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Celebrating Life,
Empowering People,
Caring for One Another,
Helping to Build a Better World
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UUCSR Newsletter
November 2022
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In This Issue
Click “View Entire Message” if Sections Are Missing
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- Services in November
- Message from Your Minister
- Message from Your Board President
- Message from the Treasurer
- Religious Education
- Member Certification
- Lay Chaplains
- From CUUPs: Forest Bathing
- From Right Relations Team
- Thanksgiving at UUCSR
- Community Conversations
- Adult Education
-
The Great
British UUCSR Baking Show
- Social Groups & Events
- Committees & Working Groups
- North Bay Organizing Project
- Soul Matters
- UUCSR Covid Policy
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Please Consider Visiting the
Thank You for Your Support!
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Service in November:
Change
Sundays, 10:30-11:45 am PST
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The Grace to Accept Every Moment as a Gift by Rev. Dan'ONeal
November 6th
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This archive sermon by Rev. Dan O'Neal reminds us that we can only be fully alive when we embrace the reality of the moment. This means doing what we can to make positive change, and also accepting what we can't change. By facing his own illness with openness and grace, he offers us an example of claiming life through acceptance in even the most difficult circumstances.
Service Leader: Ben Ford will read one of Rev. Dan O'Neal's sermons. Ben is a Professor of Mathematics and Statistics at SSU and a long time member of UUCSR where he has served in many capacities
Worship Associates: Eric Fischer
Music: Gage & Crystal, & Roger Corman
Share the Basket: YWCA Sonoma County
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Making Friends with Change
November 13th
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If there's one thing that can be counted on in life, it's change. Sages, scientists and philosophers have agreed on this simple fact since time immemorial. "Nothing endures but change", declared Heraclitus back in Ancient Greece. A profound acceptance of this truth -that all things are impermanent - can truly transform the way we live. I invite you to come and try and see change with new eyes by appreciating what it brings to our lives.
*Please stay for the Town Hall Meeting after the Service.
Service Leader: Rev. Dave Clements
Worship Associate: Susan Thollaug
Music: Gage Purdy with The Choir & Paul Gilger
Share the Basket: Saturday Breakfast with Our Neighbors
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Change as Transition
November 20th
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Have you ever stopped to consider what a world without change would be like? Without change we would be frozen in time and space. In this way, change opens a world abundant with potential and possibility -- a living moment for which we can be grateful. Many of us may feel that change arouses fear and anxiety. Mindfulness is a tool that can help us to deal with change as a transition. I invite you to come and explore mindfulness in change.
Service Leaders: Rev. Dave Clements
Worship Associate: Mark Sowers
Music: Sally Jones & Roger Corman
Share the Basket: Saturday Breakfast with Our Neighbors
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Transgender Day of Remembrance
November 20th, 5:00-6:00pm
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This evening, join us for a special, interfaith service in honor of Trans Day of Remembrance. For many trans individuals, their relationship with faith is a complex one, one that often comes with challenges and joys that may not always be apparent, spoken, or heard. For this special service, we are giving space for trans individuals and their family members to share their stories and experience as members of our varied faith communities. After the service, we will process over to Brew where we will join TRANSLIFE, Positive Images, and other local organizations in honoring the memory of the trans folks whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. |
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Holding the Tension of Opposites
November 27th
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By learning to hold the tension of opposites, we stretch and grow bigger. There is more space for seemingly opposite ideas, feelings, and behaviors to peacefully coexist. We become less rigid and more flexible, less judgmental and more tolerant, less fearful and more loving. This service will be an opportunity to explore opposites and to learn from each other in an interactive way.
Service Leader: Rev. Dave Clements
Worship Associate: Cathie Wiese
Music: Gage Purdy with The Choir & Roger Corman
Share the Basket: Friends Outside, Sonoma County
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From the Minister's Desk
Reverend David Clements
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THE PATH of CHANGE
"For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, its insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it would look like complete destruction." I enjoy this quote by Heather Warman because it conveys to me how the act of change can unfold. Our theme for the month of November is change. Together we will explore this month the concepts of making friends with change, change as transition and holding the tension of opposites.
If there’s one thing that can be counted on in life, it’s change. Sages, scientists and philosophers have agreed on this simple fact since time immemorial: “Nothing endures but change,” declared Heraclitus back in Ancient Greece. A profound acceptance of this truth – that all things are impermanent – can truly transform the way we live. So what about change?
Have you ever stopped to consider what a world without change would be like? Without change, we would be frozen in time and space. In this way, change opens a world abundant with potential and possibility -- a living moment for which we can be grateful. Many of us may feel that change arouses fear and anxiety. Mindfulness is a tool that can help us to deal with change as a transition. What about those who might have opposite points of views from our own?
