July 2018 Unigram newsletter for you!

The Unigram

Newsletter for July 2018

Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento

2425 Sierra Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95825

Office (916) 483-9283

A MONTH OF SUNDAYS

Upcoming Services

July 1, 10:30 a.m.

New Endings, New Opportunities

Guest preacher Alex Haider-Winnett

with Rev. Lucy Bunch and Worship Associate Marilyn Reynolds

Accompanist Luis Rubalcaba

Sometimes endings can fill us with dread because we do not know what will come next. How can our faith help us ride through transitions from saying good-bye to greeting new possibilities?

Alex Haider-Winnett is a life-long UU originally from Southern California. He holds a BA in Peace Studies from Earlham College and is pursuing ordained UU ministry at Pacific School of Religion. He lives with his wife Christine, their two cats and their baby Elliott. He enjoys watching movies, eating tacos, reading comics and Universalist theology. Starting in the fall, he will serve as the ministerial intern at the UU Church of Davis.

9:20 a.m. Child Care in the Room 11 Nursery

9:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice: Labyrinth Walk

July 8, 10:30 a.m.

Animals and Humans

Rev. Lucy Bunch preaching

Worship Associate Jess Reynolds and Accompanist Luis Rubalcaba

Humans have a deep and complicated relationship with the animals that share our planet. Animals work for us, inspire us, challenge us and nourish us both physically and emotionally. There is a movement among UUs to change our first principle from the inherent worth and dignity of every person, to every being. How would this principle play out in our lives? What are the moral challenges of respecting the worth and dignity of all animals?

9:20 a.m. Child Care in the Room 11 Nursery

9:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice: Tai Chi and Chi Quong

July 15, 10:30 a.m.

Tee-Shirt Spirituality: Summer Comfort and Year-Round Commitments

-A Service for All Ages

Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, Rev. Lucy Bunch, and Worship Associates Laura Sheperd and Jim Eastman

Music by Ross Hammond, guitar, Jay Nair, vocal, and Luis Rubalcaba, piano

Wear a tee-shirt with an image or message proclaiming your faith, philosophy, theology or ethical outlook. Threads of spiritual wisdom, social justice, or humor are welcome. No partisan politics or vulgarity, please. If you don't have a shirt to show off, wear whatever you like, but come!

Recognition of July birthdays and Blessing of elected lay leaders for a new year.

9:20 a.m. Child Care in the Room 11 Nursery

9:30 a.m. Exploring Unitarian Universalism: UU Sources and Principles

9:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice: Silent Meditation

July 22, 10:30 a.m.

The Tao

Rev. Lucy Bunch preaching, and Worship Associate Ginny Johnson

John McMillan, tai chi practitioner, and Accompanist Luis Rubalcaba

The Seventh Principle of UUism is to "respect the interdependent web of all existence." This Sunday we will explore how we can live into this principle by an appreciation for Taoism, a Chinese philosophy which emphasizes living in harmony with the source, pattern and substance of the entire universe. Bring your Yin and Yang and come prepared to enjoy a tai chi presentation by UUSS member John McMillan .

9:20 a.m. Child Care in the Room 11 Nursery

9:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice: Reading and Reflection of Poetry and Prose in room 6

July 29, 10:30 a.m.

Un-Friending White-Supremacy Culture in American Institutions

Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch and Worship Associate Celia Buckley

Our new long-range goals include living our commitment to justice, equity and compassion. We seek to deepen our understanding of individual and organizational roles in perpetuating systemic racism, so we can uproot it. This goal links us to our denomination's work to dismantle systems that maintain a social system and culture of white dominance. Please bring an open mind and heart as we engage this work as a spiritual practice.

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 May, we contributed $2,339 to Volunteers of America's Sacramento Senior Safe House. Our July Sunday offerings will be shared with the Northern California office of the International Rescue Committee, which provides opportunities for refugees to rebuild their lives and regain control of their future in their new home community.

FROM YOUR MINISTERS

Senior Minister's Message:

Two Ways to Help Low-income Workers

Rising rents and other costs make it hard for low-wage workers to get by these days. Public policies at the federal level don't make it easier-with tax reform tilted toward those with wealth and high incomes and health care coverage at risk, while costs keep rising. I think of two things to do. One is to leave generous tips. The other is to give money to local organizations that serve people in great need.

