The UNIGRAM
Monthly Newsletter of
the Unitarian Universalist Society
of Sacramento
Vol. 32 No. 2
October 2001
Unitarian
Universalist Society of Sacramento
2425 Sierra
Blvd., Sacramento CA 95825 (916)
483-9283
Activities/Information 483-9283 ext 208 Fax 483-4934
Minister: The Reverend Douglas Kraft
Director of Religious Education: Kate Throop
Business Manager: Clay Nelson
Organist: Barbara Lazar
Music Director: Mary WillAllen
Bookkeeper: Carole Petracek
Office Coordinator: Bobby Stewart
Office Assistant: Cynthia
Creter
Building/Grounds Maintenance Mgr: Robert Hosley
Custodians
Elaine Cooper, Armando Molina
Most of the articles for this issue of the Unigram
were submitted by September 10 and do not reflect our grief and anguish over
the attack on our country September 11.
“. . . we value justice, compassion,
integrity and acceptance . . . “
In response to the terrorist attacks . . .
we have added or changed the following UUSS
programs since the newsletter deadline:
• Discussion and Sharing Groups: after the
service each Sunday we will have a facilitated group where you can share or
explore your responses
• Tuesday Evening Vespers Service: the worship
associates have organized quiet services starting October 9
• Pins honoring world community are being
designed and sold to promote tolerance. Proceeds will go to relief funds for
the families and victims.
• The Social Responsibilities Committee is
formulating a variety of responses including vigils and lettering writing
campaigns. Check their table before or after church
• Doug’s sermons topics will be changed to
address some of the issues, including “Being Instruments of Peace” and a series
on anger and compassion
_______________________________________________________________
Some
of our Events This Month
See
below for more on these events:
10/7 Swan Bros. Circus &Green Thumb
Sale. Bring plants, come & buy!
10/13 Women’s Alliance trip to Sogno. See
“Women’s Alliance Saturday.”
10/21 Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting
10/21,
10/28, and 11/4 Auction Bidding on the
Patio
10/27 SSS (Sandwich Supper Social)
/Intergenerational Halloween Party
and...
HarvestFest,
Silent Auction & Potluck!
Sunday, November 4
This is your chance to bid on and win good
things, good times, and wonderful services: dinners, music, weekend outings,
kayaking, hiking, parties and more. Silent bids taken Sundays Oct. 21, 28,
& Nov. 4. Highest bids will be announced Nov. 4 after church. Don’t miss
out! Please fill out the insert with your service offering right away!
_____________________________________________________
A MONTH OF SUNDAYS
OCTOBER
2001
10/7
9:30 a.m.Auditorium Forum:
“Arts in the Community.” Timm Rolek, Artistic Director of the Sacramento Opera
and Music Director of the Grand Forks Symphony, will speak about the role of
the arts as an integral part of a thriving community. This talk will be both
light hearted and informative, and will offer participants the chance to ask questions
at the conclusion.
11 a.m. Auditorium Service: “The Age of Narcissism, Part 2.” Rev.
Doug Kraft. Narcissism is an emotional plague infecting our culture. It touches
all our institutions--including our religious communities--and it influences
our inner lives. Narcissism has its roots in an attempt to ignore suffering.
This morning we will continue to look at the traits of narcissism and how these
might apply to our society, our church and ourselves. The first step in
diminishing narcissism is to humbly and heartfully “get real.”
10/14
9:30 a.m. Auditorium Forum: “Grassroots Globalization versus Corporate Globalization.” Speaker Kevin
Danaher, Director of Public Education for Global Exchange, has written or
edited many books examining U.S. foreign policy and the global economy. He has
spoken at universities and community organizations throughout the United
States. He received his doctorate in sociology from the University of
California at Santa Cruz in 1982.
11 a.m. Auditorium Service:
Rev. Melora Crooker, Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church
(UUCC) in Sacramento, speaks.
10/21
9:30 a.m. Auditorium Forum: “The People¹s Assembly, Democratizing
the United Nations.” Dr. Lucile Green is the featured speaker on U.N. Sunday.
Born in China, she received early college education at Yenching University in
Peking. Her book, Journey to a Governed World, both philosophical and
practical, reflects her “Fifty Years in the Peace Movement.” A chapter,
“Needed: A Permanent People’s Assembly,” will be covered in her presentation.
Dr. Green will relate this to her understanding of reforms that she thinks will
make the UN more democratic.
11 a.m. Auditorium Service: In honor of the Autumnal Equinox,
signaling the mature season of the year, the Women's Ritual group will host a
Celebration of Aging with emphasis on the positive aspects. In our
youth-obsessed culture, we gain perspective from remembering the wisdom and
contributions of age. We will offer an opportunity for input from the
congregation, hopefully some from each decade. Questions/Input - please call
Laurie Jones.
10/28
9:30 a.m. Auditorium Forum: “Health Care for Poor in Nicaragua.”
Speaker Dorothy Granada is a nurse from Santa Cruz. She has been the principal
health care provider at the Maria Luis Ortiz Women¹s Clinic in Mulukuku, a
rural town on the northern edge of Matagalpa province, since 1987. The Women¹s
Clinic is part of a women¹s cooperative that has created economic development
opportunities for women and campaigned against domestic violence. Her
controversial work has attracted the support of the Nicaraguan Office of Human
Rights, Amnesty International, and U.S. Ambassador Oliver Garza.
11 a.m. Auditorium Service:
Day of the Dead service coordinated by Rich Howard.
11/4
9:30 a.m Auditorium Forum:
“Religion in the Schools,” Paul
Geisert and Mynga Futrell. Drs. Paul Geisert and Mynga Futrell are curriculum
specialists who have guided several religion-related projects, all promoting
within public schools a level playing field for the many diverse worldviews.
They pursue a theme of national pluralism and civic inclusiveness. Teaching
about religion is becoming part of school curricula in most states.
California's new history/social science content standards reflect emphasis on
the topic beginning in sixth grade. We are promised a “big picture” within
which all of this educational activity is positioned in a secular framework.
11
a.m. Auditorium Service: Rev. Kraft speaks.
_____________________________________________________________________________
AT THE MOMENT…
Rev. Doug Kraft
In the last year I
moved 3,000 miles from one coast to the other, watched Erika leave her career,
helped one son graduate from college and the other graduate from High School
and leave home, started a new ministry, bought a house. For someone who lived
in the same house in New England for 20 years, it’s been a lot of change. Some
things have been difficult. Much has been satisfying.
It has gone well, in part, because it was
intentional. We came to a fork in the river and said, “Let’s go this way. There
are more rapids but it leads to a better place. And whitewater can be
exciting.” There has been more whitewater than we anticipated. And I remain
enthusiastic, confident and delighted we came to Sacramento.
The church is going through changes as
well. Perhaps not as dramatic as mine. But we have new staff, new people, more
people, changes in the surrounding community, etc. Some people may worry that
things can’t be as they have been. Believe me, I empathize! But I think we have
come to a fork in the river. We can’t stop the flow or stay where we are. But
we can influence which way we want to go.
One aspect of the change is our increase in
numbers. We are overflowing our banks. When 80% of the seats are filled on a
Sunday morning, it is difficult for newcomers to find a place without crawling
over people. They don’t feel welcomed. Last year we were over 80% full over 80%
of the time. Some Sundays were standing room only. We are drowning in our
abundance. What a delightful problem!
One solution is to ask the choir to sing
flat and for me to do book review sermons based on Harlequin romances. Another
solution is to start some fights. If we can set the boat on fire, some people
may jump ship.
A more serious solution is to build a
larger sanctuary. Though we may want to start talking about this, it is a
multi-year project that does not accommodate our flooding today.
I believe we have three options for the
immediate future:
1. Do nothing except make minor
adjustments.
2. Seed a new congregation nearby.
3. Add a second religious service in the fall
of 2002.
We are already making minor adjustments in
seating and furniture. But if we do nothing more, it says to the larger
community, “We don’t want you. Our boat is full. If you want to come along,
you’ll have to swim.” I’m not comfortable with this.
Seeding a new congregation would be
wonderful. But it would mean sending away some dear friends and precious
resources to serve as the core of a new group.
Adding another religious service would require adjustments from all of
us: I’d have to preach more; we’d have to add resources to the religious
education, music and custodial staffing; we’d want to make sure the Forum has
room to flourish. But I think it is the easiest way to accommodate more people.
And if the early service was smaller, more intimate and more contemplative and
the later were larger and more celebrative, we could address a larger variety
of needs.
What do you think?
