Unigram July 2002

The UNIGRAM

Monthly Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento

Vol. 32 No. 11

July 2002

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

Custodian: Elaine Cooper

Night Custodian: Bill LandonJones

A MONTH OF SUNDAYS – JULY 2002

Services at 10 a.m. in the Auditorium. See "Religious Education News" for more information on Summer Religious Education.

7/7

9:45-11:15 a.m. Room 11 – Infant and toddler care.

9:55 a.m. Room 7/8 – Ages 5-12.

10 a.m. Auditorium. Rev. Ted Webb, Minister Emeritus, is the speaker. He says:"On this pretty little planet earth we have manufactured our own sun, John Milton's "whirlwinds of tempestuous fire," the nuclear weapon. Nuclear weapons imitate their mother, the sun. The more we comprehend the reality of Milton's hell of "tempestuous fire," the quicker we are likely to rid earth of The Bomb. What utter devastation it will mean for the millions who are to be destroyed instantaneously must be made abundantly clear by television, dramas, moving pictures, and the written word. Unless millions are brought awake to this reality, the earth will inch, day-by-day and pronouncement-by-pronouncement to the bitter end. The peace movement, the churches, along with the media have the opportunity to awaken the population and make clear to Americans that the extreme emphasis upon strengthening the military with the expenditure of billions and trillions of dollars will continue to weaken our county. Currently we are destroying the infrastructure, leaving the population suffering for lack of health services and hungry given the rising price of food. America's destructive foreign policy must be changed. To date the result has been to make enemies of countless countries north, south, east and west, meaning that peace action and/or an aroused business community must lead the way out and up into the light of a better world--absent the bomb."

7/14

9:45-11:15 a.m. Room 11 – Infant and toddler care.

9:55 a.m. Room 7/8 – Ages 5-12.

10 a.m. Auditorium. Dances of Universal Peace. From the beginning of time, sacred movement, song, and story have brought people together at times of seasonal ceremony and celebration, as part of everyday life and life passages, in daily renewal and meditation. The Dances of Universal Peace are part of this timeless tradition of Sacred Dance. We invite you to join us in celebrating our spiritual

7/21

9:45 a.m. Rm 11 – Infant and toddler care.

10 a.m. Auditorium. "The Frog Who Thought She Was a Singer" and Other Stories - an intergenerational service. Ms. Katye E. Ridgeway, founder of the California Association of Black Storytellers and the YWCA's 1996 "Outstanding Woman in the Arts" will tell two of her favorite stories as part of this all-ages service. The storyteller holds a sacred place in all cultures – Ms. Ridgeway began her storytelling career at an early age, in Sunday School in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Mobile, Alabama, and now produces a story-telling show "Roots and Wings" on Access Sacramento Channel 73. Kate Throop is Worship Leader.

7/28

9:45-11:15 a.m. Room 11 – Infant and toddler care.

9:55 a.m. Room 7/8 – Ages 5-12.

10 a.m. Auditorium. Devorah Greenstein speaks. Ms. Greenstein is a student at Starr King School for the Ministry, and she will join us in September to serve as Intern Minister.

SUMMER SCHEDULE CONTINUES

Services at 10 a.m. in the Auditorium. See the August Unigram for Religious Education.

8/4 Spirituality of the Arts. Rich Howard, coordinator.

8/11 Devorah Greenstein speaks.

8/18 Ministry Circles unite to present this service. Fran Oyafuso; coordinator.

8/25 Rev. Doug Kraft.

9/1 Theater One with a presentation on the theme of "one from many," looking forward to our new Sunday schedule, where as one congregation we divide our attendance in two services.

AT THE MOMENT...

The Reverend Douglas C.B. Kraft

When Erika and I saw "UUSS" displayed on several campsites, we knew we had found the right place. We parked amongst the cars and vans.

"Greysquirrel" campsite had the most activity, so we headed in that direction. Several kids ran up and gave me a hug. Parents greeted me. Alice invited me to make a Fruit Loop necklace. I declined but took up the invitation to tie-dye a T-shirt.

