The Unigram
Newsletter for October 2019
Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento
2425 Sierra Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95825
Office (916) 483-9283
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October 6: The Earth, the Air, the Fire, the Water
Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Frances Myers; UUSS Chalice Singers; Music Director Keith Atwater; Pianist Irina Tchantceva
As Unitarian Universalists, in addition to our Principles we name the Sources of wisdom and spirituality that inspire us. The sixth source for UUs is: “Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.” For many of us, earth-based practices are a powerful form of spirituality. This Sunday we will explore what it means to draw from and live into earth-based spiritual practice.
- Sunday Spiritual Practice at 9:45 a.m.: Walking the Labyrinth in the Meadow
- Nursery Care 9:20 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in Room 11 of the Education Wing
- We sing to those with birthdays in October early in today's service!
October 13: UU Theology for the 21
st
Century: A New Framework
Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Lindsay Mitchell Vayner; Music Director Keith Atwater & the UUSS Choir; Pianist Irina Tchantceva
Our year-long sermon series continues this month considering the question of how we can make UU theology relevant for the 21
st
century. UUs consider ourselves open to questions and capable of living within the “gray areas” of life. But how well are we really doing this? How do we construct a theology that gives us the resilience needed to thrive in our complex world?
- Sunday Spiritual Practice at 9:45 a.m.: Introduction to Tai Chi and Qi Gong in the Fahs Classroom
- Nursery Care 9:20 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in Room 11 of the Education Wing
October 20: When our Enemies Got Free
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch
Worship Associate Celia Buckley; Music Director Keith Atwater; Pianist Irina Tchantceva
October marks 30 years since the Berlin Wall fell and Communism ended in Russia and the Soviet-controlled republics. As the Cold War ceased, America’s deadly enemies became new allies. After generations of repression, people claimed their long-denied freedoms. But now, as a new totalitarian impulse threatens peace, liberty and human dignity around the world, what have we learned from those times of terror? Irina plays music from Soviet times.
After the service, we enjoy the freedom of self-governance at our Congregational Meeting!
- Exploring UUism at 9:30 in the Fahs Classroom, Education Wing
- Sunday Spiritual Practices at 9:45: Mindfulness Practices with Ann Kronser
- Congregational Meeting at 11:55: Friends & Guests Welcome; Members Needed for Quorum. We select 12 Community Partners and present the Unsung UU Award!
- Nursery Care 9:20 a.m. to the meeting's end of the Education Wing
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, preaching, with Worship Associate Frances Myers
UUSS Choir, Music Director Keith Atwater; Pianist Irina Tchantceva
The experience of noise and silence varies from culture to culture, and from person to person. What does “silence” mean for you—serenity, or scary isolation? What kinds of “noise” distract you from the life of your soul, and which kinds make you know you’re alive?
- Sunday Spiritual Practices at 9:45: Reading and Responding to Poetry
- Newcomers’ Orientation & Tour, 11:45-1:00: starts in the Library/Bookstore
- Milestones: Joys and Sorrows-- this ritual takes place in today’s service.
- Launching of our new Organic & Fairly-traded Coffee and Tea after church!
- Ordination of D. Scott Cooper to the Ministry: live--streamed from Dallas at 2:00
November 3: We Call our Beloved Dead: An All-Ages Service
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associates Lindsay Mitchell Vayner and Larry Boles, Music Director Keith Atwater & the UUSS Choir; Pianist Irina Tchantceva
We come together in community to honor our loved ones who have died and whom we wish to remember and celebrate. We will read the roll call of names of those in our UUSS community who have died in the past year. Let Roger know of an family members to list.
If you would like to have a picture of your beloved dead shared on the projection screen during the service, please send, scan, or bring photo to the office by October 31.
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Sunday Spiritual Practice at 9:45 a.m.: Walking the Labyrinth in the Meadow
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Nursery Care 9:20 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in Room 11 of the Education Wing
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Shared Offering Recipient: Wind Youth Services
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Rev. Roger’s Message:
Passing Our Values into the Future
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In these times it has become clear how important it is to sustain a liberal religious voice in our community, this nation, and the world. As a congregation of courage and vitality, UUSS is working to bring people together and to be a force for healing in the world.