We will be circulating a survey in about a
month to gather your thoughts. The results will be formed into a specific
proposal that the congregation will vote on this winter.
In the meantime, please continue to share
your thoughts, concerns, and excitement about this issue. And listen to others.
Keeping the church they way it was 20 years
ago or last week is not possible even if we wanted. But we can influence the
direction of change. And we can enjoy the ride. These are exciting times.
Doug
Finding
Doug
I can usually be found at the church between 3 and 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and
Thursdays and between 1 and 3p.m. on Wednesdays, and other times by chance or
appointment. Feel free to come by or give me a call (483-9283x201). I will be
in Minneapolis on the weekend of October 13th to do a wedding for my
brother-in-law.
Time
Capsule
Twenty-five years ago the church
constructed a time capsule. It is scheduled to be opened at the end of December
this year. Anyone interested in putting together a new time capsule? Let me
know.
Doug
__________________________________________________________________
RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION NEWS
Kate
Throop, Director of Religious Education
Dear friends,
On Sunday,
September 16, the congregation of UUSS scheduled a dedication ceremony for our
religious education teachers and activity volunteers. Some of these adults are
teachers by profession – others of them are engineers, homemakers, writers,
systems analysts, social workers, lawyers, doctors, salespeople. They have
taken up the challenge of this good and important work with enthusiasm and love. I am honored to support them. Each
teaching team has two leaders and two assistants, as well as a class parent who
helps with special projects and social activities. They are:
Preschool class: Wendy
Cioni and Sandy Lewis.
Kindergarten-First
Grade: Kim Ingram, Gary Malkin, John Martin, Hill Snellings.
Class parents:
Caralynne and Randy Gregg.
Second-Third
Grades: Cecille Denney, Penny Howard, Alexis Inamine, Sherry Melchers.
Class parents: Dan
and Sandy Lewis.
Fourth-Fifth
Grades: Bill Forrest, Marty Heckeroth, Phillip Montbriand, Shirley True.
Class parents: Debbie and Bill Simmons.
Sixth–Seventh:
Michele Ebler, Alan Ebler, Dan Meier, Karl Scheff.
Class parents: Dan and Barbara Ford.
Youth Group advisors:
Dennis Clear, Russ Denney, Gina Heckeroth, Julie Heston.
Class parents:
Kathryn Young & Taylor Carey.
Volunteers in the
arts are Janet Lopes, music, and Kathy Clark, ceramics.
There has never been a more crucial time in
our country’s history or in the history of Unitarians and Universalists for us
to speak out against injustice and practice peace in everything we do. We are
at a crossroads – there are hard tasks to do. The gifts of love and friendship
that our volunteers bring to their work will guide us on this journey.
In the spirit of peace and with abiding
love,
Kate
October
Calendar
10/7 Swan Brothers Circus - 12:30 p.m., volleyball field.
10/14 CROP
Walk. Join fellow UUs and others from
the interfaith community on a 6K (or a one-mile) walk in downtown Sacramento.
We will carpool from UUSS at 12 noon. Families are encouraged to participate.
Sponsor forms and information are available from Kate Throop.
10/27 (Saturday)
5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Intergenerational Halloween Party at UUSS. Bring a pumpkin to
carve, wear your favorite costume, bring a potluck dish to share (A-G salad,
H-P, main dish, Q-Z dessert or bread) – all are welcome!
10/28 R.E. Committee meeting 12:30
p.m. Visitors welcome!
_____________________________________________________________
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
This has been a
very difficult column to start. My original plan was to comment on the Water
Ceremony on Sunday and Doug’s comments on ritual. It is a wonderful annual
ritual and I know I come away with all kinds of good feelings and interest in
how each of you spent your summertime. I was even planning on quoting from—as I
will now refer to him—my second favorite UU minister Robert Fulghum, and his
book on the Rituals of Our Lives (great reading, by the way). But because my
day got away from me, and Monday I spent waiting for the newest member of our
family to arrive, it became Tuesday morning and all of us experienced an
unbelievable shock.
To say what happened was devastating is to
understate the magnitude of the event. All of us are familiar with those famous
buildings and know that thousands of people spent their working days there. I
think it shook the very foundation of our feelings of security and safety. We
probably all have some connection to New York and Washington DC, if for no
other reason then we have visited or know people who live in the area.
