| The Unigram Newsletter for April 2018 Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento |
|
2425 Sierra Boulevard,
Sacramento, CA 95825
|
|
|
|
April 1: Easter: Foolish Hope?
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Jess Reynolds,
Music Director Keith Atwater and the UUSS Choir, with trumpet, piano, and organ.
Fear, grief, unrest and injustice weigh people down. The world is a dangerous place, and the future looks uncertain at best. In 2018, you may or may not think this way, but that was the state of things 2,000 years ago among the followers of Jesus in a brutal empire's province of Palestine. How could hope spring up there? We promise you will depart with a new perspective today-maybe even hope!
Auction Jubilee advance bidding after the service. Easter hunt for Religious Education kids.
April 8: A Theology for the 21
st
Century
Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Marilyn Reynolds. Special Music by Ross Hammond and Jay Nair
The American branches of Unitarianism and Universalism have been around for more than 200 years. How has our theology evolved over this time and where is it going? Drawing from works of UU theologians, Rev. Lucy will reflect on how UU theology can be relevant for now and in the coming years.
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice: Tai Chi and Chi Quong, Fahs Room, 9:45 a.m.
April 15: The Spiritual Practice of Covenant: Our UU Advantage
Rev. Dr. Gretchen Woods, preaching, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Celia Buckley, Music Director Keith Atwater with singers Barbara Dace, Ashley Hamrick, Michelle Dunnaway and pianist Ina Jun
Our tradition is based not on a creed but on the practice of covenant-about how we come together as a community, how we discern our calling and claim our mission, and how we honor the similarities among us as well as our diverse individualities.
Rev. Dr. Gretchen Woods will bring stories and inspiration as we continue to mark the 150th anniversary of UUSS. She serves the UU Fellowship of Redwood City, CA as Interim Minister and has served as interim for congregations in Indiana, Kentucky, and Nebraska. She is Minister Emerita of the UU Church of Corvallis, OR, where she served 12 years. She has been a board member (along with Rev. Roger) of the continental UU Ministers Association, President of the Ministerial Sisterhood UU, and co-founder (with the Rev. Ben Meyers) of the Singers of the Living Tradition, a choir of UU ministers and spouses.
Forum after service
: Rev. Dr. Woods will discuss the special relationship of a congregation with its Minister Emeritus, the honor which UUSS has granted Rev. Doug Kraft.
April 22: Blue Boat Home: A Service for All Ages
Rev. Lucy Bunch and Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, Worship Associates Larry Boles and Ginny Johnson,
UUSS choir with Music Director Keith Atwater and accompanist Ina Jun
Celebration of April Birthdays
"The wide universe is the ocean I travel, and the earth is my blue boat home."
Come join us to celebrate Earth Day 2018. We will share our joys and concerns about our beautiful earth and consider our commitments to the challenge of protecting our world for future generations.
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice: Reading and Reflection on Poetry, Room 6 at 9:45 a.m.
April 29: Living Faithfully
Allison Claire, preaching, with Worship Associate Jim Eastman, and music by Ina Jun with vocal quartet of (SATB)
Ashley Hamrick, Celia Buckley, Keith Atwater, and Wayne
Wilcox.
When asked about the success rate of his work with gang members in Los Angeles, Jesuit priest Gregory Boyle said "We are not called to be successful; we are called to be faithful." What does that mean? What might "faith" and "faithfulness" mean in a UU context, and for non-theists? This service explores the meanings of "faith," and our calling to faithfully live out our values. Allison Claire is a member of the UUSS Choir and a Spiritual Deepening Circle facilitator. She worked for many years as a public defender and now serves in the federal judiciary.
|
Shared Offering Recipient this Month
|
|
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 February we contributed $
3,021
to Sacramento Black Lives Matter. Thank you!
|
Senior Minister's Message: All Aboard!
|
|
If you are reading this, you are in a self-selected small portion of UUSS members, friends and newcomers. For the non-paper version of this monthly newsletter and for our weekly e-mail Messages, we use software called Constant Contact. It tells us how many folks actually read this, or at least open it.
After we send out a newsletter by e-mail, the software program reports how many people actually clicked it open, and the percentage of the total recipients who open it. Are you ready? The open rate for our Unigram newsletter is about...29%. I told this disappointing percentage to a young woman who is an electronic media specialist. She said: "That's good! In the not-for-profit sector, anything over a 25 percent open rate is really good." Oh, well, that helps. Now, every time we send a message, I watch that number. When it gets over 30 percent, I cheer! Yes, that's how exciting my life is.
Even if a small fraction of our members and friends actually open our newsletter online, or even if only a few of you read it on e-mail or in its paper format, I guess we'll survive. We seem to be doing well--full of love and vitality. Even if not everybody opens our newsletter, the current signs are that we can thrive as a congregation.
Yet almost no congregation can thrive at a low level of participation when it comes to funding its mission. With regard to goals like supporting our staff, sustaining our programs, and serving the larger community, the participation of everybody is what makes it happen.