"Toddler camp is over there." Someone pointed to the next campsite. I wandered over to investigate. An army of picnic coolers stood in line next to a table with a cornucopia of grocery bags. I was offered fruit salad, chocolate, a sandwich, chocolate, fruit, Rice Krispies bars, celery, carrots, and chocolate. Several packs of three and a half-foot kids roamed the campsite. There were enough parents sitting in talking clumps that the kids could roam free and still be under a watchful eye.

In the afternoon we went to a lake, tried to fly a kite in a gale force wind, hiked the nature trail, ran in and out of the cold water, napped and mostly hung out.

Before supper I wandered to the other campsites in our enclave. One younger child had been having difficulty with peers so a few older kids adopted her and went off to play fantasy games. Approaching another tent two boys informed me this was Pluto. And yes, there were a few Game Boys mixed in with Frisbees and a pickup ball game played with an over-sized plastic bat and a small pillow disguised as a baseball.

One hundred of us cooked a communal dinner over two grills: delightful chaos. I intended to leave early to get back to Sacramento (I was in the pulpit the next morning). But I couldn't pull myself away (or was it the two margaritas?). It was too windy for a campfire, so we cooked marshmallows over charcoal and sang songs into the evening.

I don't want to romanticize religious education camp. I was reminded of how much pre-adolescent girls thrill at screaming at the top of their lungs, how much dirt a five year old can accumulate in five minutes and how enthusiastic little boys with sticks need to be disarmed occasionally. However, I was also reminded how naturally kind kids can be in their own rambunctious ways.

As I drove away late that night, I was grateful to Kate and all the religious education folks who organized things so well that all I had to do was show up and enjoy. I was grateful to the non-active parents who had the wisdom to join us all. I was touched by the wonderful spirit that pervaded the camp and all the parents who so practically embody our values of open hearts, helping hands and treating people of all ages and personalities with such dignity and worth.

I feel so blessed to be part of this community.

May you all have wonderful summers.

Namasté,

Doug

New UUSS Board Members

Elected May 19

The results of the May 19 election of church officers and the names of continuing Board members are:

President: Tiffany Urness

Vice President: Thelma White

Secretary: Mary Howard

(Continuing as Treasurer: Dennis Riechmann)

Three-year term on Board of Trustees:

Richard Dewey

Glenda Smaage

One- year term on Board of Trustees:

Jan Dennis

Gary Malkin

(Continuing as Board members: Tina Chiginsky, Shirley Hines, Robert Oyafuso).

Endowment Trust, Trustee (three-year term)

Hill Snellings

Communication & Conflict Management Committee Chair: (One-year term)

Harley Sebastian-Lewis

2003-2004 Nominating Committee Chair:

Edith Isaacs

2003-2004 Nominating Committee Members:

Margaret Case, Nancy Gilbert, Marty Heckeroth, Janet Lopes, David Paul, Pat Skeels.

Jeff Voeller

PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Did I detect, among those of you who came up to hug and congratulate me on my election, a somewhat mournful look of pity, a rush of compassion? Is this in any way related to the difficulty our Nominating Committees experience in finding candidates for Board positions? Could it be that serving on the Board is not generally regarded as a high honor and a privilege? An opportunity to share warm camaraderie and work side by side with fellow leaders to define the vision and deliberate the weighty issues of our UUSS community? If this is true, something has gone awry and somebody needs to do something. That somebody is probably us.

Before coming up with answers and solutions for creating a more positive, more attractive Board aura, my sense is that we may need to ponder about what the real problem is. Do we have a reputation for micromanagment? Are we not prioritizing and delegating? Is it the stories of meetings that go on for hours and don't reach a conclusion? Is it about managing conflict and taking the heat from an intentionally diverse and outspoken congregation that has been known to get downright adamant about pointing out flaws in decisions and policies? Is there something about our size and structure that gets in the way of getting things done? Are we sure we know what the job of the Board is? What it should be?

