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Our Weekly Message
News, Invitations, and Ministerial Reflections
November 22, 2023
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Dear friends,
This Sunday, we gave thanks for the roots which nourish us, and set intentions for new branches of gratitude in a beautiful ritual. Through the metaphor of a tree, we explored the interconnection between gratitude and generosity, and honored the ways we give and receive in our lives. Some of the most common “roots” were family, health, UUSS, and music. Some “branches” included intentions for sharing appreciation, love, laughter, volunteering self-care, art, and faith.
If you were not able to join us for the service, I invite you to two practices for this season of thanksgiving:
- What has nourished you in the past year? Name and give thanks to that part of your life.
- How do you want to be generous in this coming year? Set an intention for generosity.
For those of you who are spending this week’s Thanksgiving with community, family, or friends, I am wishing you joy and rest. For those of you who notice particular tension, loneliness, or grief around the holidays, I am sending you gentleness and holding you in care. The UUSS community is here to hold you for this season.
With gratitude,
Rosemary
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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
(Closed Captioning available on Zoom)
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 (Dec. 3)
2nd Sunday - Justice & Equity Conversation (Dec. 10)
3rd Sunday - Qui Gong/Tai Chi (Dec. 17)
4th Sunday - Exploring Unitarian Universalism - Faith (Nov.26)
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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. Next one is December 10.
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Sunday, November 26, 10:30:
Moving at the Speed of Trust
Rev. Lucy Bunch preaching, with Ministerial Intern Rosemary Dodd, Worship Associate Andy Cramer, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Courtney O'Neill
Living in challenging times requires developing the tools not only to cope, but to be resilient. And one of our most important tools is trusting: learning how to trust, who to trust and how to build trust in our lives. Come, let us move together at the speed of trust.
*Exploring UU 9:30 in the Fahs Classroom. Rosemary Dodd leading a session on what Faith means to a UU.
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Sunday, December 3, 10:30:
The Spiritual Practice of Friendship
Ministerial Intern Rosemary Dodd, preaching with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Karen Sparrow, Pianist Irina Tchantceva
Friendship is an integral part of the fabric of our lives - but how do we maintain it? Let’s explore the spiritual practice of friendship and the comfort of ordinary connection that enriches our lives.
*9:30 a.m.: Labyrinth meditation in the meadow.
Stay for soup after the service
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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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Bobbie Stewart, longtime UUSS member has passed away at age 92. She moved to New Jersey several years ago to be near her daughter. Bobby was a member of the UUSS since at least the early 1960s. She was particularly active in our theatre group, Theater One, so much so that they named an award after her. We send our condolences to her family and friends.
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Join us in Religious Education! | |
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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.
All ages of children and youth are invited to join the Circle Service this Sunday, Nov. 19. Nursery care is still an option for ages 5 and under.
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.
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What's Happening?
For a listing of all events this week and coming up
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JOIN THE UUSS READER’S CLUB Thursday, November 30 7pm in the Fahs Room
You are invited to our lively monthly book discussions. We meet the LAST Thursday of each month at 7 PM, generally in Fahs. Questions? Send a query to uureaders@uuss.org This months book is The Chancellor: the remarkable odyssey of Angela Merkel by Kati Marton
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Saturday Stitchers Saturday, December 2 at 10:00am in the Fahs Room All are welcome! Contact: Karen Sparrow stitchers@uuss.org | |
Our ushers and greeter team is looking for a few more volunteers for Sunday morning service. If you have felt welcomed on a Sunday morning, here is your chance to return the favor. Contact the team at welcome@uuss.org. | |
Community Partner
Half of the Sunday morning offering donations made in November
support our local community partner:
River City Foodbank
To donate now at the UUSS website, click here.
"May generosity bless our world, and may gratitude nourish our spirits."
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Staff and Minister Availability | |
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Schedule an appointment with Rev. Lucy at calendly.com/revlucyb or ministerial intern Rosemary Dodd: 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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OFFICE CLOSED
November 23 & 24 for Thanksgiving
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We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world. | | | | |
