August 2018 Unigram newsletter for you!

The Unigram

Newsletter for August 2018

Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento

2425 Sierra Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95825

Office (916) 483-9283

A MONTH OF SUNDAYS

Upcoming Services

July 29, 10:30 a.m.

De-Centering White-Supremacy Culture in American Institutions

Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch

Worship Associate Celia Buckley

Our new long-range goals include living our commitment to justice, equity, and compassion. We seek to deepen our understanding of individual and organizational roles in perpetuating systemic racism, so we can uproot it. This goal links us to our denomination's work to dismantle systems that maintain a social system and culture of white dominance. Please bring an open mind and heart as we engage in this work as a spiritual practice.

August 5, 10:30 a.m.

All-Ages Worship

Harvest Celebration -- A Service for All Ages

Rev. Lucy Bunch and Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones

Worship Associates Ginny Johnson and Laura Sheperd

Recognition of August Birthdays

Come celebrate the bounty of the summer harvest at this service for all ages. We will hear stories, songs, and poems about gardening and celebrate the bounty of the earth with a "tomato communion." What could be better than that! Bring something from your garden to share and take away a treat from someone else.

9:45 Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice, Labyrinth Walk in the meadow (childcare available).

August 12

Lessons Learned from My Students

Keith Atwater, preaching, with Rev. Roger D. Jones and Worship Associate Jess Reynolds

In addition to serving as our Music Director, Keith is an instructor at American River College, where he has taught humanities and religious studies for many years. In his first career, he was a high school band and choir instructor. Come learn about the special moments and life lessons he has gained from his students.

This is the farewell Sunday for guest pianist Luis Rubalcaba-Cota.

9:45 Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice, Qi Gong & Tai Chi Chuan in Fahs Room (childcare available).

Forum (12:00 to 1:30 p.m.): Personal Journeys for Global Peace: A Spiritual and Political Perspective by Jonathan Granoff, president, Global Security Institute & practicing Sufi.

August 19

Masculine Voices and Values in the #MeToo Moment

Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, preaching

Worship Associate Larry Boles and pianist Nicholas Dold

Amid long-delayed revelations of widespread abuse and assault against women and children by men in positions of power, what is a healthy, progressive, and respectful way to respond as a man? What is a life-giving way to express our sense of masculinity and claim our dignity as well as our responsibility for changing this culture? Rev. Roger welcomes thoughts and stories from male UUSS congregants.

Musical guest: Bay-area pianist Nicholas Dold returns to UUSS with some lovely works chosen for this day. He works at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Santa Clara University. Read more here about Nicholas.

9:30 Exploring Unitarian Universalism

This month: Faith--What does it mean to a UU? Join us in the Fahs Classroom.

9:45 Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice, Silent Meditation in Room 6 (childcare available).

August 26

The Serenity Prayer:

Simple Words for Global Strife and the Struggle in Your Own Heart

Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, preaching, with Worship Associate Ginny Johnson

Music Director Keith Atwater and accompanist Ina Jun

This powerful short prayer has been spread around the world by the 12-step Movement. Seventy-five years ago this summer, it was crafted for a Sunday service in a New England village by Reinhold Niebuhr. He was a pastor and theologian whose work on human morality and social sin has inspired Barack Obama and other leaders. Come reflect on this prayer crafted for uncertain times in the world and hard moments in our own lives. We welcome Ina Jun, our amazing pianist, back from her months away!

9:45 Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice, Reading Reflection on Poetry & Prose in Room 6 (childcare available).

Newcomers' Orientation and Tour, 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (child care continues in Room 11 till 1:00 p.m.)

September 2

Antidote to Cynicism: Poetry

Rev. Lucy Bunch preaching with Rev Dr Roger Jones, with Worship Associate Celia Buckley

Cynicism is a quietly powerful form of repression that can corrode your heart and soul. And yet it feels like a safe haven from the troubles in our world. Fight back with the power of poetry! This Sunday we will explore several poems that help us keep our hearts open and our spirits strong.

9:45 Sunday Morning Spiritual Practice, Labyrinth Walk in the meadow (childcare available).

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 each year to choose 12 community partners that embody our values and reflect our mission to be a force for healing in the world. In June, we contributed $2,638 to Welcome Home Housing.

