Our Summer Message
Sent Every Other Friday through August
July 1, 2022
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Dear Members and Friends,
Last week a few other UUSS folks and I were at the General Assembly (GA) of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), in Portland Oregon. That is where we heard the awful news of the Supreme Court majority’s overturning of the right to abortion services.
This a dangerous decision, especially for adults or youth who live in states that now will outlaw any kind of abortion service, even for pregnancies resulting from sexual abuse and assault. It will be lethal for people who don’t have the money, time, or freedom to travel to a state where they might get access to services. And the extreme and repressive turn of the court is threatening to the rights and liberties which we so many have worked so hard to achieve. Feelings of outrage, disbelief, fear, and sadness are understandable. We can honor these feelings.
At GA I was surrounded by people who shared these feelings. Last Friday afternoon I joined the four lay delegates from our congregation at a protest rally organized by the Democratic Socialists of America in downtown Portland. I know that rallies took place in Sacramento and most other state capitals, cities, and towns. Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, our UUA President, spoke at the rally with passion. A UUSS member recorded Susan on a phone, and you can see it by clicking Susan's picture, below.
Amid the anger and fear we feel about the many threats on human dignity, equality and safety, I try to remember that when we gather together, we can also find the fierceness to go forward. We can find the courage to do so, together. Solidarity is always necessary to protect dignity, equity, and liberty for everyone. As much as we might want to turn inward, the days ahead will be a time to be connected in community.
Moreover, amid the rising tide threats to democracy, it is important to act. Our UUA has a number of ways for you to plug in through UU the Vote, with ways to participate by phone and computer. In particular, our UUSS members are working with Reclaim Our Vote, which you can read about in an article below. We want everyone in every state to have access to their voting rights.
In spite of the frightening backlash against every kind of progress this country has made, it is important to celebrate that progress. Thus we can look with pride on the swearing in of the Hon. Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first African American woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court. I wish her well as she provides her wisdom, compassion, courage and commitment to equality under the law to a Court that needs all these gifts desperately. See my question for you in advance of my July 3 sermon, below.
I hope you will read the rest of this message about the activities of this congregation, where we come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world.
Keep the faith and keep in touch!
Love,
PS--The Summer Message is fortnightly. Look for the next one to be headlined by Rev. Lucy on July 15. Committees and groups, please send your submissions as usual! |
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Speaking Out in Portland
for the right to abortion services
As noted in Rev. Roger's pastoral note above, many UUs who were attending General Assembly attended a rally protesting the recent Supreme Court decision undermining Roe vs. Wade. The speakers included the Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Click on her picture to hear a portion of her speech, captured by a UUSS member.
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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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Half of all offering donations made in July
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
1st Sunday - Labyrinth walk in the meadow (next one: August 7)
2nd Sunday - Racial Equity conversation - Fahs (next one: July 10)
3rd Sunday Qui Gong/Tai Chi - patio (next one: July 17)
4th Sunday - Exploring Unitarian Universalism - Fahs Room (July 24)
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Join us for a Newcomer Orientation the second of every month Sunday right after church in the Welcome Hall, led by Rev. Lucy; the next one is Sunday, July 10. |
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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, July 3, 10:30: The Home of the Brave (and the Honest): Making America Good Again
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, preacher, with Worship Associate Ginny Johnson and Pianist Irina Tchantceva; vocal solo from "Hamilton" by Anthony Tavianini
Joys & Sorrows Candles & Cards are available on a table up front before today’s service. We will also introduce elected lay leaders for this new UUSS year.
For Independence Day, we reflect on keeping faith in the founding values of this country. While being honest about the times the US system has not embodied equal justice under the law, we can make things better if we find ways to renew our inspiration and vision for democracy and community. Roger asks: Given the troubling aspects of US history, the recent bad news, and the trends threatening our democratic and humanitarian values, what is something you continue to cherish about the United States? If you have an answer to this question, email Rev. Roger right away.
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Sunday, July 10, 10:30: U-PICK Sunday
On July 10, Rev. Lucy will preach a favorite sermon from the past few years. You get to vote to choose which one.
Choose from four options. Vote early and vote often.
Polls close on Wednesday July 6.
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Sunday, July 17, 10:30: My Unsung Hero
Worship Associates Karen Sparrow, Celia Buckley, Ginny Johnson, Theo Claire, Colette Kavanaugh, Courtney O’Neil, Dan Myers, Irina Tchantceva, piano
Most of us have had an experience where someone making a difference in our lives but we didn’t have a chance to tell them. Our Worship Associates are offering the service today and each will share a story of an Unsung Hero who made a difference in life. Bring tissues.
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Summer Religious Education (RE) for ALL AGES! |
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RE Summer ArtWorks is on the calendar
for Sundays
July 3, 10, & 17
and August 14, 21, & 28.
ArtWorks begins at 10:15 am before service!
Glory Wicklund and Alicia Taylor join kids and youth to start making friendly scarecrows for our UUSS UUrthsong Community Garden.
For a smooth and quick check in: please make sure your family is registered for RE beforehand. Families, please enter through the main building 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 RE Summer ArtWorks. Remember to bring proof of vaccination and a face mask covering mouth/nose.
