Tis the Season for Scams: The Grift that Keeps on Grifting

Bull!

A legitimate government or law enforcement agency will not call you and make financial demands over the phone for your immediate action. A legitimate not-for-profit won't make an urgent plea for you to buy online gift cards and provide the serial numbers.

No matter how urgent it sounds or how familiar the name they are using, any request for your financial personal information that comes to you by email, text or phone call is likely to be a scam. Last year the FBI and FTC received complaints and reports of internet fraud which totaled $22.5 billion.

That figure doesn't even count those victims who did not report being scammed. Imagine how much good all that money could be doing if the scam vicitms had taken some time to think about the request or demand, or had asked a friend for advice, or had called up the named person directly (but not by reply to the initial message) and said "What's up?"

Rev. Lucy and I will never ask you for your urgent help and never ask for you to provide gift card numbers or personal financial information.  Nor will any UU organization. If you get any kind of a request, please think about it. Double check the number or email address.

By now you have received our Holiday Happenings email. It includes the annual invitation for members and friends to contribute toward a holiday gratuity for our dedicated staff members. You may contribute by writing a check to me, handing cash (with a note) to Lucy or me, or sending money to my PayPal account. Soon you will receive an appeal for end-of-year donations to the Heritage Fund or Ministers' Discretionary Fund. These are authentic requests! Please take time to reflect on them and respond as you are able.

Follow this link to read a Washington Post series about the many kinds of criminal scams. You can listen to a public radio show about how scammers prey on us, especially when we are tired, stressed, or in a hurry at this link. Moral of the story: take your time!

Love,

Rev. Roger

PS—This Sunday in RE, we will have a Children's Chapel on the topic of waiting (an Advent theme). There is a sermon discussion before church ("Redemption") and a Newcomers' Orientation and Tour after church. Hope to see you soon!

Nominating Committee: Curious about working with others to support and grow our UUSS community? The Nominating Committee will be available after service to discuss leadership opportunities available for 2025 and beyond! Stop by our table after service December 8th. Or send us your questions at nominating@uuss.org.

Sunday Morning Programs

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

1st Sunday - Facilitated labyrinth walk in the meadow

2nd Sunday - Sermon discussion on Dec. 8 with Lue & Peter, 9:30-10:15, Fahs Room. California International Marathon day!

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

4th Sunday - Exploring Unitarian Universalism. NEW: We repeat Exploring UUism on Zoom the first Tuesday of each month. uuss.org/online

California International Marathon on Fair Oaks Blvd Dec. 8 – Allow extra time to get to UUSS!

Sunday, December 8, 10:30am: Our Moon

Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching, with Worship Associate Jenni Gouine, the UUSS Choir, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva. Rev. Roger on Zoom.

Do you track the moon? The phenomenon of a Full Moon arises when our planet, Earth, is precisely sandwiched between the Sun and the Moon. This alignment ensures the entire side of the Moon that faces us gleams under sunlight. Humans have created legends about the moon for centuries. Come learn about how the moon affects our planets and our lives.

• Pre-service discussion (Redemption) with Lue & Peter at 9:30 a.m. (Fahs Room)
• Newcomers Orientation and tour of campus with Rich Howard at 11:50 a.m. (Welcome Table)

Sunday, December 15, 10:30am:

Challenging Our Faith: Are Human Beings Good or Evil?

Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, preaching, Worship Associate Karen Sparrow, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva, with special music. 

Do we think too highly of ourselves? There is a long history of human folly, greed, reactivity and hatred (and examples of it all are as fresh as a notification on your smartphone). This seems to challenge our enduring Unitarian principle of the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Join together today as Roger wrestles with it, and share wholesome UU-made soup afterwards.

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

Sunday, December 22, 10:30am: 

Yule—Gather Round for Warmth, Joy and Light

A Circle Service for All Ages led Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associates Jenni Gouine & Celia Buckley, the UUSS Choir, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva, with special music. Altar design by Terrie Taylor

Join us for the familiar and family-friendly ritual of decorating the trees on the chancel. (Bring a favorite ornament or use one of ours.) By tradition we will also sing and enact “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Our choir and instrumentalists have prepared some treats for us too. Just after the Winter Solstice, we’ll reflect on finding and providing sources of light and joy in our lives. Happy Yule!

• Exploring Unitarian Universalism at 9:30 am in the Fahs Classroom.

