Weekly Message for UUSS
July 9, 2021
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Dear UUSS Members, Families, Friends and Guests--
I hope you are well and staying as cool and safe as possible. And let me be the first to say Happy New Year! July 1 was the start of new terms of office here for our elected officers, trustees, program council and nominating committee members. It's also the start of the UUSS budget or fiscal year. Thanks to your deep generosity and loyalty over the past fiscal year, as well as the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, staff, and ministers, UUSS could adapt and stay true to our mission and to our values of mutual care, compassion, openness, curiosity, generosity, and courage. Thank you.
As you can read below, there are several ways to be involved in living our mission, making friends, and building community. Tomorrow morning is the cleanup at our nearby mile on the American River Parkway. Tomorrow morning is also the time for InterPlay to happen on site at UUSS--all invited. This Sunday morning at 9:00, Miranda will hold the monthly session for July of Summer RE to connect with kids and their families who are in the Spirit Play ages (grades K-5). This Sunday afternoon, July 11, Rev. Lucy and I will hold an in-person Newcomers' Orientation (sign up below). This coming Wednesday night at 7:00, I will host a Zoom conversation with Sharon Alexander as part of our Wellspring series, "Life Stories of Our Elders." Next Sunday afternoon, July 18, Pianist Irina, Cellist Cynthia and Violinist Mary will hold a recital called Tango Cafe--a long-deferred auction item now open to registration by more people. (See below.)
On Saturday, July 24, our children from grades K-5 and their families will gather at the UUSS playground for a Spirit Play Connection Day. And on Saturday, July 31, we'll have a morning party to dedicate our completed Patio Cover structure (light refreshments provided; see more below). And save the date of Saturday, Aug. 21, when we will ordain Sangye Hawke to the ministry (more info next week).
We know that so much has been demanded of you and everyone during the pandemic and other crises of the past 15 months, and we are grateful for your patience and courage. Also, we are excited by every emerging opportunity to connect.
Last Sunday (with much time and effort) we streamed our first service with all the worship team present in one place--in the sanctuary! We learned a lot about being a multi-platform congregation. We had good Zoom attendance, even on the July 4 holiday. Best of all, many members commented on how well it came across in their homes. Starting in a week we will invite a "live studio audience" to sit in the hall and watch us produce and stream the service. (Reservation info is below.) When we hold our Homecoming Service in September, our Greeters and other Sunday morning leaders will be recruited, trained, and ready to welcome everyone to church. Meanwhile, remember that there are many ways to connect with your ministers and with one another.
As you probably read from Rev. Lucy in last Friday's message, there are new guidelines for physical gathering, recently adopted as policy by our Board. (See below.)
Keep the faith and keep in touch!
Love,
PS--Vacation blessings to all who are able to enjoy the freedom to travel once again. (And thanks to those who tune in to join us from the road on Sundays or who watch a recorded service on our website!) Last month I learned that air travel is not as delightful or easy as I had been remembering--ugh! Yet soon I shall try it again, visiting old friends and colleagues in North Carolina and Minnesota. I'll be gone July 15-July 29, back in time for our Patio Cover Dedication Party on July 31. Rev. Lucy and our dedicated staff members are on duty and can reach me in an emergency.
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UUSS Live! “Studio Audience”
Starts July 18--Registrations Open Now
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Be in our sanctuary as we stream services from it this summer. The ministers, musicians, volunteers, and tech staff have begun streaming on Zoom and Facebook from UUSS. Starting next Sunday, July 18, we’ll be ready to invite groups of 50 people to be present as we do this for our 11:00 a.m. service.
Please choose a date that works for you. Maximum of 50 people per Sunday. There is a limit of 4 people per group reservation, and a limit of one reservation for July. Please wear a face mask. If you have online access, sign up here:
If you are reading this Weekly Message on paper and don’t have online access, call Elaine Cooper in the office, reserve a date and tell her the number in your party and your name and contact information: (916) 483-9283.
Why a limited number in the summer? As we work out the technical challenges, we invite people to come and watch us deliver the message to the folks at home and around the world. This won't be a "church" experience for those who sign up. We will have our first full-service in-person service on Homecoming Sunday, September 12.
Whether you will be in the “studio” or with us online, we look forward to seeing you!
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Board of Trustees Policy
Physical Gatherings on Campus
Effective June 27, 2021
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INDOORS.
- Groups larger than 25 or with children present, masks are required.
- Groups of 25 or less—if everyone in the group is vaccinated and there are no children under 12 present the mask requirement may be waived, to be decided by consensus of the group.
- Six-foot distancing is not required. Sanitizing of surfaces is encouraged but not required; materials will be available for optional use.
OUTDOORS.
- Masks are optional unless children under 12 are present, and then they are required.
CONTACT TRACING.
- Group leaders will need to submit a list of attendees to the office at the end of the event; a form for that purpose will be provided.
HAND SANITIZER
- Individuals should use hand sanitizer when entering the building; it will be available.
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Join us for Worship Services:
All Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
Miss a service? You can find links to past services here.
Half of all offering donations made in July
will support our community partner:
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Sunday July 11, 11 AM: "Wild for Animals"
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Theo Claire, Pianist Irina Tchantceva
Human beings have a close and complicated relationship with other animals, both domesticated and wild ones. Depending on species, geography, and era of history, they have been our pets, predators, and prey. We have considered them as members of the family but also sources of labor, entertainment, clothing, and food. Let’s look at the paradoxes and blessings of this ever-present connection.
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Sunday July 18, 11AM: "What’s your Question?"
Rev. Lucy Bunch with Worship Associate Celia Buckley, Pianist Irina Tchantceva
For Unitarian Universalists, questioning is part of our faith journey. This Sunday you will have a chance to bring your questions forth for Rev Lucy to answer during the service.
And she will have some questions for you as well!
What's your question? Is it about UU faith and belief, the meaning of life, or the best donuts in Sacramento? Nothing is off the table, but she reserves the right to choose which questions to answer, and no anonymous questions will be considered. You are encouraged to submit your questions in advance to Rev. Lucy.
One question per person please.
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Sunday July 25, 11 AM: "Witches"
Rev. Lucy Bunch with Worshp Associate Suzy Mazrole, Pianist Irina Tchantceva
One of the most horrific of historical genocides was the killing of witches in the Middle Ages and beyond. While human nature has evolved since that time, our tendency to blame and persecute the “other” has not changed. What can we learn from the witch burning era that is relevant for our times?
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Sunday August 1, 11AM:
"Annual Harvest Service"
Rev. Lucy Bunch, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Celia Buckley
Music by Irina Tchantceva
Get your tomatoes ready!
We will come together for our 7th annual Harvest Celebration. Though not all of us will be present to share our produce, we can share in a virtual tomato communion. So make sure to have your tomatoes ready!
In the past years Rev. Lucy has shared homilies about tomatoes, corn, peaches, watermelon, zucchini, and blackberries. The featured produce this year will be cantaloupe. Rev. Lucy would love to hear your cantaloupe stories. Do you love them or hate them?
Do you have a memory from childhood or from last week that you would like to share? Send your thoughts to Rev. Lucy.
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Join us for Wellspring Wednesday Conversations
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Wellspring Wednesday
Every Wednesday your ministers host a gathering for conversation and community-building. Each week of the month will focus on a specific theme. Join us for discussion, connection and learning together. All welcome!
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Second Wednesday: Life Stories of Our Elders
July 14: Rev. Roger hosts Dr. Sharon Alexander, a longtime member of UUSS. As a child of immigrant parents, Sharon grew up in an integrated neighborhood in the segregated city of Chicago. She has taught early childhood education at Sacramento State, reared her own wonderful children, and always been a supporter of justice, equity and compassion. Whether she's an old friend of yours or a new face for you at our Sunday Zoom services, come talk with Sharon!
Third Wednesday: Minister's Class on Theologies
July 21: Rev. Lucy hosts a conversation about an aspect of our UU theology
Fourth Wednesday: Exploring UUism
July 28: Join Rev. Lucy for an exploration of our Principles and Sources
First Wednesday: Surprises!
August 4: Rev. Roger hosts a conversation about vacation surprises.
Second Wednesday: Life Stories of Our Elders
August 11: Rev. Roger hosts one of our beloved and fascinating octogenarians!
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TANGO CAFÉ
This Auction item Concert is open to more attendees!
Please join us Sunday afternoon, June 18
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Mary Blanchette, violin
Cynthia Davis, cello
Irina Tchantceva, piano
Sunday, July 18 ~ 2:00 to 3:00 pm ~ UUSS Main Hall
Featuring music from around the world including Argentine tango composer, Astor Piazzolla, who revolutionized the traditional tango into a new style termed nuevo tango, incorporating elements from jazz and classical music. Join us for a café blend of rhythm and tempo, dynamics, texture, melody and harmony to soothe and enrich your soul.
Tickets are priced at $15.00, cash and checks only please. You may pay at the door or call the office to pay by credit card.
Advanced Sign-up required; please wear a mask.
Click here or call the office 916-483-9283 to sign-up.
Donors/performers: Mary Blanchette, Cynthia Davis, Irina Tchantceva
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Religious Education for
children and youth and families
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A Pocketful of Principles:
Summer Religious Education at Home
for all families and all ages!
In Religious Education, we are gathering once a month on zoom. Please join us at 9 AM this Sunday, July 11. Contact Miranda to get your supplemental materials in the U.S. Mail for our Summer RE theme.
In the Zoom sessions, we'll explore resources, rituals, stories, songs, and activities for you and your whole family--people of any age.
Let us stay in the flow, connected, rested, joyful and equipped for all that life brings our way. Our hope is that these lessons, songs, stories, activities and articles will give you new ways of understanding our 8 UU Principles, so you can "put them in your pocket" and pull them out when you're in need of guidance, inspiration or encouragement.
Our Unitarian Universalist Principles
help us discover and create a
world of love and liberation.
Respect the worth and dignity of each person.
Offer fairness and kindness to one another.
You and I grow wiser and brighter together.
Goodness and curiosity guide our search for truth.
By listening deeply and deciding together, we make better choices.
I join you as we work for peace, freedom and justice,
Value and care for the web of life that connects us to all,
and Build the Beloved Community, free of racism and oppression.
UU Kids Playing Minecraft every other Saturday at 9AM! Minecraft is a sandbox video game popular with several kids and youth. Thanks to parent volunteers, we're trying it out on Saturday mornings. In this game, players explore a blocky, procedurally-generated 3D world with infinite terrain, and may discover and extract raw materials, craft tools and items, and build structures or earthworks. For kids, youth and their parents. Please contact RE Coordinator Miranda to get the Zoom links.
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All-Congregation Party and
Patio Cover Dedication July 31!
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All are invited to campus on Saturday morning, July 31, to celebrate our community and dedicate our new patio cover structure.
Come see familiar faces or make new acquaintances at this special event for everyone.
We will have a special ritual to dedicate our patio cover along with games for all ages.
Light refreshments on the UUSS Patio, Saturday, July 31, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Wander the buildings and grounds and see how many additions and upgrades have taken place and what changes are in progress. We'll provide a guide and some questions to acquaint you or re-acquaint you to the spaces and special features of our spiritual home base. The Bookstore maybe open for a quick visit! All are welcome. Please wear a face mask while in the building or in the presence of children younger than 12.
Hosted by the UUSS Program Council with Rev. Lucy & Rev. Roger. Questions or your offer to help may be sent to programcouncil@uuss.org.
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Groups, Gatherings, and Classes |
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Friday Morning Bookstore Hours at UUSS -
A masked volunteer staffs our Bookstore every Friday from 9:00-12:00. Sign up for a private shopping shift by contacting the Office by email or (916) 483-9283; wear a mask and bring a bag for good values on great reads--$1.00, hardback or paper. Also: CDs by UUSS musicians, books by UUSS authors UUSS Chalice Blend Coffee. Donations of new books are not yet being accepted.
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Ted's Web
Every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. join the group for a discussion of the politics of the day. Named in honor of our late Minister Emeritus, Rev. Theodore Webb. Now meeting in person at UUSS!
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River Parkway Stewards Cleanup
this Saturday morning!
You are invited to come out Saturday, July 10, for our regular monthly cleanup on the “UUSS mile” of the American River Parkway! We meet on the second Saturday of every month between 8:45-9:00AM in the parking lot, next to the levee, at the end of Northrop Avenue, off Howe Avenue, behind Panera Bread. We sign in; trash bags are issued and new folks are oriented to the area and the service we provide.
We then spend one hour removing trash from the UU Mile. We meet back at the levee stairway at 10:00 AM for a photograph of our crew and the results of our efforts. Afterward, many of us continue the fun at Panera with refreshments and conversation. Remember to wear good shoes, bring gloves, a hat, a mask if you wish, a water container, perhaps a “grabber” for items of trash, and your volunteer spirit…. this Saturday looks to be sunny and extremely warm so dress accordingly!
Looking forward to seeing you soon,
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Yoga Restart at UUSS! Our UUSS yoga teacher of 13 years , Paige Labrie, moved during the pandemic. Her former students would like to propose that we restart our weekly, morning class as a Yoga Cooperative. It would be an approved UUSS group, free to anyone wanting to attend. To make this work we need need 5-6 people who are willing to share 10 minutes of their favorite yoga poses with the group. If you are interested and are available on a weekday morning basis please send an email to yoga@uuss.org
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Interplay - Saturday, July 10
Give your body and spirit a recharge
In Person 10:30 AM UUSS campus!
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InterPlay led by Rev. Lucy and Friends. We're back to the UUSS campus with fun new adventures in opening to the wisdom of the body. We meet regularly on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, 10:30 to noon. First meeting is in person, second monthly meeting on Zoom.
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.
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UUSS Engaged with the Community |
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A member of our community is in need of a place to live. He needs a room and access to a kitchen and bathroom. Needs to exchange house or yard chores for low rent. Perhaps you have a room in your home that you can rent to him, or know of someone who does.
This is a chance to help someone in our community who is in need.
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We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world. |
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Board Members, July 2021- June 2022
Tonie Darling, President
Denis Edgren, Vice President
Victoria Owens, Treasurer
Anara Guard, Secretary
Members at Large:
Hally Cahssai
Frances Myers
David Harlow
Marilyn Reynolds
Eric Ross
Program Council, July 2021- June 2022
Susan Davis Co-chair, and Tina Lawrence-Chiginsky Co-chair
Debby Powell
Beth TenPas
Jon Peterson
Annemieke Farrow
Marilyn Reynolds, Board Liaison
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