| The Unigram Newsletter for December 2018 Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento |
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2425 Sierra Boulevard,
Sacramento, CA 95825
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Ironies of Life in a "Christian America" and the Provocative Legacy of Jesus
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Jess Reynolds; Thomas Derthick, string bass (J.S. Bach Suite No. 3) and Ina Jun, piano
As we note the Christian tradition as part of our UU heritage, let's consider what happened to this radical movement of poor Palestinian Jews after it became the religion of empires and superpowers, including this one. Let's consider the unforgettable response of Jesus to this understandable question: Who is my neighbor? It matters now more than ever.
NOTE: No cars can cross Fair Oaks Blvd. If you live south of it, use Business 80 for an alternate route to UUSS. Allow extra time, as traffic slows down on Howe Ave. and Fulton Ave.
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice at 9:45 a.m.: Labyrinth Walking Meditation in the back meadow.
Soup Sunday: UUSS volunteer teams provide a wholesome selection of soups; $5 donation.
December 9
Truth, Lies, and Integrity
Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching, with Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones and Worship Associate Jenn Richard
One of our country's morality myths is the story of George Washington and the cherry tree. "I cannot tell a lie" were his words of confession at the felling of the tree. How times have changed. (Or have they?) Is truth all that it is cracked up to be? We will explore truth, lies and reflect how we can live with integrity.
- Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice at 9:45 a.m.: Introduction to Tai Chi and Qi Gong in the Fahs Classroom
- Soup Sunday: provided by Spiritual Deepening Circle Facilitators; $5 donation
December 16
A Wonderful Life: Focusing on What Matters
All-Ages Worship
Rev. Dr. Bonnie M. Dlott, guest preacher, with Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Ginny Johnson. Stay for the Christmas Carol singalong after the service.
December can be stressful, as we struggle to have the fun, festive, and fulfilling holidays we see portrayed in the media. Who has the time, energy, or budget to make all that happen? Our guest speaker has a new appreciation for the holidays, after a frightening health crisis in 2017. Join us today for her reflections on life, death, George Bailey, and angels. An East Bay native, Rev. Bonnie served our Napa congregation for eleven years, retiring for health reasons. Before being called to the ministry, she earned a doctorate in Biological Chemistry. She identifies as a nature mystic, finding the sacred in the natural world and in acts of kindness. She and her husband served many years as trainers of teachers for Our Whole Lives, the UU values-based sexuality education program; we offer OWL at UUSS. They have two adult children.
- Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice at 9:45 a.m.: Silent Meditation in Classroom 6
- Exploring Unitarian Universalism -- Faith: What Does It Mean to a UU? 9:30-10:15 a.m. in the Fahs Classroom
December 23
Holiday Celebration: Trim the Tree, Light the Lights, Sing the Songs!
A Service for All Ages with Tree Trimming and Ornament Making
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associates Celia Buckley, Frances Myers, Jed Shapiro; Music Director Keith Atwater; Pianist Ina Jun; Ukulele and Brass bands
All-Ages Choir Conducted by Julie Rinard: "The Message of the Holly"
Join us for carols, stories, our new All-Ages Choir and annual UUSS traditions. Bring a favorite ornament or use one of ours to trim the sanctuary's Christmas trees during the service. We come together in community to create Christmas cheer-just when we need it most!
- Orientation and Tour starting in the Library/Bookstore after church.
- Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice at 9:45 a.m.: Reading and Reflection on Poetry and Prose in Classroom 6.
December 24, 7:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service--O Holy Night
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Rev. Dr. Roger Jones; Music Director Keith Atwater; UUSS Choir with Ina Jun, accompanist
Join us on the night of Christmas Eve and welcome our many guests to this special service with traditional carols, prayer and a needed moment of stillness. We end by singing "Silent Night" by candlelight.
As is our Christmas tradition, tonight's special offering will go entirely to support River City Food Bank, the oldest continuously-serving food bank in this region.
December 30
Emergence
Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching,
with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones and Worship Associate Jess Reynolds
Music Director Keith Atwater; UUSS Choir with Ina Jun, accompanist
As we enter into a deeper time of darkness, quiet and stillness, let us reflect on what is waiting to be born in us. This is Rev. Lucy's last sermon before her sabbatical, and she will share some of her hopes and expectations for the fallow time.