How can we hold the tension of opposites? By learning to hold the tension of the opposites, we stretch and grow bigger. There is more space for seemingly opposite ideas, feelings, and behaviors to peacefully coexist. We become less rigid and more flexible, less judgmental, and more tolerant, less fearful, and more loving.
As we explore the topic of change in our worship time together, may we learn to embrace the concept of change and come to realize that as a congregation we are in a time of change and transition. As your Interim minister I am here to assist you in moving through these transitional times. May this be a time of celebrating the opportunity and the reality of change in our lives and the life of this congregation.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dave Clements
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President's Message
Leslie Norinsky
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Dear Good People:
My heart was warmed by the last Sunday service. [As I write this, the last service was Sunday, October 23rd. By the time you receive this newsletter, there will have been another service.] On October 23rd, there were so many people sitting in the pews and many people attending our service for the first time. Hearing the stories from Reverend Dave has been so healing for me, always reminding us that we live in a larger world that, regardless of the suffering, there is resilience, joy and hope. There is always great hope in the face of great suffering, and great loss. That song, that South African song, "Siyahamba", reminded me that the human race has always experienced great challenges, but always with courage and fighting back in strategic ways. So uplifting! Yet, the world has become so much more scary these days. We have a scary election coming up and we have seen that there are people in power who want to take away our rights. We live in a scary world where powerful dictators want more power and money, and who do not respect life- human or otherwise. I know that we cannot change the entire world. But we can use the power of love to make a difference, and that love can spread out like the ripples in a pond, and make some differences that we might never know that we have made.
So, what is the point of fighting among ourselves? What is the point of hanging on to the past? I know, sometimes, it is hard to let go. I have struggled with letting go myself! It is hard to let go of ways of thinking that might not work for us anymore. In this scary world, we have struggled, and we need one another more than we ever have. It is in community that we are strong together. We are not perfect and never will be. We will not always do the right thing or say the right things. I need you and this community. I believe that all of you are in this spiritual community for the same reasons that I am here. And we will change, and sometimes it will be uncomfortable. But we have our mission, our principles, and one another to guide our community.
I offer a quote from the Dalai Lama. "The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, and forgiveness." Yeah!
In that spirit, the board set some goals for this church year. In a nutshell, these are:
- Better communication
- Financial health
- Engagement, Energy, and Investment in Our Future
- Updating policies, procedures, and bylaws
The board, and so many of you, have been focused on these goals and we have been making some progress.
Communication:
Community Conversations was started. Coffee Social Hour is back. The board has made efforts to be visible and approachable. The pandemic is not over, but we gather in community at social events.
Financial Health:
The board and the Finance team have committed to meeting together, to come up with a 3-5 year plan towards financial health, to deal with budget deficits that have piled up over several years. This collaboration will examine how we might cut expenses and raise revenues. A fundraising group (small, so please join us) has started to meet to plan events that will engage us and (this is important!), please invite your non-UU friends to our events. This group will develop a fundraising plan that will also become part of an overall 3-5 year plan.
Engagement, Energy, Investment in the Future:
Okay, please let's have us some fun! Please volunteer, we need you! You need us! We had our annual Activities and Committee Faire on October 23rd to remind everyone what a vibrant community we are! The Swing Dance to raise money for the Saturday Breakfast program was so much fun. We are waiting to hear how much money was raised. But it was fun! We are planning the Great British UUCSR Baking Show (cake and pie auction). And more to come! And we are investing in strengthening our programs for children and families.
Updating Policies, Procedures, and Bylaws:
A draft organizational chart was developed by a board committee last church year. The board voted on the spirit of it, and there will be opportunities for the congregation to give input into it. In addition, there is a group forming to revise our bylaws. The board has started to identify aspects of the current bylaws that have been inadequate for our current needs, and also identify a subcommittee to produce a draft that will be available for discussion at the congregational level.
There will be more information and opportunities for the congregation to engage in this very important work. We are a democracy and strive to be inclusive. Please do plan to attend the upcoming Town Hall Meeting, after the service on November 13th.
In peace and with love,
Leslie (current Board Prez)
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Message from the Treasurer
Linda Balabanian
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“Always give without remembering and always receive without forgetting.”
-Brian Tracy
Financial results through August 2022
Revenue: We are behind about $15k in pledge revenue through 2 months and have received little (about $400) in unrestricted donations, about $2K under budget. Sunday basket is on budget.
