The Unigram
Newsletter for January 2020
Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento
2425 Sierra Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95825
Office (916) 483-9283
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January 5: Can You Be Good without God? Considering a Spirituality for Humanity.
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, preaching, with Worship Associate Celia Buckley;
Music Director Keith Atwater with Irina Tchantceva, piano.
Many folks continue to think you need to believe in God to be whole, happy, or trustworthy. Is that true? In any case, in what ways can people of goodwill deepen their lives and cultivate more compassion, courage, resilience, and generosity? Let’s consider a spirituality for humanity.
- Service Auction donation table after the service—share your talents!
- Diaper and baby wipes donation drive starts for River City Food Bank.
- Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices at 9:45: Labyrinth walk in the meadow.
January 12: Salvation: New Wine in Old Skins
Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching with Worship Associate Karen Sparrow; Irina Tchantceva, piano.
This is the fourth sermon in our series: A Theology for the 21st Century. Salvation was the hallmark theology of our Universalist forebears who believed in a loving God who offered salvation to all. We will dust off this Universalist message and consider what this theological concept has to offer us in the 21st Century.
Join us to consider this topic today, and come Tuesday at 2:00 or 6:30 p.m. for the discussion series.
January 19: Unfinished Business and a Journey Toward Wholeness
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones and Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching, with Worship Associate Frances Myers; UUSS Choir with Music Director Keith Atwater; Pianist Irina Tchantceva.
On Martin Luther King, Jr., weekend, we launch a series of programs in 2020 for learning and action toward racial justice in congregation, community, and country. We’ll consider the grassroots initiative in the denomination to add an 8th Principle to the Unitarian Universalist Association’s bylaws—come find out more. At the service we will re-dedicate our banner,
Black Lives Matter Here
. The previous one was vandalized in the fall.
- Exploring UUism at 9:30: Faith—in the Fahs Classroom
- Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices at 9:45: Mindfulness Practice
- Child Care goes from 9:20 till noon today.
January 26: Old Turtle and the Broken Truth
A service for all ages with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones and Rev. Lucy Bunch; Worship Associates Lindsay Mitchell Vaynor and Larry Boles; UUSS Youth Readers/Actors; Religious Education Coordinator Miranda Massa; UUSS Choir with Music Director Keith Atwater; Pianist Irina Tchantceva.
To seekers of truth, meaning, and insight, Old Turtle is a reassuring and wise presence; but her hard-earned wisdom is a challenge to us all. One of the colorful and soulful books of Douglas Wood is our source of meaning and inspiration on this Sunday. Come to listen and marvel in our truth-seeking community of all ages. Be in touch with Roger and Miranda if you can help with or play a part in the drama. We also recognize January birthdays in the service today.
- Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices at 9:45: Reading and Responding to Poetry.
- Nursery Care 9:20 a.m.-1:15 p.m. so adults can attend events before and after the service.
- Milestones—Joys and Sorrows Ritual takes place in today’s service.
- Newcomers’ Orientation and Tour, 11:45-1:00, starts in the Library/Bookstore.
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Shared Offering Recipient:
The Black Child Legacy Campaign
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Every Sunday we give half the offering (i.e., donations not designated as pledge payments) to a local not-for-profit organization—one for each month of the year. November’s Community Partner, Loaves & Fishes, received a donation of $2,814. We have a new community partner in January:
Black Child Legacy Campaign/Mutual Assistance Network
.
The Black Child Legacy Campaign is the community-driven movement established by the Steering Committee on Reduction of African American Child Deaths, which is working to reduce deaths of African American children in Sacramento County by 10 percent to 20 percent by 2020.
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Rev. Roger’s Message:
Gifts for the New Year and the Years to Come
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The December holidays and the New Year can generate feelings of appreciation for the people, places, and communities that help us to feel a sense of connection and shared purpose. At UUSS, our seasonal events confirm the ways in which this congregation is important—to me, to you, and to the larger community.