Our August offerings will be shared with Opening Doors, an organization that empowers refugees, immigrants, human trafficking survivors, and under-served Sacramento area residents to achieve self-sufficiency by accessing opportunities to economic and social systems through providing safe places, skills development, business loans, and connections to community resources, assisting their clients to build financial and personal assets while maintaining their cultural identity and individual goals.

Bring Back Waters from your Summer Activities
Our annual Ingathering Service takes place Sunday, September 9. In this service for all ages, we bring waters we have gathered from our travels or other summer activities and mingle them in a common vessel in a ritual of community-building. Bring a small jar from your tap, your favorite lake, a local river, a public swimming pool, or a distant ocean.

FROM YOUR MINISTERS

Senior Minister's Message:

My Report from the 2018 UUA General Assembly (GA)

GA is the annual meeting of UUA member congregations--for doing the business of our Association but also for music, worship, fellowship, learning, skill-building, and raising a religious voice for compassion, equity, and justice. From June 20 to 24, I was a clergy delegate to GA in Kansas City. At least one UUSS member participated on line from Sacramento (with 200 other off-site delegates). The 1,570 delegates represented 522 of the UUA's 1,038 congregations. As you need not be a delegate to attend, registrations totaled 2,814, including 134 high school youth. They join as the GA Youth Caucus.

In major business, delegates amended UUA Bylaws to reflect gender-neutral wording, add two Youth Trustees to the UUA Board, grant delegate status to members of the Liberal Religious Educators Association employed by congregations (giving them voting rights equivalent to those for ministers), and allow for co-moderators (not just one Moderator) of the UUA Board of Trustees. We elected as co-moderators Mr. Barb Greve, a trans man who is a Religious Educator, and Elandria Williams, an African American woman. Both are younger adults and lifelong UUs.

Delegates considered six Actions of Immediate Witness. By a close vote we narrowed the field down to the maximum of three actions: "End Family Separation and Detention of Asylum Seekers and Abolish ICE," "Dismantle Predatory Medical Care Practices in Prisons and End Prisons for Profit," and "We Are All Related: Solidarity Now with Indigenous Water Protectors." Congregations and individual UUs are encouraged to speak up and show up in support of these causes. More information will come to church members in the UU World magazine, but you can find plenty at www.uuworld.org.

Quite moving for me were the times we heard from the Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, making her first UUA President's Report to the Assembly, which was quite powerful. Congregational giving to the UUA was up over last year, and so is overall membership in congregations. [She will preach at UUSS September 30.] Susan explained how the UUA's mission: 1) equips congregations for healthy, vital ministries in their local areas; 2) trains and equips leaders for our congregations and our movement; and 3) amplifies the larger voice of our faith in the world. Susan has participated in the Poor People's Campaign this year (getting arrested in D.C.) and in the Charlottesville protest against white nationalist militiamen. At a Juneteenth rally before GA, the ministers learned from local leaders about the criminalization of people of color, especially burdensome practices of cash bail and high fees for minor civil violations. Several clergy rode over to Kansas for a civil disobedience protest.

Susan Frederick-Gray gave a sermon to 3,000 people on Sunday morning; Greg and Alec Redmond were present for this while visiting the area. The Sunday offering for a local organization raised $33,000. Other special offerings during the week brought in $95,000 for youth GA travel scholarships, aid for seminarians and ministers in crisis, and the Side with Love ( formerly "Standing on the Side of Love ") organizing arm of the UUA.

Susan encouraged congregations to join the Promise and Practice of Our Faith campaign and make matching donations toward support of Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU). UUSS is one of 310 congregations that have made a commitment so far; recently the UUSS Board authorized a goal of raising $5,000. The national goal is $5.3 million; one family's challenge grant plus congregational commitments made so far have reached $3 million to date! BLUU led this year's community service project, inviting us to assemble 1,000 domestic violence survivor care packs for the Kansas City area.