Doug tells us that a Great Turning may be shifting the way the world works. On our own smaller scale, many shifts and changes are already in progress at UUSS. With Doug, Kate, and Clay at their respective helms, there is a pervasive feeling of being in good hands, in balance, and in a growth mode. I am especially grateful to Linda Clear, and to Ruth Van Unen, Rich Howard, and Board presidents and members before them for their legacies. My aim is to nudge things along further; to help lead us toward ways of governing ourselves that reflect and honor our principles, and to help generate and sustain the congregation's trust and good will. But just as importantly, when word gets out about what satisfaction, what sense of accomplishment and effectiveness, and what a good time we have on the Board, we're going to have so many prospective candidates next year, why, we may actually have contested elections!

Looking forward,

Tiffany Urness

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS

Camp! What a wonderful time we had. There was plenty of room for all the tents, food enough for a small army (there were 101 of us, after all!), enough mosquitoes to keep us alert in the evening, wind that sang a rowdy lullaby in the pines over our heads, two spectacularly well-behaved dogs, and, best of all, kids and grown-ups having fun together. Campers ranged in age from 14 months to 80 years, and six families joined us for the first time. If you notice an outbreak of tie-dyed t-shirts in church this summer, think "camp"!

Terry and I got home from camp about 5:00 Sunday afternoon, and I got back in the car at 8:30 Monday morning to drive to Oakland to visit a dear friend and mentor who is undergoing chemotherapy for a particularly aggressive cancer. She showed off her purple wig, we laughed about her diet of tapioca, rice and Gatorade, we talked about our grandchildren. I sat in a chair about 4 feet from the foot of her bed and watched as she unwrapped the silly gifts I had brought: a tiny purple heart on a purple safety pin, some wind-up plastic animals, a magic wand, a toe ring with purple flowers on it, and a blown glass tear drop to catch the suns' rays and send them bouncing around the room. My 20 minutes of pre-agreed upon time stretched to more than an hour. I didn't want to leave, but finally said my good-byes and headed home.

All the way back to Sacramento I thought about that tear-drop hanging in her window. I thought about the joys and sorrows from our worship service at camp on Sunday, where laughter and sadness intertwined and arms reached out to offer comfort and love. And I realized that camp is the perfect antidote to my perpetual June running-out-of-steam fatigue. It brings me heart-to-heart with our community, and fills me with gratitude for the caring and love that dwell there.

I'm glad I drove to Oakland today, and I'm glad I went to camp. I wish you a summer with respite from your daily routine, and time to appreciate the many blessings of the life we share.

Love,

Kate

Summer Religious Education for ages 5 – 12

(Older youth are welcome to assist with younger children or attend church service).

July 7, 14, & 28 meet in Room 7/8 at 9:55 a.m.

All ages will join in games and activities that deepen our understanding and appreciation of stories from Native American traditions.

July 21 All-ages Service with storyteller Katye Ridgeway - 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Room 11 will be staffed from 9:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. during the summer months. Infants and toddlers through age 4 are welcome here – parents, please sign in with your first and last name and your child's name! If you are a first time visitor, sit near the main doors during the church service so that we can find you if necessary.

R.E. Office Summer Hours

I will be on vacation from July 3 – 6, and August 13 – 21. I will not be keeping regular office hours during July, although I will be spending most days in my office and in the R.E. rooms preparing curriculum materials and organizing the administrative support structure that is needed for our expanded religious education in September. If you want to meet with me at UUSS, be sure to call first!

Kate Throop, DRE (office) 483-9283 x 203

CABBAGES & KINGS

Vacations are a not only good for restoring ourselves, they also provide for new perspective. I was reminded of the latter on Lisbeth's and my recent vacation to Denmark, her place of birth. There is a tendency to think that what we live with day-to-day is normal, but the world is a big place. For instance in Denmark it is not normal to expect stores to be open on holidays or Sundays. Danes have come to understand six weeks of holiday is normal. In Denmark it is not normal to think that it is OK to be homeless, hungry, unemployed, uneducated, or unhealthy. In Denmark it is normal to recycle and not to litter. It is not normal in Denmark to think that all energy needs should be met by oil and coal. It is normal in Denmark to see windmills creating electrical power. 70% of Danes living in Copenhagen think it is normal to commute to work by public transit, bicycle, or ferry. While Danes are the most heavily taxed people on earth, they think it is normal to have the highest standard of living in the world.

