The UNIGRAM
Monthly Newsletter of
the Unitarian Universalist Society
of Sacramento
Vol. 32 No. 4
December 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
Music Director: Mary WillAllen
Organist: Barbara Lazar
Bookkeeper: Carole Petracek
Office Coordinator: Bobby Stewart
Office Assistant: Cynthia
Creter
Building/Grounds Maintenance Mgr: Robert Hosley
Custodians
Elaine Cooper, Ian Craver
DECEMBER
SPECIAL EVENTS
See
below for more on these events:
Tree-trimming Party Saturday 12/1,
5:30 p.m.
Members Market Craft Sale
Sunday 12/2 before and after church
Servetus Holiday Potluck Sunday 12/2, 7 p.m.
Womens Alliance Holiday
Party Saturday December 15
Winter Solstice
Celebration Friday 12/1, 7 p.m.
Chanteuses Holiday
Concert Saturday, December 22, 7 p.m.
Intergenerational
Pageant Sunday 12/23, 11 a.m.
Candlelight Christmas Eve
service, 7 p.m.
Time Capsule opened Sunday 12/30, 11 a.m.
Every Sunday - Special collections of items for those less
fortunate
____________________________________________
A MONTH OF SUNDAYS
DECEMBER 2001
12/2
9:30 a.m. Auditorium Forum: “Middle East Peace.” David Mandel and
Akef Shihabi, Sacramento Area Middle East Peace Project activists, will be
sharing their insights regarding history and current events in the Middle East
and the effect of the September 11 attacks. Mandel was a journalist in Israel
and is currently a civil liberties lawyer. Shihabi, who lived in Egypt as a
refugee until 1969, is an independent environmental assessor. Rick Loomis,
Coordinator.
11 a.m. Auditorium Service:
“Allah.” Rev. Doug Kraft. This
Sunday and next fall during the last half of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of
fasting. We will use these two Sundays to take a look at Islam. This Sunday I
want to explore the central role of a monotheistic God and the notion of
surrender to God. For Muslims, God is more personal and central to their
religion than for most Unitarian Universalists. Muslims view Allah as the same
God as the Jewish and Christian God. Yet there are differences in how God is
viewed. And some of those differences are appealing. And regardless of your
feeling about God, the notion of surrender to something larger than ourselves
is important to explore.
2 p.m. Memorial
Service for Marjorie Ryall.
12/9
9:30 a.m. Auditorium Forum: “Union
Pacific vs Save Our Rail Depot.” Kay Knepprath, chair of this coalition, will
speak about preserving and rehabilitating the historic Sacramento depot as a
multi-mode transportation center. Mrs. Knepprath has served on the governing
board of the California League of Women Voters, and worked on housing and
welfare issues and volunteer lobbying. Earlier this year, she was voted
Volunteer of the Year for the Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center. Bud Lembke,
Coordinator.
11 a.m. Auditorium Service: “Islam as a Way of Life,” Dr.
Metwalli Amer. Dr. Amer is the Executive Director of SALAM (Sacramento Area
League of Associated Muslims) and iman minister for Islam.
3 p.m. Memorial
Service for Jim Bradfield.
12/16
9:30 a.m. Auditorium Forum: “Arab-Americans: Civil Liberties for
All?” Elias Mashrawi is the Vice President of the Greater Sacramento Area
Chapter of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. Mr. Mashrawi is
involved in various Palestinian student organizations, and in the 1980s, played
a key role in developing the Anti-apartheid student movement at the University
of California. Terry Cantrell, Coordinator.
11 a.m Auditorium Service: “An Openness of Being.” Rev. Kraft.
Christmas can carry a sense of magic with it once we get past the
commercialism. Unitarian Universalism can lose that sense of magic when it gets
too caught in a narrow rationality. Even though we Unitarian Universalists
value openness and acceptance, we have our own forms of UU orthodoxy, which
tend toward the intellectual and worldly. A true openness would include the
trans-rational and the multi-dimensional. The true Unitarian Universalist
values include wonder, awe and “don’t know mind.”
12/23
9:30 a.m. Auditorium Forum: “News (Freeform Discussion One).”
This will be an open discussion of current events. Peter Killian and Glenda
Smaage, Coordinators.
11 a.m. Auditorium Service
"Would
You Like to Hold the Baby?" Lovingly presented by the congregation for the
congregation, this intergenerational service centers on the story of the
Nativity. The congregation participates through singing in telling this story
that is part of our Christian heritage. Children, youth and adult participants
in the tableau let their light shine through the spoken word and rich imagery
of the story of Jesus' birth. Service coordinators: Janet Lopes, Mary
WillAllen, Kate Throop.
