In This Issue

Finding Joy in a Complicated World

April 6th

In a world filled with uncertainty, conflict, and daily challenges, how do we hold onto joy? We'll explore how joy isn't just a feeling emotion, but a practice - a way of engaging with life in difficult times. Together, we'll reflect on the power of gratitude, connection, and meaning as we seek to cultivate joy in our hearts and in this community.

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Maura Ryan-Donahue

Music: Sally Jones & Robert Howseman

Pianist: Roger Corman 

Share The Basket: Saturday Breakfast

The Practice of Joy

April 13th

Joy is more than just a feeling-it's a practice, a way of being that can nurture even in challenging times. We will explore how cultivating joy through gratitude, presence, and connection can sustain us and deepen our spiritual lives. Join us as we reflect on how joy can be both an act of resistance and a source of renewal

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Jonathan Choe

Music: Gage Purdy & The Choir

Pianist: Roger Corman 

Share The Basket: NorCal ACLU – The ACLU’s mission is to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States.

Resurrecting Jesus– A very Different Easter Story

April 20th

Easter is an extremely challenging holy day for Unitarian Universalists and progressive Christians. Our UU default is to dismiss the Biblical story outright, go back to its pagan roots and celebrate Easter merely as a rite of spring –– an homage to the wonder of nature's renewal and rebirth. What if there is an entirely different lens through which to consider the resurrection story, and honor the meaning of Jesus' life?

Service Leader: Rev Bev Spears

Worship Associates: Cathie Wiese

Music: Gage Purdy & The Choir

Pianist: Louise Bettner

The Basket: UUCSR General Fund

Something Exciting and Joyful

April 27th

Our service description for todays service is yet to be determined pending a successful match with a new Called Minister!

Service Leader: The Candidate!

Worship Associates: Veronica Jordan

Music: Alan Bell

Pianist: Roger Corman 

Share The Basket: Graton Day Labor Center. Founded on respect, the Center acts as a conduit between laborers and employers.

From the Minister's Desk

Reverend Dave Clements

The Practice of Joy

Dear Members and Friends of UUCSR,

This month, I invite us to reflect on joy—not as fleeting happiness, but as a deep, abiding presence in our lives. Too often, we think of joy as something that arrives when everything is perfect, when all our worries are gone. But the truth is, joy can be a practice, a way of moving through the world with gratitude, resilience, and connection.

In Unitarian Universalism, we affirm the interconnected web of all existence. Joy is one of the threads that binds us together. It is found in shared laughter, in acts of kindness, in moments of awe and wonder. Joy does not deny sorrow; rather, it holds space for both. As the poet Kahil Gibran wrote, "The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain."

This month, I encourage you to cultivate joy intentionally. Take time to notice what brings you delight—a warm cup of tea, a song that moves you, the beauty of a sunrise. Share joy with others through simple acts of kindness. Celebrate the milestones in our community—the calling of a new minister, the birth of a child, a friend’s recovery, or a shared victory in social justice work. Recognize joy in the ways we support one another, whether through a comforting embrace or a shared moment of reflection. And in moments of struggle, remember that joy is not the absence of hardship but the presence of love during it.

Let us embrace joy as a spiritual practice, one that sustains and connects us. I look forward to exploring this journey with you.

With love and joy,

Rev. Dave

President's Message

Board of Trustee President- David Reitzell

president@uusantarosa.org

With the search committee job coming to a conclusion, we can be grateful for the hard work of the volunteers in our church. I look around the church and see people performing so many tasks for the betterment of us all. I am also aware that most of us have full lives and sometimes reluctantly agree to be a volunteer. It is hard to commit to something when another activity might be more fun or easier. We often don’t know where we will find the time. In the end we volunteer anyway due to a commitment to our community and a sense that we can make a difference. I thank you all for that.

We have a challenging budget discussion ahead of us. It would give the Board great pleasure to present a balanced budget and then come out further ahead at the end of our first year with the new minister. In the projected 3 years, our finances look good with the expected bump that usually comes with a new settled minister. Our first year may not look so good on paper thus far. We do have strong cash reserves and will head into the next year with a head of stream. We are doing our best to be transparent and responsible to all of you.

On a personal note, I’d like to express gratitude for the thoughts and prayers and support we have received. Mary courageously reported about her Alzheimer's diagnosis and the new treatment she just started. We have much to be hopeful about. Again, thank you for being our village.

Peace,

David Reitzell

Music Director

Gage Purdy

musicdirectoar@uusantarosa.org

“This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before.” - Leonard Bernstein

This month your music team celebrates the Soul Matters theme of Joy—the kind of joy that lifts our spirits, deepens our connections, and reminds us why we sing together. I firmly believe that music has a way of unlocking joy, whether in the quiet beauty of a single note or the soaring harmonies of an ensemble. It invites us to be fully present, to share in something larger than ourselves, and to embrace the delight of making music in community.

This month, the choir will offer songs that reflect on the nature of joy, especially as we approach Easter—a time of renewal, hope, and celebration. Through music, we honor the ways joy sustains us, not just in moments of ease, but as a practice that carries us through all of life’s seasons.



Financial Report

February 2025 Financial Report

REVENUE

Pledges - $292,111.05 ($8777.73 more than what was budgeted)

Donations/Gifts -  $45,400.18 ($5033.54 more than what was budgeted)

Rental Income -  $22,316.50 ($5683.50 less than what was budgeted)

TOTAL INCOME: $404,763.38 ($25,330.10 more than what was budgeted) (Not all categories are listed above, but they are included in the total)

EXPENSE

Employee Expenses & Contracted Services - $292,322.67 ($2645.49 more than what was budgeted)

Expenditures - $95,356.53 ($8,203.51 less than what was budgeted)

TOTAL EXPENSE: $387,679.20 ($5,558.02 less than what was budgeted)

NET INCOME – We had a positive net income of $14,870.21

RESTRICTED FUNDS

Saturday Breakfast – Balance is $26,007.63

Minister’s Discretionary Fund – Balance is $15,544.26

Summary: We started the 2024/2025 year with a deficit budget. However, as of 2/28/25, our income has exceeded what was budgeted and our expenses are currently less that what was budgeted, leaving us in a positive place at this point in the year. In addition, the Saturday Breakfast has made a remarkable recovery from the negative balance we had in November 2024. 

Religious Education

Era Capone

Hello all,

The final Sunday in March marked the conclusion of our 4th-6th Grade OWL program for this year, where we saw 20 kids (many of whom were brand new to UUCSR) explore human sexuality and relationships in empowering, inclusive, holistic ways. This class was a truly amazing experience for all who participated, and it was humbling to be trusted by so many families to be a part of their children's sexuality education.

In particular, I wanted to highlight Natalie Brundred, our co-facilitator for this series of OWL. Coming fresh off the heels of teaching 7th-9th grade OWL last year, Natalie's compassion and care for these kids, combined with her wonderful teaching ability and passion for sex education, made the class truly special.

More than that, however, Natalie exemplified something important to me during these 10 weeks: that activism and resistance is more than opposition. In a time where science and education are at risk, the act of teaching becomes a form of constructive defiance, an act that does not seek to hinder, but to grow. As many of us continue to wonder how we can make a difference, it is comforting to know that the simple gift of knowledge can be a radical act, and I personally have Natalie to thank for reminding me of that.

As we continue to find new ways to grow momentum within our community, be it with activism, protests, community service, or the myriad other ways we can challenge hate and prejudice through love, we continue to rely on the support of volunteers in RE. If you would like to get involved in any of our programs, please email me at the address below. We can't wait to have you join us!

In love and perseverance,

Era

dre@uusantarosa.org

Service Auction 2025!

Save the Date April 12, 2025

Click on flyer for printable pdf.

Watch the Newsblasts and website for Sign-ups!

Taize at UUCSR

Please join us for our monthly contemplative Taize service on Thursday, April 3rd, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in the sanctuary.

From CUUPs

A hint of Joy at Easter - Poems from Poetry Soup

Soul Matters

Soul Matters theme for April is, Living Love Through The Practice of: Joy

Our Soul Matters program is seeking Facilitators to lead or co lead our spiritual groups starting in the fall. Our Small Group Ministry is formulated by Reverend Scott Tayler nationally who provides the monthly theme and material that we follow and share. Meetings are generally monthly in person or on zoom. We will have training in July. Contact me at services, call or email me (info on Realm.) Talk to current Facilitators, Louise Bettner, Mac Freeman, Nancy Freeman, Bruce Hope, Cris Frick and Reverend Dave to find out their experiences and any questions you may have about our wonderful program.

Contact Katie Trieller for information:

707-329-5083. 

soul.matters@uusantarosa.org - New email!

smallgroupministry@uusantarosa.org

From The Search Committee

Ministerial Search Update

In March your search team visited with three candidates and has done in-depth, multi-day interviews. It was an exciting but demanding process. We have a number of good candidates that would be wonderful additions to our UUCSR family. In early April we will work with UUA to connect with the best candidate. If a match is made the Search team will step aside temporarily for the Negotiations Team to work with the candidate. 

As we all know the cost of living, and particularly housing, is high in Sonoma County. This aspect of calling a new minister is beyond our control. It is our hope that we will find a candidate inspired enough by our community to take a bit of a risk to move to such an expensive market. The honest truth is our county's economics will have a major factor in the resolution of the search. 

If all goes well the final ministerial candidate will be preaching on Sunday, April 27th and again on Sunday, May 4th. The congregational vote for the new minister will follow the service on Sunday, May 4th. Mark your calendars now. Be sure you can meet the final candidate and cast your vote on this momentous occasion.

For questions, please contact Robert Howseman or Judy Withee.

Warmly, Your UUCSR Search Committee

Adult Education

The Intuitive “Yes” and “No” Workshop

Saturday April 26, 10 AM-12:30 PM

Board Room

Bonnie Ho Gabaeff

Would you like to use your intuition more? Do you want to feel more aligned with your soul? Each of us has innate intuition we’re born with, but unfortunately we live in a society that prefers the hype-rational over intuition and we’ve forgotten how to connect with the voice of our soul. In this beginner’s intuition workshop, we will begin to reconnect by exploring “yes” and “no” through various intuition centers. You will come away feeling more in tune with yourself and more empowered to connect with your intuition.

Gabaeff is the founder and facilitator of The Journey Circle, which supports journeys toward self-discovery, healing, and wholeness.

How to Have Authentic Conversation

Saturdays May 10 and 17, 9 AM-12 Noon

Board Room

Joe Gabaeff

This class will introduce novel ways to converse with those most important to us, and to ourselves. The class will have four parts, two per session. Attendance at all sessions is requested. (1) Deep Listening/Listening for the Story; (2) Refining One’s Own Story; (3) Setting the Stage for the Conversation; and (4) Having the Conversation/Processing the Conversation. 

Gabaeff made a career shift in 2023 from attorney to hospital chaplain.

The Adult Education Committee: Our members are Steve Sweaney (chair), Nadene Carroll, Carol Daeley, Linda Lambert, Leslie Norinsky, and Clare Whitfield.

Advocates For Social Justice:

Climate Action:

The Fight for Rooftop Solar in California, a presentation by the Climate Action Group, Sunday, April 13, 2025 after the service, 12:00-1:30 pm. Light lunch provided.

Maybe you didn’t know that there's a major battle going on about Rooftop Solar energy in California. And a lot relies on your learning more about it.

On Sunday, April 13, Advocate’s Climate Action Committee will present “The Fight for Rooftop Solar in California” with speakers Dave Rosenfeld, Solar Rights Alliance Executive Director, and Cailey Underhill, their Advocacy and Development Director. 

They will explain potentially confusing issues in the clearest terms, and allow us to understand and act to preserve one of our most important climate change fighting alternatives.

Men's Retreat

Men, please mark your calendar for the Men’s Retreat, happening Friday evening, April 4 through Sunday afternoon, April 6, 2025, at Black Mountain Retreat Center, in Cazadero. Cost is $175 (updated cost) per person (includes 6 meals), and scholarships are available. 

All men who are members, pledging friends, or guests of UUCSR are welcome. One does not need to be in a men’s group to attend the retreat.

Renew friendships and make new friends. Enjoy personal sharing in small groups, singing, hiking, laughter, and a campfire. Fun and good for your mental health!

Reserve your place by submitting a registration form and making payment at the Men’s Retreat table outside the sanctuary after Sunday services starting March 16. 

For more information, contact Bruce Hope.

Women Together

Please join us on April 19 at 2 PM for Elder Tales featuring Carol Weisker!

Women Together is excited to announce our upcoming Elder Tales on Saturday, April 19 from 2pm to 3:30pm in the Board Room. Our honored “Elder” will be our own Carol Weisker. We are all in for such a treat hearing selected tales from her life and early days! There will be time for followup questions and conversation.

Please join us to hear her fascinating stories. You are invited to bring a light snack or sweet to share. All are welcome!

The Offering Basket Donations

Share the Basket offerings from Sundays and direct Donations for the month of January 2025

The Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration: $456.52

Undocufund: $778.50

UUCSR General Fund : $786.17

Saturday Breakfast for Our Neighbors Share: $477.98

Saturday Breakfast Direct Donation January: $23,086.12

Please note that Share the Basket Donation checks need to be made out to UUCSR in order for us to process them and send the intended donor their share. We are not able to process checks made out to the individual organizations. Thank you.

~ ~ ~

Please consider joining the Share committee. It is a very rewarding position.

Your Share the Offering Project members,

Elaine Wellin, Mary Louise Jaffray, Jan Prater, Judy Wismer

General Assembly

Before You Go: A Look Back at the 2024 GA Sunday Service

We invite you to take a moment to reflect on the power of music to unite and inspire, as illustrated during the 2024 GA Sunday Service. Featuring the moving anthem "Here Together" by David M. Glasgow, this worship experience wove together voices from Unitarian Universalist congregations across the country, reminding us of the strength we find in community and shared song.

Choirs from diverse UU congregations—stretching from Indiana to Georgia, Michigan to Massachusetts, and beyond—came together to create something truly special. Their voices lifted us, calling us into deeper connection and collective hope. For more information about GA contact the Nominating Committee: nominating@uusantarosa.org

The link to the song in this month's GA newsletter: HERE

This is the link to the newsletter itself: HERE

Nominating Committee

Ask not what your Board can do for you; ask what YOU can do for your Congregation! 

Are you feeling dedicated to the success of our congregation and eager to make sure our new minister feels welcome? The Nominating Committee wants YOU on that minister’s first Board of Trustees. Be a part of this exciting time and be one of the leaders who work directly with our new minister. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! The term begins July 1st. Thank you in advance, for your service to our congregation.

Email us at nominating@uusantarosa.org

UUA/Affiliate Groups

• UUA Newsletter: HERE
• Pacific Western Region Newsletter: HERE
• Side With Love: Feedback on the proposed Congregational Study/Action Issues! HERE

Glaser Center

If you have a non-profit group or a religious event (memorials, weddings, etc) and need a space to rent, please remember the Glaser Center!

Please contact the rental coordinator, Leslie at: leslie.jacobson@uusantarosa.org