Normal is clearly a matter of perspective. Being normal is not by definition positive or negative, only perspective determines that. On my return to real life at UUSS, I find myself asking what our norms are and do I like them or do I wish they were different. If I wish the norms were different, what am I willing to do to help change them. If you get the opportunity to go on vacation over the next couple of months, visit a UU congregation wherever you are. Ask yourself about their norms and would we benefit by them. Bring them home to us as a souvenir reminding you and us that being UU is rarely normal.

Clay Nelson

Business Manager

OUTREACH

Mentors Needed

The Sacramento Children's Home on Sutterville Road needs mentors, both men and women. Sacramento Children's Home is a well-established and well thought-of institution in our community, and 90 children of all ages live there. To learn more about the worthwhile program of mentoring (it's a wonderful way to feed your soul), call me or call Judy Schefer, volunteer coordinator.

Thelma White

DENOMINATIONAL AFFAIRS

UU Men's Retreat

October 18-20 in Alamo

For five years UU men have gathered for a weekend in October. We've played, explored, meditated, and sung. Above all we reconnected with old friends, made new ones, and learned from one another.

Come and meet old friends or be welcomed as new friends participating in structured exercises, informed exchanges, and fun in a relaxed friendly environment.

This year our theme is "Making the Real Me - - More Real." In this we will discover, examine, and share the values and priorities that guide our real-world choices and reflect how and why these may evolve during our lives.

The retreat will be held the weekend of October 18-20 at the Westminster Retreat Center in Alamo, near Walnut Creek. An early registration fee of $175 ($200 following October 1) covers meals, lodging, and workshop materials. Scholarships may be available.

To learn more or to register contact Agusin Gurule. You can also access our website at www.pcd-uua.org: click on "Men's Pages," then "Men's Retreat 2002.'

Bob Oyafuso

UUSS NEWS

Forum Has a New Meeting Time

The unknown approaches. Help!

The Forum will be held at a new time this Fall: One o'clock after lunch. Many of you, who have found it difficult to attend at 9:30 a.m., will find the new time to your liking and will be able to participate. With this new time there may be unexpected problems, but we hope they will be few. A lot of people have commented that the Forum programs have been outstanding—even those who have not attended.

We have every intention of continuing the quality of programs that have been presented over the 30 years of the Forum's existence.

Since this new schedule presents an opportunity to reach a greater audience, perhaps more UUSS members and friends will be willing to contribute time, energy, and ideas. The advice and help of all will be appreciated.

The next meeting to discuss future programs and ways to interest both UUSS members and the larger community will be held Saturday, July 13, 10 a.m. in Room 12. (This is our regular planning meeting time, the second Saturday of the month.) Please come with ideas and ready to help. We need you!

Rick Caughey

UUs GET TOGETHER

Share Your Spiritual Journey

Join a Ministry Circle

Want to join a small group of UUSS members and friends who meet to explore and share their spiritual or ehical journeys? Ministry Circles meet twice a month in homes or at the church. For more information, pick up a Ministry Circle brochure and application available in the church office or at the greeters' table after Sunday services.

Fran Oyafuso

Senior Group Meets 3 Times

Group Seeks a Nutrition Resource

The Senior Support Group will be meeting through the summer, and we welcome all seniors. We meet every other Monday (July 1, 15, and 29) in the church Library. We discuss any and all topics of interest to seniors—at our June 3 meeting Blythe Hewitt spoke to us on exercise for seniors. Blythe is a physical therapist and has appeared in a number of Theater One productions. She is Shirley Hewitt's daughter.