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Dec. 2 Marathon Traffic Alert this Sunday!
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You can get to UUSS in time for church. And Soup Sunday awaits you! Please allow more time and plan your route in advance. Because of the California International Marathon, we cannot cross Fair Oaks Blvd. Don't use the Watt or Howe Ave exits off of Hwy. 50! If coming from the west, east or south, take "Business 80" to the Expo Parkway exit or Arden Way exit. Drive to Howe or to Fulton and turn right (south), and come down to Sierra Blvd. Traffic will be a bit slower as you get closer to Sierra because it's close to the race, so allow extra time. Click to see a map from the REI store to here. For bus routes, click Regional Transit or call (916) 321-BUSS.
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New Year's Brunch and Labyrinth Walk
Tuesday, January 1, 9:00 AM
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This will be our fourth year of celebrating the New Year with a Labyrinth walk and potluck brunch.
Rev. Lucy will guide us in starting off the new year with a spiritual tune-up that only the Labyrinth can provide. We will celebrate the New Year by sharing breakfast together in the Welcome Hall.
Come say goodbye to Rev. Lucy before she heads off on sabbatical for three months.
Meet in the Welcome Hall. Bring your favorite breakfast food to share. All are welcome. Bring a friend.
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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 October, we contributed
$2,534.82 to Wind Youth Services. Our December Sunday offerings will be shared with
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, providing free emergency goods and services to thousands of men, women and children each month as well as a wide range of service to promote self-sufficiency and independence.
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Senior Minister's Message
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Bad News, Good News, Our News
What a year it has been! An anxious campaign season, a Supreme Court justice approved in spite of sexual assault allegations and his own intemperate protests of denial. A President's fear-mongering and words of cruelty about migrants desperate to ask for asylum at legal ports of entry. November's disastrous two California wildfires, one taking many lives as it wiped out the town of Paradise and sent hazardous air down the valley and out to the Bay. More mass killings by more angry U.S. men with easy access to firearms, including a Saturday attack on people in a synagogue. More police-involved killings of unarmed men of color, including a black security guard in Illinois. He was killed by police while in his uniform, subduing an assailant. So many things have been causing us grief and weighing us down -- I know I'm leaving things out.
Here are two things I don't want to leave out. One is that misery, tragedy, and causes of outrage in this country are not new experiences. Human beings have suffered under tyrants and racism, gone through disasters, grieved senseless killings, and wept at the abuse wrought by the powerful. That was life for 99% of the population of the Middle East around the time of Jesus of Nazareth.
The second thing to mention is this: Jesus, the spiritual healer and prophet born in Bethlehem, was one of many who saw a better way. When bad things happen, people should extend help and comfort to the hurting. We should point out lies and call for justice for the vulnerable. Human beings are meant to treat one another with dignity, care, kindness and generosity. All people should be able to thrive and to celebrate the simple joys of life. That was his message. That was his example. Going beyond the Christian tradition, the many stories of December can remind us of the promise of love and the precious gifts of courage and freedom. That is what brings us together here at UUSS -- knowing there is a better way. You and I can help to show that better way by the ways that we live, give, celebrate, and share. I look forward to seeing you this month.
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, Senior Minister
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Finding Rev. Roger in December
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I'm here every Sunday this month, but to have a good conversation, let's make an appointment! Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. I may be out of town December 26-28. Sermon and study days are Friday and Saturday. Tuesday is my day off. I'd love to connect with you, so give me a call. Don't miss the Holiday Open House hosted by ministers and staff members in the Welcome Hall, Wednesday, December 19, 3-6 p.m.
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Assistant Minister's Message:
Au Revoir
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The French word
au revoir means "till we see each other again." It is a statement of parting that is grounded in the intention of coming back together. In January I will say au revoir to all of you as I head off on sabbatical for 14 weeks. December 30 will be my last Sunday with you until April 14.
