Current Happenings, 2/13/25

Office Personnel Transition Update

This is to announce that our Office Administrator, Claire Cagat, has resigned for professional advancement reasons. Her last day here will be Friday, February 21. Please join me in conveying our sincere thanks to Claire for her service and wishing her all the best.

Welcome, new Office Manager

Jocelyn Whidden

I am pleased to announce the hiring of Jocelyn Whidden as our new Office Manager. Jocelyn has extensive administrative and accounting experience and skills in management and development in the nonprofit sector. She starts work this week, which overlaps with Claire’s final two weeks, so that she can train for the position.

As of Monday, February 24, Jocelyn’s office hours will be Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. She can be reached at (831) 684-0506 or admin@uufscc.org.

UU Principles, Values, and More

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 4-5:30 p.m. Pacific

Bring your questions, too, and we’ll dive right in! This session will be recorded, so you can watch it later, even if you can’t make it in real time.

Zoom info:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81260024345?pwd=peVVV5eqGbzaTK7gILtsTxVAoyV0fr.1

Meeting ID: 812 6002 4345

Passcode: 116700

2000 Years of UU History: A Whirlwind Tour

Monday, March 24, 4-6 p.m. Pacific

Where did Unitarian Universalism come from? How have we changed over the years, and what’s stayed the same? Come find out in this fun, participatory Zoom-based class on UU history led by Rev. Laura. We’ll take a whirlwind tour through our history from its earliest origins to today, with time for your questions and a few tangents depending on the interests of the group.

This session will be recorded, so you can watch it later even if you can’t make it in real time.

Zoom info: 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85825954740?pwd=cTJtgaZQY9y8zEzpVV2jLdsYqwLNKa.1

Meeting ID: 858 2595 4740

Passcode: 852931

Adult Religious Education

The Book Group meets on the third Monday evening of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. via the Zoom link below. Each member is welcome to choose a book. 

REMINDER

February 17: James by Percival Everett. Led by Jennifer Choate [note this is also the Deep Read selection of UCSC and the National Book award-winner of 2024.  It is based on Huckleberry Finn from the point of view of his former slave companion, Jim.]

March 17: Wild by Cheryl Strayed. Led by John Jamieson

April 21: The Honor Code by Kwame Anthony Appiah, Phoebe Evans

May 19: The Message, by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Edy Rhodes

Zoom Info:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86280949313?pwd=5ih45DQKLYHO41SaUaVf8jrEukXVYn.1

Meeting ID: 862 8094 9313

Passcode: 157282

Please test the link 15 minutes before the meeting. If it doesn't work, contact Jennifer Choate, who will transfer you to a new room if possible.

For information and questions, contact Jennifer Choate

UUFSCC History Project

Saturday, February 21, 1:30 pm via Zoom

If anyone is interested, please feel free to contact members Jeff Rudisill, Bob Bates, or Jennifer Choate

Justice Team



Volunteers Needed for Red Card Distribution!

Our vulnerable community members need your help, asap! Help the Justice Team help educate those at risk from ICE (immigration and customs enforcement) round up and deportation, to know their rights. We have red cards, the size of business cards, that list their rights (one side English and one side in Spanish) and have a local phone number to report ICE activity. When ICE activity occurs, trained volunteers are notified, and those that are available go witness the activity, to help keep ICE accountable, doing things in a humane and legal manner! (You can get trained to do this Rapid Response, too!!)

We need to cover the county, especially south county, but the entire county. We need to leave them at markets, stores, laundromats, Mexican food restaurants, car washes, and more. Give them to gardeners, construction workers, anyone who might have friends who need the information! And put the Rapid Response phone number in your phone, so you can report any observed ICE activity.

If you can help, but won't be at the Fellowship on Sunday, contact Teri Wiss to arrange how to get some red cards.

Power Not Panic--Save That Date

Save That Date: Sunday, March 2

Our Justice team and others in UUFSCC and beyond want to ensure you know that we are involved, and you are invited to be included in supportive work with the most vulnerable in our community:

We're members of the SC Interfaith Network. A Letter of Support was signed and published by 42 faith communities in SC Co. Rev. Laura and Rev. Tara signed on our behalf:  https://pajaronian.com/support-needed-for-the-immigrant-community-facing-trump-policies/

Current Request: A team of 2-3 people to attend Westview Presbyterian Church in Watsonville, training 2/20/25, 4:30-6:30. Westview is a partner in our Interfaith Network. Train others to know their rights, create a Child Safety Plan, and get involved in Rapid Response/Legal Observation. Others of us are already trained in this. You'll become part of the established team in South County especially.

RSVP is necessary. If you can attend Westview training, please contact Sarah Marschall, Paul Johnston, or Peg Galli.

Shared Plate Collection

In January, UUFSCC collaborated with the Santa Cruz Welcoming Network on fundraising efforts. The 'shared plate' collection raised $1,423.50.

Thank you all for your contributions.