In light of the gifts that we give, receive, and share in at UUSS, please consider making a Holiday Gift to strengthen and sustain the amazing vitality that UUSS currently enjoys.
Here are two of the options that we ask you to consider for a Holiday Gift to UUSS:
*
The UUSS Heritage Fund
—This fund will support improvements to the building and grounds and one-time expenses that enhance our UUSS Mission and enact our Strategic Plan goals. This fund will have the flexibility to support large projects. (It may not be used to fund the operating budget.) Let us know if you wish to make a Heritage Fund gift in memory of a loved one.
*
Mortgage Loan Reduction
—In 2020 the interest rate on our mortgage loan will go up (based on the terms of the mortgage). Extra donations now toward paying down our debt will reduce the interest and principal payments that UUSS pays in the coming months and years. The 2015 expansion of our sanctuary building has brought a growing number of people of all ages into this community—maybe you are one of them! Our spirit of creativity and courage has generated so many activities now taking place in and through the congregation—perhaps you have taken part in some!
The gifts of your presence, participation and contributions embody the UUSS Mission:
We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world.
Your generosity will sustain and extend our mission into the new year and the years to come. Thank you for your support. Thank you for being here!
With love and thanks,
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones
P.S.: To make a gift, you may send a check to the Office, hand it to a minister, or drop it in the Sunday basket (noting the fund of your choice in the memo line). Alternatively, if you have mutual fund investments which have gained in value, you can transfer appreciated shares to UUSS without redeeming them first and thus avoid capital gains taxes. Feel free to be in touch with our Bookkeeper, Michele Ebler, at
michele@uuss.org
. If you are fortunate to have an IRA and are at least 70 ½ years of age, you can avoid income taxes on the Required Minimum Distribution every year by directing part or all of it to a not-for-profit organization like UUSS. If you’ve already received and used your distribution for 2019, consider doing this early in 2020. Thank you!
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Finding Rev. Roger in January
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To have a good conversation, let’s make an appointment! We can find a time to talk or meet that works for your schedule and mine. I’d love to connect with you, so give me a call. I’m usually here Tuesday to Thursday afternoons and evenings. Monday is my day off. Friday and Saturday are days for writing or UUSS-related events. I’ll be gone January 6 and 7.
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Rev. Lucy's Message:
Planting Flowers in 2020
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Finding Rev. Lucy in January
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My regular office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons. I love your visits. Please call or e-mail if you want to visit so I can be sure to be available for you.
You can access my calendar at
calendly.com/revlucyb
.
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New Year's Brunch and Labyrinth Walk
Wednesday, January 1, 2020, 9:00 a.m.
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This will be our fifth 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.
Meet in the Welcome Hall, and bring your favorite breakfast food to share. All are welcome. Bring a friend.
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Music Director's Message:
All Labyrinths Lead Back Home
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Early January is frequently a vacation time for my spouse and me, and for the last few years we have spent a week in Hawaii. But I’m always reminded of our UU church home whenever I'm there, because we seem to stumble on a labyrinth on every getaway (three so far – one overlooking the ocean). Many of you, I’m sure, have taken contemplative, centering walks on our lovely labyrinth. I wish I could more often, but my music duties (which are also joys!) keep me on the move.
Here’s what I found out about labyrinths:
“In the Middle Ages, walking a cathedral labyrinth was a substitute for going on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Not everyone could make the long and arduous journey to the Holy Land, so walking a labyrinth in a church was a devotional activity. Today meandering labyrinths are often used as walking meditations, to focus the mind and put the walker in tune with the greater reality metaphorically represented by the labyrinth. All labyrinths are symbolic, some richly so, such as the Cretan labyrinth, which is connected with a complex of myth, symbol, and allegory...“ (
www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine
)
So when I am back at the Sacred Garden of Maliko on Maui (pictured), walking the labyrinth path in the lush jungle canopy, I’ll be thinking of all of you back home.
