Celebrating Life,
Empowering People,
Caring for One Another,
Helping to Build a Better World
UUCSR Newsletter
May 2022

In This Issue
Click “View Entire Message” if Sections Are Missing
  • Service in May
  • Message from Your Board
  • President's Message
  • Updated News about the Founder's Room
  • Message from the Treasurer
  • Religious Education
  • From Your Lay Chaplains
  • From CUUPs
  • From the Adult Education Committee
  • From Sustaining Pledge Team
  • 8th Principle Team
  • General Assembly
  • Social Groups & Events
  • Committees & Working Groups
  • North Bay Organizing Project
  • Soul Matters: Nurturing Beauty
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Thank You for Your Support!

Service in May
Sunday, 10:30-11:45 am PST
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Oh Beautiful
May 1st
Today' service explores our connection to the earth and to nature through poetry and music. We will hold up the beauty of the seasons, celebrate the majesty of the earth, and explore nature as a source of healing and meditation. Come and sing with us.
Service Leaders: Linda Lampson
Worship Associates: Mark Meierding second reader
Music: Gage Purdy

Transforming the Three Poisons
May 8th
Transforming the Three Poisons: Today we will explore the ancient Buddhist teachings that say greed, anger, and ignorance are the the path to unhappiness. They also say that what you feel matters and what you do with your feelings matters even more. Join us to learn how to nurture the inner beauty of our spirits and find the path to happiness.

Service Leader: Rev. Dr. Bill Stayton
Worship Associate: Judy Withee
Music: Gage Purdy with the Choir

Don't Believe Everything You Think
May 15th
Don’t Believe Everything You Think. Everything we do, feel, think, and communicate is done through the lens of our culture. But, what is our culture? The interaction of culture, environment and our own personalities, temperaments, backgrounds, and experiences determine how we interact with one another, for better or worse. Let us examine aspects of our dominant culture that may be harmful to ourselves and to others.

Service Leader: Leslie Norinsky
Worship Associate: Eric Fischer
Music: Alan Bell

Flower Communion
May 22nd
The UUCSR Flower Communion returns! The Flower Communion service was created by Unitarian Norbert Capek in Czechloslovakia in 1923, as a symbolic ritual that would bind people more closely together. He turned to the native beauty of his countryside -- and their bountiful spring flowers -- to create a communion that would be genuine to all comers. It was such a success that it has been held yearly ever since. Let us all gather in genuine communion for a multigenerational service. Please bring a flower (or two) to share!

Service Leader: Veronica Jordan & Era Capone
Worship Associate: Veronica Jordan
Music: Gage Purdy & the Choir
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A Memorial Day for All
May 29th
A Memorial Day for All. The war in Ukraine once again reminds us of the cost of military conflicts on civilians – individuals, families, communities, and the larger society. On this Memorial Day, designated to mourn those who died serving in the U.S. armed forces, we will commemorate all those impacted by war.

Service Leader: Reverand Susan Panttaja
Worship Associate: Cathie Wiese
Music: Sally Jones & Roger Corman

President's Message
Natalie Brundred
From UUCSR Board of Trustees:

I’m So Glad We’ve Spent This Time Together
 
Some of you already know this, and some of you don’t. At the April Board meeting, I resigned as your President. It is heartbreaking for me to do this. But when I looked at the current circumstances and at my capacity to meet them, I feel I don’t have anything left to give.
 
You can probably imagine how difficult this last year has been. From Chris’s leaving, to the intense difficulties Rev. Julie had almost from the very beginning, to her requesting to resign, to this latest difficulty around honoring her contract, things have constantly been incredibly challenging.
 
What kept me going was my belief that we were revealing underlying structural, relational and cultural weaknesses (that had been there for a very long time), that addressing them would lead to a much brighter future, and that I could shepherd us in that direction. That I had something to give, and that contribution would make a difference. 
 
I deeply love this congregation. I deeply love this community. And I deeply love this faith. I have given the very best I had to this congregation, at every moment. I have loved the opportunity you have given me to serve. 
 
But facing the challenges I’ve had to face in this past year has been wearing, and I’ve come to realize that I’m used up. To use a trite phrase, my well has run dry. And the best thing I can do, for both myself and the congregation, is to step down. I need to restore myself, and the congregation needs someone at the helm who is ready and able to take on the challenges and, together with the Board, chart a course forward. I no longer have it in me to do that. 
 
But Leslie Norinsky, our Vice President and Acting President, does have that energy! As you can probably tell from the email she sent on Wednesday, she and the Board are already at work charting that course forward. I have no doubt that she and they will do it with grace, determination and care. Please support them to your utmost.
 