In addition to workshops on Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, R.E. and family ministry, worship vitality, and goal-setting in congregations, I attended annual meetings of the UU Partner Church Council, the UU Ministers Association, and Meadville Lombard Theological School graduates. I spoke with several ministers, Religious Educators, and UUA staff leaders. The most powerful and challenging part of GA was the major Ware Lecture, given this year by activist and writer Brittany Packnett. I am hopeful about our UU movement's ability to make a difference in these times. I'm proud of the role UUSS is playing. It is a blessing to be serving with all of you.

Yours in service,

Roger

Rev. Dr. Roger D. Jones, Senior Minister

Where's Rev. Roger in August?
Office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons. Sermon and study day is Saturday. I'll be in Virginia from July 30 to August 4, staying at an inn run by the mom of UUSS member Kimberly Ayres. I won the lodging in a UUSS service auction fundraiser. When I'm here, I'd love to make an appointment to see you, so give me a call.

Out and about with Rev. Roger--Community Office Hours & Lunch!

Show up at his office for an appointment, or join Rev. Roger for lunch or coffee for external office hours. Monday, August 13: Lunch at Plates 2 Go (1725 L Street, near St. John's Lutheran). This lunch restaurant downtown employs women from St. John's Program for Real Change. All profits and tips go to support women and their children.

On Monday, August 13, I'll be at Plates2Go from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., so come in, order your own lunch, and find the table. Plenty of time to check in and get to know your UU neighbors. If you work downtown, come on by! If you don't work or live downtown, suggest a coffee house or supermarket cafe with a parking lot, and it might be the next site for Community Office Hours! Questions or ideas? Let Rev. Roger know.

Assistant Minister's Message

Antidotes for Cynicism

Last month I participated in the American River Parkway cleanup with a dozen other folks from UUSS, a monthly event that I highly recommend. Good company, good activity, great conversation during and afterwards. We were heartened by the number of cyclists who called out their gratitude to us as they rode by.

At our post-trash coffee, conversation turned to the challenges in our government. We compared worries and shared ideas for how to keep our heads out of despair, including limiting our media exposure. Then our conversation turned to how to avoid cynicism.

I was drawn to this topic. I have struggled these past few weeks with what feels like the imminent demise of our democracy, and the end of decency and compassion. Perhaps an exaggeration, but that's how I feel some days. One of my go-to ways of fighting off despair is to devolve into cynicism. Being cynical can feel like a safe place: coolly distant with a hint of irony. While humor can indeed be helpful in these difficult times, cynicism not so much.

One member of our discussion shared a statement he had read quoting a history professor at UCD who specializes in conspiracy theories about the government. She had written that "skepticism is healthy, but cynicism can be corrosive." Cynicism can be corrosive. The perfect description. The problem with despair is that it can shut you off from seeing what is hopeful. But cynicism corrodes your heart and soul, hardens you, and closes you off in a deeper way.

If you find yourself feeling cynical, I urge you to take it seriously. What is the antidote? Whatever feeds your soul. First, get away from the media, away from your dark thoughts, and give your spirit some air. Take a walk, call a friend. Go see the movie about Mr. Rogers (very uplifting and hopeful) or any movie that lifts your spirits. Come to church on Sunday, or attend any of our regular events, from yoga to book discussions. Come walk the labyrinth, or take part in one of our Sunday Morning Spiritual practices.

Better yet, do something to make a difference. Help cook or serve a meal for the homeless at Loaves & Fishes or St John's. Help with our refugee programs or our environmental justice initiatives. You can find all these opportunities on our website. Take part in upcoming efforts to get out the vote (see article in the Justice and Compassion section of this newsletter).

Or come join us this month to pick up trash on the river. See how uplifting it can be to join a group of caring people working to make the world a more beautiful place, one piece of trash at a time. It's hard to be cynical when the river is gorgeous and the people are wonderful.

Sending love to all of you,

Rev. Lucy

Where's Lucy in August?
My office hours are TWTh afternoons. I would love to have you come visit me, but please call or e-mail first so I can be sure to be available for you. I am away on vacation and study leave August 6-27. During August 12-16, I'm leading a UU silent retreat in Southern California with at least two UUSS folks participating. Ask me about it when I return and plan to join us in 2019.

Music Director's Message:

Join Us for the Annual UUSS Choir Retreat!