Expenses: As expected, staff expenses were under budget by about $27,000 for a variety of reasons. It is expected that most of this reduction in actual employee costs will carry forward at about this same amount (25k or so) through to the end of the year assuming no other changes in either staffing or benefits. General expenses are also under budget about $10K but after adjustments. General expense payments will likely pick-up as the year goes on, such as repairs and maintenance, etc. and are not expected to continue to be significantly under (or over) budget.
Net Income: Glaser Center net income was about $1,200 for the first 2 months. Total net income for the first two months is flat – around zero - which is a good result.
Glaser Center: A new Rental Coordinator has been hired and is currently being trained. A new concert venue has opened on Seventh Street, “The California” and there is another “The Lost Church” a block down Mendocino from us. The impact on us, whether these venues will become significant competitors will be on our radar in the coming months.
Giving Tuesday – November 29, 2022 - As an antidote to the consumerism represented by Black Friday, Cyber Monday and countless other marketing ploys designed to make us want to buy “stuff”, your UUCSR Stewardship Team invites you to join in Giving Tuesday, a day to celebrate generosity and kick- off the holiday giving season. Giving Tuesday provides an opportunity to practice generosity in ways close to our hearts. So let’s use this day as a reminder and a starting point from which to reflect and act on our generosity of spirit and give to those causes with which we feel aligned.
Inflation Relief Checks from the State - In October, most Californians will start receiving checks from the State to help us cope with rising prices. For some of us, this will be a great help in our day-to-day life. If, however, you are fortunate enough to be able to share these additional funds, please consider donating to one or more of your favorite non-profits. One easy way to spread your donation is through our Share the Basket on Sundays. Please consider it, if you can.
Linda Balabanian, Treasurer
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Religious Education
Era Capone
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Hello all,
RE has had a wonderful October, with fantastic attendance across our many programs and events. With a trip to Pumpkin Patch, the casting of the Holiday Pageant, and a Halloween celebration all under our belt, we are excited to jump into the holiday season this November.
In the coming weeks, the kids and youth of RE will be preparing for their holiday pageant, The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming. However, they can't do it alone; with costumes, props, and more needed for this production, we are asking you to help out! If you have skills that might help in the production of this pageant, whether that is sewing, painting, woodworking, etc., we would love to get your assistance! To help make this pageant the best it can be, please contact me at dre@uusantarosa.org to get involved! |
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Youth trip to the Petaluma Pumpkin Patch with UU Napa! |
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Sunday, November 6th - Toolbox of Values: Reflection
In this session, kids will explore physical reflection and to consider the tool of reflection in our faith. They'll discuss when, where, and how we take the time to listen inside ourselves for a still, small voice.
Sunday, November 13th - Toolbox of Values: Expression
In this session, kids engage in and reflect on various means of personal expression, such as painting, writing, music, and theater. They'll learn that there is no one way that will feel comfortable for everyone, and that there may well be ways of expression that go beyond the arts, such as building a trail, inventing a computer or creating a personal identity.
Sunday, November 20th - Toolbox of Values: Democratic Process
This session provides opportunities to reflect on a variety of decision-making processes, including voting and consensus making. Kids will engage with the issues around consensus making and voting and the importance of negotiation and informed decision-making, and learn that, as Unitarian Universalists, we hope that people have a say in the things that concern them.
Sunday, November 27th - No RE (Thanksgiving Break)
No RE this Sunday following Thanksgiving. However, children and youth are invited to join us for this multigenerational service!
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Member Certification
What is UUCSR Membership Certification?
UUCSR is currently going through a process of “member certification” to determine how many members we have. This is required annually by our bylaws (Article III, Section 7), and we’re also required to report an audited membership count each February to the UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association).
How exactly do we determine how many members we have? Our bylaws (Article III, Section 2) define what it means to be a member of UUCSR. One of the requirements of membership in our bylaws is “making an annual recorded contribution of financial support”. We’re counting that as any contribution you may have made since the beginning of the prior fiscal year (i.e. since July 1, 2021).
If you aren’t currently compliant with this measure of membership, now would be the time to make a contribution – of any amount – in order to remain a member in good standing. You may receive a letter soon (or you may have already received it) alerting you to this situation and telling you all you need to know. If you receive this letter, we hope you’ll decide to reaffirm your membership by continuing your support. Every member is important and appreciated, and helps us widen the circle of our beloved community.
Questions? Contact Tamara Murrell, UUCSR Corporate Secretary, or Aphrodite Bellochio,
UUCSR Administrator.
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Guidelines for milestones from your Lay Chaplains. The Milestones are to share your joys and sorrows - for significant life events with your family, close friends, and congregants. Please try to keep them short and to the point.