12/24 7 p.m.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Rev. Kraft
12/30
9:30
a.m. Fahs Room Forum: “News
(Freeform Discussion Two).” This will be an open discussion of current events.
Peter Killian and Glenda Smaage, Coordinators.
11 a.m. Fahs Room Service:
"Yesterday,
Today and Tomorrow" -opening the time capsule. (1976 Time Capsule opening
will begin at 10:30 a.m., service will begin at 11:00 a.m.) Artifacts from 1976
will be honored and received as part of our service, and we will fill the 2026
time capsule with our hopes and dreams for the next 25 years. Service leaders:
Jeff Voeller and Kate Throop
_____________________________________________________________________________
AT THE MOMENT…
Rev. Doug Kraft
. .
|
“Peace on earth, goodwill toward all” is the most widely
used Christmas wish. As a kid I remember seeing it often on Christmas cards:
sometimes with angels smiling down on earth; sometimes with lions and lambs,
wolves and deer resting comfortably together in the woods; sometimes with
tranquil scenes of snowy villages and evergreens; sometimes with a family
gathered comfortably by the fireplace.
I’ve never been much of a Hallmark fan with all those fuzzy,
slightly out of focus images. The phrase itself has become a little fuzzy and
out of focus. It can get flipped off like a pleasantry to be forgotten the next
moment.
Nevertheless, the phrase “peace on earth, goodwill toward
all” never quite wears out completely. It keeps coming back because it speaks
to a deep yearning in all of us. It touches the desire for lack of strife, for
ease and plenty of time. It acknowledges our interconnection and the
indiscriminate goodwill toward all that cultivates peace here on earth. It
implies a trust and confidence that allows us to relax into those tranquil
scenes. And it embodies a kind of welcome to all people that goes beyond mere
tolerance. The phrase carries no reference to Jesus or God or Allah or Christ
or any other sectarian formula. It stays grounded right here on earth with
simple folks and our deepest wish: to live harmoniously with all those with
whom we share the planet.
The most common misunderstanding of peace on earth is that
it is a kind of vacuum or absence. Real international peace is not just an
absence of war. If our only vision of peace is a prolonged cease-fire, then
shooting will return sooner or later. Lasting peace requires goodwill and trust
built on fairness, reasonable access to resources, freedom and dignity. Real
pacifism is not passivity but an active engagement to bring ease and wellbeing
to all.
Similarly, inner peace is not just the absence of hubbub.
Real peace is more dynamic than a good nap and more alive than a stupor. It is
built on patience and openness to adversity when it arises. It requires
presence as well as a willingness to slow down.
I have not bought a Hallmark card for years and probably
won’t this year. But they did not invent the blessing. We did. We all did. It
sprang from the human heart. Someone, somewhere was the first to pen it. But it
lasts because it resonates in all of us.
Peace
on earth, goodwill and happiness to all of us.
Doug
Finding
Doug...
I can usually be found at the church between 3 and 5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays
and between 1 and 3 on Wednesdays and other times by chance or appointment.
Feel free to come by or give me a call (483-9283x201).
The Social
Responsibility Committee’s Coalition for Peace continues to sell “My World
Community” buttons. The proceeds go to the Unitarian Universalist Service
Committee’s support of the relief effort on the East coast. If you’d like to
get some for friends, co-workers, or whomever, it is a good way to spread our
values as well as raise a little money for those in need. For buttons, call the
office or see the Social Responsibility table after church.
As we did last year, from Thanksgiving to Christmas we will
be taking up a special collection of items which are new or in excellent
condition to be giving to some folks in our community who are less well off
financially. This is also a good time to talk to your children and help them
think about giving to others. There are wish lists in the office, but most
items that are new or in good shape can find a use. If you have questions, call
Arnie Godmintz.
_________________________________
Ministry
Circles Promote Caring
Are you ready to join us?
The intent of the Ministry Circles program is to promote active
caring and discussion. We now have nine Ministry Circles groups of 7-10 people
who meet regularly to deepen their relationships with each other and grow
spiritually. Sessions focus on some theme or topic that expresses Unitarian
Universalist values and provokes interest and meaningful conversation. Each
group has a facilitator whose purpose is to guide the session and create an
environment of open exchange and kindness.
To join a Ministry Circle is simple 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 Circles 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 call me.
Fran Oyafuso.