I recently attended some training on Crisis
Intervention and it has given me a heightened awareness of what people go
though in times like these. Some of the impact is obvious and some is not. I
can only say that this is a time to look to your community, to friends,
neighbors, family, loved ones, co-workers and make sure you let them know what
they mean to you. It is a time to reach out to what is important in our lives
and savor every moment of our existence. I hope, now that some time has passed
since September 11, you were able to attend the service at our church on
September 12 and that we all have been able to achieve some sense of normalcy
again. I certainly hope that our government has acted reasonably and
responsibly in whatever their response has been. I hope that you are all well.
Linda
Clear
President
______________________________________________
Notes From
the Treasurer
Did you know?
·
Did you know
that Pledge/Contribution income is 70% of the overall annual budget?
·
Did you know
that Fundraising activities account for 8% of budgeted income?
·
Did you know
that our Religious Education Program costs $119 per member per year?
·
Watch for more
Notes From the Treasurer in coming months.
Fiscally yours,
Dennis Riechmann, Treasurer
______________________________________________________________
CABBAGES
& KINGS
Monthly musings of a UU
Business Manager
There is some
discussion going on that we are now big enough and active enough to benefit
from a bi-weekly Unigram. To accomplish this in this fiscal year we
would have to be creative since we have not budgeted for doubling our printing
and mailing costs. One way we are exploring is to see how many of us with e-mail
access would be willing to receive an electronic version of the Unigram
that we could then print at home. Not only would you make it possible for us to
improve communication amongst ourselves, you would receive our newsletter in a
much more timely manner than many presently do. If we have an e-mail address
for you, you will be hearing from me to ask if you are willing to try this.
Have you checked out our www.uuss.org web
site lately? Thanks to Dean Baird’s efforts we have had a virtual UUSS in cyberspace
for a while now. The site will be expanding in the future, so visit regularly
to see what’s new. If you have ideas for things you would like to see on our
site, please let me know at clay@uuss.org. If you are a committee chair or
involved in one of our activity groups there is room to put descriptive
information about your committee or group. You are encouraged to send me what
you would like included.
We are exploring the possibility of letting
members choose to pay their pledge through VISA and MasterCard. If enough
people are interested in such a service it would make it feasible to use credit
cards for our fundraising efforts and facilities use as well. If you would take
advantage of such an option in the future, please let me know via e-mail or
voice mail (483-9283 ext 202).
Clay Nelson, Business Manager
______________________________________________________
OUTREACH
Social Action Marketplace
To see how you may
serve our community and the world, please refer to www.uuss.org , or look in
the UUSS Directory page 29, or Annual Report page 21.
The Last Wednesday Club
Socially relevant quality
films and folks
10/31 Halloween. “Santiago’s Story” and “Isla Hermanas,” two
short enjoyable films. In Central America, the story of Fair Market Coffee and the
success of a sister city project. Put this on your calendar now. Bring a
friend!
Nancy Gilbert
_____________________________________________________
Action
Committee Against
Charitable
Choice
As one of four Actions for Immediate Witness, the UUA (Unitarian
Universalist Association) urged at this year’s (2001) General Assembly member
congregations and individual Unitarian Universalists to:
1. Immediately contact their Congressional
Representatives to oppose the pending Faith-Based Initiatives legislation.
2. Communicate their opposition to the White
House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.
3. Network with other religious institutions and
other concerned organizations to bring the issues and dangers of, and the
alternatives to, Faith-Based Initiatives into focus for debate and effective
opposition.
In accordance with those
urgings, as a committee we are concentrating on the first recommendation above.
Here are the addresses for Senators Boxer and Feinstein, as well as that for
Representative Matsui:
Robert T. Matsui’s Sacramento Office: 501 I St #12-600, Sacramento CA. 95814.
(916) 498-5600
Rep. Robert T. Matsui’s Washington, DC Office Address: 2308 Rayburn House Office Building,
Washington, DC 20515-0505. (202) 225-7163
Senator Barbara Boxer’s Washington, DC Office: 12 Hart Office Building,
Washington DC 20510. (202) 224-3553 FAX (202) 448-2787 senator@boxer.senate.gov.
We have been told that
hand-written letters are very effective. However, any expression of opinion is
better than none, so please write, e-mail, fax or call AS SOON AS POSSIBLE your
representative at the addresses above. Let’s make a difference!
