| The Unigram Newsletter for September 2018 Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento |
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2425 Sierra Boulevard,
Sacramento, CA 95825
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Sunday Service Theme this Fall: Heritage & Legacy
September 2
Antidote to Cynicism
Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones
Worship Associate Celia Buckley, Pianist Ina Jun
Cynicism is a quietly powerful form of repression that can corrode your heart and soul. And yet it feels like a haven from the troubles in our world. This Sunday we will explore several poems with messages that help us keep our hearts open and our spirits strong.
Sunday Spiritual Practice: Labyrinth Walk in the meadow, 9:45 (childcare available)
September 9
Ingathering Sunday--All-Ages Worship with Mingling of the Waters
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Rev. Dr. Roger Jones
Ginny Johnson & Larry Boles,
Nicholas Dold, guest pianist. UUSS Choir; Mary Howard, guest conductor. Keith Atwater, trombone.
It's a new church year at UUSS! In our annual tradition, we will celebrate the power of water, and the power of our community. Please bring water the
from the places or experiences that have stirred your hearts this summer. We will pour them into a communal container and create a well of love to quench our thirst and sustain us through the year. There will be special music, beloved hymns, and our traditional rainmaking.
Sunday Spiritual Practice before the service: Tai Chi & Qi Gong, 9:45-10:15, Fahs Classroom
September Birthdays honored in the service.
Family Ministry water slide after the service.
September 16
Pastries, Politics, and Fellowship:
150 Years of UU Women's Activism and Friendship
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, preaching,
with student minister Sangye Hawke and Worship Associate Ginny Johnson
Though limited in official power, women of UUSS found ways to benefit the church, improve Sacramento, and engage with global issues from the very early years. Rev. Roger highlights major events since the founding of our Women's Alliance in 1911.
UU seminarian Sangye Hawke tells about the crucial work of Unitarian women in Santa Cruz in making Evergreen Cemetery available to marginalized people during the late 1800s, a time of racial violence, intolerance, and a brutal sex trade.
Stay for a reception honoring UUSS Alliance participants, with goodies made from our 1890 cookbook! (Note: Modern recipes used - we couldn't find a gill measuring container!)
Exploring Unitarian Universalism before the service, 9:30-10:15, Fahs Classroom
Sunday Spiritual Practice before the service: Silent Meditation, 9:45-10:15, Classroom 6
September 23
Engaging Hinduism
Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Abhi Janamanchi, Senior Minister, Cedar Lane UU Church
With Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Jess Reynolds,
Sanskrit devotional music by Jay Nair, vocal, and Ross Hammond, guitar
Hinduism is arguably the world's most ancient living religion, with roots reaching back into the prehistory of humankind. It's an increasing segment of the American religious landscape. But Hinduism is more than a religion in the western sense. It is a comprehensive way of life, a tradition by which people can lead ethical, moral, and spiritual lives. Come investigate!
Our Speaker
: A native of South India, Dr. Janamanchi is a third-generation member of the Brahmo Samaj Hindu reform movement. As a UU minister, he has served congregations in Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida and now, Bethesda, Maryland. He and his wife, Lalitha, have two young adult sons. In recognition of his service to the UUA and in social activism and global interfaith leadership, he recently was awarded an honorary doctorate from Meadville Lombard Theological School. (He and Rev. Roger studied UU ministry there together in the 1990s. ) Don't miss hearing the testimony of a Hindu UU!
Then stay for lunch and his forum.
Sunday Spiritual Practice before the service: Reading and Reflecting on Poetry, Classroom 6.
Forum 12:00-1:30 (light refreshments provided; child care continues):
"What the Heck Is Unitarian Universalist Spirituality?" with Dr. Janamanchi
September 30
No Time for a Casual Faith: The Sesquicentennial Sermon
Guest Preacher: Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray,
President of the Unitarian Universalist Association
With Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Celia Buckley, Music Director Keith Atwater and UUSS Choir
The national president of our religious denomination comes from Boston to celebrate 150 years of liberal religious community in Sacramento! Susan is the first woman elected as president of our UUA, and the youngest to serve since 1985. While serving the UU Congregation of Phoenix for 8 years, she was a strong interfaith ally to activists of color in supporting migrants and opposing the human rights abuses of Sheriff Joe Arpaio and getting him convicted. Come to hear Susan's charge to us for the next 150 years, and especially for these crucial times.
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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 July, we contributed
$3,005 to the International Rescue Committee. Our September Sunday offerings will be shared with the Mustard Seed School -- a free, private school for homeless children 3-15 years old.
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Bring Back Waters from your Summer Activities
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Our annual Ingathering Service takes place Sunday, September 9. In this service for all ages, we bring waters we have gathered from our travels or other summer activities and mingle them in a common vessel in a ritual of community-building. Bring a small jar from your tap, your favorite lake, a local river, a public swimming pool, or a distant ocean.
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Senior Minister's Message
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Happy Anniversaries!
Not only is 2018 the 150
th
anniversary of the founding of this congregation in Sacramento, a major milestone and a big deal; last month marked ten years since I arrived in Sacramento to serve UUSS! Last month also marked five years since Rev. Lucy joined us--making her the longest-serving woman minister in our history.
It was 35 years ago (at a Midwestern university) that I first walked into a UU church. That congregation intrigued me, inspired me and welcomed me. It evoked a sense of longing in me for spiritual
connections and for putting my ethical values into action.
It changed my life. So many years later, UUism continues to change, challenge, nourish and sustain my life. I made that first visit at the suggestion of friends, and we went together. I went out of curiosity and a longing for connection. I've kept going ever since.
Each one of you has an anniversary and a memory of when you first found this or anotherUU congregation--perhaps when you were a child in an RE class or at a Child Dedication Ritual in church, or perhaps as an adult. Your ongoing participation is what makes our congregation the continuing beacon of compassion, care, hospitality, kindness and creativity that we strive to be. Thank you for the gift of your presence.
Every Sunday of every year, new folks come to us out of curiosity or out of need, out of eagerness or out of hope. Their efforts and their presence demonstrate that what UUSS has to offer still makes a difference in the world. Thank you, everyone, for your hospitality.
I hope you can attend the special events in the weeks to come and celebrate our accomplishments and our ongoing mission. I hope you will seek ways for deeper engagement in the congregation as we live out our values now and in the coming years.
Yours in faith,
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, Senior Minister
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Where's Rev. Roger in September?
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Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Tuesday is my day off, but sometimes I lead a class at night on Tuesdays. Sermon and study days are Fridays or Saturdays. I'd love to make an appointment to see you, so give me a call.
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Assistant Minister's Message:
Living Faithfully
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As I write this I have just returned from a five-day silent retreat for UU's called SpiritRest. This was my third year as part of the leadership team for the retreat. It's a wonderfully restorative time for me. This year I am holding on to the memory of the walking meditation that happened every morning before breakfast. I was not a participant in the walking meditation but was an observer as they slowly made their way around the retreat center gardens. On the first morning I happened upon them (or they happened upon me) as I sipped coffee in the garden. It was such a wonderful experience that I made sure I was in position for their walk to pass me on the remaining mornings. I could first hear them coming by the sound of the bell, rung at intervals as they slowly walked. A feeling of peace would come over me, and a sense of delight in their commitment to deepening their spirits and practicing mindfulness. I felt a connection to them and would offer a silent blessing to each as they passed. This ritual started my day with an open heart.
The Sufi poet Rumi says "If you are living here unfaithfully with us you're causing terrible damage. If you've opened your loving to God's love, you're helping people you don't know and have never seen." In our interdependent world, our choices and our actions have an impact beyond what we can imagine. My meditating friends were helping people they have never seen by their commitment to spiritual deepening. They were living faithfully in that moment of mindfulness, and in all the ways that their loving hearts and sprits were present in their day-to-day activities.
I hope you can join us at SpiritRest next year. I will know the dates by the end of the calendar year and will make sure to post the information at UUSS. In the meantime, we have our own opportunity for living faithfully through our Spiritual Deepening Circles. These groups meet twice a month October through May. They are an opportunity for reflection and connection, sharing and deep listening. I hope you will join us. Sign-ups have begun and continue until September 20th. See the article below under Adult Enrichment for more information.
Sending love to all,
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Where's Lucy in September
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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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Music Director's Message:
Calling all Instrumentalists!
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Do you play a musical instrument? Would you enjoy making music with others? We invite musicians of all ages to contact music director Keith Atwater at
keith@uuss.org and share which instrument you play. Even if you feel like an "advanced beginner" or "rusty intermediate," you're welcome to share your talents. We especially encourage children, youth, teens (and their parents!) to contact Keith and join in the fun! And of course, all singers are always welcome!
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As we gratefully greet the promise of fall and the renewed energy that often comes with this change in the seasons, our Board members are actively engaged in supporting and encouraging the congregational creation of action steps to implement our new Strategic Plan goals and objectives.
At our Board fall retreat, we reflected on how we as individual members and as a Board can most effectively engage with the congregation in bringing our new plan to life. The Strategic Planning Team is busy creating an outreach model to involve all interested congregants in defining our action steps. You will hear more from the team soon. In the meantime, consider which goal/objective really speaks to you. What action plans would you like to help create?
At our August 24 Board meeting, we approved a UUSS Sexually Safer Congregation Policy. It is grounded in our UU principles and provides a framework for (1) keeping children, youth and vulnerable adults safe from sexual abuse, and (2) responding to a request for participation from a person accused or found guilty of a sexual offense against a child, youth or adult. The policy can be found on the UUSS website through a link on the home page. Two forums on this policy will be held during September: Sunday, September 9 at noon in the Fahs Room, and Sunday, September 23 at 9:00am in the Fahs Room.
There are several other safety policies and practices that we need and will be developing as well, such as a building safety and evacuation plan.
It promises to be a fruitful start to a new church year!
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Congregational Meeting, October 21
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The
Congregational Meeting
will be on
Sunday October 21, 2018
, in the
sanctuary at UUSS immediately following the service.
It is expected the meeting will be from 11:50 to 1:00 p.m. Child care will continue in Room 11. This annual business meeting requires a quorum of voting Members to conduct business, but friends are welcome to attend. Updates will be given by President Margaret Wilcox, Treasurer Victoria Owens, Ministers Roger and Lucy, Long Range Planning, and other groups who perform the business of our congregation.
Members will vote to select 12 Community Partners for the 2019 calendar year. Each month, one of the 12 chosen agencies will receive half of that month's collection plate. Members of the Congregation may submit nominations for a not-for-profit agency they would like as a recipient of these monthly donations. All nominations will be placed on a ballot and voting will occur during the meeting. Congregants who nominate groups will have one strictly enforced minute at the meeting to explain their nominee's mission and why we should support it. The winners will be announced once all votes have been tallied.
Members may download nomination forms by clicking here on the UUSS website. If you don't use the internet or have a printer, you may call the Office. Please submit your forms by Monday, October 8, 2018 to ensure your nominee is able to be considered for nomination. If you have any questions, please contact
board@uss.org.
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UUSS Sesquicentennial Celebration
History Notes
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In 1918 a fourth of the member families lived within six blocks of the church, at 1415 27th Street, which was within walking distance. Fifty-seven percent lived within a mile of it, and forty-three percent lived more than a mile distant, but roughly within a triangular area cornered at 7th and H Street, 33rd and McKinley, and 4th Avenue at Freeport Boulevard.
By 1948 only eight out of sixty-one families lived within a mile of the meeting place; the remainder were scattered in a larger area running from West Sacramento to Del Paso Heights southeastward to Fulton Avenue, thence down to 43rd and Freeport Boulevard, with members in Davis, Elk Grove, and on three rural mail routes.
(from: Rodney Cobb and Irma West,
In Good Times and in Bad: The Story of Sacramento's Unitarians, 1868-1984
, pp. 64)
Ladies of the Unitarian Society
There are no artifacts in existence that relate to the founding of UUSS in 1868. The most compelling early artifact is held by the California State Library (California History Room).
Published in 1890,this 156-page volume is called
Cookery in the Golden State: A Collection of Choice Recipes Tried and Approved by the Ladies of the Unitarian Society.
This 128-year-old cookbook, reflecting the lives of congregation members, is a poignant symbol of the lengthy history of Unitarian (now Unitarian Universalist) presence in Sacramento and of the tenacity of church members in sustaining church viability despite significant challenges over the years.
On Sunday, September 16, during the coffee hour, we will celebrate the contribution of women to the success of the congregation and benefit of the larger Sacramento community through our local chapter of the Alliance (which continues today!) and in particular to "The Ladies of the Unitarian Society" and our legacy cookbook.
While you should feel free to bring an item made from a recipe featured in our cookbook (see recipes below), lemonade and cake (modern day recipe) will be served!
Sponge Cake
"Eight eggs, the whites and yolks beaten separately, then together-ten minutes-two medium-sized cups of granulated sugar in two gills of water, boiled until it strings; beat in into the eggs already beaten, pouring it in while hot, and beat twenty minutes; then add two cups of sifted flour, one teaspoonful of yeast powder and a bit of salt; stir the flour in lightly. Grate lemon peel for flavor. Bake in rather quick oven thirty minutes."
Queen Cake
"Two cups of butter, three cups of sugar, five eggs, one cup of milk, five cups of flour, three teaspoons of baking powder, one wine glass of wine or brandy, one nutmeg, one pound of raisins-citron. Mix like pound cake and bake one hour."
--Sandra Navarro,
UUSS Sesquicentennial Task Force
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Guest Speakers to Celebrate the 150th Anniversary
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Sunday, September 23:
Rev. Dr. Abhi Janamanchi, Cedar Lane UU Church
10:30 a.m. Sermon: "Engaging Hinduism"
(see service listing above)
Noon Forum: "What the Heck is UU Spirituality?"
This forum offers guideposts to develop the spiritual muscles for nurturing our spirits, healing ourselves, and helping heal our broken yet beautiful world.
Dr. Janamanchi writes: "
Where do we find a faith-based community in which dogmatism - whether theistic or atheistic - does not prevail? Where can a family or individual go to explore viable alternatives to the seductive (but ultimately unsatisfying) message of today's consumer culture? Where can we find support in living with intellectual
integrity, moral responsibility, and mature spirituality? For me, and I hope for you, the
answer is self-evident: Unitarian Universalism."
 About our speaker:
Abhi Janamanchi grew up in Andra Pradesh, in southern India. Though trained in physics, he decided to pursue ministry. Though a third-generation member of the Brahmo Samaj Hindu reform movement, he became a UU minister. Since ordination in 1998, he has served in top volunteer positions for our UU denomination and UU theological education and for social justice and interfaith organizations in Florida and the D.C. region. He has been president of the International Association of Religious Freedom. As a UU minister of color, he has mentored many colleagues and seminarians in navigating the dominant culture of our faith. He now leads one of our largest churches, Cedar Lane UU Church in Bethesda, Maryland. In 2017 he was granted an honorary doctorate by Meadville Lombard Theological School; click here to read more. He and his wife, Lalitha, have two young-adult sons who are active UUs. His presence here is funded by the Betty Ch'maj Fund of UUSS.
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Brian & Susan Frederick-Gray & son Henry
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Sunday, September 30:
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, President, UUA, Boston10:30 a.m. Sermon: "No Time for a Casual Faith"
The Sesquicentennial Sermon
A lifelong UU, Susan grew up near St. Louis. She earned a B.S. in molecular biology and worked for Monsanto before attending Harvard Divinity School. She served student ministries in Boston and Nashville and later as
lead minister in Youngstown, Ohio, and Phoenix, Arizona.
She was pivotal in establishing our denomination's 2010 General Assembly in Phoenix as a Justice GA, where 4,000 UUs protested the sweltering "tent cities" of Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Susan is noted as a strong, brave and humbly ally by many interfaith and grassroots leaders for social justice. She and her husband and son live in Massachusetts, though she lives a lot on the road! Susan last visited UUSS in 2016 as she began her campaign to be the first woman elected president of the Unitarian Universalist Association. She returns to help celebrate 150 years as a congregation. Come to hear Susan's charge to us at UUSS for the next 150 years, and especially for this crucial moment.