________________________________________________________________
RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION NEWS
Kate
Throop, Director of Religious Education
These well-loved words from
Sophia Lyon Fahs are never far from my thoughts at this time of year: “Each
night a child is born is a holy night. Fathers and mothers--sitting beside
their children’s cribs--feel glory in the sight of a new life beginning. [This
is] a time for singing, a time for wondering, a time for worshipping.” Our
worship at this time of year takes many forms: we take delight in the drama and
music of the season, we reach out to those who have few blessings to count, we
are cradled in the care and comfort of our faith community. Some of us wish we
could just “skip” Christmas--it is too much trouble, there are too many demands
from our extended family, our employer, and our children’s schools for our
time, our contributions, our attention. Some might even think there are too
many demands from our church community. I encourage each of us to choose the
pieces of the holiday season at UUSS that enrich and soothe our spirits and
give us opportunities for sacrificial giving and support for families and
individuals who have no choice about “celebrating Christmas.” As people of
faith who live in a troubled and troubling world, being together in community
is a great gift. On the subject of commitment and giving, Unitarian minister
Edward Everett Hale (1822-1909) wrote these words: “I am only one, but still I
am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I
cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something I can do.”
Peace and love,
Kate
P.S. Thanks to everyone who
helped with the Halloween Party, jointly sponsored this year with the Sandwich
Supper Social group. Special thanks to David Libby, Sally Lewis and Ted Lewis
Libby for organizing the great games, and to John McMillan and Steve Chiginsky
for supervising the creative pumpkin carving.
Saturday Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m.Tree-Trimming Party Potluck,
ornament-making, gingerbread house construction, carol singing.
Sunday Dec. 2, 9, 16 Preschoolers
through 7th grade attend first part of service with family, as
usual, then all go to Fahs Room. Activity stations on these three Sundays are:
Pageant (singers, readers, costume makers), Time Capsule planners, and Crafts Workshop.
Monday Dec. 3, 7 p.m. Coming of
Age parent and youth Orientation Dessert Potluck. UUSS Auditorium.
Sunday Dec. 9, 12:30 p.m. Introductory/ Informational
meeting for parents of youth in 5th and 6th grades who
are interested in enrolling in the “Our Whole Lives” (OWL) sexuality education
class that begins in January. 5-6th OWL will be taught by Sally
Lewis and David Libby. An information letter will be mailed home to all parents
in early December.
Sunday Dec. 23, 11 a.m.
“Would You Like to Hold the Baby?” Intergenerational Pageant
Sunday Dec. 30, 11 a.m. Intergenerational Service -
“Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” UUSS 1976 time capsule will be opened, and
2026 time capsule will be filled and dedicated. Time capsule enthusiasts or
those with memories of the 1976 capsule, please share those memories with Jeff
Voeller or Kate Throop, service coordinators, as soon as possible. Our
corporate memories will be an important part of this service.
Together we Share
The Preschool Class invites you to join them in filling
stockings to give to children who are temporarily homeless and attending
Mustard Seed School. These things are especially needed for the stockings: $5.00 gift certificate from McDonald’s, Taco
Bell, Burger King. New socks and mitten or gloves (one-size-fits –all),
chapstick, toothbrush and paste, new (small) stuffed animal or small toy, wrapped
candy.
Please bring these items to the R.E. Office. There are
collection boxes in the church for the other items for St. John’s Shelter and
Mary House.
Thank you!
Adult
Programs Committee Seeks Spring 2002 Offerings
New Chair is Christopher Jensen
We will publish a schedule
of Adult Religious Education offerings as an insert in the January Unigram.
If you are intending to offer an Adult Religious Education opportunity in the
spring of 2002, please contact me immediately. I am the new Chair of the Adult
Programs Committee. The Committee’s Purpose is to “provide varied educational
and enrichment opportunities to members and friends of the Society, as well as
the larger community.” We have some great opportunities scheduled for the
spring and look forward to adding to that list.
Christopher Jensen
_______________________________
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
This holiday season is one
of my favorite times of the year. I have strong and pleasant childhood memories
of building snowmen, being off from school, and of course, receiving presents
from Santa.
As a young parent, I found myself being Santa and I still
remember and recreate the adventures of tree trimming, stringing lights on the
gutters and chaotic work schedules (remember, I work for the Department of Motor
Vehicles and all registration fees used to be due December 31st of
each year).
While the implications of extreme consumerism and the prevalence
of Judeo-Christian traditions and images concern me today as an adult, I still
have to admit I look forward to being “home for the holidays” and I love
creating a place of warmth, welcoming and love for my family and friends.
So while I will decorate my home this month with certain
thematic items and enjoy certain commercial rituals, I know the last few months
have reminded me of how important it is to not wait for an arbitrarily
designated time of the year to show one’s appreciation to others. They have
also taught me that thoughts of “peace on earth and goodwill towards men” are
not reserved for a particular time of the year, but rather they are goals we
need to constantly keep in mind and strive for everyday. And as we celebrate
this time of year with family and friends, I am mindful of how grateful I am
for so many things.
My gratitude is enhanced because I know this time of year is
going to be a very difficult one for the families of the victims of the recent
tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with them often and I can’t help thinking
at times of all the families who lost their Santa and will not celebrate at
all. I cannot fathom their pain, and I feel so sorry for all the children.
So as we gather together this time of year, let us reflect on
the joy of life and the time we have with each other. I wish you all a very
wonderful holiday season and I hope the new year brings us much closer to that
peace on earth.
In the Spirit,
Linda Clear
President
______________________________________________
Notes From
the Treasurer
Did you know?
…that the cost of ministry
is nearly 20% of the annual budget?
…that community outreach programs
account for just over 1% of the annual budget?
…that our fiscal year is
July 1 to June 30?
Fiscally yours,
Dennis Riechmann, Treasurer
______________________________________________________________
CABBAGES
& KINGS
Monthly musings of a UU
Business Manager
Recently at a Membership
Committee meeting a discussion was held about the time it took to make sure we
had volunteers for certain weekly tasks each Sunday morning, specifically
getting ushers, greeters, coffee servers, and people to work at the information
and welcome table. I shared that when I was at the UU congregation in Santa
Barbara, we came to treat those activities as family chores that may not be
very glamorous but are very important all the same. Imagine if no one ever took
out the garbage or did the dishes, because no one at home ever volunteered. So,
just like at home, Santa Barbara looked at those Sunday morning tasks as family
chores that everyone in the family who was able took turns doing.
How this worked was that a calendar was sent out with
assignments for each task for the next three months. We would try to assign
families (including the children) or couples on the same Sunday. There were
some who weren’t assigned because they were physically unable or were already
involved during the service such as the choir and RE staff.
When someone’s week to serve was coming up, they would be sent a
reminder with a brief job description and who to contact when they came on
Sunday for further instructions.
If someone could not be there for their assigned weekend, they
would take the responsibility to trade with someone else and let the office
know of the change.
When we began this approach people were initially surprised at
being assigned (they are UUs after all), but once the shock wore off, the vast
majority were happy to take their turn. Many also discovered that they
appreciated having a simple, structured way to contribute to the well-being of
the family while having an opportunity meet more of the congregation, a benefit
all of these “chores” share.
The Membership Committee is eager to try this method. The
Council of Leaders has also endorsed this idea with enthusiasm. So, beginning
in January 2002 we are going to give it a try, with the understanding that
anyone can ask the office to not assign them at all or to not assign them to
one or more of the specific Sunday “chores.” We will explain this further
in a letter later this month when we send the schedule.
Clay Nelson
Business Manager
______________________________________________________
UUs GET
TOGETHER
A Very
Special Evening of Music
Christmas concert at UUSS on 12/22
Don’t miss a very special
Christmas concert at UUSS. On Saturday, December 22 at 7 p.m. the Chanteuses
will entertain you in the UUSS Auditorium. This annual Christmas concert
includes medieval, romantic, and modern carols with settings by John Rutter,
Johannes Brahms, and others.
The 12 women who comprise the Chanteuses perform frequently in
the Sacramento area under the direction of Jack Miller. Barbara Lazar, UUSS
organist and musician extraordinaire, sings with the group and frequently has
the opportunity to perform one of her own arrangements.
Join us for complementary refreshments during intermission.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for Seniors and Students, and free for children
under 10. Tickets will be available after church on Sunday mornings and at the
door. Program details are available at the UUSS web site – www.uuss.org/chanteuses. For more
information you may also call 483-9283, ext 207.
Terry Throop
_________________________________________
Winter
Solstice
Celebrate with Women’s Ritual Group
Friday December 21, 7-9
p.m., we will gather to mark the return of the light. We will lay out a tinsel
spiral for each participant to walk in procession to the center. At the center,
you may divest yourself mentally or symbolically of some energy or idea from
the past year or season. In the center we will light candles for a procession
of reclaiming the light.
On the walk out of the spiral, we will focus on energy that we
want to bring into our lives for the coming season or year. Singing (pagan
carols), possibly drumming will follow. Please think about what you would like
to cast off from the year and bring to you for the new cycle.