All who have wondered what singing in the UUSS choir is like are invited to join us at our third annual choir retreat, Saturday, August 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. As always, there are no auditions, and music reading is a plus, but not a requirement. This year we will use the newly renovated Saint Michael's Episcopal Church, 2140 Mission Avenue, Carmichael, and as always we will go out for an early supper and social afterwards. Some folks come for the music reading and voice lessons and stay for the fun and fellowship! All are welcome!

-- Keith Atwater

FROM YOUR LEADERSHIP

President's Message

"We come together to deepen our lives...." This familiar phrase that begins our UUSS Mission Statement has always resonated with me. I've wondered, though, how coming together deepens my life.

Is it those moments when the Sunday sermons spark a new perspective on my spirituality? Yes, that does happen. Is it joining a UUSS circle or class or committee or event where I listen to others and share my own thoughts on important issues? Yes, that can lead to a broadening and deepening of my thoughts.

Recent events in my personal life though, following the unexpected passing of my husband, have given this phrase a very special significance. My life has been deepened enormously by the outpouring of compassion and love from the congregation over the past two months. I've led a life with few crises and little need for emotional support beyond my family. I had no idea how incredibly wonderful it is to have a caring community reach out in support. Every card and e-mail helped soothe the grief. You deepened my life.

- Margaret Wilcox, Board President

UUSS Sesquicentennial Celebration

History Notes

The Unitarian Laymen's League

There had been a women's organization within the Society as early as 1889, but the first known men's organization was formed in 1921 when the local chapter of the Unitarian Laymen's League consisted of twelve members. Its activity seems to have been desultory until the autumn of 1922 when the League organized a public lecture series, "The Truth about Evolution." Under the leadership of Warren W. Gayman, a local professor, more than 200 series tickets were sold at $1.50 before the first of the lectures in October. Speakers were provided by the University of California Extension Division. All were university professors chosen to cover a range of topics, from biology through the social sciences. Noted anthropologist Alfred E. Kroeber, a pioneer in that subject at the University of Berkeley, was one of the speakers, indicating the high quality of the series.

In Good Times and in Bad: The Story of Sacramento's Unitarians, 1864-1984, by Rodney Cobb and Irma West, 2008, page 32.

Submitted by Sandra Navarro, UUSS Sesquicentennial Task Force

Ladies of the Unitarian Society

There are no known artifacts related to the founding of UUSS in 1868. The most compelling early artifact is held by the California State Library.

Published in 1890 by "Ladies of the Unitarian Society," this 156-page volume is called, Cookery in the Golden State: A Collection of Choice Recipes Tried and Approved by the Ladies of the Unitarian Society. T his 128-year-old cookbook, reflecting the lives of congregation members, is a poignant symbol of the lengthy history of Unitarian (now Unitarian Universalist) presence in Sacramento, and of the tenacity of church members in sustaining church viability, despite significant challenges over the years.

During coffee hour on Sunday, September 16, 2018, we will celebrate "The Ladies of the Unitarian [Universalist] Society" and our legacy cookbook. Cake and lemonade will be served. You are invited to bring one of the following treats made from a recipe featured in our cookbook:

Sponge Cake

"Eight eggs, the whites and yolks beaten separately, then together-ten minutes-two medium-sized cups of granulated sugar in two gills of water, boiled until it strings; beat in into the eggs already beaten, pouring it in while hot, and beat twenty minutes; then add two cups of sifted flour, one teaspoonful of yeast powder and a bit of salt; stir the flour in lightly. Grate lemon peel for flavor. Bake in rather quick oven thirty minutes."

Queen Cake

"Two cups of butter, three cups of sugar, five eggs, one cup of milk, five cups of flour, three teaspoons of baking powder, one wine glass of wine or brandy, one nutmeg, one pound of raisins-citron. Mix like pound cake and bake one hour."

--Sandra Navarro, UUSS Sesquicentennial Task Force

Sell your Handicrafts and Creations at Holiday Market

UUSS members and pledging friends are invited to sell their handicrafts and creations at the UUSS Old-Fashioned Holiday Market (organized by the UUSS Sesquicentennial Task Force) on Saturday, October 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The number of vendor spaces is limited. Registrations must be received by September 1. Preference will be given to UUSS members and pledging friends. Registrations will be accepted on a "first come, first served" basis.