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Sunday, October 7:
Nathan Hallam, Ph.D., Sacramento State University
12:00 p.m. Lecture:
"The Places UUSS
Has
Called Home"
A Geographical and Political History of the Region
Come learn about where we've been and the shifts in political, ethnic, cultural and financial dynamics of this region. Professor Hallam is an engaging speaker and an expert on local histories-- and especially our local cities and counties. He teaches history and historic preservation at CSUS and is coordinator of a center
of archives and studies of counties in this area, affiliated with the California Office of Historic Preservation.
Light lunch at noon, lecture from 12:10-1:30. Donations welcome to defray lunch costs.
This lecture is funded by the Betty Ch'maj Events Fund at UUSS; Betty was a UUSS member and a professor (and founder of American Studies) at CSUS; she died in 1997.
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150th Anniversary Memento--Holiday Ornament!
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The
Sesquicentennial Task Force will be selling a lovely ceramic 3" round, flat ornament to commemorate our 150th year as a liberal religious voice in Sacramento. This festive original design by our own graphic artist Jim Eastman would make a great gift for current UUSS members and also those who have moved away. Each ornament is $10 and will be for sale at the Holiday Market on Saturday, October 27.
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Justice and Compassion Work
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Sunday,
October 14 after service
, we are presenting the film "The Safe Side of the Fence."
World War II's Manhattan Project required the refinement of massive amounts of uranium, and St. Louis-based Mallinckrodt Chemical Works took on the job. As a result, the chemical company's employees would become some of the most contaminated nuclear workers in history. This film explores the legacy that St. Louis is still coping with, from workers who became ill -- to the challenges of dealing with the fallout from some of the world's first nuclear waste. The story is not unique to St. Louis, as more than 300 facilities across America would become part of the race to build the bomb and be forced to deal with many of the same issues. The film provides a detailed look into what some of the men and women went through inside these plants, and how past decisions affect us all today.
Our UUSS member Tina Stidman is knowledgeable about the subject as she lived near the Missouri plant. She will speak before the film. Please join us!
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Black Lives Matter Chapter Needs Weekly Support:
Our local Black Lives Matter chapter is working to bring charges against the police officers who killed Stephon Clark and is putting pressure on DA Anne Schubert by having BBQs every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in front of her office (901 G Street) until charges are filed. Can you drive, load/unload heavy items, grocery shop, or clean?
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Black Lives Matter - Abolish and Rebuild Meeting:
Join our Black Lives Matter chapter on Saturday, Sept. 8th at 6:00 p.m. at the Robbie Waters Library, 7335 Gloria Drive. Their goals are to: DEMOLISH the system that currently exists, REBUILD with the community, HEAL because you can't fight if you can't heal, and UNITE by building power with each other. Focus areas include: cop watching, CPS/securing families, restorative justice, emergency services, and mental health services.
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Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ): The SURJ community meetings are held quarterly at UUSS. The next meeting will be Wednesday, Oct. 24th with a newcomer orientation at 6:00 p.m. and the general meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Join a SURJ workgroup to stay involved in between these meetings. E-mail surjsacramento@gmail.com.
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Our mission: "
To promote environmental justice in Sacramento County through collaboration, advocacy, education and direct action."
In September 2018, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors designated West Arden Arcade as an "environmental justice community" (a community with a high percentage of people of color, low-income residents and/or immigrant communities that experience higher levels of environmental hazards and resulting health problems).
Led by Eric Ross and Ruth McDonald, we are doing a lot of work to review and understand health data and environmental hazards in West Arden Arcade. We are looking at data regarding pollution burdens in this area (exposure to ozone, particulate matter, diesel particulate matter, traffic density, toxic releases from facilities, drinking water contamination, and pesticides; as well as cleanup sites, hazardous waste sites, groundwater threats, impaired water bodies and solid waste facilities). We are also looking at measures of sensitive populations such as rates of asthma, cardiovascular disease and low birth weight infants; as well as socioeconomic factors that make people more vulnerable to pollution (poverty, unemployment, linguistic isolation, housing burden and educational attainment).
We met with Black Child Legacy staff and learned about their work to reduce African American child deaths, some of their environmental justice issues of concern in West Arden Arcade, and some initial ideas about how we might be of service to them in this area. They will introduce us to their staff in West Arden Arcade so that we can begin to find out specifically how we can be useful there. Ruth McDonald is our contact/coordinator with the Black Child Legacy program.
 Rev. Lucy, along with Rev. Mary Westfall and Betsy Reifsnider from St. Francis of Assisi Pathways to Justice, began reaching out to faith groups in West Arden Arcade to see who may already be working on these issues and who may be allies when we move ahead.
We will present our findings to the congregation later this year.
Presenters from April 29 event, starting on the far left: Kirin Kumar, Executive Director of WALK Sacramento; Bill Becker, Sacramento Area Congregations Together Environmental Justice Committee (Sac ACT EJ Committee); Katie Valenzuela, Principal Consultant for California's Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies; Reggie Hola, Sac ACT Community Organizer; Professor Jonathan London, Director of UCD's Center for Regional Change; Dr. Ruth McDonald, Sac ACT EJ Committee member; Jackie Cole, Social and Environmental Justice Consultant; Christine Bailey, Sac ACT EJ Committee; Hally Cahssai, Sacramento ACT EJ Committee; Rev. Dr. Mary Westfall, Sacramento ACT Clergy Caucus, Sac ACT EJ Committee member, and Northern California Poor People's Campaign Steering Committee.
If you are interested in this work,
please join us at the September 12th meeting of Sacramento ACT Environmental Justice Committee
. We meet from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the UUSS Library. Or talk to any of the people mentioned above or to Hally Cahssai or
Christine Bailey
about what we are doing.