There may be times when you feel the need for the support of a caring listener and your Lay Chaplains are available to anyone with a need. We don’t have to carry our burdens or celebrate our joys alone, and one benefit of having a beloved community is having support when it is needed.
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From CUUPs: Forest Bathing
-Ellen Skagerberg
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What does a UU pagan want for his birthday?
For Eric's recent birthday, I arranged for the two of us to take a long walk at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve – a pagan paradise. Located just outside of Guerneville, this park is fragile and visitors are limited to marked trails, but it remains a fine place for “forest bathing” – the practice of immersing oneself in a forested setting. Armstrong Woods draws national and international visitors who come to experience the grandeur of redwood trees that date as far back as 1400 years. And it’s right in our own county! (The $10 parking fee supports the park and is well worth paying.)
There’s no internet connection in the park, which becomes an increasingly valued “plus” for the overstimulated pagan and other weary, stressed visitors.
A couple of hours of quiet walking on these needle-strewn paths, following gentle trails marked with rough-hewn low fences, first calmed our jangled nerves, and then gradually awakened our senses to nuance, delicacy, and the underlying physical reality that we all too often overlook. Research indicates that being in natural settings, having plants at home, or even viewing pictures of nature benefits the body as well as the spirit, lowering blood pressure and the formation of stress hormones, and reducing the feelings of fear and anger that impinge on our wellbeing.
Far from lonely, the trails accommodate (mostly) contemplative visitors from far and wide. Offering to be another group’s photographer is one easy way to make a brief and pleasant connection with other visitors. We took photos of two women friends – one from Fresno, the other from New York – at the base of the magnificent Colonel Armstrong redwood tree. Later, a very pregnant, very limber San Francisco woman crouched down to ground level to take our photo with the tree rising behind us, then sprang to her feet to continue her solo expedition.
For those who take pleasure in calling things by their names, informational signs give plenty of easy-to-digest information about the park’s trees, ferns, mushrooms, wildlife, and history.
As we meandered along the quiet trails, conversation between ourselves slowed. We listened to the crunch of the footfall, the swish of our denim jeans, a woodpecker in the distance. The redwood forest “bathed” and refreshed us.
For pagans, who are by definition lovers of nature, this kind of easy day trip into a natural setting is a tonic to the spirit. No special preparation needs to be made, and one can go solo, with a friend, or with a group, but quieting the mouth and the mind are key practices. The reverence felt for the redwoods and the forest can be honored as spirits and druids, but our own form is atheopaganism – reverence for nature, while adhering to science rather than gods and the supernatural. For us, the natural world is miracle enough.
– Ellen
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From Our Right Relations Team
-Lucia Milburn
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These days I need to have an escapist novel in hand to turn to when the world is
too depressing, and I need to escape into an alternate reality. Lately for me that
has been Louise Penny’s wonderful murder mysteries starring Armand Gamache
and the idyllic village of Three Pines. I certainly didn’t expect to find an
inspirational passage about “right relationship” in any of those novels. I turn to
them for distraction, not spiritual encouragement. But there it was: Armand
Gamache’s teaching to his cadets, the young people he is training to be police
officers. He says the four most important sentences any of us should remember
are these:
1. I was wrong.
2. I’m sorry.
3. I don’t know.
4. I need help.
So much is embedded in those four short sentences. First is an ability to be self-
reflective and to evaluate our own behavior. For many of us, that is a formidable challenge. Second is the humility to recognize ways we might have behaved better and the courage to take responsibility for our behavior and apologize for it, if needed. Third is a requirement to be vulnerable, to let go of pride and to admit we don’t know what to do or where to go from here. And fourth is the wisdom to recognize that others may help us to find the answers. These are simple sentences, they are easy to memorize, and they are a powerful prescription for being in “right relationship” and especially for finding the path back to “right
relationship” once it has been lost. May we all learn these four short sentences and apply them whenever they may be useful, in all aspects of our lives.
-Lucia
If you would like to contact a member of the Right Relations Team with any concern, question, or other issue, remember that we respect confidentiality of all matters before the team. Call or email us:
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Come gather in community once again!
The members of our HAT team have given us the OK to once again celebrate our Annual UUCSR Thanksgiving Day Feast this year with our UU friends and family in the Social Hall on Thanksgiving Day, beginning at 3:00pm! A lovely way to celebrate the true meaning of Thanksgiving and reconnect with our beloved UUCSR Community. Look for the sign-up sheet on the Bulletin Board in the Social Hall and further information on Constant Contact from our UUCSR office.
