In This Issue

Interdependence: Exploring the Heart of Unitarian Universalism

April 7th

In a world that often emphasizes differences, Unitarian Universalism celebrates unity in diversity, embracing a belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. "Interdependence," is the heart of Unitarian Universalism. Our faith invites all to ponder the interconnection of humanity, nature, and the cosmos. We invite you to join with us in exploring the spiritual landscape that Unitarian Universalism cultivates.

Special Congregational Meeting after the service

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Judy Withee

Music: Gage Purdy

Pianist: Roger Corman

The Basket: Our Own Saturday Breakfast for Our Neighbors

Transforming Conflict: The Blessings of Congregational Turmoil

April 14th

Conflict is endemic to congregational life. Because congregations exist to help us find meaning and purpose, we find it difficult to realize that not everyone shares our understanding or approach. Many of us have cultural backgrounds that teach us that conflict is bad or to be avoided. Conflict Transformation, on the other hand, treats conflict as an opportunity to learn and grow, both individually, and institutionally. The sermon will offer concrete strategies for personal growth and healthy congregational functioning in dealing with conflict.

Guest Minister Terasa Cooley: A Unitarian Universalist Minister and a former Director of Unitarian Universalist Congregational life. Her beliefs: I am a believer in personal awareness, conscious community, and values-based activism. I prefer to speak and think in terms of “and” rather than “or.” My lifelong passion has been to help individuals grow in their compassion, self-insight, and courage to lead; and to help congregations and organizations unite around a common mission to do good in the world. I believe healthy conflict leads to growth, and healthy covenants build vibrant communities. 

Service Leaders: Rev Dave Clements & Guest Rev Terasa Cooley 

Worship Associates: Richard Senghas

Music: Gage Purdy & The Choir

Pianist: Roger Corman

Share The Basket: Shelterwood Collective.

The Lessons of Passover

April 21st

Join us on this special occasion to reflect, connect, and celebrate the profound teachings of Passover, embracing the spirit of unity and understanding. Let us appreciate the richness of this tradition as we explore the intersections and find strength in our shared commitment to build a more just and compassionate world.

Service Leader: Rev Dave Clements

Worship Associates: Clare Whitfield

Music: John Ray

Pianist: Paul Gilger

The Basket: Our Own Religious Education Program

Interconnectedness is Simply not Enough

April 28th

Central to our identity as Unitarian Universalists is the understanding that all life exists in an interconnected web. How is it that our sense of "interconnectedness" has led us to collectively do precious little to stop oppression, racism, perpetual war, and continued destruction of our planet? How is it that we can so easily divorce ourselves from the pain and plight of others? What are we getting wrong?  

Service Leader: Rev Bev Spears

Worship Associates: Veronica Jordan

Music: Gage Purdy & The Choir

Pianist: Roger Corman

Share The Basket: Community Action Partnership

From the Minister's Desk

Reverend Dave Clements

“A Time of Celebration: A Message from Your Interim Minister”

Dear Members and Friends of UUCSR,

On April 7th, in a congregational meeting, members of UUCSR will be asked to vote to go into search for a settled minister. This is indeed a time to celebrate the progress that you have made as a congregation. As we stand at the threshold of this event, I am filled with gratitude and hope for the journey that lies ahead. It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as your interim minister during this time in the life of your congregation. We just finished several cottage meetings hosted at UUCSR’s members’ homes and those of you who participated came away feeling a sense of hope and connection. 

When I arrived, many of you wondered if UUCSR would survive. You have and you are stronger and, in the process, have discovered a lot about your resilience and your willingness to move forward. Over the next few months, you will be asked as a member of UUCSR to recommend to the board names of people in UUCSR that you would like to see serve on the search committee. When the board member calls please respond. This is your opportunity to raise your voice and to be a part of this important process.

I see a congregation that has grown and that has learned how to forgive and to communicate and work together. You are a wonderful group of people who are dedicated and who are committed to the principles of Unitarian Universalism and to the leadership of this congregation. May you engage in the process and the opportunity that will be offered to you. Thank you for the opportunity to be your minister and I look forward to watching the search process unfold and being here to offer my support and encouragement.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dave

President's Message

Leslie Norinsky

Every month I write this message, knowing in my heart that only 60% of us really read the newsletter, and probably less than that read the newsletter all the way through. But, it has given me the opportunity to, at least, express some thoughts about our present state of affairs, my hopes for the Congregation, and share my (humble) opinions about the state of all relevant things that affect our Congregation. Of course, I do temper some of my stronger opinions; I don’t say everything that I think out loud. I know that when you are in a position of leadership, you have to be able to listen more than talk. And I have taken my listening responsibilities seriously. But I do have some strong opinions that I will talk about in this message today.

The things that I feel most strongly about are our Mission and our Principles. I joined this church because of our guiding principles and ideals. These ideals are what make us a truly spiritual community, and I believe that everything that happens in this building should be guided by our Mission and Principles. Because we do fall down as individuals and don’t necessarily always adhere to our ideals. I DO fall down and it is expected that we will all fall down sometimes. We are, after all, imperfect human beings.

One of the things that I have learned over these last couple of years is that, although there is some complexity around hiring staff people who are Unitarian Universalists or who become Unitarian Universalists, we have benefitted by the UU lens that they have brought to the management and administrative work of our community. Any decisions that our administrator, Aphrodite, must make are made by thinking about how they affect our Congregation and whether her decisions are made in alignment with our mission. Therefore, she asks a lot of questions and includes other individuals in decisions that are involved. Any decisions that Era (who is thoroughly UU), or Gage, or Roger, or Amy or other staff members make about caring for our children or music or how we keep our financial records and make these records transparent are all made with our UU ideals in mind. Our ideals are made real throughout UUCSR because of who we have hired for our organization. It is ALL spiritual work. It is all Mission-based work. Thank you, staff!

Which brings me to another point, but this time it is about the equity work that we have all committed to, because we are NOT simply a business entity. We do have business that must be done but it should all be guided by our ideals of an anti-racist, equitable, and welcoming congregation and all in alignment with UU Principles. That is why we voted for the 8th Principle. We do have a committee, the Dismantling White Supremacy Culture at UU, but the work is for ALL of us to do. It should not be owned by or led by only one committee. For me, that means looking at how we use and budget money, how we think about music, how we think about the art on the walls, how we think about hiring and personnel practices, how we think about Religious Education, how we think about the structure of services, and how we think about Bylaws that are the legal “rules” of this Congregation. It is all 8th Principle work. It is ALL Dismantling White Supremacy work. It is all spiritual work.

Going into the Search process, it is important for us to all think about who we are and who WE want to be, because a minister cannot solve all our problems. We have to be a community, a democratic community, which is the only way I know how to have more equality, even if not consistently moving towards equity. And we have to be able to look at ourselves and be willing to solve our own problems. As of this writing, I have not yet attended a Cottage Meeting, but I expect that it will be an opportunity to reflect on how to live into our values and effect positive change as a Community.  

There will be a Special Congregational Meeting on April 7th to vote to go into the Search for a Called Minister, which is the most exciting part of creating a shared future. The official agenda should have reached your email on March 24th. Hope to see as many of you there as possible.

With love for this community and hope in my heart,

Leslie

Covenant for Congregations in Settled Search

As we enter into the Search process for our next Minister, we need to be aware that we are entering into a special and sacred relationship with all who help us in our search. Our Search Committee and our Congregation are being asked to adhere to a Covenant that sets expectations between us, searching Ministers, and UUA Coaches and Guides in this journey. This is the Covenant. Search Committee Members will need to be especially aware of what we are promising. 

As a Search Committee representing our congregation, we covenant to: 

A. Serve our congregation to the best of our ability, realizing, both as a group and individually, we represent the face of our congregation and community in the ministerial search process. We will represent our congregation with forthright honesty, care, compassion, and respect. 

B. Follow the rules and timelines within the Settlement Handbook and the Transitions Office website. 

C. Honor a minister’s needs to follow the Guidelines for the UUMA (regardless of membership). 

D. Inform and work with the Transitions Office, Regional Staff, and Regional Transitions Coaches throughout the transitional process. 

E. Fund the cost of ministers’ and their partners’ travel to our congregation for all pre-candidating weekends and candidating week. 

F. Understand the need for fairness and confidentiality throughout the search process. 

Message from Our Music Director

Gage Purdy

“The true beauty of music is that it connects people.

It carries a message, and we, the musicians, are the messengers.”

— Roy Ayers

This month, as we welcome the spirit of Spring’s renewal, we celebrate this month’s theme of “Interdependence” within our congregation and our music ministry.

In each of our rehearsals, voices (both vocal and instrumental) blend harmoniously and illuminate the power of collaboration and unity –each voice contributes uniquely to weave a tapestry that transcends individuality.

The music program needs you and your voice:

• Congregational Music Survey Please fill out the survey as soon as possible to help us make informed decisions as we move into our next congregational year! 
• As a music team, we are creating new goals and plans for the coming months, congregational year, and 3 to 5 years. 
• The music coordinators are looking for more people to coordinate (and participate) in music! Whether you want to participate in one service or you’d like to be part of the standard rotation and planning, we have a place for you! Speak to a music coordinator or our music director to get more information!
• If you have instruments laying around that you would like to re-home, consider donating them to UUCSR's music ministry. We would like to offer them a new life with the newly-proposed Instrument Donation Program through which we hope to create more equitable access to participating in music at UUCSR with an instrument library! For more information, message our music director at gage.purdy@uusantarosa.org.
• Through our community connections, we are working on building a music exchange between UUCSR and other local faith communities in our interfaith sphere. If you have ideas of how to reach out or who to reach out to, come use your skills to support our outreach! 

Beyond music, our community thrives on mutual support, compassion, and understanding. We cherish the diverse gifts each member brings, recognizing our collective strength lies in embracing and uplifting one another. In the coming weeks, we invite you to explore interdependence through music, reflection, and fellowship.

Message from the Treasurer

Jan Hess

Pledge revenue was $289K, less than the budget by $700. The revenue received is 6.58% for the month, which is less than the previous 5 years for February (Thanks to Amy for preparing a 5- year percentage chart by month so we can evaluate how we are doing.) This amount is closer to budget than January, but pledges to-date have used up big payments received in December. Based on current Realm pledges, it doesn’t appear that we will meet our budgeted revenue target. (Hopefully, we can work toward changing this projection.)

Donations are $49K or $15K above budget. This is a fairly erratic category, but it has been over budget for most months of the year so far. Sadly, Memorials have been high, a reminder of the losses we have suffered this year.

Other Revenue includes Fundraising which is $15K below budget through February. We won’t have good information about this category until later in the year when events are planned. The Auction, our biggest fundraiser, doesn’t occur until June. We are hopeful that the Congregation steps up to volunteer and participates in making the Auction a big success so we can meet or get close to our budget of $24K.

Glaser Center, our other major source of income, is above budget by only $1,227. Revenue is close to budget but there are not adequate rentals scheduled to match the annual revenue budget. Wage expenses are below budget and should help GC to end the year with net income on budget This is an important part of revenue needed to run the operations of the Congregation. A new Rental Coordinator, Leslie Jacobson, has been hired and should help increase our number of events.

Total Revenue is $382K, which is $14K above budget. (Hopefully we can keep this going)

Expenses for employees and other items are $30K below budget. Expenditures are approximately $14K below budget and total of all expenses are $354K for $42K below budget.

Net Income is $28,311 and with the transfer from Sat Breakfast for their expenses of $10K. This gives us a total to-date of $38,311 for Jul-Feb 2024.

The Finance Committee has gained a new member, Ron Schultz. We also have a new consultant who has previously worked on the committee. We are looking forward to having them work with us, especially as we move forward on completing the new budget for the next fiscal year 2024/2025. Other members of the Finance Committee are Linda Lampson, Rose St. John and Amy Yoro, our bookkeeper.

Questions can be sent to Jan Hess, Treasurer.

Religious Education

Era Capone

Hello all,

For those of you looking to get involved in RE, we would love to have you join us! If you're interested in volunteering, leading an activity, or just want to learn more about our programs, please email me at dre@uusantarosa.org. There's a little something for everyone in RE, and we can't wait for you to join us!

In love and gratitude,

Era

dre@uusantarosa.org

Taize at UUCSR

What people are saying about UUCSR’s Taize service?

It is just what I need to sooth my soul.

Taize takes me to a place of peace.

Beautiful, beautiful poems.

I wish I could come to Taize every week.

I love the music.

Taize satisfies my need for a safe, quiet space when life is crazy.

The next Taize service is on April 4th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. It takes place in the sanctuary on the first Thursday of every month. Join us. Try it out. Bring a friend. 

Contact Judy Withee if you have questions jlwpia@sonic.net.

From CUUPs

By Mark Green

Join Us in Dancing the Maypole!

In most of the paths and traditions celebrated by modern Pagans, attention is focused on folkloric customs of European cultures, particularly those that practitioners characterize as pre-Christian in origin. Many such traditions—Yule trees and logs, jack-o’-lanterns, dyeing eggs for spring—have come to us in modernity as quasi-secular activities separate from any religious association.

In much of Europe (and particularly in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales), one such tradition was the erecting of a beribboned “Maypole” to celebrate the coming of warmer weather. The beginning of May was the time when summer traditionally began in these places, which experienced colder overall climate than we have today. 

Celebrating May Day was an opportunity for festivals, feasts, and “going a-Maying”, which was a tradition wherein young women and men would go off unchaperoned to gather flowers. It was thus a celebration of pleasure, sexuality and relief at having survived the long, cold winter. 

Now is the month of Maying

When merry lads are playing!

Fa la la la la la la, fa la la la la la la

Each with his bonnie lass

A-dancing on the grass!

—Thos. Morley. 16th c.

Today, the Maypole carries many meanings, and the tradition has been revived in many communities, particularly by Pagans. Wearing festive flowered crowns, Maypole dancers “weave the magic” of summer and abundance as they wrap the ribbons around the pole. Join UUCSR’s Congregation of UU Pagans (CUUPs) group for our annual Maypole dance after the service on April 28th!

First Sunday Flowers Dedication

The Chancel flowers on April 7 are dedicated to:

Dorris Lee, by her daughter, LeeAnn Fagan, who says “March 28 last year was the last day of my Mom’s long and meaningful life, so last Spring is a blur in my mind…THIS Spring, however, colors and lovely scents are renewed — like in these flowers, and life experiences continue to bloom!”

AND

Bev and David Spears on their 25th wedding anniversary, celebrating 25 years together April 17th -- filled with love and gratitude.

AND

In celebration of Tamara Murrell’s 66th birthday, on April 19, with joy and love from her sweetheart, Liz Larew.  

♥♥♥Congratulations David and Bev!♥♥♥

⬥⬥⬥

Happy Birthday Tamara!

⬥⬥⬥

In fond memory of Dorris Lee

For more information on how you can dedicate First Sunday Flowers, contact flowercommittee@uucsrsantarosa.org

DWSC

Dismantling White Supremacy Culture at UUCSR

Living Into the 8th Principle

UUCSR adopted the 8th Principle one year ago. Within a few weeks of its adoption, there was a gathering of interested congregants and friends of UUCSR, to begin discerning ways to go forward toward integrating the 8th Principle in every aspect of life in our Faith community.

Out of that larger gathering, the Dismantling White Supremacy Culture at UUCSR (DWSC-UUCSR) committee was born. The committee just celebrated its one-year anniversary!

Actions taken by the DWSC-UUCSR Committee include: 

• We instituted the former Diversity Project’s, Diversity Dialogues. At our first dialogue, we showed a video by Robin DiAngelo, author of White Fragility, about the nature of white supremacy in our American culture and how deeply it affects us. 
• Came together in a day-long retreat to establish our mission, vision, and goals for the future.
• In preparation for deeper congregational critical self-assessment, we have distributed a congregational questionnaire assessing individual congregants understanding of white supremacy, and how it exists within UUCSR. 
• Began a congregation-wide reading of Isabelle Wilkerson’ book Caste in the form of a three-month book reading workshop in which 38 congregates are participants.

After we study the answers to the questionnaire, the DWSC-UUCSR committee will determine how we continue toward dismantling the white supremacy culture within UUCSR. Next step projects may include. 

• Actively move toward being an intentional anti-racist congregation, guided by the characteristics laid out in the 3rd Column Project.  
• Plans for congregational ADORE (A Dialogue on Race & Ethnicity), discussions.
• In partnership with the Worship Associates, the DWSC will re-evaluate the wording of the current UUCSR Land Acknowledgement (LA). It is felt that the LA should include a full-throated apology to the Indigenous Community for historical actions, and acknowledgement of our continued culpability in the wounding of the Indigenous people of this land. 
• Explore changing the organizational paradigm of the UUCSR congregation as Family to that of being a Community of Communities. 

Current active members of the DWSC-UUCSR are Diana Leslie, Jan Prater, John Mason, Liz Larew, Kathryn Albury, Leslie Norinsky, Mary Keefe, Margaret Coston, Elaine Wellin, Beth Craven, and Rev. Bev Spears. 

Soul Matters

Soul Matter's March theme is: The Gift of Interdependence

(Click on the photo for more information)

Soul Matters is a deeper spiritual version of Small Group Ministries where we meet monthly or twice monthly in small groups to dive into our own spirituality and get to know each other in a more personal sharing.

Contact Katie for information

Katie Trieller: ktrieller@icloud.com 707-329-5083. smallgroupministry@uusantarosa.org

Share Basket Donations

& A Note from Share the Offering Committee:

Share the Basket offerings from Sundays and direct Donations for the month of February 2024

Young Religious UU's of the Pacific (YRUUP): $432.32

Community Child Care Council (4C's): $489.19

UUCSR Religious Education: $327.63

Saturday Breakfast for Our Neighbors Share: $210.32

Saturday Breakfast Direct Donation: $4,972.00

*Please note that Share the Basket Donation checks need to be made out to UUCSR in order for us to process them and send the intended donor their share. We are not able to process checks made out to the individual organizations. Thank you.

~ ~ ~

Please consider joining the Share committee. You do learn what’s going right in our community, and sharing it with the congregation. 

Your Share the Offering Project members,

Elaine Wellin, Mary Louise Jaffray, Jan Prater, Judy Wismer

From The Lay Chaplains

What Do Lay Chaplains Do?

If you attend services, you are aware that there is a Lay Chaplain each Sunday who reads the entries in the Milestones book and is available after the service if someone needs a listening ear.

Additionally, our ministry involves assisting our minister by being in contact with people who are ill, unable to come to church or who have experienced a recent loss. We meet twice monthly to identify the needs in the congregation. We are also available to connect with any congregant who requests it. Please contact one of us directly or all of us at laychaplains@uusantarosa.org if you or someone you know needs support.

If you are unable to write your entry in the Milestone’s Book, please send what you would like to say to laychaplains@uusantarosa.org by Friday before the Sunday you want it entered and the Lay Chaplain of the day will enter it for you.

Our Lay Chaplains are: Rob Carlisle, Judy Ervice, Bruce Hope, Barb Kezur, Gretchen Vap

UUA News:

• Registration is open for our Pacific Western Regional Assembly this April 19th and 20th! People can attend either in person, at First Universalist in Denver, or remotely. We are planning a family friendly event and children are welcome. This is a great chance to connect with our larger faith and connect with new and old friends. Stay up to date on all the PWRA Plans HERE Register Now
• UUA NEWSLETTER: UUA Condemns Violence READ HERE

Adult Education:

The Adult Education Committee offers a wide variety of courses and programs in such areas as film, science, current social and political issues, skill development, personal growth, and forms of religious understanding. We always welcome suggestions from anyone who would like to present or participate in a program. Our members are Steve Sweaney (chair), Nadene Carroll, Carol Daeley, Linda Lambert, and Clare Whitfield.

Not Worth Killing

John Mutz

Wednesday April 10

7-8:30 PM, Sanctuary

... After the showing of the short and powerful documentary... the film’s Executive Producer, John Mutz, will lead a panel discussion in which formerly incarcerated people share their stories about prison and re-entry....

Please Read More Below

How to Organize Your Life

Natalie Brundred

Three Sessions

Saturdays April 13, 20, and 27

10:30-11:30 AM Board Room

Do you often feel overwhelmed by everything you need to make happen in your life?... Advance registration is required 

Please Read More Below

1001 Opening Nights

Alan Bell

Six-Eight Sessions

Tuesdays April 16--May 21

3-4:30 PM. Board Room

It seems everything has to have a Golden Age, whether or not it was truly golden...

Please Read More Below

Detective Fiction and Religion Part 2

Carol Daeley

Wednesdays Feb 28, March 27, April 24, May 15

2-4 PM, Board Room

Because detective fiction emerged as a defined genre in the 19th century, its affinities with scientific realism...

Please Read More Below

Healing the Colonizer Mind Parts 1 and 2

Louise Dunlap

(Completed Program)

In January and February, the Adult Education Committee sponsored a Zoom program on Healing the Colonizer Mind Part 2 with Louise Dunlap, author of Inherited Silence: Listening to the Land, Healing the Colonizer Mind. Seven participants who had been involved in the Part 1 workshop on September 24, 2023 participated in Part 2...

Please Read More Below

NBOP:

• JOIN UUCSR's CORE TEAM: This team will be a liaison for UUCSR and NBOP. As a member organization, UUCSR is building a NBOP CORE TEAM to join the work of NBOP and build collective power in making an impact on local social justice issues in Sonoma County! CLICK TO READ MORE HERE

Men's Retreat

UUCSR men, please mark your calendar for the Men’s Retreat on Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Black Mountain Retreat Center, in Cazadero.

All men who are members, pledging friends, or guests of UUCSR are welcome. One does not need to be in a men’s group to attend the retreat.

Renew friendships and make new friends. Enjoy personal sharing in small groups, singing, hiking, laughing and a variety show. Fun and good for you!

Reserve your place by signing up at the Men’s Retreat table outside the sanctuary after Sunday services in April, or download a registration form at:

• https://www.uusantarosa.org/groups-activities/mens-retreat

Glaser Center

The Glaser Center is excited to welcome a new employee! Leslie Jacobson has expertise with event spaces and booking of events in a variety of venues. She can be reached most Wednesdays at the office or via email or phone throughout the week. Remember that you can rent the Glaser Center for your non-profit or "religious" event. Please contact the Leslie at: leslie.jacobson@uusantarosa.org

Check our UUCSR calendar for upcoming events at the Glaser Center

UUCSR Final Note

Our President mentioned something in her opening words that referred to how many people read the whole Newsletter. If you made it to this last entry, come by the office for a treat! Those who didn't make it to the end will be expected to serve on 3 more committees this next year starting ... April 1st.