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Our May Soul Matters Theme:

The Path of Creativity

Here's the link to the Soul Matters materials

http://www.uuss.org/soulmatters/

Half of the Sunday morning offering donations made in May support our local community partner:

National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI)

To donate now at the UUSS website, click here.

"May generosity bless our world, and may gratitude nourish our spirits."

May 7, 10:30AM The Body Is Not an Apology 

Rev. Lucy Bunch, preaching, with Worship Associate Courtney O’Neil, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva. Thomas Derthick, bass. Special musical guest vocalist Wendy Day 

Each year on the first Sunday in May we consider the spirituality of bodies. This year we will consider body size and the effect of societal expectations using material from the book The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor. We will have a special guest singer to share the song “This is Me” from the movie The Greatest Showman. Come as you are.  

*Today is the day to light a candle before church and write your joy, sorrow, or prayer on a card.

May 14, 10:30AM

We Are One, We Are Many: 

The Unitarian Flower Communion

A Circle Service for all ages led by Rev. Dr. Roger Jones and Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associates Dawn Huebner and Dan Myers, the UUSS Choir, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva. 

This is the 100th anniversary of the Flower Communion, created by Czech minister Rev. Norbert Capek when he was a grad student in New York. On Mother’s Day we celebrate his wife, Maja, an activist for refugees in wartime. After Maja got him to leave the Baptist ministry, they raised the kids as Unitarians. The ritual marks the unique beauty of all members of the human family. It evokes Love’s enduring power in all conditions and situations. Bring a fresh flower to exchange in the ritual if you have some, but we will have some flowers to give out in any case.

*We will have a welcome ritual for those who have become UUSS members in recent months.

*At 9:30 a.m.: Racial Equity Conversation in the Fahs Classroom. 

*At 11:50 a.m.: Newcomers’ Orientation & Tour (meet at the Welcome Table).

May 21, 10:30AM 

When Bad Things Happen—

Answers for Unanswerable Questions

Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Colette Kavanaugh, 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 9:30 a.m.: Exploring UUism in the Fahs Classroom

*At 11:50 a.m.: Congregational Business Meeting in the Sanctuary and on Zoom

We extend our condolences to Inga Holmquist on the loss of her niece, Tamsyn "Rose" Heimbichner, who died by suicide last week. Rose was a brilliant, beautiful, creative, and tender-hearted person who had suffered intractable pain and nausea for five years. As the family reels from this loss, Inga seeks hope in Rose's wise words: "Don't forfeit love for the sake of avoiding loss." We send our love to Inga.

We extend our condolences to Meg O'Neill on the passing of her husband, Daniel O'Neill. He died at age 85 after many years with the painful disease of dystonia. Dan studied at Notre Dame and the Naval Post Graduate School and served in the Navy. In 1968 he became a reporter for the Sacramento Bee. He then received a degree from McGeorge School of Law and served in the county Public Defender's office until 1998. He and Meg shared five children and nine grandchildren. 

The Celebration of Life and memorial reception for our member Frankie Crawford will take place at UUSS at 10:30 am, Saturday, May 20.

Renewal of Vows Invitation

UUSS members Terrie Taylor and Jed Shapiro invite the congregation to attend their Renewal of Vows ceremony and reception on the occasion of their 20th anniversary. It will take place Saturday, June 3 at 2:00 pm at UUSS. If you would like to attend, please let Terrie know by May 15 and she'll send you an invitation. (Contact info is in the UUSS Directory.) Thank you!

Our next UUSS 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 and vote on next year's budget and slate of candidates for leadership positions. The meeting agenda will be posted online.

The UUSS Board has asked a small committee to create a process to evaluate our co-ministers, focusing on their current strengths and challenges. We are seeking input from the congregation at large, committees, elected leaders, and staff. Please click on the link https://forms.gle/sJK7Fpox2LLA5rui8 to provide your thoughtful comments on Reverend Roger’s evaluation. Input will be gathered until May 18. A similar process will be conducted in June to evaluate Reverend Lucy. Questions may be sent to board@uuss.org

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 again this Sunday, May 7. Kindergarten to

grade 5 are invited to join Glory Wicklund in the UUrthsong Community Garden (next to the playground) this week to plant sunflowers and paint rocks to decorate the garden. Parents and guardians can meet us after service in the playground area.

Junior High Youth Group (JHYG) -- Grades 6-7-8 on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month (10:30 start in sanctuary); meets again this Sunday, May 7.

Senior High Youth Group (SHYG) -- Grades 9-12 on

the 3rd Sunday, this Sunday May 21 (This is the last meeting before summer break)! Takes place AFTER the all-ages service.