Tipped workers typically are in low-paying jobs, especially those in cafes and restaurants. They don't get pensions, not even 401Ks in most places. Summer is the time for many of us to enjoy traveling or sidewalk cafes, breweries, or pizza joints close to home. If you get good service, a gratuity of at least 20% for your server can make a difference. Just okay service-18%. Bad service-15% but talk to the manager! Tipping our bartenders, baristas, taxi drivers, sky caps, and hotel maids can help to stretch workers' low wages a bit further. I learned something while sharing a hotel room with a Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) staffer two years ago. Our denomination has a policy: If you travel on UUA business, you are expected to leave a $5 tip for housekeeping and report it on your reimbursement voucher! Let's tip generously when out and about, knowing that it helps others. Moreover, it can grow our spirit.

Not-for-profit workers often struggle to get by. As we know from the charities that receive part of our Sunday Shared Offering, their employees are devoted to their cause and very hard working. Yet they don't make much money. Child care providers, rehabilitation workers, YMCA life guards, and front desk workers at homeless agencies rely on our charitable donations. I donate monthly to the UUA and advocacy organizations in Washington, yet my priority is to keep donations as local as possible. Of course, I start with UUSS-the one I know the best. Yet I value all of the hardworking folks who make a difference in our community.

Generosity helps to deepen our lives, and it helps to heal the world. Thank you!

Yours in service,

Roger

Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, Senior Minister

Where's Rev. Roger in July?
Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Sermon and study day is Saturday. I'll be on vacation till July 12. When I'm away, be in touch with Rev. Lucy, RE Coordinator Miranda Massa, or one of our great Office Staff members. When I'm here, I'd love to make an appointment to see you, so give me a call.

Assistant Minister's Message

"I have decided to stick with Love. For I know that Love is ultimately the only answer to [humankind's] problems, and I'm going to talk about it everywhere I go."
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This quote came through my mailbox yesterday as the tag line from a friend's email. I see so many of these types of quotes, often posted on Facebook in big print on a dark background, or accompanied by a picture of an animal or a inspiring image. Some of them inspire me, others make me laugh like those "Deep Thoughts" that used to be presented on Saturday Night Live. They can sometimes seem trite.

But this quote caught my eye, even though there was nothing to draw my attention to it. And more importantly it caught my heart. It caught me up in its sincerity, its almost innocent intention. It could have been written by a child-but it was written by one of the greatest leaders of the 20^th century, a man who endured much and sacrificed everything.

"I am going to talk about it everywhere I go." Every month Roger and I sign birthday cards for members and friends of the congregation. We have been doing this for about two years. I started out by signing the cards "warmly," or "with warm regards." I was shy about signing the cards "with love" because it seemed too much. Eventually, I got the courage to sign, with love, to those folks who I knew well. But now I have decided not to hold myself back. "Sending love" is what I say, because that is what I do. I think of each person on their special day and send them love.

One of my ministers as a lay person, Rev. Melora Lynngood, would sign all of her correspondence, "Oceans of Love." That is what her grandmother would say to her, and she wanted to offer the same to us. Oceans of love. I can remember smiling and feeling connected and loved when I read that greeting. Her words lifted my spirits.

My theology is grounded in the power of love. I agree with MLK, that "Love is ultimately the only answer to [humankind's] problems." So I say thank you Melora and Martin for encouraging me to step out of my shyness and offer all the love I can to each of you and to the world. "I have decided to stick with Love, and I'm going to talk about it everywhere I go."

Sending love to all of you,

Rev. Lucy

Where's Lucy in July?
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.

Music Director's Message:

Join Us for the Annual UUSS Choir Retreat!

All who have wondered what singing in the UUSS choir is like are invited to join us at our third annual choir retreat, Saturday, August 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. As always, there are no auditions, and music reading is a plus, but not a requirement. This year we will use the newly renovated Saint Michael's Episcopal Church, 2140 Mission Avenue, Carmichael, and as always we will go out for an early supper and social afterwards. Some folks come for the music reading and voice lessons and stay for the fun and fellowship! All are welcome!

-- Keith Atwater

FROM YOUR LEADERSHIP

President's Message

Many thanks to all who attended our Spring Congregational Meeting on May 20. It was a full agenda. Items included annual reports from Rev. Dr. Roger Jones and Rev. Lucy Bunch and a discussion of our 150^th anniversary celebrations. The Board brought before the congregation a proposed UUSS Strategic Plan for the next 5 years. The congregation approved the plan and we are eagerly looking forward to having the Strategic Planning Team engage the congregational leaders of our various groups and committees in defining the objectives that will make the plan a reality.

The Board also presented proposed changes and updates to our UUSS Constitution. These were approved. We owe a debt of gratitude to Denis Edgren and Roger Olson for their detailed and persistent work on this challenging task.