Peter Killian and Glenda Smaage
___________________________________________________________
Call for Peace
In the wake of
September 11th’s tragic events, members of Sacramento’s peace and justice community
organized two vigils for peace, 4-6 p.m. at 16th & J Streets, Tuesdays 9/18
and 9/25. (You may receive this issue in time for the 9/25 event.) We call upon
our fellow Sacramentans to make our community hate free. For more information,
call Sacramento-Yolo Peace Action, 448-7157, or sypeaceact@jps.
_________________________________________________________
COMMITTEES
AT WORK
So What’s Up With This
Three Services Business?
It is the end of a
very long day, the first Sunday of the new church year. I’m a relatively new
UU--this was only my second “Ingathering Water Ceremony.” I can still remember
my first one and the excitement generated by people, young and old, who wanted
to share their summer adventures. It did not seem to matter how near or how far
people traveled or whether their trips were frivolous, wearisome, or life
altering. (My own trek up Half Dome probably qualified as all three.) What was
striking was the unbridled desire of each speaker to share a part of their
summer journey with the congregation. Last June, a visiting minister
characterized this phenomenon, played out in every UU congregation at the end
of summer, as an expression of community.
Another expression of community is the
willingness to work through differences. While temporary “time-outs” are often
necessary to gain perspective, it is important that the dialogue continues. In
the spirit of community, I am pleased to report that the Three Services Task
Force continued its work through the summer. (The July Unigram included
a summary of the Task Force’s Interim Report to the Board.) The Task Force
continued to include representatives from the Forum, Religious Services, and
Religious Education committees as well as the Reverend Doug Kraft and Director
of Religious Education, Kate Throop.
Overcrowding?
Let¹s try the short term solutions.
At today’s service, I arrived early to survey
a new seating arrangement which provided generous aisles and spaces between
rows. Gone from the auditorium were many of the tables around which people used
to gather, blocking traffic. However, it seemed that the Welcome table was on
the wrong side of the main entrance and poorly illuminated. The additional
seating in the foyer/lounge area was needed, but I was concerned that kitchen
activities would be a distraction. I also worried whether the activity tables
set back in the foyer would soon become “inactivity” tables. Also nagging at me
were recent rumors that the bookstore sales had slowed down following its move
into the library.
At some point, I knew that if these
were truly problems, the Task Force would certainly be apprised and I should
simply experience the buzz of excitement and positive energy accompanying all
new beginnings. The wonderful service which followed provided such an experience.
If any major
changes, not until fall 2002.
In the 2001-2002 Annual Report, our
minister wrote of an expected congregational vote in early fall, but we have
since agreed that more membership input is needed. So surveys will be taken,
then a congregational meeting held for discussion of the major points of
concern. Once this process concludes, the Task Force will submit its
recommendation to the Board. The survey period will be from the end of October
through the end of November. The congregational discussion meeting will be held
in January with the Task Force recommendation to the Board for consideration at
its February meeting.
Tami Buscho
______________________________________________________________
Big
Rummage Sale 4/6
Yes we’re collecting, but only on Sundays
Contrary to what you may have heard
(probably from me) we will be collecting from now until the week of the sale on
Saturday, April 6. Please bring rummage sale items to church on Sundays after
the service. Call the church office (483-9283 ext. O) to let us know you will
be bringing your things for the sale that Sunday. (Please bring items that are
in clean good working order only.)
Calling all
truck and van owners: we need
your help to pick up items occasionally. Call the church. No Help Refused.
Thanks!
Glenda Smaage
___________________________________________________________
Lunch After Church Services
Do you know that
some of our committees or groups prepare and serve reasonably-priced lunches
after church throughout the church year? Is your committee doing this?
We old-timers really look forward to eating
and talking with each other after the service, and we know that newer members
and visitors do too. The committee serving the lunch benefits by raising money
for their activities.
…Talk to your
fellow committee members, pick a Sunday, and sign up on the lunch list in the
church office. Helpful “how to” handouts for serving lunches are available in
the office.
Carol Weilgart
___________________________________________________________________
Agenda Book Meetings
Have you a UUSS
issue that you think would benefit from discussion? Please note it in the
Agenda Book located on the podium at the inside entrance to the sanctuary,
Sunday mornings. Be sure to sign your name to any requests so we can let you
know when we take the next step and schedule the discussion.