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. 



A memorial service for our member Taylor Lewis will take place at 1:00 pm on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the UC Davis Arboretum Gazebo, 1070 Garrod Dr., Davis. Rev. Lucy will be officiating. You may park along Garrod Dr. or in one of the veterinary school or nursery parking lots nearby (no need to pay on the weekend). 

Our member Aggie Vawter has let us know that she has entered hospice care. Two months ago she moved to an assisted living facility in Washington state to be near one of her daughters. We send our gratitude, love, and wishes for comfort and peace to you, Aggie.

We have learned of the passing of our former member Ilona Montel. She was a psychotherapist and a painter whose works were part of a group show once at UUSS. A mainstay of our former Women's Group, Ilona was an inspiring friend to many people.

We extend our condolences to Rich Howard on the passing of his younger cousin, David Aguilar. May he rest in peace. We extend our condolences to other members who have let the ministers know about the losses of their family members or losses in families they know. We extend our love and good wishes to a number of beloved members and friends who have been facing medical challenges. Praying for strength for you.

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.

Kids are invited to participate in a special Children's Chapel service during the regular Sunday worship service this Sunday, December 8. Rev. Roger and UUSS member and RE teacher, Annette Orella, will lead the chapel and invite kids to participate and learn about different aspects of this service adapted for children. They will explore themes related to Advent, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Youths (grades 6-12) are welcome to participate too! Please start in service.

Our Whole Lives (OWL) for Grades 7-9 remains open for last minute registration. Visit uuss.org/owl for more information and link to the sign up form



Other engaging activities for children, youth and families are available and information can be found in the RE 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.

Whether after service or in your own home, you

can enjoy coffee created just for UUSS: Chalice Blend! 

Beans are grown by women-owned cooperatives in Latin America and roasted and blended by a café in Oakland. Fresh beans sold for $15 a bag in the Sunday Bookstore or in the Office weekdays.

New Art on the Sanctuary Walls!

The Art Committee invites you to take a look at the works Sue Torngren. A portion of any artwork sold will benefit UUSS. Read more at uuss.org/art/new-art-show-on-the-walls-sue-torngren/ Questions or purchases contact art@uuss.org for more info.

Christmas Tree Trimming Party for All-ages

tonight, Friday, December 6, starts at 5:30pm

 Caroling/holiday jam session, crafts and fun!

Includes choice of soups and bread for dinner--

bring an appetizer, side or dessert to share!

Click Here to help with the Christmas Tree Trimming Party

Saturday Stitchers and Crafters tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 7, 10:00am in Fahs Classroom. Bring sewing, coloring, beading, knitting, or any other portable craft and join us! Contact: stitchers@uuss.org

Sermon Discussions on the Second Sunday of the Month

Join Lue and Peter Bishop for shared reflections before church. We'll discuss Rev. Lucy’s sermon, Redemption, on Sunday, Dec. 8, 9:30 am, Fahs Classroom. Read or watch it at uuss.org/sermon/redemption-2.  Rev. Lucy said: "A person can atone, make amends, ask for redemption but they cannot redeem themselves, that is the gift of mercy that is granted by others. Or by God. Forgiveness is a form of mercy,but it is not the same. Mercy is an act of allowing someone back in relationship after they have broken trust. It is an offer of grace from the one who holds the power to redeem, whether that’s an individual, a family or a community."

Ukulele Strum-Along 2:00pm Monday, Dec. 9 Fahs Room. 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

Mindfulness Meditation Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 6:00pm. Join Rev. Roger on Zoom only this week at www.uuss.org/online No previous experience necessary. We invite mindful attention to our breathing for 20 minutes of sitting in silence. Done by 6:30. 

Family Movie Nights has been cancelled. jet@uuss.org 

Washington Post Columnist Recommends Unitarian Universalism

In his Nov. 27 opinion article, "Five ways to resist Donald Trump that go beyond Democratic politics," journalist Perry Bacon Jr. explains why he started attending a UU congregation in Louisville and why he recommends it to religiously unaffiliated Americans who care about the common good. Click this link to view it.

Contact Debrah to get access to our online directory. She will send you an invitation to our database. Just click on the link and get set up. Its a Breeze! Only members can access the directory and you will be able to see the names of other members. If there is someone you want to contact who is not in the directory, call the office and Elaine will provide their contact information to you.  

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