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We extend our condolences to Mary and Rich Howard on the passing of Rich’s mother, Maria Aguilar Howard, on Friday, December 13, 2019. As she requested, Maria was in her home with her five surviving children and more than half of her fourteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was born in Richmond, CA, in 1929 of immigrant parents from Latin America. She was the first of her family to attend university, graduating from UC Berkeley in 1950. She married Harry F. Howard in 1950 and moved to Marin County. At the age of 50, she returned to college to earn a M.S. degree and start a career as a marriage and family therapist, from which she retired at age 85. Memorial contributions to honor Maria and family may be made to
Dominican Sisters of San Rafael
,
Homeward Bound of Marin
, or St.
Anthony’s Kitchen
.
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January 2020 President's Message
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Christmas, Hannukkah, Kwanza have all been celebrated along with many other holidays not mentioned here. Mine was filled with family visiting from the East Coast, friends from all over the Sacramento region, parties, holiday meals, quiet time, laughter, sorrow, and a treasure of experiences. I hope yours was all those things as well because this is the journey of life – full of surprises, gifts, challenges, ups and downs, and most of all, hope.
“Dum Spiro Spero”
– Whilst I breathe, I hope.
Now we look forward to a new beginning – 2020. We treasure the memories of the past, plan for new chapters in our lives, think positively about our country's future, and enjoy the community we have here at UUSS. There are many areas of opportunity for everyone to contribute at UUSS. This is such a vibrant and energized congregation of which I am proud to be part.
The Safety Team continues to march forward in developing policies and implementing ways to ensure the safety of the congregation. Hats off to that wonderful team!
The Leadership Development Task Force had our first meeting in December and what a trove of ideas! For those who enjoy the development of new ideas, we welcome your participation. Just let me know at
president@uuss.org
.
This is a short message this month, until I write again, may you all be experiencing peacefulness during this time of turbulence.
Warmly,
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Social Justice and Compassion Work
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Diaper and Wipes Drive for the River City Food Bank
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Help our Neighbors: Support our January Diaper and Wipes drive for the River City Food Bank Center in the Arden-Arcade area. Bring any size diapers and pullups to the Welcome Hall on Sunday, January 12 and 19. Help us reach our goal of collecting 2000 diapers. Cash donations are also gratefully received.
In November, UUSS voted to adopt River City Food Bank (RCFB) as one of our community partners. I am their liaison and have met with Amanda McCarthy to explore ways we might support their mission of providing food and services to the working poor, the elderly, and the homeless. In the Arden-Arcade area, many of the working poor are newly arrived refugee families with small children, primarily from Afghanistan. In 2018 RCFB served 44,000 in the Arden-Arcade center, 85 percent of whom were refugees!
Diapers are very expensive and may not be purchased with CalFresh (Food Stamps). If a child is in day care, the family is required to provide a week’s worth of diapers for each child. That requirement alone can keep a mother from being able to work outside the home!
When you support this diaper and wipes drive, you are supporting goal #2 from the UUSS Strategic Plan, by increasing our “presence and identity in the larger community,” and meeting the objective to “deepen our engagement with interfaith and community partners.”
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On December 17, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors took an action that shifted its culture and moved toward more justice by adopting the Environmental Justice General Plan Element. This Environmental Justice (EJ) element sets County policy to prioritize improvements and programs that address the needs of EJ communities such as our own area of West Arden Arcade. Our Sacramento ACT Environmental Justice Committee has been working on this for almost two years and commends the Board of Supervisors for this action.
What's next? In January, the County will hold a meeting to hear community priorities for the County to implement in their next budget year. They will give us a date for this shortly.
Because of the holiday, our next EJ Committee Meeting will be January 8, 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the UUSS Library.
If you would like a list of the policies and implementation measure adopted on December 17, or if you have other questions or ideas, please contact us at
interfaithearth@uuss.org
.
