Dear Congregation,

Wow, this is a lively community! 

The place was buzzing after part 1 of Rev. Lucy’s series on missionaries, including a reflection by our own Tracy Thomson. Part 2 is this Sunday. Our monthly Sermon Discussion class will address both sermons, so join Peter and Lue Bishop in the Fahs Room on Oct. 13 at 9:30 am. By Tuesday you’ll be able to read or watch both at www.uuss.org/sermons/ 

Our Soul Matters groups began last week. Even if you’re not in a group this year, we invite you to engage with every month’s theme. (Suggestions below.)

I was moved to attend the first gathering for a new Men’s Group last week—25 attended! This included newcomers and long timers, ranging from their 20s to their 70s. Many thanks to the organizers!

I have just bought my ticket for the Nov. 9 Fall Flamingle Service Auction Party and I am putting together my themed basket for the raffle service auction donations.

I also bought a ticket for the World Music Concert, to be hosted by our Refugee Support Team next Sunday, Oct. 13, at 2:00 pm. Featuring traditional music from various continents and cultures, this is a fundraiser for helping five Afghan refugee families as they pursue asylum, self-sufficiency, and citizenship. 

There will be snacks plus art made by their kids in our summer fun school at UUSS. Funds raised will help us match a challenge grant from the UU Funding Program. Click here to learn more. Tickets $20; additional donations welcome; free for children.

This Sunday in Religious Education, we launch our Youth Groups for those in grades 6-8 and those in grades 9-12. All youth are welcome and will start in the service before departing together. For kids in kindergarten to grade 5 we continue our Lego-based curriculum on the new UUA statement of Unitarian Universalist values.

After the service on Oct. 6, we launch a new season of Soup Sundays! Volunteers from the UUSS Garden will be cooking and serving a variety of soups (plus rolls and cookies). There is no set cost, but freewill donations by cash or text are welcome.

If you are familiar with Soup Sunday, help newcomers find the hallway to line up (and where the menu is posted). Find a table in the Welcome Hall or Covered Patio and get acquainted, or bring your soup to the Sanctuary for a forum on the California Ballot Propositions with input from our Community Partners. 

As Crystal Fountain explained so well in Thursday’s RE Outreach, yesterday the Hindu festival of Navratri began, as did the Jewish High Holy Days. This is a reminder for me that so many traditions promote the human longing for connection and transcendence with rituals, prayers, food and fasting, music and silence. May every occasion for gathering and celebrating be a source of renewed peace and hope for all.

Keep the faith and keep in touch!

Love,

Rev. Roger

P.S.—As I write, workers from Magic Sun are installing solar panels on the roof! Thanks to the staff and lay leaders for the many efforts to make this happen, including what it took to get County approval. Thanks also to the many generous donors. We’ve raised $49,500 toward our Solar Project!

Sunday Morning Programs

Join us before the service at 9:30 AM at UUSS

1st Sunday - Facilitated labyrinth meditation in the meadow

2nd Sunday - Sermon Discussion of Rev. Lucy's 2-week Missionaries series, with Lue & Peter, 9:30-10:15, Fahs Room

3rd Sunday - Qui Gong/Tai Chi - Covered Patio

4th Sunday - Exploring Unitarian Universalism: History & Theology with Rev. Roger in the Fahs Room.

Sunday, October 6, 10:30am:

Missionaries Part 2: Living our Values

Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Courtney O’Neil, Pianist Irina Tchantceva, Special Music by Celia Buckley, Catherine Desberg and Courtney O’Neil.  



Perhaps you have heard this one: What do you get when you cross a UU and a Jehovah’s Witness?  Someone who knocks on your door but doesn’t know what to say when you open it. This funny but apt joke is a well-worn trope about how UU’s are unable to articulate the essence of their faith. 

Does it have to be that way? What kind of missionaries could we be as UU’s?  

Labyrinth meditation in the Meadow at 9:30.

Joys & Sorrows candles & prayer cards in the sanctuary before the service.

Soup Sunday and a forum about California Ballot Propositions after the service.

Sunday, October 13, 10:30am: Toward Empathy and Accountability for Men: Confronting the Conundrum of Male Power & Male Suffering

Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, preaching with Rev Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Andy Cramer, the UUSS Choir, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva with Tom Derthick, double bass

It’s a paradox: American society was structured by men to give power to males, but men and boys have suffered horribly from isolation, anxiety, depression, addiction, physical illnesses, and criminality. This has led to violence against others and themselves. Cultural stereotypes about masculinity choke male development--and hurt everyone. How can we be a force for healing? If you have thoughts and a personal perspective on this topic, let roger@uuss.org know by Tuesday.



Newcomers Orientation and tour of campus follows the service at 11:50 a.m.

Sunday, October 20, 10:30am: Anxiety

Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Dawn Huebner, Pianist Irina Tchantceva Special guest musicians: Cynthia Davis, cello; Mary Blanchette, violin.

How are you coping?  Anxiety permeates our lives, our country, our world, let alone our bodies. How do we keep our head above water during these trying times? How can we support each other in staying present and centered? 

Let’s talk about it. 



Introduction to Tai Chi & Qi Gong on the Covered Patio at 9:30. Soup Sunday after service!

Ask Someone about Deep Listening

Our Soul Matters theme for October is Deep Listening.  You can explore this theme by having conversations about listening with people who are close to you. It’s also a great way to deepen our relationships! Below is a list of questions to help you on your way. Be sure to let your conversation partner know in advance that this won’t be a typical conversation. Remember also to answer the questions yourself as they are meant to support a conversation, not just a time of quizzing another.  Some of us are answering these questions in our Soul Matters groups, but this process is open to all. Give it a try. 

Deep Listening Questions:

• On a scale of 1-10, how good of a listener are you? Tell me a story to help me understand why you named the number that you did.
• What type of people do you have the hardest time listening to?
• Thinking back to your childhood, what did you learn about listening by watching your parents interact with each other?
• Do you believe that our bodies carry wisdom that our minds don’t? If so, tell me about a time when the wisdom of your body “saved” you or helped you avoid a mess. Was there ever a time that you regret not listening to your body?
• How have your wounds and losses altered the way you listen? 

-Rev Lucy 

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. On the first Sunday of the month (Oct. 6) you may come a bit early to light a candle and fill out a prayer card for inclusion in Joys and Sorrows (or just to let the ministers know withough a spoken mention in the prayer time.)

2024 Service Auction:

Fall Flamingle Tickets on Sale!

Help make this beloved community builder and fundraiser reach our $40,000 goal. In addition to the online Silent Auction, plan to attend our re-imagined, happy hour event Saturday, November 9, 4-6pm. It will include "sips" (wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea) and a variety of savory and sweet small "bites." Please note that this year will NOT include a full dinner. There will be a live auction, raffle of gift baskets, a 50/50 cash raffle (NEW!) and a Flamingle Photo Booth (NEW!). 

Tickets are available online for $25/person. Click here to purchase yours before they sell out!

Free childcare with pizza and bingo is available for the event! Register here.

The online Silent Auction will feature over 100 outings, dinner parties, vacation rentals, hikes, concerts and plays, classes, personal services, lessons, and many other services and experiences offered by members and friends of our congregation. Everyone can participate in offering services and bidding on them!

There are many ways you can participate:

1) DONATE ITEMS TO THE AUCTION (deadline October 17)

• Visit the Fall Flamingle Website to add your items by following the simple instructions.
• Visit the Fall Flamingle Auction Table after Sunday services on the patio every week leading up to the event for more ideas and for paper donation submission forms.
• Contact Gail Evans at auctionhelp@uuss.org with questions.

2) DONATE A THEME RAFFLE BASKET (deadline November 3)

• Visit the Sunday Flamingle table to get ideas and sign up
• Contact Susan-Davis James at auction@uuss.org with questions.

3) ATTEND THE NOVEMBER 9 FALL FLAMINGLE EVENT 

• Buy your tickets @$25/person at https://uuss.org/auction.

4) DONATE WINE FOR OUR FLAMINGLE BAR (starting October 13)

5) BID ON SILENT AUCTION ITEMS (starting October 26)

6) VOLUNTEER AT THE NOVEMBER 9 FLAMINGLE EVENT

• Sign up at the Sunday Flamingle table for jobs prior, during and after the event, including food prep, serving, dessert baking (recipe provided), set-up, clean-up, check-in, raffle ticket sales, dish washer and table cloth washer.
• Can't make it to church? Contact Jennifer Webb at auction@uuss.org to sign up.

We hope you will Fla-mingle with us for fun, funds and community!

Questions? Contact Auction Chair, Jennifer Webb at auction@uuss.org.

Childcare--The Nursery welcomes infants (6 months +) through age 5, year round. Staff supervise child-led play in a fun, friendly nursery filled with toys and games. Snacks are offered. Access through the main entrance. Don't forget to sign in when you get to Room 11. Please contact Crystal with questions.

This Sunday, October 6, our Soul Kids group (K-5th grade) continues their exploration of the Lego curriculum that uses our UU shared values to provide the themes for our classroom experience that includes creative time with Lego building blocks and other play objects. This week's check in question is: "How do you know someone wants to be friends?" Please start in service!

Youth Sundays (both Senior and Junior High Youth Groups) will be the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, beginning with this Sunday, October 6.

Youth are invited to join us during service for conversation and connection with their age group. 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!

RE Coordinator Crystal Fountain has weekly office hours and is available by email too.

Soul Collage October 12, 10:30am Room 7/8 Come embrace your intuition and creativity by making collage cards with images that you choose. Rev. Lucy will lead card making sessions and walk us through the process to learn how to access our inner wisdom by voicing the cards. No experience (or talent) required. For questions contact soulcollage@uuss.org

Family Movie Nights - Fahs Room. Our Justice & Equity Team is hosting one per month. Each movie explores the genre of Afrofuturism. at UUSS on Fridays at 6:00PM:

Oct. 18 - The Wiz, Nov. 15 - Black Panther, Dec. 20 - Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. Please join us for snacks and conversations around race and ethnicity in movies. All ages are welcome, but childcare is not available. Please contact jet@uuss.org with any questions. 

