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Our Weekly Message
News, Invitations, and Ministerial Reflections
September 29, 2023
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Dear Friends,
This Sunday we will kick off our new Soul Matters theme: The Gift of Heritage. This coming week is also the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, which, in many Christian churches, means the blessing of the animals. We are not inviting all the animals to church with us, but there is no doubt that many of us consider the animals themselves to be a blessing. They are also a reminder of our place in the interconnected web of life: a part of our UU heritage. I feel a strong connection to the animals. As you can see from the above photo, my cat "Cheetoh", is often with me as I work. I would love to hear about your pets too! Many of the children who come to RE on Sundays have stories about their livestock and pets to share during our check-in time. Seeing UUSS people with their pets on Zoom is one of the things I actually miss about the pandemic lockdowns!
Unless your pet is a service animal, it may not be possible for you to bring them to church with you, but we can always bring them everywhere in our hearts. And when we are with our animals at home, we can feel the connection to our church when we remember our place in the interconnected web.
Please tell your pets I said hello!
Crystal
Religious Education Coordinator
CrystalFountain@uuss.org
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Community Partner Nominations
Due October 1
As part of our commitment to being “a force for healing in the world” every month UUSS gives away half of our Sunday offering to a local not-for-profit organization. Who will be a Community Partner for the upcoming year is decided by the UUSS congregation in the fall after the congregational meeting in October. Click here to find out more or to nominate an organization Nominations need to be submitted by October 1. Voting will commence after the Congregational meeting on October 22nd.
If you have questions, please contact Bobbie Keill at partners@uuss.org.
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Our 2023 Auction & Dinner “Magic of Community” will be held Saturday, November 4, 5-8pm. We are looking for donations of experiences, adventures and talents for our auction as well as themed baskets for our raffle. Visit the auction table during coffee hour or visit our auction site to donate an item (select the "Offer an
Item" tab) and register for silent auction bidding.
Questions? E-mail auction@uuss.org.
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Sunday Mornings with UUSS
Face masks are available but not required.
Join us for Worship Services in person or on Zoom Zoom links here
(Closed Captioning available on Zoom)
Service time 10:30 a.m.
Did you miss a service? You can find links to past services here
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Sunday Morning Programs
Join us before the service at 9:30 AM at UUSS
1st Sunday - Labyrinth meditation in the meadow (October 1)
2nd Sunday - Justice & Equity Conversation (Oct. 8)
3rd Sunday - Qui Gong/Tai Chi (Oct. 15)
4th Sunday - Exploring Unitarian Universalism (Oct. 22)
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Join us for a Newcomer Orientation and Tour the second Sunday of every month,
right after church, in the Welcome Hall. Next one is October 8.
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Sunday, October 1, 10:30: Our UU Heritage
Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching, Worship Associate Karen Sparrow, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva
As we deepen into the 21st century, we are living in a time of change and turmoil. How does our UU heritage inform our denomination in these times. What do we keep and what do we leave behind?
- 9:30 a.m.: Labyrinth walk in the meadow.
- Before the service, light a candle and fill out a card of Joy, Sorrow, or Prayer
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Sunday, October 8, 10:30:
Ministerial Intern Rosemary Dodd preaching with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Courtney O Neil Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva
What ethical lessons can the study of history bring us? Join us for an exploration of what it means to hold our faith’s ancestors as people worthy of our love, compassion, and grace, and to imagine new futures together. Taking the Salem Witch Trials as a case study, Rosemary will share how she has been moved out of her own disbelief through stories of faith and radical forgiveness in community.
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Joys, Sorrows, and Caring | |
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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. Make sure to tell us you do not want us to mention it aloud, or if you would like a phone call from one of the ministers.
If you know of someone in the congregation facing surgery, dealing with loss, coping with a new and serious diagnosis, etc., please encourage them to inform one of our ministers and/or to reach out to the Caring Committee at caring@uuss.org.
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Connie Buckley, UUSS member died on September 24th at the age of 76. Connie joined the church seven years ago and was active in the choir, supporting Theater One and helping out in many ways. We will miss her warm friendly presence. We send our love and condolences to her sister Celia Buckley, sister-in law, Marion Randall, Brother Richard Buckely and his family.
Nancy Lewis Welch died this past week. She was the beloved elder sister of Mimi Lewis and Sally Lewis. We send our love and condolences to the Lewis/Boles and the Lewis/Libby families.
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Save The Dates!
October 22 after the service: UUSS congregational meeting
November 4 at 5 PM: Auction - Magic of Community
February 2 - 4 2024: UUSS Women's retreat - The Spirit of Creativity
June 28 - 30, 2024 All Ages Camp at Camp Norge in the Sierra
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Join us in Religious Education! | | |
Childcare--available from 9:15 to 12:15 most Sundays in Room 11 (Nursery). Room and resources for feeding/nursing infants are accessible in the nursery. Please enter campus via the main doors. Please contact Crystal with questions.
