Among the problems facing this country are two social afflictions. One is a lack of connectedness and belonging. The other is a lack of simple kindness.

These issues are tied together. So are the solutions.

In a UU congregation, declaring certainty about religious beliefs is not as important as kindness. One of the simplest ways to practice kindness is by taking time to greet another person whom you don’t know.

As a spiritual practice, doing this for just one person a day would make a difference. It could help you feel better about humanity—whether you receive such a greeting or speak it. Simple words of recognition and greeting can reduce the spaces between us.  

As a practice in our congregation, words of recognition and greeting would make us stronger and more vital in pursuit of our mission: We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world. Last Sunday, our guest preacher was Ms. Angeline Jackson, a candidate for ordination as a UU minister. Her sermon topic was about welcome. She was talking to all of us.

Angeline said to us:

“What if each of us were to begin thinking of ourselves as greeters, every Sunday?

Say hello to new people or faces you haven’t seen in a while. Help them find what they're looking for.  I'm an introvert, so I'm not saying be overly friendly, or maybe even friendly, but at least aim to be warm.”

If you attend a service in person, take a moment to greet just one or two people you don’t know. For example, I might say: “Good morning, I’m Roger. It’s good to see you.” Then I would pause to hear their response, and I repeat their name to them. (Note: Sometimes I forget if I’ve met people, so I just apologize and don’t worry about it. Another note: This would happen less if more of you remembered to wear a name tag.)

If you attend a service on Zoom, introduce yourself in the chat. If you see a name you don’t recognize, type in a “Good morning!” Then stay to get acquainted on Zoom after the service. Simple words of recognition and greeting can reduce the spaces between us.  

I close with the words of benediction which Angeline spoke to us:

“Go now spiritually renewed, and with your soul stirred. Carry the light of this faith, your faith, to everyone you meet. Prepare your warm and joyful welcome for when they come seeking the flame -- the source of your light.” Amen and blessed be.

Aim to be warm!

Rev. Roger

P.S.—Spring Forward this Sunday! Then Zoom in or show up to welcome our special guest from the UUA, Rev. Vail Weller. After being based in the Bay Area for many years, Vail is relocating to Pittsburgh this summer, so we are honored to have her with us one last time as a Californian.

Have you noticed the link that says "(Message clipped) View entire message" near the bottom of these e-mails? We have 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!

Our March Soul Matters Theme is



Transformation

Here's the link to the Soul Matters materials

Sunday Morning Programs

Join us before the service at 9:30 AM at UUSS

1st Sunday - Labyrinth meditation in the meadow (April 7)

2nd Sunday - Note new time: Justice & Equity conversation is after church (11:45)! For March it will be in the Sanctuary.

3rd Sunday - Qui Gong/Tai Chi (March 17)

4th Sunday - Exploring Unitarian Universalism (March 24) with Rosemary Dodd in the Fahs Room.

Sunday, March 10, 10:30AM:

Lavishly Flung Forth: The Ecology of Generosity

Rev. Vail Weller, guest preacher, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Ministerial Intern Rosemary Dodd, Worship Associate Dawn Huebner, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva

How might we enrich our relationship with the natural world and the communities that form and nourish us, while also deepening our understanding of ourselves as stewards?

A Pittsburgh, PA, native and lifelong Unitarian Universalist, Vail Weller has served our faith since 1998. She’s served congregations in West Virginia, Michigan, and most recently San Mateo, where she lives. She has served the Unitarian Universalist Association as Congregational Giving Director and is now Senior Philanthropic Advisor.

 Note: Spring Forward! Set clocks ahead one hour or you’ll be late!

At 11:50 a.m.: Justice & Equity Conversation in the Fahs Classroom (new time!) 

At 11:50 a.m.: Newcomers’ Orientation & Tour (meet at the Welcome Table).

Sunday, March 17, 10:30AM:

Your One Wild and Precious Life

A Circle Service led by Rev. Dr. Roger Jones with Ministerial Intern Rosemary Dodd, Worship Associate Celia, the UUSS Choir, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva, and UUSS folks from age 8 to 92! Altar design by Molly Stuart.

Join us for this favorite annual service. Congregants from every decade of age will present their two-minute answers in response to this question from a poem by the late Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Contact Rev. Roger soon if you want to participate.

Sunday, March 24, 10:30AM: A Faith Worth Living For: Inspirations from Our Polish Forbears

Rev. Dr. Roger Jones preaching, with Patty Budding and Jan Fleming. Ministerial Intern Rosemary Dodd, Worship Associate Courtney O’Neill, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva.

On sabbatical, Roger co-led a pilgrimage to the land of the Polish Brethren, a radical Unitarian movement. They were pacifists who preached human kinship, practiced social equality, shared possessions, and used dialogue rather than dogma to seek the truth about the Divine. Their movement flourished from 1565 to 1658. It was crushed, yet their ideas kept spreading.

