Weekly Message from UUSS
May 20, 2022
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Dear Congregation,
I hope this finds you well, and well-anchored amid the strong winds we’ve been having. Before you check out the activities and updates below, I want to talk about “the use of the democratic process in our congregations and in society at large.” That is the 5th Principle affirmed by congregations in the UUA.
Here are three ways you can engage in that affirmation:
- This Sunday we have a Congregational Meeting to elect lay leaders, vote on a budget, and hear updates from the Board and other bodies that help us to live out our mission. Speaking of the budget, if you have not yet made a pledge, it’s easy! Visit uuss.org/pledge. Also, members will be asked to vote to extend the goals of our Strategic Plan by two years. Find the plan at uuss.org under Who We Are. The meeting is in person and on Zoom right after the service, so say hi to a newcomer fast and grab your coffee! All welcome; members expected!
- UUSS is one of 35 congregations in the Pacific Central District (PCD), an independent nonprofit. On behalf of UUSS, please consider attending the PCD Annual Meeting, 1:00 pm, Saturday, June 11. It’s free, on Zoom, and only two hours. The PCD Board will ask you to approve shorter and simpler PCD Bylaws, re-elect Board members (including me), and (BIG STEP) authorize the PCD to merge with other UUA districts or with the Unitarian Universalist Association as a whole—or to otherwise dissolve. (Read more here.) We have reached a turning point in the life of the District! We need enough delegates to make a decision—even if it’s to keep the status quo. Register here.
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In June, the annual General Assembly of the 1,048 congregations in the Unitarian Universalist Association takes place June 22-26. It’s online everywhere AND in person in Portland, Oregon! I would love to see you there with me, but it’s cheaper and easier to participate online, and all the great lectures, music, workshops, sermons, and governance meetings are online too. You may register at uua.org/ga. Let me know if you register, and if you are open to serving as one of the UUSS delegates (voting on UUA business and actions of social witness).
Thanks for giving your attention to the democratic process by reading the above!
Keep in touch and keep the faith,
PS—This Sunday, I’m leading a session on the UUA’s Principles & Sources for this month’s “Exploring UUism” class. It meets in the Fahs Room (education building) at 9:30. Join us! |
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Have you noticed the link that says "(Message clipped) View entire message" near the bottom of these Weekly Message e-mails? We have so many invitations and so much news in here sometimes that it does not all show up when you open the email.
Scroll down and click on the link to see more!
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*NOTICE of CONGREGATIONAL MEETING*
UUSS Congregational Meeting -- immediately after the service on May 22, on Zoom AND in-person. Please plan to stay with the rest of the congregation to hear important updates and vote on next year's budget and slate of candidates for leadership positions.
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In Loving Memory: Memorial Services Scheduled |
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Kathy Bernard's Celebration of Life will take place at UUSS (and be streamed on Zoom) on Sunday, June 12, 1:30 p.m., with a reception to follow. Memorial contributions in Kathy's honor may be made to Sacramento ACT or the UUSS Heritage Fund. |
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Sunday Mornings with UUSS
Proof of Vaccination & Masks Required to Attend In-Person Services
Join us for Worship Services in person or on Zoom Zoom links here
Service time 10:30 a.m..
Miss a service? You can find links to past services here.
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Our May Soul Matters Theme is
Nurturing Beauty
For your family or personal reflection,
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Half of all offering donations made in May
will support our local community partner:
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Sunday Morning Programs at UUSS
Join us before the service at 9:30 AM at UUSS
First Sunday - Labyrinth walk
Second Sunday - Racial Equity conversation
Third Sunday Qui Gong/Tai Chi
Fourth Sunday - Exploring Unitarian Universalism
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Join us for a Newcomer Orientation the second of every month Sunday after church in the Welcome Hall; the next one is Sunday, June 12. |
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Joys and Sorrows: If you would like to have a joy, sorrow, concern, or milestone spoken aloud by a minister in Sunday’s prayer time, at this link. You may also use that link to inform us of a joy, concern or sorrow and let us know if you do not want us to mention it in church, or if you would like a phone call by a minister.
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Sunday, May 22, 10:30: Nurturing Beauty
Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Karen Sparrow, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva.
Experiencing and appreciating beauty is an essential part of life. As the Irish poet and mystic John O'Donohue said: “A world without beauty would be unbearable. Indeed, the subtle touches of beauty are what enable most people to survive.“
Congregational Meeting at 11:45 a.m. in person and on Zoom. All are welcome to attend but we need a quorum of voting Members to approve the budget, elect lay leaders of UUSS, and vote on a two-year extension of the Strategic Plan.
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Sunday, May 29, 10:30:
Remembering Sacrifice, Remembering Peace
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Ginny Johnson, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva
Since 1868, Memorial Day has honored all who have died serving in the armed forces of this country. Today in words, music, and silence, we take time to show honor and compassion for their service and their sacrifice. Let us also remember the gift of peace. It is elusive yet attainable. What would it mean to sacrifice for peace?
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Religious Education (RE) for Children & Youth |
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Soul Kids meets on Sunday, May 22 at 10:15 a.m. Please be in touch at re@uuss.org for questions and make sure your family is registered for RE beforehand. Families, please enter through the main building front doors per our safety guidelines. Vaccination list sign-in is in the main lobby. Then please come through to Room 7/8 to sign your child in for Soul Kids. Remember to bring proof of vaccination and a properly fitting mask covering mouth/nose. Soul Kids ends at 11:45, on the playground!
For youth in grades 6-7-8, our Junior High Youth Group (JHYG) meets for the last time on Sunday, June 5.
Our Senior High Youth Group (SHYG) meets in Room 12 for the last time THIS Sunday, May 22, after the service.
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Meals to the Door—When a member family has a health crisis or has welcomed a new child, it's helpful to have a few dinners. Can we add you to this volunteer network? If you don’t have time, are you able to order and buy a delivered meal? (You could also donate to the UUSS Ministers’ Discretionary Fund.) Contact Rev. Roger by phone or email.
A Ride to Church—We occasionally get requests for rides from members without access to Paratransit. Can you give rides occasionally? (No heavy lifting.)
Contact Rev. Roger by phone or email.
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Caregivers for Adult Loved Ones: An Invitation to Conversation
Are you a current or former caregiver to a loved one with dementia or another disabling condition? Would you like to connect with others who share this experience?
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Be a Force of Healing in the World |
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Advocates for the Homeless
Thanks to everyone who came to our
training last Sunday! What's Next?
Thanks to all of you who came out for our advocate training this past Sunday. It was great to see how inspired we are to make a difference in our community and particularly for our unhoused neighbors.
The recording of the session is posted on our website for those who didn't make it, or want to review what happened. Also on the website are the slides from the presentation for your reference.
What's Next? Read the web post here to find out how you can get involved.
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Join the UUSS Team on June 4, 8 am to 2 pm for Rebuild Sacramento Home Improvement Workday
Spend a day improving the living conditions of older adults, those with disabilities, veterans, families, and low-income residents in Rancho Cordova. Invite your co-workers, friends and family who are over 16 years old. There are tasks for everyone!
- Painting
- Fencing
- Yard improvement
- Cleanup
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Carpentry
- and more...
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Sandwich Brigade
Every month, UUSS volunteers make lunches, deliver them to UUSS, where they're taken downtown to Midtown Church which distributes them to those who need food. We do 2 Wednesdays a month, and to date, have delivered over 5,000 lunches!
Our next date this month is May 25. Please bring your 15 lunches to UUSS by 10am on your chosen date. No need to let me know which. Please include: 1 PBJ sandwich (no need to cut. Stays fresher that way), 1 fruit, 1 cookie, 1 protein bar, 1 napkin, 1 bottle of water. Water may be brought separately. Please label your lunch bag: "PBJ." Thanks! -- Sally Wilkins
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Groups, Gatherings, and Classes |
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Face masks are required at UUSS events that are open to the public and held indoors. They are also required outdoors in the presence of children not yet old enough to be vaccinated. To attend indoor events, please provide proof of being fully vaccinated (includes a booster) along with your ID; if you have done this earlier, you can just check your name off the list.
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Walking Boots Hike May 21-- Join us on Saturday May 21 for an easy, mostly shady 3-mile walk in Land Park. Meet at UUSS to carpool at 8:55 a.m. If you prefer to meet at the park, contact hiking@uuss.org to get directions to our meeting place. This is also an opportunity to be part of the local CROP Hunger Walk benefiting the food-insecure in our area.
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Mah Jongg - May 24, 7:00pm. This drop-in activity meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 7:00pm in Room 6.
We play "American-style" Mah Jongg using the current years card of the National Mah Jongg League.
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UUSS READER’S CLUB We meet the LAST Thursday of each month at 7 PM. Meetings last an hour to hour and a half. This month we will meet in the Fahs Classroom. Questions? Send a query to Cathy uureaders@uuss.org
Our next book to read and discuss: May 26 - Wish You Were Here by Jody Picoult
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Unitarian Universalism: Defining Who We Are (Again)
A forum with Rev. Dr. Jay Atkinson & Rev. Roger
All are welcome to this lecture and discussion on the commission working now to revise the UUA Bylaws (Article II: Principles & Purposes & Sources). Hosted by UUSS Adult Enrichment. Sunday, June 5 at 11:50 AM. In the Fahs Classroom & UUSS Zoom stream. (Light snacks in person.) No charge; free will donations welcome.
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UUSS T-Shirts are available. Each shirt is $25 and there are two styles, fitted v-neck, and non-fitted crew neck. Shirts need to be pre ordered and pre-paid. Here is an online
There will be a table after the service on May 15 if you would like to see some sample sizes. You can order/pay there as well.
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Staff and Minister Availability |
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Rev. Roger (Roger's day off is Monday; study day is Friday) Rev. Lucy (Lucy's day off is Monday; study day is Friday) are available for pastoral support by appointment by phone, Zoom or in person, and the Pastoral Volunteers are available for support by phone. Schedule an appointment with Lucy at calendly.com/revlucyb.
Our office staff (office@uuss.org or 916-483-9283) are available to respond to your phone calls and emails weekdays 8:30-4:30. Our RE Coordinator and Pianist and Music Director are available by email. You can find our pianist and music director also on Wednesday nights at choir practice at 7:00 p.m., and you are invited to attend!
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OFFICE CLOSED
Monday, May 30, for Memorial Day
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We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world. |
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