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Our Weekly Message
News, Invitations, and Ministerial Reflections
September 8, 2023
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Beloveds-
The tide is rising and so are we
This is where we are called to be
Welcome to the new church year! This Sunday is our annual ingathering service, and our theme is “An Oasis of Welcome.” We will kick off our service with a new hymn, the Tide is Rising" by Shoshana Friedman. I hope that you have invited a friend to be with us because it will be a great service for newcomers. There are so many people in our area who long for what we have – a loving, caring engaged community where we support each other in living our values in the world. This Sunday we will consider how we can contribute to creating a sense of welcome for all those who walk through our doors and all those yet to come. Terrie Taylor has designed a beautiful altar that includes a fountain where each of us will pour our waters of welcome.
Then after the service you and your friend (the one you invited to the service) can stroll the patios and learn about all our amazing activities and groups. This year there are more than 40 UUSS groups that are participating in the activity fair. You don’t want to miss it.
See you on Sunday,
Rev. Lucy
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Sunday Mornings with UUSS
Face masks are available but not required.
Join us for Worship Services in person or on Zoom Zoom links here
Service time 10:30 a.m.
Did you miss a service? You can find links to past services here
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Sunday Morning Programs
Join us before the service at 9:30 AM at UUSS
1st Sunday - Labyrinth meditation in the meadow (October 1)
2nd Sunday - Justice & Equity Conversation (Sept. 10) Come explore the historic "California Reparations Task Force's Final Report."
3rd Sunday - Qui Gong/Tai Chi (Sept. 17)
4th Sunday - Exploring Unitarian Universalism (Sept. 24)
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Join us for a Newcomer Orientation and Tour the second Sunday of every month,
right after church, in the Welcome Hall. September session is canceled so newcomers can participate in the activities fair. Next one is October 8.
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Sunday, September 10, 10:30:
Annual Ingathering Service:
An Oasis of Welcome
A Circle Service for All Ages with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Ministerial Intern Rosemary Dodd, Worship Associates Courtney O’Neill and Kaley Calderon, the UUSS Choir, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva, Flautist Erin Byerly
Come drink deep of the living waters of our community! We will celebrate the beginning of a new church year with our water communion, and rainmaking rituals.
Have you wanted to invite a friend to our services?
Our ritual and liturgy will focus on welcome, so this is a great time to bring a friend.
Attend the Activities Fair after the service and learn about the wonderful program at UUSS.
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Sunday, September 17, 10:30: Loving Our Neighbors - Really
Ministerial Intern Rosemary Dodd, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Andy Cramer, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva
Sometimes, it can be harder to love one another once we discover our differences and flaws. This week, I'll explore the call to love our neighbors as ourselves through the work of Howard Thurman. How do we move past tolerance and into true welcome and acceptance?"
*9:30 a.m.: Introduction to Tai Chi and Qi Gong on the Patio or in the Fahs Classroom
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Joys, Sorrows, and Caring | |
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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.
If you know of someone in the congregation facing surgery, dealing with loss, coping with a new and serious diagnosis, etc., please encourage them to inform one of our ministers and/or to reach out to the Caring Committee at caring@uuss.org.
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UUSS Activity Fair on Sept. 10 | |
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ACTIVITY FAIR after the Sunday service Sept. 10--
The Activity Fair promotes many different ways to get involved at UUSS and it encourages you to join in. If you are the leader of a UUSS Group or Committee and would like to have a table there, please email activityfair@uuss.org. The Program Council would also appreciate volunteers who want to help with the event itself!
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Community Partner Nominations for 2024 now open | |
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As part of our commitment to being “a force for healing in the world” every month UUSS gives away half of our Sunday offering to a local not-for-profit organization. Who will be a Community Partner for the upcoming year is decided by the UUSS congregation in the fall after the congregational meeting in October. Click here to find out more of to nominate an organization Nominations need to be submitted by October 1. Voting will commence after the Congregational meeting on October 15.
If you have questions, please contact Bobbie Keill at communitypartners@uuss.org.
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Religious Education Programs | | |
Childcare--available from 9:15 to 12:15 most Sundays in Room 11 (Nursery). Room and resources for feeding/nursing infants are accessible in the nursery. Please enter campus via the main doors.
Please contact Crystal with questions.
All ages of youth and children are invited to join the all-ages Circle Service this Sunday, September 10.
Family-friendly activities will follow at the Activity Fair.
Our RE Coordinator Crystal Fountain has weekly office hours and is available by email too.
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Featured event: JOIN BLOSSOMS AND BUSHES, an enthusiastic group who plant, weed, deadhead, weed, trim plants and weed in the front of the church and the Succulent-Cactus garden.
It is ONLY 1 HOUR A MONTH. Blossoms meets the second Monday in each month at 10 AM to 11 AM. Join us this Monday, September 11.
Contact Glory at blossoms@uuss.org for more information or just show up with your gloves, clippers, and sun screen.
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For a listing of all events this week and coming up check out our Weekly Calendar/Bluesheet. | |
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Caring Committee Start -up We are happy to announce the formation of a new group, the Caring Committee. This energetic group will reach out to congregants dealing with loss, significant medical issues, and major life transitions, offering lovingkindness and, when it would be helpful, a few meals. We are counting on help from the wider congregation to be able to respond effectively to congregants in need. Click here to find our how you can help.
Please direct questions to committee chair Dawn Huebner or email caring@uuss.org.
Want more ways to help? Check out our volunteer spreadsheet to see all the ways you can help.
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Half of the Sunday morning offering donations made in September
support our local community partner:
Mustard Seed School
To donate now at the UUSS website, click here.
"May generosity bless our world, and may gratitude nourish our spirits."
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Join UUSS members at River City Food Bank's Empty Bowls fundraiser Thursday, Sept. 21, 6-9pm at the amazing Sacramento Zoo!
Help support the work of one of our Community partners! Every dollar raised will help provide nourishing meals to our neighbors in need. Together, we can fill bowls and fill lives with healthy, nourishing food.
Go to https://rivercityfoodbank.org/ to buy your ticket! Individual tickets are $200.
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Staff and Minister Availability | |
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Rev. Lucy is available for visits. Schedule an appointment with Lucy at calendly.com/revlucyb. Our ministerial intern for the 2023-24 church year is Rosemary Dodd. She's available by appointment; her email address is rosemary@uuss.org
Rev. Roger is on sabbatical Sept. 4 through Jan. 31.
Our office staff members (office@uuss.org or 916-483-9283) are available to respond to your calls and emails weekdays 8:30-4:30, except public holidays. Our Pianist and Music Director are available by email and invite you to choir practice Wednesday nights at 7:00.
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We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world. | | | | |