Where will I go, what will I do? Hopefully just the right balance of activity, rest and restoration. I plan on a few trips, short - to San Diego and Chicago, and long - to Thailand. I plan on taking an online course on Organizing for Social Justice. I want to create a meditation garden in a corner of my yard. I hope to have time to cook, clean (because I like it!) and read fiction. I am sure that the time will go very quickly.
I remember when Rev. Roger went on sabbatical in 2016-17. In his Unigram article he talked about all the things he would miss at the congregation. I recall thinking - you will be off relaxing, you won't miss us! But now I understand how he felt. I will miss you. Our time on Sundays and throughout the week sustains me. With all the chaos and challenge in the world, spending time with people who have a mission to heal the world is just the place I want to be. I will miss singing with you on Sunday morning. I will miss laughing and crying and creating and loving and trying to do our best together.
But time off is important too. I need to rest, relax, and replenish my creative juices. I am grateful for the support of the leadership to allow me this time. And I am grateful to Rev. Roger for taking care of things while I am gone.
I will be preaching twice in December (on the 9
th and 30
th) and leading the New Year's labyrinth walk on January 1. I hope to have an opportunity to say
au revoir to each of you before I go.
Sending love to all,
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Assistant Minister
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Finding Rev. Lucy in December
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My regular office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 1 to 5 p.m. I love your visits. Please call or e-mail if you want to visit so I can be sure to be available for you. Please note that I will be on sabbatical January 2-April 9, 2019. Don't wait until the last minute of the year to bring me your questions, concerns and ideas.
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Invitation: All-Ages Holiday Party
Friday, Dec. 7, 6:00 p.m.
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 The Family Ministry Team invites you to a very merry party for all ages with
food, Christmas carol-singing by the piano, ornament and
craft-making, decorating the Main Hall/Sanctuary, trimming a fresh Christmas tree in the Welcome Hall, and a visit by Santa Claus! Friday, Dec. 7, 6:00-8:30 p.m. A main dish will be provided but bring something for the dessert potluck if you are able to, and other food is welcome. To offer your help for the party or to ask questions, contact familyministry@uuss.org. Party coordinators are Alecia Sanchez, Shannon Williams, and David Libby.
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Invitation: Holiday Open House!
Wednesday, Dec. 19, 3-6 p.m. at the UUSS Welcome Hall
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 The staff and ministers of UUSS invite members, friends, newcomers and neighbors of all ages to stop in for some holiday cheer. This will be a relaxed time to visit with familiar folks as well as to introduce yourself to new people. Drop by our bright UUSS Welcome Hall any time or come for the whole time. We'll have coffee, tea, refreshments and light snacks. Feel free to bring your special treat to place on the table to share, but don't go to any trouble. Just come!
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Rev. Eileen B. Karpeles, age 93, passed away Oct. 25, while on hospice care at her daughter Tamia's home in Maryland. A teacher before entering Starr King School for the Ministry, she was the
first woman minister ever to serve UUSS. She was our Interim Minister Jan. 1989-July 1990. In 2001 Eileen moved back to Sacramento and made UUSS her spiritual community. She brought energy and creative skills to many volunteer programs here during the ministry of Rev. Doug Kraft. Eileen's family would appreciate receiving written recollections from her far-flung friends to be read at a small private gathering. Contact Rev. Lucy or Rev. Roger soon if you have thoughts to share. Donations in memory of Eileen or any person you wish to honor with a contribution may be made to the Heritage Fund at UUSS.
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Music Director's Message
An Intergen Christmas
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I learned a new word at last summer's UU musicians' conference. "Intergen" is short for "intergenerational," and several UU churches have intergenerational choirs. We already have "all ages" services once a month, but this Christmas season our choir, some of our children and their parents, a few teens, and our ukulele players will all sing and play together - "intergenerationally!"
This new "intergen" group will sing "The Message of the Holly" in our All Ages December 23 service as we celebrate Christmas together. We'll also have our UUSS band playing Christmas carols, and I look forward to several generations of our UUSS family continuing to make music together in 2019, too.
--
Keith Atwater, Music Director
Other notes:
Singer/songwriter/activist
Holly Near
will perform at Saint Mark's Methodist Church, 2391 St. Mark's Way,
Friday, Nov. 30, 7 p.m. as part of their Moon Lecture series. Tickets can be purchased
at the St. Mark's website
. Many UU's know her music, including the hymn "Singing for Our Lives." She has generously granted UUSS permission to freely reprint, teach, and sing her song "I Am Willing
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UUSS member and Coffee Team volunteer and acclaimed solo guitarist Ross Hammond is featured by the B Street Theatre in a solo show at The Sofia in Midtown, Saturday, Dec. 1, 7:00 p.m.
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Rehearsals are Wednesday nights from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Fahs Room. All are welcome, mid-August - May. We sing in two Sunday services a month.
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Keith Atwater, Music Director
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The generosity of our congregation in contributing toward our
150th Anniversary Gift has been amazing and has reminded the Board of the many other ways that our congregants contribute financially to support our mission of deepening our lives and being a force for healing in the world. While our annual pledging covers operating costs, we also receive, for example, donations in honor of or in memory of members/friends that go into our Heritage Fund to be used for capital expenses; bequests that, unless restricted, are used for initiatives with a long-term impact; gifts to the UUSS Endowment Fund and others.
Through the good work of our Fund-Raising Strategy Committee, we have our Donor Tree and our Book of Generosity and Gratitude. The Board, however, has recognized the need to review our policies and processes for personally thanking donors. Given the challenging matters that often need Board attention, it's delightful to have such an upbeat agenda item as "policies and procedures for personal donor appreciation."
Now that we are apparently a large congregation by UUA standards, I've been invited to participate in monthly Zoom meetings with presidents of other large congregations. As you might guess, scheduling calls is a challenge, grappling with multiple time zones and very busy folks. The priority topics, however, promise to be interesting -- managing growth, strategic planning, leadership development, and finances. Sound familiar? I look forward to sharing what I learn from the work of other congregations across the nation.
--
Margaret Wilcox, Board President
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Hey! What's up with the Strategic Plan??
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Have you been wondering what's happening with the UUSS strategic plan? It's back on the move with more activities for this church year. To recap: Last year, after a fall kick-off retreat, listening sessions, rounds of revisions, and discussion forums, our five-year goals and objectives were unanimously adopted at the spring congregational meeting. To refresh yourself on the goals and the objectives, check out
www.uuss.org/future
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Save the Date!
Note the new date:
Saturday, Feb. 2 (8:45 a.m. - Noon) is an all congregational event to help flesh out steps to make our five-year goals a reality. There will be breakout sessions for each of the goals to gather our collective best thinking about the work to make the UUSS mission come alive in the world through our strategic plan. Please be sure to join in. Your contribution is important!
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"Growing Love"
UUSS Service Auction -- February 16, 2019
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Each year, UUSS holds a service auction that brings people together for a joyous evening and to raise money for the church. This year's auction theme is "Growing Love"-reflecting the sentiments of Valentine's Day and the impending spring growing season. In that spirit, donations begin on December 2 after the service when we can foster the sentiment "Giving Love." When you make a donation of a dinner, a hike, a sailing lesson, a movie night, a cooking lesson, you'll be enhancing all our experiences here at UUSS. And the night of the auction, we can all gather together in the spirit of "Receiving Love." So put on your loving thinking caps and get ready to make a donation. Need ideas? Look at
last year's auction catalog
. Watch the Ministerial Message and the Blue Sheet for additional information. Tickets for the dinner will be on sale starting on January 6. For questions or comments, email
auction@uuss.org
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This is always a fun event--perfect for any new members who can cozy up at a table and get to know others who are enjoying a brilliantly prepared meal together. Plan to get it on your calendar-February 16-and get ready for some fun.
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UUSS Sesquincentennial Celebration
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UUSS Sesquicentennial Celebration
OLD-Fashioned Holiday Market a Success!
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Thank you to all vendors, volunteers, donors, and shoppers for participating in the UUSS Old-Fashioned Holiday Market! This fun and successful event raised approximately $1,600 for the fund to build the new patio cover.
