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Our Weekly Message
News, Invitations, and Ministerial Reflections
May 19, 2023
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Beloveds -
May is a time for music and concerts by community groups abound! My choir, the Sacramento Master Singers, has a concert this weekend (Antyhony Tavianini, our music director, has a solo and that’s worth the price of the ticket alone, Mastersingers.org for tickets). Many other local arts groups offer concerts this time of year. UUSS members sing in the River City Chorale (concert this weekend) , the Sacramento Valley Concert choir (concert on Tuesday) and Chanteuses. I am sure there are other groups along with the many bands and orchestras in which our members participate. The Capitol Pops band has two UUSS folks among it ranks and will have a concert at UUSS on May 27th. One of the founders of that group is Jerry Lopes, father of UUSS member Janet Lopes. Our own UUSS choir rehearses every Wednesday and welcomes all who want to sing. Musicians at UUSS have planning a special concert on June 4 at 2 PM. Come hear the music of Broadway; tickets available at the door.
Making music is a form of spiritual practice, one that is much more powerful in community. There is something magical about being part of a group that creates beauty together. But it’s not just about making music. One powerful dimension of these communal endeavors is a sense of belonging.
I am preparing for a sermon on happiness and learning that people who are the happiest have a sense of belonging to something – whether it’s a book group, a choir, a sports team, or a church. This past Sunday we welcomed 17 new people into membership in our community. Some of those folks participated in a class I offered for new members and active newcomers-- Your UU Journey. At the end of our four-session class the participants all expressed a deeper sense of belonging to UUSS.
At UUSS we belong to each other as much as to the church itself. We care about each other, nurture and support each other in good times and in challenging ones. I hope you feel that you belong, with us and in other places in your life. You are not alone.
Sending love to all,
Rev Lucy
P.S. our congregational meeting is this Sunday after the service. Members will vote on the budget and a slate of candidates for leadership positions. All are welcome.
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Have you noticed the link that says "(Message clipped) View entire message" near the bottom of these e-mails? We have so much news in here sometimes that it does not all show up when you open the email. Scroll down and click on the link to see more! | |
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Sunday Mornings with UUSS
Face masks Recommended but not Required- read more
Join us for Worship Services in person or on Zoom Zoom links here
Service time 10:30 a.m.
Did you miss a service? You can find links to past services here
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Sunday Morning Programs
Join us before the service at 9:30 AM at UUSS
1st Sunday - Labyrinth meditation in the meadow (June 4)
2nd Sunday - Racial Equity Conversation (June 11)
3rd Sunday - Qui Gong/Tai Chi (May 21)
4th Sunday - Exploring Unitarian Universalism (May 28)
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Join us for a Newcomer Orientation and Tour the second of every month Sunday right after church in the Welcome Hall; next one is after church on Sunday, June 11. | |
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May 21, 10:30AM
When Bad Things Happen—
Answers for Unanswerable Questions
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Karen Sparrow, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva.
Through his unconventional views of God and his message of compassion and hope, Rabbi Harold Kushner touched millions of lives, especially in his books When Bad Things Happen to Good People and Living a Life that Matters. He died in Massachusetts last month at age 88. In honor of his life, we revisit some of his insight and guidance today.
All are welcome to stay for the Congregational Meeting.
*At 11:50 a.m.: Congregational Business Meeting in the Sanctuary and on Zoom
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May 28, 10:30AM: The Power of Creativity
Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching, with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Celia Buckley, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva
Creativity can heal us, challenge us and transform us. But often the idea of being creative is intimidating. Our Soul Matters theme for May is creativity and we will consider how our lives can be enriched and our world transformed by opening the faucet of our creativity.
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Rev. Roger asks:
Did You Grow Up in a UU Congregation?
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While many people come to UUism as adults, some of our adults did spend time in UU congregations as children and teens. (And of course, dozens of infants, children and youth are having that experience now at UUSS.) For an upcoming service, Rev. Roger would like to hear some of your stories, memories, recollected images or other sensations from growing up UU. Regardless of your age now, what gifts (or burdens) from that experience have you carried in your life? Email Roger to set up a time to talk or just email him your thoughts and recollections: roger@uuss.org | |
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The Celebration of Life and memorial reception for our member Frankie Crawford will take place at UUSS at 10:30 am, Saturday, May 20.
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Joys, Sorrows, and Prayers | |
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If you would like to have a joy, sorrow, concern, or milestone spoken by a minister at Sunday’s prayer time, at this link. You may use it to inform us of a joy or sorrow and let us know if you do not want us to mention it aloud, or if you would like a phone call.
