Weekly Message from UUSS
February 4, 2022
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Beloveds:
As the pandemic wears on, I must admit feeling increasing frustration for those who willingly choose to be unvaccinated. I know some are afraid, reluctant, or confused about the risk and I have empathy for their situation. My ire is reserved for those who not only choose to be unvaccinated, but also promote misinformation--encouraging others to avoid the shot. I have extreme ire for famous anti-vaxxers who have the attention of a lot of followers. I was delighted when Novac Djokovic was denied entrance into the Australia Open because he is not vaccinated. Yay – score one for the good guys. But when a prominent anti-vaxer dies I have conflicted feelings. I shouldn’t feel happy that someone died, but a part of me feels like it's karma – well deserved by their own actions. And part of me is gratified.
The Germans have a word for this feeling – schadenfreude - feeling happy or gratified at someone’s misfortune. A recent guest editorial in the New York Times helped me sort out my complicated feelings of schadenfreude. You can read the full piece here.
Feeling some sense of gratification when an anti-vaxxer dies is a natural reaction, there is no reason to feel guilty if these feelings come up for you. But the key is not to dwell on them. The author of the piece, James Martin, sums this up nicely:
"Indulged in regularly, schadenfreude ends up warping the soul. It robs us of empathy for those with whom we disagree. It lessens our compassion. No matter how much I disagree with anti-vaxxers, I know that schadenfreude over their deaths is a dead end."
So, try not to get stuck in these negative feelings. Remember that both Rev. Roger and I are available if you need someone to talk to. We are all in this together.
Sending love to all,
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Meeting the Moment: Tending to Community
Stewardship/Annual Pledging
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From Your Stewardship Committee
What does the word “stewardship” mean to you?
To me it brings to mind nurturing, guiding, helping to grow, as a parent does for their child, or a gardener for their garden. The Stewardship we provide at UUSS is multi-dimensional, from caring for one another as individuals, to supporting important organizations in our local community, to tending to issues of social, racial, and environmental justice both in and beyond Sacramento.
I have to admit to being reluctant to take on the role of Stewardship co-chair; it felt overwhelming. However, a surprise was in store for me -- within a few short weeks I realized that I get back much more than I put in. Satisfaction. Joy. Meaning. This reflects my whole experience at UUSS. Perhaps you feel the same; whether you attend a Soul Matters group, have had children in R.E., help to clean up the river parkway, or feed the hungry, provide music, or just enjoy our rich and varied Sunday services. In tending to community, we get back more than we put in.
We will launch the campaign for the year 2022-2023 in March. Stewardship is the backbone, heart, and soul of UUSS. On a practical level, it’s how we function and live our mission. When individuals pledge to participate financially, we are able to nurture, guide, and grow our community. Stewardship is the sustenance that allows us to tend to community, now in this moment, and for many seasons to come. I’m hopeful that this year’s Stewardship Campaign will inspire you to help sustain us all.
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Long-time beloved UUSS member Anna Andrews died Friday January 29. She was 90 years old. Anna joined our community in 1963. We will greatly miss the spark and the positive energy that she brought to us for many years. The date for her memorial will be announced soon. We send our love and sympathy to her family. |
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We are sad to announce the death of our member Tonie Darling on January 25 of pancreatic cancer. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and held by a giant net of love. Tonie was a daughter, sister, cousin, friend, wife, mother, aunt, mentor, godmother, confidant, advisor, boss, teacher, leader and so many other things, including a life-long UU and the president of our board at UUSS. We will miss her deeply.
Please keep Tonie's family in your thoughts and prayers. We will keep you informed about plans for a memorial.
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Are You Interested in
Becoming a Member of UUSS?
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Have you been attending for a while and are interested in learning about what it means to become a member of the congregation? Join Rev Lucy and Rev Roger on Sunday, February 13 at 3:00 p.m. for a class called Meaning of Membership. We will share information about our community, the joys and responsibilities of membership, and offer plenty of time for your questions. We will meet on Zoom in the main UUSS zoom room at uuss.org/online.