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Earth Justice Ministry
Climate Change Lecture
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE)
Miranda Massa, RE Coordinator
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Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age
:
Film and Discussion Friday, February 7
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Friday, February 7:
5:30 p.m.
light snacks;
6:00 p.m.
film showing,
7:00 p.m.
discussion.
Kids spend seven hours a week on phones, video games, and computers—not counting screen time for school. Physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston found herself struggling with her two kids about screen time, so she turned the camera on families like hers to explore the impact of screen technology. The documentary
Screenagers
has been seen by four million people in 70 countries. UU congregations and local school districts have sponsored it. Some of its themes include:
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*Use of screens in school,
*Boys and video games,
*Girls and social media,
*Risk of addiction
Join us for this film and conversation in a no-shame zone at UUSS. Share support. Find strategies to navigate growing up in a world with instant access to screen technology. Sign up at the Sunday RE Table. We will send an on-line reservation link on Facebook and the Minister’s Message and RE Outreach e-mails, which you are encouraged to use to invite friends. Film showing sponsored by Rev. Roger and the Family Ministry Team—other sponsors welcome.
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Religious Education
Calendar
Sunday, 1/5
- 9:30-12:00 Child care
- 10:30-11:45 RE
Sunday, 1/12
- 9:30-12:00 Child care
- 10:30-11:45 RE
Sunday, 1/19
- 9:30-12:00 Child care
- 10:30-11:45 RE
Sunday, 1/26
- 9:30-12:00 Child care
- 10:30-11:45 All Ages
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Old Turtle Service with RE
To seekers of truth, meaning, and insight,
Old Turtle
is a reassuring and wise presence; but her hard-earned wisdom is a challenge to us all. One of the colorful and soulful books of Douglas Wood is our source of meaning and inspiration for our all ages service this month. Come to listen and marvel in our truth-seeking community. Be in touch with
Roger
and
Miranda
if you can help with or play a part in the drama.
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In 2020, I will be participating in a three month online course to take "my knowledge and skills to the next level in terms of trans identity and how to create a congregation that is fully inclusive and affirming of the full breadth of gender diversity. I will deeply explore the intersection of trans identity, spirituality, and faith community, and gain the grounding, context, and skills to transform myself and our congregation."
Our Whole Lives
for grades 5 and 6 begins meeting on Sunday, January 5. The team of dedicated and amazing volunteer faciltators have spent much time preparing to
share knowledge on such important sexual health matters. Thank you Frances Myers, Rachel Kornrich, and Renee Dall Parker.
Come serve with us! Opportunity can be found in our grade school
Spirit Play
group - refresher training coming up, Summer ArtWorks pop up art classes,
Chalice Camp
in July, continued
Our Whole Lives
programming (2020-21 RE year), fun
Family Ministry Team
(FMT) events, and a first time playground blessing. How do you want to help?
All my new year best,
Miranda
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At its last meeting the UU Book Readers Discussion Group voted on and selected the books to be discussed over the next six months. We meet in the Library on the last Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm.
We welcome everyone and hope you will join us for some good discussions of these interesting books:
January 28 —
The Island of Sea Women
by Lisa See (fiction)
February 25 —
The Source of Self Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches and Meditations
by Toni Morrison (non-fiction)
March 31 —
Montana 1948
by Larry Watson (fiction)
April 28 —
The Library Book
by Susan Orlean (non-fiction)
May 26 —
Nickel Boys
by Colson Whitehead (fiction)
June 30 —
She Said
by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey (non-fiction)
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Theater One: “Confirmation”
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“
Confirmation
,” Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m., February 7 to 23 in the Fahs Room. It’s a simple wedding, but Alex and Mariah’s minister is a no-show. The delay is just enough time for everything to go wrong. Written by and directed for Theater One by Lonon Smith, “Confirmation” is a love story that reminds us that “Who are you?” should come before “I do.” For reservations call: (916) 333-4498.