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*CONGREGATIONAL MEETING*
Packet of Information For You
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Our Congregational Meeting will be held immediately after the Sunday service on May 21, on Zoom AND in-person. Please plan to stay with the rest of the congregation to hear important updates. Click here http://www.uuss.org/board/informational-packet-for-congregational-meeting-may-21-2023/ for the meeting packet which includes:
- Agenda
- October Congregational Meeting Draft Minutes
- 2023 - 2024 Operating Budget - members will vote to approve
- Slate of nominees for leadership positions - members will vote to approve
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Religious Education Programs Coming Up! | |
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Childcare--available from 9:15 to 12:15 most Sundays in Room 11 (Nursery). Room and resources for feeding/nursing infants are accessible in the nursery. Please enter campus via the main doors.
Extended childcare available for special events. Contact Crystal with questions: CrystalFountain@uuss.org
Soul Kids -- Meets this Sunday, May 21. Kindergarten through grade 5 are invited to the last Soul Kids meeting before summer break. We will close the season with our Soul Matters theme: The Path of Creativity.
Junior High Youth Group (JHYG) -- Grades 6-7-8 on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month (10:30 start in sanctuary). May 21 will be the last meeting before summer break.
Senior High Youth Group (SHYG) -- Grades 9-12. The final SHYG meeting before summer break--originally scheduled for this Sunday, May 21st--is postponed until Sunday, June 4.
Please Contact shyg@uuss.org to find out more!
Kids Freedom Club -- All age levels of kids, youth and parents gather to build community and raise awareness of modern slavery and raise money to help to free enslaved people around the world. Contact freedom@uuss.org to find out more!
Is your child or grandchild interested in Chalice Camp during the week of July 17-21?
The pandemic interrupted our participation in Chalice Camp these past few years, but we are looking for attendees to help us bring it back. A day camp for rising 1st to rising 6th graders with the theme of climate justice.
Email CrystalFountain@uuss.org to express interest.
Please email Crystal if you would like to receive the Weekly
Religious Education and Family Ministry Update Email. CrystalFountain@uuss.org
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Pledge Drive Update
(please save us from making reminder phone calls to you)
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UPDATE:
As of May 11, UUSS has received pledges from 296 households for a current total of $539,532 for the 2023-24 budget. Thank you! This works out to an average pledge of at least $150 per month.
Thanks to the 92 households that have raised their pledge, and to the 20 new pledging households. However, we have not heard from everyone yet.
Please save our volunteers and yourself from the reminder phone calls that we must make soon to ensure that we hear from everyone about your pledge for UUSS.
Together our gifts keep his abundant community strong and vital as we live out our mission, support our ministers and staff members, pay our bills, maintain our buildings and grounds, and contribute to the larger UU movement. At uuss.org/stewardship , read a letter from our ministers, see the Monthly Giving Guide, and submit your pledge.
At this link, you can watch wonderful pledge testimonials, enjoy a video message from a former UUSS intern and the UUA's Director of Stewardship, watch Rev. Lucy's "Abundant Community" sermon, and see a short video of coffee-hour responses about UUSS.
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The UUSS Beacon Bookstore has FREE STUFF in the Library! We are in the process of cleaning up our space now that so many are back in circulation. Look at the credenza under the big screen for your opportunities to pick up UUSS keepsakes that celebrate our 150th Anniversary and our Sanctuary Banners. You can also sort through some used CDs and DVDs; any of those that are left after the service on May 28 will be donated. | |
UUSS All-Ages Camp at Camp Norge | |
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Join UUSS at All Ages Camp--Fri-Sun, June 9-11 at Camp Norge in Alta. Camp in your tent or reserve a room with beds--dorm style or single-family. Structured activities, smores & songs around a fire, potluck dinner, Sunday service, plus time to goof off in the meadow & build community. uuss.org/camp. Questions? camp@uuss.org
Q & A sessions are available to answer some of your questions:
Use this link for all Q&A meetings:
https://zoom.us/j/9164839283?pwd=ZjI4b3BHaE0xcmxJRTJUNG4xeHdDUT09
* Meeting ID: 916 483 9283 – Password: 1234 (not necessary if you use the link right above)
Q&A Only for those considering the All-Ages weekend:
Tue, May 23, 2023 - 7:00pm (no session on May 20)
Orientation and Q&A so you'll be prepared for Camp Norge!
Sat, Jun 3, 2023 - 10:00am
(This is the link for the UUSS Main Zoom Room, also accessible through the main website.)
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Groups, Gatherings, and Classes | |
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KEEP MOVING - GET FIT continues Thursdays, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. through June 22 on the Patio. Sitting, standing exercises for seniors: strength—balance—flexibility. $48 for the series, pay at first class. $10/drop-in. With instructor Shelley Burns.
Questions? email adultenrichment@uuss.org.