We would like to find someone in the congregation to give us a short presentation on nutrition for seniors. If you could serve as a resource for us, please call the church office at 483-9283 ext. O.

Barbara Amberson

Forum Film Club Meets 7/27

Francois Truffaut classic shown

For July's meeting, Forum Film Club presents The 400 Blows (1959), starring Jean-Pierre Leaud and Claire Maurier. We will gather at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 27, in Room 6 to view this classic from director Francois Truffaut. A 13 year-old boy turns to a life of small-time crime to escape the neglect he receives at home from his parents and the harsh criticism of his teacher. As he ventures out on his own, he discovers the freedom he longs for is not so easily attained. This is a simply wonderful movie from a great director!

Terry Cantrell

Servetus Club: Lunch on the River

River boat-Restaurant outing July 7

Servetus Club is a social club for older singles. Couples and others are invited to join club members on Sunday afternoon, July 7, for a ride on the River Otter to a restaurant for lunch. Call Bobby in the church office for more information (483-9283 ext. 204).

Dorothy Engelstad

Night at the River Cats

Seats available 8/24

Plenty of seats are still available for UUSS Night at the River Cats! Join fellow UUs for a fun night of baseball and barbeque at the Sacramento River Cats game on Saturday, August 24 at 7:05 p.m. The Cats will take on the Fresno Grizzlies at Raley Field.

Tickets and barbeque are $25.25 per person; children under 10 $17.50. This includes admission to the game, an all-you-can-eat-barbeque starting an hour prior to game time, and a beverage coupon. Up to 36 seats are available with a minimum requirement of 20.

Get your reservation in early by sending a check for $25.25 per person to me at 7066 Eider Way, Sacramento CA 95831. Bring your family and a friend. See you at the game on August 24!

David Paul

The Art of Dreaming

Montague Ullman, M.D., says: "In our sleep, we are effortlessly doing what artists and poets struggle to do awake. Just as any art form transforms its subject matter, regardless of how seemingly banal, so can the dreamer. To dream is a kind of natural talent and is with us all our lives. We use that talent in combination with our imagination to bring something new and original into our lives."

Bring your dreams and join us in the UUSS Library on Wednesdays on 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and discover something new or original about your own life! For more information call me.

Fran Oyafuso

UU Young Adults: 4 Events in July

UU Young Adults are Unitarian Universalists in their 20s and 30s. This group serves both UU churches in Sacramento—the UU Community Church (UUCC) and the UU Society of Sacramento (UUSS). Some of us are single, some are married, and some are in between. Newcomers are always welcome! The group usually meets on Sundays at 7 p.m. in the Library, but this month we have four special events instead. To check on the latest plans, contact Mark Callicotte or call me). To join our e-mail collective, send a message to Dean Baird.

Thursday 7/4 Independence Day Picnic and Fireworks Celebration! Meet at 6 p.m. at the UUSS parking lot. Pack a Picnic dinner and bring something to sit on. Our own Dar will bring the Sac Bee schedule of all the good fireworks, and fireworks viewing spots.

Saturday 7/13, 6 p.m. 3rd Annual Bad Music BBQ For directions and more information call Mark Come join us for the 3rd Annual Bad Music BBQ. Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse than last year's event! Just bring any music that you actually like, but would be embarrassed to play in front of people, and we'll play it really loud to maximize your shame. Mark will provide the meats for the grill, and besides the scintillating melodies, please bring a dish to pass or drinks or chips or something with sugar in it.

Saturday 7/20 Mumbo Gumbo in concert at Folsom Powerhouse Pub 9:45 p.m., meet at 7 p.m. for dinner. 614 Sutter Street, Folsom. You need to buy tickets in advance, approximately $10-12. I called and they serve BBQ, Kabobs, Tacos, Steak Sandwiches, etc. If you call in advance the cook will do a special vegetarian order.

Saturday 7/27 Hike by the American River Meet at the UUSS parking lot, 9 a.m. Our own Michelle Wood is coordinating a hike by the American River. Call Michelle for details.

