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Weekly Announcements

May 2, 2024

Sunday service online at uuclb.org/service or on Facebook Live.

May 5, 2024

10:00am ONSITE and on Zoom and Facebook Live

“Soul Matters Sunday: The Gifts of Pluralism”

with Rev. Lissa, LeRae Niell, and Gavin Thrasher

Unitarian Universalism is an inherently pluralistic faith tradition. We come from many spiritual paths, bound together by a unifying love that holds us together and bridges our differences. Today we reflect on our Unitarian Universalist value of pluralism, and the challenges of building interfaith community, within our tradition and our world. May will be our final month of Soul Matters sharing reflections for the 23-24 Church year.

Your monetary gifts sustain our beloved community and enable us to further embody our values through our gatherings, programs, and community outreach. Please consider UUCLB in your charitable gifts for 2023-2024.

You can easily make a make a pledge to UUCLB by using your phone to scan the QR Code below:

ONLINE GIVING — TRY IT!

You can also give quickly and easily on your phone at https://tithe.ly

or download the Tithe.ly app to your phone!

For ACH auto-donations please contact achrep@uuclb.org

Checks can be mailed to UUCLB, 5450 E. Atherton Street, Long Beach, CA 90815

Youth RE

Sunday, May 5, 10:00am

Time for All Ages

Children start in Service and then move to classrooms

Welcome to our new Religious Education Staff members Nneka Ahmad (Religious Education Assistant) and Kristen Gomez (Rainbow Room)!

The Religious Education Search Committee is delighted to share that we have received applications from many qualified candidates and are entering into our interview phase with hopes of settling a new Director to start in June. We're inviting you to help us inform the selection process by sharing your thoughts about what you value about our Religious Education program and your hopes for future leadership.

Join us at our weekly meeting

Friday, May 3rd from 5-6:30 pm

ZOOM LINK

Share your feedback online

We hope to hear from you and see you soon!

Rev. Lissa, April Rosario (DRE Consultant), Priscilla Ortiz (Board),

Ruth Goodwin, Steve Sodders and Laura Scully (Consultant)

Things to Do

Friday, May 3

10:00am         Buddhist Group ZOOM

6:00pm           LGBTQ+ Caucus

7:00pm           Awards Commitee Meeting #2 ZOOM

Saturday, May 4

9:30am           Rooted in Reverence ZOOM

6:30pm           Virtual Game Night

Sunday, May 5

10:00am         Services Onsite & on ZOOM

10:00am         Youth RE

11:15am         Caring Card Making

11:30am         LGBTQ+ Caucus

11:30am         Starting Point Class

4:00pm           Concert Series #5: Mark Sullivan, Pianist

4:00pm           Beltane Celebration with Nature's Path

7:00pm           Native Justice ZOOM/Hybrid

7:00pm           Worship Committee ZOOM!

Monday, May 6

2:30pm            Atheist /FreeThinker Meeting

6:30pm            Board Meeting via ZOOM

7:00pm           Web Team Meeting ZOOM

Tuesday, May 7

7:00pm           Planned Giving

Wednesday, May 8

6:00pm           Wylder Spirits

7:00pm           Personnnel Meeting ZOOM

7:15pm           Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, May 9

4:30pm           RE Teachers & Facilitators ZOOM

7:00pm           Racial Justice Meeting ZOOM

Click here for the UUCLB Church Calendar, ZOOM / Google links, event details,

campus usage and closures / meeting place and contact info

https://www.uuclb.org/calendar 

Upcoming Services

Sunday, May 12, 2024 — 10:00am ONSITE and on Zoom and Facebook Live

“Celebrating the Flower Communion”

with Rev. Lissa Gundlach, Gavin Thrasher and the UUCLB Choir

The Flower Communion is a beautiful Unitarian Universalist ritual with a powerful history of resistance to fascism and religious persecution. Our ritual of gathering flowers also uplifts the Mother’s Day tradition of peacemaking and pays tribute to our Chalice Guild who creates arrangements for our worship all year long. Please bring a flower or flowers to contribute to our communal vase.