UUSS members have noted repairs and other
concerns needing attention in the Agenda Book. We have passed on these concerns
to the appropriate committee. This committee is happy to provide its service
also.
Sharon Alexander
_____________________________________________________
Partner
Church Committee
How can I convey the magic of our time in Debrecen,
Hungary, and in Transylvania? The minister of the Unitarian church in Debrecen,
with which our committee is interested in forming a partnership, is the Rev.
Katilin (Katinka) Miklosi-Vari, a lovely young woman who previously ministered
in Budapest and in Pecs. The congregation is a small one, but described by
their minister as quite special.
We spent one glorious 16-hour
day of our six-day stay in Hungary driving through the beautiful countryside
viewing ruins of castles with two geology professors from the congregation as
our guides. We ended the day with a festive dinner in a square in the shadow of
a ruined castle. We also shared a dinner with the lay leader of the
congregation.
It’s so exciting to get
acquainted with these European Unitarians and to really experience the
worldwide expanse of our movement. (The UUA is truly very young in the world of
Unitarianism.)
The Partner Church Committee
will continue sharing our experience and vision. We hope to present a part of a
Sunday service this fall to let you all know more of our thinking and our
hopes.
Rosemary Muller
_____________________________________________
Membership Committee
SSS (Sandwich
Supper Social). The Membership Committee is holding the second SSS on October
27—it’s on Saturday this time, and will be a Potluck instead of sandwiches
because we are combining with the R.E. Committee’s Halloween Party. Don’t miss
it!
After-church snacks. Since no lunches are
served after church during the summer, we were grateful to Marie Flanagan
(whose idea it was), Nancy Oprsal, and others who brought delicious snacks for
us all.
New Member
Facilitators. This fall’s new member welcoming ceremony was scheduled for
September 30. If you signed up to be a New Member Facilitator, you will be
contacted to mentor one of these new members. We are always open to having more
Facilitators, so please call me if you’re interested.
Clair Urness
______________________________________________________________________
Forum Announces Fall Speakers
Tell your friends about
our programs
While you are saving the dates yourself, let others know about the
outstanding Forum programs coming up this fall. Members or not, they will find
a Forum topic of interest. For example, the first Forum in October will focus
on our local Opera Association. What is happening with this group? How can we
help?
“Grassroots Globalization
versus Corporate Globalization” on October 14 will feature Kevin Danaher,
Education Director of Global Exchange based in San Francisco. He and his wife
Medea Benjamin have put their commitment to a more just world into actions
which affect literally thousands of people now—may of them not the least of
them being children. He is the editor of the well-known book on the World Bank
and the International Monetary Fund, Fifty Years Is Enough. He will tell
us about treatment of workers in China, Africa, and the Caribbean, and of his
experiences at demonstrations in Seattle and Quebec. (You’ll want to pick up
flyers about some of the “Reality Tours” which Global Exchange leads to Cuba,
Israel, South Africa, and Ireland.)
UUs try to give a nod to the
work of the United Nations at least once a year on UN Sunday. This year’s
speaker October 21 is Dr. Lucile Green. Born in China, she received early
college education at Yenching University in Peking.
Through her doctorate is in
Philosophy and she has taught in this discipline, she is better known for her
long dedication to bringing about the recognition of all people for their worth
as global citizens. Her book, Journey to a Governed World reflects her
50 years in the peace movement. A chapter “Needed: A Permanent People’s
Assembly” will be covered in her presentation. She will discuss reforms she
thinks will make the UN more democratic, and progress made to date for the
creation of a Global People’s Assembly. Save dates, tell friends!
Esther Franklin
___________________________________________________________________________________
Poetry Workshops begin
October 7
If you are interested in writing poetry or just in knowing more about
it, this is for you: a poetry and reading workshop on the first Sunday of each
month, 6-7:30 p.m. in Room 7/8. We will look at spiritual aspects of poetry and
poets, read or write poems, and consider poems’ meanings. Presented by Tom Goff
and Nora Staklis and me. Please contribute $5 per session to reimburse for copy
fees and energy kitty.
JoAnn Anglin
___________________________________________
Gap Group Meets 3 Times
Biking, Movies, Theater
Gap group is a loosely
organized group of middle-aged people, single or not, who enjoy getting
together for social occasions. New people are always welcome.