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Religious Education and Family Ministry
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Re-imagining Sunday School--Major Conference at UUSS
Pot of Gold is a regional Religious Education Conference hosted by UUSS on
Saturday, September 29, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
You can attend it, or help us in hosting. Or both!
All RE professionals, volunteers, ministers, and lay leaders from the Pacific Western Region are coming to the 7th Annual Pot of Gold RE Conference, hosted here at UUSS. Kim Sweeney, Executive Director of Courageous Faith Consulting, and the Rev. Sarah Gibb Millspaugh, Congregational Life Staff member in the UUA's Pacific Western Region, will make a shared keynote presentation.
Registration includes meals, keynote conversations, and workshops on skills and models for our ministries for children, youth, families and volunteers. Cost is $50/person or $40/person for teams of four or more per congregation (includes meals). Rates go up September 15.
**Can you help by staffing the registration table, providing overnight home hospitality, providing a cookie or fruit tray, juice, or bagels and cream cheese? Do you have questions about the conference itself? Contact Miranda at re@uuss.org.
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by Miranda Massa, RE Coordinator
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2018 -2019 Religious Education (RE) year
We kick off another rich and full year of RE at UUSS
this month. Our programs run September to May.
Adult volunteers have been planning and collaborating, utilizing their time, talents, and support to offer your children and youth experiences which can have the ability to filter into their everyday lives. Throughout our year, I hope you stay up to date with events, news, pictures to make you smile, opportunities, areas where support is needed, and occurrences to applaud by reading my online newsletter, the RE Outreach. Please email
re@uuss.org if you would like to be added to this list.
Please find the new Religious Education registration form
here or pick one up in the Welcome Hall on Sunday morning.
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Children & Youth Light the Chalice
Every Sunday morning, children and youth are invited to light the chalice for our congregation. Sign up for a Sunday with Miranda or at the RE Welcome table. You will be asked to arrive by 10:15 am to practice and sit up front.
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Program Overview
Nursery care
: Open by 9:30 am every Sunday morning for little ones through preschool age. Kinder welcome if communicated with Miranda or nursery staff.
Spirit Play
: A volunteer pool of creative and passionate adults offer our Montessori based Spirit Play program every RE Sunday. A story and plenty of time to explore the story through artistic materials allows children in kinder through fifth grade to experience a variety of stories and experiences connecting to building their spiritual growth as little UU's. Orientation for the children to be held during RE on September 16 and September 23.
Junior High Youth Group (JHYG)
and Senior High Youth Group (SHYG), each led and facilitated by teams of fabulous and dedicated adult volunteers. Each group will be using a program from the Unitarian Universalist Association. Please consider regular attendance for your youth. Please note: JHYG and SHYG are intentionally invited to attend service on September 16 and September 23. RE for JHYG and SHYG begins on Sunday, September 30.
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Nursery Playground Help!
Parents, we need your help. Which play structure would you like to see in the Nursery play yard? Once we get your feedback, and maybe thoughts from your children, we can move forward with inviting a new play structure into the outside area. I'd love to hear from you!
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Program Support
Want to get involved? Have a bit of time, a ton of passion, and energy that parallels the fabulous youth of congregation?! If you would like to help, email me today! Areas of high need currently: youth group teaching teams and staffing the RE Welcome Table on Sunday mornings.
Want to Donate?
We could use the following for story set creations:
- Family figurines i.e. mom, dad, little kid
- Little trees
- 3 feet of felt in the following colors: green, red, black, & blue
- Animal figurines i.e. dog, cat, bird, mice (small & large)
- Small wooden box
With gratitude,
-- Miranda
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Re: RE and Events!
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-Sunday, September 9 is our all ages service. Bring water from your travels.
-Sunday, September 9 the Youth Ministry Team is hosting an outdoor BBQ & waterslide event at UUSS. Pick up a flyer in the welcome hall.
-Sunday, September 16 is the first day of RE for Spirit Play
-Sunday, September 30 is the first day of youth group for the junior and senior high programs.
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Family Ministry Team Event on Ingathering Sunday
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UUSS members, friends and guests, you all are invited!
What:
Outdoor BBQ with a Waterslide for the kids
When:
Sunday, September 9 from
Noon-2:00pm
Where:
Church Grounds
The newly formed
Family Ministry Team would like to invite you all to join us for hot dogs, conversation and family fun!
Over the next several weeks you will hear and learn more about the
FMT group. Our mission is to promote family-friendly, church community activities and support throughout the year.
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September Religious Education (RE) Calendar
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Sunday, September 2
9:30-12:00 Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-11:30 Summer RE ArtWorks
Sunday, September 9
9:30-12:00
Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-11:45 All Ages, no RE
After service: waterslide and bbq fun!
Sunday, September 16
9:30-12:00
Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-11:45 Spirit Play Orientation, JHYG & SHYG to service
Sunday, September 23
9:30-12:00 Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-11:45
Spirit Play, JHYG & SHYG to service
Sunday, September 30
9:30-12:00 Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-11:45 Spirit Play, JHYG, & SHYG
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PROM 2018: Fall Fundraiser, Saturday, October 6
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Our UUSS Fall Fundraiser: PROM 2018 Through the Ages -
Saturday October 6, from 6 to 10 p.m.
Hosted by the UUSS Gen Y group, this event is for everybody at UUSS. This is a social event for the whole church (kids too!) There will be plenty of
seating and tables, a dance floor for dancing, and kids activities.
Some of the fun things planned:
- A photo booth where you can commemorate the event!
- A fun quirky raffle with silly prizes
- Fun dance music from every decade (request a song at uuss.org/songrequest)
- Dance contest to watch (or participate in!)
- Food and refreshments, including wine and beer
- A slideshow of UUSS members old high school photos!
- Activity area for kids with fun crafts
- An opportunity for fancy dress clothes! Or come casual!
Feel free to bring along any friends / family who would like a fun evening out.
There is no cost for admission but feel free to donate that evening toward the fundraiser.
Last year we had a slideshow of people's old high school or dance pics ("Can you guess who that is?") - check it out at
uuss.org/oldschool. We'd love more so send us yours at
prom@uuss.org or drop a photo off with Elaine at the office.
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De-centering White-supremacy Culture
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Monday, Sept. 10, 6:40-8:40 p.m. at UUSS
with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones
This class follows up on Rev. Roger's
July 29 sermon. This is especially intended for white UUs. We will make use of the white-supremacy teach-in resources
provided by Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism. The result of the
culture of supremacy has been death and marginalization for people of
color in North American history. It's also spiritually burdensome for those of us brought up to think of whiteness as the norm. Bring your open mind and your mindfulness as we consider and explore how an unacknowledged culture of whiteness infuses all institutions and systems in which we live.
Register
and pick up your advance reading at the Sunday Connections Table.
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Second Tuesday
TED Talk
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Earth Justice Ministry is hosting the viewing of several not-previously-shown, interesting, controversial, and inspiring video shorts on the environment with discussion to follow.
September 11 7 :00 - 8:
30 p.m. Welcome Hall
TED Talks are influential videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, tech and creativity. We view and discuss several talks on a specific theme each month.
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.
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Monday Evening Meditation Class: Buddha's Map
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On September 17 a 9-week Meditation Class will begin. It is led by Doug Kraft, a Dharma teacher as well as our own Minister Emeritus, psychotherapist and author. He has trained in Buddhist meditation for 40 years with over a dozen American teachers and Asian masters. The meditation style is similar to Insight Meditation but has some essential differences. It is not a one-pointed concentration method. It blends the cultivation of ease with the cultivation of insight. It emphasizes relaxation, ease, and sense of humor.
You'll be asked to meditate daily for at least a half hour or longer if possible. If you already have a meditation practice, please be ready to set it aside for the duration of the class so you can give this style a try. Classes will include meditation, discussion of various issues related to the practice, personalized instruction and time for questions and answers.
The class will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. each Monday in the Fahs room at UUSS. Doug's book, Buddha's Map will be used as the text. The teachings are offered freely. Donations (called dana) are accepted gratefully as they help make it possible to offer these classes.
There is more information at
www.easingawake.com
You can sign up there or at the Adult Enrichment table at UUSS on Sunday mornings or by sending a note to
info@easingawake.com
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Spiritual Parenting Series
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Spiritually Mindful Parenting--Being Present to Children, Self, and the World
8 Thursday nights, 6:25-8:30 p.m., Sept. 27 to Nov. 15
In these busy and confusing times, the best thing we can embrace as parents is a holistic view. Join us for sharing, learning, respecting our own voices, and noticing our own gifts as we pursue depth and renewal in a community of parenting adults-parents, grandparents, guardians and foster parents are all welcome. We'll share ideas for family spiritual practices, patience in tense times, and self-trust. Mindful parenting means respecting the interdependent web of life--and our part in it (the UUA 7
th principle). Hence, embracing a fully present role in parenting starts with your own spirit and extends beyond your family. Parenting with Spirit embraces our jobs, ourselves, and our communities. This course is an adaptation of Spiritual Parenting, created many years ago by former member Karen Bare.
Requirements: advance registration and a commitment to attendance (at least 6 of the 8 sessions). Child care will be available, but please reserve by Sept. 9 at re@uuss.org. Course is free to members and pledging friends with donations accepted to help cover child care costs.
 Facilitator: Sangye Hawke, student minister
S
angye Hawke is the mother of two adult daughters, aged 31 and 27. She's a second-year seminarian at Starr King School for the Ministry, where she took a class taught by Rev. Roger. At the UU Fellowship in Santa Cruz County, she co-led Small Group Ministry covenant circles and co-led their facilitators' training sessions. A recent transplant to the Sacramento area, Sangye also brings 20 years of experience as a lay teacher in the Karma Kagyu Tibetan Buddhist tradition and as an instructor trainee of Northern Style Shaolin Chinese Martial Arts. She is pursuing ministerial fellowship with the UUA Association and is a member of the UU Ministers Association.
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UUSS Book Readers
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On Tuesday, September 25, the UUSS Book Readers meet at 7:00 p.m. in the Library
.
For more information, contact
Jim Glidden
at (916) 649-9697
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Transforming Our Losses - Letting Go and Moving On - Sept. 30
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Grief and loss are natural parts of our daily lives. There are obvious losses like the death of a loved one, divorce, retirement or the loss of a job, or money. But there are also not so obvious losses like illness, moving, the loss of a dream, or losses related to our own aging. What normal inevitable losses are challenging you today? Our culture often teaches us to deny normal grieving of big or little losses. These repressed feelings can lead to a low grade depression, anxiety and needless suffering. In this class, you will learn practical, mindfulness or spiritual based tools for transforming any loss for more peace, purpose, and passion. Pain is inevitable but suffering optional. You will learn the three stages of grieving any loss and the five powerful proven steps to transform your loss for more strength, growth, and resilience. Research shows us that we can truly grow older with grace and grit. Come and learn in a safe, private atmosphere these positive practices for letting go and moving on.