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Death Positive Movie Series:
Bill Moyers:
On Our Own Terms
, January 13
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Renowned journalist Bill Moyers interviews dozens of terminally ill patients and caregivers in an emotional and pragmatic look at the way Americans face death. About one hour at 6:00 p.m. Free. One of a series of Death Positive movies every second Monday. For questions, contact Molly Stuart at (805) 669-8162.
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UU Theologies for the 21
st
Century
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January 21, at 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. (available on Zoom)
And every third Tuesday through June
Longing to deepen your understanding of UU theology? Want to strengthen your faith and develop resilience needed to engage in the challenges of our time? January Theme: Salvation
Join Rev. Lucy Bunch for the fourth class in our monthly series.
Each month we offer a sermon on the theme with a corresponding class on the same topic.
This is a drop-in class. You may attend any or all of the sessions which interest you. The class will take place after the theme-based sermon and address the same topic. Each class will include presentation, discussion, and time for reflection.
Our grounding resource for the class will be
House for Hope: The Promise of Progressive Religion for the Twenty-first Century,
by Rebecca Parker and John Buehrens. Copies are available in the UUSS bookstore. Please read chapters 5 and 6 in preparation for the class in January.
Look for information at the Connections Table on Sunday and on the UUSS
Adult Enrichment
Web page. Let’s learn and grow together. We hope you can join us.
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Interplay comes to UUSS starting January 11
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Mark your calendars for the second Saturday of the month, January 11, at 10:30 a.m.
Do you need more fun in your life? Longing to deepen your spiritual practices in a light-hearted and joyous way? Come join Rev. Lucy and others to learn the power of Interplay.
Through creativity and self-expression, learn to connect to your inner body wisdom, access your intuition, affirm yourself and experience community. At our monthly sessions we will share a delightful set of improvisational techniques and philosophical principles that use movement, spoken word, song, vocalization and stillness to bridge the gap between body, mind, heart and Spirit.
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Our next featured artist is Cherie Hacker. Her abstract paintings are full of lively organic and geometric shapes and composed in a colorful symphony intended to bring joy to the viewer. All are invited to view her art at the artist reception on Friday, January 17, from 5:30 to 7;00 p.m. in the Main Hall. There will be light refreshments and a time to meet the artist and enjoy the art. A portion of the proceeds from artwork sold benefits UUSS. For information contact Patricia Pratt at (916) 482-3018.
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Science Fiction as Prophecy:
Snowpiercer
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1st Sunday – Labyrinth walk
in the meadow.
Come experience this ancient form of walking meditation. This session starts with an introduction to help you get the most out of your experience. Jerry Houseman and Rev. Lucy lead this session. Meet us at the Labyrinth.
2nd Sunday – QiGong & Tai Chi Chuan in the Fahs Room.
Join John Mac Millan and experience a taste of this transforming practice. All bodies and abilities welcome.
3rd Sunday –Mindfulness Practice in Room 6.
Join Ann Krosner for practices to cultivate awareness in daily life. All welcome, beginners and seasoned meditators alike.
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 thoughts with others.
Childcare available, no reservation needed. You can drop off your child in room 11 as early as 9:30 a.m.
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Exploring UUism:
The UU Principles & Sources of Our Tradition
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Sunday, January 19 at 9:45 a.m. in the Fahs Classroom.
This month’s topic:
Social Justice: How Do We Live Our Values?
Join us the third Sunday of every month before the service for Exploring Unitarian Universalism. There are four 45-minute sessions offered consecutively.
- Social Justice: How Do We Live Our Values? (January 19)
- Survey of UU History (February 16)
- Principles and Sources of Our Tradition (March 15)
- Faith: What Does It Mean to a UU? (April 19)
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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Soup Sundays are an integral part of building community over a lovingly prepared homemade bowl of soup at UUSS. Come, come, whoever you are and share in a bowl of good soup with others! A $5.00 donation goes to support the programs of the church.