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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.) 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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UUSS Caregivers Support is a new group led by Marilyn Reynolds and Jon Peterson that offers information, conversation, and support for those caring for loved ones with cognitive impairments or other disabling conditions. Go to uuss.org/caregivers/ for details and links to trusted local organizations. Questions? Contact Jon and Marilyn at caregivers@uuss.org
Jon Peterson provided care for his late wife, Sally, and has for several years sponsored the Revere Caregivers support group. Marilyn Reynolds provided care for her late husband, Mike, and is the author of "Til Death or Dementia Do Us Part". Neither is an expert in the field of caregiving, but they are happy to share their personal insights.
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Be a Force of Healing in the World |
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Tahmina Needs a Home
Tahmina, an Afghan immigrant and single mother of three great kids, is looking for a 2 bedroom rental in Carmichael. This former math teacher from Kabul hopes to find a job teaching or tutoring math. Mentored by UUSS members for three years, this family wants to move back here from the bay area. She has a deposit and first month’s rent. Call me at 916 300-8469 or find my email address in the UUSS Directory.-- Colene Schlaepfer
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Advocates for the Homeless
We had great success on our Day of Action!
Thanks to everyone who showed up, called in or sent an email to the County Board of Supervisors.
You can read more about it on our website where you will also find a link to a recording of the meeting. Stay tuned for more.
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Join the Voter Outreach team
The next postcard writing campaign is starting! To Florida!
UU the Vote works with Reclaim Our Vote (ROV), a black-led organization working with local groups in Southern states and high-minority states like Arizona. They are using several methods to counter the "you can't vote" message that minority voters have received for generations and still receive. ROV has hired local people to register voters, and we writers and callers and texters will encourage those voters to go to the polls.
Reclaim Our Vote plans to analyze data from three Florida counties to determine the effectiveness of our writing.
It's Easy to Participate and Make a Difference
Our member Sue Jones is leading this effort. Let her know how many cards you want to write, in multiples of 20. she's requesting $1 per 20 names to cover the cost of cards, labels, script and names. You can pick them up from her porch in East Sacramento at any time; the porch is available 24/7. She also has porch pickup locations (dedicated volunteers) in Carmichael, Folsom, and Lincoln if any of those cities are closer to you.
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Channel your frustration and join us!
Postcard stamps go up from 40 cents to 44 cents Sunday, July 10.
(First class too!) Stock up now on those Forever stamps!
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Groups, Gatherings, and Classes |
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Face masks are required at UUSS events open to the public and held indoors. Masks required outdoors in the presence of children not old enough to be vaccinated. To attend indoor events, please provide proof of being fully vaccinated (includes a booster) and your ID; if you have done this earlier, you can just check your name off the list.
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Saturday Stitchers and Crafters - this Saturday, July 2, 10-Noon, in the Library. Bring sewing, coloring, beading, knitting, or any other portable craft and join us! Contact: stitchers@uuss.org
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For our Lectio Divina zoom meeting this coming Monday, July 4
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BLOSSOMS and BUSHES Have fun weeding, trimming, and beautifying our campus for one hour, followed by a soup lunch, this month it will be on Friday, July 8 at 10:00 AM. Just show up with clippers, sun hat, sunscreen, stool if needed, and good cheer. Contact: blossomsandbushes@uuss.org
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Ukulele Strum-Along - Monday, July 11, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. outdoors on the covered patio. 1:30 for tutoring or to borrow a uke. Proof of vax required and masks optional outdoors.
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Depression Peer Support Group Are you living with depression? You are not alone. Our confidential, in-person is for adults with depression.
Next session: Tuesday, July 12, 6:00pm in Fahs Room.
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Mah Jongg - Tuesday, July 12, 7:00pm. This drop-in activity meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 7:00pm in Classroom 6.
We play "American-style" Mah Jongg using the current years card of the National Mah Jongg League. For more info contact: mahjongg@uuss.org
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Happy New Year!
Meeting the Moment
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Happy new fiscal year! The newly approved UUSS Budget takes effect on July 1. We thank all the generous members and friends for your financial pledges of support.
If you made a pledge or already had an automatic monthly payment in place, you should have received a letter of thanks from the Stewardship Co-chairs with an insert from our Bookkeeper listing your new pledge for 2022-23; this insert also provides the status of all payments made so far toward your pledge for 2021-22. If you haven't seen this information, please contact michele@uuss.org or call the office.
A balanced budget relies on the generosity and participation of all of us.
So if you have not made a pledge, please know it will make a difference. You may contact michele@uuss.org, or you may do it fast and securely at uuss.org/pledge. Thanks! |
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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) Both are available for pastoral support by appointment by phone, Zoom or in person, and the Pastoral Volunteers are available for support by phone.
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VACATION ABSENCE: Rev. Lucy returns from vacation on July 6. Rev. Roger is available in case of emergency through this Sunday.
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VACATION ABSENCE: Rev. Roger will be out of state on vacation July 4-15. Rev. Lucy or the Office can reach him in case of emergency.
Our office staff members (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. (Note: Anthony is on vacation till July 24.)
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Office is closed Monday, July 4 for Independence 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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