|
Weekly Message for UUSS
February 5, 2021
| |
| Creating Beloved Community | |
 Beloveds - As we enter the 12th month of this pandemic, I continue to be amazed at the resilience and vitality of this community. And I am particularly amazed that we have had more than 50 newcomers join us during this pandemic time. Most are looking for a spiritual community, and they are finding it, despite the limitations of our situation. Which brings me to our Soul Matters theme for February, Beloved Community. Here is the Rev. Victoria Stafford's definition.
"The Beloved Community [is] not a goal or destination, and it is not any kind of idealistic, Christian utopian dream, but instead a way of being - spiritually, politically, economically, emotionally, intellectually. Beloved Community is an attitude, an orientation of the heart; it's a disciplined understanding of your own relationship to other people, to everyone else on the planet, to every living thing." Our community has many qualities that make it "beloved", but it all starts with our intention to make it so. We will explore the theme of Beloved Community this month in services and in our Soul Matters groups and consider how we can live into this ideal more fully. I hope you will join us. Meanwhile, keep spreading love and kindness. Sending love to all,
|
Join Our Services
February Soul Matters Theme--Beloved Community
| |
Join us for Worship Services:
Sundays at 11:00 a.m. ~ Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
For a full list of February services check here. Miss a service? You can find links to past services here.
 Sunday, February 7, 11 AM: Willing to be changed by what we've started: The 8th Principle and UUSS
The UUSS Racial Justice Team with Rev Lucy Bunch, Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, and guest ministers Rev. Brian Chenowith and Rev. Sara Lawall. Worship Associate Celia Buckley.
As UUs we have a living tradition, our liberal faith is not carved in stone but always evolving. Our denomination and UU congregations across the country are taking a deeper look at how we take on the work of dismantling racism. An 8th principle focused on racial justice has been proposed for Unitarian Universalists. What does it mean for us as individuals and as a congregation? We have a "Black Lives Matter" banner, a racial justice strategic plan goal. What is our responsibility as UUs to meet this moment?
 Tuesday, February 9, 7 PM: Lift Our Voices
Worship Associates Suzy Mazrolle and Fred Best. Music Director Keith Atwater, Pianist Irina Tchantceva
How is it that songs touch our hearts unlike the spoken word? Spirituals lift us up in times of grief and help us to celebrate our joys. They give us hope and courage during times of difficulty and suffering. We will explore the role of spiritual music in our personal lives and its role in social justice movements.
 Sunday, February 14, 11 AM: Beloved Community: Justice Is What "Love" Looks Like in Public Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, preaching, Worship Associate Karen Sparrow, Music Director Keith Atwater and Pianist Irina Tchantceva.
On Valentine's Day, let's consider what "Beloved Community" means and where it comes from The phrase reflects a turning point in the 1800s, when religious leaders once again brought moral and spiritual values out of private life and into the streets. Saving lives took precedence over saving souls.
 Tuesday, February 16, 7 PM: Cooking Is Love: Building the Beloved Community One Recipe at a Time Rev Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Frances Myers, Music Director Keith Atwater, Pianist Irina Tchantceva.
Sharing food is a powerful way to create connections and build community. Tonight we will share reflections on family meals, potlucks and favorite recipes to remind us of the power of eating together.
During the service we want to share your memories of how sharing food has brought you joy. We would also like to create an online UUSS cookbook with your recipes. Send your 1 to 2 sentences about your memory and/or recipes to foodstories@uuss.org.
How to Be our Sunday Chalice Lighters!
We invite you to be an on-screen chalice lighter--as individuals or as families--on a Sunday. You can light your home chalice or candle for all of us at the beginning of the service and extinguish at the end.
All you have to do is sign-up here!
We'll Zoom you into the morning service. We hope to see more beloved and familiar faces.
|
|
| |
 We have been incredibly fortunate that our Music Director Keith Atwater decided last year to delay his planned retirement for several months to help us through this pandemic time. But now the time has come and he will be retiring on February 28.