Wear ceremonial attire if you wish, and bring finger foods to
share if you can. You may also bring an altar item (put your name and phone
number on it). Recent tragedies make the return of the light especially vital
and poignant this year.
Questions? Please call me.
Laurie Jones
P.S. Does anyone have a
large, high, wing-back chair we may borrow to use as a “crone throne” or “sage
stage” for our Croning/Saging on February 3? This event was postponed
from December 2 to February 3—midwinter seems like an appropriate time. All are
invited to attend, and anyone over age 50 may be honored. Details in next
month’s Unigram.
______________________________________________
Daydreamers
Meet Wednesdays
Dream Group: what’s it all about?
We believe dreams are agents
for change and often reveal important new insights about the life of the
dreamer, both personal and cultural. Recalling a dream is a signal that we are
ready to understand the information that the dream has presented. Understanding
the dream’s message can bring personal empowerment.
Our open Dream Group (Daydreamers) meets every Wednesday in the
Library from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. No experience is necessary. For more
information, call me.
Fran Oyafuso
________________________________________
Last
Wednesday Club
Notable documentary videos
about social issues and policy are shown the last Wednesday of each month,
followed by discussion. We have had very well informed discussants.
We won’t meet in December, because of the holidays.
This past year, our first, we have had the opportunity to see
and discuss award-winning films on a variety of topics. These included:
“Seattle WTO Demonstrations”; “Good Kurds, Bad Kurds, No Friends but the Mountains”;
“When Mountains Tremble,” featuring Rigoberta Menchu, on the struggle for
justice in Guatemala; Betty Ch’maj’s film, “To Dream a Nation, South Africa
After Apartheid”; Noam Chomsky, “Bringing the Third World Home”; the suppressed
story of Paul Robeson, a great man and early civil rights spokesperson, “The
Tallest Tree in the Forest”; “Ancient Futures, Learning From Ladakh,” a lovely,
perceptive look at the people and culture of “Little Tibet.” Through the
International Society for Ecology and Culture, the Ladakh Project has triggered
ongoing alternative development pathways (vs the “Free Trade” route);
“Santiago’s Story” and “Isla Hermanas,” two enjoyable short films of Central
America, the story of fair Market Coffee, and the success of a Sister City
project; Noam Chomsky on foreign policy.
Join us on January 30 when we will probably have a film on
Ramsey Clark on foreign policy in Chiapas, Cuba, Sudan, and Iraq. (Are you
curious as to what our government does in our name and with our money?)
Nancy Gilbert
______________________________________________
Gap Group
December Schedule
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. Please call me
for more information. Let me know if you would be interested in getting
together for a cross-country ski day this winter.
Saturday, Dec. 8 or 22. Join us for The Holiday Broadcast of 1943 at
Chautauqua Playhouse at 8 p.m. Call Chautauqua for ticket information at
489-7529.
We occasionally have bike rides or other events that are planned
after the Unigram schedule is printed. If you want to be informed about
these, e-mail or call me.
Cathy George
__________________________________________
Servetus
Club Holiday Party 12/2
Join us in the Fahs Room at 6 p.m.
Servetus Club is a social
group for older singles. We meet the first Sunday evening of every month at 6
p.m. in the Fahs Room for potluck and conversation, and we get together for
occasional trips and parties. Guests are always welcome. Members pay $2, guests
pay $3, to help with cost of beverages. Please bring a potluck dish to share
and a wrapped gift to exchange at our December 2 holiday party. Use your
imagination—don’t spend more than $1 on the gift!
January 6 we will have our annual membership event at a member’s
home—free to Servetus members renewing or joining (dues are $12/year).
Dorothy Engelstad, President
________________________________________________
A
Beautiful Holiday Party
Womens Alliance Saturday meeting
Saturday, December 15,
Women’s Alliance will have a lovely holiday potluck luncheon featuring:
Musical entertainment by the
Dry Creek Singers and soloist Mike Reynolds.
Members will be invited to
share their most memorable Christmas.
Lovely silk flower
arrangements will be available for sale.
Please bring a salad or hot dish for eight to ten people. We
will hold a short business meeting before the luncheon.
Pat Moore-Howard
_______________________________________________
UU Young
Adults in December
Picnic, hike, discussion, party!
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 more
information on the group, call Carolyn Wiggin. To join our e-mail collective,
send a message to Dean Baird.
Saturday December 1, 11
a.m. Meet at the UUSS parking lot.
Bring food for a picnic lunch. Aaron will pick a spot that we’ll all head to
for a brisk winter hike!
Sunday December 9, 7 p.m. “Cultural Celebrations, Shopping, and other Pagan
Rituals.” Discussion in the UUSS Library. The concept for this event arose out
of a long, strange discussion a few of us recently had. We’ll talk about some
of the lesser-known winter holidays and other related topics. We’ve made
tentative assignments of holidays for a few people to find out about and speak
on for a few minutes. Dean: pagan Isis holiday; Carolyn: Boxing Day; Dan: San
Lucia; Aaron: Kwanzaa; Dar: thoughts. If anyone knows of other holidays or
celebrations please say something about them at our discussion. Also, bring a
snack if you’d like.
Saturday December 15, 8
p.m. Holiday party at the home of
Dan and Viki. Bring any kind of snacks or drinks you’d like. An e-mail will
directions and map will follow. Hope to see you there!
Carolyn Wiggin
_________________________________
DENOMINATIONAL
AFFAIRS
To
keep us informed about services and challenges of the Pacific Central District
(PCD), the PCD Board will be sending monthly letters to all 38 UU congregations
in the district, which includes Northern California, Northern Nevada, and
Hawaii.
Dear Congregants :
Belonging to a Unitarian Universalist
congregation is a sustaining comfort to its members, friends and staff. Each UU
community is strengthened by its own services and resources as well as by the
regional District and national offices of the Unitarian Universalist
Association. We will highlight those interconnecting links in coming months.
We will present newsletter columns that
will provide a more in-depth examination of the myriad services that are
available. You will learn how the PCD:
·
is funded and staffed
with the coordination of local congregations and the Unitarian Universalist Association;
·
is planning for the staffing and programmatic
shifts that are ahead in this time of growth;
·
provides workshops,
training and conferences for the enrichment of those we serve;
·
supports the Lifespan
Religious Education programs, social justice work, community ministry efforts,
and a variety of other specialized activities;
·
encourages and supports
the development and growth of new and revitalizing congregations in our region;
·
works with the
religious professions (ministers, RE Directors, administrators, etc.); and
·
works with the many
affiliated organizations operating throughout the PCD.
We look forward to providing this ongoing communication with the
more than 6,500 Unitarian Universalists in the Pacific Central District. If you
have any questions, comments or suggestions please contact us through Becky Gunn,
Vice President of the Board.
In the Faith,
Becky Gunn, Judith
Herr and Nancee Campbell
____________________________________________
OUTREACH
·
Sweatshirts (all sizes
including 1X, 2X, 3X)
·
New underwear for
women, children, men
·
Combs (regular and
wide-toothed) and brushes
·
McDonald’s and Taco Bell gift certificates
·
Chapstick
·
Powdered infant formula
·
Umbrellas & rain
ponchos
·
Knit (stretchy) hats
·
Stretch gloves
(one-size-fits-all) for women
Please put your donations in the large boxes provided in the
alcove on Sunday mornings. If you can help with sorting or delivery, call Doug
Kraft, Kate Throop or Arnie Godmintz. Thank you!
Donations of money will help to provide a special Christmas gift
bag for women at Maryhouse. Please leave your monetary donations in the
church office, clearly labeled for Maryhouse.
Kate Throop
_______________________________________
Gift Wrap
with UUSS at Borders
Join us December 19 or 22
We’ll be wrapping gifts at
Borders to raise money and publicize UUSS again this holiday season. It’s a
good deal for UUSS--Borders provides all the equipment and supplies. We get to
put up our big banner and collect donations for our services. Last year we
wrapped lots of Christmas and Hanukah presents.
We need volunteers to wrap gifts on:
Wednesday
12/19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and
Saturday 12/22 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Families are welcome. You can work sitting, if that’s your
preference.
Sign up for as many or as few hours as you’d like to work. We’ll
set up two or three hour shifts so there’s no burn-out.
If you’d like to help out, please contact me.
Terry Throop
____________________________________________
Social
Action Marketplace
A survey conducted
earlier this year confirmed what we already knew…that we place a high value on
socially responsible activities. Here is a list of opportunities for you to
make a difference. If you have a socially responsible (promoting the health and
welfare of the world’s population and environment) UUSS or outside activity for
this column, please call Joyce Miller.
American River Clean-up Jeff Voeller
. Pick up trash along designated site one Saturday per month.
Coalition for
Sustainability Nancy Oprsal.
Lifestyle choices that preserve the environment.
