In This Issue

"The Fragility and Resilience of Trust"

March 2nd

Trust is the foundation of relationships, but it is also delicate, easily broken, and difficult to rebuild. How do we navigate the complexities of trust in a world where promises are sometimes broken, institutions falter, and we ourselves fall short?

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Clare Whitfield

Music: Gage Purdy

Pianist: Roger Corman

The Basket: Saturday Breakfast for Our Neighbors

"Trust, Resilience and Navigating Collective Care for the Future"

March 9th

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, "Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase." This morning we'll consider, "what is faith -- really?" What does it mean, especially in uncertain times? How might we meet the future grounded in what sustains and heartens us? We'll celebrate what it means to renew trust in ourselves and each other in a tumultuous world. Rev. Dara is delighted to be back at UUCSR to visit! 

Guest Service Leader: Rev Dara Olandt

Worship Associates: Linda Lampson

Music: Gage Purdy & Choir

Pianist: Roger Corman

Share the Basket: Forest Unlimited- With over 6,000 redwoods planted this year, Forest Unlimited replenishes our forests and defends them against illegal clear cutting and destruction

"Trusting the Journey: Faith in Unseen Path"

March 16th

Life often takes us down roads we never expected, filled with twists, obstacles, and uncertainty. How do we find courage to keep moving forward when the destination is unclear? The Sermon will reflect on what it means to trust the journey, lean into faith, and embrace the unseen paths before us. Join us as we explore the wisdom, resilience, and grace that guide us through life's unknowns.

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Cathie Wiese & Maura Ryan-Donahue

Music: John Ray

Pianist: Louise Bettner

The Basket: UUCSR General Fund

Vulnerability and Trust: Opening the Door to Connection

March 23rd

In a world that often values strength and self-reliance, vulnerability can feel like a risk we're unwilling to take. Yet, it is through vulnerability that we open the door to deeper trust, authentic relationships, and true connection. How do we create spaces where we can be seen, heard, and accepted as we are? How do we build the trust that allows us to share our fears, our hopes, and our whole selves?

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Eric Fischer

Music: Gage Purdy & Choir

Pianist: Roger Corman 

Share The Basket: Ukraine TrustChain- Supports Ukrainian volunteer teams providing urgent food and medical supplies, and safely evacuating over 64,000 people from active war zones.

Joint Service with the Petaluma Congregation: Songs of Resistance and Peace

March 30th

Join us for a powerful and uplifting joint service with the Petaluma congregation as we explore the transformative power of music in justice and peace movements. Through song, reflection, and community, we will celebrate the voices that have inspired change, uplifted spirits, and carried the hope of a better world. Come ready to listen, sing, and be moved!

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements & Rev Aija Simpson-Newbury

Worship Associates: Gage Purdy

Music: Gage Purdy & Sally Jones

Pianist: Roger Corman 

Share The Basket: VIDAS - Provides competent and compassionate legal immigration advocacy at no or low cost to clients.

From the Minister's Desk

Reverend Dave Clements

Love at the Center: Unitarian Universalist Values in Action

In Unitarian Universalism, love is not just a feeling—it is a guiding principle, a call to action, and the heart of our faith. Our values center on justice, equity, and compassion, but at the core of all we do is love. Love moves us to seek truth, build community, and stand for those in need.

Our commitment to love manifests in many ways—through social justice efforts, caring for one another, and creating spaces where people of all backgrounds and beliefs can come together in mutual respect. Whether we are advocating for human rights, supporting our neighbors, or nurturing spiritual growth, we affirm that love is a powerful force that can heal, uplift, and inspire.

As we move forward together, let us ask: How can we embody love in our daily lives? How can we extend our circle of care and compassion? In answering these questions, we live out our Unitarian Universalist faith, ensuring that love remains at the center of all we do.

In June of 2024, at our annual General Assembly the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) passed a revision to Article II of its bylaws, which articulates the core values and purposes of the Association. Those values are Interdependence, Pluralism, Justice, Transformation, Generosity, and Equity. These core values along with our 8 principles make up the core beliefs and values of Unitarian Universalism. Within all of this stands love which is our action and is at the center of all that we do.