Examples of creative works by adults and children include:

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
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

Each vendor will occupy one table for a fee of $10. Ten percent of vendor sales will be collected at the close of the Holiday Market on October 27. (Cash or checks will be accepted.) Send a completed registration form and $10 check made out to UUSS (reference "Holiday Market") to Michele Ebler (ATTN: Holiday Market), UUSS, 2425 Sierra Blvd., Sacramento 95825. Direct questions to Tina Stidman. To get started, go to www.uuss.org/anniversary and fill out the printable registration form.

Justice and Compassion Work

Personal Journeys for Global Peace:

A Spiritual and Political Perspective

Forum with Jonathan Granoff, President, Global Security Institute

Sunday, August 12, 12:00-1:30 p.m., at UUSS (light refreshments)

Don't miss a rare opportunity to meet a global expert on peace, disarmament, and international relations. Jonathan Granoff is a senior advisor to the American Bar Association's committee on arms control and national security, a trustee of the Jane Goodall Institute, and a leader of the Nobel Peace Laureates' annual meeting. He is also a practicing Sufi, in a mystical branch of the Islamic tradition. Having met often with the Dalai Lama and Pope Francis, he addresses the legal, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of human development and security. This month, as we mark the 73 ^rd anniversary of the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by atomic bomb blasts, let's consider what each of us can do politically and spiritually to promote security and peace. Stay after church for light refreshments; to request extended childcare, write [email protected]. Questions? See Rev. Roger.

Get out the Vote Training--August 17 - 18

Let's all rally our energies to get out the vote in November. Starting in September we will join our interfaith partners in Sacramento Area Congregation Together (Sac ACT) in outreach to engage voters in the coming election. However, planning for these efforts begins this month. We have been invited to send five people to a regional training, August 17-18, here in Sacramento. Do you feel called to help organize a UUSS effort for voter outreach? Want to meet like-minded people who are committed to engaging their congregations in rallying the vote? Contact Rev. Lucy ( [email protected]) to let her know that you want to attend this training and to help organize our congregation to make a difference this fall. This is a tangible way to help change the direction of our country.

Uprooting Racism Discussion Continues through August 15

Tuesdays, August 7 and 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Welcome Hall

Interested in learning how to work for racial justice? Join us for reading and discussion of the book Uprooting Racism by Paul Kivel. August 7 is the 5^th week of our discussion, but all are welcome for the last two sessions. On August 7, we will discuss part 5 of the book, then part 6 on August 14. Please join us. Contact: Rev. Lucy [email protected] for more info.

Interfaith Earth Justice

Focusing on Environmental Injustice in West Arden-Arcade

During July and August a workgroup from our Sacramento Area Congregations Together (Sac ACT) Environmental Justice Committee is investigating environmental racism and injustice in our own area of West Arden-Arcade. This work group consists of members of Sacramento ACT clergy: UUSS, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, and Congregation B'nai Israel.

UUSS members who are part of this Sac ACT interfaith workgroup are: Ruth McDonald, Eric

Ross, and Rich Howard who are studying environmental data for West Arden-Arcade to learn the geographic locations of environmental hazards.

Hally Cahssai is researching groups in West Arden-Arcade who represent people of color and low-income communities, and Susan Lange is identifying immigrant groups in West Arden-Arcade.

Ruth McDonald is working with the Black Child Legacy group to learn their concerns in this area. Rev. Lucy Bunch is working with other Sac ACT faith leaders to reach out to the West Arden-Arcade faith community to see whether others are doing this kind of work and who may be potential faith partners as we move ahead.

Once we gather this information and know more about the environmental burdens of this area, our intention is to listen to those most affected by environmental injustice and to hear their concerns and priorities. We feel that they are the ones who should tell us what they would like to see for their communities.

On a date and time to be announced soon, we'll share what we've learned so far with our congregation! Keep watching our Interfaith Earth updates at the church website.

In September, we resume our second Wednesday Sac ACT Environmental Justice Committee monthly meetings. They take place in our UUSS library from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Please join us if you are interested in this work. The next meetings are September 12 and October 14. Have questions? Feel free to contact Eric Ross at [email protected] or our team at [email protected] .