We are able to embody this mission in no small part because of the visionary generosity of those who have gone before us. We are thankful for those members and friends who have left us legacy gifts to support the congregation’s work.
I trust that you share a love of this community and a commitment to our mission and values. There are many options for sustaining the vitality of UUSS into the future. As autumn reminds us of the passage of time, we are inviting members and friends to make future contributions to UUSS through their wills, trusts, estate planning, and beneficiary designations.
In the Welcome Hall you can find a
Legacy Giving brochure
to learn how to arrange a legacy donation to UUSS. Perhaps you have already arranged for a beneficiary designation or a bequest to UUSS. If that’s the case,
thank you!
It would be helpful to know of such plans, either with a
Legacy Intention Form
or an e-mail to a minister or our
Bookkeeper
.
The form is strictly advisory, only to assist in planning. It can be changed at any time and does not legally commit you to any action.
More than two dozen individuals or households have now joined the
UUSS
Legacy Circle
by indicating that they have included support of UUSS in their plans. Their names are listed in the
Book of Recognition and Thanks
, which you can see in the Library. The list also includes those departed friends who laid the foundations for the present vitality of UUSS.
The
Book of Recognition and Thanks
is brand new. It also lists the hundreds of people who have given to recent special campaigns and appeals for the improvement of our campus and the pursuit of our mission. Stop by the Library/bookstore and check it out.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact Rev. Lucy or me at UUSS or Legacy Circle member
Linda Klein
at (916) 524-0581.
We thank all those who have become part of Legacy Circle. We invite you to join it as well. Please consider this opportunity to extend your values for years to come by keeping UUSS strong and vital. We value your presence and participation in this community, and we give thanks for all your gifts. Every gift is a demonstration of trust and love.
With love and thanks,
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones
P.S.—At 5:30 p.m. Saturday, October 12, some UUSS members and I will be attending a fun fundraiser at the Sacramento YMCA and invite others to buy a ticket and join us Its's Camp Capital City: S’mores-fest-- an outdoor event with camp-themed games and challenges (archery, hatchets and safer stuff), with local beers and wines. There will be a silent auction, a live auction with amazing vacation packages, and a wine pull. After the full-course BBQ meal some local restaurants will offer competing s’mores for our enjoyment. I not only swim at the Y; I am on the Board and am a monthly donor. Funds raised will help low-income kids and adults participate in YMCA programs, like swim lessons, after-school care, day camp, Bear Valley Camp, and water safety. Get a ticket or make a donation
at this link
or see me.
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Finding Rev. Roger in October
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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 here Tuesday to Thursday afternoons and evenings. Friday and Saturday are days for writing or UUSS-related events. On Oct. 6 I host a Board meeting of the UUA Pacific Central District. I’m here all month except October 25-26, when I attend the fall meeting of the Pacific Central Chapter of the UU Ministers Association. I’ll be back in time for church October 27.
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Rev. Lucy's Message:
Nurturing Extraordinary Beauty
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This poem arrived in my inbox a few months ago; it is teaching me something important.
Playing Along
by Anita Pulier
The orchid arrived
swaddled in celebratory paper,
two curved stems balletically
balancing six improbable
naked blooms.
I, no youngster,
knew this might not end well.
Still, I played along,
placed the shameless display
near a gritty window,
watered the mossy base,
allowed sunlight
to ooze through the slats
of a dusty Venetian blind,
invited light to invade
helter-skelter, fearlessly
nurturing extraordinary beauty
despite the lousy odds.
It seems like every day more ugliness is revealed in our world. And yet there are opportunities to nurture extraordinary beauty. Whether it’s a single plant, as in the poem, or a literal or metaphorical garden, beauty can arrive in our lives unexpectedly. And it’s up to us to decide what to do with it. Do we pass it by, let it lapse, or do we fearlessly nurture extraordinary beauty, despite the lousy odds? What beauty arrived in your life this week?
Sending love to all,
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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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Music Director's Message
On Water Communion and Healing
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I was reflecting on our meaningful September In-Gathering of Waters or 'Water Communion,' and also recalling my mid-September trip escorting our April auction winners on a guided tour of the historic Wakamatsu pioneer Japanese tea and silk colony near where I live in the riverside gold rush town of Coloma. Pouring my bottle of south fork American River water into our communal vase reminded me of a healing ceremony led by visiting Tibetan Buddhist monks several years ago.