I believe that love is the enduring force that holds us together. In relational covenants, we are accountable to one another and to the Earth as we seek to live out our shared values. Those values being:

• Interdependence. We honor the interdependent web of all existence.
• Pluralism. We celebrate that we are all sacred beings diverse in culture, experience, and theology. We covenant to learn from one another in our free and responsible search for truth and meaning. 
• Justice. We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive. We covenant to dismantle racism and all forms of systemic oppression. We support the use of inclusive democratic processes to make decisions within our congregations and in society at large.
• Transformation. We adapt to the changing world. We covenant to collectively transform and grow spiritually and ethically. 
• Generosity. We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope. We covenant to freely and compassionately share our faith, presence, and resources. Our generosity connects us to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality.
• Equity. We declare that every person has the right to flourish with inherent dignity and worthiness. We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.

May all of you, both members and friends, of UUCSR continue to live out our shared values and live into our principles.

With Love,

Rev. Dave Clements

President's Message

Board of Trustee President- David Reitzell

president@uusantarosa.org

I have so enjoyed the last month. We have worked hard and had a lot of fun with innovative services and programs. The action items from the Congregational meeting are being implemented with vigor. We are boldly moving into this new time in our congregation, community and country. Being a Federal employee myself, none of the changes, and their implementations, are lost on me. This will continue to be very challenging. Our community and beyond needs us, as well as those organizations who believe like us and are willing to work towards a better future for all. I believe in us!

I would like to address the rental of the Founder’s room. This has been controversial and brought up feelings from many of us. It has been a good place to have meetings and educational programs in our growing congregation. We discussed this in our congregational meeting; we had the next Sunday to meet and ask questions of the leaders of The Lost Church; there were other discussions and emails too. We held a straw, albeit non-scientific, poll where about 75% of the respondents voted in favor of the rental.  For the 25% who have doubts, we heard you and considered your thoughts and ideas deeply. The Board of Trustees thought long, and considered different opinions, even within the Board. In the end we voted unanimously to pursue the rental to The Lost Church. We felt that the financial wellbeing of our church was too important to pass up this opportunity. This builds toward a healthier foundation, to do what we need to, so we can support our mission, programs, building, and staff. It is also an exciting partnership to bring this vibrant group, which supports many marginalized groups within our society, into our building. 

They are now looking into the permits needed. Once we are certain it can work, we will work on the contract. This decision is not finalized until that contract is signed by all, but this is the plan.

I am heartened by the increase in volunteers and financial support we have seen in the last few months. I’m putting in a plug for even more, however. The Board of Trustees will need 4 new members for next year and the church needs a treasurer (no, you don’t have to be an accountant or financial wizard to do this). I thoroughly understand the exhale and sigh as people think of joining us on the BOT. Who has the time and energy? Well, it is actually a rewarding experience and a very exciting time, with our new minister, whoever it may be, arriving soon. We would like to invite newer members with fresh ideas, as well as those who may have served on the Board in the past to consider this opportunity. No experience necessary, just a desire to be involved.

You may email me, anytime, at president@uusantarosa.org

Peace and love, David Reitzell.

Music Director

Gage Purdy

musicdirectoar@uusantarosa.org

“A song is something that can belong to everybody. And once it belongs to everybody, then there’s a chance it’s going to be a tool for change.” - Pete Seeger

This month, as we reflect the theme of Trust, we turn to music as a profound expression of faith in one another. Music-making in a community requires trust—the trust that our voices will blend, that we will support one another, and that together, we will create something greater than ourselves. Throughout the month, our music program will share songs that explore the nature of trust and the strength found in unity, reminding us that trust is not just given but nurtured through connection and shared experience.

As we close the month, we will join UU Petaluma for a special joint service reflecting on the Tradition of Resistance. This service invites us to consider how trust plays a role in collective action, resilience, and the courage to stand together for justice.

We are excited to announce the formation of a new Music Committee at UUCSR! This team will work to support and strengthen our music ministry by focusing on recruitment, program development, and long-term visioning. It will play a vital role in fostering a responsible and responsive music ministry—one that honors our values, uplifts diverse voices, and deepens our communal worship experience.

Stay tuned for more updates, and if you’re passionate about music at UUCSR, we’d love to hear from you! 🎵



Financial Report

January 2025 Financial Report

REVENUE

Pledges - $267,360.44 ($19,443.79 more than what was budgeted)

Donations/Gifts - $41,164.67 ($5,843.87 more than what was budgeted)

Rental Income - $19,048.50 ($5,451.50 less than what was budgeted) 

TOTAL INCOME: $370,145.81 ($38,141.71 more than what was budgeted) (Not all categories are listed above, but they are included in the total)

EXPENSE

Employee Expenses & Contracted Services - $260,593.27 ($7,125.76 more than what was budgeted – there were 3 payrolls in January)

Expenditures - $84,253.84 ($8,161.22 less than what was budgeted)

TOTAL EXPENSE: $344,847.11 ($1,035.46 less than what was budgeted)

RESTRICTED FUNDS

Saturday Breakfast – Saturday Breakfast – Received $23,569.10 in donations in January, bring the balance to a positive $24,737.28!