Also, note that SHYG meets with Kids Freedom Club on the 1st Sunday of each month (May 7). Contact shyg@uuss.org to find out more!

Kids Freedom Club  -- MEETS 11:30 am the 1st Sunday of every month! A week from this Sunday, 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 before the next meeting!

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

Child & Baby Dedication Ritual at UUSS: Conversation with a Minister

We will hold a ritual of blessing for babies and children of UUSS families on Sunday, June 4. The ritual is also an act of dedication by the congregation to the support and inclusion of these young lives among us. 

On Tuesday, May 16, at 7:00 pm, Rev. Roger will hold a Zoom conversation with parents or guardians to get acquainted and answer questions about the ritual. Contact him or Crystal Fountain for a link. Whether or not you are able to attend this meeting, please let him know if your family wishes to participate in the ritual. roger@uuss.org

UPDATE:

As of April 28, UUSS has received pledges from 238 households for a current total of $474,490 for the 2023-24 budget. Thank you!

This means nearly 90 people have not let us know their pledge. Please save our Stewardship volunteers and yourself from the reminder phone calls and emails that we must make soon to ensure that we hear from everyone about your pledge for UUSS.

Your generosity makes a difference. 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, read a chart showing the range of monthly pledges, 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 to the question:

What Do You Love about UUSS?

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 donated CDs and DVDs; any of those that are left after the service on May 28th will be donated. 

UUSS Survey for Future Programming

Are we fulfilling our mission "to deepen our lives and be a force for healing in the world?" One way to explore this question is to consider all the programs, events, groups and activities currently going on at UUSS, and ask: Is anything missing?

The Adult Enrichment Committee is sending out this two question survey and would like to hear from you. The last day to respond is May 9.

All responses will be compiled anonymously. Open Survey Here

KEEP MOVING - GET FIT continues Thursdays, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. May 11 - 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 Shelley Burns, a Silver Sneakers instructor. Questions? email adultenrichment@uuss.org.

Saturday Stitchers and Crafters - Saturday, May 6,

10 am-Noon, in the Fahs Classroom. Bring sewing, coloring, beading, knitting, or any other portable craft and join us! Contact: stitchers@uuss.org

Article II - Have your say!

UUSS currently has an effort going to provide opportunities for the congregation to weigh in about the changes to Article II of the UUA bylaws -- which defines what Unitarian Universalism is. Your comments will help inform the General Assembly Delegates from the congregation in their role to represent you all in June.   See Karen Gunderson or Sally Wilkins for more information.

• This Sunday, May 7 Information & Discussion Session, after Worship in Room 6.
• There is a draft of key parts of the proposed language posted in the Welcome Hall with post-it notes for you to provide your specific feedback.  

UUA/GENERAL ASSEMBLY WORKSHOP

We’re holding a workshop on Sunday 5/7 following the worship service in Room 6 at 12noon. Please join us to talk about upcoming vote at GA this year. 

-Sally Wilkins and Karen Gunderson

Ukulele Strum-Along on Monday, May 8th, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. in Fahs Room. Come at 1:30 for tutoring and loan of a uke. All welcome! 

Contact: ukes@uuss.org

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, beginning May 12.

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.

Reading & Responding to Poetry with JoAnn Anglin

Monday, May 15, 10:00 am, Zoom



Enter via the UUSS website, as you would attend a service. We meet the first and third Monday mornings. All are welcome to reflect together on a poem. This practice is called Lectio Divina.

You are welcome to join our friendly discussion by going to our UUSS website on Monday. Just enter the group the same way you would attend a streaming Zoom Sunday service.

Save the Date: 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! 

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.

Family Ministry is looking for volunteers for the UUSS All-Ages Camp at Camp Norge in Alta, California. Our dates are June 9-11.

Please indicate your interest to camp@uuss.org.

Registration form & lodging options coming next week! Save the dates!

Helping Is a Two-Way Street:

Afghan Refugee Friends Working to Build a Life

Do you have some yard work, painting, house maintenance, financial record keeping, or other needs for help?  Our volunteers are supporting three refugee families from Afghanistan with tutoring, transportation, medical and school appointments. You may have met a few at church. As they await legal asylum proceedings, they seek to earn money to pay rent, buy food, and pay attorney's fees. Hence, they are available for short-term work.

All three fled Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover because a member of each family had served the US government. To support them, we have used some of the funds donated at in December and received pro-bono help from a lawyer for some legal fees, but not all. But the funds will run out and the families want to support themselves as much as possible. 

If you have questions, contact Susan Jones, Meg Burnett or refugeesupport@uuss.org.

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.

 The presentation will provide valuable information for adults with middle or high school aged youth that includes 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