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These monks of the Gaden Shartse monastery in India tour the American west regularly, and usually when they visit they make a stunning and spiritually significant sand painting / mandala that takes several days of intense work. Traditionally that colored sand is prayerfully brushed up, collected, and placed in a body of water for healing and blessing of the area. That year I joined those monks and an interfaith group of local ministers, a rabbi, and Native Miwok / Maidu elders to experience their ceremony. Knowing that local Native American tribes -- and the Japanese colonists -- encountered prejudice, intolerance, illness, death, and loss of land along this beautiful south fork of the American River in the mid nineteenth century, these monks led us in chants and prayers accompanied by cymbals, and poured their rainbow colored sand into the rushing eddies, bringing some acknowledgement of much suffering in our little community's past, and perhaps a bit of reconciliation.
I was further moved when I searched the internet for an accompanying photo for my article. (I couldn't find my original pictures, which were prints from film!) It turns out that on their most recent visit, by invitation, they brought their holy sand and water to the burnt-out ruins of Paradise, perhaps bringing a 'spirit of life' and some hope and healing to our suffering neighbors up north as well. Perhaps soon they can bring their spiritual arts and Buddhist compassion to UUSS and our nearby Sacramento River!
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Music at UUSS: Bass & Piano Concert this Sunday!
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“Our own” Thomas Derthick, professional bassist, teacher, and orchestra conductor, will perform a recital of major works accompanied by Dr. John Cozza on piano at
2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 29 in the Main Hall
. He’ll play a suite by J.S. Bach, the “Prayer for a Jewish Life” by Ernest Bloch, and the exciting world premiere of a new work, “A Step in Time” by Dr. Hendel Almetus, among other works.
Tom has played double bass for the Sacramento and San Francisco symphonies; he's played double bass and bass guitar for numerous professional Broadway shows, and has been a bass teacher at several local colleges and universities. He also teaches bass and music at UOP and has conducted the Central Valley Youth Symphony for 20 years.
Please invite family and friends to this exciting and virtuoso performance: $15 for adults, and only $5 for children, youth, and college students. Our choir and other friends (fans!) of Tom Derthick will offer refreshments at intermission.
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We extend our condolences to the friends and colleagues of John Heinen, a former member of UUSS. John was a comedian and musician who also acted in Theater One productions at UUSS. We extend our condolences to the friends and colleagues of our member Judi Ballenger, a UUSS member since 2006; she passed away from cancer on Sept. 22. We extend our condolences to the family and friends of naval aviator Lt. Charles Walker, a colleague of Cameron Thornberry (who is the son of members Don Thornberry and Barbara Gardner); Charles died in a training accident near Death Valley, at age 31. We extend our condolences to our member Ginny Johnson on the passing of her aunt at age 90, in August.
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Volunteer Pastoral Visitors - Are You Interested?
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Our Visitors meet with Rev. Roger for ongoing support of our ministry to visit UUSS members who can’t easily get to church or who appreciate the caring presence of a good listener from the congregation. 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 a member who is interested in having a regular visitor, please contact Roger or the office.
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President's Message:
Focus, Function, Future, FUN! The motto for this Board Year!
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October, the month of our Fall Congregational Meeting, and it looks like it will be a very informative meeting! Updates will be given from the Board, the Ministers, the Program Council, and you will hear about the nominees for Community Partners 2020. Please, mark your calendars and join us on Sunday, October 20 immediately following the service. Your vote will be most important when selecting which of our Community Partners will receive donations next year. Remember, all partners must have a nomination form submitted to be on the ballot. Deadline is 5:00 p.m. Oct. 1.
Over the past month, the Safety Task Force has hosted CPR training and Safety education. Both events were well attended with much learning happening. Attendees learned about strategies for dealing with disruptive behavior, building security, active shooter and lock-down situations. More information will be coming your way as we move forward.
