Dear friends,

Did you know there are 91 trees on our UUSS property? Last year, our Administrative and Property Management Committee (APMC) oversaw a full inventory. Among our trees are Cypress, Valley Oaks, Red Oaks, Chinese Pistache, Privet, Chinese Hackberry, Chinese Elm, Crepe Myrtle, Redbud, Olive, Strawberry, Black Tupelo, Mulberry, Almond, and Chinese Flame. 

Most beloved is our Heritage Valley Oak Grove, which is made up of large protected California Native Oak trees. Our intrepid Building and Grounds Maintenance Crew completed needed safety and health tree trimming on many of the non-Oak trees on our property before last summer’s fire season. In the fall, the Board approved APMC’s request for funding to trim the Heritage Oaks and other large trees. This funding came from a bequest and the work was completed in December. 

This month’s storms brought downed trees, tree branches, and damage to much of the state and to Sacramento as well. Due to the foresight of APMC, no storm damage has affected the trees and buildings at UUSS! I am grateful to all those involved in caring for our beautiful campus and planning for the future health and stability of our community. 

We trim trees for their health even if they are not unwell. Different species of trees have different structures of branches to maintain, and trimming must be tailored to each individual tree. By trimming off small side branches, the tree can focus energy on growing up towards the sun. As we enter the Christian liturgical season of Lent, many people around the world trim off distractions in their life to focus their energy. What small changes might you make in this time of year to direct your own energy towards what is sustaining? 

With joy, 

Rosemary

P.S.—After the service this Sunday our Nominating Committee will explain the positions coming open this spring for election to our Board of Trustees, Program Council, Nominating Committee and Endowment Trust. Learn about the opportunities to serve UUSS and grow personally through elected leadership. Bring your soup or coffee and your curiosity!

Have you noticed the link that says "(Message clipped) View entire message" near the bottom of these e-mails? We have 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!

Our February Soul Matters Theme is



Justice and Equity 

Here's the link to the Soul Matters materials

Sunday Morning Programs

Join us before the service at 9:30 AM at UUSS

1st Sunday - Labyrinth meditation in the meadow (Feb. 4)

2nd Sunday - Justice and Equity Orientation/Discussion (March 10)

3rd Sunday - Qui Gong/Tai Chi (Feb. 18)

4th Sunday - Exploring Unitarian Universalism (Feb. 25)

Sunday, February 18, 10:30: Measuring Miles and Moments: Glimpses and Lessons from a Sabbatical

Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Ministerial Intern Rosemary Dodd, Worship Associate Karen Sparrow, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva, Thomas Goff, trumpet.

UUSS gives periodic sabbaticals to its ministers. Rev. Roger was gone for five months. Today he recounts a few stories from his journeys abroad and journeys within, reflecting on surprises encountered and lessons learned—including what he missed about our spiritual community.

Soup Sunday after the service! 

Sunday, February 25, 10:30: Housed and Unhoused: Reflections on the Spaces between Us

A Circle Service for All Ages

Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Ministerial Intern Rosemary Dodd, Worship Associates Andy Cramer & Celia Buckley, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Courtney O’Neill



We all are affected by homelessness—some by the current or past experience of not having a reliable and safe place to live, others by having to move from place to place. And others of us witness how many neighbors live on our streets; we all have a variety of reactions, feelings, and questions. With music, a children’s story, and reflections from service participants, we will hold up a mirror of our larger society, in which this crisis continues to grow. While UUSS is trying to help in many ways, we have no easy answers. Bearing witness is never easy, but it is important if we are to be true to our values, especially in showing empathy and humility, as well as talking with people who have opposing views to us.

In Loving Memory: We extend our condolences to the friends and relatives of Dick Taylor, a longtime UUSS member who passed away on Sunday, Feb. 11, at age 85. A native of western Pennsylvania, he came west after college. He was a social worker for Sacramento County, among other places. Among other volunteer efforts, he had served UUSS on an earlier version of the Pastoral Visitors team and on meal preparation at Loaves and Fishes, and was active locally for Palestinian human rights. He leaves behind four nieces and was preceded in death by his only sister. We give thanks to his friend Larry Shaw and other members who provided longtime support for Dick. A memorial service and reception will take place at UUSS at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8.

In Celebration: Congratulations to Mackenzie Webb, RN. The daughter of Randy and Jennifer Webb and a cradle UU from San Mateo, Mackenzie has passed the New York State nursing board exams! 

If you would like to have a joy, sorrow, concern, or milestone spoken by a minister at Sunday’s prayer time, let us know at this link. Make sure to tell us you do not want us to mention it aloud, or if you would like a phone call from one of the ministers.

Childcare--The Nursery (Rm. 11) welcomes infants 6m+ through age 5. Staff supervise child-led play in a fun and friendly nursery filled with toys and games. Snacks are offered. Access through the main entrance. Please contact Crystal with questions.

Soul Kids - (K-5th grade) meets this Sunday, Feb. 18th, during service. DJ and Crystal will lead the group in preparing for Soup Sunday. Please start in service!

Senior High Youth Group (SHYG) - (9th-12th grades) meets this Sunday, Feb. 18th, during service. Join Dirk for community and conversation. Please start in service!

Other engaging activities for children, youth and families are available and information can be found in the email linked above! There's always a lot happening in RE!

Our RE Coordinator Crystal Fountain has weekly office hours and is available by email too.

The UUSS solar energy project will save $680 per month in utility costs. It will conserve energy and reduce our carbon footprint. Half the project's $80,000 cost will be funded by a generous bequest by the late Richard Hayden. The remaining will be funded by donations from all of us. In February, the Solar Sisters are staffing a table in the Sunday Welcome Hall. Pick up a fact sheet. You may send a check to UUSS (memo: “Solar”), contact our Bookkeeper (debrah@uuss.org), or visit https://uuss.breezechms.com/give/online and click “Donate to Solar.”

You can “buy” a solar panel for $330, but all gifts are welcome!

As of Thursday, we have raised $14,745 from 34 donors. Two Sundays to go! We hope that everyone will decide to be a part of this project by making a gift. Let’s light the way!

Save the date for the next Lectio Divina poetry discussion with JoAnn Anglin, Monday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m. Attend via Zoom at www.uuss.org/online. We will be back to our 1st & 3rd Monday schedule in March. All are welcome!  

Questions about end of life planning? Join Molly Stuart on Zoom on 2nd Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. for discussion of a series of topics. 

The first will be Medical Aid in Dying (MAID, formerly “medically assisted suicide”), on Tuesday, March 12. You can sign up at the Connections table or email Molly via adultenrichment@uuss.org to get the Zoom link. The April 9 meeting will be about "Solo Aging", and you are invited to suggest future topics.

Registration Now Open!

Mark your calendars for April 19-20!

Elevate your Unitarian Universalist experience by immersing yourself in the Pacific Western Regional Assembly. This is more about more than geography; it's a community of individuals like you, representing local UU congregations and communities. Your active involvement is indispensable. Whether you participate virtually or in-person at First Universalist in Denver, this gathering promises an enriching and enjoyable experience, fostering connections among individuals and congregations.

Join the excitement as we come together with the MidAmerica Region of the UUA for shared programming, strengthening ties across our regions. Friday evening kicks off with a compelling keynote conversation between our UUA president, Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, and the new President of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson – both remarkable women of color dedicated to justice work.

Saturday unfolds with workshops, conversational gatherings, a special luncheon, and a pivotal Transitions Update. While the official Regional Assembly concludes on Saturday afternoon, those extending their stay can savor dinner connections in Denver on Saturday evening. On Sunday morning, local UU congregations open their doors for special Earth Day worship, creating a family-friendly environment. Many Assembly events are suitable for all ages and child care will be provided as well.

Registration for Regional Assembly is open! Be part of the intricate web of connections! Whether you aspire to be a discussion leader, a workshop facilitator, or contribute in various other roles, your involvement is welcomed. Reach out to Rev. Sarah Schurr at sschurr@uua.org to offer your time and skills, or if you have questions you would like for us to give to Rev. Dr. Sofía and Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia.