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Our Weekly Message
News, Invitations, and Ministerial Reflections
Dec. 8, 2023
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Dear friends,
Yesterday marked the first night of Hanukkah, which will be observed around the world from December 7 - December 15th.
The President of our Unitarian Universalist Association, Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, writes:
"On the first night of Hanukkah, I send my love and blessings to all who will gather to light the menorah in sacred remembrance of the struggles and the miracles experienced by those who came before. May our love be great enough to encompass all humanity and may our prayers be for peace.
During this festival of lights in the Jewish tradition, in this time when we are called to renew our faith in miracles, may we each find ourselves reconnected with the essence of life. May we find those brief moments when the world stops and nothing lies before us but the wonder and goodness of the small things in life."
However we each celebrate the miracle and tenacity of hope, I hope we are able to turn to one another in love, compassion, and generosity. I’m inspired by our congregation’s commitment to these values and practices embodied in the celebration of Hanukkah: a recognition of struggle, a commitment to the possibility of transformation and hope.
Please read below for many invitations to gatherings to welcome in the winter. If your own light is burning brightly or just flickering, you are welcome here in our UUSS community.
With care,
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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Soul Matters Groups opening in January
Did you miss out on our Soul Matters groups when they were formed in September? Are you new to the congregation and have just heard about them? You're in luck. There is room for you in our Soul Matter small groups starting the second week of January. For more information read our FAQ. If you are interested or curious to learn more contact Debby Powell at soulmatters@uuss.org
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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 (Jan. 7)
2nd Sunday - Justice & Equity Conversation (Dec. 10)
Come early on second Sundays to join the Justice & Equity Team (JET) in discussions on various justice and equity related concerns! This Sunday, December 10th we will be talking about the conflict in Israel and Gaza using our UU values as guides for our discussion, 9:30 am in the Fahs Room. Sessions are led by members of JET and are open to all who would like to learn more about equity and justice for all.
3rd Sunday - Qui Gong/Tai Chi (Dec. 17)
4th Sunday - Exploring Unitarian Universalism (Dec. 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. Next one is THIS SUNDAY December 10.
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Sunday, December 10, 10:30:
“Presence and the Wellsprings of Contentment”
Rev Doug Kraft, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Courtney O’Neill, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Dr. Irina Tchantceva,
Baritone John Martin
We yearn for contentment and well-being. They’re not found in what we own, who we relate to, or who we think we are. They are found under our noses in the awareness or “presence” through which we experience everything. This morning we’ll explore this possibility with guided contemplations and dialog.
Racial Equity conversation before the service (9:30) in the FAHS room
Newcomer Orientation after the service
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Sunday, December 17, 10:30:
Deck the Hall: A Circle Service for all ages
Rev. Lucy Bunch, Mnisterial Intern Rosemary Dodd, Worship Associates Celia Buckley and Dawn Huebner, UUSS choir, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Dr. Irina Tchantceva vocalists Ashley Hamrick and Courtney O’Neill.
Let’s celebrate the season together with music, story, and laughter. We will share our family-friendly ritual of decorating the trees on the chancel and experience our annual aerobic workout known as the 12 days of Christmas. Our choir and vocalists have prepared some treats for us too. As the Winter Solstice approaches, we’ll reflect on finding and providing sources of light and joy. Happy Yule!
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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 who can connect them to our Caring Committee.
We also have a Pastoral Visitors program of congregants who regularly visit those who would like someone to talk to on an ongoing basis. Please let Rev Lucy or Rosemary know if you are interested in this kind of support.
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Our friend and long time UU member, Dick Taylor, recently fell and fractured his hip. After a successful surgery, he is now recovering at the Kaiser Rehab facility at 2200 Gramercy Court, where he is undergoing physical therapy prior to his out of home placement. Dick can be reached through the facility at 916-482-2200. He welcomes visitors.
Leonard Campos is suffering from kidney failure has limited mobility and will be unable to join us for in-person services. Please feel free to reach out and send him some support. The office can provide his address.
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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.
Soul Kids (K-5th grade) meets during service this Sunday, Dec. 10th. Join our volunteer team for fun activities related to our Soul Matters theme: The Gift of Mystery! Please start in service.
Junior High Youth Group (JHYG) (6-8th grade) meets during service this Sunday Dec. 10th, and every 2nd and 4th Sunday, except when there is an all ages Circle Service. 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.
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What's Happening?
For a listing of all events this week and coming up
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Ukulele Strum-Along - Fahs Room Mon., Dec. 11 2:00pm Everyone is welcome. Beginners are encouraged to come at 1:30 for help getting started. We welcome brand-new players, and we supply the music and have ukes to lend. Contact: ukes@uuss.org
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Women’s’ Wisdom Retreat: Nurturing the Creative Spirit!
Join UU women for a wonderful weekend full of ceremony, laughter, spiritual reflection, movement, silence, and the company of wise and wonderful women. All woman – identified persons are invited. At the Mercy Retreat Center in Auburn CA. Register Now!
Feb 2-4, 2024
Friday dinner, through Sunday lunch
$325 for the weekend – scholarships available
There are 3 spots left as of 12/7.
Registration Deadline January 15, 2024 or until rooms are all taken.
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If you are planning to come New Year's Labyrinth walk, Rev Lucy could use some help with set up and clean-up of the brunch. Contact her at the link below.
Do you like writing? Meeting new people? We are looking for someone to interview our new members and write a short profile to introduce them to the congregation.
Contact Rev Lucy if you are interested.
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Community Partner
Half of the Sunday morning offering donations made in December
support our local community partner:
Sacramento Loaves and Fishes
To donate now at the UUSS website, click here.
"May generosity bless our world,
and may gratitude nourish our spirits."
Help our Refugee Families
The Refugee Support Team is holding their annual drive December 3 & 10 after service. Stop by our table to learn about the work we are doing, participate in the clothing drive for the families we are supporting, donate to our fund to support our work assisting families through the asylum process, and volunteer to tutor, provide transportation, or assist in various activities.
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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 for Christmas/New Years
December 25 – January 1
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We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world. | | | | |