Gordon Gerwig, our Treasurer, presented the proposed budget for 2018-19 and responded to questions. The new budget was approved.

Finally, our lay leaders for the new church year were elected. I am excited to see what challenges and opportunities the new year will bring for the Board and the congregation.

- Margaret Wilcox, Board President

UUSS Sesquicentennial Celebration

History Note: Who Were the Early Sacramento Unitarians?

Here is a snapshot of the 1918 membership of the Unitarian Society of Sacramento:

Of forty-eight women, twenty-six were "housewives" whose husbands were mainly in occupations of professional, managerial or skilled work; of twenty-two women not indicated as having a spouse, fourteen were teachers, four were librarians, and four were clerks. Of twenty-five men, there were two physicians and one veterinary surgeon, a president and a vice-president of a bank, the city superintendent of schools, and two high school teachers, a chief engineer of highways, a civil engineer, a legislative counsel; two assistant superintendents, one of mails and one of a life insurance company; a chief clerk, two merchant owners, three salesmen, a grocer, a court reporter, a farmer, a gardener, a bill-poster and a tinsmith. The occupations of many members indicated that they either had professional training and/or an academic degree in an era when only three percent of the population had graduated from college.

(from In Good Times and in Bad: The Story of Sacramento's Unitarians, 1868-1984, by Rodney Cobb and Irma West)

-Sandra Navarro, UUSS Sesquicentennial Task Force

Sell your Handicrafts and Creations at Holiday Market

UUSS members and pledging friends are invited to sell their handicrafts and creations at the UUSS Old-Fashioned Holiday Market (organized by the UUSS Sesquicentennial Task Force) on Saturday, October 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The number of vendor spaces is limited. Registrations must be received by September 1. Preference will be given to UUSS members and pledging friends. Registrations will be accepted on a "first come, first served" basis.

Examples of creative works by adults and children include:

Books/pamphlets/writing
Photographs
Paintings/drawings
Wall hangings
Sculpture
Woodcarving
Leather tooled pieces
Fiber arts (weaving, handmade yarn)
Knitted/crocheted scarves, hats, socks, baby blankets
Quilts, quilted items
Handmade clothing, aprons
Crafts (scrapbooks, trinket boxes)
Seasonal or special occasion decorations
CDs (music)
Sheet music
Handmade musical instruments
Preserved food (jams, jellies)
Spice blends
Handmade toys
Greeting cards, gift wrapping and tags

Each vendor will occupy one table for a fee of $10. Ten percent of vendor sales will be collected at the close of the Holiday Market on October 27. (Cash or checks will be accepted.) Send a completed registration form and $10 check made out to UUSS (reference "Holiday Market") to Michele Ebler (ATTN: Holiday Market), UUSS, 2425 Sierra Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95825. Direct questions to Tina Stidman. To get started, go to www.uuss.org/anniversary and fill out the printable registration form.

Justice and Compassion Work

Discussion - Class and Culture in U.S Religious Denominations --and in UUSS--on July 16
Monday, July 16 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., discussion of doctoral dissertation chapter 3 with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones. Please read it in advance-borrow a copy of these excepts from UUSS Office or download the whole dissertation: From a Culture of Conflict to a Renewal of Covenant.

Book Discussion - Uprooting Racism Starts July 10
Interested in learning how you can work for racial justice? Join us for reading and discussion of the this book by Paul Kivel. The Group begins Tuesday July 10 and continues for six consecutive Tuesdays at 6:30. Copies of the book are available in our bookstore. Contact: Rev. Lucy lucy@uuss.org for more info.

Refugee Support Team - Drive to Thrive

Are you looking for an opportunity to work one-on-one with a refugee for a few hours on a life changing project?

Have you helped someone learn to drive and found it rewarding?

"Drive to Thrive," is an a program or our partner the International Rescue Committee (IRC). This pilot program will assist refugee women to become licensed drivers. The program starts with professional driving education to help them get their permits, then learn driving basics with driving educators.

After the IRC portion of the program is complete, these student drivers will need four to six additional behind-the-wheel sessions (60-90 minutes each) to practice and prepare for the DMV exam. Some will have family to help. Others will need female volunteers to work with them starting in late July and August.

I've assisted four refugees to obtain driver licenses. It is an amazing experience to share their journey from beginner to passing the DMV exam (easier than teaching my kids!). For each, this step was a huge confidence building leap. And it led to many more opportunities for them and for their families.

The Refugee Support Team is in the process of developing guidelines for behind-the-wheel volunteers.

