Weekly Message for UUSS
April 23, 2021
|
|
Dear Members, Families, Friends and Guests--
I felt relief and gratitude at three guilty verdicts against the Minneapolis police officer who murdered George Floyd by asphyxiation. Amazingly, justice has been served. And relief and hope are felt around the world by people who long for dignity and safety—for the rule of law, and fairness under the law. Of course, this won’t bring Mr. Floyd back to his family and friends, won’t end their grief. Furthermore, in the same week as the trial, we learned of the police shooting of Adam Toledo (age 13) in Chicago and learned of video of the police killing of Daunte Wright (age 20) near Minneapolis. (I got Daunte's last name wrong in online prayers recently; I apologize for this.) Ma'Khia Bryant (age 16) was killed this week by police in Columbus, where law enforcement has been subject to federal investigation and civil rights lawsuits since the 1990s.
Much work remains to be done in this nation’s institutions, including religious institutions, to dismantle the culture and systems of white dominance. This is the reason for the
the proposed 8th Principle for Unitarian Universalism. If you are a Member, please read it and be prepared to vote on the proposal at the May 16 UUSS Congregational Meeting. In an article below you can find several opportunities on Zoom to discuss this at UUSS, like this Sunday after service. Bring your thoughts and questions. This will make for a smoother vote on May 16. This proposal has been adopted by many congregations. Later it will be considered by a UUA commission which will be reviewing all of Article 2 of the UUA Bylaws (including the Sources, Purposes and Principles of our denomination).
The UU leaders of color who have drafted the 8th Principle are asking us to consider it and approve it without revising or amending it. When it gains momentum within our movement, the proposal will be considered by the Bylaws commission. It is likely at that point that all of Article 2 will be opened up to consider its final wording and structure. Our approval now is an important commitment for UUSS Members to make to ourselves, to the larger UU movement and its leaders of color. It is also a commitment to all the families and individuals in the future who will be seeking spiritual communities dedicated to shaping themselves toward equity and inclusion.
Keep the faith and keep in touch,
PS—Don’t miss a word (or picture)! Your email program may “clip” this message about halfway down. Look closely for a highlighted link to read the rest of the message.
It includes pictures and profiles of the nominees for elected roles at UUSS, a video about our Drive-through Diaper Drive for River City Food Bank, and news of Ann Kronser’s concluding Mindfulness Meditation session this Monday at 6:00 p.m.
|
|
Congregational Meeting: Official Notice |
|
Thanks and a Request
from Our Stewardship Committee
|
|
We are grateful for the generosity, enthusiasm, and commitment reflected in the pledges we have received. Thank you so very much! In the near future we will publish the entire list of pledgers (if you indicated permission for your name to be listed). Meanwhile we are waiting to hear from 50 households and will be contacting those who have not yet made a pledge.
If you have not yet submitted your pledge, please get in touch with us, even if you're pledging the same amount and frequency as last year, or if you're making automatic bank payments, or if you're not be able to make a pledge this year.
Have questions about Stewardship? Contact Jim Eastman, our Stewardship Committee Chair, at stewardship@uuss.org. We are moving forward to better days... together!
Every pledge of support is valued and appreciated.
Thank you for making a difference!
|
|
In Loving Memory
We extend our condolences…
|
|
...to our member Terrie Ray on the death of her mother, Evelyn Fogel, at age 97, on April 15. She died at her home in Howell, Michigan, with most of her 8 children present, including Terrie. Evelyn was the last of her 12 siblings, and she leaves behind multiple grand and great grandchildren and dozens of nieces and nephews. Born in 1923, she lived in Howell all her life, except when she served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. Evelyn met her husband there, as they were both stationed in Cleveland. She attended the same Roman Catholic parish her entire life and as an elder took Communion to nursing home residents. In recent years she was honored by the government of Michigan for her many and varied volunteer activities.
