Our Summer Message
Sent Every Other Friday through August
June 17, 2022
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Dear Members, Friends, Families, and Guests--
I hope this message finds you well. Happy Father's Day to all the dads, grandfathers, big brothers, mentors and avuncular types (like me). The support of a person with a grounded presence can mean all the difference. So can shared activities, patience, encouragement, and reliability. While these are suitable to appreciate on Dad's Day, they are ways that people of all genders can show up for others.
Another way we show up is by the practice of solidarity. Tomorrow, June 18, is the Moral March on Washington-- a Poor People's & Low Wage Workers' Assembly in Washington, DC, with online participation possible. Rev. Dr. William Barber and Rev. Liz Theoharis from the Poor People's Campaign have organized it. The UUA is a sponsoring denomination. I couldn't go but have donated a plane ticket so a retired priest friend can show up. Read more about it and find out how you can support it or join in remotely at this link.
We can also learn about, remember, and honor events from the past. This Sunday's Juneteenth holiday celebrates the freeing of the last Americans held in chattel slavery in 1865, when word finally came to Texas about the U.S. Constitution's 13th Amendment. Yet it has an exception. The Amendment reads: "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist...." As Rev. Michael Tino writes, "This is to say that legal enslavement still exists in the United States. We just call it prison." The legacy of that intentional exception in the Amendment is the American system of mass incarceration. It started with chain gangs to get labor without pay from Black prisoners. To this day, our criminal justice system controls black and brown bodies. The disproportionate impact of prison sentences and police brutality has dehumanized people of color, including sons, fathers, partners, and brothers. As with all holidays, Juneteenth is as much about reflection as it is celebration. May we be courageous and open to facing history with honesty. May we be open to new possibilities of dignity and equity all across this country.
I hope you will read this message for good news and important work in 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--This Message becomes fortnightly as of today--now through August. Look for the next one Friday, July 1. Committees and groups, please send your submissions as usual! |
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Joys to Share:
Congrats to Our Graduates
Recently some UUSS-connected students have graduated. We are proud of all of the students in our lives. We extend our love and gratitude to all students, teachers, and other staff at year's end.
Several UUS-related graduations were listed in the May 27 and June 10 Weekly Messages. Here are some more recent ones:
The daughters of our new members Randy and Jennifer Webb have recently graduated. Teagan received her MS in Information and Technology Management from McCombs School of Business, University of Texas. She is headed to Washington, DC to work at Capital One. Congrats, Teagan! Mackenzie received her BS in Public Health Science from the University of Maryland and is headed to UMass or SUNY (still deciding) to become a registered nurse. Congrats, Mackenzie! Their brother, Miles, will enter his junior year studying liberal arts at the University of Wisconsin. All three were dedicated at the UU church in San Mateo, where they attended RE and the Our Whole Lives program.
If you have someone to list here in the next Weekly Message, please call or email Rev. Roger with their name, school, diploma or degree, and UUSS connection.
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We extend our condolences to the family and friends of our member Bruce Moulton, who died quietly on June 13. He suffered a stroke in September 2021 and was in a rehab facility. Bruce was born Feb. 5, 1945, and joined UUSS in 2011 after years of unofficial participation here. He served in the Marine Corps during the US war in Vietnam and pursued many occupations, including 10 years as a long-distance truck driver. At UUSS he served on the Stewardship Committee and in Religious Education as a Junior High Youth Group advisor. Ten years ago on Memorial Day he spearheaded a UUSS fundraiser BBQ and concert using talent from the Sacramento Jazz Festival. He leaves behind his daughter, Cassandra Opiela, and two grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Heritage Fund at UUSS or to any organization to which you and Bruce shared a commitment. |
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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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Our June Soul Matters Theme is
Celebrating Blessings
For your family or personal reflection,
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Half of all offering donations made in June
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 (meadow)
2nd Sunday - Racial Equity conversation (Fahs)
3rd Sunday Qui Gong/Tai Chi (patio)
4th Sunday - Exploring Unitarian Universalism (next one: 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; 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, June 19, 10:30:
Under the Bright Summer Sun - A Circle Service
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, with Worship Associates Karen Sparrow and Ginny Johnson. UUSS Choir, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva.
The sun is at its peak of potency in Sacramento as we celebrate the longest day. On this father’s day we will consider how can we harness the masculine energies of the sun to energize change and transformation. Come explore with us. Wear your shades.
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Sunday, June 26, 10:30: Compassion Is a Muscle
Rosemary Dodd, guest preacher, with Worship Associates Theo Claire and Karen Sparrow, Pianist Irina Tchantceva, Song Leaders from the UUSS Choir. Summer ArtWorks Religious Education: Rev. Roger & Manny Padua are teaching Yoga for Soul Kids at 10:15.
How do we make meaning when there is no hidden blessing in a situation? We fight to challenge structural inequality.
Through neuroscience, this sermon explores the human capacity
to re-wire the world.
Rosemary Dodd (she/her) is a third-year M. Div. student at Harvard Divinity School, pursuing ordained UU ministry. She grew up at the Unitarian Universalists of Petaluma. Rosemary is passionate about the arts, youth empowerment, and social change. This summer she is a Chaplain Intern at Sutter Medical Center.
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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; Thomas Goff, trumpet; Ann Haas, horn. Special music: Aaron Copland, “Fanfare for the Common Man”
Joys & Sorrows Candles & Cards are available on a table up front before today’s service.
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.
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Sunday, July 10, 10:30: UPICK Sunday
On Sunday, 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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Religious Education (RE) for Children & Youth |
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RE Summer ArtWorks is on the calendar for Sundays June 26, July 3, 10, & 17 and August 14, 21, & 28. Glory Wicklund kicks off our summer together on July 3. Please mark your calendars and let's have some fun! Note: 10:15 am
There is no Soul Kids on June 19. Come to "Under the Bright Summer Sun," our Circle Service for all ages (10:30). There will be drumming! On Sunday, June 26, Rev. Roger and Yoga teacher, Senior Airman (California National Guard) and UUSS friend Manny Padua (pictured) will be leading at 10:15 am. In addition to normal community-building rituals and songs, we'll have a lesson about Yoga and do some stretching! Bring a mat if you have one. Note: 10:15 am
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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Informational Meeting Regarding
Our New Model for Ministry at UUSS
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The Board, Program Council and Committee on Ministry are pleased to announce that Rev. Roger and Rev. Lucy are now Minsters of Equal Standing. On a co-equal basis, they make ministry decisions collaboratively and support each other‘s ministry. This model of ministry reflects one of the many innovative approaches to ministry at UU congregations our size. We will be celebrating this new relationship in the fall, but want to give members opportunities to ask questions.
Come to the Zoom conversation with trustees and the Committee on Ministry, Monday, June 27, 7:00 pm hosted by Mary Howard uuss.org/online. Read about the Board of Trustees Resolution and background information on the website.
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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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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.
In gratitude, from your team,
Christine Bailey,
Bobbie Keill
Frances Myers
Nora O'Neil
Joan Rubenson
Rev. Lucy
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Sandwich Brigade Summer is here and we'll continue to provide lunches for our unhoused neighbors in the community. Next date is Wednesday June 22. Please have your 15 lunches at UUSS (table outside by the Office) by 10am. Please include in your labeled (PBJ) lunch bags: 1 PBJ (uncut) sandwich in ZIPPED bag, 1 washed piece of fruit, 1 granola bar and/or cookie, napkin. Include bottles of water for each lunch...water may be packed separately. No need to let me know if you're going to be gone on your week. We just keep those sandwiches rolling, and it all works out.
IF YOU'RE NEW TO THIS PROGRAM: If you would like to contribute to the brigade, please follow directions above. We welcome all, and we appreciate newcomers.
TO DATE: We've delivered over 5,000 sandwiches since January, 2021. Thank you, thank you, thank you. - Sally Wilkins - Questions? Contact Sally via the directory or Office.
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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 on July 10.
Stock up now on those postcard 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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Reading and Responding to Poetry with JoAnn Anglin
No meeting Monday, June 20.
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"Conversations About Death" with Molly Stuart, end-of-life advocate and fellow UU. Two sessions: June 23, "Background" and June 30, "Designing your Plan." Two Thursdays 10:00-11:30 a.m. on the UUSS covered patio. Please plan to attend both sessions, where we work our way from a practical understanding of the issues surrounding end-of-life care, explore our life values, and articulate specifically the kind of care we wish for. For more info and to sign up, email Molly at ConversationsAboutDeath@gmail.com.
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Mah Jongg - June 28, 7:00pm. This drop-in activity meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 7:00pm in Room 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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UUSS READER’S CLUB We meet the LAST Thursday of each month at 7 PM. Meetings last an hour to hour and a half. This month we will meet in the Fahs Classroom. Questions? Send a query to Cathy uureaders@uuss.org
Our next book to read and discuss: June 30 - Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
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Gratitude, Update, Invitation:
Tending to Community
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As 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.
For the year that starts July 1, keeping a balanced budget will rely on the generosity and participation of all of us. So if you have not made a pledge, please do. There is still time. You may contact michele@uuss.org, or you may do it fast and securely at uuss.org/pledge. Thank you for meeting the moment for our community! |
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Staff and Minister Availability |
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Rev. Roger (Roger's day off is Monday; study and writing day is Friday)
Rev. Lucy (Lucy's day off is Monday; study day is Friday) are available for pastoral support by appointment by phone, Zoom or in person, and the Pastoral Volunteers are available for support by phone. Schedule an appointment with Lucy at calendly.com/revlucyb.
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Rev. Roger will be at the UUA General Assembly in Portland June 20-25. Online registration is still possible and our Board of Trustees offers a registration subsidy. Also, there is no charge to attend two special worship services: uua.org/ga. Roger will be out of state on vacation July 4-15.
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Rev. Lucy will be on vacation June 20 to July 5. Rev. Roger is available in case of emergency.
Our office staff (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. You can find our pianist and music director also on Wednesday nights at choir practice at 7:00 p.m., ending June 15 (till August)!
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We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world. |
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