We will be practicing Covid Safety protocols. RSVPs will be required by Sunday, November 20th. Please note that proof of vaccination will be required to join in. We need to know who is coming and what dish you will bring to share, so we have plenty of places at our tables for all. We will have tables set and decorated, music playing, and a warm welcome for all. In past years we have had a wonderful array of delicious food! If you have special dietary needs, bring your special dish to share. Always plenty for our vegetarian friends, too!
Volunteers are needed for organizing, set up/clean up and are gratefully welcome!
Please RSVP and sign up to help and which dish you will contribute on the sheets posted on the bulletin board or by contacting Cathie Wiese via email: cathie@sonic.net
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BEING BRAVE POETRY PROJECT
BY ELIZABETH HERRON
POET LAUREATE OF SONOMA COUNTY
WHEN: Saturday, November 12th from 1:00-4:00 pm in the Board Room
REGISTRATION: Attendance is limited. Register in person at the Adult Ed table after
Sunday Service or by email at adulted@sonic.net
It takes courage to look deeply at what challenges us, and courage is centered in the heart. When we are brave enough to look into our heart and creatively share what we find there, it becomes a form of spiritual practice that nurtures compassion for ourselves and for others.
This poetry workshop will:
● Begin with an introduction by Elizabeth Herron that includes reading examples of
“Being Brave” poems
● Have creative time to write your own “Being Brave” poems
● Be offered the opportunity to share your poems with the group
● Engage in a conversation facilitated by Elizabeth exploring what we have learned
about courage and bravery by listening to our own and each other’s hearts
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NEW DATE AND FORMAT
DECEMBER 11, DISCUSSIONS
We learned a bunch from our first program and appreciate the feedback we received from those of you who attended. It was unsatisfying to run out of time which short- changed the opportunity to have real discussions. Going forward we will create three 20 minute segments on the larger questions we have received so there will be time for discussion on each question. You will find these questions in the December newsletter so that you can know what to expect and with an invitation to participate if you choose.
We will meet in the Founders Room, following the service, on December 11 with zoom available. Look for more details in the December newsletter and the blast.
Judy, David, Jeanie
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The Great UUCSR Baking Show
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COMING TO A UUCSR NEAR YOU...
THE GREAT BRITISH UUCSR BAKING SHOW
(without the faux pas)!
December 2, 6:30 pm
(save the date)
Starring:
Rev. Dave as Paul Hollywood
Era Capone as Noel Fielding
And a small cast of characters… (Perhaps Aphrodite)
Music, Beverages, Bake Sale, Fun, and Families!
- Cake Auction with cakes provided by the kiddos.
- Pie Auction with pies submitted by adults.
(No peanuts or peanut oil, please. There may be a gluten free or vegan category)
Are you a baker?
Are you a lover/eater of baked goods?
This Event is for You!
Details to come…stay tuned!
Wanna Help? Let us know!
WE NEED YOU!
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In this month's newsletter:
- Adult Education
- Book Group
- Men's Groups
- Men's Group Picnic in the Park
- CUUPS
- Older and Bolder Women's Group
- Saturday Breakfast
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Committees &
Working Groups
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In this month's newsletter:
- Volunteer Stewardship Opportunities
- Membership Committee
- Ushers & Greeters
- Caring Connections Committee
- Flower Committee
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UUCSR Event Calendar
Check Out the Calendar for Important Event Dates
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UUCSR Events:
- November 5, Women Together One Day Retreat
- November 10, Book Club
- November 11, Multigenerational Game Night
- November 12, Being Brave Poetry Project
- November 13, Town Hall Meeting
- November 20th, Transgender Day of Remembrance 5-6pm
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December 2, The Great
British UUCSR Baking Show
Glaser Center Events:
- Schedule your next event at UUCSR. Call 707-568-5381 ext 104
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North Bay Organizing Project
NBOP is Helping Us Raise Our Voices
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UUCSR is a member organization of NBOP. You can be a part of putting our UUCSR mission and values to work in our local communities thru participation in NBOP activities. For more info and contact emails:
Read the recent article in the Press Democrat about the Police Accountability Task Force and actions that you can take to support local civilian oversight of law enforcement:
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Soul Matters
November: Change
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There are still openings for new Soul Matters groups! Change is growth! Community with small group connection!
Contact Katie Trieller for information:
707-291-2666
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The Health Advisory Team UUCSR Pandemic Policy
Updated June 2022
- VACCINATION REQUIRED FOR ENTRY TO SERVICES or Negative test within 24 hours
- Adequate vaccination = 2 mRNA vaccines plus booster or 2 Johnson and Johnson vaccines
- MASKS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to protect vulnerable members of our congregation.
- Please honor other congregants concerns about the protection they feel they need!
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547 Mendocino Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Phone: (707) 568-5381
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