What does it look like to take risks in community? What does it look like to take risks for community? Meg McGuire, a Masters of Divinity student at Starr King School for the Ministry, speaks to the power of reframing risk as a collective endeavor, rather than an individual one. Drawing upon her experience as a labor organizer in New York City, she will share about the challenge of organizing with workers as they contemplated taking what seemed like counter-intuitive risks and about the amazing potential that emerged when they did. As we continue to build trust and risk showing up authentically with one another, how might we open ourselves up to the deep security and gifts of life together?
The Sunday Circle is held from 9:00 am to 10:00 am each Sunday in the Fireside Room.
Notes Along the Way (member's version)
It's time to sign up for our Hopes and Histories conversations!
Hopes and Histories is my way of starting to get to know you better, as individuals and a community. I want to hear your stories about what being a part of this congregation has meant in your life. I want to hear about low points and high points in the history here, the warp and weave of this tapestry of love we call community. And I want to hear about your hopes and dreams. I want to hear your creative ideas and your heart's longings so that together we can paint an inspiring vision of the future.
Below is a list of the sessions we are currently planning for. Take a look at the locations and times and get in touch with the host of your choice.
Please RSVP to the host to ensure a spot!
Look forward to sharing these conversation with you!
RE nUUs
Risking Love,
risking attachment to a community, and the risk of self-growth all share commonalities. They each require some vulnerability (Brene Brown), and acceptance of change.
Our newer understanding of brain plasticity shows we are changed by even the experience of holding each of these risks as goals. I want to state my appreciation to all, both past and present, who have risked love, attachment and change to bring us to a time in which there is a possibility for a new era for families at UUCM. Thank you.
There are plenty of opportunities for families beyond Sunday morning. If you can't find information on any of these please let me know and I will direct you: Game Nights, Parent Group, UUCM Retreat, Our Whole Lives classes this year for families of 4th-6th graders.
Enrollment is open for our spring
Our Whole Lives grades 4-6 class. Please contact Jeffrey Melcher to get further information.
This Sunday 2/17 Jerry Moore and Katherine DaSilva Jain will help me hold space and practice in the theme of music and movement as a spiritual practice. We will move, dance, and make a joyful noise. All grades 2-12 will be having a multi-age community experience.
Seeking Artists and carpenters: A group is getting formed which is interested in restoring the murals that used to be in the sanctuary. We will put them up in the Wright Room. These clear depictions of the reverence for nature will grace the walls and make that space much more inviting for children's RE and renters use. You can contact Sondra or me to learn more.
A large crowd gathered at the UU Marin congregational meeting on February 10th to honor Milton Wong for his 25 years of music which has enlivened and enriched us. Rich Panter delivered a poetic tribute, and Jerry Moore wrote an original piece that the choir sang to Milton.
Awards
The Social Action leaders gave the annual "Standing on the Side of Love" award to Sarah Tiederman for her leadership in feeding the homeless.
The Board gave Leadership Awards to the following volunteers: October: Joyce Tarlton, November: Norm Davidson, December: Ray Meluch; January: Jim Finn.
Julie Prentice received an Extraordinary Service Award in appreciation of the many hats she HAS worn.
Rev Marcus Hartlief reported that "the state of the Congregation is strong." Here are the steps we are taking or have taken:
1. Start-up workshop with Jan Christian in January was successful and helpful.
2. "Hopes and Histories" gatherings are scheduled so we can look to our past to inform our future
3. Mission Task force led by Wendy Meluch who is exploring what is our vital burning spark.
4. Long Range Planning is in the planning stages to build on our UU Mission work.
5. Developmental ministry goals include congregational growth. Sunday mornings services are full. How do we meet the challenge of a full parking lot and a full meeting room? Risk Issue: What are our options: should we plan to add an additional Sunday morning service next year? More conversations are needed.
Solar Options
Treasurer Margaret Johnston reported on our positive financial situation and also on the process of assessing solar future steps since facilities received three bids. If we do decide to go solar, how would we best finance the projected $49K costs? One option is a power purchase agreement with qualified investors in whom we would need a third party administrator. A second option is taking a bank loan as we have a $50K line of credit with Redwood Credit Union. We would then need to raise our line of credit to cover emergencies. These options need further study and discussion.
The next congregational meeting will be May 19th to approve the 2010-2020 budget. Pledge Sunday will be March 10th.
