Weekly Message from UUSS
April 15, 2022
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Dear Members, Families, and Friends of UUSS--
I hope this finds you well. If you didn't see me April 3 it's because we started Religious Education in person on that day for kids in Kindergarten through grade 5--Soul Kids! It was great to welcome them after two long years--as well as to see new children showing up. Now we look forward to our first Easter Egg Hunt in two years--near the playground Sunday after church and RE!
This year's month of April is unusual, and not only because we are getting the rain and chilly winds we would normally experience in February. A number of major religious holidays based on lunar and solar patterns are taking place right now--a rare concurrence.
The Jewish week of Passover begins at sundown tonight (Friday) night. It commemorates the survival of the Hebrew slaves in Egypt and their liberation and escape under the leadership of Moses. Jewish households often invite guests for a joyful Passover meal and a ritual reminder that the holy call for liberation is ongoing. Many of God's children suffer today under economic, racial, gender, religious, and other forms of oppression.
The most sacred month of Islam is Ramadan, which began April 1 and ends May 1. It commemorates when the Prophet Mohammed received the Holy Quran (or recitation) from God via the Angel Gabriel. Faithful Muslims fast every day of Ramadan during the daylight hours and break the fast with a meal at sunset. This fast is a pillar of Islam.
In the Christian Holy Week, today is the solemn observance of Good Friday, when Jesus was taken away from his followers and then tortured and executed by the Roman Empire. Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection story, a testimony which embodies hope in spite of heartbreak and evokes the spirit of renewal in spite of devastation.
Earth-centered traditions from various cultures have a spring festival celebrating rebirth and new life. The English term "Easter" refers to the Goddess Eostre and the practice of decorating and giving eggs comes from that tradition.
April 14 was the start of the month of Vaisakhi, a spring harvest festival recognized by Hindus and Sikhs, especially those from the Punjab. It marks the start of a solar year.
This rare concurrence reminds us that all human beings have created ceremonies to mark the passage of time, pray for peace and liberation, invoke a sense of hope and renewal, and come together to celebrate the blessings of life, love, and loyalty. So may it be!
Love,
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Have you noticed the link that says "(Message clipped) View entire message" near the bottom of these Weekly Message e-mails? We have so many invitations and 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!
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In Loving Memory: Memorial Services Scheduled |
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Linda Dawson passed away on the night of March 25. She was born May 27, 1940, in North Carolina. A gifted pianist, organist, composer and improviser, Linda played music on staff here at UUSS decades ago, as well as for the Sacramento Mastersingers. A Celebration of Life will be held June 4 at 10:30 at UUSS.
We extend our condolences to our member Carl Gardner and his son, Cole Gardner, on the sudden passing of Julie Gardner, who is Cole's mother and Carl's former wife. Julie's memorial service will take place at UUSS and on Zoom on Friday, April 29, at 1:30 pm.
Anna Mae Andrews's service will take place Sunday, April 24, at 1:00 pm at UUSS and on Zoom. The service will include her obituary, which she penned herself. Fred Schlaepfer's service will take place Saturday, May 7, at 2:00 pm. These losses were mentioned in earlier issues of the Weekly Message. To read the obituary of our member "Billie" Menz, who died recently at age 100, visit www.uuss.org.
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Sunday Mornings with UUSS
Proof of Vaccination Is 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 April Soul Matters Theme is
Awakening
For your family or personal reflection,
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Half of all offering donations made in April
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
First Sunday Labyrinth walk
Second Sunday - Racial Equity conversation
Third Sunday Qui Gong/Tai Chi
Fourth Sunday - Exploring Unitarian Universalism
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Come early on the fourth Sunday of every month for Exploring Unitarian Universalism, at 9:30; the next one is April 24, with the topic of Social Justice.
Join us for a Newcomer Orientation the second of every month Sunday after church in the Welcome Hall; the next one is this Sunday, May 14.
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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, April 17, 10:30: Awakening to Life
Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Theo Claire, UUSS choir with Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva.
On Easter, Christians all over the world celebrate this day as the resurrection of their Savor Jesus of Nazareth. But the story can have power for UUs as well. We will examine this story from the perspective of his followers who went to the tomb to find that he wasn’t there. How did they find their way through loss and despair? How can we find our way back to life after the challenges and loss we have experienced?
Let's be festive! Everyone is invited to don their favorite hat, cap, visor or Easter Bonnet on Easter Sunday, April 17. Easter Egg hunt for Soul Kids after the service (playground area).
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Sunday, April 24, 10:30:
Flowing in and around Us: Wonder and Water
A Circle Service for all ages with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Rev. Lucy Bunch, UUSS Choir with soloist Yvette Couvson, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva, Worship Associates Karen Sparrow and Ginny Johnson, Altar Designer Molly Stuart.
The theme for this Earth Day service is water--simple, complex, ordinary, and profound. Water is a daily source of sustenance and a key part of religious rituals. As a resource, it's a justice issue, especially for Indigenous communities.