Powering our mission depends on gifts and pledges of all sizes from all of us who care about the mission and the people of UUSS. So even if readership is about average, our pledge participation needs to be full. If you have not made what you would consider to be a generous pledge for the 2018-19 budget year, please fill out a
pledge card now.
Please know that all pledges and gifts are valued and appreciated. As you pledge, please consider the value of a strong Unitarian Universalist presence in your life and in our world. Whatever amount you choose, I invite you to consider making the most generous pledge you ever have. Thank you!
Yours in service,
Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, Senior Minister
|
Where's Rev. Roger in April?
|
|
Let's make an appointment! I'm at UUSS Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and either Monday or Tuesday late afternoon. My office hours vary, as I'm teaching a Monday class on church administration through April 30 at Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley.
Read about it here
. Rev. Lucy and I will join several UUSS members for the UUA's Pacific Western
Regional Assembly
in Portland, OR, April 27-29.
|
Assistant Minister's Message
|
|
My current favorite chalice lighting reading is from the Rev. Judith Quarrels:
At this hour, in small towns and big cities, in single rooms and ornate sanctuaries, many of our sister Unitarian Universalist congregations are also lighting a flaming chalice. As we light our chalice today, let us remember that we are part of a great community of faith.
When I share this reading on a Sunday morning, I feel deeply connected with other UU congregations all over the United States and the world. We are indeed part of a great community of faith and it is important to recognize the benefit of this association.
At the end of the month Rev. Roger and I, along with others in the congregation, will be journeying to Portland, Oregon for the Assembly of the Pacific Western Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association. We will listen to inspiring speakers, share workshops, and mingle with UU's from all over the west. I come away from regional and national UU events with a great sense of hope and encouragement from all the UU congregations that, like ours, are working to make a difference in people's lives and in our world. Each year, UUSS pays about $90 per member to our national association, to support a greater UU presence in the world, and to pay for staff who provide services to us. Just this past year we have benefitted from regional staff who designed and led our strategic planning session and offered a board leadership training to congregations in our area.
If you have never checked out the
UUA website
I encourage you to do so. There you can find information, resources and inspiration. You can learn about UU history, find groups that share your interests, and appreciate the ways that our association lives out our principles. And if you have never visited another UU congregation I encourage you to do that. Many of our members seek out the local UU's when they are on vacation or visiting family or friends. Last year our congregation was visited by over 30 people from other congregations. You can also take a trip up to Auburn, or over to Davis and visit their congregations. It is always interesting to see how other congregations "do UU".
|
|
|
|
My regular office hours are T-W-Th afternoons. You are welcome to visit. Please call or e-mail before you come so I can be sure to be available.
|
|
|
|
Our Music Program
By Music Director Keith Atwater
The pre-publication due date for my Unigram article had arrived, and I had "writer's block." Then that same afternoon, two small choir music events occurred. The conductor of the Sacramento Master Singers asked to borrow a choir song from our library -- We Can Be Kind. Then a retired teacher friend asked me for a few copies of choir songs to see if she might be interested in joining (she's an alto who used to sing Barbershop!),
so I reached into my music file almost without looking and tossed these into the car:
On Justice, Truth, and Peace; Turn Me Round; The Power of One; and Love In Any Language.
Later, those almost randomly chosen titles jumped out at me -- they articulate our core UU principles, values and mission. The songs our choir sings on Sundays speak of our goals: to love others, be kind, work for peace, justice, and equality, heal our planet and divisions between peoples. I appreciate how we all stand together and not just sing or listen to these songs but roll up our sleeves and stand up and work together. Please let me know what other songs you'd like to sing and / or hear that will help us to power our commitment to love, justice, and healing.
|
|
|
|
Rehearsals are Wednesday night 7:00-8:30 in Fahs classroom, all welcome, mid-August through May. We sing two Sundays a month in services. For more information, contact Keith Atwater at
choir@uuss.org.
|
Pastoral Concerns and Prayers
|
|
Our beloved church member, choir singer, Theater One actor and playwright Ron Galbreath passed away last month after a long decline from lung disease. We extend our condolences to daughters Heather Galbreath and Lynn Briones and his many friends and former students. He was a preschool teacher and instructor in early childhood education. If you could give Heather a ride to church some Sunday, let Sally
Wilkins
know. If you wish to make a memorial gift, consider the Heritage Fund.
We extend our condolences to member Wilma Hash and family on the death of her cousin, Steven "Rod" McCoy, age 74. He was an elementary school teacher, as was his wife, Ann. He was a devoted member of the UU Fellowship of Anchorage, AK. As an involved UU, he was a Boy Scout leader for his two sons, a progressive political activist, a neighborhood council president, a volunteer mediator in the state courts for a decade, and a bus driver for Princess Tours in Alaska in retirement. In Rod's honor, Wilma has made a memorial contribution to the Heritage Fund at UUSS.
Read his online obituary here
.