Soup Sundays are planned on two Sundays each month. The Sundays are not consistent each month, so be sure to watch the Blue Sheet for the next Soup Sunday date! January Soup Sundays are January 5 and January 19. January 5 soups are being made by the Women’s Support Group, and on January 19 the soups are being made by the UUSS Choir.
Soup Sunday logistics have a lot of moving parts! The Soup Sunday team always welcomes additional volunteers to help with setting up, collecting donations, and providing assistance in the soup line when needed.
Please contact
Bobbie Keill
.
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Alliance for All Program
From Silesia to Africa to the New World
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January 9, 2020
Gather at 10:45 a.m. in the Library
Presentation 11:00 a.m. to noon
Michael Wood, the PBS writer and presenter, sometimes uses a line from Shakespeare when sharing a story: “
The tale of someone’s life begins before they were born.”
From Silesia to Africa to the New
World
is the story of my family that begins long before I was born. On January 9, come to the Alliance for All gathering and hear a presentation based on my book that chronicles my family’s history across three continents and two World Wars. The book is a compilation of my parents’ and grandparents’ memoirs, letters, and newspaper articles. In their lifetimes, they experienced both the privileged life of the old German aristocracy, a brief interlude homesteading in Africa (my grandparents), and the life of hunger and hardship as refugees. In 1953, I, along with my parents and two brothers, stood in awe on the deck of an ocean liner watching the sun set over the Statue of Liberty. And so began our new life in the New World.
As part of the cultural experience, there will be “Kaffee und Kuchen” (coffee and cake), which is an integral part of any gathering of friends or family in Germany.
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UUSS Service Auction on March 7, 2020:
“Eat Well, Play Often, Connect Always”
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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
“Eat Well, Play Often, Connect Always.”
The theme embodies the spirit of the auction as it’s a coming together for a delicious dinner (Remember last year’s dinner? Yum to the max.); bidding on hikes, dinners, adventures, and lots of fun activities (How many of you actually won your bid for the bat walk last year?), and connecting with old friends and new friends (Are you still in touch with the new friend you made last year?). The Auction promises to be fun and fruitful for all who attend. So be sure to get it on your calendar.
Donations begin on Sunday January 5 after church. When the time comes to offer something up, remember that 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 winning bidders’ payment goes directly to UUSS. Need ideas? Look at
last year’s auction catalog.
There’s no need to wait until January 5 to make a donation. Go to the
2020 Auction catalog
and enter yours any time at all.
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—
March 7
—and get ready for some fun. Tickets for the dinner will be on sale starting mid-January ($20/adults, $5/under 12). Watch the Ministerial Message and the Blue Sheet for additional information.
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Seventh Democratic Candidates’ Debate-Watch Party
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Come to the next Democratic 2020 Presidential Primary Candidates’ Debate Watch Party on Tuesday January 14 at UUSS. Time:
tentatively from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.Please bring snacks to share. Text or call
Laurie Jones at (916) 716-2947 or e-mail
Ljones.asbarc@gmail.com
with any questions.
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Let’s begin 2020 with sorting papers, putting away holiday decorations, and cleaning the kitchen!
This means each group that uses a room, sorts, organizes and tidies up your items: Music Room, Theater One, Library, Welcome Hall cupboards, Office, and RE rooms you use. The ministers will spiff up their offices, too!
The
KITCHEN WILL BE CLOSED JANUARY 27, 28, 29
for cleaning and inventory.
To move things around, lift dishes and silverware trays, scrub prep tables and sinks—the heavier work—we welcome you to come by Tuesday, January 28 at 9 a.m.
To volunteer for kitchen inventory, just show up on Tuesday, January 28, about 1 p.m. You can sit while you count.