SATURDAY, May 18, 2024 — 10:00am ONSITE and on Zoom and Facebook Live

Please note: this is SATURDAY CHURCH

“Love and Fear: Intersectionality of Community and Queerness”

with Aliyah Stanton (they/them), Abby Hasting-Thorpe (she/her), and Miles Rivers (he/him)

On this Long Beach Pride Weekend, Unitarian Universalist youth and young adults Miles, Aliyah, and Abby reflect on the history of LGBTQ struggles and how the lessons of queerness can be applicable to our faith community, centered in the power of love to overcome fear.

SATURDAY, May 18, 2024, 11:30am

The UUCLB Annual Congregational Meeting takes place after the SATURDAY Service.

Please stay after the service for the Annual Congregational Meeting at 11:30am in Wylder Hall (or go to UUCLB.org/service to watch the meeting online.) We’ll worship together, have brunch, select new leaders to serve UUCLB, and vote on our annual budget. This Saturday Service will make it easier for folks to attend the Pride Parade on Sunday.

Sunday, May 26, 2024 — 10:00am ONSITE and on Zoom and Facebook Live

“Atheist and Freethinkers Service ”

with the Atheists and Freethinkers Group

As a Unitarian Universalist, would you consider yourself, perhaps more accurately, Atheist, Agnostic, Humanist, Secular, Realist, Freethinker, or Seeker? Today we will present you with presentations from some of your own flock who enjoy exploring our world from a combination of all of these perspectives. They invite your attention and openness to considering your own spiritual selves, as they describe a bit of their own journeys.

Sunday, May 5, 2024, , after Service in Room 5

"Caring Card" making with the UUCLB Pastoral Care Team

Come and make a "Caring Card" or chat with the Pastoral Care Committee after service on the first Sunday of each month. The Pastoral Care Team will have a table to visit and/or make cards. The cards will be sent by the Pastoral Care Committee to those in the church community that might use some support. Supplies, samples and materials will be provided at the table. Please join us! You can contact our Pastoral Care group at: pastoralcare@uuclb.org

Sunday, May 5, 2024, after service at 11:30am in room 2/3

LGBTQ+ Caucus

Join the LGBTQ+ Caucus as we continue to celebrate all things Spring related.

NEXT LGBTQ+ CAUCUS MEETING

May 5, 2024, in room 2/3 after service at 11:30am

Hybrid Option see UUCLB Calendar for Zoom Link

Call for Volunteers

Long Beach Pride, Pride Worship, LGBTQ+ Caucus, Transgender Day of Remembrance

Pride Parade Volunteers can send an email to Jayne Swanson at PrideParade@UUCLB.org

Send an email to the LGBTQ+ Caucus Co-Chairs to Volunteer for

Pride Worship and Transgender Day of Remembrance

Pride Parade Volunteers can send an email to

Jayne Swanson at PrideParade@UUCLB.org

Upcoming Community Events

OC Youth Convening May 2024, LGBTQ+ Elders Day May 2024, Trans Pride July 2024

Your LGBTQ+ Caucus Co-Chairs are:

Chrisanne Blankenship-Billings she/they/her/them/everything, Bill Sive he/him/his

QUESTIONS? You identify as Queer or Ally and want to join our mailing list?