Serving as your President for the past 5 years has been one of the joys of my life, and I am deeply appreciative that you have given me that opportunity.
 
With deep love and gratitude,
 
Natalie
Message from Your Board
What Your Board Is Up To:
First, we welcome new member's to the Board. Margaret Bregger-Coston and David Reitzell will be filling out the last 2 months of this term before beginning thier own term in July. Thank you for your service Paula Hammett and Natalie Brundred! They have both resigned after many years of service, and we are grateful for their commitment and time.
 
There were a number of guests at this month’s Board meeting, and many of them spoke during Open Mic, expressing their concerns about what is happening in our congregation, and particularly asking for more transparency from the Board. The Board immediately looked at providing you with additional ways to speak to the Board, and for us all to engage in discussion and exploration of issues that we’re facing, both now and in the future.
 
We came up with two ideas: 
First, to have a table in the Social Hall after every Sunday service, staffed by two Board members. The table will be under the sign we used to carry that says “Talk to a Board Member”. If you have a question, a concern, or want to express yourself, we will be available to hear you every week. We’ll also be taking notes so that what you say won’t drop through a crack.
 
The other idea we’re implementing came out of many people’s concern that, particularly these days, we don’t have effective ways to explore, discuss, and work through issues together, in covenant. We have the Town Hall, but that is just once a year. We would like to implement a regular, recurring in-person gathering to do this. 
 
A team of people volunteered to be in charge of the topics of these Congregational Conversations and to facilitate them. They are Jeanie Bates, Judy Ervice, David Reitzell, Helga Lemke and Maria Praetzellis. The Board is very excited about this way of encouraging “cross-congregational” dialogue. Look for more about our first one to be coming soon.
 
We also discussed and approved two policies: the Right Relations Team charter, and a Finance policy regarding approving expenditures of various amounts. 
 
You are always welcome to attend any Board meeting, either in person or on Zoom. They’re always on the third Thursday of the month, starting at 6:30. Our next meeting will be May 19th.
 
Natalie
Message from the Treasurer
Linda Balabanian
Meet Bettina Jefferis - our New Bookkeeper!!!
We are so pleased to welcome Bettina back to UUCSR! Bettina came to us as a temporary bookkeeper from an agency last year when we were between bookkeepers. At the time, we had wished we could hire her, but circumstances weren’t in our favor. It is our good luck that the stars have aligned, and we have been able to bring her on board. She is already familiar with some of our bookkeeping peculiarities, so she has been able to jump right in and get started. Please join me in welcoming her back to UUCSR!
Financial Status
That said, as I write this, we don’t yet have financial statements for March, so I am unable to give you a full report of our financial condition. Review of Realm indicates that we are on-track to attain or come close to the revised pledge goal of $440,000, thanks to your generosity. I will be able to give you a much more complete report next month.
Employee Retention Credits
We have received the checks from the IRS, totaling over $122,000 applicable to these credits. As a reminder, Kirsten Olney applied for these credits for us last year. This will help to offset the deficits we anticipate this year and in future years. But since the income will not be repeated, it is important for us to address the causes of our deficits for the longer term.
22-23 Budget Process
In our June Congregational meeting, the Board will ask the Congregation to vote on the budget for next fiscal year. The Finance Committee usually compiles the budget requests from the various areas of the congregation and presents it in budget format to the Board with recommendations. This task is simply a compilation, and in most cases, whatever has been requested is included. If cuts are needed, it is the Board’s responsibility to recommend them prior to the final budget being sent to you. 
This year I have completed this task myself and the result is currently being reviewed by another member of the Finance Committee for accuracy. Because of the large deficit indicated, once this review is completed (likely before you read this), we will be presenting the details to both the Finance Committee and the Board. Over the course of the next several weeks, the Board, in consultation as requested with the Finance Committee, will be able to make decisions on handling the deficit in preparation for presenting the proposed budget to you, the congregation, for approval. In addition, we may get more information by then, especially related to a new Interim Minister, that may affect the amount of the deficit. The Board will vote on the proposed budget in its May meeting.
From the Administrator
& Leasing of the Founder's Room-UPDATE
Much has been happening and changing in the office these days. Thanks for your patience as we find our balance on the administrative side of things during this last month.
 
Some very good news; as you just heard, we are very happy to bring aboard Bettina as bookkeeper! All bills, commitments and accounting processes are getting addressed currently.
 
Unfortunately, some not great news; after we all spent much time and effort making room 545/Founder’s room leasable again, we had to withdraw the option to rent it to the group that had been interested. This was due to inaccurate documents provided by them. Please note that we still have a positive relationship with our neighbors at the Islamic Society of Santa Rosa, and this was not the issue. Thank you to Karen and the whole Operations Team for all the work you put into trying to make this happen for UUCSR. We are in discussion with multiple committees to decide what our next steps are for the use of that room.
In Community and Collaboration,
Aphrodite
Religious Education
Era Capone
This year, the children, youth, and families of UUCSR will be marching in Sonoma County Pride! In the weeks leading up to the event, the kids of RE will be creating signs and banners for the march, as well as learning about LGBTQIA+ identities, history, and social issues. If you family would like to join us in marching, please follow the link below to let us know you're interested!

For any questions regarding RE, or if you'd like to volunteer, please contact me at dre@uusantarosa.org or at (707)-494-8799.

In love and gratitude,
Era Capone
Director of Religious Education
Sunday, May 1st - Working Together to Make a Difference/Where We Grow our Souls
This Sunday, the PreK-1st graders will learn the power of working together cooperatively to make a difference. The 2nd-5th graders will look at a definition of prayer that they can use whether they embrace humanism, atheism, deism or theism, or their beliefs have yet to settle.

Sunday, May 8th - Using our Sense of Wonder/Choosing to be a UU
This Sunday, the PreK-1st graders will be engaging all their senses to explore the world of wonder that surrounds them. Meanwhile, the 2nd-5th graders will be challenged to explore, articulate and artistically express their own identities as members of a faith community.

Sunday, May 15th - All About Pride
This Sunday, the kids of RE will be learning all about the LGBTQIA+ community! They'll learn about the many types of queer identities, explore the history of the gay and trans rights movements, and take a look at the social justice issue queer individuals and their allies are tackling today.

Sunday, May 22nd - Flower Communion (No RE this day)

Sunday, May 29th - Preparing for Pride
This Sunday, the kids of RE will be making signs and banners for Pride! What they make today will be carried in the Sonoma County Pride Parade the following Saturday, June 4th.
Upcoming Events
Family Game Night & Potluck - May 6th
North Bay UU Youth Beach & BBQ Trip - May 21st
Sonoma County Pride - June 4th
Dungeons & Dragons - Every Other Sunday
Chalice Camp - August 1st-5th

Musical Notes
Music Director, Gage Purdy

  • Every voice has a place in the choir! We are making jubilant music together in the choir and would love for you to be a part of it! Please join us on Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:30PM in raising our voices in song - we welcome musicians of all levels.
  • If you're interested in being a part of the music ministry here at UUCSR, whether it is as a soloist, small group, choir member, or an instrumentalist, please send an e-mail to musicdirector@uusantarosa.org to get started.
From Your Lay Chaplains
The past few years have been filled with challenges in our congregation, in our country and on the planet. 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. 
 
In addition to reaching out to a Lay Chaplain, you may add your personal joys and sorrows to the Milestones Book (on the stand just outside the sanctuary door) to be shared during the Sunday service. You may also email your milestones to laychaplains@uusantarosa.org by Saturday morning so they can be included in the Sunday service.

Your Lay Chaplains are here for you. Contact us at laychaplains@uusantarosa.org, or call us: Lucia Milburn, Barbara Kezur, Bruce Hope, Mary Lee Lill, Gayle Shirley, Judy Ervice (chair)

From CUUPs: Book Review & Reflection
By Debby Belansky & Chlele Gummer
Two reflections on the book “Pagan and Earth-Centered Voices in Unitarian Universalism” from two of the newest CUUPs members.

Please use the "Click Here" button below to read these great Reflections!
From the Adult Education Committee
 "Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect."
 -Samuel Johnson
 
Invigorate your intellect by participating in and offering Adult Education classes!. We are actively pursuing several strong possibilities of upcoming topics for adult education classes, including some popular courses from several years ago and we hope some new courses. Though nothing is firmly scheduled yet, there will likely be offerings related to personal environmental actions and to the congregation’s task force on the proposed 8th Principle.
 
Two other possibilities:

Please use the "Click Here" button below to read more about the Adult Ed possibilities.
From your Sustaining
Pledge Team

Pledging: More of your questions answered
 
In last month’s newsletter, we talked about the basics of pledging – why and how. In this article we address some other questions about pledging that frequently arise. 
 
How does the congregation use my pledge in its planning? 
The congregation operates on a fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30 of the following year. Many UU congregations have an annual pledge drive where they ask members to make a new pledge each year for the upcoming fiscal year. Currently at UUCSR we have a “sustaining pledge” model where your pledge automatically renews (or “rolls over”) every year unless or until you change it. However, the congregation still budgets according to the fiscal year. Therefore, you will receive periodic statements showing how much of your pledge has been fulfilled within the current fiscal year.
 