We extend our healing wishes and prayers to our member Sarah Turner, who is healing from being hit by a car as she and Joseph were crossing a downtown street. We send our love and care to other members who are mending: Susan Lange, recovering from a fracture, doing well; Carl Sweet, from a hip replacement; Ernest Perez and his wife, Sandra Meredith, as he continues rehabilitation after a stroke; Sandra and David Navarro, John Bernier, now back at Carleton, not far from UUSS; Judy Morrison, now back among us after a fall, and
Dennis Hubbard, spouse of Elizabeth Pataki, as he recovers from a broken neck. Several members have suffered from colds and flu in recent weeks! Please take care, wash your hands, and get enough rest. If you have pastoral notes to add, or if you are interested in serving as a volunteer Pastoral Minister, let
Rev. Roger
know.
|
|
|
|
Last summer the Board of Trustees identified two year-long initiatives that we felt would be important to the congregation. One was to review and update our governance documents -- our Constitution and Bylaws. The second was to engage the congregation in developing a new strategic plan that would capitalize on the wonderful energy we have as a community. Both of these initiatives have resulted in draft documents that the Board and the congregation will be reviewing during April and early May.
The proposed strategic plan goals and objectives, along with a description of the process and dates for upcoming Forums to discuss the plan are explained below. The April Board agenda will include discussion and, hopefully, approval of that plan as a proposal for the members to vote to approve on May 20.
At each monthly meeting, we have reviewed suggested changes to our governance documents that were proposed by Denis Edgren and Roger Olson, who have taken the lead on this project. Our April agenda also includes a final review of the revised Constitution. There will be Forums during late April and early May to discuss the revisions before the Congregational Meeting vote to approve on May 20.
We hope you will join us at these upcoming Forums and share your thoughts.
|
2018-2019 Stewardship Campaign:
Powering Our Commitment to Love, Justice, and Healing
|
|
 It is a joy be part of this year's stewardship committee. We have been touched by the generosity of so many UUSS members and friends. A heartfelt thanks to everyone who has already made their annual pledge. As of March 27, we have received 236 pledges for a total amount of $432,000.
All of us share the financial responsibility for assuring that UUSS continues to be a strong, vital and energized community of faith. Our goal is to achieve 100% participation in the stewardship campaign, and we will continue to receive pledges as the Board of Trustees finalizes the budget to be presented to the congregation in May. The proposed budget will provide funding for equitable staff increases, building improvements, social and spiritual activities and community outreach programs.
Or call the UUSS Office or drop by Monday-Friday, 830-5:00.
Your completed card can be dropped off at the Sunday Stewardship Table or in the Office or be mailed to Michele Ebler at UUSS, 2425 Sierra Blvd, Sacramento 95825.
Every pledge moves us closer to meeting our goal of $550,000. Demonstrate your commitment to UUSS by completing your pledge card today. Thanks!
"Being generous of spirit is a wonderful way to live"
Pete Seeger
|
|
|
|
Join our Treasurer Gordon Gerwig in the Fahs Room on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at 11:45 a.m. following the service to discuss the UUSS 2018-2019 Budget. We will have copies of the budget to be voted on the following month at our May 20 Congregational Meeting. Contact Gordon at
gpgerwig@gmail.com
or (916) 501-0881.
|
Annual Election of Officers and Other Lay Leaders
|
|
By Eric Ross
The annual election of UUSS officers and other lay leaders is May 20. Your Nominating Committee has worked to provide you a strong slate of candidates. See the Spring Election Special issue of the Unigram and come to meet them on May 6. If you would like to take advantage of the alternate process for selecting candidates, you may become a write-in candidate by submitting a petition -- signed by five (5) percent of the church membership -- to the Board President by April 15. For further information about this process or about the responsibilities of officers and other lay leaders who will be candidates, contact any of the members of the Nominating Committee, or e-mail
nominating@uuss.org
.
Nominating Committee Members
John Abbott Lauren Davis-Todd David Libby Eric Ross
Kathy Styc Sarah Turner Glory Wicklund
|
Auction Jubilee: Dinner, Service Auction, Raffle and Fun!
|
|
Auction Jubilee
Saturday, April 14
5:00 to 8:00 pm
Only two more weeks until our annual auction and dinner take place! The window for donating items has closed, but you may still be able to buy tickets for the delicious Mediterranean dinner (veggie, vegan and gluten-free meals available). Tickets are $20. Kids aged 10 and under are $5 (or free if they are going to childcare.) Parents, contact Miranda by April 7
th
at
RE@uuss.org
if you need childcare and don't forget to take your kids to the two Cakewalks taking place during the evening.
Can't come to the auction this year? No problem! Pre-bidding takes place on April 1 and 8 before and after church. Come outside to the patio and check out all the offerings. You can "Buy It Now" and be guaranteed a win!