CONTACT US AT lgbtq.chair@uuclb.org

Lifting up our voices, Living our authentic lives, Sharing our Queer selves,

We are stronger together In Queer Space

Sunday, May 5, at 11:30am in the Lounge

"Starting Point" Membership Class

Interested in Membership? Please attend an upcoming "Starting Point" class. Presented by the membership committee, the UUCLB "Starting Point" class provides information about Unitarian Universalism, what it means to become a member of our congregation, and explains the steps toward becoming a member. Visitors and newcomers are encouraged to attend. We meet on the first Sunday of each month at 11:30am in the lounge. Upcoming date for Starting Point classe is Sunday, May 5, 2024. For more information, please email: Membership@uuclb.org or visit our webpage at https://www.uuclb.org/connect/become-a-member/

Sunday, May 5, at 4:00pm in Wylder Hall

Mark Sullivan Piano Concert

You can look forward to our final UUCLB Concert of the year with the return of our favorite pianist, Dr. Mark Sullivan! The date is Sunday, May 5, at 4:00pm. The place is Wylder Hall. Be prepared to be inspired and uplifted. Mark will perform works by Bach, Chopin, Mozart and Ravel on his Steinway Concert Grand Piano! The Music and Arts Committee invites you to enjoy our indoor musical concert fellowship. You can attend services, do your daytime chores and still have the evening free!

The suggested donation for adults is $20, $10 for students and

free for children under 12, who are most welcome!

Sunday, May 5, 7:00pm offsite in-person or via ZOOM

‘Native Justice’ Meeting

Because Mother’s Day is the second Sunday in May, the Native Justice group will meet this Sunday, May 5, at 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to join this hybrid meeting – either online or off-site. Next month’s meeting will revert to its regular schedule of second Sundays - June 9, 7:00 pm.

Native Justice, the newest group to become part of the church’s Social Justice Council, is exploring and expanding plans for future projects, and creating opportunities for learning, making connections, and pursuing communication possibilities. Watch for the group’s logo, a variation on the Flaming Chalice.

Here is the zoom link: Join the ZOOM meeting here. It’s also on the church calendar at uuclb.org/calendar. If you prefer meeting in person, contact Sandy Kroll (sdkroll10@gmail.com) about the off-site location. 

Saturday, May 11, 2024, 9:00am to noon, onsite

It's a party...a Work Party! Come party with us!

The Facilities Committee always needs help. Every second Saturday of each month we work together to beautify and maintain the church and campus. For those who have never attended a work party, it happens every second Saturday from 9:00am until noon. Learn new skills! Use tools! Meet new people! Do a single task or as many as you like... No experience is necessary -- we welcome one and all. Just show up and look for Elmer Taylor -- he will find something for you to do. And if you feel so inclined, please join us for (free) lunch after we have finished our tasks. See you there!

Sunday, May 19, 2024, 10:30am

March with us at the Long Beach Pride Parade!

To sign up for the parade, please contact Jayne Swanson at PrideParade@UUCLB.org. When you sign up you will receive an email with information about the march.



Important Note: Saturday Church Service on May 18! Our Worship Service/ Coffee/Brunch/ and the UUCLB Annual Meeting will happen on Saturday, May 18 this year (10:00am in Wylder Hall). This will make it easier for folks to attend the Pride Parade on Sunday.

For more info about the parade, go to https://longbeachpride.com/parade/

UUYAN – UU Young Adult Network ages 18-35

Third Sundays after Service in the Lounge (no meeting in May)

The UU Young Adult Network ages 18-35 meets on most 3rd Sundays in the lounge after the service. This is a small group ministry creating a beloved community of witnessing our experience together and planning group activities. For more information, please contact Kathy Adams, Adult Faith Development co-chair at katole@uuclb.org

Please note: UUYAN will not meet in May -- Look for us in June!

Saving Democracy Postcards

Georgia Postcards Due Sunday May 5 for stamping and mailing.

Virginia Postcards Due June 2 for mailing.

If you are mailing them yourself, please let us know and please use postcard stamps. Anytime we don't have a table out, please return items to the Saving Democracy basket in the office.

UUCLB SAVING DEMOCRACY TEAM

Be sure to register to vote and vote.

In California: https://registertovote.ca.gov/

Find your State Representative: https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/

QR code goes to CA Secretary of State’s website.

Register no matter where you live in California >>>

General Election: November 5

Download Saving Democracy Team’s Current Information Sheet!

bit.ly/uuclbinfosheet

Updated weekly

Questions? Email the team at: DemocracyTeam@UUCLB.org

UUSJ Democracy Action Team Meetings

The UUSJ Democracy Action Team plans monthly meetings so we can support and learn from each other, share materials and ideas, build community, and hopefully have some fun along the way. Wouldn't it be great to feel more refreshed, optimistic, and resilient? Stay tuned for upcoming meeting dates...

Last UUSJ Meeting Video and Slides from March 2024: Why We Need a Democracy Movement presentation from 3/27 meeting - slides & video

Recording of 3/27 meeting

Local Organizing Committee

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Local Organizing Committee is to build coalitions with interfaith communities around common interests, related to economic justice. We foster leadership in organizing.

We are working to prevent homelessness - join us.

Meets First Wednesdays at 3pm on Zoom. For link go to: UUCLB.org/News/Calendar

Statement of Purpose

Awaken people to their power in social justice

LA Voice “Listening Campaign” & “Home is Sacred” Narrative has resulted in SB567 being Signed into Law in 2023 – Thank you for supporting this effort:

• Listening to our Congregants       
• Postcards & Letters
• Rally at the Capital in Sacramento
• Meetings with our State Representatives & Senators, Long Beach Mayor
• News Conferences with the Press

When we started this journey together back in 2022, we knew the fight to get SB567, the Homelessness Prevention Act, through the legislative cycle and signed into law would be an uphill battle. Through the Senate and the Assembly, through the ups and downs, we hung on, grounded by our faith, and our conviction to build an LA county, and a California with equity and abundance for all.

May 7 Action in Sacramento – Local Organizing – Time Sensitive

LA Voice is Partnering with Justice Groups to build coalition around our common values.

There are many efforts to roll back the gains we made when we passed Prop 47 in 2014. These efforts, rooted in fear and over-policing, will cause direct harm to our communities. If you believe in Transformative Justice and community-based public safety, worked to pass Prop 47, and/or worked to pass Measure J, this opportunity is likely calling you. The day will include a press conference and meeting with our legislators. We will cover the cost of your flights (flying out early on May 7 and flying back to LA that evening). There are limited openings – respond asap.

Please join us! If you’re interested, email me and we will take next steps. (We can only send a limited number of delegates , so please email today 5/2). Wear a “Justice” T Shirt

Contact – Kathy Adams at UUCLB.org, and organizers

CC Jocee Hudson , Cesar Castejon cesar@lavoice.org

May 21, 2024 | 7:00pm

IKAR’s Minyan Tzedek Community Organizing team extends an invitation to all LA Voice leaders to their upcoming meeting on Zoom where they will host a discussion with Assemblymember Tina McKinnor.

Register at bit.ly/IKARMcKinnor

Explore the Side With Love Action Center:

https://sidewithlove.org/actioncenter

The Unitarian Universalist Association sponsors “Side with Love” a public advocacy campaign that seeks to harness love’s power to stop oppression. All are welcome to join online. For the latest updates explore and sign up for the online webinars at https://sidewithlove.org/

Adult Faith Development Team Seeks Volunteers

For more info contact afd.chair@uuclb.org

Make a Tribute!

Make a Memorial Tribute in memory of, or to say “Thank You” to someone for a gift, a good deed, a job well done, or just to tell someone “You are special!”

You can make your Tribute by check or use tithe.ly. Checks should be made out to UUCLB and marked "Tribute To insert name here". Or for tithe.ly text-to-give, text the words “Tribute for insert name here" and the amount to 833-931-1845. If making a tribute by check, drop your check off at the church office on Sunday or mail to: UUCLB, 5450 E Atherton St., Long Beach, CA 90815

Your Tribute will be posted on the bulletin board and will appear in the weekly announcement.

Note to Choir: Last day of Choir is June 9!

Please join us again when practices resume late this summer.

