Seeking Consolation amid the Chaos

Dear Members and Friends,

Among so many of us, the shock of the November election has turned to dread and heartbreak since the inauguration. I don't have any wise words or false assurance that we will be okay, because the new administration has made clear its cruel intentions.

It is attacking the dignity, safety, and personal identities of Americans who are transgender or who hold a non-binary gender identity. It is attacking undocumented immigrant neighbors and coworkers as well as migrants who have been waiting for the U.S. asylum process at the border. It is turning back the clock on energy conservation and environmental protection. I can't say that it's not scary.

But I can tell you what helps me to deal with all this. It helps me to know that we are not alone in opposing cruel policies and untrue accusations about human beings. We are together in asserting the sacredness of every human life and the dignity of human variety. The Spirit of Love remains at the center of our lives, our actions, and our congregation. We are together, and from this comes our strength.

Please take care of yourself, both physically and emotionally. Don't give in to exhaustion, as the regime is trying to wear us down. Pray, meditate, read, write, exercise, laugh, or enjoy music. Don't give in to fear, as they want us to be afraid. Refrain from repetitions of terrible news, policies and rhetoric. Don't give in to isolation, as they want to separate us from one another. Reach out to others, here and in other places. Don't give in to powerlessness; be engaged in a few contructive efforts in the community. You can start right here at UUSS!

This and other advice is available in activist Daniel Hunter's article "10 Ways to Stay Grounded in Trump's Second Term." I find it a source of comfort as well as guidance.

At this tender and worrisome time, UUSS plays a crucial role in reducing isolation, directing our energies toward actions that build hope, and making sure there’s a place of goodwill for all who seek us out. Thank you for embracing community here, together.

Praying for so many and holding you in love—

Rev. Roger

P.S.--Before the service I'll be your host for Exploring UUism this Sunday, in the Fahs Classroom at 9:30, or attend the Zoom version Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 7:00 pm at uuss.org/online. Read below about many other opportunties for coming together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world.

Sunday Morning Programs

Join us before the service at 9:30 AM at UUSS

1st Sunday - Facilitated labyrinth walk in the meadow. Feb. 2.

2nd Sunday - Sermon Reflections with Lue & Peter, 9:30-10:15, Fahs Room.

3rd Sunday - Qui Gong/Tai Chi - Covered Patio.

4th Sunday - Exploring Unitarian Universalism: Values & Beliefs with Rev. Roger. We repeat Exploring UUism on Zoom the first Tuesday of each month. uuss.org/online

Sunday, January 26 10:30am:

The Power of Story: A Circle Service for All Ages 

Rev. Lucy Bunch, Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Andy Cramer, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva



It is likely that there are many stories told about you by your family and friends, spouse, co-workers, other in your life. But what is your story?  

This Sunday we will take time to reflect the people, places and events that have shaped your story and will share some of it with each other.  

Sunday, February 2 10:30am:

To Welcome the Stranger (Within Us and Among Us)

Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Dawn Huebner, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva  

The ancient commandment to welcome the stranger is perhaps the most challenging religious and ethical standard to follow, but that doesn’t make it any less worthy. At the same time, it can be hard to consider the shadowed aspects of our own souls. Let’s consider the need and reluctance to welcome the unfamiliar among us and within us.

*Labyrinth Walk in the Meadow at 9:30. Soup Sunday after the service! 

*Joys & Sorrows candles & prayer cards in the sanctuary before the service.

Our Soul Matters Theme for January is

Stories

Here's the link to the Soul Matters materials

If you would like to have a joy, sorrow, concern, or milestone spoken by a minister at Sunday’s prayer time, let us know at this link. 

A month ago, our member Tom Hiltunen moved into the memory care unit at Carlton Senior Living on Fulton Ave. His wife, Jane, says he seems to be adjusting well. They welcome supportive thoughts from those in the congregation who remember Tom, who sang in the choir and also would play guitar and sing solos in services, and whose warm smile and kind presence has touched so many of us. We send our love to both Tom and Jane.

On hospice care, our member Jon Peterson is in a care facility in the Pocket area. UUSS friends may visit him briefly or send him a card. Rev. Roger has the address.

Childcare--The Nursery welcomes infants (6 months +) through age 5. Staff supervise child-led play in a fun, friendly nursery filled with toys and games. Snacks are offered. Access through the main entrance. Don't forget to sign in when you get to Room 11. Please contact Crystal with questions.

All ages of youth and children are invited to join the

Circle Service this Sunday, January 26.

Soul Kids (K-5), Junior High Youth Group and Senior High Youth Group will meet again on Sunday, February 2.

Click the newsletter email link above to find out more about what we're looking forward to in RE, including an invitation for kids to sing with the choir on Sun. Feb. 2. Don't miss it!

RE Coordinator Crystal Fountain has weekly office hours and is available by email too.

Whether after service or in your own home, you

can enjoy coffee created just for UUSS: Chalice Blend! 

Beans are grown by women-owned cooperatives in Latin America and roasted and blended by a café in Oakland. Fresh beans sold for $15 a bag in the Sunday Bookstore or in the Office weekdays.

Mindfulness Meditation Jan. 29 - 6:00 pm in the Library & on Zoom

 On the 2nd, 4th and 5th Wednesdays, we support one another by sitting for 20-25 minutes to practice awareness of the present moment. Show up to the Library/Bookstore or log in at uuss.org/online Contact Rev. Roger with questions. To read about this kind of meditation or watch videos, check out the Insight Meditation Center's website.

UUSS Readers Thursday, Jan. 30, 7:00pm - Fahs Room Meet on the LAST Thursday of each month in Fahs 7 PM to 8 PM+. Sign up at www.uuss.org/uureaders to receive a meeting reminder each month or if there are changes. “The Reading List” by Sara Nisha Adams Contact: uureaders@uuss.org

Imbolc Celebration with CUUPs

Sunday, February 2, 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Fahs Clsssroom

Everyone is welcome at the Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPs) Imbolc Celebration. Celebrate the returning of the light! Bring a potluck dish to share. Contact Laurie Jones or Leanna Pierson at cuups@uuss.org

Soul Collage Second Saturday, Feb. 8,

10:30 a.m. to noon in Room 7/8

Come embrace your intuition and creativity by making collage cards with images that you choose. The purpose is to offer a flexible, creative, accessible, and inclusive tool that can be used as a practice for our own exploring, healing, and empowering.

No experience (or talent) required; all materials provided. Suggested donation for materials: $5-10 If you choose you can bring a favorite picture to include in your collage. Questions? Contact: soulcollage@uuss.org

Young Adult Meet-n-Greet & Discussion Sunday, Feb. 9, 11:45am - Room 7/8 Join us for connection and conversation with like-minded younger people (aged 18-40) of the UUSS community! Monthly discussion topics range from reflection on the day’s service, world events and personal passions. Contact: youngadults@uuss.org  

Singer Solicitation

Calling all Sopranos and Altos to come together in harmonious and joyful, a cappella music-making If you can learn music on your own, contact treble@uuss.org for more information. - Christiana Quick-Cleveland

Speak up in Support

for the Unhoused

Let our values be heard at the State Capitol

Sacramento Area Congregations Together Lobby Day

Monday, January 27, 2025

Click here to participate

Raise your voice and tell your legislator

what is important to you

Here’s a chance for you to do something for our unhoused neighbors. Because we live in the state capital, we have a unique opportunity to influence the systemic issues that make it difficult for our families and neighbors to secure housing that is habitable and affordable. UUSS is partnering with Sacramento Area Congregations Together, a 30-year old coalition of over 40 multifaith groups in this area, in a lobby day focused on housing and homelessness. On Monday, January 27, we will be visiting our Sacramento legislators to promote our UU values.

To prepare, join us on Sunday, January 26, for a training session after service on how to advocate and research what our legislators are doing related to housing and homelessness. This is the very beginning of a new two-year legislative session so we hope to build relationships with our legislators. By the end of January, we may also have specific bill proposals to promote or oppose.

Many of us at UUSS do important work providing direct services to our neighbors who struggle to find a home. Lets raise the stakes and work together to have an impact on the conditions and systems that affect the ability of people in our community to find habitable homes. Please join us in showing how we value the inherent worth and dignity of every human being.

Post-inauguration Pastoral Message

from our UUA President

Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt sent an informative, eloquent, and encouraging pastoral message to our UU family about the US President's destructive executive orders. She writes: "Each and all of us is in fact a vital part of the fabric of this nation, deeply beloved and deserving of protection, safety, and belonging." 

A child of two immigrants, Dr. Betancourt says: "We Unitarian Universalists are people with diverse identities, stories, and experiences. Yet we are personally, theologically, and covanentally bound together by the expansive Love that has always been the animating center of our faith. Far more powerful than any faction, leader, nation, or creed, it is this fierce Love that compels our deepest loyalty and our most courageous action."



You may read the letter at this link or call the Office for a copy if you receive the Weekly Message only by US Mail. 

In our disbelief and sorrow at the devastation, we pray for the people, creatures, and natural areas that remain in danger. We pray for the safety of the firefighters, civil servants, and all the other workers and volunteers doing what they can. We give thanks for all acts of generosity, help, courage and compassion. To make a monetary contribution, you may contribute to the UUA's Disaster Relief Fund at this link. Also see a list of several organizations which have been vetted for legitimacy as well as hints on avoiding donation scams provided by KQED, at How to Help People Affected by the LA Fires. 

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