...to our member Karen Smith on the death of her husband, Dr. Emmett Smith, at age 88. He'd been in decline with dementia for many years and had Parkinson’s disease. He is also survived by three children and their families, five grandchildren, a new great-grandchild (whom he was able to meet in his last days), and his personal caregiver for the past four years. Emmett was born in 1933 to poor farmers in dustbowl Missouri; the family moved to El Monte (CA) where his parents worked as a janitor and housecleaner. Emmett attended college at UCLA, served as a US Army medic in the Korean War for three years, and attended medical school at UCSF on the GI Bill. He met Karen, a nurse, during his internal medicine residency in LA County Hospital. In Sacramento he worked for Kaiser Permanente, the Medical Clinic of Sacramento, and Foundation Health (now HealthNet) as its director. Emmett and Karen fostered the teenage sons of a patient and longtime friend after they were orphaned. In 57 years of marriage, they were partners in service and generosity to their community. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to Planned Parenthood, Loaves & Fishes, Doctors without Borders, UNICEF or another charity.
|
|
Join Our Services
April Soul Matters Theme--Becoming
|
|
Join us for Worship Services:
Sundays at 11:00 a.m. ~ Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
For a full list of April services check here.
Miss a service? You can find links to past services here.
|
|
Sunday April 25, 11 AM: Earth Justice: Pathways to Healing & Regeneration
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Theo Claire. With Meg Gunderson, Hally Cahssai, Ruth Mc Donald,
and Christine Bailey. Guest preacher, Rev. Yadenee Hailu. Irina Tchantceva, pianist.
Come join us to celebrate Earth Day this year with the UU Ministry for the Earth. We will hear special music from Emma's Revolution, Lea Morris, and a powerful sermon from Rev. Yadenee Hailu (you can learn more about her at blkearth.org.) We will also hear updates from our Environmental Justice and Climate Justice committees. Come and be inspired.
|
|
Tuesday April 27, 7 PM: Becoming a Picture: Patiently Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together—Literally!
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Karen Sparrow, Pianist Irina Tchantceva, and a Few Puzzled UUSS People.
It doesn’t matter if you like doing jigsaw puzzles or not—there are lessons to be found in this popularpastime, particularly in the pandemic. Tonight a few folks from UUSS who will provide some insights forlife they have put their hands on (if not the final missing piece). Send Rev. Roger your own experience with puzzles ASAP!
|
|
Sunday May 2, 11 AM: The Stories in Our Head that Get in Our Way
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Suzy Mazrolle, Pianist Irina Tchantceva.
“Story” is the Soul Matters theme for May. Stories enrich, challenge, and connect us. Yet any of us can get hooked on self-defeating stories that lead us away from connection, serenity or a sense of purpose. Log in today for some laughs about this habit and some good ideas for telling new stories.
|
|
How to Be our Sunday Chalice Lighters!
We invite you to be an on-screen chalice lighter--as individuals or as families--on a Sunday. You can light your home chalice or candle for all of us at the beginning of the service and extinguish at the end. All you have to do is sign-up here! We'll Zoom you into the morning service. We hope to see more beloved and familiar faces.
|
|
UUSS Featured on NPR Story |
|
National Public Radio did a story about patterns of religious participation in the year of the pandemic. The story was produced locally, and it aired first on Capital Public Radio news. Rev. Roger provided background information to the reporter and you can hear his remarks to the reporter. You can also hear sounds of a Tuesday Vespers. Click to listen! The story features Nicole Oneto, a Sac State student who started attending our services after the shutdown sent her back to her Tulare County home to be an online student.
|
|
Join us for Wellspring Wednesday
|
|
Wellspring Wednesday
Each Wednesday your ministers host a gathering called Wellspring Wednesday. Each week of the month will focus on a specific theme. Join us for discussion, connection and learning together.
Fourth Wednesday: Exploring UUism -- rotating topics about Unitarian Universalism!
First Wednesday: Soul Matters Theme of the Month
May 5: "Story" with Rev. Roger
Second Wednesday: Life Stories of our Elders
May 12: Rev. Lucy hosts a devoted UUSS congregant for a fascinating conversation.
Third Wednesday: Minister's Class on Theologies
May 19: Rev. Lucy hosts!
|
|
Virtual Religious Education for
children and youth
|
|
Zoom to Spirit Play Sunday morning 9:30 a.m. for grades K-5. Join Miranda and our inspired young UUs for a time of Wondering together. Get links here.
UU Kids Playing Minecraft Minecraft is a sandbox video game popular with several kids and youth at UUSS. Thanks to parent volunteers, we're trying it out here, 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. This is for kids, youth and their parents. Please contact RE Coordinator Miranda to get the Zoom links.
Senior High Youth Group (SHYG) THIS Sunday, April 25, 1:00 p.m.
Reminder to families: Sign up here to be featured in a Sunday service to do the official rituals of Chalice Lighting and Extinguishing.
|
|
Groups, Gatherings, and Classes |
|
Friday Morning Bookstore Hours at UUSS A masked volunteer staffs our Bookstore every Friday from 9:00-12:00. Sign up for a 30-minute 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. Donations of new books are not yet being accepted. Many thanks to our staff and volunteers!
|
|
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. Zoom Link.
|
|
8th Principle Conversations
Conversations about the UUSS Resolution to adopt 8th Principle (below) will be held on Zoom on the following dates/times:
- Sunday, April 25th (after Worship)
- Wednesday, April 28th (Wellspring Wednesday)
- Saturday, May 8th, 4 pm
|
|
Mindfulness Practices Monday, April 26, 6:00p.m. This is the concluding session of this series with teacher Ann Kronser and host Judy Bell from Adult Enrichment. We are deeply grateful for Ann's guidance and generosity over the past year of change and uncertainty. (Last chance! Even if you missed earlier sessions, feel free to attend!) Zoom link here.
|
|
Saturday, May 1, 6pm-7pm CUUPS - Covenant of UU Pagans is holding a small outdoor Beltane ceremony with Maypole. Zoom & in-person behind the back patio. Optional potluck &/or labyrinth walk before or after. Please email cuups@uuss.org or (if you are reading this on paper and don't have email) call the office at 916-483-9283 to RSVP as in-person attendance is limited due to Covid-19 restrictions. Please indicate zoom or in-person. Organizers: Laurie Jones & Leanna Pierson (Maypole architect extraordinaire). Laurie to arrive 4ish for setup; fence gate will remain locked but we'll let you in. Please wear masks and keep a social distance. We will have restroom access.
|
|
Reading & Reflecting on Poetry with JoAnn Anglin
Monday, May 17, 10:00a.m. at this zoom link. 1st & 3rd Mondays of each month. In May, we will not have a poem on May 3, because I will be out of town, but we’ll resume on May 17. --JoAnn
|
|
InterPlay led by Rev. Lucy and Friends April 24 -Takes place the 2nd and 4th Saturdays 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.
|
|
UUSS Engaged with the Community |
|
Diaper Drive 2021:
Let’s beat the 1,500 we collected in 2019!
|
|
It’s been over a year ago since UUSS did a diaper and baby wipes drive for River City Food Bank (RCFB). The need is ongoing and has become even more critical during this time of lost jobs, reduced wages or illness. In 2020 RCFB has experienced a 30% increase in emergency assistance requests over 2019. Many of their clients at the St. Matthew Center in the Arden Arcade area are young refugee families who are being supported by International Rescue Committee, our community partner for April.
The UUSS office will start accepting diapers (all ages and sizes) and baby wipes on Monday, April 26 between 9-5 PM, culminating on Saturday, May 8 with Diaper Drive-through Day, 1-3 PM when you can join the parade of cars dropping off diaper donations in the UUSS parking lot. With masks and social distance, greet friendly faces of UUSS members and families, say hi to a minister, stroll the grounds, walk the labyrinth, visit the garden or romp in the play structure.
If any families or individuals would like to volunteer to staff the parking lot on May 8 to receive and stack the drive-through donations at UUSS, contact Bobbie Keill.
|
|
Visiting the UUSS Campus: Call Ahead |
|
The Bookstore is open again! Starting Friday, April 16, UUSS volunteers will staff the used and new bookstore in the Library for 30-minutes shopping appointments from 9:00 till 12:00 noon. (There's Chalice Blend Coffee too.)
This is for individuals or people with others in their family or other "pod." Wear a mask, please. Call Elaine at the Office to book your half-hour slot before any Friday.