If you donated tickets, a gift card or anything for the raffle, you can drop them off at church on SUNDAY, APRIL 8. If that's not possible, please leave them with Elaine in the office by THURSDAY, APRIL 12. All raffle items should have the title and the donor's name on them. They must also be self-contained, sturdy, and easily transportable, as they will be moved several times. Cakewalk desserts need to be at church by 5:30 the night of the auction.
Our auction night begins at 5:00 p.m. when the doors open. Dinner will be served at 5:30. Be sure and stay for the entire evening and continue bidding on silent auction items, buy raffle tickets, win a dessert at the Cakewalk and help Rev. Roger raise money in the live auction. It's a full evening, ending at 8:30. Come support our biggest fundraiser of the year and enjoy the company of friendly, interesting people while you bid. We'll see you on the 14
th
!
|
Force for the Future (Strategic Planning) Update
|
|
As UUSS celebrates its 150-year anniversary, we're both looking backward and looking forward. We've explored our history and we're planning for our future in our next 5-year Strategic Plan. Based on the robust input from the listening sessions, the Force for the Future Team has revised the goals and objectives (see below). They are posted on the UUSS website at
UUSS.org/future
and you can make comments and ask questions right on the webpage! There will be additional opportunities for input. Forums to discuss the proposed Strategic Plan will be held on Sunday, April 22 and Sunday, April 29 following the service. You can also e-mail comments and questions to
future@uuss.org
. If you'd like to chat in person, team members are Margaret Wilcox, Carrie Cornwell, Carl Gardner, Karen Gunderson, Marion Randall and Shannon Williams.
We will officially vote to adopt the Strategic Plan's goals and objectives at the Spring Congregational Meeting on Sunday, May 20. Then we will engage our teams and committees in developing action steps to bring the objectives alive over the next 5 years! The Force for the Future Team is excited about how the plan is shaping up and hope that you are too!
UUSS Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives
For approval at the May 2018 Congregational Meeting
Goal 1: Strengthen our connections and commitments within our congregation to deepen our lives
Objectives:
- Deepen our connections with each other and the love and courage that sustain each of us through continued church programming and intergenerational activities
- Strengthen support for individual and family growth and development
- Support programs to deepen the relationship with the children and youth in our congregation
- Assess impact from strengthening our connections and commitments within our congregation on current organization and infrastructure
Goal 2: Increase our presence and identity in the larger community by living our mission of being a force for healing in the world
Objectives:
- Deepen our engagement with interfaith and community partners
- Broaden and deepen our interactions with other UU congregations through an increase in denominational activities
- Build on and enhance existing social justice efforts
- Assess impact from increasing our presence and identity in the larger community on current organization and infrastructure
Goal 3: Live out our commitment to justice, equity and compassion
Objectives:
- As individuals, deepen our understanding of our role in perpetuating racism and that anti-racism work is a spiritual practice
- Understand and address how all forms of privilege impact our community and congregation
- Develop and implement strategies to be more welcoming and inclusive as a congregation
- Assess impact from living out our commitment to justice, equity and compassion on current organizational infrastructure
|
|
It's LIVE: UUSS Between Sundays Facebook Page for Members and Friends.
|
|
UUSS Between Sundays is live on Facebook
Are you on Facebook? Have you joined our UUSS page UUSS Between Sundays?
This closed group is our inward facing Facebook presence, any member or pledging friend who joins the group can make a post that shows up in the main group feed.
The primary purposes of this communal space are:
- sharing of meaningful things happening in your life such as the birth of a child, a new job or moving plans. For general discussions or political posts please use your personal Facebook page.
- posting events happening in the church and the larger community that may be of interest to our members such as promoting a concert, inviting other UUSS folks on an outing, arranging a ride, suggesting movies, books and enriching activities within or beyond the congregation.
- posting notices about items for sale or rent, giveaways or opportunities of interest to UUSS members and friends such as a room for rent or car for sale. This is not a place to post sales pitches for a business on a regular basis, though it is appropriate to post general information about your business or a service that you offer.
Posts are expected to be in line with our mission, vision, and UU Principles. The ministers, web master and volunteer members serve as moderators for all content shared within the group.
All members and pledging friends are welcome to participate. If you would like to participate, search Facebook for UUSS Between Sundays, and then request permission to join. Our moderators will approve all members and pledging friends.
We hope this page will spark greater communication and connection at UUSS.
|
|
UUSS Groups & Programs Activity Fair May 6
|
|
Here is your chance to find out about the rich tapestry of programs, groups and people that make up our UUSS community. So many ways to learn, play, serve, deepen and heal together
!
The Program Council is hosting the annual Activity Groups Fair to be held after the service May 6
. Tables staffed by members of many of our more than 60 groups will be on the back patio, volleyball field and labyrinth area. This is a super opportunity to find out more about the groups you've been thinking might be of interest to you. It's always a fun and interesting event...with lots of socializing as well! Groups have received an invitation to participate and tables will be awaiting them that morning. Questions? Contact:
programcouncil@uuss.org
|
|
|
|
SAVE the DATE!
Sunday, May 6, 2:00-4:30 -- Paul Kivel comes to UUSS.