NET INCOME – We had a positive net income of $23,084.73

Religious Education

Era Capone

Hello all,

I am constantly grateful and in awe of our community here at UUCSR, and this past month was a demonstration of how amazing each and every one of you are. Our impromptu letter-writing event saw an attendance of nearly 30 people, pouring their hearts and values into written, cathartic messages to our elected officials. We saw dozens of you show up for a pancake breakfast service and strengthen the bonds of our community through the simple but powerful act of conversation and inclusion. Similarly, our UU Parenting and Youth groups have been tackling tough but important conversations, fostering spaces to hold our collective challenges, and turning them into resilience, determination and hope.

It is easy to fall into despair and frustration as we continue to face unprecedented and dangerous actions being taken by the White House, and futility is no easy obstacle to overcome. Yet, we have seen people of all ages in our UUCSR home defy its nihilistic grasp by pulling together, forming coalitions built upon love, justice, and vulnerability, and carrying hope out into the world. As a lifelong cynic, I am humbled by the amazing things that we are achieving by working together, and I know I am not alone when I say that I am deeply and truly proud to be a part of this beloved community.

As we continue to find new ways to grow momentum within our community, be it with activism, protests, community service, or the myriad other ways we can challenge hate and prejudice through love, we continue to rely on the support of volunteers in RE. If you would like to get involved in any of our programs, please email me at the address below. We can't wait to have you join us!

In love and perseverance,

Era

dre@uusantarosa.org

Taize at UUCSR

Please join us for our monthly contemplative Taize service on

Thursday, March 6th, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in the sanctuary.

From CUUPs

By Maura Ryan-Donahue

“And Spring arose on the garden fair, 

Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;

And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast

Rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.”

~ Percy Blythe Shelley

Spring is almost here! This year, Spring arrives in the northern hemisphere on March 20th, Ostara, the date of the Vernal Equinox when the length of daylight and nighttime once again come into balance. Through the ages, pagans have worshiped the Greek goddess Persephone (aka Kore), as well as the Germanic goddess Ostara (aka Eostre), both of whom are primarily associated with the arrival of Spring and the renewal of life after Winter. Both of their stories involve a descent into the underworld and subsequent return to the world above, representing the changing of the seasons from the dormancy of Winter to the fertility of Spring. Indeed on a spiritual level, the past dark half of the year has been a time to focus inward, to rest and reflect on our lives and our life paths. With the advent of Spring at Ostara, we celebrate the bright half of the year with the returning life and new beginnings both out in nature and within ourselves. Ostara brings with it an invitation to return to the physical world and our physical bodies, to celebrate and enjoy the pleasures of food, flowers, and friends, and also to begin to plant seeds to grow new opportunities and paths for our development. Spring brings the hope of a new day and the chance to restore, rebalance, and refocus your life force on what you desire to grow. What will you plant?

Join CUUPs at their second Thursday meeting March 13th @ 5:30pm as they celebrate Ostara. Email cuups@uusantarosa.org for the link.

Soul Matters

Soul Matters theme for March is, Living Love Through The Practice of: Trust

(Click on the photo for more information)

Soul Matters is a deeper spiritual version of Small Group Ministries where we meet monthly or twice monthly in small groups to dive into our own spirituality and get to know each other in a more personal sharing.

Contact Katie Trieller for information:

ktrieller@icloud.com 

707-329-5083. 

smallgroupministry@uusantarosa.org

From The Search Committee

Ministerial Search Update

Until mid March your search team will be preparing for pre-candidating visits, checking references and doing in-depth interviews. It is a exciting but demanding process.

If all goes well the final ministerial candidate will be preaching on Sunday, April 27th and again on Sunday, May 4th. The congregational vote for the new minister will follow the service on Sunday, May 4th. Mark your calendars now. Be sure you can meet the final candidate and cast your vote on this momentous occasion.

The team encourages you to read "Seeds of a New Way: Nurturing Authentic and Diverse Leadership". A few copies are available in the UUCSR library or you can order it HERE. It is a short book written by UU ministers telling their own stories about what it is like to be a minister. It is an honest and eye-opening account of the challenges of doing this sacred work

For questions, please contact Robert Howseman or Judy Withee.

Warmly, Your UUCSR Search Committee

Service Auction 2025!