We're sad to say farewell to Keith but grateful for his very productive and musical five and a half years with UUSS. Our music program has grown in diversity and in depth, with many soloists and instrumentalists adding their gifts to Sunday worship-both from the congregation and the wider community. Keith expanded and enriched our choir and established the Chalice Singers. Keith's creativity and leadership are matched by his warm welcome to everyone, his deep caring, and his commitment to our mission and values. We will honor Keith and thank him for his music ministry with us at the service on February 28. If you're interested in making a contribution to a parting gift, you can send your check to the office, or pay online with our variety of options. Just make sure you designate the funds for Keith's gift.
Rev. Roger and I will miss Keith's musical leadership and warm presence. We have decided to postpone hiring his replacement until we have a better idea of when the choir can restart and we can return to in-person services. In the meantime, if you would like to volunteer to contribute to our music program, reach out to me directly.
We wish Keith all the best in his retirement, and will sure miss him!
Rev. Lucy
Here is Keith's retirement message from last year when he first announced his plans:
Another Farewell, with Deep Gratitude 
After five wonderful, rewarding, delightful, productive, meaningful years as your Music Director, I shall retire on Father's Day 2020. Serving you all has been a capstone of my 20 years of part-time (and briefly full-time) church music ministry in several Protestant denominations. Know too that no church music ministry has ever been "just a job." I will miss you all deeply.
I'll be 'returning' to the foothills community I've called home for 29 years -- this time without the 80+ mile round trip to my college, our church, and the Sacramento Master Singers. Yes, I'm retiring from that amazing choral group as well. Many have wondered what I'll be doing. Musically, I'll be singing baritone in our local Cantare Chorale, starting a foothills community concert band, and strumming and singing seasonally in costume at local Gold Rush State Park and Gold Bug Mine venues. (Camp Norge campfires prepared me well for that!) I'll be volunteering in my local community (Lotus, Coloma, Placerville) at organizations dear to my heart: American River Conservancy, Peace and Justice, Human Rights, our local homeless dining hall, our library, and serving on my rural neighborhood homeowners' board.
Spiritually, I'll be taking a much-anticipated step when I return to Auburn UCC Congregational Church where I was music director, but now for the first time in any church as an active member.
Thank you for all you do and who you are. I'm singing our offertory response (a tune I composed for all of you!) as I share this news. "May the spirit of gratitude bless and multiply all that we have, all that we give, and all that we receive."
|
Soul Matter Theme For February:
Beloved Community
| |
What does it mean to be a people of Beloved Community?
We will find out this month as we explore the meaning and power of Beloved Community in worship services, religious education and our Soul Matters small groups. And you can explore this theme on your own or with your family and friends. Visit the Soul Matters page on our website for materials for individual reflection.
|
Join us for Wellspring Wednesday
| |
 Wellspring Wednesday.
Each Wednesday your ministers host a gathering called Wellspring Wednesday. Each week of the month will focus on a specific theme. Join us for discussion, connection and learning together.
Second Wednesday Life Stories of our Elders.
Feb. 10: Come Celebrate Elder Rev. Roger's Birthday (60 years old!). He asks you to bring a poem or prayer to share with the group, or a short quotation to provide wisdom and encouragement as he reaches this milestone.
Third Wednesday Minister's Class: Theologies.
Feb. 17: Our neighbors the Sikhs. Learn about this global faith. Join Keith Atwater for his final class with us before his retirement at the end of the month.
Fourth Wednesday: Exploring UUism -- rotating topics about Unitarian Universalism, for newcomers and long-timers.
Feb. 24: Rev. Roger leads a session on our Principles and Sources.
First Wednesday: Soul Matters Theme
March. 3: Join Rev. Lucy for an exploration of the theme Commitment.
|
Groups, Gatherings, and Classes
| |
 Ted's Web
Every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. join the group for a discussion of the politics of the day. Named in honor of our late Minister Emeritus, Rev. Theodore Webb.
Theology on Tap - Friday, Feb.5, at 7:00 p.m. - Zoom link. Bring a beverage of choice (from your own fridge) in the room of your choice (in your own place) and a community conversation. Meets the 1st Friday of each month.
Saturday Stitchers Meeting - Saturday, Feb. 6, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom link here. First Saturday of each month.
