Dear Members and Friends,

I was ordained 26 years ago this month. I made vows to colleagues and the congregation I served. The ministry has been fulfilling and joyful for me, but there have been tough times over the years. When they’ve happened, I've tried to pause, breathe deeply, and remember my commitment. I remember what a privilege it is to do this work alongside people like you. 

Commitment is a practice.

Another example: When parents welcome children into their lives, they make a commitment of love and care. It feels right, but it’s not always easy. (Or so some of you have told me!) I am inspired by the fortitude of those who live out such a commitment. 

Keeping a commitment is not like flipping a switch labeled Yes/No; it is a practice to which we return. We become better at it by doing it.  

We often think of Love as a feeling, which it is, but it’s also a practice. Reacting with kindness is a form of love, and it is a practice. So is being patient. Showing respect is a form of love. Respect for another’s beliefs, their choice of pronouns, their humanity.

Loving is not automatic. We become better at it by doing it.

Generosity is a practice too. Making monetary contributions is just one example of that. Devoting some time to be of service is a practice. So is helping out, offering food, and showing warmth and hospitality. We learn to be generous when we practice generosity. 

For all of us, the annual pledge drive is an opportunity to practice generosity. This is when we fund the budget for the next fiscal year: to compensate our ministers and staff members, to support the wider movement through the UUA, to keep our programs lively and our justice work thriving, and to power our shared mission. 

Thank you for all the ways you make this happen, not only by your pledge but also by your presence. I look forward to connecting with you soon. Keep in touch, and keep the faith!

Love,

Rev. Roger

P.S.--I'm eager to hear Rosemary's sermon and Courtney O'Neill's reflection on April 14 as well as the story "Stone Soup" which our children, youth and adult volunteers will enact in our time for all ages before they go to Religious Education programs.

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 Soul Matters Theme for April is



Interdependence

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 (May 5)

2nd Sunday - Justice & Equity conversation currently on hiatus.

The Labyrinth is open for self-guided meditation before church.

3rd Sunday - Qui Gong/Tai Chi (April 21)

4th Sunday - Exploring Unitarian Universalism:

UUs and Social Justice in the Fahs Classroom on April 28.

Sunday, April 14, 10:30am

Potluck Theology: Stone Soup for the UU Soul

Ministerial Intern Rosemary Dodd, preaching, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Courtney O’Neil, Religious Education Coordinator Crystal Fountain, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva.

I have experienced a lot of food-based metaphors for UU community and theology, including the Stone Soup story complete with actual soup, and an original play about a “UU Diner.” Today, I will explore a “potluck theology,” where we each show up with our gifts, yet build a community of mutual accountability and nourishment.

The time for all ages will feature a live enactment of Stone Soup, a classic story about

community.

Newcomers’ Orientation to UUSS with tour of campus starts 10-15 minutes after service, ending at 1:00. Look for other newcomers and guide Sandra Navarro at the Welcome Table.

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.

      Pledge Drive Update for Week One

2024-2025 Pledge Drive ~ April 7 to April 21

After an inspiring Sunday sermon, a lively choral piece and amazing piano music, members and friends have responded with enthusiasm. As of 11:00 a.m. April 12, we have received pledges from 110 households totaling $290,848. Of these, 84 have stepped up to higher levels than last year, and we have received 11 new pledges. Thank you all!

This year our goal is to raise wages and salaries for UUSS staff and ministers to meet the minimum compensation levels recommended by the UUA.  We need to increase our annual budget by at least 15% to meet this goal. If everyone responds with a pledge, we can wrap up the campaign in two more Sundays!

We ask each household to make a written pledge of the financial support for the coming year. Please submit a new pledge each year, even if you have an automatic withdrawal for your current pledge. You may find frequently asked questions and colorful charts--and make your pledge quickly and confidentially at uuss.org/pledge.

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.

The Hubbard-Pataki family has had an eventful season. We extend our care and condolences to Elizabeth Pataki on the loss of her younger sister, Holly Pataki Bettin. We extend our love to Dennis Hubbard following his hospitalization for heart issues and pray for his healing and continued strength. And we rejoice in the birth of their new grandchild. Fisher Flynn Hubbard was born a few weeks ago to their son Jonathan and his wife, Caitlin.

Childcare--The Nursery (Rm. 11) welcomes infants 6 months 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. Meets every Sunday, except for when there is an all-ages Circle Service. Join us this Sunday, April 14 to light the chalice, check in with friends--older and new--and share a story and end on the playground!

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

Meets on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month during service. Our next meeting is this Sunday, April 14. Bess and Alicia lead a check in, some craft activities, and reflections on the gifts of interdependence in our lives. New youth attendees are always welcome!

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!

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

Whether after service or in your own home, you

can enjoy coffee created just for UUSS: Chalice Blend! 

Beans are grown by women-owned cooperatives in Latin America and roasted and blended by a café in Oakland. Fresh beans sold for $15 a bag in the Sunday Bookstore or in the Office weekdays.

Theology on Tap, Tuesday, April 16, 7:00pm. This month's ToT fellowship will be at Bike Dog/Sacramento, 915 Broadway, Suite 20, next to Selland's & across the street from the original Sacramento Cemetery. More parking at Target on Broadway at Riverside. Contact us at theologyontap@uuss.org

People of Color Caucus at UUSS 2nd & 4th Thursdays this spring: May 9 - 6:00 to 7:30 pm on Zoom. April 25, May 23 - 11:00 am to 12:30 pm in person @UUSS (Fahs Room). Do you self-identify as a person of color, or of mixed racial heritage? Join us for conversation and connection. Questions? Contact multi@uuss.org

Afghan Dinner at UUSS Sunday, May 5, 6:00 pm

This Afghan banquet and music will benefit five families--30 children and their parents from Afghanistan who have been supported by the Refugee Support Team. The cooks among them will prepare a traditional meal to return our UUSS hospitality.

Tickets or cash donations will help with legal asylum fees, rent, job training, etc. We're also seeking donations of summer clothes for 21 kids. Visit our table after service on Sunday or email us at refugeesupport@uuss.org or you may buy your ticket here: https://uuss.breezechms.com/give/online. (After you click this UUSS link, click Give to 2023/2024 Pledge to get the drop-down menu to show. Look for Refugee Banquet Dinner. It's a bit confusing, so feel free to mail a check!)

Are you a UUSS friend or member who finds depth and meaning in one of the other spiritual or ethical traditions? Do you have a heart in two traditions?

Rev. Roger wants to hear from you!

Given the recent holidays of Easter Sunday, Holi, and Eid al Fitr, and the coming observances of Passover, Beltane, the Buddha's birthday, and International Humanist Day, it's a good time to recognize that many Unitarian Universalists find inspiration in study, practice, or participation in other traditions.  Please tell Rev. Roger about your study or practice in (or your curiosity about) another tradition by phone or at roger@uuss.org. 

Registration for Regional Assembly--last call!

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. Click the link above.

Support our Community Partner for May

Join Team UUSS on the Walk for Healing and Hope

with the National Alliance on Mental Illness!



When: May 4, 2024

Where: William Land Park, 1950 Sutterville Rd, Sacramento

Time: 8:00 AM, registration and speakers; 10:00 AM walk starts

Distance: 3.1 miles (5 Kilometers)

How to register as a walker: https://www.namiwalks.org/team/65023

Click on the above link and it will take you to the Team UUSS page where you can register to walk or to sponsor a walker and donate. Or…pick up a sponsor sign-up sheet and flyer with more details at the Community Partners table in the Welcome Hall on April 21 and April 28.



Why walk:

1. Promoting public awareness of mental health to reduce stigma

2. Raising funds for NAMI’s free, top-rated mental health programs

3. Building community and letting people know we’re in this together

Further questions: Contact Bobbie Keill at Partners@UUSS.org

Did you know? In 2022, one in five American adults experienced a mental health issue. One in 6 young people experienced a major depressive episode. One in 20 Americans lived with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.

Please Consider Joining This Anti-Racism Work at UUSS



We need you! UUSS has an opportunity to get professional assistance to advance our justice and equity efforts at the organizational level. To be accepted into this new Beloved Conversations program, we need a diverse team of 20 individuals from the congregation.

After focusing our anti-racism work primarily on the individual level for the past few years, the Justice and Equity Team (JET) believes UUSS is ready to tackle institutional, anti-racist systemic change within our own organization. For this work, we need outside help and this program is a valuable opportunity to participate with other UU congregations.  

The program is called Beloved Conversations Among. It is a two year program that involves a congregational assessment, identification of an organizational aspect which we could improve, and then working toward a goal together with the help of a qualified coach.

If you previously participated in Beloved Conversations or similar awareness-raising education, or maybe you've even led justice and equity educational activities, we'd love to have you on the team. There's room for about 20 people on the team so don't hold back. Please click on this link to fill out the survey:  https://forms.gle/ih8SP83T3GEvTpD37  

Thank you,

Your Justice and Equity Team