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Weekly Message for UUSS
December 4 , 2020
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Dearest Community:
As I write this, we have just heard that the Governor may reinstate a "sheltering in place" order if the intensive care bed capacity goes below 15%. Right now, Sacramento County is at 22% capacity. We hope it won't come to pass, but we also have to plan for increased cases of the virus. For those of us who have been cautious, this will mean little change, but for others it will mean loss of some activities that have been keeping you sane! For the essential workers the increased cases can cause additional concern and risk.
These are hard times, but we have been working on our resilience for months (years?). Now is the time to put that training in to place and hunker down for the duration. It has been so hard to be apart these past 9 months, and it's especially hard during the holidays- but we can't lose sight now.
This Sunday Rev Roger will preach on patience -the special form of patience that is required of us at this time. The advent season calls on us for sacred waiting - waiting for the light, for the birth of possibility. With vaccine on the horizon, we are doing the 2020 form of scared waiting, waiting for this pandemic to be over and for the birth of what is to come afterwards.
So have faith friends, we will get through this. Let's hunker down for just a bit more. We do this for ourselves, our family, our community. We do this for the most vulnerable among us. We do this because we want all of us to survive to be together next year.
Sending love to all,
Rev Lucy
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Join Our Services
December Soul Matters Theme- Stillness
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Join us for Worship Services:
Sundays at 11:00 a.m. ~ Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
For a full list of December services check here. Miss a service? You can find links to past services here.
 Sunday, Dec. 6: A Different Kind of December: More Stillness than We Need?
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Larry Boles, Music Director Keith Atwater, Pianist Irina Tchantceva and other UUSS Instrumentalists.
December and the traditional Advent season is a time of stillness and waiting, but in this year of uncertainty, what is normally a spiritual invitation has become a confining ordeal. Let's consider how we can find balance amid its challenges. Let's renew our connections to the Spirit of Life and one another as we wait for better days.
 Tuesday, December 8: Light One Candle
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Celia Buckley, Music Director Keith Atwater, Pianist Irina Tchantceva
The Jewish celebration of Chanukah begins December 10th. Lets come together to honor this tradition of the light that kept on burning.
 Sunday, December 13: Joy to You and Me
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Rev. Roger Jones, Karen Sparrow Worship Associate
Music Director Keith Atwater, Pianist Irina Tchantceva
Tis the season for Joy! This Sunday we will reflect on the things in life that bring us joy. We will let our hearts be light, despite the challenges in our world for joy and sorrow are all a part of the web of life.
Tuesday, December 15: Perspective - Finding Peace and Joy with Zoom.
Worship Associates Frances Myers and Karen Sparrow.
Most of us did not know Zoom existed until Covid. In order to stay connected we had to learn something new and even found a few reasons to like Zoom.
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Secret Elf Exchange Join in the fun with our UUSS Secret Elves - we want YOU! We are looking for Elves who are interested in spreading joy this holiday season, exchanging special Greetings or Goodies (under $10) with a secret friend (Elf). If you're Elfishly curious, click the link to complete the registration form. We'll match you with another Elf. After pairs are made, we'll send instructions for the exchange. If you prefer, you can call the office (916) 483-9283 and one of the staff will take down your information. Please contact secretelf@uuss.org if you have questions. Please sign up no later than Tuesday, December 8th. Look for more information and your assignment by the 9th. The Greetings or Goodies exchanges will take place in between December 10th and 23rd when there will be a Secret Elf friends reveal. There will also special Elf Zoom celebration on Sunday Dec 27th after church.
Holiday Services and Events - Join Us
Tuesday December 8th 7 PM Hanukkah
Sunday December 20th 11 Am A Holiday Celebration-Now More than Ever!