Are you concerned about racism in our country but don't know how to make a difference?
Do you have questions about race and racism but don't know who to ask?
Do you wish for an opportunity to discuss important issues around race?
Then this workshop is for you. Paul Kivel is a well- known author and speaker who has been doing work in racial justice for decades. Come learn how white people can work for racial justice.
|
|
|
|
UUSS is invited to a Moral Monday Mass Meeting, Monday, April 16, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 2620 Capitol Ave., Sacramento, featuring
Rev. Dr. Yvette A. Flunder, an amazing speaker from the Bay Area.
Read or hear about this national campaign in Rev. Roger's MLK Sunday sermon (January 14)
at this link.
|
Reform Prop. 13 Corporate Loophole
|
|
A corporate loophole in California's tax law starves local communities and schools of needed revenue. Our UUSS member Sharon Stone from the League of Women Voters is staffing a table after church in April to discuss and ask for petition signatures to put "Schools and Communities First."
Click here to read more. See a flyer on the bulletin board in the Office hallway. Supported by Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT).
|
First Thursday Social Justice Movie Night
|
|
Social Justice Movie Night will be on hiatus the month of April.
|
Racial Justice Book Discussion
|
|
Waking Up White
by Debby Irving. Join Rev. Lucy Wednesdays April 11 and 25
at 6:30 p.m. to discuss and reflect on this powerful narrative.
|
|
|
|
Computers for Refugees - Donations and Reception
on Sunday,April 22
The UUSS Refugee Leadership Team announces the extension of our Computers for Refugees pilot program! Last year, UUSS donated seven refurbished computer systems to refugee families served by the International Rescue Committee, Sacramento (IRC).
Donate your "gently used, like new" computers and monitors and stay for a brief UUSS refugee volunteers' reception and thank you celebration after Sunday services. We welcome your donated computer if it is five years old or less. If it is older than five years, only the following computers will be accepted: core 2 duo, i3, i5, or i7. Monitors that are flat and rectangular are welcomed. We are not able to accept keyboards and mouses. Computer experts will be on-site to evaluate donations.
Regardless of whether you have a computer or monitor to donate, please come to learn about UUSS's involvement in assisting refugees in our community.
Cash donations (checks may be made out to UUSS, with "Refugee Program" written on the notation line) are appreciated to defray the cost of refurbishing computer equipment.
|
Interfaith Engagement for Justice
|
|
Beginning in 2017, UUSS has been a partner with Sacramento Area Congregations Together, a multi-racial, multi-faith organization advocating a transformation of our community rooted in our shared faith values. Sacramento ACT's members include over 56 congregations, schools and neighborhood groups.
Several UUSS members are actively involved in organizing committees of SAC ACT working on issues of homelessness, education, environmental justice, and police/citizen relations. The organizing model for this groups includes conversations, research and action. (see graphic) Starting this month we will share updates of committee plan and activities. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Rev. Lucy.
Here are updates from our Sacramento Area congregations Together Committees
Environmental Justice (Christine Bailey, UUSS representative)
Our Sacramento ACT Environmental Justice Committee has been busy!
We've raised our voices at Sacramento County scoping meetings and at the County Planning Commission meeting regarding Sacramento County's proposed Environmental Justice General Plan amendment, and we've submitted written comments, over the fact that the County is not including affordable housing, climate change or transit in this EJ plan. We will continue to address the County Board of Supervisors on this issue.
Over the next two months we are conducting research on environmental health equity issues in the Sacramento area to identify environmental conditions that create health inequity in environmental justice communities and opportunities to change those conditions.
Sunday, April 29, UUSS and Sacramento ACT present "Confronting Environmental Racism" at UUSS from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. in our Main Hall.
Throughout the history of our country communities of color, tribal nations and immigrant communities have disproportionately experienced environmental burdens and related health problems. This is true in the Sacramento region.
We will spend the afternoon exploring the causes of this inequity including racialized historical legacies and structural and institutional racism, and their effects on environmental justice community health, transportation, pollution burden, climate change impacts, food access, and housing. We will also explore ways to address the conditions created by this inequity.
Speakers for this forum:
- Jonathan London, Professor of Human Ecology and Director of University of California Davis Center for Regional Change
- Katie Valenzuela, Staff to the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies
- Kirin Kumar, WALK Sacramento, a non-profit organization advocating walkable communities that promote health and economic growth
- Jackie Cole, VG Consulting, specializing in community organizing and advocacy
We will discuss opportunities for mobilizing regional action and have informative exhibits from local environmental justice communities.
If you would like to help Bill Becker with the on-site logistics (welcome table, refreshments, etc.) on April 29, please contact him at beckerbailey@sbcglobal.net
 
Sacramento ACT Committee meeting to plan our next steps Testifying at the Sacramento County Planning Commission meeting
Education (Paul Kinsella, UUSS representative)
The education committee was initiated to help parents find services for their children, in particular minority and those living in poverty, and to assist districts in their endeavor to meet student needs across the various content areas. Additionally, there is an effort to find new resources -- and access to existing ones-- for teacher training projects and innovative instructional methods to better utilize the relatively new federal subject content and instructional practice standards.
On 2-26-2018 the Education ACT committee met with Dave Gordon, Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools. The first objective was to create a working relationship with him and understand what his priorities were for the coming year. Additionally, we were interested in how he saw district budgets being managed and how he saw gaining access to the billions in voter approved funds being held by the various agencies might be accessed. He was very friendly and clearly wanted to be helpful as well as dedicated to improving services to students in transitional situations. He has initiated a tracking database to help locate students not being served and to identify what services need to be delivered.
Our next steps involve meeting with various agency and city administrators to gain a clearer view of what monies exactly are being held and how to match those monies with particular projects. We are also going to reach out to various parent groups, our primary interest, to see what they believe is needed and how we can attain services for their children. We remain hopeful despite a long road ahead.
Homelessness and Housing (Kathy Bernard, UUSS representative)
The
SacACT Homelessness Local Organizing Committee is a group of about 25 folks representing St. John's United Methodist Church, Trinity Episcopal and several other area churches, including 3 members from UUSS. We meet on the third Friday of each month.
The SacACT Homelessness Committee is a political action group whose purpose is to act as an advocate for ending homelessness with the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and the Sacramento City Council. The Committee believes that the only means to permanently address the issue of homelessness is through political action.
Last August, the Homelessness Committee convened a community-wide meeting in which members of the Board of Supervisors and City Council who were in attendance were asked to commit to developing a plan to end homelessness. The meeting was attended by about 300 people, including many from UUSS. Despite the commitments made by our political leaders that night, no comprehensive plan is being developed.
In response to the lack of action by our local political leaders, the Committee is proposing that regional advocates for ending homelessness and other stakeholders, together, develop a planning framework to end homelessness in Sacramento County. Over the past few months, committee members have promoted this plan by attending many Board of Supervisors and City Council meetings and meeting with many and various community-based service organizations. The outcome is that a meeting of these groups has been called for March 21 to begin a Comprehensive/Collaborative Planning Process to End Homelessness. The hope is that the plan will be completed, presented to and adopted by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and Sacramento City Council by early 2019.
|
|
|
|
April 2:
We will meet at 4 p.m. - Room TBA
We're reading "How Bad are Bananas? We're planning to set up a carbon footprint screening. How many planets would we need, based on your footprint? We'll plan our tabling at Earth Day at Southside Park on Sunday, April 22.
April 10:
Ray Reynolds will show 45 minutes of TED Talks and lead a discussion at 7:00 p.m.
April 11:
We plan to attend a Mini-Seminar at Franklin Library on April 11 from 12:30 to 2p.m. Franklin Library, 10055 Franklin High Rd., Elk Grove. Jim Lerner, China and Climate Change
:
What China is doing to reduce pollution in line with the Paris Accord. We'll carpool there from UUSS.
April 14:
March for Science: 10:30 at Capitol West steps. See you then!
April 22:
Earth Day at Southside Park, from 11 - 4. Volunteers needed to staff table!
|
|
Second Tuesday
TED Talk
|
|
Our TED talk this month will focus on water and our environment.
Come join Ray Reynolds to view and discuss TED talks.
April 10, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., UUSS Welcome Hall
|
Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices
|
|
Every Sunday before church (except a 5th Sunday) we offer a different spiritual practice.
They start at 9:45 a.m. and go until 10:15, so you won't be late for the service.
Childcare available, no reservation needed--drop off your child in room 11 as early as 9:30.
Here's the line-up:
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 us at the Labyrinth.
2nd Sunday - Qigong & 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 thoughts with others.
|
Exploring Unitarian Universalism --3rd Sunday of the Month
|
|
Sunday, April 15, 9:30 a.m. in the Fahs classroom: Faith: What it means to a UU.
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 long-time members are welcome. Each class includes some presentation, sharing by current members, and opportunity for small group discussion.
|
Alliance Program April 12
|
|
UUSS member Marilyn Reynolds will speak at the Alliance meeting on Thursday, April 12, about her new book
'Til Death or Dementia Do Us Part
.
She shares an authentic account of her husband's degenerative memory loss with honesty, insight, grace and humor. There will be time for questions and discussion. Books will be available for purchase. Alliance meets from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Light refreshments will be served in the Welcome Hall at UUSS. A $3 donation is appreciated. All are welcome!
|
|
|
|
On Tuesday, April 24, the UUSS Book Readers will meet at 7:00 p.m. in the Library to discuss Blue Highways: A Journey into America by William Least Heat Moon. For more information, contact
James Glidden
or (916) 649-9697.
|
Book Signing Reception April 7
|
|
"If it Weren't for Me..." is the title of Colene Schlaepfer's new book. Her memoir, from the Depression to now, illustrates the changes in the roles of women and men over her long life. Book signing is at UUSS on Saturday, April 7 from 1:30 to 3:00. There will be refreshments and music. All are invited.
|
Introduction to Walking Meditations using the Labyrinth and share
World Labyrinth Day
|
|
Saturday, May 5, 9:00 AM - Noon, at UUSS
Walking meditations using this ancient tool, as one of many techniques to meditate, is a powerful experience for many. Come join this informative and fun workshop. It's also a great preparation for our June Solstice celebration using the labyrinth.