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Annual UUSS Autumn Holiday Potluck Supper:
Gratitude for All
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The Annual UUSS Autumn Holiday potluck supper was a big success with about 70 people including a few kids and some vegans. First, thanks to UUSS facilities manager Krystal Gollaher, especially when my arms aren’t long enough to get the top oven racks out, or hands strong enough to open the shed lock to get the chafing dishes. Thanks to UUSS catering renter Rayna's Catering for giving us two trays each of brownies and cookies and three bags of rolls, lending us tablecloths, holiday decorations, and kitchen equipment. Many thanks to new UUSS member co-organizer Sharon Stone and her entire family, husband Bryan and kids Lorelai and Tyler who all helped so much collecting money, buying fuel and centerpieces, organizing, cooking, and setting up. Steve Hoverman came in to peel potatoes, found out it was over 50 lbs, so took them home to watch TV while peeling, cutting, and cooking, and then brought them back to mash. He then did a yeoman’s job of washing all the pots, including crockpots, with Debbie Powell. I told Steve that he had somehow ended up with K.P. duty twice. Sharon, Laurie, Myra Bennis, and Terrie Ray each cooked two donated turkeys. Naomi Keller mixed and mashed potatoes, carved two turkeys, cooked bones and made gravy. Patti Nogales cooked the vegan bacon, washed the cups, glasses, dishes, and silverware with Stephanie. Sharon and Terrie Ray each took home 16 tablecloths to wash. Raphael Ganon helped clear and clean up. Rosemary Madden drove leftovers to mutual benefit society WSWA. Thanks to everyone who brought food and came and helped us eat it. Grateful for UUSS community.
— Co-organizer, Laurie Jones
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Volunteer Pastoral Visitors - Are You Interested?
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Last month we added two more good listeners to our team of visitors. The team meets with Rev. Roger for ongoing support. Each volunteer makes one or two visits per month to one or more members in their homes or care facilities. Sometimes we make a telephone call to check in and let folks know we are thinking about them. At a future meeting we’ll have some continuing education on handling issues that arise in this ministry. If you’d like to apply to be part of this ministry team, please e-mail
Rev. Roger.
If you are—or know about—a member who is interested in having a regular visitor, please contact Rev. Roger or call the office.
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Awareness of the Impact of Scents & Fragrances
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Persons with chemical sensitivities can become physically ill from exposure to the scents or fragrances of some ingredients in personal care products. As part of keeping our congregation accessible to as many as possible, when you attend UUSS, please try to refrain from the use of perfume, cologne, after-shave, or hair-styling products that contain fragrances. By this compassionate act of restraint, you can help to ensure the health and well-being of all who wish to find community here. Thank you!
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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
January 1st, New Years 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 6:00-2:30pm.
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UUSS OFFICERS & BOARD of TRUSTEES
Sally White, President
Denis Edgren, Vice-President
Victoria Owens, Treasurer
Sandra Navarro, Secretary
Kathy Bernard
David Harlow
Roger Olson
Marilyn Reynolds
Hally Cahssai
Board meetings: 7:00 p.m., 4th Thursday of every month (changes in November & December)
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PROGRAM COUNCIL
Susan Davis
Kathleen Olson
Lorri Reynard
Terrie Taylor
Margaret Wilcox
Program Council meetings: 7:00 p.m.,
3rd Thursday of every month.
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Ministers
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones & Rev. Lucy Bunch
Rev. Douglas Kraft, Minister Emeritus
Church Staff Members
Krystal Gollaher, Administrative and Facilities Coordinator
Michele Ebler, Bookkeeper ~ Elaine Cooper, Receptionist
Miranda Massa, Religious Education Coordinator
Keith Atwater, Music Director ~ Irina Tchantceva, Pianist
Shannon Ebler and Leticia Valdez, Childcare Providers
Miguel Neri - Friday to Sunday, Custodian
~ Gerald Worley - Sunday thru Thursday, Evening Custodian
Ivan Caballero, Sunday Audio Tech ~ Dirk Tuell, Web Master/Tech Support
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Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento, 2425 Sierra Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95825
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