- UUSS Sesquicentennial Task Force
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In 1982 a group of UUSS artists, designers, and other crafts persons, inspired by banners seen in other congregations, initiated a project to create banners for the meeting room. They gathered together the symbols of the world's major religions and philosophies reaching back into humanity's early yearnings, which led to the creation of gods and goddesses and representations of nature's forces. Within the next two years, the group created and hung eighteen banners. --
(
In Good Times and in Bad: The Story of Sacramento's Unitarians, 1868-1984
, by Rodney Cobb and Irma West)
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Anniversary Gifts Update--So Close
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As our plans for a new patio cover structure continue to work their way through the offices of our contractor and the County of Sacramento, members and friends continue making Anniversary Gifts for two major improvements to our UUSS campus. The permanent patio cover will shield us from the sun and rain and reduce coffee-hour crowding after service, as well as make more outside events possible. The new and expanded parking lot lighting will make our campus more safe and provide a bright welcome to all who come for evening events and meetings at UUSS.
We are SO CLOSE to the Anniversary Gifts goal of $200,000. We need only $7,500 to complete it! If you are moved to help UUSS conclude this campaign, you may send a check to the UUSS office or call
Michele Ebler to make a transfer of stock or mutual funds. Or try our
GIVE NOW button at the UUSS website. Thank you to everybody helping to mark this milestone in our community's life!
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UUSS Commemorative Ornaments
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 Buy one for your tree, buy one for your window, buy one to give away.
Designed by UUSS member Jim Eastman, these charming ornaments commemorate the 150th anniversary of UU values and community in the Sacramento area, and they celebrate our ongoing life as a congregation. Buy your ornament weekdays in the UUSS Office or stop by a table after church in December.
Only $10. Proceeds benefit the 150th Anniversary Gifts project. We ordered a limited quantity, so act soon! Contact anniversary@uuss.org.
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Justice and Compassion Work
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Racial Justice
Fill Up the Board of Supervisors Meeting!
Tuesday, December 4
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Sheriff Scott Jones has suggested that the Board of Supervisors adopt a newly worded Inspector General (IG) contract that reflects administratively convenient language suiting him, but ignores the IG's access needs. The Board unanimously suspended consideration of any IG contract revisions and directed County Counsel to return in a public hearing setting to explain her response to the question: Is it legal for the Sheriff to restrict the IG's access to county facilities and critical incident scenes, and what other options does the Board possess besides simply revising the IG contract, e.g., subpoena powers, charter revision, Grand Jury intervention, or a lawsuit? The hearing is scheduled for December 4 at 700 H Street
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Supervisor Phil Serna and Black Lives Matter Sacramento is challenging the community to overflow the chambers and keep the Board in session for hours if need be. Sheriff Scott Jones crossed a line when he decided to lock out the IG and keep him from doing his job. Now he needs to understand just how upset that has made his constituents.
Show up at
700 H Street
on Tuesday, December 4 to advocate for an unobstructed, independent review process by the Office of the Inspector General. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. and this item is tentatively scheduled for 11 a.m. Be there early! For more information, visit the Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/337602210153743/
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Immigrant Justice
Holiday Cards of Compassion and Connection
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There are more than 160 detained immigrants at the Yuba County Jail in Marysville who will deeply appreciate receiving holiday cards. Faithful Friends~
Amigos Fieles
offers detained immigrants connection and support through a visitation program. We know everyone can't be a visitor volunteer, but we are glad if you are able to join us in sending cards of compassion.
The fourth yearly card-writing event will be held in the Foyer of UUSS after the service on December 16. Cards will be provided. Your support with stamps or money for postage would be greatly appreciated.
For more information:
immigrantjustice@uuss.org
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INTERFAITH EARTH JUSTICE
UUSS Hos
ted Environmental Justice Community Meeting
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Our UUSS-organized Sacramento ACT Environmental Justice committee hosted a community meeting for West Arden Arcade residents to share their concerns with the County regarding housing and their vision for engaging their neighbors to be civically involved.
People learned about SB 1000 and the role of the county to ensure the West Arden Arcade community is part of the planning process to create the Environmental Justice element for the County General Plan.
This was our first West Arden Arcade community meeting and it was a very positive experience for everyone. Those involved want to continue to meet regarding the issues faced by residents of this area. They also want to have social events where we can get to know one another, grow our group, and enjoy each other in a relaxed, fun setting.