BIG PLUS
: May 5, the first Saturday of May, is also WORLD LABYRINTH DAY.
Labyrinth walkers around the world are invited to walk a labyrinth at 1:00 PM.
Titled: Every One Walk at One for Peace. After the workshop, all are welcome to join Christie to walk again at 1:00 PM.
Christie Braziel is a certified, trained labyrinth facilitator and is providing a workshop for anyone new to labyrinths or wanting a refresher to learn about this ancient and powerful meditation tool.
- What is a labyrinth and its history in world-wide civilizations
- Difference between a maze and a labyrinth
- Amazing meditation benefits from walking a labyrinth
- Guidelines for walking the labyrinth
- The three stages of the labyrinth walk
- How to find local labyrinths to walk-wherever you live or travel
- Experience walking after discussion
WHERE:
Library -
Handouts included
COST:
Love offering
FEEDBACK:
"This was profoundly significant for me. It helped me decide on my current direction
". "When I finished, I was smiling". "Really calming". "I felt I left the world behind". "The path reflected my life journey".
Weather Note:
If the weather prohibits walking the outdoor labyrinth, an indoor, portable labyrinth is available.
Facilitator: CHRISTIE BRAZIEL
Christie has walked labyrinths for over 20 years. She has presented labyrinth workshops to both secular and religious audiences. Feedback is always very positive from everyone who learns about this ancient practice for our busy lives. She welcomes any opportunity to share the experience with others who seek a way to quiet the mind and enter into a space of peaceful contemplation. Join her on this exciting journey.
|
|
More Things to Know and Do
|
|
UUSS Sesquicentennial Celebration
|
|
As of March 29, 2018, UUSS is officially 150 years old!
You are invited to learn about our history by reading the UUSS website posting of Rodney Cobb and Irma West's manuscripts and Rev. Dr. Roger Jones' Ph.D. dissertation. If you prefer paper to electronic, limited paper copies of these documents are available in the UUSS office for check out.
Another source of information about our lengthy and always fascinating story is the wall-mounted display case located by the restrooms behind the Fahs Room and facing the RE play yard. Displays will change every four to six weeks. The March display features our resilient Women's Alliance! Our sesquicentennial year will also be celebrated by:
- Presentations by keynote speakers from the Unitarian Universalist denomination
- "Our Place in History" speaker series
- Vintage photograph displays
- Proclamation from the City of Sacramento
- Historically themed activities
A 128-year-old cookbook, "approved by the Ladies of the Unitarian Society" in 1890 and currently archived in the California State Library, will be featured in the UUSS retrospective. Rev. Dr. Susan Ritchie (on left with Rev. Lucy) provided the sermon and an inspirational and informative lecture on Sunday March 4, kicking off the UUSS Sesquicentennial Year Celebration.
|
|
UUA Regional Assembly in Portland April 27-29
|
|
Join your fellow western Unitarian Universalists in Portland, Oregon, April 27-29.
Registration
for the Pacific Western Regional Assembly will be open through April 15. Speakers include UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick Gray (pictured), and Hon. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the first Indian-American woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress.
Still haven't decided? Take a look at the variety of workshops, dynamic speakers and other offerings via the
Regional Assembly website
. Got youngsters? Great! We have an exciting
Kids' Camp
planned for them. Got teens? Wonderful! They'll be
Making CoUUrageous Connections
together. Each district will hold their annual meeting on Saturday afternoon, April 28. If you will be attending Regional Assembly and would like to serve as a UUSS delegate at the Pacific Central District annual meeting during the Assembly, contact our board president, Margaret Wilcox. There are a few unfilled delegate slots, and we have through April 20 to
certify the delegates
from UUSS.
|
|
Unitarian Communion with Minister from Transylvania
|
|
5:00 p.m. (light supper at 4:00) Sunday, April 22, at UUSS
With Rev. Emese Bodor, Rev. Roger Jones, and Rev. Morgan McLean
If you have never had a Protestant Communion... never had Communion presided over by a woman of the clergy... or never had a Unitarian Communion, please join us for this profound ceremony, co-sponsored by UUSS and the UU Church of Davis. Presiding will be the Rev. Emese Bodor. She is visiting Starr King School for the Ministry this year from Transylvania, where she serves at a Unitarian high school. When she preached for us on October 1, many immediately said, "When can she come back?"
We will visit with her and UUs from Davis over a light supper
(potluck); we'll sing a grace and sit for the meal at 4:15. Communion will go from 5:00 to 5:45. You are welcome to come for either or both programs. Sign up at the Sunday Connections Table so we have enough chairs for everyone!