Soul Kids -grades K-5- meet this Sunday (Oct. 1) during service. Come join Crystal for fun activities celebrating our Soul Matters theme: The Gift of Heritage. Please start in service!
Senior High Youth Group (SHYG) -grades 9-12- meets this Sunday, Oct. 1 after service.
Other engaging activities for children, youth and families are available and information can be found in the email linked above! There's always a lot happening in RE!
Our RE Coordinator Crystal Fountain has weekly office hours and is available by email too.
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Are you wondering
What to Do When Your Child Worries Too Much?
Did you know there's a UUSS member who's an expert in childhood anxiety? Our very own (Dr.) Dawn Huebner is offering this event for anyone who knows and cares about a child struggling with worry.
Come hear the latest thinking about childhood anxiety, what causes it and, importantly, what to do about it. The focus will be on children ages 12 and under
Please join us, Sunday, October 8th from 2:00 - 3:30 PM for this special conversation and Q&A. Refreshments will be provided. Childcare will be available.
Send questions about this event CrystalFountain@uuss.org
Sign up at the RE Welcome Table on Sunday or fill out this form.
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PROGRAM COUNCIL SEPTEMBER MESSAGE | |
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Much of the business of the Program Council at the September meeting involved a review of the just-completed 2023 Activity Fair. While generally pleased with the event, a few suggestions were noted for next year’s Fair. Possible participation by the Program Council in such future events as the Leadership Reception, held jointly with the Board of Trustees and the Nominating Committee, and a New Members Reception were noted.
Program Council members stay in touch with nearly 50 activity groups and program committees. Each PC member serves as liaison to a number of groups. If your group has not heard from us please get in touch with our Chairperson as we may not have up-to-date contact information. Additional information about the Program Council can be found at uss.org/programcouncil
The Program Council meets on Zoom the third Thursday of each month. Persons interested in attending a meeting can request contact info at programcouncil@uuss.org
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What's Happening?
For a listing of all events this week and coming up
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Rise up Singing This Sunday October 1 after the service!
Folk Music Jam/ Sing Along /All ages /All levels. Bring your voices and acoustic instruments to share the joy and power of making music together. 1st Sunday of the month Contact: Mary McGown at riseup@uuss.org for more info.
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Soup Sunday is Back! For a goodwill donation, you can enjoy a hearty bowl of soup, a slice of bread, and a cookie. Soup Sunday is on the 1st and 3rd Sundays after the Service through February (except 2/4/24).
The Parkway Stewards will be sponsoring this Sunday's Event!
We are still looking for groups and individuals willing to make and serve soup on other Sundays. For information email: soupsunday@uuss.org
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Help lead our Newcomer Orientation
Do you like meeting new people? Comfortable speaking to a small group? We are looking for folks to help lead the once a month newcomer orientation on the Second Sunday after church. Script provided. Contact Rev. Lucy if interested.
Do you have landscaping skills? We are looking for a plan for the median strip along the front of the church. Got ideas? Got skills? Please contact Glory Wicklund, APMC@uuss.org
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Community Partner
Half of the Sunday morning offering donations made in October
support our local community partner:
Sacramento Native American
Health Center
To donate now at the UUSS website, click here.
"May generosity bless our world, and may gratitude nourish our spirits."
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Celebrate 40 years of Loaves and Fishes
October 15: Celebrate 40 years of service with Loaves and Fishes at a special event being held at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church!
Loaves and Fishes is a long time UUSS community partner and we have an opportunity to support them by joining their staff, volunteers and clients for music, snacks, stories and learning more about their important mission to serve the homeless in our community.
Where: 2391 St. Mark’s Way, Sacramento, CA
Time: 4:00 PM -5:30ish
How we can help make it a success: In addition to showing our support through attendance at the event, we have been invited to contribute snacks to the festivities. If you would like to do that, even if you can’t attend, please contact Bobbie Keill at partners@uuss.org. Snacks can be brought to the church on Sunday morning and will be delivered to the event.
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Staff and Minister Availability | |
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Schedule an appointment with Lucy at calendly.com/revlucyb or ministerial intern Rosemary Dodd: rosemary@uuss.org
Rev. Roger is on sabbatical Sept. 4 through Jan. 31.
Our office staff members (office@uuss.org or 916-483-9283) are available to respond to your calls and emails weekdays 8:30-4:30, except public holidays. Our Pianist and Music Director are available by email and invite you to choir practice Wednesday nights at 7:00.
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We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world. | | | | |