Save the Date April 12, 2025

Click on flyer for printable pdf.

Watch the Newsblasts and website for Sign-ups!

Nominating Committee

Leadership Training

“Empowered Leadership: Building Ethical and Effective Leaders”

Sign-up to attend: Saturday March 29th from 10:00am to 12noon

Your Nominating Committee and Rev Dave Clements are holding a Leadership Training Class. We will participate in a time honored communication exercise as well as learn our individual leadership styles with the "True Colors Exercise". You will create your own leadership action plan and refresh your professional boundary limits, as well as revisit sexual harassment legal and ethical responsibilities. This training is open to all members. 

Register by emailing nominating@uusantarosa.org

General Assembly

Baltimore, the "Charm City"

Are you thinking of attending GA 2025 in Baltimore or virtually? Early Bird registration and discount for GA is open until March 31st. UUCSR needs to identify their delegates by name which will give you access to financial aid, volunteer opportunities and plenty of time to arrange travel and housing.

Financial support through discounted registration and housing reservations are also available to help make GA accessible to all. Additional funding and travel stipends are available to youth and young adults (ages 14-35) through the Katie Tyson Fund and the Jerry and Denny Davidoff Fund.

To support delegates, the GA Board will host online candidate forums and “What to Expect” webinars to take place in May or June. Contact a Nominating Committee member for more information or go to the GA website HERE

This month's Newsletter for GA HERE

Adult Education

How to Organize Your Life

Saturdays March 8, 15, and 22, 10:30-11:30

Board Room

Natalie Brundred

Do you often feel overwhelmed by everything you need (and want) to do? This 3-part class will teach you techniques that will make you feel less stressed and more in control. Natalie Brundred, who has 15 years of experience making the system she will teach in this class work with her clients, emphasizes organization and time management skills. Depending on our memory is the worst thing we can do. The class objective is a life that’s more peaceful, productive, and happier. 

Attendance is limited to 15 people and advance registration is required. Register at the Adult Education table on Sundays or by e-mailing adulted@sonic.net. Bring with you to all three classes organizational tools you currently use (calendar, to do lists, etc.)

Men's Retreat

Men, please mark your calendar for the Men’s Retreat, happening Friday evening, April 4 through Sunday afternoon, April 6, 2025, at Black Mountain Retreat Center, in Cazadero. Cost is $175 (updated cost) per person (includes 6 meals), and scholarships are available. 

All men who are members, pledging friends, or guests of UUCSR are welcome. One does not need to be in a men’s group to attend the retreat.

Renew friendships and make new friends. Enjoy personal sharing in small groups, singing, hiking, laughter, and a campfire. Fun and good for your mental health!

Reserve your place by submitting a registration form and making payment at the Men’s Retreat table outside the sanctuary after Sunday services starting March 16. 

For more information, contact Bruce Hope.

Getting to Know UUCSR

ARE YOU CURIOUS ABOUT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM?

Would you like to know more about the roots of Unitarian Universalism and its philosophy? Maybe you’re considering becoming a member of UUCSR? If so, you are welcome to attend the next Getting to Know UU class on Sunday, March 23. It will be held in the Founders Room directly after the service; lunch is provided.

This class is open to everyone and is required for UUCSR membership. The first half of the class is focused on letting participants reflect on their personal beliefs and also presents information on the history of the denomination. The second half focuses on our local congregation--its history and how we see our role in the community. Sign up at the Visitor/Welcome table before the class date or email membership@uusantarosa.org.

The Offering Basket Donations

Share the Basket offerings from Sundays and direct Donations for the month of December 2024

Friends of Wadi Foquin: $478.50

Positive Images: $383.30

UUCSR General Fund : $1,299.00

Saturday Breakfast for Our Neighbors Share: $422.13

Saturday Breakfast Direct Donation January: $14,769.00

Please note that Share the Basket Donation checks need to be made out to UUCSR in order for us to process them and send the intended donor their share. We are not able to process checks made out to the individual organizations. Thank you.

~ ~ ~

Please consider joining the Share committee. It is a very rewarding position.

Your Share the Offering Project members,

Elaine Wellin, Mary Louise Jaffray, Jan Prater, Judy Wismer

UUA

• UUA Newsletter: HERE
• UUA Joins Multifaith Lawsuit Asserting That ICE Policy Violates the First Amendment. Read about it HERE

Glaser Center

If you have a non-profit group or a religious event (memorials, weddings, etc) and need a space to rent, please remember the Glaser Center!

Please contact the rental coordinator, Leslie at: leslie.jacobson@uusantarosa.org