In the Hungarian Unitarian Christian tradition of Transylvania, Communion is known as the Lord's Supper. With bread and wine, it has been for centuries a ritual to build the bonds of community in times that would wear us down and pull us apart. With music and silence, prayer and a short sermon, it continues as a ritual to remember the compassionate healing and teaching ministry of Jesus of Nazareth and his disciples.
|
|
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE)
Miranda Massa, RE Coordinator
|
|
April 1 Easter Sunday
|
|
Nursery kids and Spirit Play (kinder - 5
th
grade) children - bring your Easter baskets to
church on April 1. We will have our annual egg hunt in the grassy area by the Religious Education rooms.
*Parent/Guardian note:
we will not start the hunt until you are together with your child, so please head right over after service.
|
|
Our UU Rainbow Promises
|
|
The UU Principles are called Promises in our
Spirit Play
group, and this is how they read:
- Red is Respect for all beings.
- Orange is for Offering fair and kind treatment.
- Yellow is to Yearn to learn throughout life.
- Green is for Growing by exploring ideas and values together.
- Blue is for Believe in our ideas and act on them.
- Indigo is Insist on peace, freedom, and justice for all.
- Violet is for Value our interdependence with nature.
Want to learn more about ways to contribute, volunteer options, or about our programs in general? Contact Religious Education Coordinator, Miranda at
re@uuss.org
.
|
|
Summer Sundays Art Call!
|
|
Have you experienced the creativity that emerges every summer at UUSS? RE offers Summer ArtWorks Sunday mornings in the months of June, July, and August. We need artists, musicians, creative people and fun folks to lead artistic classes and help our presenters. Let's plan for some fun! Contact re@uuss.org
|
|
Kids' Chalice Camp July 9-13 at UUSS this Summer
|
|
Chalice Camp is a fun filled week-long summer day camp for 1st through 6th graders. Chalice Camp deepens children's and youth's connection to one another and their understanding of themselves as UUs. It expands their knowledge of Unitarian Universalism and their capacity to be articulate about our faith. The activities during the week include daily worship, group building exercises, swimming, games, drama, art, study, and a service project. Firming up participants now for July 9-13. Please e-mail
re@uuss.org
to request your registration form.
|
|
Re: RE
|
|
-Sunday, April 22 is our all ages service. Miranda will be away this Sunday.
-Sunday, April 29 Kids' Freedom Club meeting 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in Room 6. New members always welcome. E-mail
freedom@uuss.org
for more information.
-Sunday, April 8 and April 15 parents of junior and senior high youth at 9:45-10:20 a.m.
-The Nursery in Room 11 is open every Sunday at 9:20 am so parents may attend
-RSVP for child care for Auction Jubliee by e-mailing
re@uuss.org
by April 7.
|
Religious Education (RE) Calendar, April 2018
|
|
Sunday, April 1
9:30-12:00 Child care
10:30-11:30 Spirit Play, JHYG, SHYG
Sunday, April 8
9:30-12:00 Child care
9:45
-10:30 Parents of Youth ~ Coffee & Conversation
10:30-11:45 Spirit Play
10:00-12:00 Our Whole Lives grades 7-8-9
Sunday, April 15
9:30-12:00 Child care
9:45
-10:30 Parents of Youth ~ Coffee & Conversation
10:30-11:45 Spirit Play
10:00-12:00 Our Whole Lives grades 7-8-9
Sunday, April 22
9:30-12:00 Nursery Care in Room 11
10:30-11:45
All Ages Service, no RE Program
Sunday, April 29
9:30-12:00 Child care
10:30-11:30 Spirit Play, JHYG, SHYG
11:30-12:30 Kids' Freedom Club
|
WHO WE ARE AND WHERE TO FIND US
|
|
|
|
|
The UUSS office is open Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
|
|
|
|
|
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. Aaron will be in possession of the phone Monday-Thursday 1pm to 9:30pm and Miguel will be in possession on Friday nights and Saturday from 7-3:30pm.
|
|
Serving Our Congregation
|
|
UUSS OFFICERS & BOARD of TRUSTEES
Margaret Wilcox, President Denis Edgren,
Vice-President
Gordon Gerwig, Treasurer Victoria Owens, Secretary
Kathy Bernard Carl Crain
Carl Gardner
Sally White
Roger Olson
Annika Lawson, Youth Trustee
Board meetings: 7:00 p.m., 4th Thursday of the month (exception on November 30)
Marian Ashe Linda Roth
Patty Budding
Deirdre Downes (Chair)
Tamara Olson
Program
Council meetings: 7:00 p.m., 3rd Thursday of the month.
Ministers
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Senior Minister
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
Aaron Molina - Sunday thru Thursday, Custodian
Miguel Neri - Friday to Sunday, Custodian
Ivan Caballero, Sunday Audio Tech -- welcome to Ivan, who started in March!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