InterPlay led by Rev. Lucy and Friends Feb. 13 -Takes place the 2nd and 4th Sat. of the month, 10:30 to noon. InterPlay is a series of forms that combine movement, storytelling, stillness, and sound to access your body wisdom. Take an opportunity to tune in, connect with others, give yourself moments of ease, and be playful! If you are looking for a way to have fun and insights all at once, come join us! Link here. Learn more about here.
Reading & Reflecting on Poetry with JoAnn Anglin
Monday, Feb. 15, 10:00a.m. at this zoom link. 1st & 3rd Mondays of each month. We will consider the poem Frederick Douglass, by Robert Hayden. It can be seen online at this link.
In 1976, Hayden became the first Black American to be appointed to the position of Consultant in Poetry (later called the U.S. Poet Laureate) to the Library of Congress.
|
Religious Education for
children and youth
| |
Spirit Play every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for those in grades K-5. Stephanie and Dante (from JHYG) host this Sunday, Feb. 7, at 9:30 a.m. The duo will debut their super creative peg doll video on Imagination. Imagination can help us through the hard times of living in the COVID pandemic. We also continue to learn American Sign Language for our most favorite song Spirit of Life. Get links here.
Junior High Youth Group (JHYG) Sunday, Feb. 7 and Feb. 21
with Rev. Cynthia Davis and Terrie Ray , 4:00 p.m.
for those in grades 6-7-8. Making friendships, finding support and joy, online together, with a team of adult volunteer leaders. Terrie reminds families to sign up to be the official Chalice Lighters for a Sunday morning worship service.
Reminder to families: Sign up here to be featured in a Sunday service to do the official rituals of Chalice Lighting and Extinguishing.
|
| Visiting the UUSS Campus: Call Ahead | |
 Given the need to mitigate the spread of Covid-19, our UUSS remains closed to visitors inside the building. If you need to drop off or pick up something, that can be arranged by calling the office or emailing a staff member: (916) 483-9283. In particular, there is a new shipment of Chalice Blend Coffee (regular/decaf, ground/whole beans) now in the Bookstore. (Cost is $12 a bag, checks payable to UUSS). Just call or email the office, and it will be ready for you. The church grounds are open for visits if you'd like to see or sit in the community  garden or enjoy the lawn by Sierra Boulevard. Note: among other improvements to the campus, there is a new metal fence protecting the inside part of the campus, installed as a result of research by our former Safety Task Force. If you would like weekday access to the Labyrinth, the children's playground, or the new patio cover, the gates will be unlocked on business days (M-F except holidays) from 9 AM till dark, and on Sundays from 8-10 AM and 1-3 PM. If you try the gate and it's not open, call or knock on the Office door. Meanwhile other improvement work is ongoing, inside and out!
|
March 13, 2021
Online Service Auction
Together or Apart...We are One Heart
| |
The UUSS annual service auction is fast approaching! Here are some things you need to know to prepare for the silent auction starting February 28, and the carry out dinner and live online auction on March 13.
- Only one week left to submit donations to the auction. February 12 is the cut-off date.
- Each person wishing to participate in the auction, whether in the silent auction, raffle, or live online auction, is required to register as an individual. This is different from past auctions where couples could register under one account.
- To register, submit a donation or reserve meal tickets, go to uuss.org/auction
- February 19--the preview period for auction items begins. Donations are only visible at that time to registered guests. Here are a few of the fun events offered so far:
- An Afghan dinner for four by Glory Wicklund from the Bamiyan Restaurant in El Dorado Hills (either delivered carry out, or in person, depending on COVID restrictions)
- An Effie Yaw Nature Center walk with Mary Howard, a docent at the center; a perfect family outing!
- The ever popular Craft Beer Tasting offered by Christopher Jensen; locally brewed craft beer tasting, each complemented with a tasty appetizer.
- February 28-silent auction bidding begins. It is also the cut-off date for buying meal tickets for the carry out dinner on March 13.
- Coming soon-Opportunities to view the tangible auction items at the church and Zoom tutorial sessions for the online bidding process will be announced shortly. Stay tuned!
- "Bidding Buddies" will be standing by to offer assistance during the live online auction on March 13. Contact the committee at auction@uuss.org to request help.
Proceeds from the auction will keep our mission strong...Together or Apart, we are ONE HEART!
|
|
UUSS Engaged with the Community
|
We Feed People in Need:
Sandwich Brigade Volunteers Needed
| |
The "Sandwich Brigade" We will be building lunches for unhoused folks.
HOW IT WORKS: Designated UUSS volunteers will make 15 sandwiches each, put each into an individual lunch bag, add an apple, and leave bags open, then deliver to UUSS on the 3rd MONDAY of each month BETWEEN 10:00 and 11:30 AM.
WHO: New Sandwich Brigade, under 'showupsac.ca/", headed by Sally Wilkins
WHAT: A new volunteer activity to help feed unhoused in the Sacramento area
WHEN: Once a month, sandwiches to be delivered to UUSS, 3rd Monday of month, by 11:30am
WHERE: To UUSS, 2425 Sierra Blvd., 3rd Monday of month.
WHY: To feed people who don't have resources to do so themselves.
|
| We Provide Meals for Our Homeless Neighbors | |
UUSS is partnering with six other Arden Arcade congregations and Arden Arcade Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART) to provide 30 meals each day of the week for seven weeks. UUSS has volunteered for Thursdays through February 25. Each Thursday has a team of committed volunteers already. We thank them for their generosity and efforts!
|
|
Washington Commons Cohousing
in West Sacramento Seeks Members
| |
Washington Commons is seeking members for its planned 35-unit cohousing community. Each member household will have its own independent one- or two- bedroom condominium. Extensive community facilities will include a community kitchen and dining room for occasional meals, bicycle storage, guestrooms for family and friends and other amenities. UUSS heard about this opportunity through Catherine Masi, who has been attending UUSS online services along with our members Rob Cunningham and Kaitlin Walker. As a member of Washington Commons, she would like to spread the word so that the group will be ready to break ground in the spring! Washington Commons welcomes all ages and embraces cultural and racial diversity. Its intention is to create a community of caring, supporting, involved individuals, couples and families. Located on quiet streets just a block from the Sacramento River, it is within walking distance of downtown Sacramento's Crocker Museum and many small restaurants.
Learn more at www.Washington-commons.org and join them for Zoom site tours twice a month. The next one is 10:00 a.m., Sat, Jan. 16--tomorrow. Outreach Coordinator Shelly Parks would be happy to talk by phone with UUs and other interested people: (425) 308-0639. "Neighborly by Design," in the January Comstock's Magazine, features Fair Oaks EcoHousing, where several UUSS members live, and talks about Washington Commons.
|
|
Human Rights Book Club in Sacramento
| |
 The Sacramento chapter of Amnesty International hosts an online book discussion related to human rights and invites you to participate. The February title is The Displaced: Refugee Writers on Refugee Lives (2018), edited by Pulitzer Prize winner Viet Thanh Nguyen. Here is a review. Abrams Books, publisher, is contributing 7% of book sale proceeds to the International Rescue Committee (a UUSS Community Partner). You can register for the Book Club here. Once you register, they will send the zoom link to you. Read or listen to the book and join the discussion on Thursday, Feb. 18, 7:00 - 8:30 pm.
|
| Serving Our Congregation | |
UUSS OFFICERS & BOARD of TRUSTEES
Sally White, President
Denis Edgren, Vice-President
Victoria Owens, Treasurer
Anara Guard, Secretary
David Harlow, Trustee at Large
Marilyn Reynolds,Trustee at Large
Hally Cahssai,Trustee at Large
Eric Ross, Trustee at Large
Tonie Darling, Trustee at Large
Board meetings: 7:00 p.m., 4th Thursday of every month
PROGRAM COUNCIL
Susan Davis, Co-chair
Margaret Wilcox, Co-chair
Tina Chiginsky-Lawrence
Lorri Reynard
Debby Powell
Jon Peterson
Youth Members: Jade Lewis-Boles and Alec Redmond
Program Council meetings: 7:00 p.m., 3rd Thursday of every month.
Ministers
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones and Rev. Lucy Bunch
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 ~ Irina Tchantceva, Pianist Jesus Hoyos - Sunday thru Thursday, Evening Custodian Ivan Caballero, Sunday Audio Tech ~ Dirk Tuell, Web Master/Tech Support
|
| UUSS Mission | |
We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