10/20 Saturday Join us for a bike ride along the American
River Bike Trail in the morning. Call me for time and location.
10/21 Sunday Join
us for a movie and dessert. Call Judy Bell for time and place.
10/27 Saturday Join
us for the play “Home” at Chautauqua Theatre. For more information call me or
call the theatre for a ticket at 488-7529.
Cathy George
___________________________________________
Servetus Club Potluck 10/7
Newcomers are always
welcome
Servetus Club, a
social group for older singles, meets for a potluck and sociability on Sunday,
October 7, at 6 p.m. in the Fahs Room. Please bring a potluck dish to share. $3 for guests, $2 for members of the club.
Dorothy Engelstad
___________________________________________
SSS
The October SSS (Sandwich Supper
Social) will combine with the Intergenerational Halloween
Party on Saturday October 27 at the church.
It is the only Saturday SSS for the year. (See 10/27 on Religious Education
Calendar above.) See you there!
Maryly Reinertson
_______________________________________________
A Women’s Alliance Saturday
On October 13 we
will have a wonderful treat! We plan to visit Sogno (“dream” in Italian), a
winery owned and operated by Fran Oyafuso’s daughter and son-in-law. We will
tour the winery and enjoy a gourmet bag lunch. Come to the church by 10:30 a.m.
to car-pool to Shingle Springs. All are invited—contact the church (483-9283
ext.O) before the Oct. 8 deadline to sign up. Cost is a modest $10.
Pat Moore-Howard
___________________________________________________
Dances of Universal Peace
Return visit 10/26
includes dance lessons
Those of you who
attended the August 12 church service with the Dances of Universal Peace will
be pleased to learn that they are returning to UUSS for a longer evening
program on Friday, October 26, 7-9:30 p.m. (dancing lessons will start at 7:30
p.m.). The group holds monthly dances on the second Friday of each month, 7-9
p.m. at Sierra II, 24th Street and 4th Avenue.
Laurie Jones
__________________________________________
Ministry Circles
Are these your questions?
What are Ministry Circles? We almost always
hear two basic responses when people are asked why they come to church: to
explore spiritual (i.e. life) meaning and to make new friends. In a church as
large as ours, worship and social hour just aren’t enough to meet those basic
needs. Our Small Group Ministry Circles are designed to fill that need.
So how does this work? The intent of these
groups is to promote active discussion and caring. We now have eight Ministry
Circles groups of seven to ten people who meet regularly to deepen their
relationship with each other and grow spiritually. Sessions focus on a theme or
topic that expresses Unitarian Universalist values and provokes interest and
meaningful conversation. Each group has a facilitator to guide the session and
create an environment of open exchange and kindness.
How do I join a Ministry Circle? It’s
simple. Everyone is welcome. You do not need to be a member of the church.
(Only facilitators are required to be members of UUSS.) Pick up a brochure and
application form after services or from the office. Ask yourself if you are
ready to sign and honor the Ministry Circle Covenant. Hopefully, there is a
location and schedule convenient for you. If you have a preference for times or
locations not currently offered, please let us know on the form. For more information,
contact me. Fran Oyafuso
__________________________________________________________
Insight Meditation
Introductory course
continues
There may still be
space in Dennis Warren introductory course in Insight (Vipassana) Meditation.
The course is offered on a voluntary donation basis, five Thursday evenings
September 27 through October 25, 7-9 p.m. in the Fahs Room, followed by a
workshop Saturday October 27, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. To register, contact the
church office at 483-9283 ext. O.
Pre-registration is
required.
__________________________________________
Dream Group Expands
New Wednesday evening
group starts
Because of the
lively interest and attendance at our Wednesday morning open dream group
Daydreamers, we have extended our meeting time a half-hour. We now meet from 10
a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the church library. As usual, everyone is welcome and no
experience is necessary.
Also, we will begin again our promised
weekly Evening Dream Group starting Wednesday October 3. We will meet from 7-9
p.m. in my home in Folsom. Please call me if you plan to attend and for
directions.
Fran Oyafuso
__________________________________________
Attention Men
New members welcomed in
October
The Monday Night Men’s Support Group will be open during the month of
October and possibly November for potential new members. We meet on the first
and third Monday nights at 7 p.m. in various homes. For information, please
call me. Come check us out!