Card-Making Class with UUSS Member Jan Larsson, Sat., Oct. 19, 12 - 2pm in the Fahs Room. Learn to create greeting cards of all types. Snacks provided! Suggested donation $10 for materials & benefit of UUSS. Info & signup at Connections table on Sundays or email adultenrichment@uuss.org

Everyone in the UUSS community is invited to join the Family Dinner Potluck Friday October 25 at 5:30pm

We will plan to eat at 6:00pm and wrap up by around 7:30pm

Bring a dish to share (or just bring yourself--there's always plenty!) and meet us in the UUSS Main Welcome Hall. There are facilities for re-heating food. No sign-up required!

Send questions to CrystalFountain@uuss.org

Intergenerational Dance Party

Friday, October 25, 7:15 p.m.

Dust off the tie-dye & love beads; dig out the bell bottoms & mini-skirts! It's time to ROCK with the classics from the 60’s and 70’s (and even 80's) featuring No Divas Band (with UUSS members including Rev Lucy). Invite your friends and family to join us.  

This party follows the Friday Family Dinner Potluck (starting at 5:30).

Free will contribution will support reproductive health care access!  

UUSS Ministry Circles (not part of Soul Matters) are informal, confidential support/discussion groups. I lead a group that meets on 1st and 3rd Wednesday mornings 10-11 a.m. on Zoom. We check in briefly to share our joys and sorrows, and then we discuss a topic we have chosen: spiritual, ethical, social. Our covenant: We do our best to be there for each other at every meeting. We listen carefully to each other and refrain from giving advice. We do argue, respectfully, during topic discussions.

Past topics: Different spiritual paths, Making friends as an adult, The problem of evil in the world, Compassion, Meditation, Finding the holy in the daily, God, What gifts do we bring to the world? Interested? You can email me via ministrycircles@uuss.org.  --Judy Lane

Congregational Meeting - Sunday, October 27, after service. Please plan on attending to hear about our closer partnership with our Community Partners, important updates from our Treasurer and other Congregation Leaders, plus the Unsung Hero award. Child care will continue during this meeting if you would like it. All are welcome to this open meeting but we do need a quorum of Members in order to conduct business.

WANT TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR UUSS COMMUNITY -- AND ALSO SUPPORT OUR MISSION?

Did you know that you can order custom UUSS T-shirts, caps, aprons, mugs, note cards, necklaces, key chains, ties, babywear and bumper stickers?  These items serve as a reminder of our wonderful community. Great gifts, too!

Add your own unique touch by customizing the color, size and style of your purchase. Many items have UUSS chalice artwork by Patty Taylor.  

Your purchase also supports UUSS, which receives a percentage of sales through the Zazzle website: https://www.zazzle.com/store/uuchaliceitems/products 

(If you forget this website, it is also available on the UUSS webpage if you toggle the "Donate" drop-down menu. https://www.uuss.org/zazzle-info/)

Contact Gail Evans at FRST@uuss.org if you have questions or need help ordering online 

UU the VOTE at UUSS - Update



Beginning October 7, you'll be receiving your 2024 General Election ballot in the mail. There are ten propositions on our statewide California ballot. Two of them are particularly important for safe communities. A Yes on Prop 5 would expand opportunities for investment in housing by lowering the voting threshold for local bonds for infrastructure from two thirds to 55%. A No on Prop 36 will support investment in proven alternatives that reduce crime, save money, and improve lives by pursuing more humane and reformative justice measures.

After the service this Sunday, bring your soup into the sanctuary and join us for a ballot party where we'll have general voting information and a discussion of all of the propositions, including recommendations from UU Justice Ministry, SacACT (Area Congregations Together) and PICO California, and the League of Women Voters.

Postcards are still available after the service to encourage citizens in other states to register and vote, especially people who are historically under-represented. Lets keep it going! And don't forget to register to vote. You can register or check your registration status here.

Disaster Relief Donations

for Affected UU Communities

From the Unitarian Universalist Association: The scale of destruction in the wake of Hurricane Helene has been utterly devastating to many communities in the southeastern United States. Some UU congregations have been seriously impacted, and others are still trying to assess the damage. You can help support Unitarian Universalists and their communities as they recover from this storm by giving to the UUA’s Disaster Relief Fund. 

Our hearts are with everyone struggling to get through these days and begin recovery efforts, especially our siblings in LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, who have consistently been the least supported by local institutions. We know that some UU communities experiencing lesser impacts have already been organizing support for more directly-impacted folks. Thank you for being a beacon of hope for so many.

To donate at the UUA website, click https://www.uua.org/giving/disaster-relief 

If it's easier to send or bring a paper check to UUSS, we can send the funds to the UUA. To help our Bookkeeper, please write "Hurricane" on the memo line. 

--Many thanks from Rev. Roger & Rev. Lucy

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