If you would like to join us in community building and/or environmental justice advocacy in West Arden Arcade you are most welcome. UUSS members Hally Cahssai, Julie Snider, Ruth McDonald, Eric Ross or Christine Bailey can tell you more about it. Or e-mail
interfaithearth@uuss.org or come to our monthly meeting on the first Wednesday of each month.
After Sunday services November 18-December 9, Hally Cahssai and other Interfaith Earth Justice team members will be gathering signatures from City of Sacramento UUSS members and Friends for the Sac Kids First Initiative. Please stop by to learn more about this important initiative.
There will be no meeting in December. Our next meeting is Wednesday, January 2, 7-8:30 p.m. at the UUSS Library. There is a newcomer's orientation at 6:30 p.m.
Our mission statement: "
To promote environmental justice in Sacramento County through collaboration, advocacy, education, and direct action."
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Refugee Support Team
Adopt-a-Family Sundays in December
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The UUSS Refugee Support Team (RST) is sponsoring a Holiday Adopt-a-Family. Four families, who participate in the Mommy & Me program at UUSS, welcome our gifts.
Look for a table on the veranda at the front entrance of UUSS on
December 2, 9, and 16. We ask that you stop by the table, sign up for an individual requested gift, and bring the gift the following week. The RST elves are happy to shop for you, if you prefer to give a cash donation. Target gift cards are always welcome.
The Refugee Support elves will pass along your gifts and blessings to the families who are settling in our community as refugees. For information, contact
Gina Guarneri
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New Spirit Play Stories Aplenty
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Grade school kids in Spirit Play have been greatly enjoying all the new story sets being introduced this RE year. Stories exposing our young UU's to the wonder of our world. Last month, Rev. Roger spent a morning in Spirit Play. 18 kiddos sat with Rev. Roger as he partnered with our artistically talented new volunteer Terrie Taylor. Terrie will be decorating our church space for the upcoming Family Ministry Team Holiday Party on Friday, December 7.
December 23 Rehearsal and Performance
You are welcome to rehearse with your child and sing along with the combined group on December 23. We will rehearse with the adult choir (under the direction of Keith Atwater) before the Sunday,
December 23 performance from 9:45-10:30 am.
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| So much to be thankful for in RE |
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Re: RE and Events!
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-Friday evening, 12/7, is our all-ages Holiday Party, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. light supper, dessert potluck, tree trimming, music, and photos with Santa Claus! Thanks to our Family Ministry Team.
-Sunday, Dec. 23, is our service for all ages. No RE program, but Nursery Care is provided.
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December Religious Education (RE) Calendar
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Sunday, December 2 - Allow time for CIM traffic!!
9:30-12:00
Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-10:50 Kid/Youth singing rehearsal in Room 7/8, 10:30 a.m. - Spirit Play after!!
10:30-11:45 Spirit Play, JHYG, & SHYG
Sunday, December 9
9:30-12:00
Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-10:50
Kid/Youth singing rehearsal in Room 7/8, 10:30 a.m. - Spirit Play after!!
10:30-11:45 Spirit Play & JHYG
Sunday, December 16
9:30-12:00
Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-10:50 Kid/Youth singing rehearsal in Room 7/8, 10:30 a.m. - Spirit Play after!!
10:30-11:45 All Religious Education
Sunday, December 23
9:30-12:00 Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-11:45 All-ages worship in the Sanctuary. Bring an ornament for the ritual.
Sunday, December 30
9:30-12:00 Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-11:45 Spirit Play & JHYG
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Second Tuesday
TED Talk
December 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Library
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TED Talks are influential videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, tech and creativity. We view and discuss several talks each month on a specific theme.
For December, our TED talk theme is
The Truth about Lying. Join Rev. Lucy to further explore the topic of her December 9 sermon.
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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Book Readers Group
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The UUSS Book Readers will meet on Wednesday, January 2, at 7 p.m. in the library to continue our discussion of
Grant by Ron Chernow. For information, contact Jim Glidden at
JamesGlidden@sbcglobal.net or (916) 649-9697.
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Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices
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Every Sunday before church (except the fifth Sunday) we offer a different form of spiritual practice.
