November 15, 2018
Issue #474

"Thank you for your kind thoughts, prayers, texts and emails!

As you have probably heard, Paradise has lost about 6500 homes. The town is 95 percent destroyed. Other, smaller towns have also suffered severe damage.

All of our members who lived within the fire zone have been located and are safe. We still have a couple frequent visitors we have been unable to locate. We assume that most, if not all, have lost their homes.

Air quality in Chico exceeded 995 parts per million on Friday. We don't know how much higher it was, as that's as high as the meter reads. It was dark at noon.

While the fire is still active, the immediate danger to Chico seems to have passed. We were fortunate in that predicted very high winds in the mountains on Saturday night did not materialize. Going into Saturday night, authorities were fearful for Oroville.

As those of you who have been through this realize, the road to recovery is very long. If you wish to help financially, consider a donation to UUFC. Put Camp Fire in the memo line. The address is below. We are setting up a dedicated disaster account. Or, make a donation to the UUA Disaster Relief Fund.

While we have taken a severe blow, we feel fortunate for what we did not lose and the support of the larger UU community. Thank you.

Blessings,
Bryan

Rev. Bryan Plude
UU Fellowship in Chico
1289 Filbert Avenue
Chico, CA 95926
530-513-2261

Congregational Workshop: January 25 & 26 

Please mark your calendars for this important event in January. Rev. Jan Christian, our regional congregational life staff, will be here to facilitate a "Start-up" workshop. UU congregations across our denomination have found the opportunity for an outside professional to facilitate conversation between a congregation and a new minister early in their ministry to be an incredibly valuable experience. 

On Friday evening, Jan will engage our whole community in exploring the history and culture of the congregation. We'll begin with a potluck supper at 5:30, and plan to end at 9pm.

On Saturday morning (8:45am-12:00pm), Jan will lead a conversation for congregational leaders about expectations of roles and responsibilities, supporting us in clarifying how we will work together to achieve our five developmental goals. The Board, Committee on Shared Ministry, all committee chairs, and anyone who considers themselves a leader here (or would like to!) is encouraged to attend.

Hopes and Histories

With you on the Journey,

Rev. Marcus

Upcoming dates link to the UUCM calendar for saving on iCal, Outlook etc.

Our next Adult Ed meeting is on Sunday Nov. 18th from 12:15-1:30.  Please join us in the Fireside Room to plan enriching programs.  Please send requests for agenda items by Nov.16th to Ilana Trumbull -    [email protected] 

Before and after the service this Sunday we will be selling craft items made by our talented members.

Please visit our table in the foyer.

All proceeds go to UUCM.

UUCM Family Group Sunday 

24 parents and kids gathered for a fun afternoon of bowling and pizza on Nov. 11 at Country Club Bowl in San Rafael. Bowlers of all ages made the scene, with the youngest at just five years old! This outing was organized by Jef Melcher, UUCM Director of Family Ministries, and Grace Dearborn and Ali Jenkins, UUCM Parent Group members. Thanks to all who participated and brought joy to the gathering!