Frank Winans
__________________________________________
UU Young Adults
Call to find out what’s
up this month
UU Young Adults are
Unitarian Universalists in their 20s and 30s. Some of us are single, some are
married, and some are in between. Newcomers are always welcome.
For the October schedule, call Carolyn Wiggin To join our e-mail collective, send a
message to Dean Baird.
_____________________________________________
DENOMINATIONAL
AFFAIRS
More news from the
Pacific Central District (PCD) and the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)
is on the Kiosk.)
PCD Social Justice Committee Meets 10/6
Planning at UU Church of
Palo Alto
UUs interested in
social justice are invited to help plan the year’s activities at a committee
meeting Saturday October 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UU church of Palo Alto,
505 E. Charlston (between Middlefield and Alma). We’ll have a potluck lunch for
sharing and fellowship.
Questions? Contact co-chair Lee Helena
Lawrence.
Lawrence Lecture in Berkeley 10/13
Lecture and seminar with
Robert Bellah
This year’s annual
Lawrence Lecture, “Finding Spiritual Meaning in an Information Society,” will
be delivered by Robert Bellah, Elliott Professor of Sociology Emeritus at UC
Berkeley. He is an award winning author and in 2000 received the National
Humanities Medal from President Clinton.
The Friday evening lecture is at 8 p.m. at
the UU Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd. in Kensington, and a follow-up
seminar with Dr. Bellah will take place the next morning at 9:30 a.m. For
information, call Martha Helming.
Men’s Retreat in Walnut Creek
All men are invited to the fifth annual UU-PCD Men’s Retreat the weekend of October 19-21. The theme is “Family Wounds, Family Blessings.” To register or for further information, contact Tony Bushman.
Leadership Development Day is at UUSS
We are pleased that
this annual workshop will be held at our facility this year, on Saturday,
November 3. The day offers worship, training workshops, and a good opportunity
to visit with folks from other congregations over lunch. Check with the office
for an application and don’t miss out on this opportunity!
Be Patterson
_________________________________________________
Humanists Meet 10/5 & 10/21
Humanist Association of the Greater
Sacramento Area (HAGSA) invites everyone interested in our discussions to
attend our October meetings.
10/5 Friday 7 p.m. Fahs Room - Jeffrey
Kravitz, attorney, host of radio talk show (Panic Attack KDVS 90.3 FM, Tues., 5
- 6 p.m.) speaks on “The Left and
Right: Convergence on Civil Liberties.”
10/21 Sunday 4 p.m. Fahs Room - Rachel Lyn Anderson,
research associate, UCD School of Medicine, Immunology and Infectious Diseases,
will speak on “SANE (Sacramento Area Needle Exchange).”
Walter Gunnarsen
____________________________________________________________
AMONGST OURSELVES
We were very sad to learn that two of our
members had died during August.
Jean Artman, who
had been a member of our church since 1995, passed away on August 5. Born in
Washington DC, Jean grew up in Canton Ohio. She and her husband Vern moved to
Carmichael in 1985. Jean held a Master’s degree in gerontology and following
her career as a social worker Jean volunteered in Sacramento with the AIDs
Foundation. She played the piano, and at UUSS she facilitated a mothers’
support group. Our sympathies are extended to Vern Artman and their children
and families.
Garvin Price, who
joined UUSS in 1970, passed away on August 4. He was a native of Wyoming and
graduated from the University of Oklahoma. He served the State of California in
a number of different capacities for over 40 years, interrupted by service in
the Air Corps in the Pacific during WWII. In addition to UUSS, Gar participated
in Toastmasters, SIRS, Sierra Club and other organizations, and was a lifelong
sports fan, outdoorsman, and supporter of the arts. Our sympathies go out to
his wife Meg Fish and their children and families.
As the Ungram was about to be
printed we were very sad to learn that Brick Menz died on September 16.
A memorial service is planned for Sunday, Sept. 30, 4 p.m. at UUSS. Brick was
an economist with the State of California and Professor at CSUS, and he worked
for the United Nations for 18 years all over the world. Our sympathies are
extended to Billie Menz and their children and granchildren.
___________________________________________________
THE
DEADLINE FOR THE NOVEMBER UNIGRAM IS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10.
Don’t forget to “fall back”
on Sunday, October 28, when Daylight Saving Time ends.
_________________________________________________________