Is this class right for you? Contact Rev. Lucy with your questions or to RSVP. |
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Sunday Mornings with UUSS
Proof of Vaccination 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 February Soul Matters Theme is
Widening the Circle
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Half of all offering donations made in February
will support our community partner:
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Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices
Join us before the service at 9:30 AM at UUSS
First Sunday Labyrinth walk--Feb. 6
Third Sunday Qui Gong/Tai Chi--Feb 20
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Join us for a Newcomer Orientation the second of ever month Sunday after church in the Welcome Hall; the next one is Feb. 13. Come early on the fourth Sunday of every month for Exploring Unitarian Universalism, starting at 9:30; the next one is Feb. 27. |
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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. If we receive the request by 1:00 PM Saturday, we can mention it during the service.
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Sunday, February 6, 10:30: The Power of Ritual
Rev. Lucy Bunch preaching with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Ginny Johnson worship Associate Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva. Joys & Sorrows candles also.
In these troubled times, ritual has an important place in our lives, to ground us, sustain us and remind us of what is important. Ritual can imbue our lives with intention and meaning.
This Sunday we will explore how we can deepen our live through the power of ritual.
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Sunday, February 13, 10:30:
Our Faith Calls us to Anti-racist Work
Rev. Lucy Bunch preaching with members of the Racial Justice Task Force, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship, Associate Celia Buckley, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva.
A theology of interdependence is the true heart of our faith and yet many of our systems are built on racial oppression and white supremacy. Our Racial Justice Team will help lead us through some of the challenges of doing the work of dismantling white supremacy.
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Sunday, February 20, 10:30:
A Definition for the Word "Love"
Rev. Lori Ortiz preaching with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones,
Worship Associate Theo Claire, Pianist Irina Tchantceva.
For our February theme of widening the circle, we reach out with an ecumenical spirit today.
Lori Ortiz is an ordained minister and a licensed contractor. She serves the Congregational Church of Martinez, and she also runs Lori’s Hardwood Floors. She’s also a wife, mother, and grandmother. A former housemate of Rev. Roger, she received her chaplaincy training at UC Davis Hospital and completed her field placement at The Table, a Methodist church in Sacramento.
Communion: At 2:00 today, Feb. 20, Rev. Lori and Rev. Roger will provide a Communion ritual in the spirit of the ministry of peace, abundance and healing of Jesus of Nazareth; all are welcome. Bobbie Keill, Cynthia Davis and others will contribute to the brief service.
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Sunday, February 20, 10:30: Circle Service
~ Your One Wild and Precious Life
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones preaching with Worship Associates Suzy Mazrolle and Celia Buckley, the UUSS Choir, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva, and UUSS folks from age 8 to 98! Altar design by Molly Stuart.
Join us for this favorite annual service, with our sanctuary in the round today. 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.
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Religious Education (RE) for
children, youth, & families
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Kindergarten to grade 5
Soul Kids on Zoom!
Sundays at 9:00 a.m.
UUSS dad DJ Quinn hosts this weekend, Sunday February 6.
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For youth in grades 6-7-8, our Junior High Youth Group (JHYG) takes place on the 1st & 3rd Sunday in person, wearing masks, with proof of vaccination. Next meeting is THIS Sunday, February 6 before the service from 9:15-10:15 a.m. Class held in the Fahs Classroom. Hang around afterwards for the 10:30 service!
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For youth in grades 9-10-11-12, our Senior High Youth Group (SHYG) is a place of connection & exploration of our UU values. SHYG meets in the Fahs Classroom twice a month from 11:30-12:30 p.m., wearing masks and with proof of vaccination. Next meeting is THIS Sunday, February 6. Come early & attend the 10:30 service.