The Strategic Plan was created with a focus on our future, and the Board is already moving and shaking. We are in the process of putting together a Communications Task Force to improve our current resources and create new ways of getting out the word within our Congregation. In addition, research is being done for the development of a Task Force to put together a Leadership Development Course. UUA has done a lot of work in this arena, and will be a valuable resource for this team. We look forward to communicating progress on both of these efforts each month. If you have interest or expertise in any of these areas, please let me know with an e-mail to
president@uuss.org
.
It is an exciting year with lots to be done. Thank you all for your efforts and support!
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Annual Fall Congregational Meeting Oct. 20
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The UUSS congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, October 20, after the service. Childcare will be provided. (Sandra Navarro, Secretary, Board of Trustees)
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Soup Sundays Return! October 6 & October 13
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While we may be in “the dog days of summer” right now, cooler fall weather is on its way, bringing with it fond memories of the delicious smells of soup in the Welcome Hall after the service. This fall we will bring back Soup Sundays starting in October and continuing through February. For a $5 donation our members and friends can enjoy a hearty bowl of soup, bread and a cookie the first two Sundays of the month. Proceeds go to the UUSS General Fund to support our mission, programs and people at UUSS.
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The UUSS lesson in patience continues with the patio cover installation. The County is deciding if sprinklers need to be added to the project. We are anxiously waiting for the County’s response. Thanks to all the donors and supporters of this project!
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Social Justice and Compassion Work
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Happy Autumn! We will be meeting Monday October 7 at 5:30 p.m. to plan for the year. Shall we bring in a film about bicycle transportation? Other topics for discussion will be to identify additional environmental activities for the fall season months. See you then, Patricia Johnson, 916-642-6067
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Interfaith Earth Justice
Environmental Justice as the “The Civil Rights Issue of Our Times”
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“On Saturday, September 7, over 100 people gathered at South Sacramento Christian Church to hear Rev. Dr. Ambrose Carroll speak on
Greening Black Churches: Why Climate Change Matters
. Pastor Lynne Herron of New Creation Church opened with a reflection and Rev. Lucy Bunch of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento described the history of ACT’s environmental justice work.”
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Interfaith work on Environmental Justice, Racial Equality, and Climate Change!
Want to plug in to these activities? There are many ways to participate, both big and small. For more information come to our UUSS-hosted
Sacramento ACT Environmental Justice Committee
meetings! They are held at UUSS in the Library on the first Wednesday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m. (Next meetings October 2 and November 6.) e-mail
interfaithearth@uuss.o
r
g
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Engaging with an Immigrant Family
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by Colene Schlaepfer, UUSS Refugee Support Team
From the moment we stepped our shoeless feet in the upstairs apartment of Tahmina and Patrice and their three kids we knew it would be fun, as well as a learning experience. As in every subsequent visit to this lively family we were offered tea and goodies, if not a full-fledged meal.
The pattern we established on our bi-weekly trips to see them for a year and a half: I engage with Tahmina. In addition to learning about her family I hear about her English classes in prep for taking a test to apply for a job as a teaching assistant. She taught math to fifth
graders in Kabul, Afghanistan, before they moved here a year and a half ago. Tahmina loves to talk and speaks quite well if I listen closely. Writing English is a bigger challenge. Her native language, Farsi, doesn’t use our alphabet. I can’t imagine how hard it would be for me if I was an immigrant in her country!
My husband, Fred, engages in games with the kids. The 5-year-old, Mahsa won his heart immediately with her saucy personality. Shurha, oldest girl at 10, is tall and slim and confident. She got excellent grades in fourth grade with fluent English. Shahir, middle boy is 8, wears glasses, builds things, and loves to talk--good English. The older kids play games with Fred and I hear the competition when voices get louder. Fred has also read with Shahir to help him not only improve, but enjoy reading. We took them all to a library, their first experience. We also took them to a zoo, a musical performance and dinner at our house.
Dad Patrice is seldom with us, but when he is, his smile lights up a room. Few words, but his affection for his children is obvious. His job pays $12 an hour. To make enough he must work long hours. He was a surveyor in Kabul, and was in danger because he was a loyal worker for an American engineering company building roads. His boss recommended he move his family here to the USA to be out of danger. This was reinforced when his daughter’s school was bombed by the Taliban.
We have learned what a challenge a new country can be: examples, a panic phone call from Tahmina, “We got a letter saying I have to go to the court! We did nothing wrong!” It was a jury summons, easily explained.
Tahmina said: “I must have a car here to do things.” We helped her get one, then the challenge of not only learning to drive and getting a license, but being confident enough to go to medical offices, etc. We drove with her at first, and gradually she is a good driver.
Dad needs a better job as a surveyor, but he is afraid of not being able to pay the bills, so is not eager to make a change. We finally picked him up and took him to a job fair.
We have learned so much—will always have more empathy for immigrants. One of the times sitting at her table while she overfed us, Tahmina said, “You feel like family to me!”
“Our” family is going to move soon to share a home with her sister and husband in the bay area. Patrice can find a better job and the two mothers can share childcare so they can work or go to school. It will be good for them. We will miss seeing them often-will keep in touch. And perhaps we’ll find a new family to teach us more about life as an immigrant.
If you would like your own experience with an immigrant family talk with
Rev. Roger
, Fred or me, or someone on the Refugee Support Team.
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE)
Miranda Massa, RE Coordinator
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Religious Education at UUSS
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Always an amazing occurrence supporting and watching adult teams form in the Religious Education program. Talented, selfless change makers come together for the
overall spiritual growth, of the children and youth here at UUSS. I hope you have taken the time to complete your 2019-2020 registration form and have introduced yourself to those spending time with your children on Sundays mornings. We have new and exciting ideas spinning across the grade groups and look forward to seeing your family!
UUSS RE
Nursery care in Room 11 beginning at 9:20 a.m. until noon and
1:00 on 4th Sundays
Spirit Play in Room 7/8 for children in Kinder through 5th grade
Junior High Youth Group (JHYG) in Room 6 for grades 6-7-8
Senior High Youth Group (SHYG) in Room 12 for grades 9-10-11-12
Additional Programs this RE year
Coming of Age for registered youth has begun, led by Janet Lopes
Our Whole Lives (grades 4-5-6) for registered participants starts in a few months
Kids Freedom Club meets monthly to raise awareness about modern slavery--and end it!
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RE Calendar this Month
Sunday, October 6
- 9:30-12:00 Child care
- 10:30-11:45 RE Program
- October Birthdays in Sanctuary
Sunday, October 13
- 9:30-12:00 Child care
- 10:30-11:45 RE
Sunday, October 20
- 9:30-1:00 Child care
- 10:30-11:45 RE
Sunday, October 27
- 9:30-12:00 Child care
- 10:30-11:45 RE
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Our Whole Lives (OWL) for
4
th
, 5
th
& 6
th
Grade Youth
OWL Information Meeting
An informal gathering to answer any and all questions.
Sunday, November 17, 2019
12:00 -1:30 pm / Location: Fahs Room
Child Care in Room 11 Nursery available
Parent/Caregiver & Child Orientation (Mandatory)
A required meeting for parents & participating youth.
Sunday, December 15, 2019
12:00 – 2:00 pm / Location: Fahs Room
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Spirit Play in the kitchen preparing fruit for the congregation before the annual fall congregational meeting on Sunday, October 20.
The Nursery in Room 11 is open every Sunday at 9:20 am for parents to attend
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices
. It is available also on Sundays with services for all ages.
The UUSS Family Ministry Team and SacACT EJ Committee
host a Trunk or Treat Event in the UUSS parking lot on Sunday, October 27. Cars/Groups set-up at 2 pm. Trunk or Treaters arrive at 3 pm; Event ends at 5 pm.
Theater One's children's series will feature "Dr. Frankincense and the Christmas Monster" in November 2019, directed by Kate Pratt.
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We need child and youth volunteers to light the Flaming Chalice Sunday mornings in the sanctuary. We are asking you to sign up.
Why have a child/teen light the Chalice?
It is important that the youth of our congregation to be a part of ritual of worship. With advance signup, your name will be listed in the Order of Service just like the Worship Associates and Ministers.
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October's Death-Positive Film “Alternate Endings”
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“Alternate Endings” (Monday, October 14, 6:00 p.m.) tells six stories of people nearing death and of family members who have chosen non-traditional end-of-life options and remembrances, from celebrations of life and living wakes, to green burials, and more. Profoundly intimate, the film explores what it means to be near death, either from age or terminal illness, and captures the healing power of honoring, giving thanks, and staying true to loved ones.
Death-Positive Films - shown at UUSS the second Monday of every month 6 p.m. FREE. For More Information:
conversationsaboutdeath@gmail.com
. Molly Stuart 805-669-8162
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Second Tuesday Night of the Month
TED
Talk
"End of Life Care"
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Tuesday, October 8, at 7:00 p.m. in the Welcome Hall, Molly Stuart will present a TED Talk by BJ Miller on end-of-life care. At the end of our lives, what do we most wish for? For many, it's simply comfort, respect, love. BJ Miller is a hospice and palliative medicine physician who thinks deeply about how to create a dignified, graceful end of life for his patients. Take the time to savor this moving talk, which asks big questions about how we think on death and honor life.
Do you have a TED talk that you would like to share? Contact
TEDTalk@uuss.org
to find out how you can host one of these sessions.
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Exploring the Foundations of Mindfulness
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Thursday evenings - October 17, 24, 31, and November 7 6:30pm-8:30pm at UUSS.
Join us for a closer look into the four foundations of mindfulness. In this class series, each week we’ll explore one of the four ways of establishing mindfulness; mindfulness of body, mindfulness of feeling, mindfulness of thought and mindfulness of the nature of our experience.
Mindfulness can be described as a clear awareness of moment-to-moment experience. To cultivate this awareness, we can engage in a number of mindfulness based practices. Evidence shows that learning mindfulness tools and working with these basics can lead to increasing moments of freedom from suffering, and a greater sense of ease and well-being.
The class will include different methods and techniques that support working with our individual ways of suffering. Guided meditations will be offered to increase our understanding of each foundation and to deepen and support your mindfulness practice.
For both beginners and experienced practitioners. You can register at the Adult Enrichment table on Sunday mornings or e-mail Ann at
ann.kronser@gmail.com
. Suggested donation to support UUSS programs: $20-$40 for the series.
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With Ann Kronser, M.Ed.
Ann has been learning and practicing mindfulness meditation for the past 12 years and has completed many retreats and courses in both secular mindfulness meditation and historical Buddhist teachings. She is certified to teach mindfulness through The Mindfulness Training Institute (MTI) and the International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA).
Ann also leads Mindfulness Practices on the 3rd Sunday of each month, 9:45-10:15 a.m. as part of our Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices series.
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Sunday, October 20 at 9:45 a.m. in the Fahs Classroom,
Education Wing. This month’s topic:
Survey of UU History.
Join us the third Sunday of every month before the service for Exploring Unitarian Universalism. There are four 45-minute sessions offered consecutively
- Principles and Sources of Our Tradition (November 17)
- Faith: What Does It Mean to a UU? (December 15)
- Social Justice: How Do We Live Our Values? (January 19)
- Survey of UU History (February 16)
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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Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices
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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 in the meadow.
2nd Sunday - QiGong & Tai Chi Chuan in the Fahs Room.
Join John McMillan 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 aimed at cultivating awareness in daily life. All are welcome, beginners and seasoned meditators alike.
JoAnn Anglin - a wonderful poet herself – leads this spiritual deepenin
g practice of finding your meaning in a piece of poetry and sharing your thought with others.
Childcare is available, no reservation needed. You can drop off your child in Room 11 as early as 9:30 a.m.
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On Sunday, October 6, at 12:15 p.m. in the Fahs Room, Jim Laasch will give a presentation on his “Wisdom Project.”He will explain that it is an opportunity for members of the congregation to participate in a writing project that will share their experiences and related wisdom. Those who are interested will join a writing group on the second and fourth Mondays. The time will be determined by the preferences of the group but is tentatively scheduled for 6:30 to 9:30.
“Having become a part of the UUSS family, and recognizing the wealth of experience and wisdom here, I am moved to complete The Wisdom Project by collaborating with others who are willing to share their experiences and related wisdom by joining in a group writing project.
Being an accomplished writer is far less important than having a good story to share. We can inspire others to avoid re-living the pain of their mistakes. You’ll have help from the group and can contribute to a collaborative effort, and to UUSS, with the added benefit of hopefully being published.
Though I am not yet published, I have neared completion of manuscripts for two books and a play: I have always loved words; Introspective writing moves us and is instructive to others. I wish to form a fun and purpose-driven group to complete this book to benefit humanity and the church. The setting will be instructive; you will both give and receive feedback for the benefit of all. There will be twice monthly sessions where we may all be heard, we’ll laugh—and maybe even cry –together with the purpose of furthering access to vital wisdom in these trying times.” Pick up a flyer at the Adult Enrichment table or e-mail Jim for more information.
jhlaasch@aol.com
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On Tuesday, October 29, the UUSS Book Readers will meet at 7:00 p.m. in the Library/Bookstore at UUSS to discuss
Bruno, Chief of Police: A Mystery of the French Countryside
by Martin Walker.
For more information, contact the UUSS Book Readers at
uureaders@uuss.org
or (916) 475-7269.
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Theater One 2019 - 2020 Season Preview
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Theater One will present “Laundry & Bourbon,” directed by Lonon Smith in October 2019, “Confirmation,”
written
and directed by Lonon Smith in February 2020 and “Roe,” directed by Michael and Lisa Erwin in May 2020. Theater One's children's series will feature "Dr. Frankincense and the Christmas Monster" in November 2019, directed by Kate Pratt. Read more at theaterone.org or at www.uuss.org. See you at our stage here at UUSS!
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Theater One Offers Acting Course
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Have you wondered what it takes to be an actor? Have you considered acting yourself? If so, “The Art of Acting—A Personal Journey” offered through Adult Enrichment is for you.
The six-week course begins
Thursday, October 10
and will be taught by UUSS member Michael Erwin.
This course will examine the fundamentals of the acting process. Through the use of direct instruction, acting exercises, theatre games, and scene study, students will learn how to come to life emotionally using imaginary circumstances. Whether you are a beginning actor or a veteran actor, these fundamentals are essential in creating great (and enjoyable) performances.
Michael studied acting and directing at Indiana University and went on to earn a professional degree from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, earning the prestigious Jehlinger Award for Outstanding Acting. He continued studies at the Professional Class at The Neighborhood Playhouse, New York. Michael has appeared in over 40 stage productions over the years. He also has directed and acted in many Theater One plays and was a teacher for 37 years.
“The Art of Acting—A Personal Journey” is available to all UUSS members. Sign-ups will be available Sundays at the Adult Enrichment table. Suggested donation to support UUSS programs: $30 for the whole course. For more information, contact David Paul at
theaterone@uuss.org.
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New Class: UU Theologies for the 21
st
Century
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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?
We are at a time of great turning and social upheaval. It is a time of challenge and opportunity. As Rebecca Parker (former President of Starr King School for the Ministry) tells us “effective work for social change requires people of faith who are theologically literate and engaged. “
Join Rev. Lucy and Rev. Dr. Roger on the third Tuesday of each month starting in October – first class is Tuesday the 15
th
-- to explore theology and faith. This will be a companion class for a sermon series that started in September. There will be an afternoon session (2:00 p.m.) and an evening session (6:30 p.m.). The evening session will also be available on Zoom for those who need to participate remotely. 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 will be available in the UUSS bookstore.
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.
Look for information at the Connections Table on Sunday and on the Adult Enrichment page on at UUSS. Org. Let’s learn and grow together. We hope you can join us.
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MORE THINGS TO KNOW AND DO
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Alliance-for-All Program
Sacramento's Loaves & Fishes
Thursday, October 10, 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
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Kala Haley-Clark, Loaves & Fishes Development Director, will tell you about the nonprofit’s programs, and how you can make a difference for our homeless neighbors.
As you know, Loaves & Fishes is a Community Partner for UUSS, and several UUSS members and friends help with food preparation and serving on the 4th Mondays.
Kala has been with Loaves & Fishes since early 2018; and has worked in nonprofit development and outreach for eight years, writing grants, planning events, and cultivating powerful support networks for several organizations. Most recently, she ran the California Health Alert Network, part of the state’s emergency preparedness program.
Alliance-for-All programs take place at UUSS the second Thursday morning of every month. Come at 10:45 to enjoy refreshments and meet people. The program starts at 11:00 a.m. We ask for a donation of $3-$5 to cover costs and help the Alliance support UUSS projects. For questions or
ideas, contact
alliance@uuss.org.