Tuesday December 22nd 7 PM Solstice Celebration 
Thursday December 24th 7PM Christmas Eve
Friday December 25th 5-7 PM Zoom open house
(all events are in the main zoom room at uuss.org/online)
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Soul Matters Theme For December:
Stillness
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 Have you experienced the power of stillness? Join us as we explore the meaning and power of Stillness this month. Visit the Soul Matters page on our website for materials for individual reflection. If you would like to be a part of a Soul Matters group, reach out to Rev Lucy. Look for this theme in worship services and Religious Education throughout the month.
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Holiday Generosity for our Staff
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As the year draws to a close, the Board of Trustees and ministers invite you to join us in contributing toward a cash gift for our (non-clergy) staff members. In a year that has been uncertain and challenging for all of us, they have been working hard to serve everyone in UUSS with dedication and grace.
The total amount contributed will be distributed in late December and allocated based on the number of hours per week of a given staff position. To make a contribution for the staff gift, you may write a check to Roger Jones and send to church or his home. Or you may send a donation to Rev. Roger's PayPal account. You do not need your own PayPal account to do that. (Please don't write your check to UUSS, since those donations are handled by our staff-let's try to keep this a surprise!) If you have any questions, please contact either Rev. Roger or Rev. Lucy. Thanks for your generosity!
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Connections:
Classes and Gatherings
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Ted's Web
Every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. join the group for a discussion of the politics of the day. Named in honor of our late Minister Emeritus, Rev. Theodore Webb. Zoom Link.
Wellspring Wednesday - Join us every Wednesday at 7 PM on Zoom for 60-90 minutes. On Wednesday, December 9, Rev Roger will invite a guest for our monthly series Life Stories of Our Elders.
Theology on Tap - Friday, Dec. 4, at 7:00 p.m. The first Friday of each month. Bubbly conversation on yeasty topics of a UU flavor. Bring a beverage of your choice to your computer screen. Greet others in the large room, and then we go into small breakout rooms to reflect and share on one of many deep topics. Link here. Cheers! Visit with your old an and new friends and your favorite craft project. All welcome! Join via Zoom link
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 Parent Voices Dec. 6, 8:00 p.m. Supportive conversation with parents and grandparents, hosted by Miranda. The group is discussing "Growing UUs: A Recipe Book." Get link here.
Reading and Responding to Poetry with JoAnn Anglin,
Monday, Dec. 7, at 10:00 AM via Zoom link. This class meets the first and third Mondays of every month. The poem chosen is Favorite God, by Carl Dennis. Poem found here.
 InterPlay led by Rev. Lucy and friends takes place the second and fourth Saturday morning of the month, 10:30 to noon. InterPlay is a series of forms that combine movement, storytelling, stillness, and sound to access your body wisdom. Take an opportunity to tune in, connect with others, give yourself moments of ease, and be playful! If you are looking for a way to have fun and insights all at once, come join us! This Saturday, Dec. 12. Link here. Learn more about it here.
with UUSS mindfulness teacher Ann Kronser and host Judy Bell from UUSS Adult Enrichment. The second and fourth Monday evenings of every month. Zoom link here.
Religion Class with Keith Atwater!
Keith is offering a monthly class on the 3rd Wellspring Wednesday of every month, at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 16: "The New Testament and the Jesus Controversies"
This session will provide an academic overview of the New Testament, focusing on the Gospels and the influential and controversial work of the Jesus Seminar. For decades this scholarly organization analyzed what Jesus really said and did (and what Jesus probably didn't say).
Keith, our Music Director, is a professor of religions and humanities at American River College and a former lecturer in humanities, history, and religious studies at CSUS.
"Three Conversations About Death" with Molly Stuart on Zoom. Learn about end of life care, prepare practical plans to share with advocates and explore ways to design meaning and legacy into the experience. Thursday's, February 4, 11, 18 at 6:00 pm. For more info email Molly@mollystuart.com. Suggested Donation to UUSS $50.
 Friday Morning Bookstore Hours at UUSS
Every Friday from 9:00-11:00. Sign up for a private shopping shift by contacting the Office by email or (916) 483-9283; wear a mask and bring a bag for some great reads--$1.00, hardback or paper. For this Friday, Nov. 27, contact Rev. Roger
Also CDs by UUSS musicians, books by UUSS authors.