They start at 9:45 and go until 10:15 a.m. so you won't be late for the service.
Childcare is available, no reservation needed. Drop off your child in room 11 as early as 9:30 a.m.
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 Jerry Houseman at the Labyrinth.
2nd Sunday - QiGong and 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, December 16 at 9:30 a.m. in the Fahs classroom. This month's topic: "Faith: What Does It Mean to a UU?" led by Rev. Lucy.
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.
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MORE THINGS TO KNOW AND DO
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UUSS Christmas Day Potluck Dinner
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Members and friends will gather at UUSS for dinner at 2:00 p.m. Christmas Day, December 25. Participants are asked to contribute $5 per adult and bring one potluck item. We also seek set-up and clean-up help. Sign up in the Welcome Hall on Sunday's in December. We are hoping to set up on-line signups as well.
Volunteers are needed! Organizer:
Laurie Jones (916) 548-8841.
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Last Day for Theater One Children's Play Sat., Dec. 1
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Did you ever host a party where someone showed up hoping to eat the other guests? No? Well, you can find out what that's like and who saves the day when UUSS's own Theater One presents
Chicken Little's Christmas Party, a play for children and for all who are young at heart.
Chicken Little's Christmas Party was written by UUSS member Laura Sheperd, in collaboration with Jill McMahon. It was the first children's theater production of Theater One several years ago and is now back by popular demand.
The last performances of
Chicken Little's Christmas Party will be Saturday, December 1 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Call (916) 524-1032. Tickets are $5 each.
J
ill McMahon directs a cast that includes 2018 Elly Award winner Shaleen Schmutzer-Smith as Chicken Little. UUSS members of the cast include David Paul, Susan Madden, Debra Laughlin, and Laura Sheperd. Other cast members are Jerold McFatter, Lynnette Blaney, Gregory Smith, Cathy Rasmussen, and Abby McFatter.
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Alliance for All
Concert and Luncheon
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Thursday, December 13, 10:45 a.m. - Noon, in the Main Hall--All Welcome
$3 to $10 donation suggested & appreciated for the concert & luncheon
Creating Christmas Music, with Linda Dawson
Pianist, composer, arranger and long-time UUSS Member Linda Dawson will perform and discuss the process of the creation of her unique arrangements of traditional Christmas music.
Linda began piano lessons at age five, eventually studying for six years with Edwin Gerschefski at Converse College in South Carolina, the University of New Mexico, and the University of Georgia where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a piano performance degree. In her youth and later, she accompanied instrumental and vocal soloists and choral groups, was a church organist in Rhode Island, Georgia and California, and performed in solo piano, chamber, and choral concerts in the United States and Great Britain. Beginning in 1966 Linda was, for several years, the organist/pianist at UUSS. She taught piano for more than 40 years in her own studio, and also taught piano and music appreciation at private and public colleges. For six years she was the accompanist and arranged music for the Sacramento Master Singers. She has published two CDs titled
Simple Gifts and
Christmas with Linda Dawson. In retirement she enjoys creating and performing her works, and traveling with her husband throughout the world.
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Winter Solstice Celebration
Saturday, December 22, 1-4 p.m.
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UUSS CUUPS has invited Graciela Ramirez to speak on Mexican celebration of the Winter Solstice, based on pre-Columbian indigenous peoples' beliefs, superimposed by Hispanic Catholicism. The canvas labyrinth will be laid out for walking, especially 1-2 p.m., before Graciela's 2-3 p.m. talk, with possible discussion. You may bring an altar item. We will share a potluck supper 3-4 p.m.
We celebrate in daylight hours to accommodate those who do not drive at night. Free and open to all. Children are welcome. Please join us.
For more information, e-mail Laurie Jones
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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 December 25 for
Christmas
Day
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Are you having an event at UUSS, and need to find a custodian ASAP?
You're in luck! The Custodians have a new direct number 916-215-0658. Gerald will be in possession of the phone Monday-Thursday 4:00 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
Gerald Worley - Sunday thru Thursday, Evening Custodian
Miguel Neri - Friday to Sunday, Custodian
Ivan Caballero, Sunday Audio Tech
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