Our choir will sing "Song for our Blue Mother" from a work by local musician Lee Hoffman. We’ll open with “Blue Boat Home” and experience our own ritual honoring water. No Soul Kids group today; all ages are welcome!
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LET’S HAVE FUN!!!
Spring Service Auction Coming Up
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It’s here -- time to preview our exciting
offerings! Check out over 60 FUN items including delicious dinners to choose from, games, pool parties, local FUN days, handyman services, vacation spots and sharing a meal with Lucy or Roger, among others!
Bidding starts on April 23 at 8:00 am and will close on May 2 at 9:00 pm. Don’t miss our Tutorial Day Sunday, April 24 (with 2 time options) to get instructions and inside tips for our new site. You’ll receive a detailed email to follow soon.
Check out the Auction Page starting on Sunday!
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Stewardship Campaign Closes Strong |
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Thank you to all the UUSS households who pledged for the first time or renewed your pledge for 2022-23!
As of our official closing on Monday evening, we had received 213 pledges, totaling $461,171.
We are very grateful for all the support for our community and our mission here at UUSS. Our goal remains 365 pledges. We hope to hear from every one of you. If you haven’t yet made your pledge, there’s still time! (And it may save you from getting a reminder email or phone call from a volunteer.)
Please submit your pledge today for 2022-2023
by one of these methods:
· Call our Bookkeeper, Michele Ebler, at (916) 483-9283 ext. 205.
Every pledge of support is valued and appreciated.
Thank you for tending to community and making a difference!
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Soul Kids is in person at UUSS on Sundays 10:15 a.m.
Miranda & DJ (Soul Kids parent) will be there to greet you!
Please be in touch at re@uuss.org for questions and make sure your family is registered for RE beforehand. Families, please enter through the main building front doors 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 Soul Kids. Remember to bring proof of vaccination and a properly fitting mask covering mouth/nose . Our Greeters now have kid-sized face masks at the front.
Soul Kids starts at 10:15 before the service and ends at 11:45, maybe on the playground!
Soul Kids will not meet on April 24 and May 8. On those dates, join us at 10:30 for a multigenerational and ritual based service for all ages. Families can choose to attend that 10:30 service together in church or from home by Zoom. Last day of Soul Kids is June 12.
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Elementary Soul Kids are invited to bring their Easter baskets
this Sunday for a playground egg hunt after service.
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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. The next meeting is Sunday, April 17 before the service from 9:15-10:15 a.m. Please enter by the main building front doors per our UUSS safety guidelines and sign in when in the Fahs Room.
Our Senior High Youth Group (SHYG) will be involved in a variety of activities over the next few weeks. SHYG is not meeting on Easter Sunday. Up next: helping Freedom Club with their Pancake Breakfast on May 1 and the YRUUP Conference at UUSS the weekend of May 13-15. For more information visit http://yruup.org/.
The final time SHYG meets in Room 12 this spring
is Sunday, May 22 after the service.
The club will host a pancake breakfast on May 1.
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Depression: The Secret We Share--THIS COMING TUESDAY, April 19, 6:00 pm.
video & discussion in the Welcome Hall at UUSSS
Please join us for a TED Talk by Andrew Solomon and a discussion about chronic depression. We will abe gauging interest in a peer support and accountability group for depression that would meet in person. Proof of being fully vaccinated and face masks required. For questions, email Duncan at peersupport@uuss.org or contact Rev. Roger. Click to watch Rev. Lucy’s sermon, “Showing up for Each Other’s Mental Health.”
Meals to the Door—When a member is recuperating from surgery or health crisis or a UU family has welcomed a new child, it can be so helpful to have a few dinners. Can we add you to this UUSS volunteer network to call on you? (In fact, our meals coordinator is laid up right now and happy to receive a meal!) If you don’t have time, consider if you are able to order and buy a delivered meal. You could also donate to UUSS for the Ministers’ Discretionary Fund and we can arrange it. Contact Rev. Roger by phone or email.
A Ride to Church—Occasionally we get requests for a ride to UUSS from a member who doesn’t have access to Paratransit or whose residential facility doesn’t have a van available on a Sunday. Can we add you to the list of people willing to give rides occasionally? (This would be only for ambulatory members, so no heavy lifting or transporting of a wheelchair is expected.) Contact Rev. Roger by phone or email.
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Caregivers for Adult Loved Ones: An Invitation to Conversation
Are you a current or former caregiver to a loved one with dementia or another disabling condition? Would you like to communicate with others who share this experience?
Two UUSS lay leaders invite you to be in touch as we plan to launch a conversation: Jon Peterson provided care for his late wife, Sally, and has volunteered with Del Oro Caregivers Resource Center. Marilyn Reynolds provided care for her late husband, Mike, and wrote the book Till Death or Dementia Do Us Part. They welcome you to participate.