Contact Kim Marta at kimmarta@comcast.net to join our team, ask questions, or volunteer.

A Chapter Ends, but Work Remains, for Immigrant Justice Group

Volunteers with the Faithful Friends program have been visiting with people in immigration detention for the last five years. On June 5, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to end the contract that the Sheriff's Department has had with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to house immigrant detainees in the local county jail. This was a victory for the fair and humane treatment of immigrants. The community, with representation from UUSS, really came together to voice opposition to the dehumanizing treatment of those detained at the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center (RCCC), the county jail where the immigration detainees were housed. There is now an effort to ensure that the immigrants still at RCCC will not be transferred to Texas in retaliation for the non-renewal of the contract.

Thank you to all the volunteers who have visited for years. JoAnn Anglin and Don Thornberry truly have been Faithful Friends.

Thank you to all who have signed the petition to the Field Director for ICE asking for the fair treatment of the remaining detainees. If you would still like to help with your voice, please sign at https://ciyja.org/liberate-rio-consumes-detention-center-detainees/

While the Immigrant Justice group is out of a job at RCCC, the struggle goes on. There are still people in immigration detention at the Yuba County Jail in Marysville. This is where the women are housed. If you think that a once-a-month trip to Marysville, or even bi-weekly, is something that you could do, please contact us at immigrantjustice@uuss.org. We can carpool for the trip. It makes a tremendous difference to people who are so isolated.

Interfaith Earth Justice Ministry

Environmental Injustice in Our Own Backyard!

Did you know that on May 8, 2018 the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors formally designated West Arden-Arcade as an "environmental justice community"?

Did you know that an environmental justice community is one with high percentages of people of color, low-income residents, and/or immigrants that experience higher levels of environmental hazards and resulting health problems?

Did you know that UUSS is located in the southern edge of the West Arden-Arcade environmental justice community?

Did you know that the California place with the most income inequality is probably Arden-Arcade? http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article199690919.html

There's work to do in our own backyard!

A workgroup from our Sacramento ACT Environmental Justice Committee is spending the summer investigating the conditions that create environmental injustice in West Arden-Arcade and the opportunities to change them. The workgroup is composed of members of Sacramento ACT clergy, UUSS, Congregation B'Nai Israel and St. Francis of Assisi Parish. We are meeting with environmental justice community organizers and community groups such as Black Child Legacy. We are studying the environmental health data for the West Arden-Arcade area to learn the geographic locations of the environmental hazards. We are reaching out to the faith community in this area to see whether anyone is already doing this type of work and who may be potential partners as we move ahead.

In September, once we've gathered this information and have more knowledge of some of the environmental burdens of the area, our intention is to listen to those people in West Arden-Arcade who are most affected by environmental injustice and to hear their concerns and priorities. We feel they should be the ones who tell us what they would like to see for their communities.

The West Arden-Arcade Environmental Justice Community is roughly bordered by Ethan Way in the west, Interstate 80 in the north, Watt Ave. in the east, and Fair Oaks Blvd. in the south (see map).

We will report back to our congregation on our findings in September. Meanwhile, if you have questions or ideas please share them with us at interfaithearth@uuss.org

ADULT ENRICHMENT

Second Tuesday TED Talk
Our Second Tuesday TED talks are on hiatus for the summer. Mark your calendars for Tuesday September 11 and stay tuned for information about the topic. 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.

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.

Childcare 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

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, Fahs Room

Join John Mac Millan and experience a taste of this transforming practice.

3rd Sunday - Silent Meditation, 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, 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.

Exploring UUism

Sunday, July 15 at 9:30 a.m. in the Fahs classroom: Principles and Sources of our UU tradition.

Join us every third Sunday of the month before the service, for "Exploring Unitarian Universalism." There are four different 45-minute sessions offered consecutively:

Principles and Sources
Faith
Social Justice
UU History

Both newcomers and longtime members are welcome. Each class includes some presentation, sharing by current members, and opportunity for small group discussion.

UUSS Bookreaders
On Tuesday, July 31, the UUSS Book Readers will meet at 7 p.m. in the Library to discuss Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. For more information, contact Jim Glidden at (916) 649-9697

Save The Date!
Monday Evening Meditation Class: Buddha's Map Led by Doug Kraft, a Dharma teacher as well as a retired Unitarian Universalist minister (our UUSS Minister Emeritus), psychotherapist, and author. Monday evenings, September 17th - November 12th, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. You may sign up at the Adult Enrichment table on Sundays.