• Exploring UUism at 9:30 am in the Fahs Classroom with Rosemary—all welcome

Members and friends who attend a service by Zoom may enjoy the chance to get acquainted after the service concludes, and may reflect on a question related to the service theme-- for 22 minutes. Please speak briefly and listen so that all may be included.

A memorial service and reception to honor our longtime member Dick Taylor will take place at UUSS TODAY March 8 at 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions to honor Dick may be made to Loaves and Fishes, Sacramento Peace Action, or UUSS.

In Loving Memory: Our former member Mary "Gene" Anderson passed away on March 6, a day before her 90th birthday. Gene and her late husband, Bill, were members of the UU Community Church of Sacramento and then UUSS before moving to the Monterey area. We extend our condolences to her family and friends.

Healing Prayers: We are happy that Robin Howlett's foot surgery went well and that she is recuperating at home now. We send wishes for continued healing. We also hold Maxine Cornwell in our hearts for strength as she continues rehabilitation from a broken hip. We extend wishes for serenity and courage to those in our lives who have addictions, whether active or in recovery. We send prayers for strength and self-care for their loved ones.  

In Celebration: Kurt Schmidt and Julia Rampone were married Feb. 24 in Southern California. Congratulations and blessings!

Rejoicing in Good News: We extend our congratulations to mom Tahira and dad Esmatullah on the birth of their first daughter, Norah Saadat. Congrats to Meg Burnett also, who cared for Norah's three big brothers, two of whom are twins.  

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. Come early this Sunday and light a candle up front and fill out a prayer card for the ministers.

Childcare--The Nursery (Rm. 11) welcomes infants 6m+ through age 5. Staff supervise child-led play in a fun and friendly nursery filled with toys and games. Snacks are offered. Access through the main entrance. Please contact Crystal with questions.

Soul Kids -- K-5th grade. Please join us this Sunday, March 10th for a story and art project about what we look forward to, and strive for that hasn't happened yet! We will light the chalice, check in with our friends, and end on the playground. Please start in service!

Junior High Youth Group (JHYG) -- Grades 6, 7, 8

Meets every 2nd and 4th Sunday, during service in Room 6, throughout the regular RE year. The next JHYG meeting is this Sunday, March 10th. Join Bess and Alicia for transformation (from the Soul Matters theme) and connection! Hands-on art projects are always popular too. Please start in service!

Other engaging activities for children, youth and families are available and information can be found in the email linked above!



This week's email contains a reflection about learning from Ramadan, and the UU World Article from 2006 by the Rev. Abhi Janamanchi,

"Why I am fasting for Ramadan"

There's always a lot happening in RE!

RE Coordinator Crystal Fountain has weekly office hours and is available by email too.

Whether by the cup after service or by the bag in your own home, you can enjoy coffee created just for UUSS:

Chalice Blend! Its beans are grown by women-owned cooperatives in Latin America and roasted and blended by a family-run cafe in Oakland. Fresh beans are sold for $13 a bag in the Sunday Bookstore -- or stop in at the Office any weekday. Enjoy!

Nominating Committee: In the best of all worlds our UUSS community leadership reflects the diversity of our congregation: our talents, our viewpoints, our experience. Interested in helping us cast a wider net and sharing your talents, viewpoints, and experience in a leadership role? The Nominating Committee will be available after service March 10 to answer your questions about leadership opportunities available this year and beyond! Stop by our table after the service. Or send us your questions: Nominating@UUSS.org

Blossoms & Bushes - UUSS Campus March 11, 10:00am. Deadhead, weed & trim plants in front of our building and the succulent-cactus garden.    

Ukulele Strum-Along - Fahs Room March 11, 2:00pm. Everyone is welcome. Beginners are encouraged to come at 1:30 for help getting started. We welcome brand-new players, and we supply the music and have ukes to lend. Contact: ukes@uuss.org

Card Making: Create greeting cards of all types. Saturday, March 16, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. You are invited to register for a class on making greeting cards in the Fahs Room with Instructor Jan Larsson. Sign up at adultenrichment@uuss.org. Asking $5 to cover materials, and extra donations are welcome to support UUSS programs. Coffee and snacks will be provided. 

Registration Now Open!

April 19-20 online and in Denver!

Elevate your Unitarian Universalist experience by immersing yourself in the Pacific Western Regional Assembly. This is a community of individuals like you, from dozens of UU congregations--online or in person!

Friday evening kicks off with a compelling conversation between our new UUA president, Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, and the president of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson – both remarkable women of color dedicated to justice work.

Saturday includes workshops, conversational gatherings, and a pivotal Transitions Update. On Sunday, local congregations open their doors for special Earth Day worship for all ages.

Registration for Regional Assembly is open! Reach out to Rev. Sarah Schurr at sschurr@uua.org if you have questions you would like for us to give to Rev. Dr. Sofía and Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia.