden or call him at
(916) 649-9697.
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Alliance Program: Down at the River
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Let's Go Down to the River
Thursday, May 10, 2018.
UUSS Member, kayaker and wildlife photographer David Dawson will take us "down to the river" along the American River Parkway. All are invited to enjoy a slide show of beautiful river scenes and depictions of the extraordinary diversity of wildlife living within the parkway, all just a short distance from UUSS. There will be time for questions and discussion. The Alliance meets in the Library from 10:45 a.m. to Noon, and light refreshments are served. A $3 donation is appreciated.
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Theater One: The Wonderful Wizard of OZ
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Follow the yellow brick road to the magical land of Oz. "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," directed by Jill McMahon, opens Friday, April 20, at 7 p.m. and continues Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. through May 12. (Note: There is no 2:00 show on May 5.) You'll see several UUSS members in the cast. Lots of fun for the whole family. Tickets are only $5 and are available at the door. We look forward to seeing you there!
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE)
Miranda Massa, RE Coordinator
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Chalice Camp 2018--a day camp for kids at UUSS
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Coming to our campus July 9-13! Chalice Camp is a fun filled week-long summer day camp for 1st through 6th graders. Chalice Camp activities include daily worship, group building exercises, games, drama, art, and a service project. Register today. Please e-mail
re@uuss.org
to claim your spot.
See the brochure at this link.
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Heeding the Call: Qualities of a Justice Maker
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Our middle school group (grades 6-7-8) has been engaging in the UUA curriculum Heeding the Call with their wonderful volunteer leaders: Darcy McGaffic and Kirsten Sanders. Partaking in a series of workshops on empathy, courage, abundance, and joy, the participants are learning how to recognize these standards as tools for justice.
"How will working with youth influence your understanding of both justice and injustice?"
We are planning the middle and high school program for the fall. Want to get involved? Have a bit of time, a ton of passion, and energy that parallels the fabulous youth of the congregation? E-mail
re@uuss.org
.
The Religious Education program and youth need you!
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Kids' Freedom Club Pancake Breakfast
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Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 20! The members of the UUSS Kids' Freedom Club prepare pancakes for the congregation as a fundraiser. For more information, please email freedom@uuss.org.
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Summer ArtWorks, We Need You!
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We need UUSS artists, musicians, dramatists, crafty individuals, creative people and fun folks to lead Sunday morning ArtWorks classes in June, July, and August. A few adult volunteers have already signed up, so please reserve your dates soon. Let's plan for some fun! Let Miranda know of your ideas and questions:
re@uuss.org
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YRUUP at UUSS
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Young Religious Unitarian Universalists of the Pacific (
YRUUP) is a longstanding, youth-run organization designed to provide fun, safe, and spiritual programs for youth in the Pacific Western Region. Members of the group are 14-
20 years old, not including the adults who support and advise. Look for the youth of YRUUP at church May 18-20 for their Spirit Con 2018 as we host this weekend conference.
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Re: RE
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-Visit our table at the UUSS Activity Fair on Sunday, May 6 after service.
-Sunday, May 13 is our all ages service. Miranda will be off on this day.
-Child care will be available for our Spring Congregational Meeting, Sunday May 20.
-Sunday, May 27 Kids' Freedom Club meeting 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in Room 6. New members always welcome. E-mail
freedom@uuss.org
for more information.
-Last meeting for OWL youth happens on Sunday, May 13.
-Sunday, May 6 & May 13 parents of junior/senior high youth meet beginning at 9:45 a.m.
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Religious Education (RE) Calendar, May 2018
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Sunday, May 6
9:30-12:00 Nursery Care in Room 11
9:45-10:30 Parents of Youth ~ Coffee & Conversation
10:30-11:30 Spirit Play
10:00-12:00 Our Whole Lives grades 7-8-9
Sunday, May 13
9:30-12:00
Nursery Care in Room 11
9:45
-10:30 Parents of Youth ~ Coffee & Conversation
10:30-11:45 All Ages Service, no RE Program
10:00-12:00 Our Whole Lives grades 7-8-9, last class!
Sunday, May 20
9:30-12:00
Nursery Care in Room 11
9:45
-10:30 Parents of Youth ~ Coffee & Conversation
10:30-11:45 Spirit Play
Sunday, May 27
9:30-12:00 Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-11:45 Last day of RE!
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WHO WE ARE AND WHERE TO FIND US
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Office Hours and
May Holiday Closings
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The UUSS office is open Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The UUSS office will be closed
Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day)
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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.
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Serving Our Congregation
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UUSS OFFICERS & BOARD of TRUSTEES
Margaret Wilcox, President Denis Edgren,
Vice-President
Gordon Gerwig, Treasurer Victoria Owens, Secretary
Kathy Bernard Carl Crain
Carl Gardner
Sally White
Roger Olson
Annika Lawson, Youth Trustee
Board meetings: 7:00 p.m., 4th Thursday of the month (exception on November 30)
Marian Ashe Linda Roth
Patty Budding
Deirdre Downes (Chair)
Tamara Olson
Program
Council meetings: 7:00 p.m., 3rd Thursday of the month.
Ministers
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Senior Minister
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
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