Laura Dickinson

Gap Group Movie Night

The Gap Group is a loosely organized group of middle-aged people, both married and single, who enjoy getting together for social occasions. New people are always welcome. Please call me or e-mail me for more information. Saturday 7/20. Join Karen Latimer for a movie and dessert. E-mail Karen or call her for time and place.

Cathy George

Dances of Universal Peace

After the church service on July 14 (see "A Month of Sundays") you may be inspired to learn more about Dances of Universal Peace, and you are invited join them at UUSS on Friday July 19, 7:30-:30 p.m. The Dances combine music, simple movement and sacred phrases of many spiritual traditions of the earth, inspiring peace and serenity within. Dance leaders guide us through each dance, teaching the words, melody and movements. No musical or dance experience of any kind is required and everyone is welcome to join in the circle We hope to see you here!

Christine Manz

Explore Your Dream Images

Midsummer's Dream Workshop 7/26

On Friday July 26, 7-10 p.m. in the Fahs Room, join us for a facilitated workshop exploring images and themes from your own dreams. Work with dream images through guided writing activities. Transform your dream landscape into a "Dream Mobile," an art project to take home with you.

Workshop fee of $50 includes all materials. Please pre-register by calling me.

Heather Reed

NEW MEMBERS

We are pleased to welcome these new members to UUSS. Jeff Austin and Keiko Matsushida are the parents of two year-old twins. Alyson Buchman and Albert Cinelli moved to Sacramento from Indiana. Alyson was raised in New Jersey, Albert in New York. They are college teachers and have a four year-old son. Bea Petrocci has returned to this area where she was a UU member for many years with her late husband David. Ana Ross is a Pediatric abuse examiner, avid moviegoer, closet novelist, and a new member of our dream group. Ralph Scowden is a computer programmer, with a varied religious background raised as an "Air Force brat."

Clair Urness

AMONG OURSELVES

We were saddened to learn of the recent deaths of two of our loved members, Jim Hobkirk and Marjorie Yusavage.

Jim Hobkirk. who joined our congregation in 1974, died on June 5 after a long illness. Our sympathies are extended to Jim's wife Helen and their children. A memorial service for Jim Hobkirk was held at UUSS on June 9.

Marjorie Yusavage died on June 4. Since joining UUSS in February 1999, Marjorie was active in church events and will be especially missed by friends in Women's Alliance and Servetus Club. She was a widow; her husband died just a few months before their 50th anniversary. Our sympathies are extended to her children.

Our sympathies are extended to Pat Setzer on the loss of her mother, Dorothy Gallagher, who died on May 27. A memorial service was held at UUSS on June 4.

Our sympathies go out to Roger Barr, whose brother James died in a plane crash on June 14. James was an experienced pilot but the engine failed on his plane as he was preparing for an air show.

Congratulations and best wishes to Joyce Chadd and Frank Winans, who were married at UUSS on June 1.

And congratulations and best wishes to Gina Heckeroth and Jim Towne, who were married on April 15.

Gillen Morrison (Judy Morrison's son) has become a well-known actor (some of us know that his first part, as a teenager, was here at Theater One in Charles & Mae Flower) is appearing in the Sacramento premier of Closer, by Patrick Marber, playing through July 27 at Synergy Stage, 25th & R St. Closer has been performed by Berkeley Rep and won the Olivier Award in London in 1997.

UUs IN THE NEWS

Pat Moore-Howard was featured in Anita Creamer's Sacramento Bee column on June 3. Pat was a reading specialist in Sacramento schools when she became aware of the lack of information available to teachers about the growing Hmong and Mien communities here. She taught the children to read, she immersed herself in their culture, spiritual beliefs, and history, and she wrote three books which for many years served as the only teachers' guides available on the subject. She also helped start a business employing Hmong women to produce traditional ethnic embroidery.

The Sacramento Early Music Consort, a new 13-member baroque chamber group, was featured in the Bee on May 30. In a picture of five of the musicians was Kathryn Canan, recorder player.