MORE THINGS TO KNOW AND DO

Religious Services Committee Applications

Have you ever seen us giving the welcome at the pulpit or reading a reflection during a service and wanted to join us? Now's your chance! The Religious Services Committee is open to applications for new worship associates. We're looking for folks who are comfortable speaking in front of large groups and interested in writing on personal and spiritual topics.

Responsibilities also include monthly meetings and set-up for services. More information and applications can be found at www.uuss.org/services.

Please email your completed application by August 1^st to RSC chair Jess Reynolds .

Auditions for Theater One

Auditions for "Special Request" by Tim Foley, directed by Lonon Smith will be held on Saturday, July 14

Synopsis of the Play :

A dying man makes a request of a young barista that at first offends her, then leads to an unlikely friendship based on a mutual love of the written word. Nearly everyone misunderstands their bond, including the girl's musician boyfriend and the man's protective older sister. This is a play about love, the paths we choose, and the legacy we leave behind.

Roles to Be Cast:

Two Men :

Gary, 60s, quiet, not flamboyant

Spike, 20s, dedicated to a rock musician's life

Three Women :

Melissa, 27, an employee at Coffee Haven

Bridget, Gary's protective older sister

Ellen, early 60s, still beautiful

Auditions: (cold reading from script, no roles pre-cast)

July 14, Fahs Room, UUSS, 2425 Sierra Blvd, 1-4 p.m.

Performances :

Fridays/Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m., August 31 through September 16 (eight performances with the possibility of an industry night, dark September 7, the Main Stage, UUSS.

Head shots and resume are preferred but not necessary.

Theater One Leadership for the Coming Year

The Theater One Committee elected officers for the upcoming year at its May meeting. We are pleased to announce that David Paul will continue as Chair for the upcoming year, assisted by Deirdre Downes as Co-Chair. This should be a dynamite team to carry forward the mission of Theater One. Emily Perinoni, who has created the last couple of posters and postcards for our shows has signed on to continue in that capacity, as well as expanding our social media presence. We are looking forward to another successful year for Theater One!

PROM: Fall Fundraiser Oct. 6
Yes! The Prom is back for 2018 and we've already picked a date - Saturday October 6 ^th . Over 100 people came last year; but if you missed it, check out www.uuss.org/prom to see photos and videos from PROM 2017, a slide show of UUSS members' old high school photos, pics from our fabulous photo booth, and more. SAVE THE DATE!

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE)

Religious Education (RE)

by Miranda Massa, RE Coordinator

RE Summer ArtWorks

Summer participants have enjoyed walking the UUSS Labyrinth, practicing yoga, and making beaded suncatchers. There is still plenty more to enjoy! Nearly every Sunday over the summer months of July and August, our kids are joined by an artist, crafts person, musician, or a volunteer making use of a ready-made activity for learning a bit about the art and the passion of the artist. All ages come together in one room for multigenerational exposure and friendship making.

Nursery Playground

Parents, we need your help! Which play structure would you like to see in the Nursery play yard? The Endowement Trust has agreed to match your donations and fund half.

Program Leadership

Want to get involved? Have a bit of time, a ton of passion, and energy that parallels the fabulous youth of congregation. Email re@uuss.org today. The Religious Education program and youth need you!

"Re-imagining Sunday School"

"Pot of Gold"-a regional Religious Education Conference hosted by UUSS

Saturday, September 29, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

You can attend, or help us in hosting, or both!

All RE professionals, volunteers, ministers and lay leaders from the Pacific Western Region are invited to the 7^th Annual Pot of Gold RE Conference, hosted by the Pacific Central Chapter of the Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA) here at UUSS. The shared keynote presentation will be by Kim Sweeney, author of The Death of Sunday School and the Future of Faith Formation and Executive Director of Courageous Faith Consulting, and the Rev. Sarah Gibb-Millspaugh, Congregational Life Staff member in the Pacific Western Region. The conference includes meals, worship, keynote conversations, and workshops on skills and models for our educational ministries for children, youth, families and volunteer leaders. $50/person or $40/person for teams of 4 or more per congregation (including meals). Rates go up after September 15. Registration form and workshop schedule will be coming soon.

*Can you help with hosting breakfast or lunch, staffing the registration table, or providing overnight home hospitality for out of state UU guests? Do you have questions about the conference itself? Contact Miranda at re@uuss.org .

Re: RE
-Sunday, July 1 Miranda is off. -Sunday, July 15 is our all ages service. -The Nursery in Room 11 is open every Sunday at 9:20 am for parents to attend Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices .

Summer Religious Education (RE) Calendar

Sunday, July 1