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Groups, Gatherings, and Classes |
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Face masks are mandatory at UUSS events that are open to the public and held indoors. They are also required outdoors in the presence of children not yet old enough to be vaccinated. To attend services and other indoor events, please provide proof of being fully vaccinated (this includes a booster shot) along with your ID; if you have done this on an earlier visit, then you can just check your name off the list when arriving.
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Walking Boots Hike April 16. Join us on Saturday for a mostly easy 4-mile hike at Ancil Hoffman Park, 6700 Tarshes Dr. Meet at UUSS to carpool at 9:00 a.m. or 9:30 a.m. at Ancil Hoffman (parking fee). We will meet in the parking lot at the very end of Tarshes Drive. Contact hiking@uuss.org for more info.
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Reading and Responding to Poetry with JoAnn Anglin On this next Monday, April 18, the Lectio Divina poem we’ll consider, by Elizabeth Alexander, is called Ars Poetica #1,002: Rally. Her name may sound familiar; she read a poem she had composed at the second inauguration of President Barack Obama.
It is always interesting to hear the varied responses to these poems. Take a look at hers and see what you think. You are welcome to join us at 10:00 AM, Monday, via ZOOM, the same way you would attend an online Sunday service.
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Artist Reception Please join the art committee in presenting our next artist Cassandra Nguyen Musto, watercolorist for a reception on Thursday, April 21 from 5:30 to 7 pm. Free and open to all. There will be light refreshments and a time to mingle, meet the artist and enjoy the art. (UUSS gets a portion of all sales.) For more infocontact Patricia Pratt at art@uuss.org
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Theology On Tap Thursday April 21, 2022 7:00 - 9:00pm Sac City Brews Neighborhood Tap House Located in: Tallac Village Shopping Center at 3940 60th St, Sacramento.
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Mah Jongg - April 26, 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.
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Picnic and Games Day at UUSS
on Saturday, April 30
Let's have fun under the patio cover and in the meadow from 11:00 am-2:00 pm. Join with others for grilled burgers and a variety of sides and desserts as well as outdoor games on the grass. Coordinated by Terrie Taylor & Jed Shapiro at picnic@uuss.org and other volunteers--maybe you want to help!
Signup happens this Sunday after church. This is a free event for families and UUs of all ages, but we do need to know who is coming in order to plan. See the Picnic and Games Day webpage at this link. Or go to the sign up form right now at this link!
If you are reading this on paper and can't register online, sign up during Coffee Hour at UUSS or call the UUSS Office on weekdays from 9-5.
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UUJME will meet third Monday of the month on April 18 from 6:30PM - 7:45 PM online.
We will plan to meet online on Zoom. Directions to attend the online meeting: Go to the www.uuss.org/online. If you'd like to meet in person, please RSVP and we’ll arrange a meeting location.
We will focus on human rights of the current events in the Middle East. We discuss books, attend events and invite speakers. We are planning to work with others in the community to have an event such as a picnic with vendors and music. We hope you can join us! Patricia Johnson, Interim Chair, UUs for Justice in the Middle East uujme@uuss.org
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Covenant of UU Pagans meets to celebrate Beltane Sun May 1 from 4-7. UUSS will be taking a not-very-far-afield trip to celebrate Beltane with the Druids who rent Room 12 with pot luck & May Pole. We will use UUSS CUUPS 8-ft May Pole made by UUSS CUUPS Leanna & Druids will bring the ribbons. |
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HELLO, ALL YOU “SANDWICH BRIGADERS” |
Important info for new or continuing volunteers:
April dates for bringing sandwiches to UUSS are:
Wed., April 20 & Wed. April 27--NO MORE MONDAYS!!
Reminder: PBJ sandwiches (15) in zip-lock bags, a fruit, a protein bar, a cookie, if you have any available, a napkin and a separate bottle of water for each lunch. Please label your lunch bags “PBJ.”
Deliver to UUSS by 10:00 am on each Wednesday. Thanks so much for your continuing support!! -- Sally Wilkins
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Help Celebrate Earth Day
in Sacramento
Help the planet by volunteering at Sacramento Earth Day! Sacramento Earth Day happens Sunday, April 24, 2022, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM At Southside Park, 8th and T Streets, Sacramento, California Bonus: All volunteers get a Sacramento Earth Day t-shirt!
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UUA General Assembly June 2022 |
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General Assembly features in-person activities in Portland, Oregon, with nearly everything online as well, including votes on UUA issues. Check it out here. It is not necessary to be a delegate, but UUSS has nine delegate slots. Let Rev. Roger know if you are interested in attending. The lectures, workshops, author events, music, and worship services make GA a rich and lively experience. Our pledge dollars at work: UUSS sends voluntary contributions from our operating budget to support the programs and people of the UUA. "The mission of the UUA is to equip congregations for vital ministry; support and train leaders, both lay and professional, and advance UU values in the world."
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Staff and Minister Availability |
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Rev. Roger (Roger's day off is Monday; study 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.
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., and you are invited to attend!
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We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world. |
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