Interfaith Hospitality
Network Nancy Oprsal. Local churches
providing shelter, meals and support to homeless families.
Interfaith Service
Bureau (There is an opening for a UUSS representative to this
organization.) Cooperative activities of interfaith organizations; meets the
second Tuesday each month.
Loaves & Fishes Jane
Pivetti. Meals and support for homeless. Donations are always welcome.
Latino/a Unitarian
Universalist Networking
Association (LUUNA) Frank
Winans. Latino/Latina outreach program.
Maryhouse Homeless
women and children receive support services including breakfast, shower and
laundry facilities, and health care for children as well as lunch. Women’s
Alliance donates regularly to this program. Donations delivered by Kate and
Terry Throop.
Mustard Seed School This
organization would welcome a new representative. Structured educational program for homeless children 3-18 years
old, arts and crafts and field trips. Works closely with Maryhouse.
Sacramento Children’s
Home Thelma White. Mentoring program for children in this group home and
school.
Samaritan Center Arnie
Godmintz. Center for meals and other assistance.
St. John’s Shelter Nancy
Candee. Shelter for abused women and children. UUSS is officially responsible
for the meal on the 4th Wed. each month. New volunteers welcome.
State Action
PCD UU Community
Ministry Jody Shipley in Berkeley. Support/information on
community ministers, persons living with disabilities and AIDS.
Handgun Control,
Inc. Thelma White. Supporting handgun control.
Million Mom March,
Sacramento Valley Chapter Thelma White. Promotes common-sense gun
laws to protect children.
Action Group on
Charitable Choice Joan Osborn. This group meets regularly to collect
documentation on this initiative, promotes the Action for Immediate Witness
opposing the initiative, and has been endorsed by the Board of Trustees and
Social Responsibility Committee.
ChildReach. Financial support to community development &
education of children in other countries.
Children
International Kate Throop. A 15 year-old rural Guatemalan boy,
Marvin Armando Sut Tucubal, is supported by a monthly donation coordinated
through the Religious Education Committee.
Church Partnership Dixie Owens.
Support for UU churches in Hungary and Romania.
Last Wednesday Club Nancy
Gilbert. Award winning documentaries on international issues, shown the last
Wednesday of each month.
Sacramento Yolo Peace
Action Ruth Hultgren. Conducts
activities to reduce military spending and promote international peace. At this
time they are sponsoring peace vigils.
UNA (United Nations
Association) Fred Hansen. Local
chapter of group that supports the United Nations and meets monthly for a
lecture and lunch.
UNICEF (United Nations
Children’s Fund) Paula Squire. Supports education, nutrition,
clean water, sanitation, health care for children of the world. Volunteers
serve at the UNICEF shop at 1910 P St, with all proceeds after expenses going
to the fund.
Unitarian Universalist
Service Committee (UUSC) Jacqui
Bell. Human rights, social justice, peace, economic opportunity in the U.S.and
worldwide. Materials are available on membership, activities, and work camps
are available in the sunroom.
Joyce Miller
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COMMITTEES
AT WORK
Membership
Committee
What happens at Orientation, anyway?
For those of you who haven't
been through the orientation program of the last several years, this is what’s
happening there these days. Normally Orientation #1 takes place on the first
Sunday of odd months of the church year (January, March, etc., with the
exception of July); Orientation #2 is the second Sunday of the odd month. The
New Member Welcome ceremony is held on the third Sunday of the same month.
Sometimes, because of holidays and other complications, this 1, 2, 3 order gets
reordered. Doug Kraft is usually available for all three parts of the
orientation process and we particularly like to have him on hand for the second
orientation, when many of these folks make the decision to join and sign the
membership book, and at the Welcome ceremony. We're willing to move the
ceremony into the next month if necessary to coincide with Doug’s presence in
the service.
What happens at the Orientations? The committee provides a lunch
for both meetings. At the first meeting, we show a nine-minute video from UUA.
Then everybody shares his/her story about arriving at our doorstep on that
Sunday morning. Sometimes because of the size of the group, as in November's
meeting, we divide into two groups. The representatives of the Membership Committee
and others from the church tell their stories, too, but in an abbreviated form.
At every Orientation #2 we have an RE representative, someone from New Member
Canvass, and a Board representative in attendance. Representatives of several
other groups (Dream Group, Men's Groups, Ministry Circles, Book Club, etc.--not
committees) are invited to attend and talk briefly about their activities.
