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Our Weekly Message
News, Invitations, and Ministerial Reflections
October 13, 2023
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Beloveds -
Its been a week of shock and heartbreak as we watch the terrible events unfold in Israel and Palestine. I want to share with you the inspirational words of Rev. Dr. Sophia Betancourt , our UUA president:
Beloveds, I invite you to stop what you are doing if you can and sit with me in the depth of this tragedy. How to reconcile the cost of occupation and of war? How to nuance two very real histories of oppression and violence? I am holding close the words of U.N. Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland who said: "This is a dangerous precipice, and I appeal to all to pull back from the brink."
We as a people of faith can condemn violence against civilians while at the same time engaging the full legacies and histories of oppression that shape such devastating conflict. As a faith tradition, Unitarian Universalists have long worked for peace, and our principles and values call for the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.
I pray for the people of Israel and Palestine. I pray for leaders around the globe who must respond to this latest flare of violence and the untenable ethical considerations that abound. I pray for Muslim and Jewish UUs who experience the impact of this long strife acutely. I pray that those of us less likely to know the trauma of unending brutality and harm will not turn away from generational loss, from the devastating realities and their root causes, or from the relentless tragedy of war and occupation. We are one global family living tenuously on the same human-impacted Earth. Let us center ourselves in justice as we call for peace."
She asked us not to turn away from this tragedy, it is important to understand the underlying issues of the deep unrest in the Middle East - the "root causes" as she states. However, it is not necessary to watch or read about every atrocity that the media present - you will not be enriched by doing so, and for those of us sensitive to violence, you may well be traumatized.
Lets take a deep breath. We must be gentle with ourselves at these times, and engage in these issues with thoughtfulness. Its OK to feel confused, conflicted and overwhelmed - it is a normal response to the brutality of war.
Don't hesitate to reach out if you need to share what's on your heart.
Sending love to all.
Rev. Lucy
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Only about three weeks to go until our magical event, Sat. Nov. 4, 5-8pm. Here is all the info. you need:
- Event tickets can now be purchased here for $30 per person. You can also check out the delectable menu that Tiki Harlow and her team will be preparing. If this price is a hardship for you, please contact auction@uuss.org to discuss our sliding scale.
- FREE childcare with pizza and a movie will be provided by our staff. To reserve spot(s) please e-mail auction@uuss.org.
- We have 100 auction items to choose from! If you submitted your offering online but have not received an e-mail confirmation, please contact auctionhelp@uuss.org immediately so we can be sure to get it in there.
- The silent auction will be open for bidding Oct. 21-Nov. 5. You must register online with a credit card in order to bid.
- We are still looking for a few more themed baskets for our night-of raffle. Please contact Lauren auction@uuss.org to sign up.
- We need over 200 "person" hours of volunteer assistance to pull this event off, so please visit our table during coffee hour or contact auction@uuss.org to sign up.
- "magical" attire is encouraged for the event.
Questions? Contact 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 (Nov. 5)
2nd Sunday - Justice & Equity Conversation (Nov. 12)
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 15, 10:30:
One, Two, Infinite Fractal Beauty
Lisa Bunker preaching with Dawn Heubner Worship Associate, the UUSS Choir, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva
Our human brains like binary thinking – black and white, masculine and feminine, finite and infinite – but it has its limitations. Lay leader Lisa Bunker will share thoughts about getting past binaries, finding middle paths, and discovering how despite being finite beings we are all also part of an eternal cosmic dance.
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Sunday, October 22, 10:30: Coming Home
Rev. Lucy Bunch and Ministerial Intern Rosemary Dodd with Worship Associate Kaley Calderon Music Pianist Irina Tchantceva, guitarist Harry Stoddard
As fall deepens, we find ourselves snuggling into warmth and comfort. This Sunday we explore the feeling of safety and comfort of home through poetry and reflection. Come let yourself be soothed.
- Exploring UU History and Theology before the service with Rev. Lucy
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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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We learned recently of the passing of Diane Murphy sometime in the past few months. Diane was an active member for more than 15 years, supporting family promise and other programs for the homeless. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. We send our condolences to her family and friends. | |
Join us in Religious Education! | |
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Childcare--The Nursery (Rm. 11) is closed this Sunday, Oct. 15. Sorry for the inconvenience! Please contact Crystal with questions. Some activities for young children will be available at the RE Welcome Table.
Soul Kids -grades K-5- meet this Sunday (Oct. 15) during service. Come join DJ for fun activities celebrating our Soul Matters theme: The Gift of Heritage. Please start in service!
Senior High Youth Group (SHYG) -grades 9-12- *Attention: New Meeting Time!*
meets this Sunday, Oct. 15, during 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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New Directory Planned
Do you want to opt out?
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We are launching a new directory for members and friends. It will be limited to email and phone numbers only. It will not be posted on the web site, but will be accessed through a secure site.
Please let us know if you would like to opt out of the directory and not have your information included. If you choose to do so, you will not have access to the directory yourself, but can get information from the office staff as needed.
Send your questions or opt-out request to directory@uuss.org
Directory will launch next month, but you can opt out at any time.
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What's Happening?
For a listing of all events this week and coming up
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KEEP MOVING - GET FIT Every Thursday 9:30am - Covered Patio. Sitting and standing exercises for seniors, with Shelley Burns, Silver Sneakers instructor. $10 drop-in. Info atadultenrichment@uuss.org
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Theology On Tap Thursday Oct. 19, 7pm This month's gathering is at HOP GARDENS
2904 Franklin Blvd. Sac. All are welcome! For info on how to join the email distribution list, contact: theologyontap@uuss.org
Building a Spiritual Community One Pub at a Time.
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Website Support needed Do you have some comfort with tech? We need someone to post updates about social justice activities on our website. Commitment is 5 hours per month. Training provided. Contact Rev. Lucy if interested.
Auction team needs volunteers. Do you like to bake? Seeking dessert makers to make desserts in their own home and bring to the event. Recipes provided. Don't like to bake? We need folks to help clean up after the dinner. Contact auction@uuss.org to volunteer.
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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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Election of Community Partners for 2024: After the Congregational meeting on October 22, UUSS members have the opportunity to vote for 6 new community partners. We have received 10 qualifying nominations. Six of the current partners with whom we have a strong partnership will be carried over to 2024 without election: Loaves and Fishes, Family Promise, RiverCity Food Bank, National Alliance for Mental Illness, Planned Parenthood and Mercy Pedalers.
UUSS members will receive an email prior to October 22 with a link to the ballot. Voting is open from October 23 to 11:59 PM on October 30. Please vote! Your vote matters!
UUSS members without email will receive the ballot by mail as an enclosure to the Weekly Message.
Questions? Contact Bobbie Keill at partners@uuss.org
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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 Rev. 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. | | | | |