We are an all-inclusive choir and a wonderful fit for all skill levels ranging from experienced to novice. From late summer through June we rehearse every Wednesday from 7:15- 9:00 PM, and we lead the music for UUCLB Sunday Service around twice a month.

Questions? We would love to hear from you at music.director@uuclb.org

Save the Date for the UUCLB Summer 2024 Church Potluck Picnics

General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association

June 20-23 ‘24, Online only. (uua.org/ga)

(GA ’25: Will be hybrid, with live attendance in Baltimore.)

From the Board of Trustees

Delegates Selected for Denominational Assemblies

The Board of Trustees has invited the following members to represent UUCLB at upcoming denominational assemblies. 

General Assembly – June 20-23, 2024

https://www.uua.org/ga

1. LeRae Niell
2. Priscilla Ortiz
3. Treacy Gephart-Seeley
4. Jimmy Brink 
5. Jonathan Sneller 

• LeRae Niell will coordinate GA delegates in studying the issues and coordinating participation.

ga.delegates@uuclb.org

Pacific Western Regional Assembly - April 19-20, 2024 Denver and Virtual

https://www.uua.org/pacific-western/calendar/pwr-uua/pwr-threads-connect-stories-inspire

1. Kathy Adams
2. Mimi Gephart-Seeley

• Kathy Adams will coordinate PWR delegates in studying the issues and coordinating participation.

pwr.delegates@uuclb.org

Pacific Southwest Service Area Assembly - April 26-28, 2024 Ventura and Virtual https://www.uucamp.org/camps-retreats/family-camps/2024-pacific-southwest-service-area-assembly/

1. Sandy Kroll
2. Kathy Adams
3. Mimi Gephart-Seeley
4. Jane Kaylor - replacement
5. Jay Kay - replacement

• Sandy Kroll will coordinate PSSA delegates in studying the issues and coordinating participation.

pssa.delegates@uuclb.org

Watch for more information from our Delegates and the important Denominational work they will be doing on behalf of UUCLB!

Upcoming date for contributions to the ADVANCE Newsletter has changed!

Please send your articles, announcements, photos, artwork and other contributions before 9:30pm on the Tuesdays listed below. Email to: ADVANCE@uuclb.org

Due Date: Tuesday, May 21 for the June 2024 issue

Stay in touch with your Church Community by contributing to the Weekly Eblast Announcements and the ADVANCE Newsletter.

To share in the weekly ANNOUNCEMENTS or the monthly ADVANCE NEWSLETTER:

1. Prepare a brief notice for the Announcement or an article/brief about your event for the ADVANCE 
2. Include name of event, date, time, ZOOM link or meeting place and contact information for your event
3. Submit in an UNFORMATTED Microsoft Word document -or- type into the body of an email.
4. NO SPECIAL FORMATTING / SPACING
5. Graphics and images should be attached in JPG format (rather than embedded in a MS Word file)
6. Proofread your document and make any necessary corrections before sending

Submit Weekly Announcements/Eblast to: ANNOUNCEMENTS@uuclb.org

DEADLINE: Tuesday at Noon!

To share in the monthly ADVANCE newsletter:

Send submissions to ADVANCE@uuclb.org

NOTE: THE SUBMISSION DATE FOR THE ADVANCE NEWSLETTER HAS CHANGED.

Please submit your items for the ADVANCE before 9pm on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

Please note: submissions will be published on a space available basis subject to the decision of the editor.

*Flyers and/or announcements that need to be retyped will not be accepted.                                   

Extra Parking for CHURCH SERVICES (Sundays only)

Our East and West Parking lots are now at capacity. That is good news; people are finding us! For overflow parking on Sundays, extra parking is available in the Los Altos Medical center Lot at 1777 N Bellflower Blvd. We urge anyone who can to come a little early to park in the Los Altos Medical Center Lot. This will make us more welcoming to newcomers who can find space in our more accessible lots. Directions to the overflow parking lot:

• From the West on Atherton pass the church lots and turn right into the alley after the apartments.
• From the North on Bellflower take a right into the Medical Center entrance just after the Arco Station.
• From the South on Bellflower, a long left turn lane makes for an easy left turn into Los Altos Medical Center Parking.  

May 2024

The Filipino Migrant Center

The Filipino Migrant Center was formed in Long Beach in 2010 to address the needs of Filipinos in the region. They are a Filipino-immigrant led organization aiming to educate, organize, and mobilize low-income, working class Filipino families.

FMC is working to develop long-term strategies to change systems of inequality. They provide resources and trainings to the people who are most affected and impacted by social injustices, and they are the leaders in these efforts who the FMC helps to empower. Their programs and services support low-income youth, low-wage workers, immigrant women, and families to improve the conditions of their health, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and environment.

This is accomplished with free services such as legal assistance with labor and immigration issues, health clinics, know your rights trainings, and even a walking club.

The FMC also worked collaboratively to produce a documentary on three Filipino immigrants. You can see the trailer at https://www.filipinomigrantcenter.org/liwanag.

They welcome volunteers! Learn more at https://www.filipinomigrantcenter.org/.

Our social justice collection takes place on the second Sunday, but you can support the Filipino Migrant Center until the last Sunday of the month, by mail, text, or online. If by mail, note “Social Justice Collection” on your check, and send it to UUCLB, 5450 E. Atherton St., Long Beach, CA 90808. Using Text-to-Give, text the words “25 Special Collection” and the amount to 833-931- 1845. To give $25, for example, text “25 Special Collection $25.” To cover any convenience fees for the church, you can add the word “cover” (so “25 Special Collection $25 cover”) or simply text “Cover fees on” to cover fees on all text gifts. Social Justice Collection MAY 2024 For online giving please go to uuclb.org/give

Members! Please download the latest UUCLB Church Directory from the Members Only Drive at this link: Membership Directory March 2024 .

If your info has changed, is in error, or is missing, please email your name with the changes to: office@uuclb.org

Planning a ZOOM meeting? Have an item for the UUCLB Calendar?



• FOR ZOOM MEETINGS: Use this link to request a ZOOM room reservation : http://www.uuclb.org/ZOOMRES (Please submit your request at least a week before your meeting to allow time for scheduling.)

• TO ADD AN EVENT TO THE CALENDAR: If you would like your event to appear on the UUCLB calendar, please email the ZOOM reservation and link, along with your event information (name of event, date, day of week, time start/end and contact info) to: calendar@uuclb. (Please submit your request at least a week before your event to allow time for calendaring.)

How To Stay Connected to UUCLB

• Subscribe to the monthly Advance newsletter: advance@uuclb.org : Arrives in your inbox the first week of the month
• Subscribe to the church Board Report: boardreport@uuclb.org : Receive the meeting agenda, board packet, and minutes
• Check the current issue of the Join In Booklet: uuclb.org/joinin : Find all the standing Committees, social activities and affinity groups
• Find the latest How-To Manual for Committees
• Check the UUCLB website uuclb.org
• Check the church calendar uuclb.org/calendar
• Follow us on Facebook facebook.com/UUCLB/
• Join us for in-person and online Worship on Sundays at 10:00 am
• Live on Zoom … Facebook Live...and Past Recorded Services

April 14, 2024

“Listening to the Birds: Poetry in the Time of War” Honoring Arab American Heritage Month

Rev. Lissa Gundlach, Shane Kelly, and Mauricio Moreno, with guest musician Mousa Nasser

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2077602525957099

April 28, 2024

Freedom’s Interdependence

with Rev. Lissa, Jonathan Kert, Fred Kushner, Karen Mourikas, and the Wylder Spirits

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=397026676563413

Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach | Phone: (562) 597-8445

Email: office@uuclb.org

www.uuclb.org | uuclb.org/youtube

Watch our past services on facebook