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Crone Connection: A group for wise older women
We meet once a month to explore our strengths and wisdom as elders, share our stories, support and inspire each other, and laugh. Structured workshop format with monthly topics of interest. This group is open to any woman who identifies herself as an elder.
Group is open and new members are welcome. Meets second Friday of every month, 10 a.m. to Noon in the library at UUSS Salad potluck following the meeting. Contact Marla Jensen at croneconnection@uuss.org for more information.
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JOIN THE UUSS READER’S CLUB Please join us for lively discussion on May 25, at 7:00pm in Fahs Room. Questions? Send a query to uureaders@uuss.org.
May book: LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY by Bonnie Garmus. Bring a recipe from 1950s or 1960s or a cookbook from that era. The protagonist has many talents!
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Saturday Stitchers and Crafters - Saturday, June 3,
10 am-Noon, in the Fahs Classroom. Bring sewing, coloring, beading, knitting, or any other portable craft and join us! Contact: stitchers@uuss.org
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Looking for volunteers for the check-in table for this event on June 4th.
Please contact Beth TenPas if you can help out
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"End of Life Planning" class with Molly Stuart, Three Wednesdays: June 7, 14 & 21 -- 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Fahs Classroom. You can consider your desired end of life care and create a plan to be assured your values will be respected, and to protect family from uncertainty. $40 donation to UUSS to be paid at the first class. Please plan to attend all three sessions. Sign up at Connections on Sundays or e-mail molly@mollystuart.com | |
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Thursday, June 8, 9:15am – 2:00pm
UUSS Field Trip to Maidu Museum & Historic Site in Roseville for a private tour of the museum and the historic site. We’ll meet at UUSS and carpool. Maximum of 35 people. Contact: racialjustice@uuss.org if you want to participate and for any questions.
Cost: $10 per person. More info to come!
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SpiritRest Silent Retreat-- Feed Your Soul This Summer
SpiritRest is a facilitated five-day silent retreat for Unitarian Universalists and other spiritual seekers. Our 2023 gathering will be August 6-11 in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.
Rev Lucy is one of the leaders of the retreat along with other UU ministers.
If you need rest, healing, inspiration, ease, and delight, this retreat is for you.
Learn more at our website www.spiritrestretreat.com.
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Save the Date: November 4 -- our Fall Auction
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The auction team is looking for YOUR ideas for this year's theme for the Saturday dinner and auction fundraiser. Get your creative juices flowing and e-mail a theme, title and/or logo idea to auction@uuss.org before May 28 with "Theme Proposal" in the subject line. The team will select finalists that will be anonymously displayed and set up for voting during the June 4 coffee hour. The winner will receive a free dinner ticket to the auction. Visit the Auction table on the patio during coffee hour this month for more information. You might even be inspired to join the team!
photo credit: Lauren Todd-Davis' "Tea Time" 2022 auctioned event
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Sunday, June 4, Noon in the Fahs Room--Ending the Silence…an informative presentation by a representative from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Sacramento. Attend an hour long engaging presentation to learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if you or a loved one are showing symptoms of a mental health condition.
Did you know…According to the CDC, the most common mental illnesses in adolescents are anxiety, mood, attention, and behavior disorders? Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people aged 15–24 years.
This presentation will provide valuable information for adults caring for loved ones who are middle or high school aged youth. It will include warning signs, facts and statistics, how to talk with your child and how to work with school staff. There will be an opportunity to ask specific questions after the formal presentation. Contact Bobbie Keill with questions at partners@uuss.org
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Staff and Minister Availability | |
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Rev. Roger (Roger's day off is Monday; study day is Friday) Rev. Lucy (Lucy's day off is Monday; study day is Friday). Both are available for pastoral support by appointment by phone, Zoom or in person, and the Pastoral Volunteers are available for support by phone. Schedule an appointment with Lucy at calendly.com/revlucyb.
Our office staff members (office@uuss.org or 916-483-9283) are available to respond to your calls and emails weekdays 8:30-4:30, except public holidays. Our Pianist and Music Director are available by email and invite you to choir practice Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Our RE Coordinator has weekly office hours and is available by email too.
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Board of Trustees
Anara Guard, President
Denis Edgren, Vice President
Victoria Owens, Treasurer
Frances Myers, Secretary
Members at Large:
Hally Cahssai
Susan Davis-James
Marilyn Reynolds
Jed Shapiro
Sally Wilkins
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Program Council
Susan Davis, Chair
Tina Chiginsky Lawrence
Joyce Ownbey
Beth TenPas
Jon Peterson
John Abbott
Ministers
Rev. Lucy Bunch & Rev. Dr. Roger Jones Ministers of Equal Standing
Rev. Doug Kraft
Minister Emeritus
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We come together to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world. | | | | |