ADULT ENRICHMENT

Ukulele Strum-Along

Friday, August 3, at 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Library.

Grab your uke and your voice to sing and strum along. Even if you just want to sing, or you are new to the ukulele, we encourage you to join us. Everyone is welcome. We have extra copies of the music to share and a few ukes to spare. If the event goes well, we will make it a regular monthly event. Even if you can't make it this month, let us know and we will hope to see you next time.

Contact: Nathan Burg at [email protected] .

Second Tuesday TED Talk

Our Second Tuesday TED Talks are on hiatus for the summer. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 11, and stay tuned for information about the topic.

TED Talks are influential videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, technology, and creativity. We view and discuss several talks each month on a specific theme. Do you have a TED Talk that you would like to share?

Contact Rev. Lucy to find out how you can host one of these sessions.

Transforming Our Losses--Letting Go and Moving On

Grief and loss are natural parts of our lives -- obvious losses like the death of a loved one, divorce, retirement, or the loss of a job or money. But there are also such losses as illness, moving, the loss of a dream, or losses related to our own aging. What normal inevitable losses are challenging you today?

Our culture often teaches us to deny normal grieving of big or little losses, but these repressed feelings can lead to low grade depression, anxiety, and needless suffering. In this class, you will learn practical, mindfulness- or spiritually-based tools for transforming any loss for more peace, purpose, and passion. Pain is inevitable, but suffering optional. You will learn the three stages of grieving any loss and five powerful, proven steps to transform your loss for more strength, growth, and resilience. Research shows that we can truly grow older with grace and grit. Come and learn in a safe, private atmosphere these positive practices for letting go and moving on.

Your instructor, Richard Lui, M.S., is a licensed counselor for individuals and couples, a counselor and life coach with 38 years of experience seeing clients and teaching classes with these mindfulness tools for letting go. He is a co-author, along with Jim Regan, of "Radical Spiritual Adventures Everyday." Richard has offices in Sacramento and Roseville. He believes that transforming loss can lead to deep happiness and serenity.

The class is offered on Sunday, September 30, from 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. in the Fahs room at UUSS. The fee is $20 with a light lunch provided. Sign up at the Adult Enrichment table on Sundays or contact Judy Bell at 916-961-0316.

Save the date: Monday Everning Meditation Class: Buddha's Mapnitarian
Led by Doug Kraft, a Dharma teacher and retired Unitarian Universalist minister (our UUSS Minister Emeritus), psychotherapist, and author. Monday evenings, September 1 7 to November 12, 6:30 to 8 :30 p.m. You may sign up at the Adult Enrichment table on Sundays.

Spiritual Deepening Circles at UUSS

All are welcome!

Are you looking for ways to connect with members of the UUSS community? Wanting to talk about what is important and meaningful to you? Longing to listen and share deeply?

Everyone is on a spiritual journey.Spiritual Deepening Circles will give you a chance to reflect on your journey in community and take steps to deepen your spirituality and connections.

Groups of about 10 each will meet twice a month, October - May at UUSS orin a member's home.The curriculum is designed by the ministers to promote deep listening and reflection.

More information and registration forms are available at the Adult Enrichment table in the Welcome Hall, in the UUSS Office or online athttp://www.uuss.org/circles

Register by September 20. Circles start the second week of October.

Comments received from prior year Circle members:

"I loved sharing my feelings and thoughts without interruption..."

"I'm a better listener now."

"I loved the warmth and acceptance I got from each member of my circle."

"The disciplined structure encouraged deeper reflection."

"I made two new friends!"

"The focus on listening has improved all my relationships"

Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices

Every Sunday before church (except 5th Sundays), we offer a different spiritual practice.

9:45 to 10:15 a.m., so you won't be late for the service.

Child care is available, no reservation needed. You can 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 of your experience. Come participate in this ancient form of walking meditation. Meet us at the Labyrinth.

2nd Sunday - QiGong and Tai Chi Chuan, Fahs Room

Join John MacMillan and experience a taste of this transforming practice.

3rd Sunday - Silent Meditation, 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, Room 6

JoAnn Anglin leads this spiritual deepening practice of finding your meaning in a piece of poetry and sharing your thought with others.