Someone usually puts in a plug about being ushers and greeters. Doug is
available, after he has greeted people leaving the service, to answer questions
about UUSS and Unitarian Universalism. Most of the participants then make the
decision to join the church at this time and stay to fill out papers, get their
photo taken, and sign the membership book.
We’re getting lots of comments from our new people telling how
friendly they feel it is here. You must know that practically all of that is
coming from our regular members, before, during, and after the service. We have
two or three greeters on hand before and after the service and that isn't
nearly enough. So it’s nice to see so many of you taking on the role of
unofficial greeters. Thanks for that and keep up the good work.
Clair Urness
___________________________________________________________________________________
Calling
All Crafters
Members’ Market December 2
Sunday, December 2, we will
have a Members’ Market (sale of crafts created by members of UUSS and others in
our community) before and after the service. Crafters: Please
bring your crafts to sell. Proceeds go to UUSS. Everyone else:
Please come and buy Buy BUY. Once a month some of us get together to work on
craft projects and anyone interested is welcome to join us. Call me if you have
any questions.
Barbara Amberson
Friday 12/7, 7 p.m. “Terrorism in its Cultural Context:
Sacralization of Violence and the Decline of Politics.” Speaker Dr. Arthur H.
Williamson, has been a Professor of History at CSUS since 1988, where he has
also served as Dean of Graduate Studies. He earned his doctorate at Washington
University, St. Louis, in the early 70s, submitting a dissertation,
“Antichrist’s Career in Scotland: the Imagery of Evil and the Search for a
National Past.” He has taught at the University of Chicago and at New York
University, and has authored five books, many scholarly articles, and a series
of 16 video and audio taped lectures.
Sunday 12/22, 4 p.m. Solstice Potluck. Hors d’oeuvres and music
party, with symbols of the Solstice—candles, lights, bayberry, greens, etc.
Please bring such things as California rolls (and other fishless sushi),
sandwiches, deviled eggs, fruit, wine, punch, crudités and dips, and cookies.
Also welcome: sheet music, instruments and nimble fingers.
Anna Mae Andrews
_____________________________________________
Music
Committee to Meet 12/12
PLEASE NOTE: The Music Committee will meet December 12, 6
p.m. in the Library.
Mary Howard
_____________________________________
“Sharing
Your Gifts” Meets 12/6
This monthly symposium for
those interested in exploring the skills of conscious living meets Thursday,
December 6, at 7 p.m. in Room 7/8.
Avis Grace
______________________________________
COME HEAR THE
MUSIC PLAY!
SANDWICH SUPPER
SOCIAL
Friday, November
30 7-9 p.m.
UUSS Auditorium
What good is sitting alone in your room, come hear the music play! Come to the Sandwich Supper Social, my
friend, come to the Sandwich Supper Social!
It may not be a Caberet, but our very own musicians will be presenting
their musical talents. We have made our
own band, so come enjoy the band, singing, and dancing.
*****************************************
SANDWICH SUPPER
SOCIAL
Cancelled for
December because of the holidays.
*****************************************
SANDWICH SUPPER SOCIAL
Join us on
Friday, January 25
7 p.m.
UUSS Auditorium
So mark your calendars for both events.
Sandwich Supper Socials are held usually the last Friday of every
month.
Make your own sandwiches from our fixin’s. We will provide dessert and beverages.
All ages welcome Donation: Adults $3 Under
12 $1
TAKE TIME TO
RELAX – COME! ENJOY!
SANDWICH SUPPER
SOCIAL
_______________________________________________________________
AMONGST OURSELVES
We were sad to learn of the
death of two beloved longtime members in November. Our sympathies are extended
to their families.
Marjorie Ryall passed away in her sleep on November 13.
Marjorie had been a member of UUSS since 1974, participating in the Women’s
Alliance and Servetus Club. Two years ago a 90th birthday celebration was held
at UUSS in Marjorie’s honor. She was a retired Librarian.
Jim Bradfield passed away peacefully on November 16. Jim and Helen
Bradfield joined our congregation in 1948 and were active in the establishment
of our church on Sierra Blvd. Jim acted in a number of Theater One productions
and worked on Property Management and other committees.
_________________________________________________________
CONSIDER THE
MARATHON: You may need to
redirect your route to church on Sunday, December—that’s the day of the annual
Sacramento Marathon. Please note that Fair Oaks Blvd./J Street will be blocked
off from Folsom Dam to downtown Sacramento throughout the morning. (8:30-11:30
a.m. at Fair Oaks and Howe)
____________________________________________________________
THE DEADLINE FOR
THE JANUARY UNIGRAM IS MONDAY, DECEMBER 10.