Please use the "Click Here" button below to read great Q & A and other important information and links.
8th Principle Task Force
The Diversity Project
Building a Culture of Inclusion
 
Announcing an 8th Principle Workshop for all UUCSR Congregants and Pledging Friends
Saturday, May 21st, 12:00-4:00 PM, Via Zoom (Link to be sent out at later date)
Facilitated by Paula Cole Jones
 
Please join the UUCSR 8th Principle Task Force for this important introduction to the 8th Principle.
 
8th Principle: To affirm and promote journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.
 
*Please use the "Click Here" button below to read more about the 8th Principle and the upcoming workshop.
General Assembly
Beloved community- Please click on the link below to find out about General Assembly. It is an annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists and it will be both in person and virtually on-line. The General Assembly is in Portland this year, from June 22nd through June 26th. And you are invited to attend either way. If you plan to attend in person, I urge you to check it out as soon as possible, as hotel reservations are already filling up. If you do attend, either in person or virtually, please let me or Natalie or Aphrodite know. We are entitled to a certain number of delegates, in addition to regular attendees. Delegates have voting rights. There is also a choir that you can sign up for. It will be fun to meet UU’s from all over and to celebrate our faith together.

Thanks, Leslie Norinsky (VP, Board UUCSR) 
Here’s the link: https://www.uua.org/ga
Social Groups & Events
In this month's newsletter:
  • Book Group
  • Men's Groups
  • Men's Group Picnic in the Park
  • CUUPS
  • Older and Bolder Women's Group
  • Saturday Breakfast
Committees &
Working Groups
In this month's newsletter:
  • Volunteer Stewardship Opportunities
  • Membership Committee
  • Ushers & Greeters
  • Caring Connections Committee
  • Flower Committee
Check the UUCSR Calendar on the Website for Important Event Dates


SAVE THE DATE:
May 21, 7-9:30pm
Benefit for UUCSR's Breakfast for Our Neighbors!

Save the Date for the Men's Group Picnic in the Park May 15th, 2022

North Bay Organizing Project
The North Bay Organizing Project (NBOP) is a grassroots, multi-racial, and multi-issue organization comprised of over twenty-two faith, environmental, labor, student and community-based organizations in Sonoma County. NBOP seeks to build a regional power organization rooted in working class and minority communities in the North Bay: Uniting people to build leadership and grassroots power for social, economic, racial and environmental justice.

UUCSR is a member organization of NBOP. You can be part of putting our UU values to work in our communities through NBOP activities. For current meetings, check out the NBOP Public Calendar. You can also visit the NBOP Website for the latest updates on events, and sign up for the NBOP Newsletter.
See the Flyer below for more information about a special event:
Nurturing Beauty
Want to connect more with other people and enjoy an opportunity for spiritual growth? Watch for emails listing the available times and locations (Zoom and in person) for the groups.
Not familiar with Soul Matters? It's about exploration, connection, support, and transformation,  Each month all of us receive an email with a Soul Matters packet filled with rich resources to help us explore a particular theme. For May, we will be exploring the theme "Nurturing Beauty." Inside the packet are poems, inspirational quotes, questions for reflection, and links to videos and films. It also contains spiritual exercises to deepen our experience and help us embody our UU principles in a deep and meaningful way.

In addition to exploring the riches in the packet on your own, you can do it with the support of a small group. Once or twice a month, we get together in our small groups and share what we’re discovering: what we’re learning about ourselves, what new perspectives or insights we’ve gained, or where we feel challenged to grow. We listen to each other and we listen to our own lives, because when we are listened to by trusted companions it helps us hear our own voices.

Soul Matters invites us to dance with life in a new way. Through spiritual practices and questions focused on our daily living, we engage the world not as an obstacle course to get through, but as a host of holy voices calling us to greater loving and living.

For more information or to sign up for a group, please email Katie Trieller or Jan Ogren.
The Health Advisory Team  
UUCSR Pandemic Policy,
Updated April 2022
 

Our Current policy at UUCSR is mask optional for those who are vaccinated. Those who are not yet vaccinated are to remain masked. Also, those who feel less safe are urged to continue masking as that will offer each individual good protection (which is why medical providers mask around any infected individuals). Masks protect the wearer.
Please continue to mask if you have health concerns or decreased immune strength. And, we would like to know if you plan to discontinue your presence at UUCSR due to this policy. Please contact Gretchen Vap. (707-849-6644), about this or any other Covid concerns.
Please mask if you are speaking to Rev. Bonnie in the post-service reception line. She is immuno-compromised. Outside is safe for her as is the distance from pulpit to pews.
 
Thank you

547 Mendocino Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Phone: (707) 568-5381