Exploring UUism

Sunday, August 19, at 9:30 a.m. in the Fahs classroom: Faith: What does it mean to a UU?

Join us every third Sunday of the month before the service, for Exploring Unitarian Universalism. Four different 45-minute sessions are offered consecutively:

Social Justice: How Do We Live Our Values? (September 16)
Survey of UU History (October 21)
Principles and Sources of Our Tradition Social Justice (November 18)
Faith: What Does It Mean to a UU? (December 16)

Both newcomers and longtime members are welcome. Each class includes some presentation, sharing by current members, and opportunity for small group discussion.

UUSS Book Readers
On Tuesday, August 28, the UUSS Book Readers meet at 7:00 p.m. in the Library to discuss Mrs. Bridges by Evan S. Connell. For more information, contact Jim Glidden at (916) 649-9697

MORE THINGS TO KNOW AND DO

PROM 2018: Fall Fundraiser, October 6
Yes! The Prom is back for 2018 and we've already picked a date - Saturday October 6. More than 100 people came last year; if you missed it, check out www.uuss.org/prom to see photos and videos from PROM 2017, a slide show of UUSS members' old high school photos, pics from our fabulous photo booth, and more. SAVE THE DATE!

Religious Education and Family Ministry

Re-imagining Sunday School

Pot of Gold is a regional Religious Education Conference hosted by UUSS on

Saturday, September 29, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can attend or help us in hosting. Or both!

All RE professionals, volunteers, ministers, and lay leaders from the Pacific Western Region are coming to the 7^th Annual Pot of Gold RE Conference, hosted here at UUSS. Kim Sweeney, Executive Director of Courageous Faith Consulting, and the Rev. Sarah Gibb Millspaugh, Congregational Life Staff member in the UUA's Pacific Western Region, will make a shared keynote presentation.

Registration includes meals, keynote conversations, and workshops on skills and models for our ministries for children, youth, families and volunteers. Cost is $50/person or $40/person for teams of four or more per congregation (includes meals). Rates go up September 15.

**Can you help by hosting breakfast or lunch, staffing the registration table, or providing overnight home hospitality for out-of-state UU guests? Do you have questions about the conference itself? Contact Miranda at [email protected].

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE)

by Miranda Massa, RE Coordinator

Summer Wind Down and Preparation for September

August is here. Our summer pop-up art classes for 2018 have been awesome. Children and youth explored a wide variety of arts and other meaningful crafts. Watercoloring (photo above), beaded suncatchers, yoga, walking our beautiful Labyrinth with Rev Lucy, bookmarks, necklaces, greeting cards and so much! Sincere thanks for the adult volunteers who share their time, talents, and support! As summer wind downs, we look forward to your continued participation when the 2018 - 2019 Religious Education year begins mid September. Looking forward!

Nursery Playground Help!

Parents, we need your help. Which play structure would you like to see in the Nursery play yard? Once we get your feedback, and maybe thoughts from your children, we can move forward with inviting a new play structure into the outside area. I'd love to hear from you!


A.


	B.

Program Leadership and Support for our Children, Youth and Families

Want to get involved? Have a bit of time, a ton of passion, and energy that parallels the fabulous youth of congregation? Want to donate?

Areas of help include: staffing the RE Welcome Table once a month, creating materials/props/trinkets for stories told in our grade school Spirit Play program, donating felt (I can help with details), volunteering in the infant/toddler Nursery, or being present as a guest presenter. So many options! I would love to collarboate with you. Email me, [email protected].

Upcoming Dates

-Sunday, August 5 Miranda is away.

-Sunday, August 5 is our all ages service

-Tuesday, August 7 Parents of Youth in Junior & Senior High: Evening Pool Party

-Friday, August 24 UUSS outing to River Cats game, sponsored by our Family Ministry Team

-Sunday, August 26 Parents of Youth in Junior & Senior High: Picnic & Kayaking.

-Sunday, Sept. 9, annual Ingathering Service for all ages, with kids' water slide to follow!

-The Nursery in Room 11 is open every Sunday at 9:20 am for parents, grandparents or guardians to attend Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices,

For more information: [email protected]

August Religious Education (RE) Calendar

Sunday, August 5