Otherwise, UUSS remains closed to visitors inside the building. If you need to drop off or pick up something, please call or email a staff member: (916) 483-9283. For example, Chalice Blend Coffee (fairly traded regular/decaf, ground/whole beans, $12 a bag, checks payable to UUSS. Just contact the office, and it will be ready for you.
|
|
If you would like access to the Labyrinth, the children's playground, or the new patio cover, the gates will be unlocked on business days (M-F from 9 AM till dark), and Sundays from 8-10 AM and 1-3 PM. If you try the gate and it's not open, knock on the Office door.
|
|
Board News—Small Gatherings Approved |
|
Congregational Meeting -- The next Congregational Meeting: in the UUSS Zoom stream after the service on Sunday, May 16. Read below to see the nominees for elected positions and information about the budget proposal for 2021-22 (Have you make your pledge yet? Thanks!). Also please attend a forum about the proposed 8th Principle for UUism after the April 25 service or during the April 28 Wellspring Wednesday conversation.
|
|
2021 Candidate Biographies |
|
Tonie Darling
President, Board of Trustees
Tonie Darling is a third generation Unitarian, and has been a member of UUSS for 5 years. She is currently serving as an appointed Member at Large of the Board of Trustees (BOT), and is on the Stewardship committee. At her 6 previous UU churches, she has served as BOT secretary, treasurer and member at large, as well as chair of various committees such as Religious Education, Stewardship, Finance, Ministerial Relations and the Building Committee.
Tonie grew up in the Stockton Unitarian Church, and fondly recalls sleeping on the floor at UUSS as a teen while attending youth group events. She and her husband, Kurt Schmidt, lived in Los Angeles and Shreveport, LA before settling in Sacramento in 1990. Tonie retired from her 44-year career as a government lawyer, and Kurt just retired after selling his print shop. They have two grown sons: Ben, 30, who just moved back to Sacramento, an HR Systems Analyst for a marketing company; and Nick, 33, a Buddhist with a Master's in translating ancient texts, who is currently completely a 3-year meditation/study retreat in Trinity County.
|
|
Anara Guard
Secretary, Board of Trustees
UUSS is the 4th UU church Anara has attended, the others being a fellowship in Minnesota and two churches outside of Boston. She officially joined UUSS in 2019, has been honored to serve as your board secretary for the past year and would be pleased to continue in this role for another term. She also volunteered with the Auction Committee. Her past working life included roles as a self-defense teacher, produce buyer for a food co-op, small-town public librarian, injury prevention practitioner, public health consultant, and editor. Now, she spends much of her time writing fiction and poetry, reviewing books, making jam and marmalade, and trying to keep her River Park garden from turning into a jungle, which would make it more difficult to find the dragon who resides there.
|
|
Frances Myers
Board Member at Large
Frances Myers has been a UU since 1995, and became a member of UUSS five years ago when she and her husband Dan moved to Sacramento from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She works as a Special Education Instructional Aide at Will C Wood Middle School. At UUSS, Frances has co-chaired Family Promise, created a Ministry Circle, served as a Worship Associate, taught OWL (Our Whole Lives) was a member of the UUSS/SacACT Environmental Justice Committee and most recently helped coordinate providing meals to the homeless with Arden Arcade HART. She also helps manage the UUSS Between Sundays Facebook page and the official UUSS Facebook page. Frances has four adult daughters and two amazingly adorable granddaughters who all live in Pennsylvania.
|
|
Marilyn Reynolds
Board Member at Large
Marilyn Reynolds joined UUSS in 2000, took leave in 2005, and happily returned in 2014. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees as a member-at-large, leads a Soul Matters Group, and offers back-up for the Senior High Youth Group as needed. She has served on the Religious Services Committee, and led Spiritual Deepening Circles. The UU values and the UUSS community enable Marilyn to think and act beyond her own small life. She is ever grateful to be a part of this congregation.
Retired from full time teaching, in the pre-Covid years, Marilyn worked with 916 Ink writers at the Sacramento County Youth Detention Facility and with Grant High School students at the Neighborhood Wellness Foundation.
Marilyn is the author of fourteen books and is currently at work on Over 80 and I Don’t Mean MPH, a sequel to an earlier book, Over 70 and I Don’t Mean MPH.
|
|
Susan Davis
Program Council
Susan Davis joined UUSS in 2018, after relocating to El Dorado Hills from Tennessee with her husband and daughter. She has been a UU for more than 25 years, first in Southern California, then in Nashville. Susan has taught RE, been an OWL facilitator, served on RE Committees, Program Council and as co-chair of the Social Justice Committee at previous UU congregations. She has worked in healthcare for almost 40 years. Susan is a Registered Nurse with a B.A. in Communication and a Master of Healthcare Administration degree. She is manager of disease management and health and wellness for a large healthcare organization, working to help empower and educate those with chronic conditions to improve their health and quality of life. Susan’s passions include her family, animals, veganism, all forms of social justice and acting in community theatre. Susan loves living in the Sacramento area. She has served on the UUSS Program Council since 2019 and has been co-chair the majority of that time.
|
|
Annemieke Farrow
Program Council
Annemieke Farrow discovered UUSS when she moved to Sacramento in 2015 to begin her Master’s in Community Development at UC Davis. Searching for community outside of school, she welcomed (and was welcomed by) the kindred spirits at UUSS. Some of her first local friendships developed during social activities after services.
After graduating in 2017, Annemieke deepened her involvement with UUSS, serving on the 2018 Prom Committee, hosting holiday parties for the Gen Y group, participating in Spiritual Deepening Circles, and making calls for the Phone Ministry during the COVID-19 pandemic. These activities have helped build relationships with other participants, and as a Program Council candidate, she welcomes the opportunity to continue broadening and strengthening connections with other UUSS members. Outside of UUSS, Annemieke works for a nonprofit that supports small businesses through direct education for small business owners and advocacy for policies that benefit all businesses, not just large corporations.
|
|
Beth tenPas
Program Council
Beth TenPas, a new member of UUSS, moved to Sacramento in fall 2019 and was just getting into the swing of things when everything stopped. You might recognize her from Zoom church and the picture of her daughter sitting on an outcropping at Bryce Canyon.
Prior to moving here, she spent over 30 years in Los Angeles, working for UCLA Medical Center in Financial and Data Analysis roles. Beth jumped in and out of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica, participating as an RE teacher, in the choir, and on the music committee. In 2018, newly divorced, retired, and with her daughter’s degree completed at UC Santa Cruz, Beth spent one year in Golden Colorado. The Jefferson Unitarian Church became her social center, especially with the alto section. They had a convivial carpool with “Blue Boat Home” as their favorite choice. But California called her back.
Beth joined the UUSS choir as soon as she got here, and signed up for a Spiritual Deepening Circle. They’ve continued to meet weekly on Zoom and she is so glad for their support. Beth loves the small group structure and is facilitating a Soul Matters group this year.
She is honored to be asked to join in the committee work of UUSS. It will be a great way to meet the people that keep such an important part of her life alive and thriving. Beth hopes to be able to meet you all soon in person.
|
|
Tiki Harlow
Nominating Committee
Tiki Harlow has been attending UUSS, along with her husband Dave, and their daughter Elle, since about 2010. Shortly after that time they became members. Tiki and Dave are regular attendees; Elle is about to graduate college. Tiki has been involved in the UUSS Auction for the past six years as the chair or co-chair of the dinner team. One of her favorite places on the campus is in the commercial kitchen working with a team of dedicated volunteers. She currently serves on the Nominating Committee and the Fundraising Strategy Team Committee. Among her top ten favorite things about UUSS are the amazing friends she and Dave have made, and the wonderful ministers and staff who serve us with heart and soul.
|
|
Terrie Taylor
Nominating Committee
Terrie Taylor and her husband Jed Shapiro started attending UUSS in early Spring 2017 as a way to be with like-minded individuals. After the first visit, she knew she had found her people. Since joining she has been on the Program Council and the Auction Committee, participated in Soup Sundays, Grasshoppers, some altars, including Christmas (back in the day) and Spirit Circles. And, she has grown a not-so-great garden. Terrie would like to continue her commitment to the UUSS community by serving on the Nominating Committee.
|
|
Christopher Jensen
Nominating Committee
Christopher Jensen has been a member of UUSS since 2000. During that time, he has served as a Nursery helper, a Religious Education Teacher, a Worship Associate, Usher, Family Ministry Team member, Auction Event helper, All Ages Camp marshmallow roaster and organizer. He enjoys church activities including choir, after service coffee, Theology on Tap, and special events such as the Prom. His son Erik is a proud graduate of UUSS Religious Education and the Coming of Age programs, and his wonderful wife Kathleen Mead is also an active member. For Christopher, UUSS has been a great place to find solidarity and make friends with likeminded folks who “come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world.”
|
|
Michael Miller
Endowment Trust
Michael Miller has been attending UUSS since 2016 and during that time has been involved with the Gen-Y group, a facilitator for a Spiritual Deepening circle, and a member of the Program Council. Michael is a computer programmer at a K-12 charter school and likes spreadsheets just a little too much - skills he hopes to bring to the endowment trust.
|
|
We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