Save the date for Paella Fiesta - March 23
Saturday March 23, 2019
6:00 to 8:30 pm
Tapas and Paella dinner - No host bar
Flamenco dancer
Raffle
Admission $45.00
Raffle tickets $5.00 or 5 for $20.00
As spring enlivens the countryside, come join us in a special celebration with a wonderful Spanish inspired dinner. We will start with Tapas (small plates of delectables enjoyed in Spain with a glass of wine, sangria or sparkling water) and follow it with a variety of Paellas. We will be entertained by a local flamenco dancer, Andrea La Canela. The evening will end with delicious Spanish desserts and a raffle.
Dinner will accommodate vegan as well as gluten free diets.
For carb free and allergy needs it is recommended to purchase a ticket ahead so that we will know how to best make the event special for you as well.
Suggestion for Carpooling
The problem of the overcrowded parking lot was discussed at the Congregational Meeting. Here is an idea:
Members and friends who live in Terra Linda, Novato, and further north must drive right past the Smith Ranch Road P&R lot. We could keep in mind that on days when we are not in a rush we could stop there and share cars. At about 10:20 we could proceed to the Congregation's parking lot. There would be no need for prior arrangements.
For return to our car at P & R, there is no problem, since people leave at all hours. Just go out to see who is leaving and hitch a ride.
Suggested by Nani Ranken.
Also consider carpooling with members from housing where we have many members like Villa Marin or Marin Valley Homes.
Remarkable People - February 15
Friday, February 15, 7- 9 pm Fireside Room
Joyce Rhodes and Rich Panter are our Remarkable People for February.
This ongoing series gives us time to learn about each other from the interesting stories of individual lives. Whether you already know them by name or not, you will learn what you don't know in the evening of sharing and community. Each person talks and there is time for questions and general sociability and usually some sustaining snacks.
You may know
Joyce Rhodes as one of our stalwart Membership Greeters' Team-but you may not know yet that she first performed in church at age 4, has ridden an elephant to Angkor Wat, poached a rattlesnake in Mendocino, and was kissed by a horse in San Francisco. She'll tell you about what she has learned from challenges, adventures, and joys in 83 years of living.
Rich Panter, a first-year Board member, is in no way new to Unitarianism, having been active across 3 decades in congregations in Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Napa. He grew up in Michigan, grew to love jazz from his detective dad who also played in a dance band and has tales to tell about his career as a documentary filmmaker.
Come to the Fireside room for a Friday evening of sharing, some snacks, and learning more about our common interests and intriguing differences in life experience.
All are welcome and there will be sustaining snacks too.
And for next month if you want to mark your calendar.
March 15: Kristina Gale and Ray Meluch.
You Can Now Register for the Retreat
If you missed last year, no worries, this year's retreat which will be held
May 3-5, 2019 will be here before you know it!
The Retreat is an all-congregational event running from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning at Walker Creek Ranch in West Marin. We offer a flexible attendance/pricing plan to make sure that everyone can attend as their time and budget allows. You can stay in a semi-private lodge or family style dormitory with separate bedrooms for each family and bathrooms down the hall. Meals include Friday night dinner; Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and Sunday breakfast. We have a campfire on Friday night, a Barn Dance on Saturday night, worship services, discussion groups, hiking opportunities, a ropes course, arts and crafts, and many more fun activities for young and old. This is a chance to connect with those in your community at a deeper level and enjoy the fresh air and lovely grounds of Walker Creek Ranch. We will be taking reservations starting next month. Additional details will be available as we get closer to the event. Questions? Contact Thomas (
[email protected])
General Assembly is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association. Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process. Anyone may attend; congregations must certify annually to send voting delegates. The
2019 General Assembly will be June 19-23 in Spokane, Washington. Most General Assembly events will be held in the Spokane Convention Center.
https://www.uua.org/ga
Are you looking for a way to connect more deeply with UUCM? While Sunday services instill a sense of community and shared values, getting involved in the behind-the-scenes activities at the church is a great way to meet new people, make a contribution, learn new skills, and grow as a person.
No matter what your interests, experience, and talents, there is a place for you to contribute your energies to make the church a more vibrant community. Want to learn more? Everything you need to know is here:
UUCM Volunteers page
Try it, you'll like it!
Social Justice Education/Action
Next Social Justice Meeting - February 17
If you are not already receiving emails from the social justice committee and wish to receive them along with information about social justice actions/rallies in and around Marin, please send your email address to:
[email protected]
UUSC Take Action Items - Sign petitions, learn about issues, donate money. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you want to make a difference in our county and the world?We focus on local issues which are relevant to all of us. Bring your ideas and concerns to the
UUCM Social Justice Committee.We meet the third Sunday of each month at noon.
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Continue your commitment to environmental and economic justice by shopping at
http://shop.uusc.org