Your instructor, Richard Lui, M.S. is a licensed individual and couple counselor, and life coach with 38 years of experience seeing clients and teaching classes with these mindfulness tools for letting go. He is a co-author along with Jim Regan of "Radical Spiritual Adventures Everyday". Richard has offices in Sacramento and Roseville. He believes that transforming any loss can lead to deep happiness and serenity.
The class is being offered Sunday, September 30, 12:15 to 3:15 in the Fahs Classroom at UUSS. The fee is $20 - a light lunch is provided. Sign up at the Adult Enrichment table on Sundays or contact Judy Bell at (916) 961-0316
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2018-19 Spiritual Deepening Circles at UUSS
All are welcome
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Are you looking for ways to connect with members of the UUSS community? Wanting to talk about what is important and
meaningful to you? Longing to listen and share deeply?
Everyone is on a spiritual journey.Spiritual Deepening Circles will give you a chance to reflect on your journey in community and take steps to deepen your spirituality and connections.
Groups of about 10 each will meet twice a month, October - May at UUSS orin a member's home.The curriculum is designed by the ministers to promote deep listening and reflection.
More information and registration forms are available at the Adult Enrichment table in the Welcome Hall, in the UUSS Office or online athttp://www.uuss.org/circles
Register by September 20. Circles start the second week of October.
Comments received from prior year Circle members:
"I loved sharing my feelings and thoughts without interruption..."
"I'm a better listener now."
"I loved the warmth and acceptance I got from each member of my circle."
"The disciplined structure encouraged deeper reflection."
"I made two new friends!"
"The focus on listening has improved all my relationships"
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Save the dates in October: Senior LifeSong
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In
Senior LifeSong
,
Cynthia Davis
offers six gatherings: What Are your Core Beliefs, Values and Spiritual Practices; Attitudes Towards Aging; Memories; Physical Changes of Aging; Loss and Loneliness; Makingthe Most of What You Have Left, Blessings and Laughter Lines.
Specifically designed for small groups, these worship services fulfill both the need for spiritual growth and the longing for community. Each service includes chalice lighting, singing, readings and sharing. This intimate format allows congregation members and friends to make lasting connections with each other, and emphasizes the concept that "honest, loving speaking and respectful, open listening make community."
Cynthia is a long time UU but relatively new member of our congregation and a gerontologist, chaplain and musician. The classes are a six consecutive week series starting Sunday, October 14, from 12:00 to 1:30 in the Fahs Classroom. (Note: On Sunday, Oct. 21, the gathering will be at 1:00 p.m. to allow for the Congregational Meeting after the service.)
The group will be closed after the first session.
Sign up at the Adult Enrichment table on Sunday mornings or
e-mail Cynthia
.
"
When we offer others the gift of our presence, they open up the truths of their lives to us and in return, we also may speak our truth. This spirit of mutuality and reciprocity nurtures respect, safety, trust, and warm regard." -- Rev. Barbara Hamilton-Holway
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Theology for Unitarian Universalists
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Have you been curious about theology? Want to deepen your knowledge and appreciation for Unitarian Universalism? Starting in October, Rev. Roger and Rev. Lucy will be offering a monthly class on UU Theologies. The class will meet the first Tuesday of the month beginning October 2
. It
will run through June with a new topic each month. Come to one or come to all. There will be readings in advance of each session. Sign up at the Adult Enrichment table on Sunday or contact one of the ministers to learn more.
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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 so you won't be late for the service.
Childcare available, no reservation needed. 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 - Qi Gong & Tai Chi Chuan in the Fahs Room. Join John McMillan 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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Sunday, September 16, at 9:30 a.m. in the Fahs Classroom:
Social Justice: How Do We Live Our Values?
Join us every third Sunday of the month before the service, for Exploring Unitarian Universalism. Four different 45-minute sessions are offered consecutively:
- Survey of UU History (October 21)
- Principles and Sources of Our Tradition Social Justice (November 18)
- Faith: What Does It Mean to a UU? (December 16)
- Social Justice: How Do We Live Our Values? (January 20)
Both newcomers and longtime 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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Old-Fashioned Holiday Market - October 27!
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UUSS congregants and external crafters will offer their handicrafts and creations for sale on
Saturday, October 27 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at UUSS. Ten percent of sales will be collected and used to fund the Sesquicentennial
celebration.
Not knitting scarves for the Holiday Market? Donations of cakes, pies, cookies, soup, chili, and canned sodas to sell at the concession booth are needed. Your help at the booth would also be greatly appreciated. Proceeds will go to UUSS. Please email Tina Stidman or call hear at (916) 501-9824!
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Many crafters in our group are planning to join STOMP
Out Bullying, (an anti-bullying and -cyber-bullying activist organization) in creating blue #HATNOTHATE yarn hats (like the pink pussy hat symbol of the Women's Marches). While the campaign centers on children, anyone can wear the hats. This October is Anti-bullying month; however the hats can be worn at any time. Information on the #HATNOTHATE campaign as well as links to several free knit and crochet hat patterns can be found at:
http://www.lionbrand.com/blog/end-bullying-hat-not-hate
Please join us and bring the crafting project you're currently working on (or get some ideas for one to start) - we meet the first Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. in the Fahs Room.
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UUSS Artist Reception September 7
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The art exhibit committee is pleased to announce our first art show for the 2018-2019 season. The artist
reception will be held on Friday, September 7 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the main hall. The show will run through October 30. UUSS receives a portion of any sale proceeds.
The show features two artists:
Jill Allyn Stafford is a collage and mixed media artist based in Sacramento. Jill's experimentation with collage as an art form began originally as a way to fashion new stories from images she found in magazines and books. Come check out what she is using now to create her collages.