*Please register your family for Religious Education
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Groups, Gatherings, and Classes |
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As of January 2, to attend or participate in on-site Sunday services and other indoor programs and activities, it is necessary to bring proof of being fully vaccinated and a photo I.D. (for all who are eligible for vaccination, currently age 5 and older). Please come a little early. Read more on our website at this link.
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"Exploring Deism & Theism: Belief in God in an Age of Science"-- a 7-week discussion led by Mary Ann Bernard on Sundays Jan. 30 – March 6, 12:00 to 1:50 p.m. In person or via Zoom. Info, signup at adultenrichment@uuss.org. |
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Saturday Stitchers Saturday, February 5 at 10:00am in the Fahs Room. Contact: stitchers@uuss.org
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The words we’ll consider are by poet Ellen Bass, The Thing Is, which addresses the challenge of loving life in difficult times. This poem can be found here, as well as on other Internet sites. Join us next Monday by going to the UUSS website just as if you were attending a regular service.
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UU's for Justice in the Middle East(UUJME) Monday, Feb. 7 from 5 - 6:15 online only.
This is the first Monday. We’re not meeting on the third Monday due to Presidents’ Day in
In person based on interest and safety. Please RSVP to: uujme@uuss.org for link. We’ll finish talking about book by Rashid Khalidi “The Hundred Years War on Palestine”.
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InterPlay led by Rev. Lucy and Friends takes place on the 2nd Saturday of the month, 10:30 to noon. InterPlay is a series of forms that combine movement, storytelling, stillness, and sound to access your body wisdom. Take an opportunity to tune in, connect with others, give yourself moments of ease and be playful! If you are looking for a way to have fun and insights all at once, come join us! Link here. Learn more about Interplay here. Next meeting: February 12 .
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New Art Exhibit in the Sanctuary. The walls are filled with beautiful art by artist Bobbi Baldwin. Her paintings are both figurative and expressive, while her portraits and still life are completely lifelike in a romantic realism. The Art Committee will hold a reception, Friday, March 4, from 5:30 to 7 pm. Enjoy the art and remember all sales benefit UUSS. For information contact Patricia Pratt
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Theater One Production: Roe by Lisa Loomer
March 11 through March 27, Friday and Saturday 8:00 pm
and Sunday matinees, 2:00 pm.
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Denominational Updates:
UUA Regional Assembly Is Online Feb. 4-6
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Our congregation is part of the UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association) and the Pacific Central District (PCD). Our congregations are served by UUA staffers in the Pacific Western Region. You can read the Newsletter of the Pacific Western Region at this link.
From Feb. 4-6, Regional Assembly takes place for all people and UU communities in this Region--online! Most programs take place on Saturday, Feb. 5, but it starts with opening worship Friday night and two programs Sunday morning. Rev. Roger will be part of a panel talking about ideas for the merging or dissolution of some or all of the four districts in the Pacific Western Region. It will happen only online. If you would like to attend, you can register for Regional Assembly by clicking on the link. If you plan to attend Regional Assembly but can't afford the full registration fee, let Rev. Roger know.
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UU Church of Davis Invites us to hear a talk by
Author Kim Stanley Robinson!
Sunday, February 20, 7-8:30pm, online. Register on Realm ($20 tickets)
World-renowned, local writer Kim Stanley Robinson will read passages from his climate fiction novel The Ministry for the Future on topics such as new world religion, immigration, sense of community, possible technological fixes, moral decisions, and more. He will also respond to audience questions, which can include inquiries about his experience at the recent COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.
Pay online through registration, or pay by mailing a check to UUCD, 27074 Patwin Rd, Davis, CA 95616-9720. (memo, Auction-KSR Event)
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Staff and Minister Availability |
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Rev. Roger --(Roger's day off is Monday; study day is Friday; he returns late Friday.) Hello! I'll be out of town for the UU Ministers' institute till Saturday. On Saturday I'll be at the online Regional Assembly on Saturday. The UUSS Office or Rev. Lucy can reach me in an emergency.
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. She will be on study leave February 14 through the 25.
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We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world. |
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