Chalice Blend Coffee is available in the Bookstore on Fridays
and at the Office: $12/bag (regular, decaf, ground or beans).
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Check out the Resources on Racial Justice
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Have you see the resources on the racial justice on our website?
See topics, reflection questions, and materials, including articles and videos, at this link at our website.
t UUSS we are on a journey together to work to dismantle racism, individually, organizationally and systemically. As a mostly White congregation, we are doing a lot of learning and finding ways to take action.
Join our Racial Justice team for thoughtful discussion on the 1st at 3rd Mondays of the month at 7:00 PM and the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 10:30 AM.
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Fri, Dec 25, 5pm-7pm: As we did for Thanksgiving, Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPs) is sponsoring a virtual get together for breaking bread &/or post-prandial discussion in the main UUSS zoom room for singletons or others who wish to eat &/or talk in UUSS community. No planned program. Please join us, with any material &/or music if you wish. Organizer: Laurie Jones
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Religious Education for
children and youth
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Spirit Play every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for those in grades K-5. With RE Coordinator Miranda Massa and adult volunteers. Maintaining our connections, remembering our Rainbow Promises, and sustaining our sense of wonder, online together. Get links here.
Junior High Youth Group (JHYG) Sunday, Dec. 6, 4:00 p.m.
for those in grades 6-7-8. Making friendships, finding support and joy, online together, with a team of adult volunteer leaders.
Senior High Youth Group (SHYG) Next class: Dec. 6
SHYG meets with adult volunteer leaders every other Sunday at 1:00 p.m. by Zoom with lead advisor Dirk Tuell and other volunteer adult advisors.
Parent Voices Dec. 6, 8:00 p.m.
The first Sunday of the month, supportive conversations with parents and grandparents, hosted by Miranda. The group is discussing "Growing UUs: A Recipe Book." Get link here.
Reminder to families: See the Online Services listing for an invitation to be featured in a Sunday service to do the official rituals of Chalice Lighting and Extinguishing.
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Our Community Partner for December:
River City Food Bank
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Our Community Partner for the month of December, River City Food Bank provides healthy emergency food, assistance and referrals to promote self-sufficiency through a variety of programs in Sacramento. Donate by credit card here to the Shared Offering or mail a check to UUSS, 2425 Sierra Blvd., Sacramento 95825. Whether on PayPal or by check, note "Shared Offering."
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| UUSS Office Closed | |
Closed Dec. 25 for Christmas
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UUSS OFFICERS & BOARD of TRUSTEES
Sally White, President
Denis Edgren, Vice-President
Victoria Owens, Treasurer
Anara Guard, Secretary
David Harlow, Trustee at Large
Marilyn Reynolds,Trustee at Large
Hally Cahssai,Trustee at Large
Eric Ross, Trustee at Large
Tonie Darling, Trustee at Large
Board meetings: 7:00 p.m., 4th Thursday of every month; 3rd Thursday in November, December.
PROGRAM COUNCIL
Susan Davis, Co-chair
Margaret Wilcox, Co-chair
Tina Chiginsky-Lawrence
Lorri Reynard
Debby Powell
Jon Peterson
Youth Members: Jade Lewis-Boles and Alec Redmond
Program Council meetings: 7:00 p.m., 3rd Thursday of every month.
Ministers
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones and Rev. Lucy Bunch
Rev. Douglas Kraft, Minister Emeritus
Church Staff Members Krystal Gollaher, Administrative and Facilities Coordinator Michele Ebler, Bookkeeper ~ Elaine Cooper, Receptionist Miranda Massa, Religious Education Coordinator Keith Atwater, Music Director ~ Irina Tchantceva, Pianist Jesus Hoyos - Sunday thru Thursday, Evening Custodian Ivan Caballero, Sunday Audio Tech ~ Dirk Tuell, Web Master/Tech Support
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| UUSS Mission | |
We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world.
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