Dwight Head lives in Sacramento and has been on the art scene here for 25 years. His focus is surrealism; his media are pencil, pen, ink and watercolors. He is a self-taught artist.
Questions?? Contact Patricia Pratt at (916) 482-3018.
Wind from the Sea
by Dwight Head Stafford
Mountain Maidens Dream by Jill Allyn
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Theater One Show Opens Next Weekend
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Theater One is a community outreach program of UUSS that has quietly thrived for several decades. Run by UUSS members, Theater One produces three or more fresh, entertaining, socially conscious plays each year, including one or more children's theater productions.
 Special Request
is Theater One's current production. This original work by local writer Tim Foley opens with a dying man's request of a young woman he scarcely knows, and leads to a moving exploration of life, literature, and the legacies we leave behind. The play is directed by Lonon Smith, UUSS member. Special Request show dates are September 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8:00 p.m., Sunday shows at 2:00 p.m., and a special Monday (Sept. 14) show is at 7:00 p.m.
NOTE: It does NOT open this weekend. It starts Sept. 7. Tickets: $15 General Admission, with $13 tickets for students, seniors, and SARTA members.
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Each year, SARTA (Sacramento Area Regional Theater Alliance) honors outstanding achievements in community theater with the Elly Awards (named for the late Eleanor McClatchy.)
Theater One has received four Elly Award nominations this year
. They include:
- Lonon Smith, script for Treasure Island
- Norma Eugenio-Smith, costume design for Treasure Island
- Shaleen Schmutzer-Smith, as the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz
- Jody Klemens, as the Guardian of the Gate in The Wizard of Oz
- In addition to the award nominations, two Outstanding Achievement certificates were awarded to UUSS members Taylor Lewis (as Long John Silver in Treasure Island) and Tim Anderson (set design for Treasure Island).
- UUSS member Irwin Rosenblum has also been nominated for an Elly Award for his original script for Family Cabins (not a Theater One production.)
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Pagan Pride Day and Harvest Festival
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September 15 and 16 (Autumn Equinox) CUUPs will have a field trip to the annual Pagan Pride Day and Harvest Festival in Fair Oaks. It will be held at the VFW Hall, 8990 Kruitof. The entrance fee is a couple of cans of food. There is an optional ceremony Saturday evening. Coordinator is
Laurie Jones 916) 476-0149. Find more about the festival at this link.
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UU Young Adult Fall Conference
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The Pacific Central UU Young Adults ministry is hosting their fall conference October 19 - 21 at the First Unitarian Church in San Jose.
What are conferences? Conferences are a safe and inclusive space for young adults (ages 18-35) to come together as a community for an amazing weekend with the intention of connection, social action, and spirituality.
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Travel with Unitarian Universalists: England, San Diego, Alaska
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San Diego--
Sept. 29 to Oct. 4, 2018--
Visit San Diego with the First Unitarian Universalists of San Diego! San Diego has so much to offer: beautiful beaches, hip urban areas, a World-Famous Zoo, inspiring universities, and a park filled with fascinating museums. And we have even left most of a day for you to tell us where you want to go!
Please go to
www.firstuusandiego.org/sdvisit
to see the details of this exclusive and all-inclusive tour. Hope to see you here! (Note: Sept. 29 is the Pot of Gold Conference at UUSS and Susan Frederick-Gray will be preaching for our sesquicentennial Sunday on Sept. 30. The San Diego church does offer B&B service in members' homes at other times of the year.)
Unitarian England
--May 1-13, 2019--May 1-13, 2019--
Join fellow UUs on an English pilgrimage, visiting some of its finest churches, historic religious sites, and beautiful cities and landscapes. Your guide will be the Rev. Dr. David Usher, a graduate of Oxford University with 35 years as a UU minister in both England and the US, as well as previous experience leading several tours. The Reverend David Usher is uniquely qualified to introduce you to British Unitarianism. UUSS will receive a donation from the tour company for every person who takes this trip. Rev. Roger Jones will be present with Dr. Usher if there are 15 or more UUs on the trip. Get a brochure in the Office or at this link.
Whale Coast Alaska 2019--Several UUSS members have enjoyed the hospitality of the four UU congregations in Alaska who organize and operate a spectacular trip every summer. Click here to visit their site or see their ad in the UU World
magazine.
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WHO WE ARE AND WHERE TO FIND US
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The
UUSS Office is open Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Office closed Labor Day, Monday, September 3.
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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
Victoria Owens, Treasurer Sally White, Secretary
Kathy Bernard Carl Crain
David Harlow Joseph Turner
Roger Olson
Board meetings: 7:00 p.m., 4th Thursday of the month (exception on November 30)
Marian Ashe (Chairperson) Linda Roth
Patty Budding Tamara Olson
Michael Miller
Program
Council meetings: 7:00 p.m., 3rd Thursday of the month.
Ministers
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Senior Minister, and
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Assistant Minister
Rev. Douglas Kraft, Minister Emeritus
Church Staff Members
Krystal Gollaher, Administrative and Facilities Coordinator
Michele Ebler, Bookkeeper
Elaine Cooper, Receptionist
Miranda Massa, Religious Education Coordinator
Keith Atwater, Music Director
Ina Jun, Pianist
Shannon Ebler and Leticia Valdez, Childcare Providers
Aaron Molina - Sunday thru Thursday, Custodian
Miguel Neri - Friday to Sunday, Custodian
Ivan Caballero, Sunday Audio Tech
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