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Fourth Democratic Candidates' Debate-watch Party
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Come to the next Democratic 2020 Presidential Primary Candidates’ Debate Watch Party on Tuesday October 15 (and possibly Wednesday the 16
th
) from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at UUSS
Open to all. Free. Please bring snacks to share. Sponsored by Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPs). F
or questions, text Laurie Jones at (916) 716-2947.
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UUSS Garden Plant Exchange Sunday, Oct. 12
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Have extra garden plants? Need plants for your garden?
Come to the UUSS Garden Plant Exchange. Saturday, October 12, 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. In the parking lot near the UUSS Garden. P
lants can be brought in bags, boxes or containers. If you know what the plant is called and/or what color it blooms you can add that information. If you don’t, no worries, most gardeners like some surprises in their gardens. Plants not spoken for by 10 a.m. will be put in the compost pile. Questions - contact Frances Myers,
fsmca2017@gmail.com
or 717-682-3891.
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Halloween Trunk or Treat Event Oct. 27
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Dress-up yourself, your friends and your car for the first UUSS Trunk or Treat Event!
The UUSS Family Ministry Team and SacACT EJ Committee
host this Trunk or Treat Event in the UUSS parking lot on Sunday, October 27. Cars/Groups set-up at 2 pm. Trunk or Treaters arrive at 3 pm; Event ends at 5 pm.
Participants, either individuals or groups will:
●
decorate their car/vehicle and park it in the lot at UUSS
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provide and hand out candy or some sort of treat for approximately 100 children
The event is open to the community and will be advertised via flyers and social media. For more information and/or to sign up, contact: Carrie Cornwell at
ccornwell@surewest.net
or Frances Myers at 717-682-3891,
fsmca2017@gmail.com
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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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Arts & Crafts Marketplace Nov. 16
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UUSS members and pledging friends are invited to sell their handicrafts and creations at the Arts and Crafts Marketplace on Saturday, November 16, 2019, 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. The Marketplace will be in the UUSS Main Hall.
Examples of creative works by adults and children include:
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- Books/pamphlets/writing
- Photographs
- Paintings/drawings
- Wall hangings
- Sculpture
- Woodcarving
- Leather tooled pieces
- Fiber arts (weaving, handmade yarn)
- Knitted/crocheted scarves, hats, socks, baby blankets
- Quilts, quilted items
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- Handmade clothing, aprons
- Crafts (scrapbooks, trinket boxes)
- Seasonal or special occasion decorations
- CDs (music)
- Sheet music
- Handmade musical instruments
- Preserved food (jams, jellies)
- Spice blends
- Handmade toys
- Greeting cards, gift wrapping and tags
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The number of vendor spaces is limited.
Registrations must be received by October 1.
Preference will be given to UUSS members and pledging friends. Registrations will be accepted on a “first come, first served” basis. Vendor fee for one table is $20.
20 percent of vendor sales will be collected at the close of the Marketplace on November 16. (Cash and checks will be accepted.)
The Marketplace will be advertised on on-line community event calendars, through social media and through all UUSS communication venues.
To register, complete and return the attached registration form and $20 check made out to UUSS (reference “Arts and Crafts Marketplace”) to Bookkeeper, UUSS, 2425 Sierra Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95825.
Questions?
Contact Sandra Navarro (
uuss.Sandra@gmail.com
).
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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.
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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 Marilyn Reynolds
David Harlow
Roger Olson
Board meetings: 7:00 p.m., 4th Thursday of every month (changes in November & December)
PROGRAM COUNCIL
Susan Davis Terrie Taylor
Michael Miller, Chair
Margaret Wilcox
Kathleen Olson
Lorri Reynard
Program Council meetings: 7:00 p.m., 3rd Thursday of every month, ex
Ministers
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones & Rev. Lucy Bunch
Rev. Douglas Kraft, Minister Emeritus
UUSS 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
Gerald Worley - Sunday thru Thursday, Evening Custodian
Miguel Neri - Friday to Sunday, Custodian ~ Ivan Caballero, Sunday Audio Tech
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Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento, 2425 Sierra Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95825
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