Filed under: Comparative Religion, Graduate Theological school/PSR, International, Religious Studies: History, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
The religious message of Universalism arrived accidentally—or providentially—on Negros Island in the 1950s. As explained below, thanks to the dogged efforts of the man who discovered it, spread the message and recruited ministers, all but two of their 27 congregations can be found on the small, forested island of Negros. The island includes two national provinces: Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental. Located between Luzon and Mindanao in the cluster of islands called the Visayans, bordered by Cebu and Panay, Negros is approximately 125 miles long and on the average about 40 miles wide (Negros is about 390 miles south of Manila). The island’s interior is hilly to mountainous, and dramatically slopes to the sea within short distances of the coastline.[i] Most of the population lies in cities near the coast, but most of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines (UUCP)[ii] churches I visited were in the mountains, well more than a half hour’s drive from sea level, on dirt roads.
The national headquarters of the UUCP is in Dumaguete City (Negros Oriental), a small college city on the coast. It has fewer cars than motorbikes, including motorcycle taxis with sidecars, known as pedi-cabs. Most congregations are in mountain villages, with a few in coastal villages. For money and food, the people grow rice, sugar cane, corn, root vegetables. Some have livestock. On the coast, they fish. Most of their ministers have no more than a high-school education. They learned their ministries on the job, with mentoring by elders. There’s no salary, so they have other jobs too: farmer, teacher, school principal. The national headquarters helps with a little money and a clergy uniform—a shirt with a flaming chalice logo (it’s been the logo of the Unitarian Universalist denominations in the U. S. and Canada for several decades). The main—but not only—dialect on the Island is Cebuano, rather than Tagalog (also called the Filipino language). Given that most villagers have not completed high school, most do not speak English. Translators come in handy on visits to the villages.
[i] Frederick John Muir, Maglipay Universalist: A History of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines (Annapolis: Unitarian Universalist Church, 2001), 25.
[ii]While the initial Negros Island contact with my tradition of North American liberal religion was through the Universalist Church of America, the present “UU” name in the Philippines reflects the merger of the North American denomination with the American Unitarian Association in 1961. UUCP changed its name to add the “second U” in 1985.
Filed under: Uncategorized
About the Author and Abbreviations Used Here
I am a Unitarian Universalist minister. I have been serving a mid-size congregation on the West Coast since 2008, and have been in active ministry with four congregations since 1996, my final year of seminary. In March 2011 I was part of an organized group visit to Manila and Negros, Island, Philippines. I am a participating member of the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council (UUPCC) and a contributor to and participant in the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU). One possible use for this paper (in whole or in part) will be as orientation material for Unitarian Universalists preparing to make a visit to the Unitarian Universalist congregations in the Philippines.
Abbreviations: UUA means Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, our denomination, which is based in Boston and includes mostly churches from the United States. UUCP means Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines. UU means Unitarian Universalist, either as a noun (“many UUs”) or adjective (“a UU church”).
Introduction
This paper traces how Universalism came to the Philippines—first as a theological message—and how it developed as a denomination, especially in relationship with the Boston-based Universalist Church of America and then (after1961) with the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). This paper includes the religious and geographical context of the Philippines. Key stories in the life of the Philippine church are its accidental encounter with American Universalism in the 1950s, its admission to the North American denomination and the murder of its founder, both in 1988. The paper describes the origins of both Unitarianism and Universalism in eighteenth-century North America, and the ways they spread to the Pacific coast in the nineteenth century. It considers the question of whether this religious movement or its members—in the United States or in the Philippines—can be called Christian. The paper concludes by describing recent and ongoing activities in the Philippine church and its relationships with North American congregations.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Church Finances and Stewardship, Stewardship & Finances, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: capital projects, church architect, long range goals, long range plan, master plan
This means the church’s architectural master plan. Read the UUMPFs Blog at http://planituurth.wordpress.com/
Filed under: Adult Enrichment and Group Meetings, Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Church Finances and Stewardship, Comparative Religion, Family Ministry, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
Headlines: Games Night Friday, Jan. 20, for all ages
Sunday Services, Religious Education Classes Sunday
Master Planning Q & A after both services, Sunday, Feb. 5
Congregational Meeting and a VOTE Sunday, Feb. 12
Sunday volunteer opportunities: coffee, Family Promise, audio
FUN EVENTS at UUSS—No Divas UUCCS quartet, Jan. 28
New Adult Enrichment—vegetarian cooking, health care policy
Theater One new script run-through Wednesday night
Dear Members, Friends, and Guests:
Greetings! Some quick notes:
*Happy Lunar New Year—Asian New Year! It’s the year of the dragon. What a better way to celebrate with Friday’s game night at UUSS!
*I write with a chill and while watching gray skies, finally! Never thought I would be welcoming a cold rain, even saying a prayer of thanks for it.
*Last week’s Message “bounced back” to us. If you have a Pac Bell, SBC, or related “domain name” in your email address, the company’s servers refused to send the email to you. I will post weekly messages on my blog just in case. Be sure to have our email program list office@uuss.org as an approved, non-junk sender.
* Doug is away at a family memorial service. He will be away Tuesday through Thursday at the UU Pacific Central District ministers’ mid-winter institute where he’ll be presenting part of the program. I’ll be here.
*At the fall auction, did you buy my Jan. 26 lunch at Plates Café or my ice cream party? Do you want to be added to the guest list, at the same cost as the auction winners? Let me know. By the way, I’m still trying to unload the “sermon topic for Doug,” which I “won” at the same auction. Surely you want to give him a tough topic!
*Thanks to all staff and volunteers who helped UUSS to be a great host church for the Middle School UU Gathering (MUUGs) for our Pacific Central District. I hear it went well—over 60 youth for three nights!
*We extend our condolences to several members. Doug and Erika Kraft will be in Philadelphia this weekend to attend her sister’s memorial service. Judy Moore’s son lost his wife to cancer recently. Peggy Middleton lost her husband of nearly 50 years, when Bob died unexpectedly last week.
*We also extend our healing wishes to those who have been dealing with other kinds of losses in your lives, and those facing challenges to your spirit or your health. Please let us know if a minister or Lay Ministry volunteer might provide you with some support. layministry@uuss.org
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This email includes announcements and invitations to activities of our congregation. I won’t repeat much in this email that you can read in the January Unigram, posted on our website. Even if you get the newsletter in the U. S. Mail, you may want to see the full-color pictures.
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Come Play a Game With Me! – This Friday
UUSS’s first Games Night of 2012 is tomorrow, January 20. Doors open at 5:30 PM for a potluck dinner. We will eat at 6 PM. Just bring a dish of any kind to share. It can be something you made, your mother made, or you bought on the way over.
Game playing begins at 6:30. We will provide cards, chess, checkers, board games, toddler games, kid games, and adult games. But if you really love to play a certain game, bring it and we will play it with you. Come by yourself, come with a friend, or come with your whole family, but come to play.
All we ask is that you come play a game with us. For information, contact Megan Snyder (916-359-1099), Ginny Johnson (916-649-0575 or), or Carrie Cornwell (916-442-1637). Click on the name to send an email.
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Sunday Services at 9:30 and 11:15—I am preaching Sunday, the Starr Singers sing, and Lisa Derthick is worship leader. Read the sermon blurb in the January Unigram or at our website by clicking the highlighted link. Religious Education takes place at 9:30. For infants or toddlers (through Kindergarten), Room 11 is staffed from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM .
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Volunteer Opportunities Coming Up, starting Sunday–
Ways to Make a Difference and Get to Know other People at UUSS
Coffee & Tea Making one Sunday a month–
If you have been looking for a way to serve at UUSS and happen to love coffee, look no further!
Coffee drinkers, tea drinkers, orange juice drinkers, water drinkers, hot cocoa drinkers, and non-drinkers –all welcome to help! A great way for you—new to UUSS or not–to get to know more folks. Tom Lopes is hoping to find enough volunteers so that you only have to work one service (early or late), one time per month. The commitment is only about 2 1/2 hours. If this sounds like it could be your “cup of tea” (or coffee, or O.J.), please contact Tom Lopes for more information. (Click the name.)
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Sound Board/Audio Monitoring during services—Consider joining the volunteer team to staff the sound board so all can hear the services and all speakers can be “on cue.” Lee Watson will be offering his volunteer time on some Sundays, so we want to build a team of people who know how to use the sound system.
It’s easy once you know, and a very important way to be of service. Contact Eric or Doug if you have some interest or questions.
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Family Promise guests arrive Jan.. 29–A way for singles, couples, families to connect with others here while helping newly homeless families regain self-sufficiency
The UUSS Family Promise team invites newcomers and veteran volunteers to sign up at Sunday Connection Central to help us be an attentive host congregation. Guest families are here the week of January 29. Options: evening hosts, overnight hosts, meal providers, laundry team, FP trailer tow, set up and clean up crew, coordinating team members. Any questions? Contact Jeanabeth Halley, Joyce Bray, Cathy Bowen or Barbara Hopkins. Healing wishes to Nancy Oprsal, who has a fracture!
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Theater One spring production—March 16-April 1. It’s Gore Vidal’s The Best Man. Run-through of the script is Wednesday, Jan. 25. Contact director Bobby Stewart for more information: 916-489-4248.
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Adult Enrichment Classes
New and continuing courses and workshops under Adult Enrichment. Sign up at Sunday Connection Central or contact the teachers listed below.
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Vegetarian Food—Not Just for Vegetarians—“ABC’s of Vegetarian Eating” began last Sunday. It continues at 12:45pm. Guest speakers, wtih food samples and discussion, cooking demonstration in the kitchen. Come learn simple vegetarian meals, even if you are not a vegetarian. The UUSS Earth Justice Committee offers the course in support of the UUA Statement of Conscience on Ethical Eating. (Yum!—RJ)
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Health Care Study SCHEDULE CHANGE–
We’re going to start the Health Class on Sunday, January 22 at 12:45 instead of 1:30 p.m. It will be in the Library. During this class, we’ll review the Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act, the new federal health legislation. We’re doing this for the 49ers fans, so everyone (including Ginny, the instructor) gets to see the whole game. Meets every other Sunday, through April 15. There is a fee of $30 for all 8 classes or $5 per class. Scholarships are available in cases of financial hardship. Check at the Adult Enrichment table for info.
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Yoga classes- Monday mornings & evenings. Paige Labrie invites everyone to try a first class for free. Monday sessions during January and February are $56. Paige is at Sunday Connection Central to greet you.
Chair Yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting in a chair, or standing using a chair for support. Classes include eye and breath exercises and meditation. Mondays,10:00-11:00am.
Easy Yoga includes the practice of Pranayama (breath work) as well as Asana (posturing). Aside from the physical benefits such as increased range of motion, strength, balance, and flexibility, Yoga also assists in stress release, developing attention skill, and cultivating an awareness for the moment. Both moving and still meditation are part of the process. Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm. Fahs Room.
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Fencing Class for All Ages — 1st, 2nd, & 4th Tuesdays at 6:30pm! With a mix of adult and younger fighters–everyone is welcome. Small donation requested for the loaner masks and swords that Nytshaed School of Rapier maintains for students without gear. Led by Douglas Leonard and his students. (I saw Toby having a fun lesson!—RJ)
Book Discussion- The UU Readers book group meets Tuesday, Jan. 31, from 6:30-8:30pm to discuss The Yacoubian Building by Alaa Al Aswany. Click this link to read a great 2006 review in the NY Times.
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For more classes and other opportunities for involvement, see the Sunday Connection Central Table and listings in the Sunday Blue Sheet.
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Important Events about our Congregational Life Together—
Congregational Business Meeting—Your UUSS Board of Trustees has called a UUSS meeting for Sunday, Feb. 12, after the second service. Child care will be provided till 1:30, but it’s not likely to be necessary that long. This is a vote on the Master Plan! Come to the Feb. 5 Master Plan Q & A conversations with your questions. After both services–one at 10:45 and one at 12:45. Why wait? See the expanded architectural plans on the wall in back of the sanctuary this Sunday! More about this at http://www.wordpress.PlanItUUrth.com.
POSTPONED: CONGREGATIONAL CONVERSATIONS—spirituality and covenant —This new opportunity will be rescheduled due to the Feb. 12 Congregational Vote. But here’s the summary: We will have an opportunity to work with some of the feelings and forces within us that guide our spirituality in relationship to community. The first will be an exploration of our feelings of Love, Fear and Spirit. (It was very well received a few years ago.) The second workshop will move into our Mission as we explore how we “deepen our lives.” The third will explore how we can be “a force for healing in the world.” Please join us in this exciting new adventure — Lance Ryen and Jean Fleury.
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The Steward-ship is Sailing—Our annual pledge drive is how UUSS raises funds for the church budget for the next fiscal year. Members and friends make a financial commitment, and the budget is based on what we promise. There will be some special events, testimonials, letters and newsletter articles.
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Stewardship Q & A sessions are after the 11:15 service Jan. 29 and Feb. 26. You will be invited to bring your questions and feedback about UUSS and funding priorities, as well as to learn more about what stewardship means for the congregation.
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There is an Early Pledge Drive of a few dozen members in February. This will give UUSS a preliminary total to announce at Celebration Sunday. (Additional Visiting Steward volunteers are welcome!) Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 4, when we will only one service at 10:00 AM. We will have bagels and refreshments before church and a party afterwards. For more, see the article on page 1 of the January Unigram.
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Coming FUN EVENTS at UUSS
January:
Games Night: 5:30 PM potluck; 6 PM games, next Friday
January 28: UUCCS Rocks! Our UU friends at the “South Church” in Elk Grove invite us to join them HERE at UUSS for a lot of fun: Dust off your tie dye, love beads and bell-bottoms and rock out with classics from the 60s and 70s with fellow UUs. Have a blast with No Divas – a musical quartet that features members of the UU Community Church of Sacramento.
Saturday, January 28, 7:00 at UUSS, 2425 Sierra Blvd. Admission: Adults- $15, Children under 14 – $5.00, children under 5 – free. For information contact Annette Emery by clicking the link or calling (916) 296-2650.
February 17 & 18: “A Parallel Universe”: an exciting evening of comedy, mental magic and mysteries! a UUSS fun-raiser and fund-raisier, with member John Heinen, Friday and Saturday nights
March: March 4 Celebration Sunday, one service & RE at 10 AM
Theater One’s spring play March 16-April 1. It’s Gore Vidal’s The Best Man. Run-through is Wednesday, Jan. 25. Contact director Bobby Stewart for more information: 916-489-4248.
April 13: Shindig @ the Hex with UU musician Jim Scott.
April 28: Concert/Lecture–UU author/singer Rev. Meg Barnhouse
June 15-17: UUSS Family Camp at Camp Norge in Alta, CA.
We seek additional, new team members (adults or youth) to help plan and promote this great event. Let me know.
Yours in service,
PS—January 8 Sermon—thanks for the kind words from several of you. Because there are some family dynamics and living relatives mentioned in my sermon, I will not post it on www.uuss.org. It is available only to you by password on my Pastor Cranky weblog or on paper from the office.
Not password protected on my blog are my reflections, links to interesting articles, reviews, and old sermons. There is a link to an article about rearing compassionate children from a progressive religious publication.
Filed under: Family Ministry, Pastor Smiley Speaks, Sermons and a Whole Lot More | Tags: all-ages, food, prayer, grace, gratitude, thanksgiving, meal
Roger Jones All-Ages Service, November 23, 2008
Family Minister UU Society of Sacramento, CA
Saying Grace
One summer day I was back in my Indiana home town, having lunch with a group of my late mother’s cousins. As we sat down to the table, one asked me “Roger, would you return thanks?” He meant: would I say grace. The remarkable thing about this is that I had not been in the habit of saying grace, or hearing it, while growing up in my churchgoing Protestant family in that small town in the Midwest. I didn’t get into the practice of saying grace until I was in my late 20s, after I had become a Unitarian Universalist.
This is what I prayed before lunch: “Dear God, we give you thanks for the gift of life and the gift of this new day, for the blessing of reunion and joyful memories, for this food, and for the hands that have prepared it. We call to mind those who are no longer with us but who live in our hearts. May this food nourish us so that we can be more kind, generous, and loving. Amen.”
Learning grace as a UU has taught me the wide-open possibilities for saying thanks, whether or not we believe in God or mention the divine at all. At a ministers’ support group in the late ‘90s, a colleague gave the blessing for a meal. She included thanks for the farm workers, the truckers, and those who prepared and served our food. Thus did I learn that grace is not just a nice ritual, but an opportunity for ethical reflection.
As children, many of us grow up learning the value of saying thank you for a favor, a gift, a helping hand, or a compliment from another person. Why not acknowledge other sources of help and goodness? In addition to thanking people, how about thanking the great cosmic mystery from which all abundance emerges? Some say God, others bring to mind the web of inter-connected beings and elements, and the energy that holds it all together and welcomes us as a part of the whole. The practice of giving thanks can take many forms.
It’s my impression that more families have mealtime rituals nowadays than when I was growing up, whether they’re in a more conservative religious tradition, in a UU church, or none at all. One family in this church is making a collection of songs to sing and words to say aloud for their mealtime ritual. Here’s their current favorite:
Earth who gives to us this food,
Sun who makes it ripe and good,
Dear Sun above and Earth below,
Our loving thanks to you we show.
Blessings on our meal, our friends, our family and on us, and may peace be on Earth.
Blessed be.
In an earlier church of mine I dined with a family whose blessing included remembering those who are hungry or homeless, both people and dogs and cats. Such a ritual can be a magical time, a sacred moment. I know middle-aged couples with no children, and those with none at home anymore, who sit down at the table, join hands, close their eyes, and breathe in silence for a few moments.
I know a couple in retirement. Every evening they make a light supper, close a heavy curtain over the doorway into their dining area and light a votive candle. Then one of them reads from the book A Grateful Heart, a collection of poems and prayers for mealtime. But even if we are eating alone, we can take a moment for gratitude. My Buddhist meditation teachers have suggested that we pause and look at the food on the plate, noticing its colors and textures and smells, and then eat with a bit more attention and pacing. Of course, this solo practice is easier for me to do when the news is not on the radio, I’m not reading a magazine, and the laptop computer is not open on the table. In other words, I rarely do it.
Here’s mealtime grace used by another family in this congregation:
We are grateful for all our gifts
We are safe, calm, and patient
We trust in the process of life
Peace and harmony fill us and surround us
All is well
Amen
I want to tell you about my stealth grace. When I am out with friends for a meal, and the food is served I might say, “Well, I am grateful to be alive, to have a place to live and a job I love, to have this food, and to be here with you.” Once a friend responded [with a skeptical tone] “Okaaay…” Another said, “Yes! Me too.” One friend responds, amen! Another one likes to recount what he is grateful for. Sometimes when I’m dining with others, I simply ask, “Are we not blessed? To have this food and be safe and be here together…. Are we not blessed?” Who but a crank is going to say no!
Many people know the value of making what’s called a gratitude list. No matter how burdened we may feel, no matter how unfair life can be, this practice can shift our perspective and help us recognize the blessings we do have. Over time, perhaps, the attitude of gratitude, and the practice of giving thanks, can lift our spirits.
Recently a colleague sent an email summarizing a children’s book she recommended. The secret, the message of the book, she said is this: You don’t become grateful by being happy. You become happy by being grateful.
There are so many gifts in life, which we perhaps can recognize if we take some time. Let us show our thanks in ways that are true and right for us. May we remember to look for reasons both great and small for giving thanks, and may doing so increase our happiness. Perhaps this is what it means to say, Happy Thanksgiving. So may it be.
Filed under: Family Ministry, Pastor Smiley Speaks, Children and Youth | Tags: children, parents, strong families, love
The secrets of strong families around the world
newsletter column by the Family Minister
In 1995 Meadville Lombard Theological School—my seminary—held a conference on the above topic.
A professor of family studies from the University of Nebraska told us that he and a colleague had reviewed 53 extensive studies which 60 researchers had conducted on families, covering more than 15,000 people in all the States and in 27 countries. They
consisted of long interviews with people who felt their families were strong and healthy.
The interviewers simply asked the participants to tell what their family lives were like. Their conclusions: Family strengths include (drum roll)…showing appreciation and affection, commitment, positive communication, time spent together, a sense of spiritual well- being, and the ability to cope with stress and crisis.
Each of the above could be an essay, sermon or course title, to be sure!
The remarkable thing to me was that the basic qualities of strong families are similar from one culture to another around the world. The researchers concluded that the ingredients of strong, emotionally healthy families do not differ much by the type of family or by culture. Best wishes to us all in building strong relationships of all kinds.
Yours in faith,
Roger
Filed under: Uncategorized, Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Pastor Smiley Speaks | Tags: pledge, pledging, stewardship, tithe, finance
Dear New Friends and Prospective Members,
Welcome to the congregation! I’m glad you are considering membership here.
These words come from the Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker, a UU minister who is the president of Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley: “Over the years in ministry, I’ve learned that no one comes to church for a petty reason.”
I’ve learned that as well. People don’t call to make an appointment with a minister for trivial reasons. No person or family shows up on Sunday mornings just to kill time. Most of our visitors don’t seek us out unless something has set them on a search for belonging, for celebration, and for meaning.
Nobody joins this congregation and nobody supports it for trivial reasons. I think of the volunteers–trustees, committee members, Religious Education teachers, worship leaders, musicians, ushers, Ministry Circle leaders, Lay Ministry listeners, and cooks, among others.
I think of the devoted members and friends who stretch themselves to support the congregation with generous financial pledges every year.
Doug and I invite you to consider the enclosed materials and your own financial circumstances, and to make a generous pledge commitment for the current fiscal year.
Many people think of their pledge in terms of a percentage of their income. I encourage all Unitarian Universalists to aim toward giving, in the aggregate, at least 10% of their annual income to organizations that serve the greater good. One of these organizations, of course, would be their church. I have pledged at least 5% of my income to my churches and about 5% to other institutions, causes, and charities.
The current pledges to UUSS range from less than $10 a month to nearly $20,000 a year. This is an economically diverse congregation. This diversity is what it means to be part of a community. Contributions of all sizes are valued and appreciated.
Some can afford to give more than others, and some less. Indeed, some pledge more because we know others cannot.
Please know that if your financial situation should change in the coming months (for better or for worse), it is quite appropriate to revise your pledge (either down or up!) by notifying the UUSS Office or one of the ministers. One important clarification: the Stewardship Drive for the next fiscal year takes place in February and March, in anticipation of the time needed for budgeting for our next fiscal year, which begins July 1.
If you would like a personal meeting to discuss your pledge or any aspect of church life, please give Doug or me a call or an email. We strive to earn your trust and to keep it.
Your pledge is your decision, so please choose an amount that feels right.
Give till it feels good!
Again, welcome to UUSS.
Yours in the spirit,
Roger
Filed under: Family Ministry, Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Pastor Smiley Speaks | Tags: pledge, stewardship, tithe, money, support, donation
Dear Members and Supportive Friends,
I am confident that right now all our members and friends are searching their conscience, evaluating their financial capabilities, and reflecting on the importance of UUSS in their lives and its impact on the lives of so many others in the larger area. I have faith also in our church leaders to make hard but wise choices—even to challenge us to dig deeply and stretch ourselves to make UUSS stronger and more effective in the coming budget year.
This is what the pledge drive is all about. It’s about putting our faith and trust in one another. For a financial pledge is not a typical legal contract, it’s a personal commitment to support the church over a given year at a certain monetary level.
Imagine putting your trust in about 400 people that they will come through for you. Imagine that 400 people are putting their trust in you to do what you can.
Religious community in our tradition is based on the trust that we will be there for one another, that we will do what we can, and that we will ask for help if we need it. Our trust in one another is a blessing. Our trustworthiness is a blessing as a well.
So, trusting that I will be working for UUSS and serving with you in the 2009-10 church year, I am making my financial pledge in the Stewardship Campaign.
Folks who are new to congregational life may not have thought much about pledging, and may feel some stress or lack of clarity about how to think about making a pledge for the coming church year. As with all aspects of participation in a voluntary organization, the amount of your pledge is your own decision.
We ask only that everyone give the pledge drive thoughtful consideration and be as generous as they can in making their commitment. We have a wide range of pledge amounts, reflecting that as a congregation we are an economically diverse community. Indeed, some people pledge more because they realize that for others a much smaller pledge is a significant and generous one. We are in this together.
When you see the pledge card, you’ll see the suggestion that we think of our pledge in terms of a percentage of our anticipated total income. This has been a helpful practice for me, and I began learning it (at a fairly low percentage level) as a new UU and newly employed 20-something a long time ago in a church far away from here.
My percentage level has grown, and my feelings of connection, generosity, gratitude and personal mission have grown. I look at my charitable and church giving in total, and every year strive to give away 10-12% of my income to causes and organizations that feed me spiritually and put my values and hopes into practice.
To UUSS I’ll pledge 5% of my income for 2009-10. In addition to a church pledge, I give yearly to both of our our UU theological schools (www.sksm.edu and www.mlts.edu) and a number of other UU-related organizations (www.uusc.org , for example), and to public radio, health, human rights, hunger and arts organizations.
Why am I’m telling you all this? Well, I just sent my records off to my tax preparer and it’s all fresh in my mind. I also wish to thank you, because it’s your money I’m giving away! (At least it has been since I started here on August 1.) Your generosity supports my income, which enables me not only to eat, sleep and get around but also to support organizations that make a difference in the world. I didn’t use to think I could give away this much of my income, but I’ve learned that I can, and it makes me feel grateful and blessed to do so.
I have faith that as the nation goes through these economically tough times, we at UUSS will be here for one another.
I have faith that we all will do what we can to stretch ourselves and support the values we care about and strengthen this congregation which cares deeply about us and our world.
Thank you for the many blessings you’ve brought to my life so far!
Filed under: Rituals, Prayers, Elements of Worship Services, Sermon Archives and Excerpts, Sermons and a Whole Lot More | Tags: historical Jesus, Jewish, liberal Christian, prophet, uncertainty, Unitarian Christian, Universalist
[If it's Palm Sunday it must be time for the annual Unitarian sermon on Jesus.]
What Do We Know About Jesus?
April 5, 2009
Palm Sunday UU Society of Sacramento
Hymns:
“Wake Now My Senses,” “I’ve Got Peace Like a River,” “We’ll Build a Land.”
Story for the Children (among others): The Good Samaritan
Jesus was a teacher who lived 2,000 years ago. He told people that all God asked was to love God and to love your neighbor as yourself. One day someone said: “What do you mean by neighbor? [Ask children.] Like right next door, or the whole town, or only the people who are just like me?”
Jesus answered with a story. One day a man was walking on a road outside his town. Some robbers attacked him, beat him up, took his money, and threw him in a ditch. These were the days before paramedics and ambulances, or cars of any kind. So he just lay there in pain. Before long a man from his region was walking toward town. The man was important–a priest, religious leader–dressed in his best clothes. He heard the victim’s groans and saw him. He could tell they were from the same religion, but he was dressed up and in a hurry, so he walked to the other side of the road and passed on by.
Some time later another man came walking by. This man was a Levite, a special person in his religion, with many responsibilities. He heard the victim’s cries, and looked over at him. They were also from the same religion. But the Levite had lots to do, so he walked to the other side of the road and passed on by.
More time passed. A third man came walking by. This man wasn’t from the same place as the victim, he was a Samaritan, someone from Samaria, a distance away.
He was from a different ethnic group from the victim and a different religion. They were strangers to each other. He knew that people like the man in the ditch hated Samaritans and thought bad things about them. Why help this guy? It might not be safe! But the man was moaning so badly. So he picked him up, put the man on his own donkey, and brought him into town. He took him to an inn, and rented him a room. He cleaned him up and fed him. The Samaritan had to leave, but he said he’d come back in a few days. He told the innkeeper, “Here’s some money. If the man has need of anything before I return, please provide it for him.” And he left.
After Jesus told this story, he asked: Now which of those three people knew what a neighbor truly is? [Ask children.] Yes, I agree with you. It was the man who took the time to help out. Jesus said, “Okay, now try to live that way.” Thank you.
Reading: Naomi Shihab Nye: “I Feel Sorry for Jesus” (from Antioch Review Spring 1998, p. 206)
INTRO: In the Christian calendar this is the season of Lent, 40 days which begin with Ash Wednesday and end on Easter. The 40 days mark the time that Jesus of Nazareth spent in the desert wilderness, before his ministry began. Today’s reading is a poem by Naomi Shihab Nye, a Palestinian American who lives in Texas.
Sermon:
In the name of Jesus Christ, countless activists, artists, teachers, social service providers, volunteers and philanthropists have given of themselves to improve human lives and add beauty to our world. Also in his name, soldiers, kings and religious leaders have committed crimes against humanity. Who was the man whom so many have called Messiah, Son of God, Savior? Who is he to you?
In brief, Jesus of Nazareth was a traveling prophet, teacher and healer. He made radical statements about religion, politics, money and human relationships. Living in Palestine under Roman Rule, he had a brief ministry, and was executed by the authorities when he was 33. His disciples continued to feel his presence alongside them and they spread reports of the resurrection of his body.
How do we know this? We have nothing Jesus wrote down. The sayings of Jesus, the stories he told, and episodes from his life originally were passed down through word of mouth. Since few people had access to written materials, oral tradition was the way they learned things and passed them on. The people who wrote the New Testament Gospel books had never met Jesus. The earliest manuscripts of the Gospels that scholars have identified were written from 35 to 70 years after Jesus’ death.
Scholars have uncovered evidence of alternative Gospels, but these did not make it into the official, traditional version of the Holy Bible. About 130 years after Jesus’ death, St. Irenaeus said that the only true Gospels were the four books that bore the names of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. By the third century most Christian communities agreed on the books of the New Testament, including the Gospels.
I’ve just told you more than most people know. In a recent survey, a majority of Americans could not name one of the four Gospels. Even large numbers of believing Christians are Biblically illiterate. Author Stephen Prothero writes: “In one survey of high school students, most evangelicals did not recognize that ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit’ is from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.” Furthermore, some students thought that Sodom and Gomorrah of the Old Testament were husband and wife.
I confess that even though I was brought up a Protestant Christian I didn’t read much of the Bible until I was in theological school, when I had to read it very fast. Since then I’ve enjoyed going back to it.
Why should we care who Jesus was? For one thing, Christianity remains the dominant religious culture of this country. There’s no shortage of people, churches and mass media telling us what to think about Jesus.
If we don’t get to know the Bible for ourselves, we put ourselves and our children at the mercy of people who make it fit their own agendas. If we don’t answer for ourselves the question “Who is Jesus,” we leave him at the mercy of those who would use him as a weapon.
This religious tradition of ours is a product of heresies and controversies about the nature of Jesus of Nazareth. In the late 1700s, the first Unitarians in the United States argued that Jesus was fully human, and his life was proof of the dignity of human nature, and an example for us to follow. At the same time, the first Universalists were preaching that Jesus was the messenger of divine love; showing that God was a forgiving parent, not cruel tyrant. Our forbears in faith knew their Bible. Yet they had to defend themselves against charges that they were not Christian. Nowadays, I’d say, a majority of UUs would agree with this charge, even if we sing “Silent Night” by candle light or get up early next Sunday for an Easter Sunrise Service.
It is the faith of many believers that the Bible shows what Jesus said, word for word. Starting in the 1800s, however, scholars began studying the diverse influences on the books of the Bible, noting that they were written in different historical periods. Their studies of Gospel manuscripts revealed the similarities and contradictions among the four books, and the intended audience and sources of each.
Since 1985, a group called the Jesus Seminar has published books about the Bible and early Christianity. Seminar scholars make the case for taking a lot of words out of Jesus’ mouth that the Gospel scribes put in.
In the words of the Seminar’s Marcus Borg, the Gospels contain at least two voices. One is the pre-Easter Jesus; the second voice is the testimony of the post-Easter community, which felt his ongoing presence in their lives.
Sorting out the voices is helpful, but both voices deserve to be heard—Jesus the man and the Jesus in the hearts of those who lived barely a generation after him.
In the year 324, Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity and made it the state religion. Thus he converted what had been a religion of the powerless into one aligned with power. The Jesus who had promised, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God,” became the icon of an empire. Over time the Jewish teacher became an excuse for genocidal Crusades, pogroms, and colonial ventures.
The Gospels emerged long before Constantine. They reflect the purpose of Jesus’ ministry before the powerful took on the mantle of his name. They reflect the impressions Jesus made on his followers, and their faith in him.
In the words of writer Marilynne Robinson, variations among the Gospel narratives are differences of art, not uncertainties of history. The stories capture the truth of Jesus in the way a painter captures the truth of another person in a portrait. In Robinson’s words, the writers of the Gospels try “to preserve a sense of Jesus’ presence . . . to achieve likeness rather than precision.”
And what is that likeness? How do the Gospel writers present him? Here are some snapshots of Jesus that matter to me. I note in advance that personal savior or Jewish Messiah is not one of them.
Jesus was a Jew, as were his 12 disciples. Yet the Gospel of John portrays “the Jews” as enemies of Jesus. This has troubled fair-minded Christians and has fueled anti-Semites. It’s important to note, however, that the writers of the Gospels all were Jewish Christians. The hostility in the book reflects the competing beliefs and practices among different early Christian communities, all of which were led by Jews. In addition, it shows the tensions between the growing movement of Christian Jews and non-Christian Jews.
Jesus was a healer. In many stories, he tells afflicted people that they are now healed, without doing anything to them. He says: “Your faith has restored you.” Sometimes, however, he does touch those who come near him. In one story, he mixes dirt with spit and rubs it on a blind man’s eyes. It takes two applications to bring back complete sight. I don’t know what to make of all this! But often after a healing, Jesus tells the person: “Go and sin no more.” Perhaps he is lifting their burdens of guilt, allowing them to walk once more, to move forward into life. After encountering him, they see anew, they live again.
Jesus was a religious rebel. In one episode, a crowd is pressing around him and he feels power go out of him. He turns and asks, who touched me? Nobody says anything for a while. Then a woman throws herself on the ground and confesses. She’s been hemorrhaging blood for years, and she thought some of Jesus’ healing energy would help. Just speaking to a woman to whom he is not related, in that culture, is not allowed. Even worse, to touch or be touched by a woman discharging blood is a violation of Jewish purity laws. Yet he does not condemn her; he confirms her faith and tells her she’s healed.
Jesus was a boundary-breaking social radical. The great mass of people were ruled by a small elite of Roman officials and their enforcers, including tax collectors and soldiers, whom the people despised and feared. In the Gospels, Jesus hangs out with them, goes to dinner, treats them with dignity. To befriend these employees of the state… would be a scandal to the others living under the Empire. But Jesus does more than accept these characters, he urges them to change their ways. To a Roman soldier, he says: stop extorting money from the people, no more intimidation and abuse! To the tax collector: stop cheating and stealing from people, apply your tax rates fairly!
Early in his ministry, Jesus is telling a parable to a crowd. His mother and brothers show up but can’t get through. Someone brings him a message, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” He says no and points to his friends. “Here are my mother and brothers and sisters. My family is made up of those who hear what God wants, and do it.” Back then, family ties were a matter of survival. The family was the foundation of society. In spite of that Jesus says “Obedience is thicker than Blood.” He can be harsh.
Jesus’ followers include women to whom he was not related, a violation of their culture. He sits in the home of Martha and Mary. Martha is busy with housework, and she’s upset that her sister is deep in conversation with Jesus. Jesus says: Martha, you worry too much. You need to slow down. Your sister knows what’s important! This episode shows that religious matters should no longer be limited to men. If the Gospel writers wanted to downplay this gender-inclusiveness, they would have given all the good roles to men. Yet it is women who stay at the foot of Jesus’ cross till the bitter end. It is women who find his tomb empty on Easter morning. The 12 male disciples, in contrast, repeatedly lose faith in him, misunderstand him, and fall asleep on the job.
Jesus was a trickster; catching people off guard. His pronouncements turn the status quo upside down. He says, “The last shall be first, and the first shall be last!” The Sermon on the Mount is a series of aphorisms. These are short statements that need no explanation. You hear one and say, “Of course!” But the aphorisms of Jesus are the exact opposite of what people would expect: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” What?! Under this Empire? Will we ever see the day? “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Wow! I sure hope he’s right!
Jesus was a leader. Early in the story, he collects 12 disciples to follow him, telling fishermen to drop their nets. He entreats sons and husbands to leave their homes, to join him in his traveling ministry.
Jesus was a servant. In the Gospel of John, during the Last Supper, the night before he is arrested, Jesus humbles himself by washing the feet of his disciples.
Jesus was a martyr. In the Palm Sunday story, he enters Jerusalem riding on a mule, as people wave palm branches and lay them on the road in front of him. They call out Hosannah, praising him as a king. Yet he knows his return to the city means death. Soon he is convicted and hung on a cross—state-sponsored torture.
Jesus was a prophet. In some passages he proclaims the end of the world. His followers know only a world of oppression–political, economic, social and religious. He promises God’s rescue of the righteous, and punishment of the oppressors. The lowly will be exalted and the proud and powerful will be brought low.
Jesus calls for repentance. The end is coming; God is coming. So, how should we live? What must we do–Stop drinking? No sex? Pray more? Nope! If you have two tunics, share your extra tunic with someone who doesn’t have any. Give away your extra food to people who need it. Love your neighbor as yourself, turn the other cheek, don’t cheat others, give all you have to the poor.
These snapshots are how I see Jesus. What do you see? Who is Jesus to you?
Recently I led a class on the Gospels at this church, and 18 people joined me. I asked them the question, “Who is Jesus to you?” and asked them to read their answers to the class. One wrote: “Jesus to me was a charismatic man of his time and place in the world who had [as his purpose] living and teaching a way of treating and accepting all human beings with love no matter who they were or how different they were from him. This … teaching … is still applicable today. A way of life I try to emulate.”
Another member said that as a religious leader Jesus was “confident, yet often self-questioning…. He was not clearly understood by his closest companions. He stood up to the leaders of his country and his ancestral faith.” This member said she saw Jesus through her long-ago Sunday school lessons, from seeing “Jesus Christ Superstar” on stage, and from taking another look at the Gospels together with us.
Through what lenses do you see Jesus?
I see him through the words of the Gospel writers but also the words of modern scholars, and my teachers and preachers. I see him through the lenses of my own privilege and bias. When I take him seriously, his ethical teachings prod my conscience and poke my complacency. His parables challenge my comfortable assumptions.
In one Gospel episode, someone asks Jesus who he is. He replies: “Who do people say I am?”–answering a question with a question. I can’t be certain I’ve got Jesus right. Many people, of course, would say I’ve got him all wrong. But I’ll keep looking, keep reading, keep talking with others. Although his name has been misused and his teachings violated for over 2,000 years, the core values of Jesus show through. His ministry was the risky work of healing, teaching, compassion,and forgiveness.
His own disciples didn’t get him right. No wonder that he continues to puzzle us when we read the Gospels!
To look at him can upset one’s certainty, or it ought to. Jesus seems to ask: Can you really be so sure of what you think about me? About God? About yourself? About human relationship?
He seems to invite everyone to let go of the easy answers, and keep asking questions.
So may we live, and so may it be.
Filed under: Family Ministry, Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Pastor Smiley Speaks, Children and Youth
UUSS Family Minister’s Report
to Congregational Business Meeting of May 17, 2009
As noted in my Consulting Ministry Contract with UUSS, I’m giving you a report of my observations and activities in the areas in my portfolio as Family Minister. The headings below show you those major areas. Since this is a public weblog, I try not to use last names. I am not taking credit for everything here, but I report on what I’ve observed as well as worked on.
I have worked with the Lead Minister in supporting the Board of Trustees, Program Council, Religious Services Committee, Stewardship Campaign, the Association Sunday and Save a Crab fundraising appeals, Family Promise hospitality, Peace Vigil, Vision Into Action task force and Master Planning Process. In addition to staff meetings and frequent conversations with Janet (our extraordinary Religious Education Assistant) and others on the wonderful UUSS staff, I’ve met nearly weekly with the Lead Minister and Business Administrator. I’ve preached at least once a month, worked with Doug on every All-Ages Worship service, and was happy to cover pulpit duties during his brief month of sabbatical leave.
The Office sends out a Midweek Ministerial Message from me, with highlights, invitations and reminders of important activities and any breaking news or updates as well as some Family Minister reflections. My purpose in using this form of (not-so-new) New Media is to promote communication among members, help church friends and guests learn how to get connected, and encourage greater participation by everyone in the offerings of UUSS. Most but not all articles relate to program areas in my portfolio.
All-Ages Activities and Multi-Generational Community
This was a priority for the Family Minister position. Even so, ministry across the generations is primarily your ministry. Its success is in your hands–rather, it is in your presence with one another and even in going beyond your comfort zones. It benefits from the sharing of diverse talents and the spirit of creativity here. I hope to line up a team of 2-4 folks to work with me on this for 2009-10.
The heart of our community is in our weekly worship services. All children and youth (younger than high school) spend the first 20 minutes in worship before departing for RE programs every Sunday. Doug and I have co-led all-ages worship almost once a month as well as on Christmas Eve. We hope for the fall to formalize a training and scheduling process for children to be regular (and duly recognized) lighters of the Chalice. The Coming of Age worship service is the result of lots of cross-generational support. I hope for even more youth and child faces and voices in the pulpit in the coming year.
The biennial Coming of Age program paired 6 of our 9th or 10th grade UU youth with adult mentors for several months of group meetings, Saturday retreats, a Ropes Course, four fundraising bake sales, a raffle and a hoped-for UU Heritage Trip to Boston in June. I trust that the contributions of time by our mentors have made a difference in the UU identity of our youth. Moreover, the many, many hours of dedicated, thorough and creative Coming of Age coordination by David and Ginny have been amazing!
The grand and fun April 11 Talent Show was a fundraising success and also a great example of all-ages community building on the crew as well as in the cast and in the audience.
All-ages social activities included Thanksgiving dinner, a well-attended Holiday Crafts and Tree-Trimming Potluck Party and a fun post-inauguration party. We’ve met 6 times for a midweek Family Friendly Restaurant Dinner at Fresh Choice; attendance has ranged from 7 to 45 people, representing all age groups.
I’ve made a chart of all the program or activity areas I could think of and noted, month by month, what’s been going on that brings all ages together. The largest gap is in service projects.
However, opposition to Proposition 8 brought out UUs of all ages and family types to rally in the rain (and a bit in sunshine), among other forms of social witness. The new Community Garden provides opportunities for intergenerational serving and learning, and I’ve seen a number of youth helping with food or entertainment for Family Promise guests. If I’ve left out something important, it was not intentional, so please let me know.
Child/Youth Religious Education
I’m amazed at the creativity, loyalty and care that our many volunteer leaders show to the youth and children who participate in RE at UUSS. I’m also grateful for the wisdom, vision and hard work of RE Assistant Janet and the RE Committee. We are having a retreat June 6 to reorganize the RE Committee and set priorities in anticipation of having a new chair and more committee members. Most classes this year have dealt with nature, animals, plants, ecological inter-dependence, conservation, and waste treatment. Junior high youth heard about non-UU traditions, visited neighboring houses of worship, and they practiced silent meditation at nearly every session. The Senior High Youth Group’s dedicated advisors have facilitated discussion of personal and social issues of importance to the youth. Recently we hired a new child care provider to replace one who resigned in April; we staff Room 11 with two people. Their outside play area soon will have a newer, safer, funner piece of equipment.
We have had about 70 youth and children registered and an average attendance in the low 30s, counting new guests. The infrequent attendance is a sign of the times and common to many moderate and liberal churches. It’s my impression that in larger RE classes here infrequent attendance by the learners (or the leaders) does not cause as much of a lack of continuity or energy as it can in classes that have small enrollments to begin with.
This year the Our Whole Lives faith-and-sexuality education course met on several Sunday afternoons for 4th and 5th graders; thanks to Sally and David for co-leading. Next fall UUSS will offer OWL for junior high-age youth (the longest version of OWL) and another (shorter) one for 10th to 12th graders. Training by our UU Pacific Central District takes place in August.
The biggest news is that we plan to launch a new model for RE programs for children from grades 1-3 and grades 4-5. It’s called Spirit Play, and it’s a story-centered program adapted for UUs from a Montessori-inspired program. The goal is spiritual reflection, creative expression, and community building. For more information see my blog postings here on Spirit Play or the official website: www.spiritplay.net. The author will be here all day May 16 to train our volunteers and staff as well as some from Stockton, Davis and Palo Alto.
Membership Committee and Newcomer Orientations
We scheduled five Newcomer Orientation Courses (Saturday mornings or two Monday nights) and cancelled two to wait for a larger number. Alice and I co-led them with guest stars from the board and staff. We had well over 20 people in two classes and 8 in another class. Most have joined UUSS. Thanks to Virginia you can see their pictures and bios hanging in the lobby. However, a number of members have died, moved away, resigned, or let their membership status lapse by not making a pledge or giving a financial contribution in a year’s time. This has flattened out the net growth. In any case, the enthusiasm of new members is obvious and we are blessed by having several visitors (from all age groups) at every worship service.
Adult Religious Education
We’ve had a wealth of offerings this year, with Adult Enrichment brochures for fall, winter, and spring. We need to recruit not just more courses and course leaders for the coming church year–we need a whole new Adult Enrichment Committee. Glory has gravitated to the garden project and Kathryn will join the Board of Trustees, assuming your election of her May 17.
My personal priority for Adult Religious Education programs (as well as Child and Youth Religious Education) is not the transmission of facts per se but the building of authentic and enriching relationships within a religious community and the deepening of our spiritual lives.
I hope UUSS can offer more courses that invite our theological reflection and spiritual creativity, make accessible for us all the sources of our religious tradition, and deepen our understanding of our heritage as well as current expressions of Unitarian Universalism. However, this does not mean excluding courses that teach new skills or deal with issues that on their face do not seem to be related to spirituality. What it means (I hope) is that class leaders and participants can reflect on the relevance of the topic to our spiritual and religious heritage and our congregational mission. Most topics can be viewed through a spiritual lens, and the more we do that the more we can distinguish what we offer from the offerings of an adult education center, community college, or public lecture series.
Going Forward with You
Many thanks to the Search Committee and the Board of Trustees for hiring me last year. It’s been a joy and an honor to get to know and serve with our lay leaders and staff. I’ve been grateful to work in ministry with my friend and colleague, Doug Kraft, and to see the mutual affection between Doug and the members of this church. Recently a Trustee headed up a task force to evaluate both this ministry position and my work this year in the role. My contract goes from last August through this July.
Depending on the final results of the pledge drive (stewardship campaign) and the members’ action on the proposed budget, the Board and I are likely to talk about renewing the contract for another year. (Of course, the outcome of this contract-renewal process really depends on whether I have a full roster of Religious Education volunteers for the fall!)
For all the ways that you support and strengthen this congregation of all ages, thank you. For your gifts of money, time, talent and love to UUSS, thank you. Your generosity makes a difference!
In faith,
Roger
Family Minister
Saturday from 9-5 the UU Society of Sacramento hosted a training by Nita Penfold, D.Min, the author/coordinator of the Spirit Play religious education method for UU congregations. Due to the expense of brining her from Massachusetts, I had promoted it to district religious educators and ended up with a long waiting list for the precious 15 spots.
We had 8 from this church, three each from two other Central Valley congregations and an MRE from the Bay Area.
Wow! The training was good and the method appealing for many reasons. What struck me the most was how deeply it moved the teachers and RE professionals.
We experienced a model classroom with Nita as Storyteller and Janet as Doorkeeper, and the rest of us as UU kids. In spite of a few post-prandial nodding heads during a slide show, we left inspired and renewed at 5 PM. I have earlier postings on the blog in which I pitch Spirit Play to our members and explain the approach.
The big work now is ramping up to offer this story-based program in the fall (likely for 1st-3rd graders and 4th-5th graders). This involves dedicating a classroom and having enough shelves and cabinets for the individual story sets, and then making items for as many story sets as we’d like to start with. Nita has given us hundreds of stories with notes about materials to make or buy for each story set (which is to be kept in a basket or nice box), but she encouraged us to ask all our members for suggestions, including those from congregational history: ”What story do you think that our kids should be sure to learn in their participation in RE?”
We will demonstrate, explain and promote the launching of Spirit Play to our parents, lay leaders, artists, artisans, inventors and various handy members so they (I mean you!) can help to get our story elements together. Two DREs and I may see if our three churches can share the work of making the story sets ; it’s easier to make three copies of a few story sets than making every set ourselves.
We also seek to invite and train a few more Story Tellers as well as several of the special assistants known as Door Keepers.
Orientation sessions will be crucial for parents and children, as Spirit Play is not just another curriculum. It is a different method altogether. It includes special rituals as we create a sacred space and time in the classroom.
I expect this to be an inspiring and memorable RE ministry for our younger children as well as our volunteers. Moreover, it promises to be sustainable and broadly-supported program in our congregation.
Many thanks to those who gave of their time to attend and to my coach and colleague Michelle F. for having recommended this method of RE ministry to me and then welcoming two of our lay leaders on a Sunday visit to Oakland.
Filed under: Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified
Yesterday Doug told me there was a mockingbird in trees in the parking lot that had dive bombed him twice. I had not seen it. He guessed it had a nest somewhere around here and was trying to protect it. This morning as I walked back home from the Y a very large crow was on a power line squawking, to me apparently. I stopped under it and talked to it. Then it came flying in a big circle down toward me, squawking and then making a cirlce back up to a big tree.
So of course I thought of “The Birds,” even though that was filmed over a hundred miles west of here, on the coast. Today after lunch I was in the parking lot and something whooshed by me. I turned around and saw the mockingbird on the line. Then I went on my way and it followed after me. When I realized how close it had come to my head I screamed a very embarrassing scream. Now I am hiding in my office.
PS–make that three times. I just went over to the office. I told Linda about being attacked. She said it had come after her yesterday. I left the office and decided to walk out in the open area of the parking lot to watch it. But before I had taken 5 steps it had flown by the back of my head. I could hear its wings moving. I screamed an even more embarrassing scream, which they could hear indoors. Now I am hiding again.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Children and Youth, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: Coming of Age, mentors, travel, UU heritage, youth group
Youth and Mentors in SMF Airport Ready for Boston
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Children and Youth, Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views, UUA Presidential Campaigns
Lights out at 1 AM–no exceptions! That was last night, after an all-day flight. Even though it was only 10 PM in our bodies, all 5 of us guys slept quite well in 2 sets of bunk beds plus one twin bed in a 12 x 12 room. I assume it was roomier for the ladies, since there were only 3 of them. Everybody got up by 7:30, cleaned up and headed down to the youth hostel’s kitchen to make ourselves bagels and fruit loops. None of the kids drank any coffee, which makes it more amazing that they followed me all over and listened to me drone on about the history of the place. We strolled Boston Common (the oldest public park in the US, originally where Puritans grazed their cattle and hanged Quakers and other heretics), the Public Garden (adjacent to the Common but established 2 centuries later with gorgeous landscaping: trees, blooming flowers, a lagoon with swan paddle boat rides and real swans too, and monuments to famous Unitarians like Edward Everett Hale and other notable Americans, to the protestors who died in the 1770 Boston Massacre (all five of them), to those with family or other Massachusetts connections who perished on Sept. 11, 2001, on one of the planes that took off from here or from their crashes in NYC and DC).
On Beacon Hill we visited the main building of UUA Headquarters at 25 Beacon Street, right next to the gold-domed State House (where I pointed out bronzes of Daniel Webster, President Kennedy, Unitarian Horace Mann). In the UUA we saw the William Ellery Channing landing and his portrait, among those of other 19th century notables) and the Dana McLean Greely library, commemorating the 1st president of the newly merged UUA (1961 to 1968, spanning the most violent and triumphant years of the Civil Rights Movement), and the Eliot Chapel, where a bronze relief commemorated Jimmy Lee Jackson, a young black civil rights worker killed by police in Selma during a march while trying to protect his grandmother; Viola Liuzzo, a white Unitarian from Detroit who transported black men in her car between Selma and Montgomery and was murdered by the KKK, and the Rev. James Reeb, a young Boston minister who went down to Selma for the Voting Rights March to Montgomery with other UU clergy–the night before the march they were attacked by whites after dining in a black restaurant, and Reeb died from the blows.
We met some young staffers–one from the UUA Office of Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay and Transgender Concerns, who spoke to us about the Welcoming Congregation program, which our congregation had entered several years ago, and two college-age interns from the UUA Youth Programs Office. The highlight of the day (at least for the 3 adults) was to attend the UUA staff chapel, which happens every Tuesday at 11:30 AM. Today’s preacher with the Rev. William Sinkford, giving his farewell homily to the staff as he looks forward to leaving office next week when we elect a new president at General Assembly. Bill completes two 4-year terms. It was an emotional time for him and many colleagues in the room and those field staff who were watching and participating by phone and internet through Persony (they even sent Joys and Sorrows for the Boston colleagues to hear and light a candle).
We had lunch at a deli and wandered by the old City Hall which originally was the site of the Boston Latin School (which Ben Franklin dropped out of at age 11). Now it holds several eateries, stores and offices. After lunch I took them down to the plaza which faces the Old South Meeting House, where Sam Adams and 5,000 other colonists began protesting the British Crown’s tax on tea imports to America and effectively began the Revolution in 1773. But the striking thing was a memorial to the victims of The Great Hunger, which is what Irish called the potato famine of 1845-50. Of 8.5 million in Ireland, 1 million starved to death and 2 million fled across the sea to America, but many of them died at sea in crowded and unworthy ships. Why the famine? A fungal infestation of crops, English colonial control and absentee landlords in England, who demanded and received rental payment in grain while the peasants died of hunger. In Boston the early immigrants lived in damp, dirty, crowded conditions near the waterfront and where many infant and other lives were lost. Help Wanted signs in store windows said Irish Need Not Apply. The memorial bronze sculptures depict three haggard and agonizing peasants on one side and a group of proud, upstanding Irish Americans, having finally attained inclusion and power. President Kennedy was descended from refugees from the Great Hunger.
After a gift-shop and Starbucks stop, we went back to the Garden and rested till our 90 minute tour at Arlington Street Church, across from which stands a bronze statue of its founding minister, William Ellery Channing, the “father of American Unitarianism.” The church is based on an Anglican church design and features family pew boxes with doors throughout the sanctuary main floor (paid pew boxes were originally passed down the generations of a family but eventually democratized by church leaders (not without controversy), becoming first-come, first-served pew boxes). Louis Comfort Tiffany’s factory made about 13 gorgeous, green-blue-and-white stained glass windows (featuring New Testament scenes but none of the miracles of Christ. This was in the late 1800s but the glassmakers went out of business before finishing the job, according to our guide. (But he also said that Channing’s famous Baltimore Sermon was 2 decades later than it was, so I’m not sure.) This politically conservative but spiritually radical church did also become a politically radical one in the 1900s: Civil Rights, Women’s Rights, Reproductive Rights, El Salvadoran political-refugee sanctuary programs, GLBT Rights. Notable was the Vietnam-era ceremony inviting young men to burn their draft cards together in protest, after which the church gave them extended sanctuary so they could avoid arrest, our guide told us. Openly lesbian minister KIm Crawford Harvie, known for her charismatic preaching, has been serving ASC 20 years.
This is all build-up to the highlights of the day, and I don’t mean dinner at the bar made famous by the Cheers TV series in the 1980s-90s, which the youth liked even though they had never heard of it and didn’t know the names of any of the stars.
No…our ASC guide took us to the organ and choir loft, where Nate tried his hand at the powerful pipe organ’s keyboard, improvising nicely, after which Jessica played Fur Elise. They were only briefly perplexed by the many pedals beneath their feet, since organ pedals play notes, unlike the two piano pedals (or so I think). The youth also got to stand in the enormous high pulpit of Dr. Channing (moved from the original church building when the congregation moved to this one).
Surely the highlight was the trip up the creaky steps (ladders nailed down, really) up into the steeple, stopping in the bell tower. About 14 ropes came through pulleys and were fastened to a board with numbers. Each rope, when pulled hard, would ring a bell with a particular note, in a room up higher in the tower. He took us up to see the bells themselves but a bout of vertigo caused me to stop half way and descend tremblingly back to the room with the ropes. The others came down after enjoying the priceless views and the youth randomly rang different bell ropes, causing a cacophony that must have had the upscale neighbors scratching or shaking their heads. Then each of us was told to grab a numbered rope. The guide called out a series of numbers and we pulled as we heard ours. The tune was Morning Has Broken, but the numbers came too slowly for it to sound familiar. Then Tina took over and read us our numbers fast enough so that Cat Stevens or any self-respecting Welsh person walking down Boylston Street would have recognized it.
After the Cheers pub food, this crowd of pilgrims with weary limbs and aching feet made its way back to this bunk-bed United Nations of youth. It’s 12:30 AM and I am the oldest of all the reading, typing, surfing and chattering lodgers in this kitchen (except for Larry King on the TV set), and I am going to turn in.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Children and Youth, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: Blue Man Group, Cambridge, classism, crypt, elitism, Harvard Divinity School, Holy Communion, King's Chapel, Paul Revere's silver, sexism, Sumner, Unitarian Christianity
The young men did not bound out of their bunks at 7:00 AM and I merely stumbled out. But I fortified myself in the hostel’s kitchen with two mugs of coffee. Most everyone made it down to eat but one was missing. I ran up to grab my jacket and found a towel-clad member of our room sitting in the common room nearby, waiting for one of us to show up and let him in. He had left his key-card in the room, something I have feared doing in the middle of the night every time I stay in a hostel.
We took the MBTA Red Line train across the beautiful (thanks to sunny and clear skies) Charles River and arrived at Harvard Square. We met our generous guide, Gloria, a UU lay leader from First Parish Cambridge and librarian at the Divinity School’s Andover-Harvard Library.
First stop was her church, founded in the 1600s as Puritan Congregational church so students at the college could worship and hear Christian preaching, and Unitarian since the 1830s. In 1648 the parish hosted a conference of churches at which they adopted the Cambridge Platform, establishing the form of polity (governance) as congregational (i.e., autonomous and not subject to a denominational hierarchy); this is why UU churches have congregational governance. The college (then university) held commencement in the church till there was not enough room.
Across the street is a large statue of Charles Sumner, a non-Unitarian and the most abolitionist US Senator of his day, who was beaten by a colleague with a cane on the Senate floor and disabled. Yesterday we saw a standing sculpture of Sumner in the Public Garden. There had been a contest for a statue to commemorate this great man. The judges selected the seated statue but then discovered that the sculptor was a woman (Unitarian, I think). It was inappropriate for a lady to sculpt a man’s legs, they thought, so the runner-up statue was the one placed in Boston’s Public Garden, and Cambridge got the real winner.
Gloria walked us to Harvard Yard (where we rubbed the bronze shoe of the “John Harvard, Founder” statue, though the likeness is of one of John’s relatives (nobody knows what John looked like) and he was not the founder, just the donor of Harvard College’s first library books. We visited Memorial Church, the campus church whose current Preacher is Peter Gomes, the liberal Christian scholar and author. Plaques commemorate alumni lost in the Civil War.
We saw three buildings of the Divinity School and entered two of them, Divinity Hall, the original building. Inside and upstairs is a small chapel where the 1838 graduating class invited recently-resigned minister Ralph Waldo Emerson to give the Address. (The students and faculty were all Unitarian Christians by that time, as the Orthodox Christians had built their own school after losing control of the faculty). His challenge to the staid and stale church scandalized the faculty and the community; the faculty felt the need to distance themselves from him in order to assert their own Christian bona fides.
Gloria took us in the library and into an archives room where a major current project is the cataloguing and digitizing of the records of the Unitarian Service Committee, especially its early work in helping to rescue European refugees of the Nazis, even before WW II was officially declared. We saw many black and white pictures, including those of children in orphanages. the youth seemed to be most interested in a display of a few pages from a Medieval illuminated manuscript of a Catholic order of Mass.
Gloria was so generous with her time, and so enthusiastic and informative, and it was great to meet her. She sent us off toward a burrito place for quick lunch, as we were headed to a 12:15 worship service in King’s Chapel back over in Boston. We made it just in time for the flute and organ prelude and slipped into two of the pew boxes. It was established by King James II in 1686 as an Anglican Church, but things got heated as the Empire became more oppressive. King George’s Governor General sat in one pew box and Paul Revere sat nearby, as did George Washington when he was worshipping there. After the colonists won the War of Independence the church lost half its members, the loyalists. They hired James Freeman to be their minister and wanted to ordain him; he was a Congregationalist and theologically a unitarian, and the Anglican clergy and bishops refused to participate in his ordination. This drove the church fully out of Anglicanism and on its way to Unitarian Christianity. Freeman revised the Book of Common Prayer (the worship manual), taking out prayers for the King and inserting prayers for the U.S. Congress, and taking out references to Jesus as God rather than as God’s holy prophet. But that manual hasn’t been revised much since the 1780s, and its language is a bit antique and beautiful (though hardly gender inclusive).
Without us and an Episcopal youth group from Dallas, there would have been about 15 people at the the half-hour service. A hospital chaplain and church member gave a short homily on the Pentecost reading from the Acts of the Apostles, and spoke directly to the youth present at one point, hoping that they honor the spirit within each of them and nurture it. I was pleasantly surprised that the youth were engaged in the hymn singing and responsive readings (“versicles”). Today is the third Wednesday, so it was the day for communion at the end of the service; of course this is a ritual meal “in remembrance of Christ,” not in assertion of his divinity. I had told our group in advance that I likely would get in line for communion and most of them went up too. Most of us knelt together against the communion rail and received it together. It was only later, during our personal tour, that we learned that Paul Revere had made that communion silver for this church–his church. He had also melted down and recast its bell after a crack, making it the largest bell in Boston. Kristin, tour director, gave us a fabulous history of the church and some of its famous and/or colorful members, not hiding the fact that it had been a socially elite congregation for much of its history. Indeed, it was only in the 1970s that the church ended the family ownership and inheritance of box pews, and it did this through a buy-back program. Also, there are plaques on the inside front wall commemorating 14 of the 16 members lost in the Civil War. One of the missing (unmemorialized) members is Col. Robert Gould Shaw, of “Glory” fame, whose 54th Regiment is sculpted in bronze relief by Saint Gaudens on a wall in the Boston Common. She said that his family had not given enough money to the church for him to score a mention on the plaque. How embarrassing it must have been when he became so noted for having led the first African American army regiment.
Kristin showed us the downstairs crypt (which non-UU tourists can’t visit), including one with a brick out, and we could see an adult coffin, a child coffin, and a collapsed coffin and some famous person’s femur and pelvis. I think it was Thomas Bullfinch, of Bullfinch’s Mythology.
We headed out to the burying ground afterwards; it was established in 1630, and part of it was encroached upon in the 1680s when the Chapel was built. It holds the remains of the English colony’s first governor, John Winthrop and a bunch of his descendants, as well as Elizabeth Pain, the wife of a sea merchant. She was one of the two women who inspired the character of Hester Prynne in Hawthorne’s Boston-set novel The Scarlet Letter. Incredible serendipity: Tina had just begun reading the book on the plane, having just picked it up Sunday in our church’s used book store. This cemetery is smaller and down the street from the one that holds Paul Revere and Ben Franklin.
After a shopping/wandering spree (which I spent napping on a park bench in the Common) the group re-grouped at the Chapel, headed back to the hostel and then out for dinner (Wendy’s for some, Thai for others). Then we headed to the theater district to see the Blue Man Group, a long running and lively show of multi-media performance art, cultural commentary and music, audience participation, and craziness. Well worth seeing, if you haven’t yet. It’s been around the US for at least 15 years and I never had. We all loved it and nobody got sprayed on (by paint or twinkies), but Nate did get recruited to come and do one task, which was to shut off the circuit breaker and cut the power.
It took place in the Charles Playhouse, a theater that was built in 1839 by “renowned architect Asher Benjamin” as the Fifth Universalist Church! In 1864 it became the first Synagogue in Boston and during the Prohibition era it was a speakeasy.
Thursday morning we head to Lexington and Concord and at night we go on a Ghosts and Graveyards tour of Boston.
Okay, now go back to the link above and and read the Divinity School Address!
Filed under: Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified, UUA General Assembly 2009 in Salt Lake City, UUA Presidential Campaigns
I am staying in a big old lovely house 2 miles from the downtown hotels and convention center. My former intern has always been resourceful, and she and her husband found this house to rent online and recruited several other ministers to stay here and share the cost. An added temptation is that she is a chef and maybe some day she will want to cook while we are here. There are two straight clergy couples and four other people. One couple is a mixed marriage: he went to Starr King School for the Ministry and she went to Meadville Lombard Theological School; he supports Peter Morales for UUA president and she supports Laurel Hallman.
Yesterday I went for a ride around Salt Lake City with collegial friends Barb and Bill, who served the South Valley UU Church till 2006. They showed me Salt Lake City’s century-old, New England-style First Unitarian Church (closer to where we are) as well as the neighborhood they used to live in. The church is in a capital campaign to raise a few million for an expansion. Sort of makes the small goal of $17,000 for the Entry Way Project back home seem very small, and quite doable.
Today, Tuesday, is the day for the continuing education programs of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association. Gotta catch the bus!
Barb was invited once by a female state senator from SLC to give the opening blessing at the Utah legislature, thus being the first woman clergy person to do so. On top of that, the senator told her afterwards that it was the first time the words “gay and lesbian” had been spoken publicly in that chamber! Now there are at least two openly glbt legislators.
Filed under: UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views, UUA General Assembly 2009 in Salt Lake City, UUA Presidential Campaigns
This is a press release that the UUA’s communications director just released. I was surprised at the margin and sad at my candidate’s loss, as were all the others at the thank-you party Satuday night after the Ware Lecture. Peter Morales is a dynamic and experienced leader, and both candidates have raised important issues in this energetic but respectful campaign between two accomplished ministers.
Note how significant is the number of absentee votes as a fraction of all votes cast. In some past UUA elections the winner has “won” even before showing up at GA because his campaign has locked up so many absentee votes in advance. Note also the “transition” period–less than 24 hours from election results to installation! All other nominees were running in uncontested elections
Press release:(June 27, 2009 – Salt Lake City, Utah) – Rev. Peter Morales, senior
minister of Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden, Colorado, today was
elected to be the eighth president of the Unitarian Universalist
Association of Congregations (UUA) at the Association’s General Assembly
in Salt Lake City.
Morales received a total of 2061 votes, 1020 of which were cast as
absentee ballots. His opponent, Rev. Dr. Laurel Hallman, formerly senior
minister of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas, Texas, received a
total of 1481 votes, 827 of which were absentee ballots. Morales’
margin of victory was 580 votes.
Speaking of his aspirations for Unitarian Universalism, Rev. Morales
said, “I want to grow our faith, to reach all those people who are
looking for non-dogmatic, liberal religious community. I look forward to
working with partners in many other progressive and justice-seeking
religious groups. There are tremendous issues that we’ll be facing in
the coming years and we’re going to need one another.”
Rev. Morales, the first Latino leader of the UUA, will be installed in a
ceremony which concludes the General Assembly, at 6:30 PM (MDT) on
Sunday, June 28. Rev. Morales will succeed Rev. William G. Sinkford who
has served two four-year terms as President of the UUA.
See http://www.uua.org/news/newssubmissions/144235.shtml for the
complete story on Morales’ election. For uuworld.org’s coverage of the
Morales election, see http://uuworld.org/news/ga
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Children and Youth, Family Ministry
I recommend this article from the June 26 Wall Street Journal. But here is a good summary from The Rev. Dr. Martin E. Marty’s online “Sightings” column: Charlotte Hays in her “Houses of Worship” column reports on the decline in Sunday School attendance and the number of Sunday Schools nationally. Is this because God is dead? No— while boring experiences contribute, social factors are bigger. Parental divorces unsettle Sunday arrangements for the children’s schedules, and soccer wins out over Jesus almost always. Sunday sports and public celebrations are thus other phenomena which show that there are other sanctuaries for the “real religion” of millions.
My Reflections:
She notes that even when Protestant Sunday Schools were attended more regularly, they were unlikely to convey all the content and reflection necessary for a genuine formation in the faith. Indeed, the youth with the highest level of religious literacy (both Judeo-Christian and of other world faiths) are those (of any faith or of none) who have attended private Catholic schools.
I’m not sure that one year of a confirmation class (or Coming of Age in the UU faith) can make up for the absence of in-depth content and formation in all the other years of youth. Mormons instill loyalty and content by focusing on family life and making the family unit the basic one in the local church, or ward. By maintaining a “bubble” of Mormon life and ownership of the Mormon heritage. Jewish congregations have offered Sunday school Hebrew school or other courses for those preparing for their bar mitvah or bat mitzvah.
Yet there are promising developments, such as Spirit Play for UUs, which is based on Godly Play. It is a story-based method which does not depend on week-to-week continuity of attendance. It promotes spiritual reflection, love of ritual and community-building. Also, many congregations have done the hard work of promoting community across the generations–in worship attendance and leadership, in fellowship activities (i.e., fun), in social witness and service, and even in small group ministry. I believe this cultivates an identity as a beloved member of a faith community and provides cross-generational experiences for elders, children, and parents, many of whose own family members are far away.
Filed under: Children and Youth, Church Finances and Stewardship, Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified, UUA General Assembly 2009 in Salt Lake City
At the 2009 UUMA Ministry Days I attended an excellent workshop by the Rev. Nate Walker, of 1st Unitarian Philadelphia, about our relationship with technology, especially emerging communication, presentation and social networking tools on the web. I made a last-minute decision to attend this one instead of my pre-registered choice, hoping that it would not make me feel bad about my slow adoption of new technologies and overwhelmed by all the new stuff coming out. His workshop met my hopes with grace and inspiration.
In the “introductions” segment, we all spoke about our relationship with tech as if it were a person. It helped to see the range of comfort levels and that as many of us are late adopters as are early adopters. He noted: we are all in this together.
He said we should not forget our spiritual natures, roles as spiritual leaders and commitment to spiritual practice. Given all the other things ministers must manage and navigate, we do have it in our power to have an intentional and not harmful relationship with new technologies.
Some people have a rule of not looking at email sooner than 12 hours since the last time they read or wrote emails. Before we knew what had happened, Nate swore all us ministers to give up email for Lent next year. We will need to alert and remind parishioners and colleagues well in advance of Ash Wednesday. This doesn’t mean we can’t phone people and ask them to phone us or to meet with us in person. (And, I might add, handwritten notes are still gratifying.) I’m writing it here so I can remember my commitment.
He gave examples of how he and his church have used YouTube for pastoral messages (as when he was out of state last July when news came of the shootings in the Knoxville UU church), as well as for worship and religious education presentations. They replaced their membership photo directory with an online directory (with Flicker, I think); this can be password protected as well as more easily updated.
The most exciting project: they provided video cameras and mikes to church children and youth, who conducted a series of interviews with church elders and other adults, asking questions like “What religion did you grow up in?” All the clips were brief, which kept every one interesting. This was a great tool for connecting children to adults in the congregation.
He showed us the opening scene from the movie “Crash,” which was used for a dialogue on race and ethnicity. Notable line: ”We miss the touch so much tha twe crash into each other just to feel it.”
Of course, many churches now post and podcast sermons and other parts of worship services.
The Mail Chimp program shows who comes to the church web site and why. Google can track which pages of a web site are visited most frequently. First Unitarian gets visitors from all states as well as 77 other countries.
His own Netiquette guidelines:
Real life does apply online. Practice deep listening and loving speech, just as we try to do in person. No expectations for a timely response on email. Put out “flames” and do not participate in conflict by email. Recognize conflicts but don’t try to resolve them online unless there is no other way to reach someone or have a conversation with them. Respect people’s privacy. Avoid sarcasm.
We need to use the technology to help us enhance our ministries and not become slaves to technology for its own sake. Hence, he asked us to identify and articulate our own sense of purpose. When we are clear on that we can avoid being buffeted by all the new options and tools.
Filed under: Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified | Tags: apartment-hunting, boulevards, cafe, dogs, Midtown, psycho
Late yesterday afternoon I walked the boulevards around 24th and G Streets, staying in the shade of the big old trees and the many big houses. It had been up to 90 or more but it felt fine as the evening’s Delta breeze made its soft, first arrival.
I was looking at or walking by apartments for rent. I need a bigger one for the furniture I need to bring here from San Jose. I’d like one that cools down faster at night, my current one heats up and stays hot awhile after I put fans in the windows to draw in the cool air (it gets as low as 50 by morning, so it feels wasteful to use the living room AC to cool the place down at night.
I passed a peach-stucco house with nice shrubs and a big lemon tree in the short front yard. There was the iconic Obama campaign sticker in the window, along with hand written notes taped to the walls: “Please pick up after your dog” and “Help yourselves to lemons. We can’t keep up!”
I took one and took down their address. My fantasy is to move into the neighborhood and then knock on their door and introduce myself as their new neighbor. “I live three blocks over and I moved there just to be near your house, so I hope we can be friends!” I am sure they will invite me in for pie, or even supper, but if they don’t I may have to get a great Dane.
It took me awhile to find where I had parked my car, then I drove to Old Soul Bakery/Weatherstone’s Coffee. I wanted to sit on the tree-covered brick patio but needed to be inside near an outlet for my laptop. I glared at a guy sitting at a table by the windows and one of the few outlets. I’m sure he was about to leave anyway.
I had a $2 iced tea of some precious herbal blend. After an hour I had to step out to the sidewalk to take a phone call. While talking I approached a sweet black Labrador tied to the patio fence and pining for me with bright eyes and a mouth that could smile as much as possible with a muzzle strap on its snout. Her ears were velvety and she loved the taste of my hand.
Two people walked toward us with two little long-haired yippy dogs on leash. I said, “Now just ignore them, okay?” I tried to keep eye contact with her but she wouldn’t take her eyes off them; she had a new reason for living. To the owners I said, “This isn’t my dog; I don’t know what she’ll do, you might want to steer clear.” They seemed to ignore me and three dogs began a barking and lunging melee. I said, “It’s not my dog. It’s not my dog,” as one of the owners apologized, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” (Since it wasn’t my dog, I thought later, I should have shouted, “Get ‘em, get ‘em!”)
The yippy and sorry family went on by us. My new friend, panting cheerfully, returned her attention to me, and I returned to my cell phone conversation, easing toward her for some more love, hoping she wouldn’t decide to settle on me as the handiest thing to bite.
Soon the owner came out and led her from the fence over to a table on the sidewalk and had her sit down, splitting us up forever. I said, “That’s a very sweet dog.” He said, “Yes, too sweet.”
Filed under: Pastor Smiley Speaks | Tags: locally grown, fresh, fruit salad, greens
What I like to eat is slow food, fast. I go to the farmers’ markets and buy more fruit and veggies than I can carry and maybe a loaf of bread. Yesterday I made a fruit salad with two small peaches and a pint of strawberries and a pint of blackberries. Yesterday I ate half of it and I just ate the other half. For lunch yesterday and today I had 2 ears of corn, cooked in their, uh, husks by microwave.
I have green things to eat too. Sometimes I walk across the parking lot to the church garden and cut some chard if nobody’s looking.
Or if somebody is because there’s a ton of it. I washed, stemmed, rolled and chopped it and steamed it in the microwave. David found out I liked chard last week and brought me a grocery bag (big paper kind) full of it. Too bad I had ridden my bike to work. Gotta to to Fresh Choice now!
Filed under: Family Ministry, Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified
I was dropped at the church’s Fresh Choice dinner last night, in a complex barter arrangement in which I would lend a family my car for a few days in exchange for airport transportation, which means one of them has to pick me up at 4:30 AM. We had fewer than 10 come to dinner–no doubt 105 degrees is too hot to go out. The weather’s effect on us reminds me of 10-below weather in Minnesota last year… I think it was May.
Many intruders (a big family and a women’s group whose unifying theme I was unable to figure out) crowded around us in our usual dining room. It’s usually is freezing but last night was barely cool, unlike the rest of the place, which was warm. Sometimes our table neighbors leave their used plates on one of the tables I was trying to reserve. It dawned on me that I had forgotten to schedule this month’s family-friendly outing/fundraiser with the restaurant! Then I would have known that this was not a good night. (I will book the one for Aug. 19, I promise).
After all but one of my Fresh Choice flock departed, I went out with Don for a ride back to church. Habitually I felt for my keys, to get into the office as well as my apartment. I didn’t have them on me. They were attached to my car key, and all were on a journey half an hour away, about to enjoy a girls’ soccer game with the whole family.
The church was open for the Singing in the Summer activity. In the cool of the library I left messages on two cell phones and one machine, then sat and considered my options. Fortuitously Barbara offered to drive me home to see if my apartment manager was home. Her number wasn’t in my new cell phone yet; I don’t know her last name; the apartment building is not listed in the online white pages. Barbara offered to take me 30 miles east if necessary. But my manager was home, willing to give me a key for as long as I needed it (till my pre-dawn driver arrives tomorrow).
This morning Capital Public Radio said today and tomorrow are Spare the Air Days, and public transit is free. What luck! I needed to take the train and bus to work. (When I lived in the SF Bay Area I enjoyed taking a day trip to the City for free if I had the time on a Spare the Air Day.)
After coffee I had to sprint like mad to get on the 8:58 train. When I changed to the bus the bus driver told me that Sacramento Regional Transit “is too cheap” to give free rides for Spare the Air. I paid and rode, thinking of sending an annoyed-listener email to tell the newscaster that they had misspoken. As with most citizen letters I compose in my head, I didn’t actually send one.
Filed under: Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified, Uncategorized, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
Cars N Stuff
My Hoosier twang sprang back before I even got out of the airplane at the Indianapolis International Airport.
My older brother called my cell phone to let me know he was in his car on site. I should call after the long walk down the new, brushed metal terminal when I would get “to the top of the stairway.” “Okay,” I said. “Bah-bah.” He replied, “Bah-bah.”
This airport was built last year just west of where the old one sits vacant, awaiting a decision on its fate and a close-out sale of fixtures. He pulled up in his red Jeep SUV and told me the cell-phone waiting lot was overflowing: “I’ve never seen this place so crowded.”
On the interstate ride to the southern suburbs, I became aware of a two-year-old State legislative advancement: Most of the SUVs and half of the other cars bore specialty license plates with “In God We Trust.” Printed on the left side of the plate, the motto is printed larger than the name of the state. An American flag makes a faint background for the license number, on the right. An Indiana Civil Liberties Union lawsuit failed in the court. The suit had said that by not charging drivers the $15 administrative fee that organization-related specialty plates carry, the State was violating the Establishment Clause of the Constitution. On the contrary, the court said, waiving the fee made the God plate just one of three alternative at the basic fee. The other choices are the tasteful dark-blue State flag, with white stars in a circle around a stylized torch, and one that says “Lincoln’s Boyhood Home,” of which I have seen none. (Like me, Abraham Lincoln spent his formative years in Indiana, before heading west to the bigger and flatter Land of Lincoln.)
A Unitarian Universalist friend and classmate told me about going to the Bureau of Motor Vehicle window for his new plate. The woman at the window said, “Do you want a regular one or an ‘in God We Trust’ one? No extra charge!” ”Just give me a regular one,” he said.
In the 1980s the State tourism slogan was “Wander Indiana First,” meaning “Don’t Say Yes to Michigan,” among other nearby states. The license plates had the word Wander in red at the top and Indiana in black at the bottom. After I moved to Illinois a new acquaintance said, “Are you from Wander?” Another one said, “Where is Wander? There’s a lot of Indiana cars from there.”
Some years earlier the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles was Ralph VanAtta. His name and title appeared on every driver’s license, just above your picture and to the left of your name, DOB, and address. The Indianapolis Star reported that a disproportionate number of traffic tickets written by the Indiana State Police–for every kind of violation–were made out to Ralph VanAtta. On subsequent license designs his name was less prominent and his driving record improved.
Filed under: Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified, Uncategorized
Food and Family
My 60-year-old brother took an early retirement buyout this year but never is without a work project. He spent the last two weeks painting and repairing an inexpensive rental house he owns in nearby Greenwood. We had to stop at the hardware store for him to exchange a small brass pipe for one in the proper size so he could install a new dishwasher. The opportunity costs of my living in California include all the money I would have saved if I had stayed close to the family handyman, car mechanic, and small-engine repair man, not to mention his wife, a smart nurse practicioner with prescription-writing privileges. He found the brass pipe quickly but we waited in the front of the store a long time; a man called out, “But up to help you in a minute.” By the time the guy got there a less-patient, less-Midwestern customer would have either stormed out in frustration or lifted a number of items.
We stopped at a farm stand for big red tomatoes and a dozen ears of corn–the best thing about living in or visiting Indiana in the humid summer. The peaches came from South Carolina. My brother said they’d ripen more and smell great in a day or so. They were yellow and hard but looked as if they had cellulite. To be fair, there’s a local farmers’ market on Saturdays, but my weekly, year-round visits to “certified” California farmers’ markets made me critical. Just last week back home the peaches were as much as a dollar cheaper.
The man at the counter looked to be about 60. He added up our purchases in the corner of a spiral notebook. My brother asked if he had any cantaloupe from down in Vincennes (at Indiana’s southern border). ”All out.” Too much rain has made it a small crop. ”Blackberries?” ”All gone.” I saw a box of green beans with “home grown $1.50/lb” handwritten on the cardboard flap. This is the third great thing about Indiana summers. Mmm. I asked, as I do at most market stalls, “Do you use any spays on your green beans…pesticides?” He stared at me blankly for a long moment. ”I have no idea. They just bring them up to me. But I don’t think you’d get very many if you didn’t spray them with something, with bugs and animals eating them.” I wanted to say, “Well, it doesn’t seem to be a problem back in California.”
At home my brother shucked the corn out on the patio deck and set it to boil. “For 15 minutes?” I said. “Really? It only takes me 4 minutes in the microwave, with the husks on.” His wife called at nearly 7 PM and said she was still at the clinic and wasn’t able to leave yet. He got out a ziplock bag of cold rotisserie chicken pieces to heat up, but he said he wasn’t putting it in the microwave until he saw “the whites of her eyes.” My nephew sliced tomatoes, bathed them in balsamic vinegar and olive oil, and sprinkled them with basil. My brother told the story of a late uncle whose wife sent him out to her garden with scissors to cut some basil as she cooked, and he came in with a handful of petunia leaves.
My sister in law came in, hugged me and went back out to the car. She returned with two enormous southern Indiana cantaloupes, holding them in both arms in front of her short, small body. She asked: ”What do you think of my melons?”
Filed under: Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified
Sunday Driving
Nephew Mark has brought me to the Monon Coffee Company, in the trendy and still funky Broad Ripple on the north east side of the Indianapolis. (When I was growing up in Franklin, a small town 28 miles south, we called it The City, the way Bay Area people refer to San Francisco.)
Monon [mow-non] is an Indian name and the name of a rail road whose tracks came through this area. Now there’s a bike and walking trail here. They have five kinds of brewed coffee, including Choo Choo Brew (regular and decaf), but I’m having a Peruvian free-trade organic blend, which is the favorite of the young blond man behind the counter.
The nice thing about Midwestern accents (the twangy or the nasally) is that you can hear someone talking from far away. (Maybe this is why Mark is reading right now with a blue foam plug in is one good ear.) I just learned from across the room that the grandson of Bobby Plump, the young basketball player from Milan High School who made the winning shot in the 1954 state basketball final game, as depicted in the movie “Hoosiers,” owns a tavern a block away. It’s called Plump’s Last Shot. ”You’ll find drunks asleep in the middle of the day in there, even though it’s against the law to sleep in a bar.”
A woman is reading, curled up in the large overstuffed chair beside Mark’s chair, with her leg lying on the arm of the chair and her bare foot two feet from his face. He mumbled his displeasure and later asked her if she’d mind moving it a way. Now her foot is propped on the coffee table.
Mark’s mom and dad took their boat down to a lake late this morning to fish. Anticipating no luck in this unseasonably chilly, overcast weather, this morning she took several bags of frozen bass and bluegill fillets, the last of the 2008 catch they had in the deep freezer, for a fish fry tonight. At my request we’re also having free-range venison, from a deer downed with a shotgun by my brother last fall. He says we’re having surf-N-turf.
Filed under: Uncategorized
It’s Monday, and I am procrastinating about telling you about the high school reunion.
After I got a rental car from local firm Ace Rent-a-Car [Support the Troops sign is in their strip-mall store window] I swam at the YMCA near Greenwood this morning. It is the whitest Y I’ve ever been at, but today I saw one black and one brown person. The outdoor pool is 50 meters long, which makes me feel like a weakling for the first 10 minutes–will I make it to the end (gasp)? It’s also the most C of the YMCAs I know. Not only does the big sign above the registration desk affirm their basis in Christian principles, an open Bible sits on a lectern in the lobby. Above it on the wall is the passage from Matthew’s Gospel: “Ask and ye shall receive.” And on the stairwell wall is a framed famous portrait, Werner Sallman’s “Head of Christ,” the most famous of the fair-skinned versions, the non-Jewish Jesus. The picture is one of the few Protestant icons. It’s also on the social hall wall of the Protestant church in which I grew up–and those of many others.
I had lunch with a second cousin of my late mother’s and his wife, both in their 80s. Reared on a farm, she cooks a big spread. We had lemon chicken with capers, corn on the cob, sliced tomatoes, home-grown green beans cooked with sausage, new potatoes cooked in with the beans, hot white rolls, and chocolate pie for dessert–chilled, very fluffy yet dense and sweet. She told me how to make the pie: a dense graham-cracker crust with almond slivers, melted Hershey’s chocolate bars, and Cool Whip. There goes my morning workout! The tomatoes were not quite ripe enough, she apologizingly noted a few times. The corn was great, I thought, but could have been better they said. Her husband said, “It’s not from Johnson County, I know.” She said, “Well, I bought it here.” “But it’s not been grown here, I can tell.”
At these luncheons I can count on hearing of the family deaths that nobody thought to tell me about. I had learned last week of a first cousin’s death at 66 when my brother mentioned having attended the funeral, as if I had known. (How would I have known?) Today I learned of three other deaths in the past year: one of my mother’s younger first cousins, of cancer at her daughter’s home in another state, and the two old, widowed husbands of three of Mom’s cousins. (One man married two cousins–his first wife died in a car crash and he quickly picked up with the other one. Reportedly he never ceased bragging about his sexual conquests till the very end. The other man used to harangue me as a boy with right-wing conspiracy theories, including ugly ones about Jews controlling the financial system.
Every time I part from this couple they say, “Don’t wait so long next time.” “Let us hear from you.” I could, but we don’t really exchange that much news when we talk, and they don’t like to stay on the phone very long anyway. Well, now there’s email, which gives them many grandchild fixes. What I want to say is: “Let me know if someone dies or if there’s other news in the family.”
As I drove out of town I passed through the Indiana Masonic Home, a large campus of big old red-brick buildings around a large circle drive. (My mother’s father built many of them.) It used to have its own hospital, orphanage, and old folks’ home. Maybe it still does, but the major development of the past decade or so has been single-family ranch-style houses up and down new streets where cornfields used to be. Old Masons and their wives live there, and drive electric golf carts around the campus. Most of the houses have signs out front “The Smiths.” I was going to stop in and see the mother of a good friend. She never leaves the house, so I knew she’d be there, but I couldn’t remember which house was hers and didn’t see their name.
I passed through Greenlawn Cemetery to look at my parents’ graves as well as those of my mother’s parents and her grandparents, among others. One sweet, small granite stone marks the grave of Tillie Jean, a would-be older sister to my mother. She used to point it out every time we visited. The stone says: “April 11-14, 1916.”
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: air conditioning, heat, stay cool, weather
It was unseasonably overcast and cool most of the time in Indiana with just one day of rain, which was nice. I recall many hot, humid summer days and warm nights. While away I avoided some of the worst heat here, but we’ve had 100-105 degrees of dry heat since then. I have avoided using my living room window A/C all summer in this Central Valley climate! In addition to being out of town a lot, when I am here I go to work in the cool of the late morning. I stay at work till 7 or 8, when my rear end can’t take the chair anymore and the sun is less intense. I go home to eat a meal that doesn’t require using the stove. I put fans in the windows and go for a walk. By bedtime the Delta Breeze has done its work and it’s usually cool enough to sleep. By morning it’s even chilly. (Many of my apartment neighbors leave their A/Cs on all night and don’t get to enjoy the breeze. I wish I had a back yard in which I could sleep outside.)
Two nights last week the place stayed hot, and the outside air didn’t cool down fast enough. So I took a shower, lay down on a towel on my bed and fell asleep before the water evaporated.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: bike to work, coffee, neighborhood, newspaper, politics, safety
By 5:40 AM Thursday I decided that I wasn’t going to get back to sleep for any of the 22 minutes that remained before Capital Public Radio newscasters would talk me awake.
Instead of the usual trip to the YMCA, I resolved to bike to work for the sake of the planet, my health, and my highly virtuous persona. I shaved, showered and ate some unsweetened shredded wheat with chocolate soy milk (to use it up, since it’s long past its expiration date). Instead of my 45-minute meditation, I headed right out in the cool air at 6:45 AM.
On this, my weekly visit to the N Street Cafe (which is on N street), I had 14 oz. of dark roast organic coffee and 2 oz. of dark roast Fair Trade decaf, so I could feel virtuous yet again.
They have the Sacramento Bee on the center table, so I can read it for free and enjoy the feel of good ol’ newsprint in my hands. I wrote in my head my daily letter-to-the editor tirade at the current governmental foolishness or political dishonesty or at the stupid meanness of one of the other letter-writers. In the past 10 years I’ve probably written 1,000 trenchant letters in my head and four in real life. Two have been published.
The sun was now beaming through the cafe windows. I hopped on my bike and headed west toward work, a few miles away through tree-lined streets, some busy business roads, and the Sacramento State University campus as well as along the American River.
I felt that somehow something was missing. I felt lighter because I had not brought my backpack–was that it? I stopped to pull a rubber band out of my pocket and hike my right pant leg up my calf, out of reach of the greasy chain. Then: “Oh. My helmet.” It was on the table at home. Home was just a few blocks away, but I wanted no more delays. And it felt good to be without the bulk and tightness of a polystyrene and plastic helmet, and to feel the strong wind keeping my scalp cool and giving me more of a pompadour than a helmet-hairdo. It was foolhardy also, and I enjoyed that, even as I imagined scenarios of crashing and dying. It’s sad how small of a personal transgression it takes for me to experience the delight of rebelliousness.
Filed under: Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified, Uncategorized | Tags: car repairs, Honda, male bonding, mechanic, reduce reuse
As I drove to work Monday my car felt sluggish, as if the power steering was not working. I had the AC on; it was already hot outside. Then, leaving the ATM parking lot, it moaned and gave a grinding sound.
I made it to work, asked Dave for the name of a trustworthy repair shop for Japanese imports and took it right away. It took awhile for them to open up the chest cavity and tell me about the crank shaft, pulley and other stuff that was dire. The estimate climbed from under $200 to $350 and on and on.
This was all by phone, as I was far away from Sacramento. I was hiding out in the hills with a bunch of Unitarians. Lay leaders, the toughest kind. (Program Council planning retreat.) Final tally: $1,050, plus tax.
Not ready to pick up, however.
So this morning before walking to the light rail and virtuously taking train and bus to work, I went to N Street Cafe.
Ramzi the owner told me it was worth keeping the car even if I had to pay this much money. He also has a 1997 Honda Civic, which he bought in 1997, like me and he says it’s worth keeping. His is in the shop for some body work after he scratched it on a freeway wall while trying to avoid rear-ending someone.
Ramzi and I rarely talk much when I order my coffee, and never about cars. Whence this male bonding?
He had greeted me at the counter by asking,
“Where’s your cup?” (The tall, red plastic UU Service Committee fair trade
coffee cup I bring in.)
I replied:
“It’s in my car, which is in the shop. And it will cost me $1200 to get it out of the shop so I can get the 50 cent discount on a cup of coffee next time I come in here.”
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Pastor Smiley Speaks, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: membership, church, belonging, joining, expectations, benefits, congregation, vote, pastoral, activities, newcomers
People have asked me about the reasons one would join
a congregation—the benefits as well as the expectations
of members.
Here’s my list, in ascending order of importance.
Number 10: The wider world of the UUA (support and
advice to look for ministers, build RE, and raise money;
uua.org; District Assembly and General Assembly; “World” magazine;
Skinner House UU books; Heritage Tour to Boston).
Number 9: Beacon Press, one of the last remaining
independent publishers, and a courageous one at that!
Number 8: Washington and Sacramento UU offices to
keep us abreast of key issues and to help us make our
voices heard by the government (of the people, by the
people, for the people.)
Number 7: Leadership development opportunities
through volunteer involvement here and at workshops in
the Pacific Central District, with our clergy’s support.
Number 6: Voting at congregational meetings. Influence
in building the future of UUSS! Next meeting: Oct. 18, 2009.
Number 5: Adult Religious Education classes for learning
and spiritual growth. Ministry Circles for building closer
connections with other members, special-interest
programs.
Number 4: The rare and precious opportunity for intergenerational
friendship—with people from one week old to 100 years old, and
fun events for all ages.
Number 3: The support of trained Lay Ministry listeners and other caring
volunteers.
Number 2: Pastoral and staff support—listening and
pastoral care; information to help you connect with
groups, resources or programs; weddings/memorials;
coaching of volunteers. And I include in my morning prayers
this congregation and those with concerns I know about .
Number 1: Regular worship services! Rain or shine, your
worshiping community is here for you every Sunday of the
year—not to mention special-event services and rituals.
Well, I ran out of numbers!
But I would add: “The inspiration of being part of a vital,
values-based spiritual community, which encourages us to
deepen and express our own beliefs and to put our beliefs
into action to make the world a better place.”
What would you put on the list that I left out?
TIME FOR COMMENTS, DEAR BLOG READERS!
Filed under: Uncategorized
In workshops, guided meditations or team-building sessions at various large organizations, it is possible to guide each worker, at whatever level or type of job, to consider how his or her work fits into the larger picture, how it supports a larger mission, how it matters.
I thought of this in the security line at the airport last week: how mind-numbing, boring and frustrating it would be for me to be part of the TSA bureaucracy. The most interesting part of the job would be foiling an evil plot, or at least finding something dangerous in someone’s bags or pockets. But the system exists to dissuade people from even trying that; it is set up to be mundane.
As I waited in the TSA line I saw a sign proclaiming: “TSA workers have rights too!” It urged people to be respectful of the security agents and asserted that verbal abuse and physical assaults against them would not be tolerated. So, to add insult to tedium, they have to deal with ungracious and ungrateful travelers.
But perhaps the TSA workers can see their routine jobs as protecting the safety of thousands of travelers and airline employees every day and thereby reassuring travelers of the safety of air travel.
Of course, a problem in any bureaucracy is when rigidly following the rules or SOP and ignoring exceptional or new information. Also, systematic oppression or biased treatment can find cover in the required routines of any bureaucracy, in particular publi-safety bureaucracies.
Recall that it took two hours of questioning of a Muslim Indian Bollywood star in an American airport before he was released.
Filed under: Family Ministry, Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Pastor Smiley Speaks, Children and Youth
Introducing Big, Bold Opportunities
for Building Life-Long Unitarian Universalists
By the Family Minister
The Board of Trustees has appointed a task force to review and advance our long-range goal of promoting inter-generational community and ministering to families with children.
As the Task Force begins its work, I want to tell you what’s already going on, and worth celebrating. Unlike some congregations, UUSS is blessed that adult leaders in Child/Youth Religious Education bring experience as involved lifelong Unitarian Universalists. They span a range of ages from 18 to 80+ years. I am not exaggerating!
This commitment is key to congregational vitality, and the secret to the formation of life-long, life-loving UUs. Take a look at what you make possible here:
There is professional child care for those up to age 5 during both services in Room #11. In the adjoining room, during the 9:30 service, is Story Time for toddlers and kindergarteners. They enter by negotiating the stones across an imaginary river and crawling through a tunnel in the earth. The reader’s rocking chair is under a rainbow canopy, and we have classic and new story books. We ask each volunteer to plan to read a few Sundays in a row, but for just one stretch per year. Last week’s story was Frederick (you know, the mouse with the big imagination).
For grades 1-5 we offer Spirit Play. It promotes learning through stories, spiritual reflection and community building. Our trained adult leaders are Story Tellers. You can help out this thriving new UU program by offering to bring and set up a Feast (snack), learn to be an occasional Door Keeper, or come early a few times to help set up art supplies or to reshelve afterwards. A Parent Orientation for those yet to find UUSS (and other interested adults) will take place in January.
The junior high group enjoys conversations related to UU identity and values, explores various spiritual practices from world religions, and may consider field trips or overnight retreats. Last time I poked my head in Room 6 on a Sunday, I saw a good crowd of engaged youth and adult leaders.
The senior high youth group is booming too. On my first visit, adults and youth were getting to know one another and considering activities for the year. The next time I looked in I didn’t even see an open chair or even a space where I could have put one. What’s new for SHYG this fall is that our teens now join with all other ages for the first part of worship, including the Hand of Fellowship, Chalice Lighing, and reciting of our Mission, Values & Covenant.
Of course, every year we offer an Our Whole Lives program for one or more age groups. OWL is a values-based comprehensive sexuality education program, and all adult leaders have been trained to lead it. It takes place on afternoons or evenings over several weeks. Unfortunately for our dedicated volunteers, we did not get enough sign-ups to begin this fall’s junior high OWL program as soon as planned. So, spread the word! High school OWL classes will begin soon, too.
Our UURTH SONG Community Garden leadership team has invited youth and children to enjoy the wonders of our summer garden and help to plant the winter crops. It is a ready-made curriculum: all you have to do is enter it and you have all the materials you need for wondering, learning, sharing, contributing, and cheering!
In recent weeks and months church members have offered their professional talents in the visual and musical arts to engage our children and youth in creative and expressive activities. Last summer’s ArtWork Sunday programs were amazing, and I look forward to the bonding that comes from making music together.
Thank you for the many ways you support our shared ministry to children, youth, their families, and the whole congregation.
Here’s to the future!
Faithfully,
Roger
PS: I welcome your help in organizing additional activities and special events for all ages, starting with kids’ activities for the November 7′s Harvest Fest Dinner and Auction and then the all-ages Holiday Crafts Party, Tree Trimming and Potluck Dinner in December.
Filed under: Children and Youth, Family Ministry, Rituals, Prayers, Elements of Worship Services, Sermons and a Whole Lot More
The Lure of the Fuzzy:
Stuffed-Animal Blessing Service
UU Society of Sacramento
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Responsive Reading: gray hymnal #664, Give Us the Spirit of the Child, by Sara Moores Campbell
Hymns: #203, All Creatures of the Earth and Sky; #21, For the Beauty of the Earth;
#201, Glory, Glory, Hallelujah.
Piano/violin: Linus and Lucy (Guaraldi). Choir: All God’s Crittters Got a Place in the Choir.
Homily
Most children love stuffed-animal toys, made with plush or another soft cloth. Lots of grown-up love them too, but sometimes we are shy to admit it. Maybe we’re just shy to admit that we might still have the feelings, motivations, and the very spirit of our childhood selves. Your grown up ministers thought a service like this one could be a way to give permission to everyone to express appreciation for our stuffed, cloth-covered or fuzzy friends, and to consider what they have done for us.
The most famous manufacturer of plush animals began in Germany in 1880. Now the company is known as Steiff GMBH. Its founder was Margarete Steiff. Margarete had had polio as a baby and used a wheelchair all her life. As a young adult she had a job as a seamstress and began making animals as a hobby. First, it was elephants, then dogs, cats and pigs. With her brother’s help she started the company, making designs and prototypes herself. She’s been dead a long time, but the company maintains her high standards for quality and safety for its products. In 1902, her nephew Richard designed a stuffed bear. Thanks to Theodore Rooselvelt, in five years they were selling nearly a million teddy bears every year, many of them exported to the United States.
Here’s the story. In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt was out on a bear hunt in Mississippi with several other important men, who also liked big-game hunting. After a while most of the men had killed a bear but the President hadn’t. Roosevelt’s assistants found a bear, sicced the dogs on it, beat it, and tied it to a tree so the President would have something to shoot and take home. Roosevelt said: It’s not sportsmanlike to kill a helpless bear. He went home empty handed but ordered others to put the mistreated bear out of its misery. Later a political cartoon in the Washington Post newspaper showed the President turning away from the animal. It said: “Drawing the line in Mississippi.” The animal became known as Teddy’s bear. More cartoons followed, showing the bears ever cuter and cuddlier. American toymakers Rose and Morris Mitchom were the first to make and sell a toy bear in the President’s honor, but the Steiffs were right behind them. A few years there were at least 20 teddy-bear companies.
Lest you think me a promoter of consumerism for talking up store-bought bears, let us also praise the loveable sock monkey. The sock monkey has been around since at least the 1930s. While you can buy one in stores, typically these monkeys have been home-made out of work socks, especially socks with red heels, which become the monkey’s mouth.
I’m sorry to say that I was a greedy little consumerist kid. I never settled for a sock monkey. One Christmas season I instructed my parents to instruct Santa Claus that I wanted a lot of stuffed animals. On Christmas morning, several of them appeared under the tree. One was a plush pink pig with a wind-up key in its side, to make it play music.
I’ve been wondering: What is it that makes our comfort objects, like dolls and soft animals, such good companions? What do these animals excel at? For one thing, as versatile playmates, these toys encourage our creative imagination. They are able and willing to play any role we give them in whatever skit or scheme we come up with. With a fuzzy friend and an open imagination, you don’t really need anything fancy or expensive to have a good time.
Sometimes as a boy I lined up my animals along the wall of our walk in closet. They were behind the hanging clothes, so it seemed that each one had its own house. I’d walk them over to one another’s homes for a visit, and deliver mail among them. I practiced medicine on them, as well as cosmetology. Once I cut out spots of their fur with scissors; kids, don’t try this! The fur won’t grow back. My father was a physician, and I filled some syringes with water and gave them injections, with real needles. I don’t know if I was acting like Doctor Doolittle or more like Dr. Joseph Mengele. But I do know that sometimes I took out my frustrations on my toy pets. My real pets were no doubt relieved.
Where else could a wolf and lamb lie down together, or a lion sit with a calf, than amidst the fuzzy menagerie of a toddler who can bring them together by the spirit of imagination? In the Bible, the Hebrew Prophet Isaiah imagines a new world, a world in a state of divine peace: “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together.” And, the Prophet Isaiah concludes, “a little child shall lead them.”
Soft animal toys or dolls teach empathy. They listen softly, so to speak. They are always ready to hear our joys and sorrows, our hopes and hurts. As patient companions, they welcome our ideas, opinions, grand schemes, and stories. Soft listeners never say, “That’s stupid.”
They are role models of gentleness and reminders of the goodness of just being present with one another. They don’t have to have the answer for our questions or try to solve our problems, they just need to be there. No matter what your age, sometimes it’s nice to have the soft attention of a good listener. Maybe as adults we can remember how important it is to be gentle and patient with one another, and with ourselves.
For some of us, a soft animal has been a source of tender companionship when our family situation didn’t feel so tender, gentle or kind. A Unitarian Universalist friend of mine grew up in the 1950s and 60s in an anti-religious family, and secretly prayed every night after going to bed. When the lights were out she would pull all her animals under the covers with her and pray with them. She’d pray to God for peace and harmony among members of her family. She’d pray for peace and safety in her own life, and she’d pray for other children, including the kids living in the Soviet Union during those early years of the arms race. She’d finish her prayers by praying for all the animals in the bed with her. Of course, this little girl grew up to be a minister.
Our stuffed animals can gain meaning for us over time–it’s not how many we have or how new they are that really matters– it’s their familiarity. It’s like a meal we know as “comfort food.” Comfort foods evoke a variety of memories, longings and cravings. The meaning of things to us depends on our own life story, not on how elaborate or expensive things are. I have a friend in her 60s who still still has the animal given to her by her father when she had her tonsils removed at age five. This friend’s young-adult daughter also has kept a homemade stuffed animal from her childhood. Once as a little girl, her daughter had a birthday party and invited all her guests to bring teddy bears, and they decorated tee-shirts for the bears. This was the first party she didn’t want her younger brother to attend. He had a stuffed penguin. He drew a card for his sister, with a teddy bear on it, and wrote “I can’t bear to miss your party.” [pause for sighing] She let him come after all, and welcomed the penguin as well.
Playing with dolls or toy animals is a way to practice love, kindness, and affection. Of course, the animals are not real, but the spirit of companionship is real. The love that we show is real. In the children’s book The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams, the soft toy Rabbit asks:
“What is REAL? Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?’
“Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become REAL.”
Let us affirm the gift of imagination and the practice of love. Let us learn to trust one another to show our softness and our spirits. Let us give thanks for the real gifts of care that we can give and receive, all through our lives. So may it be. Amen.
Introductions of our Fuzzy Friends
If you have brought a toy or animal to church with you, we invite you to line up at the microphone and introdue it. Tell us its name, and tell us what it is, if that’s not obvious.
Blessing Ritual
Now for the ritual of blessing. We will have a laying-on of hands. Place your hand over your fuzzy friend or another toy you’ve brought. If you don’t have one, feel free to call to mind one that you do have, one that you used to have, one that you’d like to have, or one you would like to give to someone else. Now let us call to mind the faces of those children who live in places or conditions where gentleness is is in short supply, and the need for peace and playfulness is great.
Spirit of Love and Creativity, we give thanks for all sources of care, comfort and companionship, including these present with us today. Bless them and us, and bless the goodness that arises within us and among us. We are thankful for the wonders of imagination and play, and the gifts of attention, patience and presence. May the healing powers of joy, love and hope touch everyone, of every age, here and all over the world.
So may it be. Blessed be and amen.
Closing Words and Benediction
Our closing words come from one of the Winnie-the-Pooh books, by A.A. Milne:
“Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.
‘Pooh?’ he whispered.
‘Yes, Piglet?’
‘Nothing’ said Piglet, taking Pooh’s hand.
‘I just wanted to be sure of you.’
May you depart in joy and return in peace. Amen.
Filed under: Uncategorized
A Night at the Movies
Sunday night was Unitarian night at the Tower Theater! Six UUSS-connected folks were surprised to see one another there. We made up one third of the 7:00 PM audience for “A Serious Man,” the new Coen Brothers film, set in a Minneapolis suburb in 1967. It focuses on Jewish culture and family life as well as religious questions and practices. Themes include the randomness of life, the burdens of ordinary people, the struggle to do the right thing, and the complexities of human relationships. It’s a modern, wacky take on the story of Job in the Hebrew Scriptures. The majority of us agreed with the New York Times reviewer, who loved it, but a minority was in good company with the New Yorker reviewer, who didn’t. PS—it’s not a movie for kids.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Pastor Smiley Speaks, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views, Church Finances and Stewardship | Tags: liberal religion, fair share, denomination, fundraising, appeal, infrastructure, proud UU
By the Family Minister
October 2009
This congregation voluntarily participates in the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations because we know that our congregations are better together. We are also one of 40 congregations in the UUA’s Pacific Central District.
We give and receive support to other congregations by yearly contributions to sustain these district and national networks of support. The rate of contributions is based on congregation size. Normally, UUSS would give about $30,000 per year to support this work. Unfortunately, in the current year our UUSS budget includes a nearly-total cut in its support of the district and the UUA.
Our support does not have to remain that low, however. The Board of Trustees has authorized a special appeal for donations by members, friends and guests of UUSS to sustain the work of our larger movement. I am happy that UUSS members Ron Selge and Linda Clear have agreed to lead this fundraising project.
A few examples of how UUA and District involvement helps us at UUSS:
Last winter our church hosted the Pacific Central District’s marketing & outreach workshop, and many of us attended. (It was one of several organized by the district every year.)
The PCD spring assembly features inspiring keynote addresses, creative worship, and workshops to help lay leaders learn ideas and skills from one another.
The national UUA helps congregations find ministers and make good matches with them. (So far, so good…right?)
The UUA provides training and leadership materials for lay officials, religious educators and ministers. It publishes our gray and green hymnals, books on spiritual practice, social justice and UU identity and excellent religious education materials for children, teens and adults in congregations.
Last spring our Youth Coming of Age leaders made use of an excellent new handbook from the UUA; in June eight of us made a UU heritage tour of Boston, Lexington and Concord. This year several more UUSS teens will benefit from the UUA’s age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education programs, known as Our Whole Lives (OWL).
Our denomination’s elected leaders have given voice to our values of reason, freedom and compassion on social issues of fairness and justice, including marriage equality, reproductive rights, religious diversity, peace making and health-care access.
I am proud to be a Unitarian Universalist and proud to be part of this UU congregation.
In response to the invitation to help restore our UUSS support of our denomination and local district, I will make a personal donation of $250. To the extent that you are able, I hope you will consider making a generous donation in this campaign to sustain and build our liberal religious movement.
Every gift makes a difference!
Faithfully,
Roger
PS—Checks may be mailed or brought to church and made out to UUSS with this memo line note: “UUA/PCD.” To receive a weekly update from our UU district executive about local and national UU news and opportunities, send a note to CRaughley@uua.org.
Another PS–as of November 1, advance gifts to this appeal totaled $1,250. Thank you!
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Church Finances and Stewardship, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
It was a dark December in 1999, and we on the Minister Search Committee were stumped. We had some excellent ministerial candidates, but after conducting phone interviews, none seemed quite right for UUSS. We called the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Ministerial Settlement Office in Boston and asked if we could have more candidates. Sure, they’d send another minister’s packet that might just work for us. It came in the mail a few days later, and that’s how we met the Rev. Doug Kraft. — Carrie
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I remember the first time I went to General Assembly. It was in Phoenix in June, ghastly hot. But walking into that assembly hall and seeing 3000 Unitarians all working together with the same goals, ideas and values was so moving to me. Being part of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations makes me realize that UUSS is not out there alone trying to make a difference. — Linda
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To work with our youth in Religious Education, I was completely dependent on the excellent materials produced for the “Our Whole Lives” (“OWL”) series to handle sensitive issues in a non-didactic way which facilitated values clarification and development. In addition to these resources developed at the national level, I attended training provided at the District level.
The breathtakingly-beautiful high alpine environment of deBenneville Pines Camp in the San Gabriel Mountains, one of 30 UU camps around the country, was a wonderful environment for my daughter to have the camaraderie of other children of gays or lesbian parents at “Rainbow Family Camp.” It was so delightful, we’ve gone twice. A memory for life is Charlotte exclaiming – while peeking out the window at dawn – “Daddy, Jorge, it snowed!” — Ron
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Being with thousands of other UUs at our General Assembly is so empowering. The range of issues addressed, the opportunities for self-discovery and growth, and friendships started are incredible. Our movement addresses crucial issues of our day: civil rights, marriage equality, peace-making, women’s rights, demographic change and equity, and environmental issues, to name a few. When you trace the impacts UUs make when aspirations are translated into actions at individual congregations, you realize we have an honorable legacy. –- Ron
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Please give generously to support UUSS’s membership in the Unitarian Universalist Association and its Pacific Central District. Checks may be made out to UUSS with a note in the memo line of “UUA/PCD Dues Campaign.” Thank you!
Skim through the songs, readings and commentary of a UU hymnal. It is window into a mosaic of inspiration, inquiry and affirmation. –- Ron Selge
Please give generously to support UUSS’s membership in the Unitarian Universalist Association and its Pacific Central District. Checks may be made out to UUSS with a note in the memo line of “UUA/PCD Dues Campaign” and returned in the attached envelope. Thank you!
Filed under: Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified, Politics, Elections, and Government | Tags: spooky downtown at night, The Birds
Last night I went to the Advisory Committee for the Sacramento-to-Bethlehem Sister City Initiative. I parked several blocks from the meeting place–confused by google maps, as usual–and walked.When I left, after 9 PM, dowtown wa empty. I walked by City Hall and another government building and was jarred by screeching–loud sounds of attacking, menacing birds. But the buildings were dark and nobody–and no birds–were around. It took me some time to guess it was recorded sounds of birds of prey to scare the pigeons–not to scare the poop out of them but to scare them away from a favorite poop site. I’m new to town–does that sound right to you?
Filed under: Sermon Archives and Excerpts, Sermons and a Whole Lot More | Tags: December, garden, overwhelm, rain, sad, solstice, spiritual, winter
Winter’s Wisdom
December 20, 2009
Family Minister, UU Society of Sacramento
Hymns:
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “Deck the Halls,”“All Beautiful the March of Days.”
WORDS ON WINTER 1
I grew up in the Midwest, and lived in Indiana and Illinois until my mid-30s. We had cold winters there, but you could not count on a white Christmas—it didn’t snow that often or stay that cold. Twelve years ago I moved west, to the San Jose area. That was where I learned that winter can happen without snow. One sunny afternoon in San Francisco I sat at an outdoor café, without a coat—it was too warm. I kept saying to myself: “It’s December 31st! I can’t believe it!” Winter in the Bay Area, as well as in Sacramento, has lots of fog early in the morning, clear sunny days, chilly nights, and rain.
It’s pleasant here, and by now I’m used to our California climate. Yet Midwestern weather patterns are imprinted on my soul. This makes it hard for me to keep track of dates and seasons. Two weeks ago I strolled in my neighborhood where a strong wind had showered the streets with brown leaves, and kept enough yellow and red leaves on the branches of the big trees to play with the bright warm sunshine. The wind was strong and a bit chilly, so I walked on the sunny side of the street. I said to myself, “What a perfect October day.” Then I remembered that it was December and there were 20 shopping days till Christmas.
Images of winter time in poetry, songs and essays are dominated by ice and snow. Even though much of this country’s population lives in regions where snow seldom falls, memories are etched in frosty words and pictures.
The music and readings in our Unitarian Universalist hymnals reflect the New England origins of our faith tradition when it comes to climate and weather: Snow, snow, snow. Not many words to honor the rejuvenating rain of the western winters. No poetry to evoke the longings we feel in Sacramento during July and August. I mean longings like “Get Me Out of Here!” No lines about our summer night’s cool release: our beloved Delta breeze.
In the Bay Area I came to love how the hills turn green in the winter, soaking up the rains after the summer heat has taken the moisture and color from the grasses. The poet Karl Shapiro wrote a poem of his appreciation of our Central Valley winters. Formerly a professor at the University of California, Davis, Shapiro called his poem California Winter[i], simply enough.
Here’s the last few stanzas:
And skiers from the snow line driving home
Descend through almond orchards, olive farms.
Fig tree and palm tree — everything that warms
The imagination of the wintertime.
If the walls were older one would think of Rome:
If the land were stonier one would think of Spain.
But this land grows the oldest living things,
Trees that were young when Pharoahs ruled the world,
Trees whose new leaves are only just unfurled.
Beautiful they are not; they oppress the heart
With gigantism and with immortal wings;
And yet one feels the sumptuousness of this dirt.
It is raining in California, a straight rain
Cleaning the heavy oranges on the bough,
Filling the gardens till the gardens flow,
Shining the olives, tiling the gleaming tile,
Waxing the dark camellia leaves more green,
Flooding the daylong valleys like the Nile.
In appreciation of our own winter wonderland, and the rains that renew the land, let’s make it rain today. As a minister I do not claim the power of prayer to bring on rain, or knowledge of any incantations, but our other minister does. Doug, please make it happen. [Congregation making sounds of a rainstorm.]
WORDS ON WINTER 2
I have a confession. I am a Christmas-season crank. Why else would I be wearing a tie with Dr. Seuss’s “Grinch Who Stole Christmas” on it? And why else would a best friend have given it to me years ago if she didn’t know this about me!
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” the song goes, but not for me. Every December, as nights lengthen and obligations pile up, I have bouts of feeling overwhelmed, annoyed, sad, and downright unspiritual. The reasons may include the shortness of daylight, unhappy memories of holiday seasons from my youth, and the race to get so many things done before the December 25th deadline. Most years I don’t feel ready for Christmas …till February.
December makes me feel inadequate as a minister. Our UU tradition validates many kinds of religious observances as well as civic and secular ones. However, to be as inclusive as possible in making time for those observances, we’d have to make time for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany for starters–but also Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, Human Rights Day, World AIDS Day, Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Day, Pearl Harbor Day, New Year’s Day, the Islamic New Year and the Hindu observance of Diwali, in years when it falls in December. Maybe you’ve thought of a seasonal observance that I’ve overlooked.
Last Monday I was leading an adult enrichment class, and we included the lighting of a Menorah, to acknowledge Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. One member asked why we had put a Christmas tree in the sanctuary so early in December, but we didn’t have a Menorah in here last Sunday, right in the middle of the eight days of Hanukkah. Trying to be non-defensive, I explained that our tree trimming party had been held early this year because I was organizing it, and was going to be out of town last Saturday. And the Menorah? This year, it slipped by me. Last year, it didn’t. Fortunately tonight we have an enthusiastic team of lay leaders organizing the Winter Solstice ritual and potluck dinner, so I’m confident it will happen. All I have to do is remember to show up!
The month of December is an accumulation of celebrations, a month when holidays are added but not replaced. But there were simpler times! After the Puritan revolt in England in 1645, Christmas was cancelled. When Massachusetts was a Puritan colony, Christmas was against the law from 1659 to 1681 And “anyone exhibiting the Christmas spirit was fined five shillings.”[ii] And I thought that I was cranky!
In years past—long past—winter was a time to start slowing down, at least in cold northern climates. The growing darkness and harsh weather would force people to ease their pace, huddle together, stay close to home, and gather round the fireplace, the hearth. A century ago in many parts of the country, the wood-burning fireplace was a household’s center of life, drawing folks together for warmth. Nowadays the wood-burning fireplace is not usually a source of heat or a place for cooking in a house, but an architectural decoration. It’s a source of nostalgia for an era that many of us didn’t experience. Also in earlier times, winter provided obstacles to traveling large distances—this kept life simpler and slower, if no less difficult. Now, the speed of modern travel and the comfort of warm cars has made it easy to become “heedless of the wind and weather.” Of course, we’re lucky to be able to travel—except for the times we’re like those poor people now snarled in the snowfall on the East Coast.
So, noting such dramatic exceptions, I still think that in our time the winter cannot require us to slow down, especially in this local climate. Winter can’t make us–but it still invites us–to take some time, stay inside, and go inward personally, to reflect and rest.
Sometimes the only thing that can make us pause or slow down is not our conscious choice but a crisis, like freezing rain, a power outage, an illness. A hardworking friend has told me that he rarely has to take sick time and stay at home, but when he does get sick it gives him permission to let go. It insists that he let go. Being sick enough to have to stay home in bed–but not so ill that you are totally out of it–can be like a vacation, only you don’t get frequent flier miles for it. Of course, many workers in our state and nation have no paid sick time for family needs or personal illness, and for those without health insurance, an illness can be a disaster, rather than a break from hard work. Maybe it’s better not to count on a crisis to slow us down.
It takes intention and effort to take a break from our demanding lives. How about that—it takes effort to let go! For example, I try to counteract my December stress by keeping to my morning meditation and to my exercise routine as much as I can. I try to get a good night’s sleep. But I’m not sure any of it works. Even with all this, I still feel crazy, chaotic and cranky! I can barely imagine how much worse off I would be without some ways to ground myself. Actually I can remember Decembers past when I was much more frenzied. Once was in such a distracted hurry that I backed into someone in a parking lot. Another time, I filled my gas tank at a self-serve station and drove a mile down the road before I realized that I hadn’t paid.
I guess I’m better now. I still dislike the early sunsets of this time of year, but I try to counteract my resentment by getting up from my desk in the afternoon at 4:30 or 5:00 and going for a short walk in the neighborhood. It’s a way to ease myself into the evening, to greet the darkness instead of cursing it, as well as to get one last glimpse of daylight. This helps me think of winter as an gentle invitation, rather than as a curse. A song written by Shelley Jackson Denham says: “Dark of winter, soft and still, your quiet calm surrounds me. Let my thoughts go where they will; ease my mind profoundly. And then my soul will sing a song, a blessed song of love eternal. Gentle darkness, soft and still, bring your quiet to me.” (SLT hymnal #55)
I can’t say for sure that any spiritual practice makes a big difference in my experience of the season, but I trust that it helps, even if I’m not able to do it every day. It’s act of trust and faith that something is going on under the surface of life, something is worth waiting for. That’s the message of our UU spiritual heritage: Something is worth waiting for–in every single person, in each one of us. The late Andrew Wyeth, a painter from Pennsylvania, said he preferred the landscape of a northern winter to that of spring. He said: “Something waits beneath [a winter landscape] — the whole story doesn’t show.”
I’ve been thinking of life as a garden, in particular a west-coast winter garden. Rosalie Wright has written (in Sunset magazine, 1999) that winter “is the quietest time in a garden. But just because it looks quiet doesn’t mean that nothing is happening. The soil, open to the sky, absorbs the pure rainfall while microorganisms convert tilled-under fodder into usable nutrients for the next crop of plants. The feasting earthworms tunnel along… preparing [the soil] to welcome the seeds and bare roots to come.”
By the time Christmas arrives, I may not have accomplished all my tasks and goals for the month. I will have experienced my sad, anxious and cranky times. But I also will be surprised now and then—and have already had surprises, such as when I can see a bigger picture, when I can feel that things are okay however they are happening, however they might happen. If I don’t spend energy fighting against the unpleasant moments of life, I can make room for the hidden, pleasant moments to emerge. I make room for gladness and grace.
Maybe some of you can find a simple practice to give yourself: taking a break, sitting in silence, noticing the breath, giving thanks, or otherwise choosing to give yourself a moment before doing the next thing. To me, that’s the wisdom of the season—an invitation to tend our lives as gently as gardener in the winter.
Winter is a time of preparation—of watching as well as tending. This means both activity and waiting, motion and rest. Life’s gifts can’t be ripped open like a wrapped package. If we watch and wait, and give some attention and faith to what is under the surface of life, its gifts open themselves.
Every person’s life is a reason for gratitude. It’s a gift. Life is a gift worthy of tending like a winter garden, worth our patience and our attention.
May you make room for blessings this coming week, this winter season, and in all the days to come. May you be blessed.
So may it be. Amen.
[i] http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/california-winter/
[ii] http://www.history.com/content/christmas/the-real-story-of-christmas/an-outlaw-christmas
Filed under: Family Ministry, Rituals, Prayers, Elements of Worship Services | Tags: Christmas eve, compassion, God, Jesus, peace, prayer, reflection, warmth
Christmas Eve Prayer 2009
Family Minister UU Society of Sacramento, CA
I invite you to take a deep breath with me and let it out. Now please join me in the spirit of reflection and hope as I offer these words of prayer.
Eternal Source of Love and Grace, bless us this night and bless our world with peace. With dark skies and a chill in the outside air, we draw near for warmth and fellowship. We gather to hear the story of a babe in a manger, sing songs about angels and shepherds, and notice one another’s beautiful faces reflected in the light of candles. We give thanks for the children among us. May their anticipation cheer us to open our hearts to wonder, and to gratitude for the gifts of life. We give thanks for the grownups, who not only bring rich memories of years past but also help us build new memories.
We give thanks for the blessings that give the season its texture: music, literature, and other arts; special food and lots of it, and the personal donations of time and money that make a difference in the world. Let us remember those who are working this night at various jobs, and care for those who are out of work and hoping for better times.
Many of those we love are traveling in this season; may they be safe and have good experiences. On Tuesday our member Cxxxs Bxxxx had a car accident and now is in intensive care, as she recovers from neck surgery. We send our love to Cxxxx. May we send healing prayers to all those who suffer in body, mind or spirit. For many of us, this season brings to mind those we have lost. In our sadness may we find comfort in precious memories. Among us are those with “sorrows unrelated to the season but which feel all the more pointed now.”[i] May we find ease in the embrace of community. .
Given that we all have lonely times, may we strive to reach out so that we might give and receive the gifts of warmth, attention, and understanding.
On this night we call to mind those who are hungry, homeless or without stable housing. Let us be grateful for people who extend the hand of compassion, generosity and hospitality, and who know how much it means to share with others. We extend our care to those in zones of war, occupation and other places of violence, those who serve there and those who call such places home. Let us pray for justice and reconciliation–and for enough courage to achieve such holy aims.
We give thanks for the abundance of this earth—for its gifts of food, water, wilderness, and countless dazzling forms of life whose claim to existence is no less worthy than our own. May we grow in stewardship of the gifts of our precious planet.
While we observe Christmas tonight, we know that we live in a land of many faith traditions, each with its own gifts of wonder, wisdom, and compassion. Let us call forth all the good will of humanity to share these gifts, and move toward the vision of an earth made fair.
Spirit of Life, bless us this night and bless our world with peace. So may it be.
Now let us take a half-minute of silence to be present in our bodies and our breathing, to feel ourselves fully here, together on this night.
[i] Quoted from an email from a parishioner this morning.
Filed under: Pastor Smiley Speaks, Church Finances and Stewardship | Tags: congregation, donations, tax deduction, 501 c 3, generosity, charity, service, giving, philanthropy
The Tax Deadline Approaches:
Don’t Get Taken While Giving!
January Newsletter Column
You may be reading this as the Dec. 31 deadline for tax-deductible donations approaches. Or maybe it’s the new year already, and you want to be intentional as you plan your philanthropic and charitable giving for the new year. Of course, even without the tax benefits, many of us are moved to give and make a difference in the world.
No matter our personal circumstances or the amount of money and time that we can afford to share, giving to others is a life-affirming act.
Envelopes pile up on the desk and emails stack up in the in-box from many worthy causes–and some not-so-worthy operators. My own giving guidelines are honed from reading broadly on the topic, web searches, volunteer leadership experience, and an early budget-office career.
I’ve also learned about giving from getting taken now and then.
My suggestions:
Give to what you know. If you are volunteer for an organization–or if a coworker, close friend or family member is involved there–you will know if it’s doing relevant work, doing it effectively, managing money wisely, and not putting up its leaders in penthouses. This is why I give the biggest chunk of my donations to this congregation, to the UU Service Committee, the UU Legislative Ministry in California, and to our two remaining UU theological schools– in Chicago and Berkeley. When I know some of the staff, board members, or other volunteers, I have a better idea of what’s going on in an organization, and I can trust my money is being used well.
Give to what you value. For example, I couldn’t imagine living in a community without a UU congregation or local Public Radio station, so I support them.
Give locally. Most social change is forged and social services are delivered at the local level, not out of national headquarters. That’s why I try to give to local branches and chapters, rather than to respond to appeals from New York and Washington. Every year at UUSS our members vote to select the Community Partner organizations with which we share our Sunday offering each week (such as Family Promise, the local SPCA). I give in the offering basket with confidence that these were nominated and vetted by church members who have close knowledge of each organizations’ programs, staff and volunteer leadership, and who actually see the benefits of the work.
Give with awareness and intention about what you’re gaining by giving. Being reflective about what we get out of our generosity personally can help us avoid being manipulated by appeals to pity, guilt, urgency or drama.
Give after taking time to think about it. Authentic fund raising professionals will respect your wish to take time to consider whether and how much to give.
Never give over the phone. That is, don’t give to solicitors over the phone (unless you are the one who makes the call to the organization). Phone solicitors usually charge a large fee to the recipient organization. Don’t give in response to an email unless you have an established relationship and receive regular emails from the organization.
Give to your own well-being. Take care of yourself even as you strive to help others. If you are paying high-interest finance charges, for example, work on getting those costs down rather than piling on debt. That will give you more financial security and more freedom to give in the future. Credit card companies don’t need your help.
Decide the total amount you can give in a year, either as a percentage of your income or your asset base or as a specific dollar amount withheld from your paycheck or drawn from your investments.
Of course, I barely follow that last bit of advice. Yes, I do set a percentage of my income for donations. But when December rolls around, I realize that I can afford to give away more than I thought! This occurs to me as I reflect on the blessings of the past year and the blessings of my life. When I pause to be grateful, it helps me to be generous. And being generous makes me feel alive.
Happy New Year!
Yours in service,
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Politics, Elections, and Government, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views, UUA Presidential Campaigns | Tags: change, church culture, Condoleeza Rice, denomination, failure, institutional, new challenges, organizational, scholarship
I thought of our UU congregational culture and the plateau of growth so familiar to our denomination (and not only ours) when I saw this in the Life’s Work feature in the Jan/Feb Harvard Business Review: Condoleeza Rice was asked “What piece of knowledge from your research was most useful at the State Department?”
She said: “The fact that I’d been concerned all my academic career with how institutions develop was very helpful when I found myself leading a Dept of State that was having to adapt to a post 9/11 world. My research affirmed that most organizations change only when they’re failing. They take cues too late from the environment. The question is, how do you get a relatively successful institution to respond to really new changes?”
Filed under: Pastor Smiley Speaks
Looked out my apartment window Tuesday morning and saw a City of Sacramento pickup truck in the ally behind my building. It said: Building Inspections. As I walked downstairs and out toward the street, I saw the driver and wanted to call out: “You’re not going to make me get rid of my goats, are you?”
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation
All the Ways We Grow
Introduction: Our Stewardship Campaign co-chairs for 2010-11 are Ginger and JoAnn. On their shoulders rest the visions, goals, programs, dreams, and staff members’ daily meals for the next fiscal year at UUSS. Seems like a heavy burden, no? Yet they stand tall and proud—because they know they will have lots of help from many others—both in operating the campaign and in giving generously! Here is Ginger’s reflection about the ways she has grown through involvement in UU congregational life and the ways she has grown in commitment. – Roger
Testimonial by Ginger Enrico, Jan. 3, 2010
I was raised un-churched, and I was always happy with that. As an adult I attended various church services, but nothing clicked for me. One religious element or another would always make it a “not me” experience.
Then one day when I was in my early thirties, I visited the UU church where I lived in Dallas – The service began with a reading of principles – about justice, equity, the inherent worth & dignity of each person, and the free pursuit of truth & meaning.
To see values dear to me printed in the order of service, to hear them recited in unison by the congregation jolted me. I had no idea there was a church like this! Those principles and the congregation’s covenant resonated with me.
I had not been searching; I had not been at sea. But this experience was so meaningful to me that it brought tears to my eyes. That must be when I started becoming a Unitarian Universalist.
So what does it mean to be UU – to be a part of the UU denomination? To be part of this Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento?
For me, it means we have support and guidance from this institution and from each other – as fellow travelers – as we grow, as we serve, as we find our many ways, whatever they may be.
One of the most important things it means to me is that we have a village to help raise our children.
In this stewardship drive we are reflecting on how we grow and develop here.
As I think about how I have grown, I think about the fact that when I was growing up, I didn’t learn much about how to work with other people to get things done, I didn’t learn much about working in community.
So when I started in church I needed an education!
It began in my first church home and it continues here. I’m grateful for the patient teaching I’ve gotten from fellow congregants, from ministers, and from staff.
I find working, being in community to be fun, to be hard, to be humbling, and to be rewarding.
And, over the years, as I have worked in Religious Education, and served on intern committees, and on planning committees I have sought to develop my spirit.
Here, I find support in the Spiritually Grounded Leadership course. In that group we work to develop our spiritual selves and to be grounded in our leadership roles. I think of it as developing and combining internal spirituality and external practicality.
I am most grateful though, for the development of my children as they grew up UU. That Dallas church and this UUSS church each provide a village to help raise children.
Now our grandchildren – Roy’s and mine – are going to Sunday school and to OWL [Our Whole Lives] in Texas. I hope the members and friends there continue to be generous so our grandchildren can grow and flourish in a strong, vibrant church.
And I want the children and grandchildren here to grow and flourish in this church.
We UUSS members and friends have given generously here. These are challenging times. I think probably most of us are making less or have less than we did a couple of years ago. Roy and I are no exception. Yet this church needs more in order to hold its course and to be strong and vibrant. So, Roy and I considered our pledge and decided we can raise it by 10% this year.
As you consider your pledge, please think about all the ways we develop, grow, and serve together here at UUSS.
Please think of the village that UUSS is now and the village it can be in the future – for the children and youth, for us gray-hairs and for everyone in between .
Thank you.
[Click to read more about this pledge campaign!]
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Children and Youth, Church Finances and Stewardship | Tags: congregation, funding, growth, pledge, stewardship
All the Ways We Grow
Introduction: Our Stewardship Campaign co-chairs for 2010-11 are Ginger and JoAnn. On their shoulders rest the visions, goals, programs, dreams, and staff members’ daily meals for the next fiscal year at UUSS. Seems like a heavy burden, no? Yet they stand tall and proud—because they know they will have lots of help from many others—both in operating the campaign and in giving generously! Here is Ginger’s reflection about the ways she has grown through involvement in UU congregational life and the ways she has grown in commitment. – Roger
Testimonial by Ginger Enrico, Jan. 3, 2010
I was raised un-churched, and I was always happy with that. As an adult I attended various church services, but nothing clicked for me. One religious element or another would always make it a “not me” experience.
Then one day when I was in my early thirties, I visited the UU church where I lived in Dallas – The service began with a reading of principles – about justice, equity, the inherent worth & dignity of each person, and the free pursuit of truth & meaning.
To see values dear to me printed in the order of service, to hear them recited in unison by the congregation jolted me. I had no idea there was a church like this! Those principles and the congregation’s covenant resonated with me.
I had not been searching; I had not been at sea. But this experience was so meaningful to me that it brought tears to my eyes. That must be when I started becoming a Unitarian Universalist.
So what does it mean to be UU – to be a part of the UU denomination? To be part of this Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento?
For me, it means we have support and guidance from this institution and from each other – as fellow travelers – as we grow, as we serve, as we find our many ways, whatever they may be.
One of the most important things it means to me is that we have a village to help raise our children.
In this stewardship drive we are reflecting on how we grow and develop here.
As I think about how I have grown, I think about the fact that when I was growing up, I didn’t learn much about how to work with other people to get things done, I didn’t learn much about working in community.
So when I started in church I needed an education!
It began in my first church home and it continues here. I’m grateful for the patient teaching I’ve gotten from fellow congregants, from ministers, and from staff.
I find working, being in community to be fun, to be hard, to be humbling, and to be rewarding.
And, over the years, as I have worked in Religious Education, and served on intern committees, and on planning committees I have sought to develop my spirit.
Here, I find support in the Spiritually Grounded Leadership course. In that group we work to develop our spiritual selves and to be grounded in our leadership roles. I think of it as developing and combining internal spirituality and external practicality.
I am most grateful though, for the development of my children as they grew up UU. That Dallas church and this UUSS church each provide a village to help raise children.
Now our grandchildren – Roy’s and mine – are going to Sunday school and to OWL [Our Whole Lives] in Texas. I hope the members and friends there continue to be generous so our grandchildren can grow and flourish in a strong, vibrant church.
And I want the children and grandchildren here to grow and flourish in this church.
We UUSS members and friends have given generously here. These are challenging times. I think probably most of us are making less or have less than we did a couple of years ago. Roy and I are no exception. Yet this church needs more in order to hold its course and to be strong and vibrant. So, Roy and I considered our pledge and decided we can raise it by 10% this year.
As you consider your pledge, please think about all the ways we develop, grow, and serve together here at UUSS.
Please think of the village that UUSS is now and the village it can be in the future – for the children and youth, for us gray-hairs and for everyone in between .
Thank you.
[Click to read more about this pledge campaign!]
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Church Finances and Stewardship | Tags: consulting, generosity, grow, pledge campaign, religious education, stewardship
February Newsletter Column
An Outsider’s Perspective:
All the Ways that We Grow
By the Family Minister
I was hired as a consulting minister in 2008 by the Board of Trustees. This is such a busy place and I’m so busy that I’ve been immersed in the work and have not taken time out for the reflective and advisory tasks of my “consulting role.” I plan to do that in coming newsletter columns, weblog postings and email messages.
For now let me say just a few words about what I see here. The theme of the 2009-10 Stewardship Campaign is All the Ways the We Grow. From my perspective as a relative outsider, everything we offer is an opportunity for growth.
In less than two years I have grown in skills, knowledge, appreciation, and joy.
How have you grown since you’ve been coming here? In what ways do you seek to grow?
This is a congregation of spiritual depth, social concern, creativity, caring, trust and fun. It’s a congregation of leadership and vision. Three Board-appointed task forces have begun to study an implement major goals of our long-range plan. Changes to the physical look of our campus will make it more welcoming to the many new folks who come seeking connection and insight. This is a congregation of loving relationships. I know that primarily through Doug Kraft, whose affection and compassion have been a blessing to this congregation for a decade of ministry. Working with him has been a source of growth for me.
This is a congregation of joyful involvement. Over 20 people have registered for the next Newcomers’ Membership Orientation. Adult Enrichment Classes have range from 8 to 15 people. Spirit Play classes (for grades 1-5) have had 20-26 in attendance. We have a cadre of trained and committed adult volunteer teachers for our Sunday morning classes, junior and senior high youth groups, and Our Whole Lives (OWL), a values-based, comprehensive sexuality education program. Religious Education volunteers range in age from 20 to 90.
I think we are in view of a new level of ministry across the generations.
Our UURTHSONG community garden and many ministries of Social Responsibility have been a source of delight and meaning for adults, youth and children, and a way for newcomers to participate and make connections. I am deeply impressed by our many volunteers in music, worship, the office, an the care and upkeep of our buildings and grounds.
Thanks to the creativity and work of Peter, Bob and the other members of our website team, we have an enhanced and easy-to-use UUSS website.
Thanks to the initiative of Doris, our Program Council and several other donors, we now have regular ads in the Sac State Hornet newspaper. Be on the lookout for visiting students, faculty or staff. We already have a steady stream of guests to our services, and a lot of interest in what UUSS has to offer.
The most important thing we have to offer is YOU! Your presence and participation make this a vital, lively and loving place to be. Your deep generosity will sustain and strengthen this congregation, the ministries that it provides, and the values for which it stands.
Your presence and your generosity make possible all the ways that we grow.
As the Cottage Meetings of our Stewardship Drive take place in February, I extend my thanks to you. Let’s keep the joy going!
Yours in service,
Roger
PS: I welcome invitations to get together for a pastoral visit with UUSS families. It’s hard to get to know all the kids on Sunday, except as flashes of light speeding past me. Also I welcome everyone’s help in organizing activities and special events for all ages.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Church Finances and Stewardship, Rituals, Prayers, Elements of Worship Services, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: financial, generosity, gratitude, grow, mission, pledge, support, vision
Sunday we heard heartfelt reflections about what this congregation has meant to Lisa and Tom in their few short but meaningful years of involvement here. The text of Lisa’s testimonial is reprinted below, at my request.
My husband Tom and I have been members of this church for almost three years. We were both raised Catholic and married in the Catholic Church, but to say we weren’t devout would be putting it mildly.
I am proud to be part of a religious community that encourages freedom of thought and affirms the worth and dignity of everyone.
When I first read our mission statement, values statement, and covenant, I felt good knowing that I could say these words aloud every week and really mean them. When my uncle married his partner just a few days before Proposition 8 passed, it was comforting to know that my congregation supports their right to marry. Coming to our Sunday morning services lifts my spirits, especially when I’ve had a tough week. Besides getting involved in groups that share my particular interests and talents, I’ve also been exposed to new experiences, like attending a peace vigil and writing my own prayers as part of an adult enrichment class.
There are many reasons why I’m glad to be here, but the most important reason is this: The best way for me to grow into the person I want to be is to surround myself with people who have the qualities I admire. I’m proud to be among you. For Tom and me, supporting this church financially is a privilege and a joy. We hope you feel the same, and that you will pledge generously. Thank you. [Given Jan. 24, 2010]
News: The co-chairs of the 2010-2011 Stewardship Campaign have organized Cottage Conversations to be hosted in various locations. UUSS Members and Friends have offered to provide their homes. These small gatherings are ways to introduce people to one another and promote conversation concerning around goals for the next budget year as well as our thoughts and feelings about the congregation. A minister and board member will be at each event. (I’m attending at least four of these meetings, and will bring a Ziplock bag with me and raiding the snack table.) Invitations were mailed out Monday to each pledging Member and Friend. If you received an invitation, you may click on their names above to RSVP and ask them any questions. One can be sent to you if you are ready to be part of our Stewardship Campaign to support UUSS in the coming budget year. If don’t receive an invitation this week, please contact the office at 483-9283, or office@uuss.org.
Click the link to learn more about All the Ways We Grow.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Children and Youth, Family Ministry, Sermon Archives and Excerpts | Tags: children, church growth, families, Family Ministry, neglect
September 21, 2008
My inaugural sermon as Family Minister, UU Society of Sacramento, CA
Hymns: Singing the Living Tradition (SLT) #210, “Glory, Glory, Hallelujah”; “I Know that You Know that I Love You; What I Want You to Know Is that I Know that You Love Me Too”; SLT #51 “Lady of the Season’s Laughter.”
Reading: “Shoulders,” a poem by Naomi Shihab Nye
Sermon:
Survey question: How many people here have been life long Unitarian Universalists? [Show of hands.] Not very many of us, it appears. Well, this is not an adequate survey. That’s because most of our life-long UUs are now over there, in the Religious Education building. As a minister, and especially in this role as your family minister, I am guided by a vision of “doing church” in ways that will create and support new generations of life-long UUs, ever-larger generations of people who know in their bones that this religious movement is their lifelong home.
I am not a lifelong UU– but I’ve been a UU since about age 24, longer than I was a member of the church in which I grew up. That church was a midsize congregation, in the middle-American small town of Franklin, Indiana, and it’s part of the Disciples of Christ, a middle of the road Protestant denomination. My father had grown up in it and my mother had joined when they were married. My brother is 12 years older than I am, so he was out of the house by the time I started first grade. My mom and I attended worship every Sunday, usually without my dad. [There’s a picture of the sanctuary on your order of service. You can see the pew where we sat almost every Sunday—on the right side, three up from the front row.] Sunday school took place in the hour before church. I was self-conscious around my peers and rarely went to Sunday school. I recall going once, while mom went to adult Sunday school at the same time. After class I went into the hallway expecting her to be waiting for me. She wasn’t, and I walked the halls looking for her. I panicked, sure that I had lost her forever. Now, it wasn’t that big of a church or that confusing in layout, especially compared to this one. Now, in this place one could see why a child could get lost. But I know that many grownups here would reach out and help them find their way. Furthermore, I believe that this is a good place for children and adults to find out who they are and who they are becoming.
So I didn’t go to Sunday school in my church. Instead, I went straight to the top—to the home of the minister and his wife. Myron and Ethel Kauffman lived a few blocks from us when I was a child. My regular visits to their house were uninvited and unannounced, but they always welcomed in this earnest kid. They talked with me about many things, even politics. They didn’t like President Nixon—or Billy Graham, the Evangelist. She showed me her rock-polishing machine. I told them about my interest in wildlife conservation and my worries about ecological catastrophe. Once I telephoned the minister to say I had found a dead bird and asked him where in the Bible were the words I could use for a burial service—ashes to ashes, dust to dust. I didn’t tell him that the bird was only injured when I had found it and that I had killed it. Clearly I was a child who should have been dragged to Sunday school every week, and therapy too.
A month or two after my 13th birthday, my mother remembered that I was now at the typical age at which youth were baptized in our Disciples of Christ denomination. She learned that our Sunday School course for kids planning for baptism had begun a few weeks earlier. Mom didn’t want me to wait another year, and the church allowed me to join the class at the next to the last session. For a self-conscious kid, the only thing worse than being inserted in a group that already had been meeting for several weeks would be to show up late for the first class I could make, and that happened too. The teacher was kind and welcoming, and he wore a suit, as most men did at church back then. [Pause to scan the congregation, as they realize nobody else has a suit on but me.]
I don’t remember learning about the meaning of baptism or the expectations of membership. I do remember what happened after the class was over. During the next service my classmates and I stood at the front of the sanctuary. Dr. Kauffman came to each of us, took our hand, and asked us if we professed our faith in Jesus as Lord. I wasn’t sure if I did, and I wasn’t sure what that meant. By arriving late in the baptism course I probably had missed my opportunity to explore the concept.
A week later, during the Palm Sunday service, my classmates and I went off to separate changing rooms for the boys and girls. We stripped down to our underwear, put on a white robe, and stood in a line in the linoleum-floored hallway behind the baptismal pool. This was a small room or compartment in the corner of the chapel beside the sanctuary, with a door in the back and curtains in the front. By now the congregation was standing in the chapel outside those curtains. The ritual began; soon I was next in line. A kid came dripping down the steps, then I went up—three steps up and three more down into the water. The pool was the size of a hot tub, except the water was not hot. Dr. Kauffman was waiting for me in his black robe and black hip-wading boots. He pulled a chain, opened the curtain, and put his arm around my shoulders. To the crowd facing us, he said, “This is Roger. Roger, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.” I held a handkerchief, and he put my hand up to cover my face and pushed me backwards into the water. Instinctively I blew bubbles out my nose. As he brought me up, he closed the curtain and I walked up the stairs, dripping.
As I look back now, it seems that this moment–the moment at which I became a true member of that church, I began drifting away from it. In the past few decades this has been a common story in many denominations: confirmation classes and rituals are the equivalent of graduation ceremonies, the marker for when kids begin to leave rather than when they truly belong. This is true in particular in the moderate, Mainline denominations, which have lost millions from their membership rolls, as kids have grown up and left them, either for conservative mega-churches or for no church at all, and as elders have passed away.
Perhaps it is typical for teenagers to feel that family and religious ties become ties that constrict, and for a process of separation to begin. Perhaps it’s normal to assert one’s independence, even to bristle against the practices and expectations one has grown up with.
Yet there are millions of adults who grew up in Jewish, Muslim, Catholic and conservative Protestant denominations—and stayed in them. They never left the faith. There are notable exceptions, of course–people who left a more conservative or constricting faith when they grew up. Some of these notable exceptions are sitting here right now—they found UUism as grown ups, on their own terms. But many others did not grow up and drift away.
A decade ago our Unitarian Universalist Association had its General Assembly in Salt Lake City, the Mecca of Mormonism. Our UUA President and UUA Moderator met with the men who lead that church (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) for some interfaith dialogue. As I recall, our President reported that the Mormon leader had said: “If you Unitarians learned how to hang on to your young people, you’d be the most dangerous religion in America!” I don’t think he meant it to be helpful.
How is it that the Mormons have grown from a small and persecuted sect in 19th century America to a large, powerful world-wide movement? While their vitality and growth are enviable, I do not see their social power as a positive development, given the values I hold as a religious liberal. Right now in California, for example, the Mormon Church is a leader of the assault on civil marriage rights for same-sex couples. At their services today, in fact, Mormon and other conservative churches will arm church members with one million yard signs in favor of Proposition 8, which would eliminate the freedom to marry for same-sex couples.
How did they get so strong? A full analysis of their growth and strength would take too much time. But part of their strength comes from their version of family ministry, and the strong Mormon identity they promote among their children and youth. They devote attention and resources to their children, youth and families. Their people know where their spiritual home is, all through their lives.
For the past several decades, ministering to families with children has not received much attention from liberal and moderate churches. The mainstream church culture has not promoted vitality and growth. If it had, the numbers would be higher. I describe this mainstream culture as one of neglect posing as non-instrusiveness. For decades, church was something you did. In my experience and from what I’ve heard from others, church did not exist to provoke self-reflection, challenge ways of thinking, stretch you or stir you to bold action. It wasn’t expected to change your life, only to be part of your lifestyle.
Too often in mainstream religious communities people were expected to act as if they were doing just fine, as if they had it all together. Well, my family didn’t have it all together. We weren’t fine. I don’t have time to elaborate on my family’s dysfunctions now. I should save it for entertaining sermon illustrations later on. But I do want to tell you that when I was 14 years old, my father had a massive heart attack and died. Relatives gathered from near and far for the funeral. Our minister gave a beautiful service, and the church women brought food to us in the days before and after the funeral–ham, meatloaf, salads, vegetables, desserts, and casseroles. This gesture of generosity and sympathy was nourishing both spiritually and physically. Yet after those early days there was no outreach to me by either peers or elders in the congregation. They were good people, but no one there invited me for a walk, to a movie or lunch or their family outing. Dr. and Mrs. Kauffman moved out of town for a new ministry; otherwise they might have been more helpful in my grieving process. For the rest of my high school years, nobody from church asked me what it was like to go through my journey of grieving. At least this is how I remember it. I did not talk to anyone in any depth about the loss of my father for seven years, when I had made some college friends–and made an appointment with a mental health professional.
Why was this the case in my life in that church? Two reasons occur to me. One is that my family had not made ourselves part of the fabric of the community, even though we had been in it for three generations. As a family we didn’t pursue friendships there. It’s just what we did on Sundays. My parents had let me skip Sunday school, instead of trying to understand my shyness around my peers. We didn’t ask for much there, and little was asked or expected of us. We knew we could count on casseroles in times of a death in the family, but for me casseroles were not enough. So when I entered college I did not run away from church, I just drifted away. Later on I may tell you the rest of my journey—from self-conscious kid to young adult church goer to lay leader to ordained minister, but I’d like to talk about what we’re doing here.
Over the past few decades, I believe, the religious and political right wing has risen to power in part by the use of scare tactics—telling Americans that their worries and their wounds were the fault of liberal attitudes and the expansion of equal rights. While I denounce the fear-mongering, I see that the religious and political reactionaries got something right: they listened to families. They knew people were hurting and worried. Successful churches, most of them conservative ones, acknowledged that people didn’t have it all together. They addressed the feeling that many people had: that our lives were unraveling. Yes, to a great extent they have manipulated families, but to do this they had to listen first. They listened to families. In the mainstream churches, however, there was a culture that families should not our vulnerabilities and fears.
The good news now is that moderate and liberal churches have caught on– and we’re catching up! This is why I am excited to be serving as your family minister. I believe that our churches must promote relationships of authenticity, trust, and care –across the generations as well as within each generation. One way this church does that is through groups called Ministry Circles. These groups meet twice a month to build intimacy by hearing one another’s personal stories and perspectives. Some new groups are in the works, including one on the theme of spiritual parenting. They can make a big difference in a person’s experience of church—they’re like a community within the larger community of the church. If you’re interested, let us know.
In the last several years, groups like these Ministry Circles have emerged in UU churches all over the continent. Four years ago, when I was the minister at a Bay Area congregation, I made a pastoral visit to an elderly member after she’d had major orthopedic surgery. She was living alone, but she had been part of a ministry group [called a covenant group there, as in many UU churches.] She told me about all the support she was getting from her group members, among others at church. Visits in the hospital, visits in the convalescent center, and a ride home when she got strong enough to go home. She was inundated with food— several days’ worth of lunch and dinner. One member of her ministry group found out what she needed and coordinated the efforts of everybody who was willing to help out. The recipient of this help was impressed with the scale of the operation, and moved by the care. She told me how important the group had become for her, how much she loved them. She said, “I really feel a deep connection when we meet!”
“Why do you think that is?” I asked her. She said, “I think it’s because it’s not small talk.” They talk about important things, she said, matters of the heart. She told me that, years before coming to our church, she and her former spouse had been in a group at another UU church–for 17 years. They had joined a small group on arriving at the church, but had never gone back to the church itself in all those years. It was called an “extended family group,” yet all they did was have a potluck dinner once a month. That’s what they did, for 17 years. One time, a group member lost a loved one in a very tragic way, but the extended family group didn’t learn about it until it was long past. To me, that group does not sound like an extended family. It sounds as if it was a guarantee that you could count on having dinner companions once a month. I do not think those dinners were occasions of authenticity, trust, and care. Apparently they were not designed to provide that. But that is what many of our UU congregations are striving for now, and what we are building in our churches.
Many of you know what this congregation does well. Some can remember the shining moments in this congregation’s history. Now we are at a new moment. You may recall a golden era; now we are shaping a new era in the church’s life and ministry.
I am here to help you build on your strengths, especially in ministering to children and families. I seek to help you build nurturing relationships of authenticity, trust and care across the generations. If we do this, I think we will build new generations of life-long Unitarian Universalists. We will experience greater joy among ourselves, and we will take healing beyond these walls out into a hurting world.
Maybe we don’t have to become what the Christian right wing would consider the most dangerous religion in America. We don’t have to be the most powerful denomination of progressive religion, or the biggest or the flashiest. But we can share in a more authentic, abundant, joyful and hopeful sense of life with one another. And can make the world a better place. So may it be. Amen.
Filed under: Church Finances and Stewardship, Family Ministry | Tags: commitment, generosity, religious education, stewardship
Stewardship Testimonial, 1/31/2010
John and Janet said wonderful things about UUSS Sunday, including kind words about yours truly from Janet. I’ll post that as soon as I can, unless she has recanted by now. Here are John’s notes:
I have been a UUSS Member since 1996. Our motivation for joining was to get a liberal religious education for my children to make them less vulnerable to what I call “Religious Predators.”
2009 was not a good year financially for the McLopes:
I am a State Engineer, and the furloughs reduced our income.
In February we found out the consequences when you don’t update your tax deductions as children get older
During [last year's] Pledge Drive Janet and I considered the impact of the furloughs — and decided to maintain our pledge level.
This church, the people, the ministers (who are people, too) are important to us. Deepening our lives is dependent on this church. So we economized in other areas, including our giving to other charities.
Things did not improve financially as the year progressed. Our 10-year-old car needed engine work. In September Alice got her license and we got the insurance bill. But even with all of this we maintained our pledge commitment.
2010 is also is not starting out well financially: we had to replace the furnace last week.
Regardless, when Janet and I sit down to discuss our pledge we will not consider lowering it.
I have a hope of UUSS becoming a recognized spiritual center for Sacramento. I want people of all faiths to feel comfortable to come and be energized by the programs and even just by walking the grounds.
This would truly make UUSS a place for deepening lives and being a force for healing.
Our contributions are the foundation in truly carrying out our mission.
Thank you
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Church Finances and Stewardship, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: budget, financial, fiscal year, giving feels good, July 1, meaning of membership, pledge, stewardship, support
[this letter is given to those in the Newcomers' Membership Orientation Class]
Dear New Friends and Prospective Members,
Welcome to the congregation! I’m glad you are considering membership here. These words come from Dr. Rebecca Parker, the president of Starr King School for the Ministry: “Over the years in ministry, I’ve learned that no one comes to church for a petty reason.”
I’ve learned that as well. People don’t call to make an appointment with a minister for trivial reasons. No person or family shows up on Sunday mornings just to kill time. Most of our visitors don’t seek us out unless something has set them on a search for belonging, depth, celebration, and meaning.
Nobody joins this congregation—and nobody supports it, either—for trivial reasons. I think of the volunteers: Trustees, committee members, Religious Education teachers, worship leaders, musicians, Greeters, Ministry Circle leaders, Lay Ministry listeners, cooks, Connection Central hosts, and others.
I think of the devoted members and friends who stretch themselves to support the congregation with generous financial pledges every year. Doug and I invite you to consider the enclosed materials and your own circumstances, and to make a generous pledge commitment for the coming months.
Many people think of their pledge in terms of a percentage of their income or assets. I encourage all Unitarian Universalists to aim toward giving, in the aggregate, at least 10% of their annual income to organizations that serve the greater good. One of these organizations, of course, would be their church. I pledge 5% of my pre-tax income to UUSS and give another 7% to other institutions, causes, campaigns, and charities.
Enclosed is an orange pledge card for this fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2010. If you are ready to make a monthly pledge, let us know if you have any questions about filling it out. Also enclosed is a summary of the current budgeted income and expenses.
You will also find a second pledge card–a green one. We are in the midst of our annual Stewardship Campaign to fund the 2010-11 budget. The campaign theme is “All the Ways We Grow.” Members will vote on a proposed budget at a congregational meeting May 23, and the new fiscal year will begin July 1.
Current pledges to UUSS range from less than $10 a month to nearly $20,000 a year. This is an economically diverse congregation. This diversity is what it means to be part of a community. Contributions of all sizes are valued and appreciated.
Some can afford to give more than others, and some less. Indeed, some pledge and give more because we know others cannot.
If you would like a personal meeting to discuss your pledge or any aspect of church life, please give Doug or me a call or an email. We strive to earn your trust and to keep it.
Your pledge is your decision, so please choose an amount that feels right. Give till it feels good! Again, welcome to UUSS.
Yours in the spirit,
Roger
PS–Please know that if your financial situation should change in the coming months (for better or for worse), it is quite appropriate to revise your pledge (either down or up!) by notifying the UUSS Office or one of the ministers. Thank you.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Church Finances and Stewardship, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: Doug, generosity, ministry, Roger, stewardship
[letter from Margaret, president of the Board of Trustees]
Dear Members and Friends:
Since wandering into the UU Society of Sacramento five years ago, during our search for a spiritual community that spoke to our heads as well as our hearts, I have continued to be amazed at that random good fortune.
Whether I am at a Sunday service, in an official UUSS meeting, enjoying a social event, or engaged in one of our many, many programs, I am delighted by our commitment to shared values, by our energy and engagement in trying to live those values within the congregation and the regional community, and by our generosity with whatever we can offer. Those are part of “All the Ways We Grow” – which is the theme of our 2010-11 stewardship campaign.
When I reflect on our achievements this past year, which were only possible with the growth in our pledges, I think of many, many accomplishments. But I especially think of our ministers. They, along with all of you, are the core for me of UUSS. I cherish their wisdom and inspiration and I greatly value their support during personal crises.
This year we were able once again to honor our multi-year commitment to gradually bring our Lead Minister’s compensation up to the UUA recommended level for a congregation our size and in our geographic area. We have accomplished these step-wise increases for two years now with three years remaining before reaching the recommended level. We also continued our contract with the Associate Minister who is the lead on family ministry including religious education and whose position has become integral to UUSS for many of us.
Our budget process for the past several years has proceeded on the assumption that we must have a balanced budget. Our revenue, primarily pledges, determines whether we are able to move forward with the hopes and dreams we all have for UUSS. I hope that we will support our Lead Minister, Associate Minister and staff at the appropriate level.
I dream that we will be able to fully fund our many wonderful programs and that our budget will fully support moving forward with our five-year plan goals: to strengthen our connection with and support of new and existing members; to deepen our ministry to children and families; and to develop, approve and begin to implement an environmentally friendly master plan for UUSS property.
I hope that you, like us, will make the strongest financial commitment that you can for the coming year to support the continued vitality of our congregation.
With appreciation,
Margaret
President, UUSS Board of Trustees
Filed under: Children and Youth, Church Finances and Stewardship, Family Ministry | Tags: children, generosity, pledge, staff, thanks
Janet’s Stewardship Testimonial 1/31/10 (scroll down for John’s)
Hello. I’ve been a member here since 1997.
I’ve thought a lot about what I wanted to say for this testimonial. I tried to think of things that reflected the theme of the Canvass. Clever things about growth, and roots & shoots. But when I really got down to the basics – what I think I’d like to express most is my Gratitude.
Thank you. Thank you all for providing funding for this place that I’ve been coming to for the last 12 or so years.
Thank you for paying Doug’s salary, so he can stay here and lead me to deeper thoughts about myself and my place in this world.
Thank you for providing a Religious Education program for my children. Because of you, they’ve been able grow up as part of a deeply principled, inclusive, and welcoming community. They will be better citizens of the world because of what you have provided for them.
Thank you for the opportunity to work here as your Religious Education Assistant. Because of you, I’ve had the chance to really focus on our R.E. programs and see some paths we can take to strengthen them. I’ll be taking my place with other volunteers here in helping to lead R.E. to new depth and relevance.
Thank you so much for pledging generously and allowing us to hire Roger as our Family Minister. His positive energy, willingness to jump in where needed, not to mention his wicked sense of humor, are an every day blessing for our R.E. program. Thnak you for bringing and keeping Roger here.
The times we live in right now are uncertain financially, but I truly believe that it’s times like these in which we rethink what is deeply important to us. To me, this place is important.
So, Thank You – all of you – for your past support of this good place and all the good people that keep it running. Keep up the good work!
Filed under: Children and Youth, Family Ministry | Tags: children, community-building, youth
I just read and commented on this article on a Christian Century blog by a Presbyterian pastor.
What do YOU think are the strengths and weaknesses of our recent forms of ministry to (and with) youth and children? Are we too concerned with providing “programs” rather than opportunities for mentorship, service, support, fun and fellowship across the generations?
http://theolog.org/2010/02/is-youth-ministry-killing-church.html
Filed under: Children and Youth, Church Finances and Stewardship | Tags: awkwardness, generosity, gratitude, growth, spirituality, stewardship, stretch, teenager, trust
Pledge Drive Kickoff Song and Sermon in 3 Parts, Feb. 7, 2010
Hymns: #1010 “We Give Thanks,” #16 “Tis a Gift to Be Simple,” #162 “For the Earth Forever Turning.”
1–Introduction and the Pledge Drive Song — by Roger
This congregation is in the midst of its annual pledge drive. Unless you just walked in the door for the first time, you probably know that! Also known as the stewardship campaign, this is the time when members and friends make pledges of financial support for our programs and staff in the next budget year. Using the results of our pledge drive, the Board of Trustees will propose a church budget, and congregation members will vote on that
budget at our business meeting on May 23. This is an important process. In an independent congregation like this one, it’s up to all of us to raise the funds to pursue our goals, support our values, maintain the buildings and grounds, sustain programs, and pay staff salaries. This is a long process, and it takes a lot of work. We give thanks to all those who are giving time and effort, including our campaign co-chairs, JoAnn and Ginger. Not only are they taking signups today for the Cottage Conversations; they are facilitating those conversations, and they produced the materials for the pledge drive. So we thank them. And of course we give thanks to you for your generosity. And now, we present the pledge drive theme song.
“Giving’s Gotta Hurt (Just a Little Bit)” words & music by Beth Hilton, sung by the Krafty Jones duo
I was cooking up burgers for a party of four.
On my way to the table, one dropped on the floor.
Well no one had seen it and they’d never detect it.
I was ready to serve it when my conscience objected.
And I tasted that dirt just a little bit, and giving’s gotta hurt just a little bit.
Can’t say it’ll get me into heaven, but it keeps me a little farther from hell.
And giving’s gotta hurt just a little bit, if giving’s gonna make me feel swell.
I was shopping for a good friend who was turning 43
I found a beautiful sweater that was perfect—for me.
Well, I searched for another, but I had no success
So I gave him that sweater, that I should possess.
And I still think that mine was a better fit,
And giving’s gotta hurt just a little bit.
Can’t say it’ll get me into heaven, but it keeps me a little farther from hell.
And giving’s gotta hurt just a little bit, if giving’s gonna make me feel swell.
I was walking in the city when a fella came up
He told me he was hungry and he held out a cup
I fished in my pocket for a nickel or a dime
But I pulled out a 20 — it was all I could find.
I was going to take Roger out to dinner.
I guess giving’s gonna make him a little thinner.
Can’t say it’s gonna get me into heaven But it keeps me a little farther from hell.
And giving has gotta hurt just a little bit If giving’s gonna make me feel swell.
[raucous ovation ensued. or were they running for the doors?]
2–”Growing in Trust” by Roger
I’d love to tell you this story I heard about Horace Greeley, the editor of the New York Tribune newspaper in the mid-1800s. In addition to being a newspaperman, he was also a political leader. He would have run for president against Ulysses Grant but he died before the election. Religiously, he was Universalist, a very active church leader.
Once Greeley received a letter from a good Universalist lady somewhere, probably from a church on the East Coast. She said that her church was in bad shape financially. She wrote: “’[We have tried church fairs], strawberry festivals, oyster suppers, box socials, mock weddings, grab-bags, and lawn fetes. Would Mr. Greeley be so good as to suggest some new device to keep the struggling church from disbanding?’ His answer was brief: ‘Try religion.’”
That is what we are doing here, now, in our Stewardship Campaign: We are trying religion. We are putting our trust and our faith in one another–not in any outside source of money, not in gimmicks or devices–simply in one another. We trust one another to give to the best of our financial ability to support our spiritual community.
A pledge is a promise, and promises are at the heart of an ethical and spiritual community. When we make a pledge we make a commitment–not an irrevocable one, not a do this or else commitment, but a free, thoughtful, sincere, realistic and responsible one. The big leap of trust is this one: Each one of us counts on abut 400 other persons to make pledges, and to come through on them, to the best of their ability. We also expect that if something happens and your circumstances change, you will let us know.
When we give our money to a congregation, we also give it our trust. We expect staff, ministers and volunteer leaders to be good stewards of our shared resources in serving and leading the organization. We also trust that leaders will keep us informed, that they will let us know when our help is needed, whether it’s monetary support, our physical presence, attention to important issues, or the work of our hands. For their part, the leaders must have faith that when they ask us for help, we will rise to the occasion. We will show up.
Speaking of showing up, that’s what I did a year and a half ago. I showed up here when I was hired on as the Family Minister. When your board extended the offer and I accepted it, we both trusted that the financial resources would come through. On my part, I was trusting that your stated intentions to work toward a stronger ministry to families with children and youth were serious intentions. I didn’t know, but I trusted. Of course, when any minister or staff member serves a congregation, we give it our trust that the people will come through. I’ve seen much progress in the past year and a half, and now I know your intentions and goals are both real and reachable.
I would like to tell you today that I am prepared to continue serving with you next year. (And singing a duet with Doug at the start of every service.)
This decision is a sign of trust. If I don’t go looking to line up another job in another church, come July there will be one here in the coming budget year. I’m trusting the process. Trusting the pledge drive. Even more important, I’m trusting the people. That’s all of you.
In a time of economic uncertainty and stress, I want to trust that we will not let our anxieties drive our decision making. We won’t let our anxieties keep us from being as generous as we really can be, as generous as– deep in our hearts– we really like to be.
I trust this congregation and its members and friends to rise to the challenges that we encounter. Facing challenges is one of the ways we grow. In congregational involvement, we face challenges together. This is one of the ways we grow.
I grew up going to church with my parents in a moderate, middle-of-the-road, mainline Protestant congregation. It was not repressive enough for me to rebel against it, and not inspiring or challenging enough to keep me. As an adult member of Unitarian Universalist congregations, however, I have been inspired. I also have been challenged, and this has helped me grow.
[I've been inspired by our values and heritage, worship services and educational programs, and by our people. I haven't rebelled against much, I guess. Except when this faith has given me courage to resist the culture of fearful prejudice that persists in our country, rebel against religious ignorance and narrowness, and work to undo selfishness, isolation, and neglect of the common good.]
I joined my first UU congregation at age 25, in Illinois. A year later, I was invited to teach Religious Education to children. Who, me? I didn’t even talk to the children. Besides, I wanted to hear the sermon. But I said I’d try it. After all, Sunday School would be over by June and I could get back to the things I cared about. Little did I know, two decades later I’d be supervising a Religious Education program for 70 children and youth. That early challenge led me to growth I could not have predicted–or even asked for.
As a young congregation member, I was challenged to support it–and the values and institutions I cared about–with contributions of money as well as time. I was challenged to be more generous financially than I had had thought I could, and more generous than I had thought I wanted to be. I started by giving away a modest percentage of my income over the year and then began raising that percentage each year following.
I had felt some resistance—I feared it would cramp my style or hurt my standard of living. But it didn’t, and actually felt good to give more. When I first joined a UU congregation, I hadn’t imagined that I’d be asked to stretch this much. Nor could I have imagined that I would end up asking other people to stretch–asking them to give generously to congrgegations that I would be serving in ministry.
I didn’t know that every year at this time–pledge time– I’d awaken early in the morning, with numbers haunting my dreams, dire scenarios dancing in my head, and rumbling in my guts. So I say “Thank You, Unitarian Universalism for all the ways I grow.”
Thank you for inviting me, encouraging me, even for stretching me.
Another way I have grown has been in the practice of gratitude. Going to church as a child I heard prayers of thanks in services at my middle-of-the-road Protestant congregation. At home I heard a mealtime grace at the holidays or when visiting other homes for Sunday dinner. But I don’t remember a culture of thankfulness in my family. I don’t remember that we had any practice of paying attention to the simple gifts of the day and giving thanks for our blessings. Maybe there was such a practice of expressing gratitude when I was growing up. If there was, it did not sink in.
I did learn it later. I learned it from people like you. I have seen that even with our personal troubles, losses, regrets and struggles, people can affirm life and give thanks for our blessings.
In UU communities I’ve learned to appreciate that the mutual dependence of earth, animals, farmers, workers and other people that brings food to our table is nothing short of a miracle, and we can give thanks for it. I have learned gratitude from people like you. I have felt it shine from the faces of elders and children.
Thank you for all the ways I grow, and all the ways you grow, too. It’s a joy to grow together. Blessed be.
3–”Awkwardness” by Doug
I delivered my first sermon when I was eighteen.
I was a member of the youth group of the Morristown, New Jersey Unitarian Fellowship. During my senior year in high school, the Fellowship invited us to lead a Sunday service.
I was excited by the possibilities. No one else in the group seemed excited. But I persuaded my friend, Steve, to join me. We agreed to each write a ten to fifteen minute sermon.
Our title was “The Quest for Self-Identity.” For the front of the order of service I found a drawing of Prometheus bringing fire to humans.
I worked hard on the sermon. I wanted to tell those adults what it was really like to form a self-identity. And tell them I did, with all the fire of Prometheus.
Then I sat down. And Steve stood up. He began with a long passage from J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye about a prostitute. There were a lot of four letter words in it. I thought, “Steve put a lot less effort into his sermon than I did into mine.” And I thought, “His is better than mine. A lot better.” In fact, I realized mine was pretty bad.
There were a hundred or so at the service that morning – the room was full. They didn’t flinch at Steve’s quoting profanity. And they didn’t yawn at my adolescent, rambling hyperbole. They listened respectfully.
After the service, as usual they went out, got their coffee and, as usual, came back for the talkback so in vogue in those years.
During the talkback no one told me my sermon had been wonderful and insightful. I was grateful they didn’t. False praise would have been humiliating. And no one thanked me for my efforts, as if to say, “Nice try, son. Too bad you blew it.”
Instead they asked about points I had tried to make. Some questions were probing. All felt respectful. They helped me clarify and illustrate things I had said awkwardly. They gracefully separated the wheat from the chaff. They found germs of meaning amidst my rambling and gold nuggets amidst the dross of my awkwardness.
I left feeling they saw me in all my clumsiness. And they saw things of value I hadn’t seen on my own.
Awkward
This morning I want to talk about awkwardness. The theme of our stewardship drive this year is “All the ways we grow.” There is an intimate relationship between growth and awkwardness.
Think about adolescent growth spurts. Our feet grow two shoe sizes. It takes longer for our legs to catch up. For several years my brother, Reynold, hid his hands in family photos because they were embarrassingly large for the rest of his body.
Real growth – organic growth – is usually uneven. One aspect gets ahead, another lags behind.
There are probably as many ways to be awkward as there are ways to grow.
Some awkwardness is excruciating, like how I felt after that sermon.
Some is just embarrassing, like throwing ourselves into a Theater One play and forgetting our lines.
Some is poignant: a loved one dies or a relationship falls apart unexpectedly and we don’t know how to handle it. We stumble around trying to get our bearing.
Some is private like learning to meditate and seeing how enthusiastically our mind gallivants around out of control.
However, not all awkwardness is painful: we grow musically by trying to play a piece that is beyond our ability – it doesn’t sound so good until we learn it.
Some is pleasant. A few weeks ago, Lisa told us of joining Roger’s prayer class. She had never written a prayer but in the class she did. She may have felt awkward at first even if she enjoyed it.
In fact, some is fun – as in growing in joy by letting more energy than we are accustomed to flow through us.
But even when growth is joyful discovery of talents we didn’t know we had, it can be unsettling because forces us to change our image of who we are or change comfortable habits.
Most of us would like to grow spiritually, intellectually, in joy, wisdom, generosity or other ways. We don’t resist growth per se. But we might resist clumsiness.
Well, it’s a package deal. We don’t get one without the other.
If we avoid awkwardness, we stunt ourselves – we hold ourselves back.
My point is that I can’t make you grow. You can’t make me grow. We can’t force each other to grow. Growth doesn’t start until we do something different ourselves. Growth starts from reaching out, trying something new, stretching, going beyond our comfort zone, stumbling into territory we aren’t familiar with.
Support
However if we are willing to extend ourselves, there is a lot that we can do to support one another.
One of the things I love about congregations like our is that we offer a variety of settings and venues where people can exercise their talents or try out something new. Most institutions focus on one area, one task, one group of people or one type of setting. But we offer everything from ministry circles to leadership roles, from singing to helping the homeless, from transcendentalism classes to gardening, from book discussions to camping, from worship services to working with children, from giving to receiving, from supporting to being supported, from doing to being.
It’s a place where awkwardness is part of the vitality.
Mirroring
Another way we support one another is reflecting back the worth and dignity we see in each other. This is what the Morristown Fellowship did for me so many years ago. I was feeling so inept I couldn’t see anything valuable in what I had done. So they mirrored back what I couldn’t see in myself.
You do this for me here on Sunday morning. You listen so generously and openly that it draws depths or nuances that I never would have found on my own.
And I see so many of you doing this mirroring here with each other. That’s what I love about this congregation. I see it over and over.
Grateful
I am grateful for the courage of all of you who risk and stretch yourself even when it feels awkward.
And I am grateful for all of you who so gracefully listen and honestly and sincerely reflect back the worth, dignity and goodness you see in each other even when this feels self-conscious.
It helps us relax into awkwardness. It’s a paradox. Reflecting back the depths we see helps us be more graceful in our stumbling, more joyful with our embarrassment, more at ease with our distress, wiser in our foolishness and more relaxed in our awkwardness.
Closing
Does it work?
Yes, it most certainly does. We may not see the growth from hour to hour or day to day because sustainable growth does not happen in a huge flash of insight, like Saul on the Road to Damascus. It comes from accumulating small stretches and small mirroring. To see this we have to look over many months and many years.
To show you what I mean, I’ll close with the writing by another eighteen-year-old adolescent, our own Shannon. She wasn’t trying to write a sermon – just fill out a college application. Here are some excerpts:
… one thing … makes me unique to the majority of all other people. I am a Unitarian Universalist. Born and raised… The older and more mature I have become, the more I have realized what being a UU means to me and how I’ve applied it to my morals and values. It has taught me that every person is entitled to have their own beliefs and that there can be more than one truth. I am definitely a nonconformist, and I don’t understand how some people of other religions are just able to accept something without any questions. There is nothing wrong with this, it is just that I was brought up in a religious community where questioning is part of our spiritual journey.
… I am also a huge advocate for people’s choice. Especially with issues like abortion and when Prop 8 was on the California ballot, I realized how passionate I was to support people and the decisions they want to make that will affect their lives. …
As for same sex marriage, I see no problem whatsoever. … Love is love. Being a Unitarian Universalist, I was raised thinking the “definition of marriage” was just two people who love each other and want to spend the rest of their lives together. It seems so simple to me. …
Unitarian Universalism defines who I am as a person more than anything else could. I am so proud to tell people that I am a UU … even though … I will most likely get … those curious expressions … It’s a special feeling I get when I explain that I have the freedom to make religious choices for myself. I can’t imagine being of another faith. Our principles are how I perceive myself as a person …. It just happened that the seven Unitarian Universalist principles summed up everything I would have wanted to be as a person. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It takes a village to raise a child.” Thank you for being that village. And thank you for being so deeply and honestly present to each other, even when if feels awkward. Blessed be. Namaste.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: election 2010, endorse Phil Serna, endorse Ryan Chin, Sacramento city council, Sacramento county board, Stonewall Democrat
Monday night I went to a Stonewall Democratic Club forum for a city council primary campaign and a county board campaign, followed by some testimonials and a debate. I was struck how many folks were there–120 packed in a small meeting room in a hotel–how many non-LGBT politicians are members of the club, and how interesting it was. I hadn’t expected it to last over 3 hours, but it did.
The city council race includes a newly retired Japanese American police captain who’s been very supportive of and responsive to the LGBT community but who is soft spoken and a bit awkward, with none of that scary cop voice they use when they pull you over. He’s a native of Sacramento and his district, and his mom was interned in WWII. The other candidate is Ryan Chin, a Chinese American man in his 40s with a lot of business experience and even more volunteer experience, with two sons: age 18 months and age 21 years. In response to a question about his endorsement of the man who upset our incumbent mayor in 2008, he said he regrets the decision. I asked him about this gutsy statement in the hall way and was convinced by his reasons and struck by his feistiness. Chin got the more spirited testimonials and over 60% of the vote, including mine. They face an incumbent Republican man in the primary. I was quite torn about my endorsement vote, even though I don’t live in their district!
The county board election does include my neighborhood–much of the city, in fact. The first candidate was Phil Serna, a 40-something son of a late former Sacramento mayor, born in northern Guatemala when his parents were in the Peace Corps; his father was the first Latino mayor, a farm worker and activist. He came across as less smooth than his opponent but very conversant with the issues and clearly hard working. He’s taught geography and urban planning at the local CSUS campus (and in the public affairs center endowed in his father’s name). The other candidate is a 60-something African American man who held this seat in the past and then left to work for the Clinton administration and then as the human services cabinet member for Governor Davis (the one Schwarzenegger replaced in a recall election). He was eloquent and masterful and assertive in his devotion to principle and ability to achieve progressive ends. He had been mentored in politics as a young man by the late father of his opponent. I was nearly won over by him till the testimonials about the younger man’s hard work and involvement in the community; he also has been campaigning since last June, while the older man got into the race more recently. A young man in the Stonewall club emphasized that Serna had attended a Camp Courage training series with him, learning how to be a straight ally of LGBT folks. I had a side conversation with an elderly woman who had served on the county board with the older man; she allayed my concerns about a disagreement the men had over the tax base for affordable housing development and whether the younger man was beholden to housing developers. She also said the older man had left his earlier office because he is a policy wonk who often got frustrated and walked out of county board meetings if things weren’t going his way. The younger man got the endorsement (which requires at least 60% of the vote). His opponent must have expected this, as he was the only one of the four candidates who did not hang around for the results.
At a break I spoke to a woman who used to be our mayor and who was unseated after two terms in 2008. She explained to me that the city and county do not have term limits, unlike many other parts of California, including the state government. I told her we had met in 2008 when she attended a memorial service for a parishioner soon after I arrived here. She said, “I’ve been to that church for several events over the years. It’s a very interesting place…for a church.” Ha! She added that she did most of her worshiping and got most of her religious education attending services, bar mitvahs, first communions, etc., while in office.
Filed under: Church Finances and Stewardship, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: children, generosity, giving, grow, joy, mature, progress, thanking
This is Doug’s letter to the congregation for the Stewardship Campaign.
Dear Members and Friends,
I first joined you ten years ago. Since then I’ve seen our congregation grow in so many ways.
- I see this when I visit Spirit Play, Story Time, our Youth Groups and speak with the many parents and non-parents involved in our religious education. We are developing programs that touch the busy lives of our children and youth.
- I see it in the blossoming of Family Promise, Green Sanctuary, vigils and other social actions over the years.
- I feel it when I go out and sit in our thriving, lush Community Garden.
- I’m moved by it when I meet with the Ministry Circle Facilitators, Spiritually Grounded Leadership group and see all the other Adult Enrichment activities throughout each week.
- I feel it in the Sunday services – the added dimensions Roger brings, the deepening quality of your participation in services and your thoughtful responses to our pulpit efforts.
- I’m inspired by it when I sit in on a meeting with our UU Master Plan Facilitators (UUMPF). Rather than solely pursuing their personal visions, they bring care and sophistication as they solicit, sort and bring to life the ideas and aspirations of the whole congregation.
And this is just a sampling of the ways we’ve grown.
I too have grown through my relationship with you. Listening to you and being listened to by you I’ve learned so much about enriching ways to live practically and spiritually in this world of ours.
So I hope you will participate in our stewardship program this year. Come to a cottage meeting and share with others (and me) the things that are most important to you about how we grow.
And please join me in being as generous as you are able when you pledge financially to the congregation this year.
Thank you for all your time, presence, money and heart. I feel blessed to be sharing ministry with such a wonderful congregation.
Namasté,
Doug
2–Janet Steps Down as Religious Education Assistant
by Roger and Janet
Roger writes: Janet has resigned her position. Say it ain’t so! I don’t know how I would have survived here the past 1 & 1/2 years without her knowledge, wisdom, and flexibility. So many families and RE teachers and committee members appreciate her warmth and organizational gifts. Please join me in thanking her as she makes this transition, since holding her against her will is against the law.
Fortunately, she’s not going anywhere. As a longtime member and church parent, she seeks to return to civilian life as a member of the RE Committee. She recognized that her level of interest and her vision for development of the program are larger than is permitted in the bounds of an administrative job for 12 hours a week. She loves UUSS and wants to serve it as a leader, not a clerical staffer.
Soon we will hire a Religious Education Secretary for the program. We also need to expand the size of the RE Committee, so we can have a coherent and reliable support structure for our volunteer RE teachers and the children and youth in our program. I asked Janet to write her views about the ongoing evolution of our RE program. Here is an excerpt.
Janet writes: In the past, there has always been a personality (Director of RE or Minister of RE) who has been the focal point for the RE program. She was always the ‘go to’ person for RE information and inquiries. However, this situation no longer exists. Roger’s role is not that of a Minister for Religious Education. His energies are much more dispersed. It is not appropriate for the RE Assistant to take that focal role as this position was created as an assistant for a DRE or MRE. That leaves the RE Committee and its chair to take on the role, but this has not been done at UUSS for at least the last 15 years. I believe that eventually there will be no one focus person for the RE program, but that all those previously mentioned will carry a part of the load. This will all, however, need time to sort out.
Filed under: Children and Youth, Family Ministry | Tags: feast, Spirit Play, spirituality of children, story-based, training & support
Filed under: Children and Youth, Family Ministry, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: children, staff changes, volunteer opportunities
Filed under: Church Finances and Stewardship, Family Ministry, Sermon Archives and Excerpts | Tags: anxiety, family finances, generosity, money, philanthropy, spirituality, stewardship, tithe, values
Family Minister, Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento
February 28, 2010
Introduction
[Minister is holding rural-route mail box on top of his head.
It says PLEDGE CARDS on it.]
Worship Leader: Roger, do you have something on your mind?
Minister: Yes, Judy, I do have something on my mind. It’s been on my mind for several weeks. It was even a little bit on my mind while I was on vacation last week. Can you guess what it is? The stewardship drive is the annual campaign when members and friends make our financial commitment to support the congregation for the coming budget year. Our budget supports most of the programs, facilities, outreach ministries and staff members of the congregation. We have had positive results so far, and 1/3 of the expected pledge cards have been turned in. Off the top of my head, [Putting the mail box back on its stand], I’d say this means we expect the remaining 2/3 to be submitted by the end of February. That gives us nearly 12 hours to wrap up. I’m not ready to panic, but the stewardship season does increase my anxiety level every year. {PS to web readers. If you are a member or friend, you can find and print out a pledge card at http://uuss.org/Forms/Pledge%20Card%202010-2011.pdf. Thank you!}
Reading
This reading is a poem entitled “Joe Heller,” written in 2005 by the late Kurt Vonnegut about his fellow writer and friend and published in the New Yorker magazine [5/16/05].
Joe Heller
True story, Word of Honor:
Joseph Heller, and important and funny writer
now dead,
and I were at a party given by a billionaire
on Shelter Island.
I said, “Joe, how does it make you feel
to know that our host only yestereday
may have made more money than your novel ‘Catch-22’
has earned in its entire history?”
And Joe said, “I’ve got something he can never have.”
And I said, “What on earth could that be, Joe?”
And Joe said, “The knowledge that I’ve got enough.”
Not bad! Rest in peace!
Sermon
Ongoing political controversies about homosexuality and abortion rights could give you the impression that the Holy Bible is bursting with guidance about same-sex relationships and family planning, but it’s not. Contrary to the advocacy of religious conservatives, the Holy Bible says less about sexual morality than it does about financial morality.
Here are some examples: Hebrew prophets in several books condemn the oppression of the poor by the powerful, and the Jewish Bible prohibits lending money at high rates of interest, the way credit card companies and payday lenders do today. It speaks of the jubilee year—a celebration every 50 years in which land was to lie fallow, all property was returned to to its original owners or their heirs, all debts were forgiven and indentured servants released. Contrast this with debtor prisons which existed in Europe and the U.S. until the mid-19th century. In the New Testament, in one scene, Jesus of Nazareth praises the poor widow for her generous offering to the temple while scolding the rich donors for their pride and their lack of equal sacrifice.
According to the Reverend Stephen Gray: Of the 38 parables or stories told by Jesus in the New Testament, 16 deal with the relationship between what you say you believe and how you use your money and possessions; of everything that Jesus talks about, the number two topic is the use we make of our possessions. (He didn’t say what the number one topic is.)
Gray is a United Church of Christ minister who speaks about money. He gave a workshop at the annual meeting of the UU Ministers Association several years ago. By his calculation, in both testaments of the Holy Bible one out of eight verses talks about the relationship between faith and the use of our money and possessions. Of the Ten Commandments, three provide instructions on how we relate to money and possessions, including the possessions of others, such as not coveting what they have.
The individual books of the Bible were composed in different places and times over a span of thousands of years, written by and for different communities. Yet throughout those varied books are stories, questions, and guidelines about money in personal relationships as well as money and social justice and fairness. These various passages don’t all say the same thing, but they show the centrality of money to human relationships. Stress over money is not a new thing.
Gray writes: “If you wonder why money and possessions are referred to so often in the Bible, I would simply remind you of the number one reason for family conflict? The answer, of course, is money.” Money was a major source of domestic disagreements long ago, and it still is. This is why premarital counseling and couples workshops help engaged couples to talk in advance of their wedding about financial priorities and habits, as well as the messages they received about money while growing up.
To demonstrate how important this is, Gray tells this story about an old married couple up in Maine: Matilda and Bert were visiting the Blue Hill Fair. Soon enough they came across one of those open-cockpit airplane rides with the advertisement: Ride for 2 — $10. Matilda said to Bert: “You know I sure would like to take one of those airplane rides.” To which Bert replied, “I don’t think so. Ten dollars is ten dollars!” But Matilda said, “But Bert, I’m 72 years old. I might never get a chance to fly in one of those planes.” To which Bert replied, “I don’t think so. Ten dollars is ten dollars!”
At that point the pilot, who was listening in on their conversation, said, “Tell you what, folks. I’ll take the two of you up for an airplane ride for nothing as long as you don’t say one word during the flight. But if you say so much as just one word, you owe me $10.” Well, that sounded like a bargain they couldn’t pass up, so Matilda and Bert climbed into the little open-cockpit plane.
Well, that pilot did everything he could to get them to cry out. He did loop de loops, he did spins, he took the plane into steep dives. But Bert and Matilda didn’t say one single word.
Defeated, the pilot finally brought the plane in for a landing and turned around to Matilda and said, “Well, I guess you got that plane ride for free. I did everything I could to get you to say something, but I didn’t hear one word.” To which Matilda replied, “Well, I was going to say something when Bert fell out of the plane… But then again, ten dollars is ten dollars!” [i][At the first service this story was told to the children before they departed for Religious Education.]
Nothing like that happened in my family, but I did grow up with mixed messages about money. Instead of learning clear lessons about financial security, frugality or generosity, I learned to be anxious and ambivalent about money. My relationship to money was shaped in part by the habits, attitudes, complaints and worries I heard from parents and close relatives. We were secure financially as a family, but it didn’t feel that way. In contrast, I’ve heard other people say, “I grew up in a poor family, but we didn’t realize we were poor. We had enough to eat, fun ways to spend time, and lots of love.”
Every Sunday the Sacramento Bee newspaper runs a few articles from the Wall Street Journal, one of which is entitled Yoder & Sons. For several years the Journal‘s San Francisco Bureau Chief, Stephen Yoder, has written a column with his teenage son Isaac, who’s now in his first year of college. Last year the team added the younger son, Levi, who is 14 and a high school freshman. Every week there’s a new topic related to family life and money. The father and one or both of his kids write their thoughts on topics like kids’ allowances, savings, spending, cell phones, summer vacations, summer internships, selecting a college and paying for it, volunteer work, giving to charity, and balancing work and family life. They don’t always see eye-to-eye. The parents struggle with how much free choice to leave to the ikds and when to assert parental control. But they stay in conversation, and all of them learn from one another.
In January, 14-year-old Eli made a New Year’s resolution to give away 10% of the money he makes from writing the column for the newspaper. He would divide it between the family’s church and another not-for-profit organization. A month later he was still putting it off. He said his church youth group is collecting money to support a clinic in Indonesia “that provides health care in local villages in return for the villagers’ pledging not to cut down trees there, and to restore part of the rainforest by planting seedlings.” Eli writes: “For the fund-raiser, we’re going to ask the adults to pitch in, and I figure I should lead by example.” He notes, however, that the fundraiser will be a temporary event. He wants to start making donations regularly, and he’s still trying to figure out which not-for-profit agency will benefit from his tithe. He commits to visiting the bank on the upcoming Saturday and withdrawing 10% of his earnings to give away.
Like many people with the last name of Yoder, this is a family of the Mennonite church. Related historically to the Amish, Brethren, and Quaker traditions, the Mennonites are a self-proclaimed peace church. They stand against war and capital punishment, and are involved in ministries of health care, economic development and emergency relief in poor countries. Steve Yoder, the father, writes that he learned the practice of tithing from his own parents: 10% of his allowance and earnings went into the church offering plate.
Yet he adds: “Talking to to my sons about their money decisions sometimes means admitting my own failures…. I must confess one here: We should be giving more money away.” He explains that he and his wife, Karen, do give away both time as well as money, but they have fallen behind their own standard of tithing, and it’s become less of a priority.
Recalling the Jewish Biblical tradition of giving away the first fruits of one’s harvest, Steve writes that if any of us waits until we think of all the other things we want or need to do with our money, we will find reasons to give away less than we can—or give almost nothing. He recounts a story of a Mennonite cattle-farming family. Every year, the family would designate the first calf born as the one for the Mennonite Central Committee a service agency that is the Mennonite church’s “rough equivalent of the Peace Corps.” The so-called MCC Calf would “be fatted and nurtured just like the rest of the herd. At year’s end, no matter how thin the family finances were, the full-grown cow would be sold, and the proceeds sent to the (service agency).” Steve Yoder says: “Giving first–before spending on yourself–has got to be a lifestyle choice, like investing in the 401(K) before buying a new car.” Now he and his wife are talking about downsizing their home and becoming more frugal in order to “leave more money upfront to give away, while still allowing us to do the things we value, such as travel.” Inspired by his son’s thoughtfulness and good intentions, Yoder says “Levi is on the right track. Now if Karen and I can just get ourselves on that track too.”[ii]
Even in a family like this, with strong traditions and common commitments, managing money is a challenge, a topic for ongoing dialogue, and a reason for mutual support and encouragement. I can’t imagine it’s any easier for other families than it is for the Yoders. Stress about money and possessions is a real part of real life. It’s important to acknowledge our personal reactions about money, or about any other topic brings up strong feelings. It can help to be clear about what gives us joy and what our hopes are, as well as about our dilemmas, doubts and fears. It’s especially useful to talk about anxiety about money. This is important whether we are a family of one person, two, three, seven or more. Anxiety is a sign that something deep is going on in us.
Anxiety is a challenge to look deeply—it’s not a feeling to run from, avoid or conquer, as much as we’d like to get rid of it. It’s a feeling to look in the face. If we know our own values well and keep to them, if we stick to our personal priorities, we can let anxiety be what it is, without letting it drive our decisions and run our lives. We can respect our anxiety without letting it chase us around.
I know adults who learned to tithe as children, but I didn’t. My parents were somewhat generous to the church and larger community, but there was a sense of duty about it, even a sense of caution: Make sure you don’t give away too much! What I missed then was a sense of joy in giving. We didn’t experience the joy that comes from living with an attitude of abundance and gratitude.
When I think of the spirit of abundance and gratitude, I see the image of gardeners passing some of their vegetables over the fence to neighbors, or bringing extra produce to church to give away. I remember a house I saw last year in a Sacramento neighborhood where I was apartment-hunting. It had a sign in the front yard: “Help yourself to fruit from the tree.” I said, “I want to live near them!” Alas, the apartment I found was 12 blocks away. But a few weeks after I moved into my new place, a neighbor from a family in the next building knocked on my door to introduce herself. I’d already met her spouse when he brought me a piece of mail that had ended up in their box. As a housewarming gesture, she brought me two cupcakes, freshly baked and frosted. I was delighted–and I obliged by eating them at once. Who knows if the joy was greater for her or for me? But it seems clear that joy increases in all directions by the act of giving and receiving–giving away without expectation, and receiving graciously.
It can be challenging to feel a sense of abundance or gratitude when we are beset by misfortune, loss, illness or money problems. Yet often we meet or hear about people who get by on little money but show gratitude for life and for what they have, and who give to others with joy. We see on television or read in the paper about a sick child or an adult with a life-threatening illness, and we’re amazed that they show gratitude for special moments in life. Perhaps abundance– rather than a measurable quantity of money– is an attitude that we can try out.
Perhaps gratitude is a practice, a way of looking, a point of view, a lens. Through the lens of gratitude we can see our lives anew, and remember our connections to the world around us, to all of life, to all the gifts of life.
The abundance of life flows around us and through us. We don’t own it; we are merely its keepers. We’re the stewards of the gifts of this world. The word steward comes from an Old English word that means the “keeper of the hall.” We are the keepers, the temporary keepers.
Stewardship is about giving thanks for our gifts, tending them, sharing them, and —eventually—letting go of them. Stewardship is about gratitude and relationship.
When money flows through our hands, it represents the abundance of life. It represents the gifts of hard work and wise choices and good luck. It represents the gifts of all the other lives that are connected to our lives, all the other beings that make your life possible. Money reflects our inter-connection and inter-dependence. It’s not the only thing that reflects inter-dependence, but it does reflect it.
Money is a gift that passes through us. The very first gift that passes through us—through each one of you you and through me–is life itslelf. Our existence is a gift. We are temporary keepers of our lives and all other gifts. As much as possible, let us be joyful receivers and grateful givers of our gifts, and of ourselves. May gratitude and joy bless our lives, and bless our world. Amen.
[i] Money, Ministry and Stewardship: Doing Better at All Three,” copyrighted address by Stephen C. Gray, June 1999, UU Ministers Association continuing education day and annual meeting, Salt Lake City
[ii] “The Joy of Giving, and the Pain of Falling Short,” by Steven Kreider Yoder, Isaac S. Yoder & Levi Yoder, Sacramento Bee, 2/7/2010, p. D6. See several of his columns at http://topics.wsj.com/person/y/stephen-kreider-yoder/4321
http://topics.wsj.com/person/y/stephen-kreider-yoder/4321
Filed under: Travels
Aman took this from the boat after our snorkeling was finished. Humpback whales at no extra charge. Pacific Whale Foundation naturalists are the best!
Filed under: UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
If you are a congregation member, you may have received your paper issue of the UU World in the mail. If not, you can find much of the content online; click the link on the magazine’s name. Of special concern are several major layoffs of staff and office closings as part of a $1.5 million budget cut. UUA revenues have declined in recent years due to investment losses in UUA endowment funds and a drop off in annual program fund (“Fair Share”) dues payments from congregations, a drop off which includes UUSS, of course. See an article here.
This just in! From the UUA ministry and professional leadership department: The Reverend Keith Kron has been chosen as the next Transitions Director beginning June 1, 2010. (The Transitions Office supports congregations in finding settled and consulting ministers–like Doug and me–through the search process. A close friend of mine since 1991, Keith received his M.Div. from Starr King School for the Ministry.)
He has been Director of the UUA Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns since 1996. His prior career was in elementary education. He worked his way through college as a football and basketball referee. Keith has visited and consulted with over 400 of our congregations and even more of our religious professionals in his years with the UUA and brings a wealth of significant experience and knowledge to the Transitions position. He joins Emily Schwab, Transitions Administrator, in the Transitions Office and will work with retiring Transitions Director, John Weston, through June, including at General Assembly.
Filed under: Church Finances and Stewardship
It’s been 56 days since the Stewardship Campaign began. Pledge cards continue to come in, with new and renewed commitments to continue the good work for another budget year. However, about 25% of the expected pledge cards are still outstanding–not yet submitted. If you are a member or friend, you can find and print out a pledge card at http://uuss.org/Forms/Pledge%20Card%202010-2011.pdf. Your pledge can make a difference. Out-of-town blog readers, we are happy to offer you a donation button on our home page if you are moved to give. But of course what keeps a congregation vital is the participation and support of its regular friends and members. Thanks to all of you!
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Children and Youth, Eating Mindfully and Sustainable Agriculture, Family Ministry | Tags: children, community, fear, gain, garden, lending a hand, transformation
Religious Education Ministry: Joys and Terrors
A Sermon Dedicated to Janet Lopes, Retiring Religious Education Assistant
by Roger Jones, Family Minister
Unitarian Universalist Society, Sacramento, CA, Sunday, March 14, 2010
Hymns: #324, Where My Free Spirit Onward Leads; #16, ‘Tis a Gift to Be Simple;
#299, Make Channels for the Streams of Love.
Reading: “It Matters What We Believe” by Sophia Lyon Fahs (#657, Singing the Living Tradition)
Today’s responsive reading is based on the words of Sophie Fahs, the minister after whom our Fahs Classroom is named.
In 1937 the American Unitarian Association hired her to edit the children’s materialls in a new series of religious education curricula. Her books include Tomorrow’s Children and Yesterday’s Heritage; Jesus, the Carpenter’s Son; Beginnings of Life and Death; The Old Story of Salvation, and The Church across the Street. She taught at Union Theological Seminary. She was ordained a UU minister in 1948, at age 83.
Sermon
If you haven’t visited our Community Garden (out at the end of the parking lot), I invite you to do so–today or any day. Last Sunday morning in Religious Education we had a Garden Day, thanks to the organizing efforts of several volunteers. Children and youth decorated bird houses made out of hollowed-out gourds, which were then mounted on the wooden fence. They made signs to stick in the raised garden plots or take home for their own use. Then they explored.
Children, youth and adults wandered around our enormous garden, investigating, collecting, chatting, wondering, delighting. A few kids wanted to show me the many ladybugs crawling on a pile of composting weeds–and crawling over their arms and hands. Others harvested shiny green snap-peas and greenish-yellow broccoli flowers. One showed me green onions and the skinniest little carrots, with fresh brown dirt clinging to them. The carrots were a far cry from those uniformly cut mini-carrots you find in a plastic bag in the supermarket, the ones that look like big orange capsules. On the last Sunday in April, we will invite youth and children again to the garden–to do a lot more hands-on work, and by then the harvest will have more variety.
Wandering in the garden gave me a chance to chat with adult volunteers as well as kids—much less rushed than I usually am on Sunday. It seemed that once you entered the garden, the boundaries between being a teacher and student, between leader and learner, became fuzzy. People of all ages were giving one another a helping hand. We showed one another new discoveries. We learned again about feeling excitement about ordinary things, like plants and bugs.
Some of you might think this sermon is a plea for volunteers in our religious education program for the summer or next fall. Not really. I do hope that you can appreciate the ministry that we do with youth and children, and the ministry they do with us. Even if you never spend more than a few minutes interacting with a child, your support of our religious education ministry makes possible so much inspiration and insight, so many transforming moments. Well, to be truthful, I hope you can’t resist stopping by the Religious Education table outside to ask how you can be part of the fun.
Often when we say the words “education,” what goes off in the mind is an image of teacher and pupil, of children in rows hearing facts and not saying much in return. Or maybe it’s an image of kids not staying in rows and not hearing a thing, all talking at the same time, a great chorus of chaos and noise. Maybe when you hear the words “Sunday school” you think about learning rules, doctrines, dates, famous names, and other forgettable facts. That’s not really the way it is, and not how it should be, if we are true to our liberal faith tradition.
The late Harold Howe was a professor of teacher education at Harvard and a Commissioner of Education in the federal government. He was also a UU.
After a church service, he gave this note to his minister: “Here’s a definition of a Unitarian Universalist: a person who can ask children, ‘What is God?’ and listen seriously to their replies. P.S.: I once went to Sunday school for about 7 years, but no one asked me ‘What is God?’ Instead, they told me.”
Our tradition affirms the value of hearing what stirs the spirit of every person, at every age and stage of life. When we ask another: “What do you think? What do you feel?” we open ourselves to be changed. This interchange is the heart of religious education.
I asked a few volunters in our own Religious Education program for their reflections. One writes: “Given my own Sunday School experiences of expecting to be proper and very quiet, I am constantly amazed that UU kids are … polite, not afraid of adults, confident that their opinions matter and won’t be laughed at, and [that they are ] able to ‘pass’and not say anything as an option. UU religious education is such a good foundation for children.”
The Reverend Til Evans is retired from a career as a director and minister of religious education and as a professor of seminarians at Starr King School for the Ministry. Now in her late 80s, Til says that whoever we are, when we give time and attention to children in our congregations, we are educating them religiously. It’s not about giving them facts and concepts, she says. By our actions and by our presence, we’re teaching about relationships, community and love. We’re teaching children and teenagers about their own dignity and worth, and about the value of their own ideas and sources of inspiration.
She adds that when we religiously educate others, we are religiously educating ourselves. We are engaged in the work of transformation, not for those we teach, but with them. We are all changed by what we do together.
Several years ago, in my former congregation I interviewed some Religious Education volunteers. I asked, “How has doing this work changed you? What have you gained?” One volunteer said: “Doing this teaches humility! The more you learn, the more you realize what you don’t know.” Another said that helping with kids, even on an occasional basis, teaches patience and self-confidence. One teacher said she became more flexible and observant: “I listen better now.” Another said he was learning to use his intuition, especially when a dry lesson called for some spicing up.
A fairly new member of the church said working in religious education has “Made me more accountable to working thorough my own journey in becoming a Unitarian. These kids are so sharp. They want to know how this material relates to their lives. Teaching has made me do my own reading and walk my own path.”
A religious education volunteer here at this church says this: “I … know from watching my own kids that having adults other than your folks take an interest in you is so important. It gives the kids another perspective and an opportunity to see themselves in others’ eyes. (School) teachers are helpful, but at church we can serve in a personal way for the kids. I also believe it’s important to give parents a break and allow them to be in roles other than mom and dad all the time. I remember as a mother of small children, I really needed adult contact, interaction and accomplishments. I’m pleased that I can give back to my church community by being with the kids.”
Often when we talk about volunteer work, teaching, or other kinds of service, it can have a sense of duty about it. We want to think well of ourselves, so we might think we should be of service, should help out. How about if we approach our altruism… selfishly! How about asking: What’s in it for you? What are you getting out of this experience? How is it changing you?
You could ask these questions to anyone, about any of their chosen activities, in or out of the congregation. How has joining this venture changed you? What do you gain from giving?
Our growing group of Religious Education volunteers here ranges in age from 18 to 80, and older. They must be getting something out of it.
One of our newer volunteers writes this: “The RE kids always enrich me with their honesty, openness, confidence, and humor (even if they don’t mean to be funny). I go away feeling like the future will be okay.”
I myself never wanted to work in Religious Education. When I was asked to teach Sunday school for the first time, I was 26 years old. It was a year or two after I had joined my first UU congregation, in Springfield, Illinois. I didn’t want to work with kids; I had barely spoken to them. Why would I want to give up hearing the speaker every Sunday or give up mingling with adults? To be honest, I was afraid. But somehow, I said yes.
It was a small class of early elementary-school aged kids. My co-teacher was a guy named Steve, older than I was, and the father of two children, one of whom was in our class. I forget the topic of our curriculum, but one Sunday we learned about Harriet Tubman, the black slave in the American South who escaped from slavery and then risked her life by going back to help many other slaves to escape. For this we made a house out of a cardboard box and crawled in and out of it on the floor.
One day I led a discussion that included pussy willow branches. The thin branch of a pussy willow tree has buds covered in a furry skin—hence the name. The size of a vitamin capsule, the buds are fun to hold and feel. As I sat there talking to the kids, a girl named [Annie] said: “Roger?” “Yes?” I said. “[Jenny] has been playing with a pussy willow bud that she took off the branch. And she put it up her nose and now she can’t get it out.” Sure enough, tears were rolling down Jenny’s little face. She was poking in her nose, pushing the bud up farther as her panic increased. Those were the days before churches had two adults in the classroom all the time, so I was there alone. To the other girl, I said, “Would you please go upstairs to the service and get Kathleen?” She did. Kathleen was not the girl’s mother, but a woman I knew who had seemed to be a take-charge kind of person. Either I didn’t know who the girl’s mother was, or I was afraid of getting into trouble. Kathleen came downstairs and held the girl in her arms. She spoke easily to calm her down. She coaxed her to blow gently till the alien object came out. Crisis over. Jenny must be over 30 now. I don’t know if she has remembered that traumatic experience, but I know I’ll never forget it.
Last year I spoke to a group of seminarians at Starr King School. One of them was Annie, the helpful girl from that class. She’s going to become a minister!
That same year that I began teaching Sunday school, my aging mother’s health declined fast. One Thursday evening, a few days after Mom had been hospitalized, I received a call that I should come home right away. It was a four-hour drive to Indianapolis, and I wouldn’t get there till after midnight. I was scheduled to teach the coming Sunday. While packing to leave I called my co-teacher to tell him. I offered to drop off the lesson plan and supplies on my way out of town. Steve was more than willing to cover for me on Sunday, and happy to come to my apartment to pick up the materials.
We had a brief exchange at my door, and he wished me well. He didn’t say much, and all we did was to shake hands. But it made a difference to have some friendly human contact before setting out on that late-night journey to the hospital. Had I not been in a teaching relationship with Steve, I wouldn’t have had his kind words to take with me on that long and lonely drive.
I did receive more than I gave in that volunteer job. We cannot predict how we will be changed, enriched or blessed by the experience when we decide to participate.
How might being involved in this congregation change you? Or has it already? I believe that any kind of activity can be a source of insight and growth, if we only take the time to reflect on why we’re doing it, what we’re experiencing, what it makes us feel, how it stretches us, how it affects our outlook. What are we getting out of it?
What is your participation giving back to you? This is not a cost-benefit analayis. It’s a question for spiritual reflection. Giving and receiving, speaking and listening, lending a hand or reaching out for one, we are changed by what we do together. We are changed by making this congregation our home.
Another one of our religious education volunteers writes this: “Working with the kids feeds my soul. It’s so wonderful to see them learn and develop. I learn so much from them and gain insights about myself. I’ve also been blessed with great teaching colleagues and have learned from them as well…. I truly believe that helping children grow into fully functioning adults is the most important thing I can do. Thanks for letting me do that.”
As Professor Til Evans says, when we work with youth and children in our churches, we are educating religiously—educating ourselves no less than them.
In my early 30s I was a member of the Second Unitarian Church of Chicago. After many years doing other kinds of church work, I started helping out with our teenage youth group. It had meetings on Sunday mornings as well as service activities in the church and local community, field trips, and weekend parties. My role was to show up, be present, and sometimes be a chauffer.
I rarely got any evidence that my presence made a difference or that I might be a valued source of advice. Little did I know that many parents have the same experience with their own teenagers. That church’s Minister of Religious Education told me not to worry—many teenagers don’t like to show what they are thinking, especially if they appreciate something you’ve done for them. This advice has given me the courage to reach out and greet the youth of any congregation, including this one. Even if the expressions on their faces look as if they would prefer to do anything else in the world than talk to me, I force myself to ask them what’s going on.
One year I was a chaperone for some of our Chicago teens at the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association. After our return, I helped them to put on a service about their experiences. Both were funny and full of passion. Willy, a classical pianist, played music in that service. In his remarks he said he had been inspired by the social action discussions at General Assembly, including a vote in favor of same-gender marriage equality. This was 1996, and he was only 14.
Ten years later I was a minister in California. I flew back to Chicago for a national conference of religiously-based advocates for low-wage workers, especially for the right to organize a union. It was interfaith, with Jews, Catholics, Protestants, UUs and Muslims participating. And it was inter-generational. Many of those faith-based activists were in their 20s and 30s. They were sharp, optimistic, and passionate. They spoke well, sang well, and could articulate practical strategies and long-term goals.
One of these activists was Willy, the kid from my former church. Now a college graduate, he recognized me before I figured out who he was. By this time he was no longer Willy, but Will. Tall, with a mop of reddish brown hair, he was cheerful and energetic, speaking to people of all ages with confidence and conviction. After graduating from an Ivy League university, Will had volunteered for an election campaign in Ohio—his side lost. Then he moved back in with his parents in Chicago. He told me that in college he had he let his piano practicing slide so he could do a little studying and a lot of activism. Now he was looking for a job as a labor organizer. His mind was set on being an overworked, underpaid activist on behalf of low-wage working families.
Now, I can’t be sure that Will would be any less visionary, self-confident, hopeful and happy if he had not gone through years of Unitarian Universalist religious education activities
with not-so-confident volunteers like me. I cannot be sure of that. But I am sure that I wouldn’t have come to know him if I hadn’t been one of those volunteers. If I had not stretched myself to do what I felt awkward about–to do what I thought wasn’t sure was making a difference– I wouldn’t have been able to witness the development of inspiring young Unitarian Universalists.
In the words of another volunteer: working in religious education “makes me “optimistic about life in general. It gives me hope for humanity.”
Last Sunday in the garden, I chatted with a few kids who have recently begun visiting the church. One recent young visitor had been dragged here—I know that’s true because his grandfather told me he had dragged him here personally. This young man showed me a handful of green peas he had collected in a Ziplock bag. He said to me, “You know, this church is 100 times better than I thought it was going to be! You have a garden… and all these other things to do!”
“I’m glad to hear that!” I responded, and told him about the program that we would have waiting for him on the following Sunday.
My hope is that before long he won’t say “You have a garden and all these other things to do”—he will say, “We have a garden and all these other things to do.” If we convey only one thing to youth and children here, let it be that this community is theirs. In this congregation, we belong to one another. May we teach this lesson to them, learn it from them, learn it from one another.
Giving and receiving, speaking and listening, lending a hand or reaching out for one, we are changed by what we do together. We are changed by making this congregation our home.
So may it be. Amen.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
Like other mainline Protestant denominations, UUs are facing a shortage of parish clergy as baby boomers retire, and as more of the younger seminarians are feeling called not to church work but to ministry in the larger community: chaplaincy, teaching, counseling, spiritual direction, non-church organizational leadership, social service and social justice organizing and activism.
This article is by a Baptist minister, with his take on the situation. I would say our seminarians are not dissuaded by denominational strife (as in other faith traditions) but it could be that the fact of congregational conflicts and dysfunction in our movement (among other faiths) make parish ministry seem less appealing than an 8-5 job.
http://divinity.uchicago.edu/martycenter/publications/sightings/archive_2010/0408.shtml
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: California, District Assembly, Fremont, liberal theology, multicultural, UU theology
One of the two major speakers for our May 1 program day at the Pacific Central District Spring Assembly is the Rev. Dr. Paul Rasor. Here is a gem from Paul, and then a longer essay.
Not for the Faint of Heart
Liberal theology is not for the faint of heart. It points us in a general direction without telling us the specific destination. It refuses to make our commitments for us, but holds us accountable to the commitments we make. . . . It invites us to live with ambiguity without giving in to facile compromise; to engage in dialogue without trying to control the conversation; to be open to change without accepting change too casually; to take commitment seriously but not blindly; to be engaged in the culture without succumbing to the culture’s values. Check out our Pacific Central District Assembly April 30-May 1.
Can Unitarian Universalism Change?’
Our tradition has always been responsive to the needs of its time, but are we ready to adapt to our increasingly multicultural society?
http://www.uuworld.org/ideas/articles/158175.shtml
Check out Paul and meet him at our Pacific Central District Assembly April 30-May 1.
Filed under: Family Ministry, Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified
Last night in downtown San Jose, I saw Benjamin Bratt in “La Mission.” He made this with his director-brother. Lots of issues, color, cultura from SF. In the theater was a crowd from Los Viejitos Silicon Valley Car Club–low riders. Today Bratt Brothers appear at Crest Theater at 11:30 AM in Sacto–they’ll miss me. This movie is definitely worth seeing! *** But, a thunderstorm in SF? I hit the road at 6:30 AM Sunday to head back to Sac. Don’t start the service without me!
PS–don’t forget to register for District Assembly.
Welcome to Florenda and Stephanie, our new professional child care providers at church. They started in April. Miranda is fully immersed in the job of Religious Education Assistant, after a few weeks of overlap with Janet for training. Read Miranda’s column “Re: RE” soon in the May newsletter. See her if you want to sign the thank you card for Janet.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Children and Youth, Family Ministry, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
“So why, now, have we gone and joined a church? We who, until recently, couldn’t handle being members of anything beyond Netflix?”
http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2010/04/25/family_joins_church
Filed under: Church Finances and Stewardship, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: budget, church life, dogs, investment, pledge, stewardship, support, transparency
Have you meant to make a financial commitment for support of the programs, ministry, staff, outreach and facilities of the congregation for the next budget year? Have you just not gotten around to filling out a green pledge card yet?
Now is the time when your pledge can make a big difference!
Maybe you received a pledge card–and the dog ate it. No worries. Call the UUSS Office and a fresh pledge card will be in the mail to you right away (916-483-9283 ext 204). You could also visit the office weedays from 10am to 4pm or after services on Sunday. Or download the form at uuss.org/Forms/Pledge%20Card%202010-2011.pdf.
Why is this important? The Board presents a spending plan for the next year based on revenues the church can expect for the year. Everyone’s pledge makes this plan stronger and more accurate.
Most people think about their financial pledge on a monthly basis and send in checks every month. A few others do it quarterly. Some choose to make an annual pledge, especially those who give stock or other accumulated assets. Ask the office for helpful pledging information.
Get informed about our financial outlook! Treasurer Lisa gives a financial update, explains the proposed budget for 2010-11, and hears your feedback and questions after the 9:30 service on May 16. UUSS members vote to amend or approve the budget proposal after the single 10:00 service on May 23. The budget takes effect on July 1, the start of the next fiscal year.
Thanks to all those who have pledged to UUSS. We are blessed by the support we give and receive in the congregation, and by the trust we put in our friends and members.
Many thanks to the co-chairs of this year’s Stewardship Campaign, JoAnn and Ginger, and the canine co-captains, Anna and Joey.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Church Finances and Stewardship, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
At the recent assembly of the Pacific Central District, the Rev. Stefan Jonasson of the UUA told us the implications of recent research by church consultants and denominational organizations about congregations and economic downturns.
One conclusion is that an economic or demographic decline in an area will not necessarily take the church down with it. Our church in Buffalo, for example, doubled in size while the area went into a steady decline. Consequently, if a congregation’s leadership blames the local environment for a loss of vitality or flat growth in financial stewardship, it can let things get worse internally. Leadership in a church can miss the church’s internal signs of under-performance or declining effectiveness and strength.
Remaining passive to what it feels are only external variables, a congregation can ignore the need to evaluate, envision, improve, and plan for the future. Stefan was drawing on the research-based writings of consultant George Barna.
Stefan said: “If you are under-performing [as a congregation], and then demographics or the economy turns against you, you’re in trouble!” In contrast, he said, organizations that do thoughtful work on strategy and effectiveness can position themselves to take advantage of a recovery when it happens. Two corporate examples are Apple Computers and Ford Motor, which were strategically placed to take advantage of the recovery in their industries. Both are profitable now.
What about us? Are we ready to take advantage of an economic recovery?
I think so. Instead of cutting back on programs for members, friends and visitors, we have enlarged them. New Member Orientation classes take place regularly and bring in new members–even though the local population is not growing, we recognize that new people keep coming in search of belonging, purpose, depth, compassion and hope. Financial stewardship has been strong, even as the State struggles with financial decline, worker furloughs, education cuts and incredible deficits. (For the second year in a row, our member and friend pledge payments are coming in on schedule and the Sunday shared offering collections are coming in at projected levels– or above them.)
At UUSS, while we can always find good uses for more income–and we do have some major needs for capital repairs and office space, we can affirm that funding for staff is stable, and we haven’t used recent departures as a way to cut positions by attrition.
Furthermore, the Board is using some bequest funds to support a half-time member support position on staff to help new folks connect here and help our existing members to find opportunities for personal enrichment as well as opportunities for service. Intern Minister Carole Czujko will step into that staff role after her internship ends this summer. But for now, Carole and the new Adult Enrichment leaders are turning survey results and high interest into high attendance at engaging and accessible class offerings.
With such high interest in an economic downturn, imagine how much busier UUSS will be after growth returns to this region. Given that regular rentals of our rooms and sanctuary to outside groups have declined in recent years, UUSS is positioned to offer more meeting space for our adult, youth and children’s programs, spiritual practice meetings, Ministry Circles, special groups, area youth gatherings, social events and seasonal occasions.
Doug Kraft is talking and reflecting with other staff leaders as well as with trustees, the committee on ministry, and congregational consultants to think strategically about the best way to serve and lead this church in the future, as he marks 10 years of ministry here. He and you have built a foundation of inter-dependence and commitment based on his pastoral reliability, organizational healing presence, both challenging and compassionate leadership, his team building with program and senior staff members, consistent quality in worship, encouragement of long-range vision and planning, support of capital improvements and stewardship development. (And you thought he was just a good guy.)
Don’t forget me! His recruitment, retention and ongoing support of me in the position of consulting Family Minister also makes it possible for me to participate in crucial program areas here and provide more ministerial perspective, presence and guidance as the church grows in complexity, size, scale, activity, diversity, generosity, and numbers of people. In addition, I am active in the UU Pacific Central District and (along with Doug) the area UU ministers’ professional association, and with our wider UUA and a few local organizations in Sacramento.
The Board-led upcoming evaluation of his ministerial leadership will soon reveal new opportunties for effectivness in the church’s relationship with its Lead Minister. Yet with the wisdom of ongoing conversations and the affirmation of our present momentum, Doug is actively supporting additional planning and improvements for our facilities, ministry to children and families, and hospitality to seekers of religious community.
He’s devoting more time to identifying, recruiting, training and supporting lay leaders in ways that can transform this community as well as nourish their own spirits.
These are not good times for California, but to me–a relative newcomer to this congregation– these are very good times for UUSS. My answer to the question in the title is: YES!
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: advocacy, gay marriage, LGBT, politics, transgender, volunteer work
Last night I went to Equality California‘s office
to make “persuasion calls” to people identified as against marriage equality for same-gender couples. This is part of the “changing hearts” campaign so that Proposition 8 can be overturned in 2012.
Thursdays are persuasion call nights; Tuesdays and Wednesdays are nights to call identified supporters of LGBT equality to recruit more volunteers. In August of 2008 I worked on phone banks to recruit folks identified as LGBT or supportive to join me as a phone-bank volunteer and maybe kick in some cash to help defeat Prop. 8. I was so discouraged by the refusals to help out, the excuses people made–including supportive straight folks who talked of having attended a same-gender wedding, including gays in partnerships but who didn’t care about marriage per se, or who were just too busy, or who didn’t think Prop 8 would pass. So this time I chose to help out not by calling identified supporters but identified opponents. This HAS TO BE less frustrating than facing apathy and evasion, and surely would be a growth experience.
When I got to the office I found another task: canvassing random voters from Alameda County, called through an auto-dialing mechanism. We were to tell them about Victoria Kolakowski who is running to be Superior Court Judge there. If elected, she will be the first transgender woman trial-court judge in the country. I was surprised at how easy the canvassing work was!
Fewer than half said they didn’t have time to talk or otherwise hung up. (I realized that it doesn’t hurt that much to be hung up on because you have to be ready for the beep that tells you another person is on the line and you’ve gotta start talking.)
Very few said they had voted already and had voted against her. Nobody took issue with “lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality,” which was in my third sentence, or even that the candidate would be the first transgender judge in the country. Some appreciated the phone call and thanked me for the information. Some noted that they had just received the Eq CA voter cards in the mail. Are you sure this was just a random list of voters?
I know it’s Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, etc., but come on! There were no non-English speakers on the other end. The accents I heard most frequently were from East Coast transplants, not Latinos, Afghanis, Indians, etc.
One person said she didn’t have time to talk but then after I said briefly all I really needed to say she was engaged a bit and we talked longer. Another woman said she was “so tired” of all the election calls, but at least I was a real person and not a machine, so she stayed on the line long enough for the spiel. One woman said I was interrupting something and besides what is a telephone call? She said times have changed and I should tell my supervisors to change with them. I decided not to try to convince her that real human canvassing still is what swings elections. I didn’t keep a tally, but it seemed that most of the ones to quickly get off the phone were men, and a few of them asked to be removed from the list (which isn’t possible since the system uses the voter registration rolls). Maybe those who hung up with no words at all were women, but it was a woman who explained she had 3 kids to put to bed before excusing herself.
All in all, a gratifying experience. Lots of positive responses and promised votes, and lots of good manners all around. And I came to care about a campaign I’d not even heard of before!
Dear Parents of 8th, 9th, and 10th graders,
I am happy to invite your child to participate this year in the special UU program we call Youth Coming of Age (COA). COA helps adolescents learn for themselves what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist individual and what it means to be part of a faith community in this liberal religious tradition.
We offer it every other year. It’s not part of our Sunday School program, but a special program addition for those in grades 8, 9, or 10. COA has its own schedule and registration form, plus a fee to cover the cost of retreats with other UU youth and chaperons from throughout our Pacific Central District.
If you are in the Sacramento area on Sunday, July 25, please make sure to attend the Coming of Age Informational Meeting after church, 11:30 am to 12:10 pm, in Room 7/8. This is a wonderful opportunity to have all of your questions addressed by adults and youth who have experienced the COA program in previous years. We have child care for any younger children.
This is a significant commitment for UUSS staff and volunteer leaders as well as for you as the participating families. However, the rewards are many. Please read the enclosed flyer and schedule to find out the goals and activities.
If you have questions, please try to contact me this week. I will be out of state from June 21-July 20.
Yours in service,
Roger, Family Minister
Enclosures
PS–Please sign up for our July 25 meeting at the RE Table on a Sunday morning. You may also leave your contact information with our Religious Education Assistant by phone or email.
Filed under: Travels, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views, UUA General Assemblies, UUA General Assembly 2010 in Minneapolis
Sunday was a great day in Sac:
early morning meeting of the intergenerational and family ministry task force, a good Solstice and Father’s Day crowd for last service of the regular church year, lots of cupcakes to say thanks to Carole for her intern ministry (we might have thanked her but I bet I ate more cupcakes), and an RE committee meeting at which we appreciated all the hard work, which made for so much progress this past year, and checked in about publicity, parent orientations, and teacher trainings for late July and August. Thanks to Marilyn for leading our Religious Education youth and children through some folk dances on Sunday, including costumes from various cultures and a map.
Took light rail from MSP airport and walked to hotel. Under 80 degrees but very humid. In evening took bus across the Mississippi River to the University area for dinner at Stub & Herb’s Cocktail and Dining Emporium, which must have 40 beers on tap. Somehow over 3 hours I had only one, a Scurvy IPA. Had nice long visit with Anya, a former ministerial intern and now colleague from Virginia. Nice to hear things are going so well there. A small congregation that has expanded its rented space, has a full but small staff, and an average pledge of $3,000.
Have had a couple of other talks with colleagues as well and connected with a married couple of coworker friends I have not seen for over 20 years. Now to have a long walk with one from Berkeley and breakfast. I staff registration for UUMA Ministry Days this afternoon. We have worship, Q&A with the UUA President, etc. The sun is bright and it’s 73, though the forecast calls for 86 and T-storms.
Filed under: Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified, Travels, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views, UUA General Assemblies, UUA General Assembly 2010 in Minneapolis
Ministry Days takes place for nearly two days before GA starts. This is the annual gathering of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association, whose purpose is to nurture “excellence in ministry through collegiality and continuing education.” Our professional association now has 1,681 members (including active, retired, and candidate or student members).
The emotional highlight of the meeting is our worship service in the morning, which honors those ordained and fellowshiped 25 years ago and 50 years ago. The names of those surviving in each group are read aloud, and a minister elected by her “class” gives a sermon. The Rev. Barbara Wells (the daughter of a UU minister) was in her mid-20s when she was ordained 25 years ago and has been a co-minister for much of her career with her husband, Jaco ten Hove. They are co-authors of an Adult RE course in five sessions, “Articulating Your UU Faith.” Barbara asserted that she is grateful to have grown up in this faith, grateful that it was “imposed” on her by her parents. She recalled that in the mid-1980s she was looked down upon at her UU seminary for speaking openly with religious language! She was ordained just as the revival of spiritual exploratoin and expression was beginnning, and she has been a leader and teacher in worship practice.
The Rev. Kenneth Torquil McLean (raised a Methodist) told us that became a Unitarian over 50 years ago when he became engaged to Harriet and began attending church with her. Then he entered Harvard Divinity School and was ordained in 1961, the year of the merger of the Universalists and Unitarians. He’s had a long career of institution building (leading Cedar Lane church in Bethesda, MD, for 20 years) and building international partnerships in liberal religion. However, when he went through the ministerial fellowship (credentialing) process in 1960 he feared that in the pyschological testing he would be found out as a closeted homosexual and then be ineligible for our ministry. His wife passed away in 1993 from cancer, and three years later while traveling on UUA business in London he met a man and fell in love. He came out to his family and colleagues and sent a letter to his hundreds of former parishioners at Cedar Lane church, where he is minister emeritus. Dozens of letters, calls and emails came in reply, all supportive. He and Terry have been together 14 years.
At our UUMA business meeting we elected new officers and adopted a budget of $458,000, most of which supports the expenses of our volunteer leadership, though about 1/4 of it funds our full-time staff–an administrator and an executive director. We adopted a major dues increase in order to fund the hiring of the director last year. For the past two years a committee of seven has been leading a review and revision of our UUMA guidelines, and yesterday after much discussion and no amendments we adopted a major revision of the part we call the Code of Professional Conduct. The next part to be revised is our Professional Standards. You can read our UUMA Covenant (and all the bylaws and codes) at this link.
The culmination of Ministry Days is a major address by a colleague, a tradition known as the Berry Street Essay. It founded in the early 1800s by liberal congregationalist ministers in Boston with the leaader ship of the Rev. Dr. William Ellery Channing, well before the American Unitarian Association’s founding in 1825. We heard from the Rev. Gary Kowalksi, of Burlington, VT, author of 6 books on animal-human relationship and the spirituality of animals, though his topic was “The Poetics of Ministry.” He recalled how many New England Unitarian poets had been pop stars in the 1800s and early 1900s, with many Americans of all faiths memorizing their verses and feeling nourished, healed, inspired by their verses. He paraphrased Ralph Waldo Emerson: God does not make things beautiful. Beauty is the creator of the universe.
He told of a late Black Baptist preacher in Massachusetts who in 1987 wrote of resurrection by poetry, in particular being roused from a depression by our own Samuel Longfellow’s “A Psalm of Light.”
Gary asserted that our movement again needs to find our original voice. We need to rise out of the habit of analytical thinking–our literalist ways of speaking and relating–and to reclaim a metaphorical approach to religion and religious living. His invited respondent was the Rev. Lynn Ungar, director of Religious Education of the Church of the Larger Fellowship and herself a published poet. (Both of them are birthright UUs.) Among other things, Lynn said: Religion and poetry do the same thing. Their function is to “connect little things to big things.” Ministry, she said, is the act of holding things together, up to the light, so that big things shine through the little things and little things shine through the big things.” Her benediction: “Metaphors be with you.” The essays are not yet posted, but you can read one from two years ago, “Imagineers of Soul,” by the Rev. Christine Robinson.
I had dinner at Bombay Bistro with the Modesto minister and her husband and a minister from Mount Vernon, VA. Ages 67 to 40, we were all ID’d by the waiter for our drink orders.
General Assembly began at 8 PM with a call to order and adoption of rules by the UUA Moderator, Gini Courter, as a small part of opening ceremonies. The banner parade featured folks from all over the country and world carrying their church banners high around the hall, to cheering and singing. The UUA Board trustee from the Prairie Star District (the host district) gave us a welcome and panorama of the varied geography of the states that are home to 59 PSD congregations (we have about 35 in Northern CA, Reno and Honolulu). He also recalled the earliest inhabitants of the lands we are on, as well as the heritage of Univesalists and Unitarians. One-eighth of the congregations in Prairie Star were founded before 1870. UUA President Peter Morales gave a short welcome homily.
We heard from the Youth Caucus and Young Adult Caucus representatives and heard a cheer from those contingents in the hall. We also heard from the Right Relationship Team. The PSD choir was large and lovely, and we had a number of soloists. Singer Peter Mayer introduced us to a song he wrote for the occasion, “Come Rising,” and led us in singing “Blue Boat Home,” which he wrote to a very old hymn tune (it’s in the teal hymnal supplement) and the highlight was hearing him sing “Holy Now.” Here is a 2007 video of him.
Filed under: Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified, Travels, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views, UUA General Assemblies, UUA General Assembly 2010 in Minneapolis
I had a sighting of Doug Kraft, second-hand sighting of May Tucker, and a voice mail from Carole Czujko, and I ran into our delegate Seya. She had enjoyed the Young Adult Worship after opening ceremonies Wednesday night.
My first session of the day was fascinating and fun: a worshop led by the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (which helps newly-forming groups of religious liberals around the world get support and make connections) and the UU Partner Church Council (which promotes international church-to-church partnerships like Sister City relationships). We heard from a man who has founded a UU group in Mexico City and whose ministry takes him into prisons. We heard from two partner ministers: a young man from a village in the Transylvanian region of Romania and an older woman minister from Boise. By webcam we heard from a man who leads the new group the Christian Unitarians of Indonesia and then from a woman who is part of the UU congregation in Bujumburra, the capital city of Burundi. Lots of exciting stuff going on. I’ll know more after the ICUU ministers’ conference in July in the Netherlands.
Late morning I spoke at a workshop about the various grant funds that are part of the UU Funding Program. I serve on the grants panel for the Fund for a Just Society. I also attended a meeting with members of the Board of the UU Veatch Program, a major foundation owned by the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock, on Long Island. The UUFP is a re-granting program, so the Veatch board decides how much we can give away. After a quick lunch I attended a workshop about recent health-care reform legislation. Speakers included leaders of state UU Legislative Ministries in Maryland, Michigan, and of course, California.
In the late afternoon I attended a “Mini-Assembly,” which is where delegates go to propose, debate and edit amendments to major items of business in advance of the plenary session. This keeps plenary business from getting bogged down in haggling over and rewriting multiple amendments, so we only debate the motions on the floor that come out of a Mini-Assembly. The topic Thursday was how best to oppose the anti-immigrant law in Arizona, which creates a climate of fear and promotes racial profiling. The GA of 2012 is scheduled for Phoenix, and many people have agitated that we should boycott and forego the $500,000 deposit the UUA has made. (Slogan: We will not meet in a state of fear.) Arizona UUs want us to come and support them and their community partners in their stand for racial justice. However, there is concern that UUs from other states who are undocumented immigrants or who are not white could be at risk. It is likely now that we will not pull out of Phoenix, but the final resolution likely will commit us to a major public witness and education while we are there. Voting on this is Saturday.
The highlight of the second day of GA is the evening Service of the Living Tradition, the annual occasion when our ministry is celebrated: the procession includes ministers retiring from full-time service (which this year included former UUSS minister John Young and next year will include Shirley Ranck), those who have died in the past year (including author Forrest Church, my former study group member Marjorie Newlin Leaming). We received word of the recent passing of Paul Sawyer, who has served the Berkeley Fellowship, Pasadena’s Throop Universalist Church, and most recently the Chico Fellowship). Also recognized were new ministers granted Preliminary Fellowship (or credentialing) with the UUA and those receiving Final Fellowship after three years of work, evaluation, development, and monthly meetings with a mentor. Ministers from Napa, Grass Valley, and the UU Community Church of Sacramento all received their final fellowhip Thursday night. Speaking of mentoring, late Wednesday night my mentee and I had a beer on the sidewalk on the Nicollet Mall–think K Street but wider and filled with restaurants and people. The preacher for the Service of the Living Tradition was Page Getty, a young minister in Columbia, MD, and mother of a one and four-year-old. Her lectionary texts were from The Velveteen Rabbit and a sentence by Annie Dillard.
I had a very quick dinner at a Vietnames restaurant Thursday with a friend I haven’t seen in over two decades. He lives here with his wife; we all three worked together as budget analysts back in 1985. I hope to see the whole family after GA. He asked about my career change and caught me up on his life. He told me that this morning at 9 on the local Public Radio news station he heard an extended interview with the president of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. Take a look at the intro and picture, and listen to the whole thing if you want, at this link.
Filed under: Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified, Travels, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views, UUA General Assemblies, UUA General Assembly 2010 in Minneapolis
One thing I miss about living in the Midwest is the summer thunderstorm. There’s one right now going on outside my hotel window: hard, heavy rain and wind, thunder and lightning. The only problem is that I came back to clean up briefly before heading to the Meadville/Lombard alumni/alumnae association dinner, which is at another hotel. Not looking forward to a soaking before sitting in an air-conditioned banquet hall. Saturday is the Twin Cities LGBT Pride Festival in Minneapolis, and the General Assembly schedule includes our presence at the rally in Loring Park, about a mile away. Here’s hoping it does not rain on the parade!
Filed under: Travels, Uncategorized, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views, UUA General Assemblies, UUA General Assembly 2010 in Minneapolis
This morning I sat next to Seya in the plenary session. Unfortunately, I missed the UUA Board’s presentation of the annual Award for Distinguished Service to the Cause of Unitarian Universalism, to lifelong UU and esteemed minister Jane Rzepka (jep-ka).
The delegates considered final amendments to the Statement of Conscience entitled “Creating Peace.” This statement is the result of three years of study and action by congregations and input from them to the UUA’s Commission on Social Witness. Today we heard from peace activists, ministers, the Youth Caucus (teens at GA who debate together and speak as one voice), veterans, military families and chaplains. Seya and I voted the same on one amendment, differently on another, and then I abstained for a restroom break. The statement of conscience ultimately was approved overwhelmingly by the delegates. It is now the official stance of the denomination. I will post a link here as soon as it’s available.
Every General Assembly the delegates also choose a Study/Action Issue to send to congregations for three years of…guess what…study and action. The result will be a Statement of Conscience in three years, just as we did today with Creating Peace. Two years ago the issue was Ethical Eating, and there have been plenty of sermons, workshops and lectures related to it at this GA. Hence, there will be a Statement of Conscience on this next June (in Charlotte, if you are thinking of going). Shall I preach on Ethical Eating this year?
What, you ask, was the newly selected Study/Action issue today? Well, by written ballot the top two were National Economic Reform: A Moral Imperative and Immigration as a Moral Issue. But neither got a majority, so first thing Saturday we had a runoff vote. The winner was Immigration. What this means is that the UUA’s Commission on Social Witness will prepare and provide resource materials for congregations to use in studying this issue and engaging in social justice and service activities related to it, and after three years there will be a draft Statement of Conscience on this issue to discuss, debated, amend and approve.
Filed under: Travels, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views, UUA General Assemblies, UUA General Assembly 2010 in Minneapolis
Hello, dear blog fans, all 19 of you! The few, the proud, those with nothing better to do.
Thousands of UUs walked through the streets to Loring Park, where the GLBT Pride Festival is taking place. We held a rally on the site and heard from several local ministers and leaders, including clergy from Iowa, which is the only state outside the North East to have same-gender marriage equality. Some UU churches have chartered buses to take couples to Iowa for marriage ceremonies. They call each one of them the Love Bus. We were a sea of yellow tee-shirts proclaiming that UUs are Standing on the Side of Love.
The most exciting plenary debate Saturday was about whether to boycott Phoenix, which had been on the schedule for General Assembly in 2012. There has been much discussion, emotion, and heartfelt prayer and reflection on this crisis, which has been heightened since the passage of the anti-immigrant state law. The debate was truly impressive. The outcome of this ordeal was an overwhelming vote to go to Phoenix but “not for business as usual.” Delegates of color said they know it may be dangerous to be in Arizona, but they are willing to go in order to support the people who live in that state. The GA business in 2012 will be limited the the minimum necessary, and we will use our presence there to support allies and local partners for immigrant justice as well as to learn about the issues and bear witness to what is happening on the ground, including trips to the US/Mexico border. We also committed to making travel to Arizona as safe as possible
The Children’s Choir has been off site at choir camp all week, but last night they gave a wonderful half-hour concert. They sing tonight at the closing ceremonies.
The major lecture of GA is the Ware Lecture. Mary Oliver, Martin Luther King, Norman Cousins, Norman Lear and many other significant speakers have appeared before us. Last night we heard from Winona LaDuke, a Native American environmental activist from Minnesota, and the author of All Our Relations. She leads the White Earth Land Recovery Project. I took notes and will try to include them in a future sermon or posting. One gem about the “doctrine of Christian discovery”: “We [Natives] are confident we did not get ‘discovered.’ We were on to the fact that we were here.”
I attended a reception for major donors to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee–about the best spread of food I’ve had at such an event, which was good since there was no time for dinner. We heard from interim president William Schulz [who has been president of the UUA and of Amnesty International USA], and from several program staff working with partners in Haiti for earthquake relief and reconstruction. Currently there is the opportunity to have donations to UUSC/UUA Haiti Relief Fund tripled by a matching grant from the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock. Every $1 will be matched with $3, up to a total of $500,000. To give online, go to www.uusc.org/actforhaiti.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Travels, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views, UUA General Assemblies, UUA General Assembly 2009 in Salt Lake City | Tags: ethnic nationalism, General Assembly, murder-suicide, pastoral letter, prayers, Unitarian Church of Transylvania
Some of you may not know that Unitarian Churches have existed in Eastern Europe since the late 1500s, early in the Protestant Reformation. Many UU churches have partner church relationships with village and city churches in Transylvania, which is a Hungarian-speaking province in Romania. I visited in 1998 and hosted several Unitarian colleagues to preach when I served in Silicon Valley.
Unitarians in Transylvania (50,000 of them) are ethnic and religious minorities in a country where Romanian and Eastern Orthodox nationalism are rampant and frightful. They are Unitarian Christians who use the Bible for their worship services and sermons.
They look and sound rather traditional in contrast to most North American UU congregations, but they are religious liberals and often the only social liberals speaking out on issues of concern, such as fairness for LGBT people and Roma people (Gypsies). Every year a minister from Transylvania comes to Berkeley to be a special student at Starr King School for the Ministry.
After Sunday worship at General Assembly I learned terrible news. A village minister in his mid-30s, named Denes (=Dennis) Cseh, killed himself after murdering his two young sons. His wife has had serious cancer for a number of years and was out of town, staying with her parents. Hence, she is left without a husband or children, and still facing cancer. Horrifying and sickening news, to be sure.
In the early afternoon there was a support circle in the Minneapolis Convention Center for ministers from Transylvania as well as those who are friends of Transylvanian churches to grieve and offer support. Please extend your condolences to any people you may know from Transyvlania as well as those North Americans involved in the UU Partner Church Council.
Two days after the deaths came this pastoral letter from the Bishop of the Unitarian Church of Transylvania, to be read at the Sunday morning services of all the churches on July 4. (At 4:00 PM all the ministers of Transylvania were to gather in the village of Medgyes.) The letter has been translated from Hungarian into English by Lujza Nehrebeczky, a member of our UU church in Lexington, KY. It appeared first on the
website of the Transylvanian denomination.
Pastoral letter to all congregations
June 29, 2010
Kolozsvar [Cluj-Napoca in Romanian]
To our Unitarian believers and brethren of other denominations:
This past Sunday, as we were preparing to go to church with gratitude to
God, we were shocked to receive the horrifying news. It caused us both pain
and bewilderment to find out about the terrible crime committed by the
pastor of our congregation in Medgyes. As a Unitarian minister and as a
church member, my soul was tried by hearing the news. This widely publicized
event evokes many questions in us both as individuals and as a community.
I write these words with the belief that God is near us even in such trying
times, only we don’t know how to look for him. Our forebears had succeeded
in finding their way out of severe circumstances. In case our faith in God
has been weakened or we have lost the path shown us by the exemplary lives
of our ancestors, let us hear the prophet’s message: “Seek the Lord while he
may be found, call upon him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their
way, and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them return to the Lord, that
he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon”
(Isaiah 55:6-7).
One individual’s actions are not the actions of the community. However, this
event casts its shadow on all of us. Of course, we do not disown a minister
of our church who has served three different congregations over ten years.
And we certainly do not disown a family man who has shown exceptional
devotion in raising his children and seeking a cure for his terminally ill
wife. We regret enormously that this heavy burden that required superhuman
strength to bear caused a nervous breakdown in him. This man, who had
received psychiatric care for his illness, did not take those lives in his
position as a minister. His deeds reach far beyond the life of our church
and are considered explicitly criminal acts. While we stood by him, aided
him financially and followed his tribulations as his fellow servants, we
cannot bear the responsibility for the horrible murders he committed. One
individual’s actions are not the actions of the community, but this event
casts its shadow on all of us.
Many press sources have been objective in reporting on the immeasurable
tragedy that befell this family, and we hereby express our gratitude to
them. However, the scandal-craving tabloid media and the public opinion it
manipulates have attempted to judge our entire community based on this
event. Being Unitarian will become difficult in the coming days and weeks,
and it may remain so for a long while. Some people may ridicule or slander
us. Others may attempt to associate our faith with ideas we have never
espoused.
We need the strength and sobriety of our religious community now more than
ever before. This community consists of us, of each individual person. Let
us stand by one another and our faith. Together, let us expect the blessing
of our providing God, which we can experience even in the darker days of our
lives. Let us remember that our forebears made difficult but sustaining
sacrifices for this precious faith, in order that they may pass it on to us.
Let us remember the pure and simple faith of our cherished Unitarian
religion that has always compelled us to love God and serve people. Over
four and a half centuries, our church has enriched humanity with
immeasurable values. Let us ensure that this legacy lives on.
Together, let us pray for the tried but strong congregation in Medgyes; for
our shaken believers; for the minister’s wife mourning her children and
husband. Let us implore our eternal, one true God to dwell amongst us with
his providence and power, compelling us to do what is right. May God protect
our physical and mental health, send us help in our illnesses, and defend us
from family and community tragedies. May God give us spiritual strength so
we can stand firm beside those in need. With our godly lives, let us prove
that we are brothers and sisters, children of God.
May the love of God remain among us.
Bishop Ferenc Balint
Save some water from your summer activities, whether at home or afar. Bring it to church Sept. 12 for the mingling of the waters ritual at both services (9:30 and 11:15, in case the heat’s made you forget).
Meanwhile…
While I am away at General Assembly and the ministers’ meeting of the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists in the Netherlands (not to mention vacation) RE Assistant Miranda keeps things humming along with many volunteers.
We’ve had high attendance so far in our Summer Religious Education ministry– “ArtWorks,” a series of programs with expressive artists from within and beyond the congregation. Read the weekly Blue Sheet for ArtWorks topics and presenters, but if you are in town, just bring the family to church!
We seek your support for several important programs for the fall.
”Coming of Age” takes place from October to May through Sunday night meetings and three awesome weekend retreats. You can help as a coordinator, mentor for a youth, or a chaperon at retreats at UU churches and a campground. We sent a letter about it to parents of youth in grades 8-10, and posting it at www.uuss.org. If you have such a youth, please attend the July 25 introduction after church to see if this is a commitment your family wishes to make. If you can’t make it, please call me. I’m pleased to announce that young adult (and father of two) Taylor Lewis will be one of our co-leaders of Coming of Age. So now we just need one more person to be the other co-leader, and we’ll have a team of three, including me!
“Our Whole Lives” (OWL) is an age-appropriate sexuality education program of the UUA and United Church of Christ denominations. Julie Heston and Ron Selge will be leading OWL for grades 10-12. Training teachers of the junior and senior high school levelshappens the last weekend in July, in Berkeley, with home hospitality, and UUSS pays registration fees. If you want to go, call me ASAP.
To orient parents of kids from kindergarten through high school about the value of this program, we will hold an OWL Awareness Meeting after the service with OWL experts on August 22.
Our weekly Junior High Youth Group and Senior High Youth Group involve teams of adult volunteers. Sunday morning meetings take a total of about 16 in-classroom volunteer hours between Sepetember and May, as well as some time for team planning, spiritual reflection on this work and mutual support.
“Spirit Play” is entering its second year at UUSS. Using classic stories, the arts and shared rituals, Spirit Play builds community and promotes spiritual reflection and play. Regular story sessions include the roles of Story Teller (lead teacher) and Door Keeper (an adult assistant). On most Sundays a Story Teller is in charge and we have a story and a discussion based on “Wondering questions.” On Feast Days we have special guests, conversation and food. We invite you to consider teaching for as few as three Sundays in the coming year. Training is Saturday, Sept. 11, for new and continuing teachers in Spirit Play.
Let me know if you have some curiosity about helping out.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Travels, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: Africa, international, Unitarian
It is so unusual to be this hot and humid in southern Netherlands that this retreat center not only has no ac, it has no fans. i am at the first ever ministers conference of the international council of unitarians and universalists. pardon the lack of capital letters and punctuation, but i am using my roommates laptop and he is a minister from Transylvania, and the keyboard is set to Hungarian. We have 5ö people here, from our host country, the uk, Transylvania, Czech Republic, Canada, the USA, the íuu church of the philippines, and one minister each from uganda, nigeria and Burundi. All very interesting people and very interesting stories. we are in a 12th century monastery on the border with Germany. meals and the pub are in the cellar, so itűs cool down there, which is a good excuse for staying up late and talking over a half liter of pilsener or maybe two half liters. last night i talked with, among others, a young man from uganda who was the only religious leader to speak out against the very anti gay legislation proposed last year. he may come to California to preach in the bay area in october and offered to come to Sac for a mid week evening program. are you interested, dear congregation…question mark would go here.
Filed under: Travels, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
The ministers conference of the international council of unitarians and universalists has now ended, after a couple of hours of drinking and singing of favorite songs from various countries in the pub in this monastery. i will post more soon, when i am no longer on a hungarian keyboard, but i recommend that you check out the postings of the president of the ICUU, the Rev. Brian kiely, alberta, canada. you can find his most recent posts at UUWITHOUTBORDERS.BLOGSPOT.COM.
SEE YOU SOON..
Filed under: Travels
Seeing that the Obama family has followed our lead by vacationing in Maine, I’ll summarize our stay there. Without benefit of Secret Service, we also enjoyed Bar Harbor’s ice cream shops, patio cafes, bars, and easily walkable downtown and waterfront areas.
There must be a restaurant there that doesn’t have lobster on the menu, but everyone we visited or walked past did have lobster. In the less touristed areas you can buy it from the fishermen or at a local store, for as little as $4.99 a pound. This is the same price–or less than–it’s been for about two decades, while fuel and other fisherman costs have gone up. I read in a local paper the goal of a sales relationship with China, where fresh lobster is popular. Such an increase in demand would boost prices.
We stayed there three nights and two full days, at a motel with cabins a few miles outside Bar Harbor. Lovely bay views; no a/c but it was just cool enough at night to be okay. Breakfast was great at Two Cats (great food and Fair Trade coffee) and Cafe this Way (good value breakfast from sustainable sources).
On the second day we rented “comfort bikes” for the day. The Bar Harbor area provides shuttle buses all over the place, including one with a trailer for bikes. They load your bike and take you into Acadia National Park. After we started the ride I resolved to ride to work more often. The uphills were arduous mainly because it was hot and humid, and a few times I chose to walk the bike. The downhill descent was glorious and breezy. I did have to slow my bike down to avoid losing control on the gravelly road. The lakes and ponds are so pristine because people and pets aren’t allowed to take a dip; it’s the fresh water source for surrounding towns.
We stopped for lunch at the cafe at the Jordan Pond House. Not cheap but not a ripoff, either, and the food was good. Our waiter told us lots of students work at the park in summer: Americans earlier in the season and Europeans later, after the US kids go back to . This year they have groups of Serbians, Poles, Russians, and others. Our waiter has finished at Colby College and is on his way to a consulting job in Boston. After lunch I was still able to bike but was less interested in the scenery. My max for the day was about 4 hours. I could feel it coming on, the way I do hiking: I’m not just tired, I’m reaching my limit, beyond which I might just collapse and need to be hauled out, or might try the patience of my companion.
The next day I wasn’t nearly as sore as I had expected. I liked the soft seats and upright riding position of the bikes. Raleigh was the brand, I think. We drove on the Park’s roads to see views not accessible to bikers, and heard the thudding waves into the “thunder hole,” even though it was low tide. We stopped in Northeast Harbor, one of the towns on Acadia’s Mount Desert Island, for a stroll by the upscale clothing stores and antique stores. Clearly not a tourist destination–no parking meters or time limits on the main street. Visited a stone United Church of Christ church, up on a hill. Charming dark wood ceiling and pews inside. In the pew racks were laminated flyers for parents (and others) noting that children belong in church, and advising parents how to help them appreciate and learn about the liturgy, and no doubt advising non-parents to show some hospitality and forbearance. Opening sentence: “God put the wiggle in children and children are welcome in God’s house.” We took one across the street to the public library and had it photocopied. I’ll think about how to translate it into a UU context.
After lunch we watched a little of the World Cup in our restaurant’s bar and drove along the coast for some stunning views before heading to the hills a and then back to the coast for a visit with friends near Brunswick.
This summary of a recent book was found at this link on the Christian Century magazine’s website.
Parenting myth: Studies show that parents today spend more time with their kids, yet kids don’t seem happier, more independent or more successful. They seem more troubled and needy. To raise healthy kids, put your marriage first and your children second, argues David Code (To Raise Happy Kids, Put Your Marriage First, Crossroad). For many couples, children are priority No. 1 and marriage is priority No. 10—and few make it past the top three priorities on the daily to-do list. Unlike children and their demands, marriages are regarded as important, but not urgent. Code says current priorities set a poor example of marriage for children and create anxious households—and kids soak up that anxiety.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Children and Youth, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: Art, community, creativity, Fahs, intergenerational, mentorship, RE
We chose ArtWorks last summer for several reasons.
1) Art is a great way for kids of different school grades to work together, and for people of all generations of life to relate with one another, in contrast to discussions and lectures. This is how we build connections.
2) We try to develop multicultural awareness and competency here, for the sake of richness as well as our own relevant engagement in a diverse community. Music and other arts are an obvious way to appreciate a variety of cultural traditions, outlooks, and ways of being.
3) Many of our church families have erratic attendance patterns in the summer. This interferes with the continuity of a typical, content-laden lesson we might offer over a few weeks. (Of course, we still have continuity challenges in the other seasons, given family demands, school and sports activities, and joint-custody families. Summer is even harder.) ArtWorks lessons are relatively self-contained, so if you weren’t here last month you didn’t miss any information needed to get something out of a lesson this week. Yet by starting with a gathering circle, introducing ourselves and
4) What’s less appealing that being the only 10-year old in a classroom? With reduced attendance in summer, having a hands-on lesson accessible to multiple ages is a way to have a critical mass in the classroom, and lively energy. Based on these summer experiences, we now plan some all-community RE Sundays. For example, on quarterly Community Garden Sunday in RE, various ages work together preparing, planting, and harvesting–and especially wandering and wondering– in the UURTH SONG garden at church, with the leadership of our garden coordinators. (Next one is September 5.) Two other times a year we have service projects, such as RE clean-up Sundays, at which we learn about the importance of giving back and of taking care of our shared community.
5) Many of our adult members are busy in other aspects of church life, so they aren’t free to teach an ongoing course in RE. A brief summer shift is more accessible to them. For garden coordinators, For artists, the class preparation is familiar to them, since it relates to their own art and not to an ongoing lesson. Many of our artists aren’t oriented to traditional “classroom” ways of engaging with religious topics, but they are inherently good at the spirituality of the creative process. Indeed, through ArtWorks our children get to experience themselves as Creator. They experience the Spirit of creativity inside themselves, and see the fruits of that Spirit in the results of their work.
6) As religious liberals we do not see a strict boundary between what is secular and what is spiritual. This is most obvious in our variety of musical choices. Some music that is not labeled sacred touches the deepest places in many of us: classical, folk, rock, new age, show tunes. Not ALL musical pieces in those genres, but I bet you can think of one song in each one of them that is inspiring or nourishing or comforting or healing for you. This applies to all the arts, I think. How about you?
7) Art can be a source of personal challenge, experimentation, accomplishment, and a sense of competence and growing confidence. With the encouragement of our artist/teachers and the help of their peers or older youth, our children learn about giving and receiving help, asking for assistance, and showing encouragement to one another. And what do the teachers get out of this? I asked one of our artists how his recent Origami teaching session had gone. “Oh, I saw a few smiles. That’s all that I work for!”
We offered ArtWorks again this summer because it was such a success last summer. Teacher/artists, kid/artists, and parents of artists expressed joy and gratitude. This year we are adding an art reception August 22.
Our UU forbear, the Rev. Sophia Lyon Fahs (1876-1978), was an innovator of experience-based Religious Education. That’s what we do with ArtWorks, to be sure, but it’s what the whole life of the congregation is about. Experience-based religious learning and spiritual growth. In line with her, a leading Christian religious educator, John Westerhoff, says that “faith is caught, not taught.”
The way that children learn about religious values and tradition is through experience as a full participants in their religious community. What aspects of community life can you think of? When you think of one, think about what a person (child or adult) might learn about their church, themselves, or life by participating.
Attending worship is one way we do this, whether it’s for a whole service (which happens 9 Sundays a year) or for the first 15 minutes of a regular, before the children, youth and volunteer leaders depart for their RE. Social or fellowship activities (like dinners, parties, or a weekend all-church camp), service projects, public-witness demonstrations, parades and Martin Luther King Day marches, prayer vigils, talent shows, concerts, and memorial services.
What do you think of this? What have I left out? What ideas does this generate? Your comments to this blog are very welcome. Meanwhile, I think I hear the theme to Cheers playing in my head!
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Rituals, Prayers, Elements of Worship Services, UUA General Assembly 2010 in Minneapolis
Robbins was minister at Unity Church–Unitarian, in St. Paul, Minnesota. There is a bronze plaque (among printed paper and other items) on which is printed “We dare not fence the spirit.” This has been adapted by current co-ministers of the church, and was used recently at the annual worship service of the meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association.
Ours is a church, which holds the dead in sacred memory,
and the living in a goodly fellowship. We desire to live together
in such affection as will not allow us to feel threatened by our differences.
We dare not fence the spirit, nor close off the sincerity of conversation with which souls
must meet in religious association. As others have their ways of religion, so do we have this
faith; and in honest difference, we order our lives together.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Children and Youth, Family Ministry, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
The Reverend Til Evans is retired from a career as a director of religious education, minister, and professor of UU seminarians at Starr King School for the Ministry. Now in her late 80s, Til says that whoever we are, when we give time and attention to children in our congregations, we are educating them religiously. It’s not about giving them facts and concepts. She says that by our actions and by our presence, we’re teaching about relationships, community and love. We’re teaching children and teenagers about their own dignity and worth, and about the value of their own ideas and sources of inspiration. She adds that when we religiously educate others, we are religiously educating ourselves. We are engaged in the work of transformation, not for those we teach, but with them. We are all changed by what we do together.
–From my 2010 sermon “Joys and Terrors of Religious Education.”
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
At the Newcomers’ Orientation to Membership the other night, we read and discussed the “Sources of Our Living Tradition,” which are in front of the hymnal and which follow the list of UUA Principles.
Question: How are Islam and other religions included in Unitarian Universalism? How is Judaism included? Given that it seems to have origninated as a Protestant Christian movement, where do other world religions fit in?
Well, Judaism is the religious foundation and background of Christianity– geographically, personally (Jesus was a Jew), and scripturally (the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament is much longer than the New Testament, and together they make the Holy Bible of Christianity). We have been influenced by non-Christian religious, philosophical and ethical traditions through dialogue, cooperative projects and interfaith programs, as well as through the mixing that happens when Muslims, Buddhists, and so on join or attend our congregations, or when we join or participate in groups of non-UU traditions.
I used this analogy: Think of Unitarian Universalism as a house. The house’s foundation is the Judeo-Christian tradition, and the architecture of the house looks familiar to those from a Christian upbringing. No matter what goes on in the house, or how we might add on a room or remodel, the foundation hasn’t changed. Transcendentalism, religious humanism, neo-paganism, Buddhist practice–they all might fill a number of rooms, but the foundation is the same.
The windows of the house are open, allowing breezes of thought, perspectives, new ideas to blow through the house, refreshing us, waking us up, reminding us of the world outside. This includes arts, natural and social sciences, literature, culture, and even political trends. We can look out and see it all. Better yet, we can walk out the door. We have neighbors. We can invite them in for meals and conversation, for games and knitting parties and holiday cookouts. And we can go over to their houses too, enjoying their hospitality, and learning some of the many varieties of being in religions community, and the diversity of spiritual practices and perspectives. We may end up spending a lot of time in their homes, or welcome neighbors for frequent visits.
We may marry some of our neighbors and live in more than one house. But where Unitarian Universalism grew up, where it has its foundation, is part of our heritage.
One person said she appreciated this analogy or metaphor. If you do as well, you can read a book about it. What I wrote above is a riff on a talk I heard six years ago from the Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker, president of Starr King School for the Ministry. She and the Rev. Dr. John Buehrens (minister in Needham, MA, and former president of the Unitarian Universalist Association) have published A House for Hope: Our Theological Foundation.
It was the top selling book at the exhibit hall this past June at the UUA General Assembly. Check it out at the UUA Bookstore.
Filed under: Politics, Elections, and Government, Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
Blessings of the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan to you.
I just sent a note to the White House asking the President not to back down from his strong affirmation of religious liberty in the face of fear-mongering and angry rhetoric by those opposed to a new Mosque in Lower Manhattan. I did this in response to a request by the director of the UUA’s Standing on the Side of Love campaign. Click this link to see it and to add your voice, if you feel the same.
Filed under: Children and Youth, Rituals, Prayers, Elements of Worship Services
Advance notice just for my beloved blog readers. See and hear Wendy tomorrow morning (Sunday) at 9:30 AM.
You Can Do It, or You Will Come Alive Trying!
Saturday, October 16, 9:15 AM-Noon
Want to lighten and enliven your spirit and wake up a worship service? Rev. Wendy Bartel provided stunning music for our Sept. 19 service. Wendy returns for a percussion and rhythm workshop for all ages and abilities.
Join us on Saturday morning, Oct. 16. No need to bring a drum unless you have one–or two, if you have one to share. Adults, youth and children at the workshop are invited to join Wendy the next day in worship for a drumming processional, accompaniment of a hymn, and other surprises.
Cost: $12, free for kids and teens accompanied by adults. Sign up at Connection Central or with Rev. Roger by Oct. 10.
Rev. Wendy Bartel is a graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry. Wendy was ordained to the UU ministry by First UU Church of San Diego, CA, in 2010, and now shares a consulting ministry with the congregation in Auburn, CA.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Children and Youth, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
Some church members are concerned that we may not be in covenant with our larger UU denomination and the local Pacific Central District. That’s because the 2010-11 budget does not fully fund our dues to the national and local structures.
I think–with growth in our own awareness and generous giving–this fact will change. After all, last budget year we gave 105% of what we had projected to local not-for-profit agencies through our voluntary Sunday offerings.
Furthermore, I am heartened by the many ways we do support our district and the UUA with volunteer time, personal hospitality, and dollars.
We can always do more, but I am confident that we are in right relationship with all the other congregations in this free faith tradition.
From Oct. 22-24 this congregation will host 60 UU teenagers and adult advisers from all over our Pacific Central District (PCD) for the fall conference of “YRUU.” They’ll be up early that Sunday to clean up, eat, and attend church! If that’s not wild enough for you, wait till Nov. 12-14, when 60 middle school UUs come here for their own fall conference (called “MUUGS”). We’ve sent handfuls of our own teens to YRUU and MUUGS conferences. They rave about them.
Last year we brought in trainers for workshop days for youth group teachers and for teachers of the new Spirit Play model for RE. UUSS subsidized the costs so members of other PCD congregations could come and learn with us.
Doug and I serve as officers of the UU Ministers professional association in the local district. He has led the chaplain corps at the UUA General Assembly, preached at our own District Assembly, offered case studies at Starr King School, and mentored UU seminary interns here.
I go to Boston twice a year to serve on a UU grants panel, the Fund for a Just Society. I served on the Pacific Central District Board, and I continue on the PCD Growth Committee (as have some lay leaders of UUSS). We have hosted some of those district committee meetings as well as a major PCD workshop on publicity and outreach (with a lovely meal, thanks to Dave and Patricia). I attended the ministers’ meeting of the International Council of Unitarians & Universalists in Europe and plan to make a Partner Church pilgrimage to the Philippines.
There is a Unitarian minister couple from Transylvania studying at Starr King this year. I hope to bring one or both of them here to lead a vesper Communion service on a December evening, in their old and lovely Unitarian Christian tradition. Would you like to help me?
October 3 is UU Association Sunday at UUSS. It includes a special appeal for donations to grow our churches and spread the faith. “We Are Better Together.” Will you join me in making a special gift?
Will you show your team spirit for this vital and loving faith?
Roger
PS: Don’t miss the Connections Fair after both services on Oct. 3, and the Congregational Meeting after the 11:15 service on Oct. 17.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Our fabulous Program Council is in the early planning stages of a mutual-assistance network for congregation members. The intention is to connect people with abilities and time with those who might benefit from some practical support. Hence, we won’t promise what we can’t really provide.
If you are in the congregation, please take this survey. If you are not, feel free to look at it for ideas to help your own congregation. Paper copies will be available at church for those of you who are not reading this.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Here is a Youtube video of the Rev. Mark Kiyimba, who will be speaking at the UU Society of Sacramento Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 7:00 PM.
Here is a podcast of his 15-minute Public Radio interview this morning with Jeffrey Callison on “Insight.”
Here is a link to the Sept. 2010 Harper’s Magazine article on the American roots of homophobic legislation in Uganda, by journalist Jeff Sharlet.
Here is a link to his video interview with the International Resources Director of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations in early October.
Filed under: Children and Youth, Family Ministry, Sermon Archives and Excerpts, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: activities, child care, parents, summer school, summer vacation, UU Principles
Chalice Camp can happen! Chalice Camp is a 1-week content-rich day program which many UU congregations host for members’ children. Sometimes they open it to families of church friends and even the larger community, if space and funding are available. A number of people here were inspired with the idea of having a shorter church camp by the sermon delivered November 14 by the Rev. Michelle Favreault, professor of religious education at Starr King School for the Ministry. Listen here.
Chalice Camp Coming: Summer 2011 at UUSS
By Rev. Roger Jones & Jeannine Newcum {for April Unigram newsletter}
- It’s a blessing I was born. It matters what I do with my life. It matters what we do together. What I know about god is a piece of the truth. Where does ‘what I know’ come from? How do I know what matters to me? Who or what is in charge? Where do I find beauty? I don’t have to do it alone.
These are some of Chalice Camp’s UU themes. We’d like to bring back this week of learning and community building activities for members’ children, grades 1-6. In 2006 we had 18 kids and 4 youth assistants at UUSS. Some other churches in this UU district do it every summer. Several parents have responded with interest to Roger’s blog posting about it.
We plan to hire an educator to coordinate the week, lead volunteers and train camp assistants (SHYG members, who will get stipends), and we’d have the Family Minister and RE Assistant handy. The likely week for the all-day camp is July 25-29 or Aug. 8-12 (just one). Early-bird cost: $200 per child, plus $170 for each additional child from the same family. After June 5 deadline, add $25 per child. Registration deposit of $75 is due by June 5; refundable if we are not able to run the camp. Contact Jeannine at jrnewcum@att.net or the RE Assistant at miranda@uuss.org if you have an interest and a preference of dates. More TBA in Sunday Blue Sheets.
Filed under: Children and Youth | Tags: employment, job openings, mental health, Sacramento jobs, schools, youth services
The Sacramento City Unified School District has immediate openings for the following positions. Please share with anyone you think may be interested.
Coordinator I, Learning Support Services (MAN-609)
Youth and Family Resource Center at CK McClatchy High School
Salary: $72K-$89K, 10 months, open until filled
Clinician, Project Thrive (A-109)
Peter Burnett and Ethel Phillips Elementary Schools
Salary: $61K-$94K, 10 months, closes 11/8/10
Coordinator, Child Development Programs (MAN-603)
Salary: $73K-$92K, 12 months, open until filled
School, Family and Community Partnerships Trainer (MAN-608)
Salary: $58K-$72K, 11 months, open until filled
Youth Services Specialist (73-149)
Salary: $52K-$63K, 12 months, closes 11/8/10
Youth and Family Mental Health Advocate (74-150)
Salary: $28K-$33K, 11 months, closes 11/17/10
F or job descriptions, requirements and more information, please visit www.SCUSD.edu.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Thanksgiving Dinner–Thursday, Nov. 25, 2010 at 3:00pm. This is a community celebration and a community effort, and a good reason for giving thanks. Please sign-up at the reservation table in the lounge on Sunday or contact Chelsy. Bring a dish to serve 6 if you are able and a $5 donation or nonperishable food items that Arnie will take to local organizations serving people in great need. If you are able to come early or stay late in order to help us with set-up and/or tear down, that would be greatly appreciated. Please sign-up for that as well. Thank you in advance from your UUSS Interweave dinner coordinators.
Dec. 4 All-Ages Holiday Tree-Trimming, Crafts Party & Potluck Dinner
Eat, sing, and create! Join UUSS members, families and
friends for this annual dinner and craft-making extravaganza.
Saturday, December 4, we’ll gather to set up at
5:00 p.m. and say a blessing and have dinner at 5:30.
From 6 to 8 p.m., you can learn to make a graham cracker
house and origami birds and flowers, make paper chains
and decorate our tree, or sing carols around the piano.
Adults and teens can make a gift to take home. Lauren’s troupe of young ladies will offer traditional dance, and we can gather around the piano for Christmas Carols. The Family Minister loves Helpers, so if you can be a good elf, let me know.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: Unitarian, UU, Universalist, travel, Philippines, Sienes, pilgrimage, partner church
A Philippine UU Adventure–adults, youth, kids welcome!
Did you know there are 29 indigenous UU congregations in the Philippines? I hope you can stay after service just an extra half hour this Sunday for a short video and visit with members of our San Mateo (CA) church, who will tell you about their UU partner church in the Philippines. The link will show you their visit to the village on Negros Island.
This Sunday’s visit and video will be brief, and will take place twice! They and I will see you in the Fahs Room at 10:40 and 12:30. I plan to visit the Philippines in March 2011 with a group tour through the UU Partner Church Council. Think about joining me on that trip, but at least come to meet thes Bay Area UUs who are coming over here to introduce us to one part of our global UU family.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Holiday Tree Trimming Party & Potluck Dinner—Entertainment, crafts-making, tree-trimming, and eating. No charge, but we hope you can bring a dish and maybe demonstrate a craft, or just stand around the piano and sing! This is a big all-ages event for our congregation, and all are welcome. Saturday, Dec. 4, 5-8 PM. I am looking for a few more people to join the volunteer crew to make it happen again.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views, Travels | Tags: UU, Philippines, pilgrimage, sister church
I just booked my flights to go on the UU Partner Church Council’s pilgrimage to the UU congregations in the Philippines, in March! It starts in Manila but we fly to the island of Negros, where there are 29 congregations.
I’ll fly from Sacramento via LAX, going via Seoul on Korean Airlines. I understand the Inchon Airport in Seoul is VERY nice, and well worth a layover.
Here is a lot of information, with charming pictures from our friends at the San Mateo UU congregation, and some good links, with more short videos.
Go with me! Deadline to register is January 11, but book your flights soon. Prices are $1,000-1,200.
The trip inside the Philippines is at an all-inclusive rate, depending on how long you wish to stay. I’m going for the whole nine yards, uh, the whole 14 days. See more at
Meet the Unitarian Universalists of the Philippines March 2011
Filed under: Uncategorized
The Rev. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “Let him who cannot be alone beware of community. Let him who is not in community beware of being alone.”
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Islam, Jesus, Koran, Mary, New Testament, The Annunciation
Most folks in the Western world have read or heard the passages from the New Testament about the birth of the baby Jesus, in particular the visit of the wise men from the Gospel of Matthew and the visit of the shepherds to the babe in manger from the Gospel of Luke. But a chapter earlier in the Gospel of Luke, we hear an account of when Mary hears that she will be giving birth. She’s young, poor and not yet married. It will be a shock to Joseph, to whom she is engaged. Of course it’s a shock to her as well, because the diagnosis of her pregnancy comes from the Angel Gabriel.
From the New Testament’s Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy— the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
The following text comes over 500 years later….
From the Holy Quran, the third Surah (chapter):
When the angels said: O Mary, surely Allah gives thee good news with a word from Him (of one) whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, worthy of regard in this world and the hereafter, and of those who are drawn near (to Allah). And he will speak to people when in the cradle and when of old age, and (he will be) one of the righteous. She said: My Lord, how can I have a son and man has not yet touched me? He said: Even so, Allah creates what He pleases. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it: Be! And it is. And He will teach him the Scripture and the Wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel. And make him a messenger to the children of Israel.
Filed under: Children and Youth, Sermon Archives and Excerpts, Travels | Tags: Advent, change, depth, healing, Jesus, loss, Mary, naughty and nice, Santa, solstice, unmet expectations
Not What She Was Expecting!
Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 19, 2010
Hymns: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”; “Deck the Hall”; “Prayer to Holy Wisdom” [tune: Once in Royal David’s City]; special music: “Coventry Carol”; “Away in a Manger.”
Who’s Been Naughty and Nice: An Exchange of Appreciation
Last Saturday I finished my meeting in Boston and checked my flight status to come home. Flight cancelled! Rerouted for Sunday morning, and I would get to Sacramento after church. Why had I booked a flight that went through Minneapolis!?! The best that airline could get me for Saturday was a flight into San Francisco, about 100 miles away from my car, Sacramento’s airport parking lot.
So I bought a one-way ticket on Southwest airlines, which gave me a long layover in Denver. Walking from gate to gate, I saw Santa Claus. “Come get your picture taken with Santa,” I heard a marketing person call out…to me! I steered clear of the scene and watched, thinking it was for kids. “You’re next,” they said. I stood next to Santa’s big chair, shook his white-gloved hand and grinned for the camera. The payoff included a $20 airline discount, and an emailed copy of the picture. But first they walked me through some new photo manipulation software and asked me to take a survey about it. They showed me how you can take the smile from one picture of yourself and put it on another one if your smile and the rest of you are not all captured at once in a way that meets your expectations. The survey asked: “How likely are you to use this Microsoft version of [whatever]?” I said, “Not likely.” Not likely even to remember its name. Sorry to disappoint them.
It was a slow night for Santa, so before I left, I gave Santa Claus a minister’s report. You know: the naughty and nice list. I started with nice people in the church, so Santa would think I am nice. I named the greeters and ushers, the musicians, the Book Store volunteers, the cooks, the babies in the nursery, the Sunday School teachers. Who else do you think I included? Name some out loud. [Elicit names of people for a time.] Yes, I mentioned all those and more. Raise your hand if you did something good this past year, just one nice thing. Okay, on the count of three, call our your names all at the same time. 1-2-3 Go! Yes, I told Santa all your names. I had so many people to praise from this church. Now he was ready to hear the NAUGHTY list! Unfortunately, my flight was announced, and I had to leave. And that was that.
Sermon: Not What She Was Expecting!
Here’s a story about the legendary Muslim preacher, teacher and trickster Nasreddin, a Sufi who lived in the Middle Ages. He is claimed by the peoples of three countries: Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey. One day Mullah Nasreddin was invited to deliver a sermon. When he got into the pulpit, he asked, “Do you know what I am going to say?” The audience replied “No.” He announced, “I have no desire to speak to people who don’t even know what I will be talking about!” He left.
The people felt embarrassed and called him back again the next day. This time, when he asked “Do you know what I am going to say?”, [GUESS WHAT the people said?] They replied “Yes.” So Nasreddin said, “Well, since you already know what I am going to say, I won’t waste any more of your time!” He left.
Now folks were really perplexed. They decided to try one more time and invited the Mullah to speak the following week. Once again he asked: “Do you know what I am going to say?” Now, however, the people were prepared. Half of them answered “Yes” while the other half replied “No.” So Nasreddin said “Let the half who know what I am going to say, tell it to the half who don’t,” and he left.
This is a story about expectations. Nasreddin wanted to know what they expected of him. AND he didn’t want to fulfill their expectations.
Almost nobody has been a stranger to having our expectations disappointed. Most have known frustration, rejection, failure, lack of follow-through, and the heartbreak of loss. With the passage of time, we may learn that we had incorrect assumptions or that there was a failure of communication about what we expected of others or what others expected of us. And with time, we get some healing. In big ways and small, we have experienced the shock of unmet expectations.
This month, these days, are times of waiting and expectation. People who study the weather, and those who celebrate earth-based spiritual traditions, mark this Tuesday as the Winter Solstice. I’ve been waiting…for the days to start getting longer! It will take some time to have enough extra daylight to notice it, but I get a new burst of hope at the Solstice. In the calendar of the Christian tradition, today is the fourth Sunday of Advent, a season of waiting, reflection, hope and expectation. The waiting-time of Advent ends on Christmas, and Advent songs look forward to that: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and “People look east; Love the guest is on the way.”
The Virgin Mary’s waiting time ended on Christmas too. She was waiting and expectant. Literally, she was expecting. The end of her waiting time—that is, the birth of Jesus— is what gave Christmas to the world in the first place.
Imagine her situation: She is of the lowest possible rank and condition in ancient Palestine: a teenage girl from a poor family at a time when children, females and poor people have no rights. She is a Jew living under the military occupation of the Roman Empire. Fortunately, she is engaged to a man who is a carpenter—good skills to have. Before the marriage, though, she learns that she is pregnant. The Angel Gabriel gives her the news, and explains that the baby will be the child not of Joseph, but of Almighty God. Furthermore, she learns that he will be a teacher, a prophet, a leader for his people and for the world.
Whatever a poor Jewish girl living under military rule could think her life might look like, surely this fate is not what she was expecting. Nor is her fiance expecting this news. Given the strict culture there, Joseph could shame her in public for being pregnant, but he plans only to send her away quietly, because he’s a nice guy.
Angel Gabriel comes to the rescue: “Don’t worry, Joseph, this baby will be the child of the Holy Spirit. If you parent him, care for him, raise him, you will be doing a great service to your people and the whole wide world.”
Mary says yes, and Joseph says yes, to an unexpected role, yes to a future whose challenges are not yet clear. When the baby comes due, they are out of town and on the road: again, not what they expected. The only place they can find to stay is a stable in Bethlehem, so Mary gives birth with the help of a few local women and some cows, goats, donkeys and other livestock. I’m not sure what help the animals provide, but they are what she’s got. Surely not what she expected.
Unfortunately, word gets out that Jesus is a special child, a Jewish messiah, a king-to-be. The Romans’ local ruler, Herod, is not happy about the competition, so he sends soldiers out to take the lives of all young male children. Angel Gabriel does not protect these innocents, but he does help Joseph, Mary and the baby flee to Egypt. As ordinary peasants in ancient Palestine, this adventure is not what they expected.
Other than all this drama, the Bible gives no details about the day-to-day struggles and stress that Mary might go through while caring for a baby–or the stress of any parent of any new child.
Two thousand years after Mary, a different woman found herself in the unexpected position of expecting. In a book she entitled Operating Instructions, California author Anne Lamott writes about her experience as the recovering-alcoholic single mother of an infant. It’s a funny book, and those who have cared for infants surely would nod their heads at wacky depictions of the new parent’s range of emotions. Lamott expresses her sense of inadequacy, of being overwhelmed and exhausted. The colicky baby doesn’t sleep, but cries for three and four hours at a time. His feedings, gas pains, poop, and pee rule her days and nights. To one like me who’s not had a child, Lamott’s record of the baby’s first year is downright frightening!
Yet Anne Lamott is blessed by the help, care and attention of a circle of loyal friends, relatives, and the people from her church. They’re all devoted to the child and to her. In the ancient story of Mary, lots of people gather around. Shepherds come to look and worship, leaving their own flocks untended. Sorcerers, kings, astrologers—the ones known as the wise men—come from far away, guided by a star, and on bended knee they display the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In the Bible, these gifts are literary symbols of the future life of this child, necessary to the story. But for a new parent of a new baby, they are of no help at all. No diapers, not a bag or two of groceries, not a covered dish for supper. No crib or stroller or a mobile to hang above the baby bed, and no baby bed either. Some cash would be nice too.
Lamott had not expected to get pregnant, but when she found out that she was going to be a single parent, she said “Yes,” not knowing what to expect. Amid all the struggles, she was moved by the help from so many people and surprised by how much devotion she could feel toward another human being. She writes about being filled with love, joy and faith just from looking at the baby as he sleept. It was, she writes, “the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. He was like moonlight.”
Lamott wrote the book to make sense of her experiences of the baby’s first year. She’s been a much-loved writer of novels and books about spirituality and her quirky and liberal form of Christian faith. Last week she was inducted into our state’s Hall of Fame at the California Museum. As a recovering alcoholic, her successful and blessed life is a world away from anything she could have expected 20 or 30 years ago. If she wants to feel good about how things have turned out, however, she should not compare herself to the Virgin Mary, who’s a saint, a real saint. For hundreds of years, icons and statues have held Mary in high esteem. She’s a woman to worship, the female face of God. She’s a mother-figure to ask for help, whatever gender, age, or stage of life a person is in. She is known ‘round the world as the face of compassion for her baby, and for her son as a grown-up radical rabbi, and for the sufferings of the whole human family. Not a role that she expected.
The stories of these two women tell me this: We cannot be sure how our lives will evolve and change, cannot know what events, upsets, blessings or surprises lie in our future, or even in the next day. We don’t know how we would rise to meet those challenges and experiences until they happen. We can’t know how life will change, or what will emerge from our heart when it does. Yet we can be sure that there is more beneath our surface than we are able to name and see right now. There is more courage, wisdom and peace in us than we imagine. That, for me, is a source of hope.
But practical questions remain for us in moments of pain over the unmet expectations in our lives. In the face of failure or loss, how do we move forward? When we fall flat on our backsides after the rug is yanked from under us, how do we begin? Or, how can we trust the future when we’re holding on so hard to our expectations that our breathing is tight and shallow? When our sense of possibility is weighted down, when we have no good idea coming to mind, how do we respond?
Two things that help me… are sitting still and going for a walk. Of course, these are opposite activities, but they both help me.
In sitting still, I return to the breath, and notice the presence of my body and how it feels. This helps me begin to find the spirit that sustains me, and feel the ground that holds me up. I can let myself experience my feelings of disappointment, but I need not run from them. I breathe, maybe I cry, maybe pray.
Each of us can show kindness to our own feelings, just as we can show kindness toward another’s feelings without taking them on as an all-day burden. Of course, sitting still with uncertainty, pain or anxiety can be hard, but we can start small, with brief times and then go longer. It makes a difference.
Going for a walk helps me too. It gives me time to reflect, to think through the nature of my expectations and the reason for my pain. It gives me space to think of new possibilities. As the seasons come and go, when walking regularly I notice that the structure of a neighborhood or the look of a local park stays the same over the year. Yet there are subtle changes every month, every week, every day. The scenes around me show that life changes, but the basic structure of life continues. So it is with us: our life changes, but our basic human identity continues. These are my examples, of course, not my prescriptions.
Some folks go hiking as a solitary activity: I don’t go alone; I worry I’ll get lost. Some go biking or swimming. After such exertion they come away with a new outlook on the day, a fresh look at life. Some seek out the help of a counselor, mentor, friend, spiritual director, or life coach. Some find reassurance in books of wisdom or advice, some in art, music, and various crafts.
One of my colleagues in a recent sermon recommended this: Watch your own life as if were a movie or a play. Step up to the balcony and watch it from a distance. Watch it unfold like a story. Consider a wider, deeper, longer perspective on life.
In the story I told of Nasreddin, the Sufi preacher flouted the expectations of his congregation: “The half who know what I am going to say, tell it to the half who don’t!” Is this just wacky, or is there wisdom in it? Perhaps Nasreddin wants them to turn to one another, and speak together. Maybe he wants them to learn how to practice dialogue, and value it. He wants them to listen to one another, and bear witness to one another. Maybe he’s had enough of everybody sitting at his feet, waiting on his every word, and he wants them to look inside for the wisdom they can call upon. He wants them to look to one another for the wisdom that they can share as a community.
The reason I think we are all here in this place, at worship services and other programs here, is that we seek help and support from a community. We bear witness to our lives here, and others are witnesses to our lives, and the changes in life.
We make ourselves available for fellowship and friendship with others.
Of course, among our disappointments, among the unmet expectations of life are unwelcome afflictions: pain and sickness, injuries, and loss of the mental or physical abilities we used to rely on every day. In one another’s company we bear witness to these changes as well. As expectations fall by the wayside, and new chapters open in our lives, we bear witness to the spirit that endures in each one of us.
Whether we get an unexpected sorrow, a pleasant surprise, or an intriguing hint of something newly emerging in our lives, we can be there for one another. People here pretty much look like the same kind of individuals from week to week–and we are the same. Yet we are changing too.
Those who come to know us will notice our changes and our growth. They can help us discern the newness emerging from our lives, from our spirits. If we pay attention, we can watch ourselves, and one another, as we grow in spirit.
As new chapters open in our lives, we watch and wait, and we bear witness to the spirit that endures in each one of us.
As we watch and wait, may the spirit grow in us and among us. So may it be. Blessed be. Amen.
Day 1–Monday
Barely made my 11:15 PM departure for my redeye flights: SFO-Cleveland-Raleigh. Zonked. A long drive with snow scenes today (sunburned nose to show for it) & a VERY chilly walk around Charleston. Dinner in a local institution. We had swordfish, halibut. A brass plate at my spot at the table said Tony Dorsett had dined there. Across from me: Oprah had dined there; next to me, Col. Oliver North. All at the same table, but not same time, I assume.
Day 2–Tuesday
Went to bed at 8 PM last night/5 PM PST! Today walked in downtown Charleston, reading markers at historic homes. Sunny day, chilly but warmer. Lovely walks along river. Took boat for tour of Ft Sumter. Only loss after 1861 loss of it was during canon salute to US flag in respect of losing US general, who had been West Pt teacher of the Confed general. Gunpowder accident blew off shoulder of Confed soldier & he died. Later, 1862-65, US sieged fort. Got back to Charleston at 2:40, had oysters and collard greens for a late lunch. Spent an hour at Gibbes art museum; great collection, current exhibit of horrific, lovely, colorful photographs by J. Henry Fair of toxic sites. An artist who’s become an environmentalist, he made his frames from a dead maple tree in his own yard and avoids glazing his photos due to the toxins. INDUSTRIAL SCARS: photos by J. Henry Fair: http://www.gibbesmuseum.org/explore/cur_exhibit2.php?id=78.
Waited only a bit in the cold to get in Jestine’s for soul food. It’s named after the woman who was the housekeeper/cook for the family of the restaurant owner for many years, and it uses her recipes. She died at 112 a few years back. Iced sweet tea is listed as “Jestine’s table wine.” The place is closed Dec. 25 “and all Jewish holidays.” Charlie had pea soup, collard greens, succotash. I had fried whiting, fried okra, vinegar slaw. I was too full for dessert, so instead of pecan pie I had lemon custard pie. We walked to Dudley’s for a drink–a nice, wood-paneled gay bar with a pool table and animated “Wheel of Fortune” game you play with Wii. We will miss the oyster roast on New Year’s Day.
Day 3–Wednesday
After breakfast we walked to the Unitarian Church of Charleston (oldest UU church in the South) and wandered the very large graveyard. Drove to the Citatel, South Carolina’s Military Academy (“state-assisted” and hence finally co-ed). The 2,000 cadets were on winter break, so we drove around the eerie white stucco castle-like buildings and saw the military equipment monuments on the quad, and stopped by the book store. Later drove to Sullivan Island and visited the Charles Pinckney National Historical Site; he was a prisoner of the British during the Revolutionary war, a drafter/signer of the US Constitution, and breakfast host to Prez Washington. We went by Fort Moultrie on Sullivan Island; a nearby marker notes that most African Americans are descended from slaves brought here on ships that unloaded on that island.
Most interesting was reading about the Gullah/Geechie culture; Gullah was a spoken language with English vocabulary words, developed by slaves who spoke a variety of West African languages, as an act of resistance so they could communicate with one another and whites could not understand them. That Natl. Park Service has done an impressive study on Gullah Culture in the Low Country (marshlands of the SE). Words from Gullah: bubbah, goober, tote. Fried chicken and much other Southern food came from West Africa. So we had some for lunch: the buffet at Gullah Cuisine in Mt. Pleasant: collards, cooked cabbage with pork, chopped barbecued chicken, red rice, yellow rice with okra, mac & cheese, fried chicken, baked chicken, yams, mashed potatoes, and plenty more, all for $7.95. Sweet tea was extra. Table of slightly older white ladies and I discussed a painting on a wall that had puzzled one of them on a prior visit, “Good Friday,” with what looked like an oval plate with a whole fish at each end like a handle and five colorful round cakes with an olive in the middle. The nearest I could guess was the miracle of the loaves and fishes (5 and 2 of them each, right?) but that wasn’t on Good Friday.
Drove to Beaufort, SC, a lovely river and coastal town famous for “Prince of Tides” and “The Big Chill” and its antebellum homes and hip shops. Nice walking around. Episcopal church graveyard has at least two Redcoats killed by Americans (their old stones have small Union Jack flags next t0 them) and several graves with Confederate States of America markers and small Confederate flags, plus a number of graves with regular 50-state USA flags in the ground. Drove to Savannah in the last, colorful hour of daylight. Staying on the edge of the historic district, in a renovated 1950s retro motel, the Thunderbird. “Savannah’s hippest hotel.” Cheap too. Walked to Sixpence Pub for dinner and a waitress who called us honey, y’all, and other nice words. Back at hotel enjoyed introducing Charlie to ABC series “The Middle” and “Modern Family.” Each is brilliant in its own way.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: Margaret Fuller, UU theology, Fahs, personal experience and religion, reason, emotion, affect, Ballou, Channing, James Luther Adams, Thandeka, theological reflection
We began this adult religious education course last night at our church, with 20 people attending! It is provided online and at no charge to congregations by the Unitarian Universalist Association, and was written by a UU minister and scholar, the Rev. Dr. Thandeka. Usually we have courses of 4-5 sessions, so this is a big stretch. The course is intended for 10 sessions and we will do 8 of them.
Below is our course schedule with the links for the advance readings for each session. Additional readings are handed out in class. The class is full, so we can’t take additional registrants.
What Moves Us: UU Theologies of the Mind & Heart
Eight Monday nights, 2 hours per session
Good sources: http://www.harvardsquarelibrary.org/ AND http://www25.uua.org/uuhs/duub
Jan. 10: Happiness–Hosea Ballou. Pick up the handout at registration or from http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/whatmoves/workshop1/workshopplan/handouts/152886.shtml
Also read about him at the online Dictionary of Unitarian Universalist Biography (the DUUB):
http://www25-temp.uua.org/uuhs/duub/articles/hoseaballou.html
Jan. 17: Emotional Struggle–William Ellery Channing. Pick up the handout at the previous class or from http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/whatmoves/workshop2/workshopplan/handouts/152929.shtml. Also, read about him at the DUUB:
http://www25-temp.uua.org/uuhs/duub/articles/williamellerychanning.html
Jan. 24: The Human Heart—Margaret Fuller. Pick up Handout #1 about her at the previous class or from
http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/whatmoves/workshop3/workshopplan/handouts/152972.shtml Handout #2 about her is below; it is made up of these quotations from Fuller:
Male and female represent the two sides of the great radical dualism. But, in fact, they are perpetually passing into one another. Fluid hardens to solid, solid rushes to fluid. There is no wholly masculine man, no purely feminine woman.
I wish Woman to live, first for God’s sake. Then she will not make an imperfect man her god, and thus sink to idolatry. Then she will not take what is not fit for her from a sense of weakness and poverty. Then, if she finds what she needs in Man embodied, she will know how to love, and be worthy of being loved.
By being more a soul, she will not be less Woman, for nature is perfected through spirit.
If you have a power, it is a moral power.
Also, read about her at the DUUB: http://www25-temp.uua.org/uuhs/duub/articles/margaretfuller.html
Jan. 31: Spiritual Renewal—George DeBenneville. Pick up handout at the previous class or from http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/whatmoves/workshop4/workshopplan/handouts/153016.shtml Also, read about him at the DUUB:
http://www25-temp.uua.org/uuhs/duub/articles/georgedebenneville.html
What Moves Us
January-March 2011 class schedule, page 2
**Feb. 7—NO CLASS! Roger is at the continuing education institute of the UU Ministers’ Association.**
We won’t cover the unit on Charles Chauncy, but you might enjoy his “Four Categories of Experience” at http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/whatmoves/workshop5/workshopplan/handouts/153057.shtml. And you can find an entry on Charles Chauncy on the DUUB, too!
Feb. 14: Religious Naturalism—Sophia Lyon Fahs. Pick up handout at the previous class or from http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/whatmoves/workshop6/workshopplan/handouts/153099.shtml
Also, read about her at Notable American Unitarians/Harvard Square Library: http://www.harvardsquarelibrary.org/unitarians/fahs.html
Feb. 21: Deeds not Creeds—James Luther Adams. Pick up handouts at the previous class or from
Handout #1: http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/whatmoves/workshop7/workshopplan/handouts/153140.shtml.
Handout #2 is Adams’ Definitions, and you can find it at this link: http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/whatmoves/workshop7/workshopplan/handouts/153141.shtml.
Also, read about Adams at the DUUB:
http://www25-temp.uua.org/uuhs/duub/articles/jameslutheradams.html
Feb. 28: Universalist Theology for the 21st Century—Forrest Church. Pick up at the previous class or… Handout #1: http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/whatmoves/workshop8/workshopplan/handouts/153185.shtml.
Handout #2: http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/whatmoves/workshop8/workshopplan/handouts/153186.shtml Most recently serving a long pastorate at All Souls Church in NYC, he died in late 2009.
March 7: Unitarian Universalist Theology of Personal Experience—Thandeka.
Handout #1: http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/whatmoves/workshop8/workshopplan/handouts/153186.shtml.
Handout #2: http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/whatmoves/workshop10/workshopplan/handouts/153276.shtml/ She is the only living theologian we cover. We are omitting William Schulz due to time constraints, and Forrest Chruch died in 2009. James Luther Adams died in 1994.
Filed under: Eating Mindfully and Sustainable Agriculture, Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified, Travels | Tags: Ashville, Biltmore, locally grown, luxury, mansion, rich people, servants
We drove to see my friends who are retired in Asheville, NC, on the cold afternoon of January 3. On my summer visit in 2009, it was easy to skip Biltmore, George Vanderbilt’s 1895 mansion, with tickets at $40 (plus extras). But with free passes we could not resist.
Members get two guest passes valid only in January (when fewer people come and the sprawling gardens are not flourishing yet). One of my friends is a member, and he offered us the passes. (He’s a member . . . not of the family, but of something like the “friends of Biltmore.”) Biltmore House is a corporation owned by descendants of George & Edith Vanderbilt, and it has been a tourist site since the family opened it to the public in 1930.
The free admission made a $10 self-guided audio tour seem like a steal. It took me 2 hours to see all 42 halls, salons, and rooms on the tour. While those were the significant rooms, they surely were a small fraction of the total. After all, we learned that Biltmore was opened with 43 bathrooms, and I saw just two or three on the tour. I don’t know if the number 43 includes the showers and changing rooms downstairs near the bowling alley, gym and pool. Their indoor yellow-tiled 10-foot-deep swimming pool, by the way, was heated. Electric lights were exceptional in a house in the 1890s. The Biltmore had electric lights not only in the rooms of the house, but in the pool. Under the water.
George (1862-1914) was the grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt (a shipping magnate), and while still an eligible bachelor he built the house as an extended-family retreat (away from their home in NYC and their mansion on the coast of Newport, RI and place to welcome guests). Built with Indiana limestone, designed by Richard Morris Hunt and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, it was the largest private home in the country. In 1895, it included over 20,000 acres of forest. The Vanderbilts get credit for starting forestry management in this country, and launching our US Forest Service (now part of the Dept. of Agriculture). George was in Washington, DC, to negotiate the sale of most of his acreage to the government when he got appendicitis and perished after surgery, at age 52. Wife Edith concluded the negotiations for what we learned was a good deal for the country. The result is the Mt. Pisgah National Forest. Now the Biltmore property is about 8,000 acreas, only a third of its original size.
One of my friends had said, “The Biltmore will bring our your inner Bolshevik.” I thought he was joking, but he was right. Getting to the house takes a few stops. It’s a few miles’ drive south of Asheville. First stop, the ticket building, where we paused to see a flattering welcome video. It showed the many amenities on the property as well as giving background on the family. It invited us to enjoy the “warmth and the legendary hospitality of Biltmore.” Families in the video lazed on lawns with picnic lunches, and couples walked arm in arm in the sunshine (all families were headed by heterosexual couples, but there was ethnic diversity shown). On the property there are cafes, restaurants, a popular winery, a resort hotel, “live entertainment and farmyard fun.” While the family’s on-site working dairy had been turned into the winery some years back, you could still stop by an ice cream stand to purchase a scoop of nostalgia for a way of life you probably never knew.
Second stop, the guard house, where our tickets were torn. Third stop, the parking lot near the mansion. Shuttle buses come at least every 15 minutes, but the sign says it’s a 5 minute walk. We had a brisk walk in the cold but sunny air. We entered the front door and turned in our vouchers for the audio tour devices. The entrance hall is noted in our guide a “grand space,” and was surely grander without the audio tour check-in desk near the door.
The winter garden was an atrium with a fountain sculpture in the middle, Boy Stealing Geese, by Karl Bitter. The plants looked ordinary but lush. After circumambulating this atrium space, we passed by two lighted Christmas trees and a couple of young staff members. “Would you like to have your picture taken in front of the winter garden?” one asked me. “They will be available at the end of the tour for you to look at.” I declined, and thought about a similar picture taken before I got on a whale-watching boat in Hawaii.
Biltmore is a National Historic Site but it’s not a part of the Park Service. What aggravated me were the self-congratulatory and precious attitudes of much of the audio tour’s narrative. I realized that every word we heard was what the family and corporation wanted us to hear. At Park Service sites I’m used to getting balanced and factual information, even if it is the current company line about historical findings. Park Rangers do a lot of research, and have no personal interest in making their historical sites reflect only the highest of human values and behaviors. While Biltmore House’s archivists, restoration experts, librarians and historians surely do thorough work, we’re not going to hear many unflattering revelations or see any dirty laundry on a Biltmore tour.
A few years after opening the house, George met and married Edith. They had a long wedding/honeymoon trip in France, one of many ventures to add to the art collection. They gave birth to their only child, Cornelia, who lost her father when she was a girl. Edith was a charming and hard-working hostess, and she kept the place running for the many visits by friends and families.
The Vanderbilt family was a good employer of its dozens of staff members, buying Christmas gifts for every staffer’s kids, who went to school with Cornelia and perhaps played with her five St. Bernards when she wasn’t using them. The living descendents of the Vanderbilts still treat their staff well, I heard, still providing Christmas gifts for the kids. My Asheville friends confirmed this as the local reputation of Biltmore House, and the staffers I encountered were enthusiastic and sentimental in recounting the excellence of the founder. Biltmore House restaurants use local ingredients, just as the family used to buy from local farms what foods they did not have grown or raised on their property (or hunted by guests out in the woods for a day).
Near the property is an Episcopal Church given by George, and he and Edith founded local organizations. My friends told me George died intestate, without a will. This means that the next of kin inherited everything, and if George had intended to leave his church any money, it was out of luck.
We toured some of the original servants’ work areas and sleeping rooms in the basement. They were simple, and every one I saw had a window in it. Speaking of dirty laundry, the house laundry room was massive and high-tech for its day, but the laundresses had to work till 10 PM some times. We learned that the laundry employed many African American women who commuted in from a nearby town. I note that they did not live on site like the other servants, and wonder what it was like for them to commute back home so late, through the hills. No servants or family members live in the house now, since it’s a museum and the keystone of a vast theme park. I’ve heard that the family is hidden away in other quarters somewhere on the 8,000 acres.
I turned in the audio device near the exit so the staff could santize it with a cotton swab. I walked outside to find my traveling buddy, and wandered through the bakery/cafe. I considered accepting a bit more of Biltmore’s “legendary hospitality” and having a free-trade organic coffee for $2.50, or a cookie for $2, but by now I was really worn out by the family and its friends by now. I was grateful that the winter cold made the many gardens less of a draw, as I was no longer drawn to admire more of the beauty of Biltmore.
We drove into town and met our friends at Early Girl Eatery, for a wholesome lunch of locally-sourced and humanely-raised foods, accented in Bourgeois style with a local dark beer. I wanted to take the trolley ride with historical narrative of Asheville; one of my friends told me it was well done and he had learned some things he did not know about his own city. Alas, the trolley does not run in January and February.
So we went to the North Carolina Arboretum (truly a not for profit organization, where my friends also are paying members) and enjoyed holly trees and a few other shapely or colorful plants that livened up with wintry stillness of the gardens.
Inside the Arboretum’s main building was an exhibition, Emissaries of Peace: The 1762 Cherokee and British Delegations, about relationships between the Crown and the Cherokee, and a state visit to Britain by a group of Cherokee leaders. Very interesting, and only $3!
It’s on loan till May 2011 from the Cherokee Museum in Cherokee, NC.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Sermons and a Whole Lot More | Tags: community-building, Christmas Eve services, Easter services, special occasions, Forrest Church
Pastor Cranky just found this in an old sermon by the late, great Forrest Church, of the Unitarian Church of All Souls in NYC. What he says about Easter attendance is probably even more relevant to the high attendance we see at Christmas Eve services (in UU churches and all other kinds, I am sure).
Forrest Church April 4, 1999
Let me tell you a little secret about Easter sermons. They almost always begin with a joke. Catholic Easter sermons. Protestant Easter Sermons. If there were such a thing as Jewish Easter sermons I can promise you they too would begin with a joke. Not that death is funny, even with resurrection as a rider. It’s just that jokes make people comfortable. Since a quarter of you are making your yearly or bi-yearly pilgrimage to church, and therefore must feel at least a little strange sitting in a pew, a good joke can work wonders in the ‘Relax this is not a scary place” department.
Believe me, I am delighted that you are here. Thank you for coming. Come back if you wish. I should add, that regular Sundays are far more real than Easter Sunday. Not as festive perhaps, but on regular Sundays you are part of a community, not part of an occasion. Occasions are wonderful. Community is better.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views, Stewardship & Finances | Tags: fundraising, generosity, pledge testimonial, finances, canvass
A Testimonial by Ginger, Stewardship Chair, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2011
Good morning. As we begin our Stewardship Drive next month, we will hear from a number of members about what this congregation means to them. Also, a team of our volunteers will be serving as “stewards”– or pledge visitors in this year’s drive. When your steward calls you, please invite them to your house or arrange to meet them for coffee.
Why? We do this for the connection–and for the feedback. We want to hear your thoughts and feelings about UUSS. We ask for your pledge cards back by Sunday, March 13. This will enable the Board of Trustees to make the budget proposal for the May congregational meeting.
The theme of the pledge drive is “For The Good of the Whole.” For the good of the whole, our district – the Pacific Central District – put on a church finance teleconference. So, last Tuesday after dinner, Meg Burnett, Cathy Whitney and I compared notes with other Unitarian Universalist lay leaders about our church finances.
We were proud to say that in the last few years our pledge income here at UUSS has increased. As some of us in the congregation have had to cut back, others of us have been able to step up and increase our contributions. This increase in pledges, even through this “Great Recession,” is happening in many churches.
I was quite surprised, though, to hear that other churches in our district, of similar size, have significantly higher pledge income than we do. For instance, the UU Church of Fresno is similar in size and last year had about $60,000 more in pledge income than we did UUSS. Hmm. $60,000 – do you know what that is? It is just about what we need – $60,000 more than we pledged last year – to fund things the minimum way we’d all like to – minimum maintenance of buildings, some emergency reserve, staff salaries in the middle range for our area, programs supported as they are now, and to pay our fair share of district and national dues.
My husband Roy and I increased our pledge last year, and followed our board president’s lead in a midterm increase in October. And we are going to increase our pledge for this drive – For the Good of the Whole.
We understand that you may not be able increase your pledge this year. But if you can, please consider doing so – for the Good of the Whole.
And whatever you decide to pledge—whatever you are able to give to UUSS, please know that we thank you.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: community, Doug, finance, For the Good of the Whole, funny, fuzzy, generosity, gratitude, music, prosperity, Roger, spirituality, UUSS, warm and fuzzy
Sermon title for Feb. 13 worship services at 9:30 and 11:15: Putting Your Whole Weight Down
with guest speaker, Rev. David Takahashi Morris
with Rev. Roger & Rev. Doug hanging around looking pretty
Today we celebrate our congregation’s people, programs and mission as we launch our Pledge Drive for the coming budget year. We won’t ask for pledges at this service–its purpose is purely inspirational. (And we’ll have soup provided by our Coming of Age youth and their mentors.)
Our great guest preacher serves the Mt. Diablo UU Church in Walnut Creek and chairs the Growth Committee of the UUA’s Pacific Central District.
Raised Roman Catholic, he spent 15 years militantly away from religion until he discovered Unitarian Universalism in 1991, and was ordained to UU ministry 10 years later by the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church in Charlottesville, Virginia.He is especially interested in nurturing healthy congregations and in growing our faith communities toward reflecting the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity of the world around us. David is an avid singer and former music educator, David would love to sing in the choir if he weren’t afraid of getting caught preaching to it. He and his spouse and Co-Minister Rev. Leslie Takahashi Morris and their son Liam, 11 and daughter Garner, 21, are enjoying California’s beauty and their new West Coast life.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views, Church Finances and Stewardship | Tags: gratitude, stewardship, community, congregation, generosity, giving, philanthropy, prosperity, pledge drive, tithing
“Over the years in ministry, I’ve learned that no one comes to church for a petty reason.”
So writes Dr. Rebecca Parker, a UU minister and president of Starr King School for the Ministry.
I’ve learned this too. People don’t call to make an appointment with a minister for trivial reasons. No person or family shows up here on Sunday mornings just to kill time. Most of our visitors don’t seek us out unless something has set them on a search for belonging, for celebration, and for meaning.
Nobody joins this congregation—and nobody supports it, either—for trivial reasons. I think of the volunteers: trustees, committee members, Religious Education teachers, worship leaders, musicians, ushers, Ministry Circle leaders, Lay Ministry listeners, cooks, landscape caretakers, fix-up volunteers and others.
I think of the devoted members and friends who stretch themselves to support the congregation with generous financial pledges every year. We are in the middle of our month-long pledge drive. This year’s theme is “For the Good of the Whole.”
Many people think of their pledge in terms of a percentage of their income. At UUSS the designation of Fair Share pledging is a pledge of 2% or more of adjusted grow income. If you do this, please note it on your pledge card.
I encourage all Unitarian Universalists to aim toward giving, in the aggregate, at least 10% of their annual income to organizations that serve the greater good. One of these organizations, of course, would be their church. This is a suggestion for personal goal-setting. It’s not a demand, but an invitation
I pledge 5% of my salary to UUSS and usually give another 5% to 7% to other institutions, causes, and charities.
Pledges to UUSS range from $10 a month to about $20,000 a year. This is an economically diverse congregation. This diversity is what it means to be part of a community. Contributions of all sizes are valued and appreciated.
Some can afford to give more than others, and some less. Indeed, some pledge and give more because we know others cannot.
Please know that if your financial situation should change (for better or for worse), it is quite appropriate to revise your pledge (either down or up!) by notifying the Office or one of the ministers.
If you would like to discuss your pledge or any aspect of church life, please give Doug or me a call. We strive to earn your trust and to keep it.
Your pledge is your decision, so please choose an amount that feels right. Give till it feels good. Thank you for making a difference … for the good of the whole community.
Yours in service,
Filed under: Church Finances and Stewardship, Family Ministry, Stewardship & Finances | Tags: Alice, funding, generosity, gratitude, money, pledge drive, stewardship, testimonial
[MY NOTE: Alice and her brother and parents have been active members of this congregation for 12 years. Somewhere if you scroll down in the Church Finances & Stewardship section of this blog, you can read what her parents said last year in their stewardship testimonial.]
The theme for this years pledge drive is “For the Good of the Whole,” and it begins next week. It will only last for a month, because the board needs to give us a budget to consider in April before we vote on it in May. We are also still signing up volunteers to be stewards for this pledge drive, if you’re interested. I do hope you’ll all agree to meet with a steward because we’d love to hear your thoughts and feelings about UUSS.
As of last year I officially reached the age of adulthood and I have chosen to remain a member of this congregation that has been my home for 12 years! I love all the experiences I’ve gained from coming here, all the people I’ve met and become friends with, the discussions I’ve been a part of in SHYG [Senior High Youth Group] and all the times I’ve gotten up to speak in front of all you, lovely, welcoming people.
What I like best about UUSS is the sense of community, that sense that I belong somewhere, that I’m accepted just the way I am. I don’t get that feeling from a lot of places and I don’t want that connection to go away, for me or anybody else.
Supporting this community is truly For the Good of the Whole, this connection we have is a beautiful thing and a lot of people are searching for that place, where your accepted for who you are, where your opinions matter and where there is lots of coffee. So please help keep this congregation here “For the Good of the Whole”. Please know that whatever you decide to pledge is appreciated and that we thank you!
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views, Church Finances and Stewardship, Stewardship & Finances
Dear Members and Friends,
Our congregation’s stewardship campaign ended (officially) on March 13. ! The results of this fund raising pledge drive will sustain and enhance our programs, staff and outreach for the 2011-12 budget year.
We appreciate the generosity of our members and friends, as over 75% of UUSS revenue comes from your gifts. Thank you!
There is momentum and vitality around here, with many highlights. Here are just a few:
- On Sunday, Feb. 27, Eric Stetson was introduced as our new Music Director!
- A big menu of Adult Enrichment programs now involve many new friends and longtime members.
- Religious Education has grown to 84 children & youth, with enthusiastic volunteers, strong attendance in Spirit Play and junior and senior high programs, and hands-on artistic and community service projects.
- We have a bright, lovely UUSS library and a spacious, upgraded kitchen.
- We have the possibility for the Rev. Roger Jones to serve us again next year.
- The vote to fund the Building & Grounds Master Planning process was an overwhelming one. We are now pursuing a major goal of our Long Range Plan.
- We have new Friends in Deed program, several new activity groups, and lots of coffee-time conversation buzzing around “Connection Central” on Sundays.
- We welcomed 20 members (+ kids) at the recent New Member Ingathering.
- Even in times of economic challenge in this region, the generosity of this congregation has grown in recent years.Goals for 2011-12 include paying our UUA and District dues, meeting UUA Fair Compensation goals for our staff, and funding repairs and reserves at prudent levels.
- For this year’s campaign we had hoped to offer a personal visit by a volunteer Steward, but we have not recruited enough Stewards to visit everyone.
If you would like a visit, please let us know.
- If not, please review the chart and return your completed Pledge Card soon.
- If you can bring or mail your
- back this week, we can conclude the stewardship campaign on schedule.Your generosity makes a difference!
- Ginger Enrico,
- Tina Chiginksy,
UUSS President P.S.—
- If most of us (at all income levels) can find ourselves pledging at a spot on the
- , UUSS will have enough income to meet our goals with a balanced budget!Your pledge is your decision,
and we thank you for your support.
P.P.S.– you can read our Family Minister’s letter about ways to think bout pledging at this link.
Filed under: Children and Youth, Church Finances and Stewardship, Family Ministry, Stewardship & Finances | Tags: budget, cooperation, Family Ministry, fundraising, generosity, gratitude, joy, pledge drive, stewardship, support
David and I were invited to give a testimonial as a family belonging to UUSS. We’ve been a family here for 20 years. UUSS offers many things for families.
Not only are there Sunday services and classes for the children and youth to be together, but there are so many activities in which families can get involved. There are the dinners at a family style restaurant; holiday celebrations with the Holiday Tree-Trimming Party and the Easter Canned Food Hunt, and then every June we have an all-church camp. There are numerous activities that families are active in such as the American River Parkway Stewards, the Community Garden and Family Promise.
And then there’s the Children’s Religious Education or RE program. We can definitely verify the many merits of this program for families. Our16-year-old son has been a part of the RE program all of his life. The UUSS Children’s RE program welcomes children and youth of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. It is a safe place for young people to be who you are. Every Sunday, the RE program offers professional nursery care and classes and meetings for children and youth in four different age groups.
The classes, events and activities for children and youth here encourage spiritual growth, foster ethical values and develop moral behavior. And the kids have fun, too! RE offers excellent programs beyond Sunday such as the Our Whole Lives sexuality curriculum and the Coming of Age course for junior high youth.
RE helps our children and youth be a force for social justice by helping them reach out to others by organizing service projects here at the church and in the community. RE offers all of these things all the while treating children and youth like the intelligent beings that they are, guiding them to eventually make tough choices as they grow, and providing spiritual and emotional support.
This is all accomplished by the wonderful support of the entire congregation, the hard-working RE staff and volunteers and skillfully managed by our Family Minister, the ironic schmoozer himself, Rev. Roger.
We are fair share givers, we have increased our pledge this year and we plan on continuing as UUSS members as a family for a very long time.
Filed under: Children and Youth, Family Ministry, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
These are some of Chalice Camp’s UU themes. We will bring back this week of learning and community building activities for members’ children, grades 1-6. In 2006 we had 18 kids and 4 Counselors (youth assistants) at UUSS. Our hardworking leaders recall that it was a great bonding experience for the congregation’s kids. Activities include circle groups, worship, lunch, arts, theater, discussion, and enough free-choice activities for either the pensive or the exuberant. Your kid will come home worn out and satisfied. Bring your own lunch; we’ll provide snacks.
CAMP DIRECTOR: Family Minister.
REGISTRAR: RE Assistant.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS: Jeannine and JoLane from the Religious Education Committee.
TRAINER/CONSULTANTS: Bonnie and Liz (co-director and RE staffer from UUSS Chalice Camp 2006).
CAMP COUNSELORS: Trained UU teenagers and UU young adults (college age). Stipend for five days of camp service plus a mandatory day of advance training: $450. Counselors-in-Training from grades 7-8 will be accepted; no stipend.
VOLUNTEERS: We are arranging lead and special-activity volunteers and hiring teenage camp counselors.
SCHEDULE: The camp is July 25-29 from 9-5. (Extended care 8:30-5:30 for $50 fee.) Registration deposit of $75 is due by June 5; the deposit is refundable only if we are not able to run the camp.
COST: Early-bird cost: $200 per child from pledging households, plus $170 for each additional child from the same family. Partial financial assistance is available. For children of those who are not members or pledging friends, the cost is $300 per child; it will be refunded only if we do not have space. After the June 5 deadline, add $25 per child. Fee includes Chalice Camp tee-shirt, fridge magnet (with the themes as written at the top and Chalice Camp pencil set), so be sure to put the child’s tee-shirt size on your application.
Contact Volunteer Coordinator and advance organizer Jeannine at jrnewcum@att.net or (916) 434-5586 with questions. Pick up a brochure and registration form at the RE Welcome Table or contact the RE Assistant and Camp REgistrar at miranda@uuss.org. Senior-high youth (grades 10-12) and college-age young adults (18-22): Applications to be Camp Counselor are due Sunday, May 22.
For detailed content information on this model, see the Chalice Camp creators’ website: www.chalicecamp.org
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Stewardship & Finances, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views, UUA General Assemblies | Tags: Church Board, Congregational Meeting, election, Lay Leadership expectations, Trustees, volunteer time
April’s UNIGRAM newsletter listed nominees for election to various leadership groups at the church. Congratulations to the Nominating Committee! Congrats to the nominees, and thank you for agreeing to serve.
After election at the May 22 Congregational Meeting, these folks will join teams consisting of newer and long-term members, bringing a mix of experience, new ideas, enthusiasm, creativity, imagination—and the ability to listen.
I want to offer my own expectations of lay leadership and of ourselves as we support lay leaders. This is based on 15 years of ministry and 25 as a UU.
Leaders are involved and present in church life. This includes Sunday services and coffee hour and other times of fellowship and work. That’s because listening and reflecting together can be done only if we are present with one another. “Taking the pulse” of a community is a hands-on activity.
Leaders strive to assume good will on the part of everyone, until behaviors reveal harmful effects or intentions. Leaders gain insight when they take a “systems” perspective of things that are going on—remembering our church history, recognizing its culture, and knowing when we must challenge that culture.
Leaders appreciate that not everybody is a long-timer, or knows how things happen around here. People are busy and do not notice every Blue Sheet article or email blurb. We all need clear and frequent communication, and reminders. And forgiveness when we forget.
Leaders work for “The Good of the Whole”—that is, the health of the whole community, the quality and effectiveness of its programs and activities, and the helpfulness of its policies, rules, and practices. How will a decision bring us toward our mission and goals?
Here are my expectations for the rest of us: Assume good intentions on the part of our lay leaders. Thank them for their service. They are giving UUSS… many volunteer hours, attention, active listening, openness to questions and suggestions, creativity, and risk-taking.
Read the newsletter, Blues Sheet, Weekly Email, as often as we can. Come to church. Hang around. Give generously to the programs and outreach of the congregation. Get connected. And, think about how you might give back some time in support of UUSS.
Yours in service,
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Church Finances and Stewardship, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: budget, business meeting, congregational decisions, democracy, elections, finances, furlough, staffing, stewardship, thinking together
[This was mailed to members of UUSS this week. The original notice of the congregational business meeting appeared in earlier newsletters, but this is more detailed about current challenges and issues for the meeting. It includes the agenda. My ministerial memo to the board will soon be posted on this blog. Thanks for your engagement in these important issues!]
May 2, 2011
Dear Members of UUSS,
We invite you to our annual congregational meeting May 22 at 11:15 a.m., following the 10 a.m. service. (Note that May 22 begins the single 10 a.m. Sunday service for the summer.) Enclosed you will find the agenda.
Our sixth Unitarian Universalist principle promotes “the use of the democratic process within our congregations.” This Annual Meetings is one of the ways we include the congregation in important decisions, accomplishments, and directions of the church as well elect our officers, board members, and other elected offices.
The board has been working hard this year to implement our strategic directions for “Building the Future:” 1) Long range plans and improvements to building and grounds; 2) Ministry to children and families; and 3) Strengthening connections with new and existing members. Integral to all of our discussions and decisions is our ability to fund the goals of our congregation.
The Board is asking for your input with the hard work of balancing our budget, which is an expressed goal of both the board and the congregation. While we are still receiving pledge cards from friends and members, early results indicate strong generosity from year to year.
However, the difference between fully funding our budget and the contributions that have been pledged for the next church year is $93,000. At present we cannot balance the budget and meet all of our commitments for the next church year. The Board has considered ways to trim the budget that could bring us close to balanced. But some of these are controversial. We need your input. Here are some options to consider:
- Should we fully or partially fund our membership dues to the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Pacific Central District? Or fund them not at all? Currently they are budgeted at a fraction of the full-funding level.
- Should we seek ways to cut back on staff?
- Should we consider accepting Rev. Doug Kraft’s offer of taking a month-long furlough from his Lead Ministry duties without pay?
- Currently Rev. Roger Jones is on a yearly contract with us. Should we continue this relationship? Or should we follow up on his openness to end his ministry with us in December, and plan how to operate programs in his absence?
- Should we increase fundraising efforts—have more fundraising events, a direct appeal for member and friend donations, or a supplemental pledge drive?
A group of Trustees will be at church to receive input and answer your questions after the 11:15 a.m. service on Sunday, May 15th in the Fahs room. Then the Board of Trustees will elaborate further on these issues and ask for your decisions at the May 22 meeting.
We face important decisions. Please think about them, discuss them with other members, and come to the meeting with ideas for how we can best serve the greater good.
Thank you for making our congregation a vibrant and growing church family. Together we will make decisions that will help us to meet our common goals and for UUSS to flourish.
Namasté,
Tina C.
President
[if you do not have her email address, you may post questions or feedback as "comments" on this blog.]
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Church Finances and Stewardship
Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento
Congregational Meeting
11:15 to 1:15 p.m., May 22, 2011
- Approve minutes from the October 2010 Congregational Meeting
- Congregational update
- Building the Future – update on the long range plan
- UUSS property, buildings and grounds
- Ministry to children and families
- Connections with new and existing members
- Ministry report
- Membership Connections report
- Model of church governance
- Pledge drive 2011-12 update
- Budget discussion and vote
- Board election
10.Announcements, comments, questions
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Social Action & Social Justice, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views, UUA General Assemblies | Tags: congregational polity, delegates, denominational meeting, District Assembly, immigration, PCD, standing on the side of love
I was anything but cranky to have a full complement of delegates from our church at the annual meeting of the congregations that make up the Pacific Central District of the Unitarian Universalist Association. I was there, along with staffers Carole and Eric, lay leaders Ginny and Seya, brand new member Ray, AND… musician and lay leader Erika and her mellow minister husband.
The most moving and striking parts for me were testimonies about immigration as a moral issue. We heard the testimony of four Californians who went to Phoenix for the Day of Non-Compliance, to opposed the anti-immigration legislation on the day it took effect in July (when locking arms and sitting down in an intersection required pads to protect against 140-degree pavement). Their stories of the humiliating overnight jail stay were incredible, and the grateful reception by local community activists was moving.
The UUA General Assembly in 2012 will take place in Phoenix. At last year’s GA delegates debated whether to cancel it and support the tourist boycott of Arizona. But at the invitation of local activists, we will go to Phoenix and make it a Justice General Assembly–little business as usual, and a lot of learning, connecting, and witnessing to our values. We will support local allies in Standing on the Side of Love on behalf of immigrant families. If you are interested our curious about going next year, please see the resources available at this link.
Also, keep alert for an Adult Enrichment course here in the fall, Immigration as a Moral Issue. Our UU church in Walnut Creek will host a district workshop on the same issue on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011. At the General Assembly in Charlotte this June I will learn more about next year’s Justice GA.
During another workshop, I heard statistics and stories from a UU immigration lawyer, two ministers, and a college student from South Korea about the perils of crossing the border from Mexico and the struggles of kids who are brought here on tourist visas by their parents and then grow up with expired visas, no social security number, and no security or true home. The DREAM act is an effort to let them attend college here after growing up here.
Opening night worship was embodied and musical, with a band for accompaniment and lots of PCD clergy involved. The sermon was given by Rev. Vail Weller, a lifelong UU, age 40 with two kids, reflecting on the heritage and giving her visions for our future. (Knowing and saying what we are FOR rather than what we are AGAINST in religious matters, and raising our profiles in outreach and welcome and our voices in praise and protest.)
I enjoyed an Afghani dinner out on Friday with Eric and Seya (Fremont is the Afghani capital of the USA). At Saturday breakfast I sat with a colleague and coach, and went out for a cheap lunch with 2 other UU religious educators (3 men, 1 woman!). At dinner I sat with Ray and Seya, and the Rev. Sonya Sukalski, a staff member from the UU Legislative Ministry of California.
The weekend was the 50th anniversary of the merger of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America. We had a morning address by Dr. Mark Morrison Reed, author of Darkening the Doorways: Black Trailblazers and Missed Opportunities in Unitarian Universalism. He’s another lifelong UU (from Chicago), and now is a minister in Canada. One great line from his talk: “It’s easy to protest. We [religious liberals] have always been better at moral outrage than outreach.”
See a 2010 Cambridge Forum lecture about Mark’s book In-Between: Memoir of an Integration Baby at this link. He has a good story about a roadside encounter with a CHP officer.
Our dinner address was by Dr. Bill Schulz, the youngest president of our denomination (1985-93) and former head of Amnesty International. Here is a recent article about the intervention in Libya, from the UU Service Committee website. Bill is now the president of UUSC. He grew up as a UU in Pittsburgh.
All of your UUSS delegates were attentive and thoughtful voters at the PCD Annual Business Meeting, which wasn’t too long or inappropriately contentious. Indeed the meeting conveyed a new sense of common purpose and visionary work for future growth and health.
My October newsletter column talks about the services we have received from the PCD and the support we have provided: volunteer time, use of our facility, and payment of dues. It doesn’t feel good that we are one of the churches not currently paying our dues at the requested rate. (Indeed, nationwide last year the UUA (our denomination) lost over $1 million. Endowment revenue fell even more. Most of the program and staff reductions that must happen already have taken place. Nevertheless, most congregations can count on supportive and responsive services by staff and volunteer committees of the UUA and the district.
The variety of workshop topics was appealing, and I’ll let our other UUSS staff and member delegates add their own words about memorable moments or insights gained at the assembly.
Your comments are welcome too! Just give it a click and gives us your thoughts.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation | Tags: apocalpyse, armageddon, end of the world, May 21, prophecy, rapture, start of the summer worship schedule
Don’t forget we shift to our summer schedule this Sunday, if we are still here. We have one service and RE at 10 AM and the Congregational Business Meeting at 11:17ish. We start the service by thanking our RE volunteers.
If, dear reader, you landed here concerned about “prophecy” and “Armageddon” and “apocalypse” and “rapture,” and the silly man who said the world would end in 1994 and now says it will end with an earthquake this Saturday, then Pastor Cranky recommends to you his old sermon “This Is the Way the World Ends.”
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Church Finances and Stewardship | Tags: budget, business meeting, congregational democracy, Congregational Meeting
[Note: Our May 22 congregational meeting included election of new Board, Program Council and Nominating Committee members, as well as the Communications Facilitator. We heard updates on the Long Range Plan, "Building the Future," and gave an overwhelming vote to affirm (and continue working toward) all three major goals.
[We had a Treasurer's update and an update from the current Stewardship Chairperson. After much discussion on the Budget Proposal for the 2011-12 fiscal year, the meeting was continued by the President and the meeting will resume after the 10:00 AM service on Sunday, June 12. It is likely to be a much shorter meeting!
The Board will take into consideration all the suggestions, ideas, opinions and testimonials as it prepares a Budget Proposal, which will be the only remaining business. Since the meeting, several Members and Friends have raised their pledges for the coming fiscal year. Thank you! The Board will also consider the latest tally of this increase in projected income as it works on the proposal. Below you can read the opening remarks by Tina C., our current (and re-elected) president. See you on June 12!]
Board President’s Remarks to the Congregational Meeting
Get settled in your seats and close your eyes if you’d like.
Think of the first time you came to UUSS.
Walking through the parking lot. Passing through people on the patio.
Entering the door into the sanctuary.
What did you see?
What did you hear?
How did you feel?
Now reflect for a moment on how you feel about this place and congregation today.
How is it a part of you? How are you a part of it?
My first visit to UUSS was with a friend and my five-year-old daughter – special friends. I loved the banners and the lines in the ceiling.
Now I usually come alone but look forward to seeing my many friends and acquaintances here.
***
I have reflected on my part in the church more frequently over the past year. I always seem to come to the same conclusion:
UUSS is a huge part of my life.
I am just one tiny part of this congregation.
I am one of hundreds who call this building their spiritual home.
And there are hundreds of persons who contribute to the well being of the congregation and our beautiful grounds and buildings — during the Sunday church service, throughout the week, for special events, committee meetings, and so on.
I am blessed to be among the many who contribute energy, time and money to make the church strong. I find that the more I give, the more I receive. Do you feel that way?
I am proud to serve on the Board of Trustees; to serve the congregation. Your faith and support of my abilities and contributions this year have touched my heart.
I want to thank all of you for your contributions over the years since you first arrived at UUSS to now.
Thank you for being here today.
We have important information to share and decisions to make together.
I want to share with you what the Board of Trustees has been doing.
- In August we adopted Board priorities in the areas of budgetary needs, UUSS’ church culture, the long range building plan, and our church’s size, growth and ways to strengthening our congregation.
- We committed to being “transparent” and inclusive in our actions and decisions.
- We worked closely with the Personnel and Fiscal Committees to get their input on our budget.
- We have been soliciting congregants’ input on the budget – what matters most to you and what it will take to have it (budget workshops, letters/em about our finances, posting fiscal reports and the proposed budget on the website.
We will be working on some heady issues in the coming months:
- Consider calling an associate minister. Roger has expressed his interest in being called to our congregation and we will follow UUA guidelines to evaluate this step and bring our recommendations to the congregation in early fall.
- The Board will continue the great work of the Personnel Committee and look at staffing configurations of other UU churches. We will be making recommendations on how our church might operate most efficiently.
- Finally, we will start the campaign and pledge drive earlier this year.
Bring your application/registration form and a check for the deposit to church this week or on Sunday. We have a good number of teens applying to work with us as Camp Counselors! Fun in the summer.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Church Finances and Stewardship, Stewardship & Finances
[While Pastor Cranky did not write it, he approves this message. In fact, he likes it a whole bunch!]
May 26, 2011
Dear Members of UUSS,
If you were with us for our congregational meeting last Sunday, thank you. If you weren’t, we want to let you know what transpired and that the meeting will be continued on Sunday, June 12, 2011, following the 10:00 AM service. Please plan to attend as we need your input and support for a balanced 2011-12 budget. Childcare will be available in Classroom 11.
At the congregational meeting we heard updates on the 2011-12 Pledge Drive and the UUSS long range plan, “Building the Future,” and elected new members to the Board of Trustees, Program Council and other positions.
The majority of the meeting was a robust discussion about the budget for 2011-12. The difference between a fully funded budget and the amount that has been pledged thus far is $93,000. The Board of Trustees worked closely with the Finance and Personnel Committees, obtaining input from members through numerous workshops, pledge drive conversations and communications through UUSS newsletters and correspondence to reduce the projected deficit to about $16,000.
Some of the items we’ve considered include salaries, Unitarian Universalist Association and Pacific Central District membership dues, Rev. Doug Kraft’s offer of taking a one-month furlough without pay, continuing our relationship with Rev. Roger Jones who is on a yearly contract with us, and increasing fundraising activities.
We appreciated the suggestions, questions and comments about line items and ways to decrease the deficit, raise revenue and attain a balanced budget for next year. Numerous members suggested increasing pledges to help resolve the deficit. It was awesome to hear several members at the meeting raise their pledge. Since then, more members have come forward to do so.
The Board of Trustees will use the congregation’s input and the latest income projections, including newly revised pledges, to craft and present a balanced budget to the congregation on June 12 for a vote. The current draft budget and the formal copy of this letter are posted on the UUSS website at: http://uuss.org/Misc/Governance in the section titled “Budget 2011-2012”; the final budget proposal will be posted on the website in that same location by June 3, 2011. You may obtain hard copies from the business office. Please think about the budget, discuss it with other members, and talk with our ministers and Board members. Most important, come to the June 12 meeting with ideas for how we can best serve the greater good. Together we will make decisions that will help us to meet our common goals and for UUSS to flourish.
Namasté
/s/Tina Chiginsky /s/Doug Kraft
President Lead Minister
/s/Cathy Whitney /s/Ginger Enrico
Treasurer 2011-12 Pledge Drive & Stewardship Campaign Chair
Read the President’s May 22 Remarks to the Congregation at this link.
Dear RE Volunteers,
Thank you for a great nine months! Your participation, presence, caring and creativity have made this a wonderful year in our Child/Youth Religious Education program, and I’m just talking about my own experience, not even that of the kids, teens or your fellow volunteers!
From Sunday morning class meetings to Feast Programs to the afternoon sex-ed Our Whole Lives courses, to evening sessions of Youth Coming of Age, to the Community Garden, UUSS Kitchen, Summer SHYG Week, RE Committee meetings and retreats, it was all full of heart and shared gifts. The high attendance and family appreciation are indicators of our success.
We raised your names in celebration at the worship service on May 22 and we brought gifts for each one of you who has helped.
Several of you need to come to church to pick up your thank-you gift.
It will die if you do not come and get it! (Yes, it’s a puppy.)
With joy,
Your Family Minister
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation
Invitations to Members and Friends–
(Greetings to those on the web: If you have not visited UUSS yet, please come on Sunday to register for any of these courses or ask questions.)
Adult Enrichment summer courses:
Saturday Morning Meditation Retreat with Doug and Rich–
Last one till September 10! Saturday morning, Gather to learn and practice the strategy taught by the Buddha. Instruction will be offered. Most of the time will be spent in silent sitting or walking meditation. New and experienced meditators are welcome. It takes place next Saturday, June 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm. at UUSS. No charge but donations will be welcome. Leaders: Rev. Doug Kraft and Rich Howard. Questions? Ask Doug.
UU Readers Monday night: A Book that Changed My Life and a Book to Read in Summer–What are some books that have changed your life? Choose one of them and bring it Monday. Give a brief testimonial about what it has been important in your growth, maturation, transformation, inspiration, sense of purpose, love of life, etc. What is a book you would like this group to read in the summer and discuss together at future meetings? Bring that book and give a 2-minute pitch for it as a group choice. We’ll choose titles for July-October meetings. All welcome to this new group! We meet 6:30-8:30 PM, Monday, June 13 in the UUSS Library. Interested in facilitating a future session? Please sign up for this group at the Adult Enrichment table so we have enough room! Questions? Let me know.
Soulful Sundown–Summer–a mid-week spiritual service begins–6:45 to 8:00 pm on Tuesdays, June 14, 21, 28 & July 5. This is not a class, but a worship-like group gathering. Structure is similar to that of many small-group ministry programs, with opening words, chalice lighting, silence, reading, spoken reflection and deep listening on the spiritual topic of the week. We will provide advance handouts a week in advance, or you can pick it up at Connection Central in the lobby. Sign up so they know how many chairs we need in the circle! Stop by this Sunday to find out more information or just show up on Tuesday the 14th a few minutes before 6:45 pm. We may meet outside if the weather permits, or in the Library/Bookstore or Lobby. Come to be replenished, to listen and to be listened to, bring your journey into sacred community. (And if you don’t drive after dark, note this will end at 8!) Open to teens if accompanied by parent/guardian. No cost or fee, but please sign up. Questions? Ask Carole.
Tuesday night’s Poetry Circle–At an early May gathering, we heard the words of great poets, from Mary Oliver to Maya Angelou, Alexander Pope to Billy Collins, Woody Guthrie to Walter Whitman. Jerry Hostler hosted the six UUSS members, some old, some new, who each brought two or three favorite poems. There’s room for even more. Come join us and make an early evening of it. We’ll do it again, probably in the library/bookstore, Tuesday, June 14, 6:30 – 8:00 PM.
Journal and Journey–starts Wednesday morning–This course invites group members to discover themes of our lives by writing journal reflections based on specific questions and inspiration from the group. Since the series was popular when offered in the middle of the prior church year, Carole is bringing it back for those who missed it or who have started attending UUSS since then. Never written in a journal? This is a great way to start, with the non-critical partnership and support of a group. Journal & Journey starts Wednesday morning, June 15, 9:30 to 11:30 AM at UUSS. Fee is $15 for the 4 session course, payable to UUSS. Please sign up at Connection Central. Questions? Contact carole@uuss.org
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction– Find out how to reduce pain, anxiety & depression with “MBSR.”The multi-week course has already started, but have an interest in a future course, please stop by Connection Central and let our Adult Enrichment team know. (There will be a fee for this course. The leader is not a UUSS volunteer but a certified MBSR teacher, so we are paying for this valuable course.)
God and Spiritual Consciousness–Doug’s 4-part sermon series on God has generated a lot of conversation and interest. Would you like a book version of the sermons, with a new introduction, a transcription of some of the dialogue that took place during those services, and a forward by the family minister? More news to come!
Other Activities:
Gen-X / Boomers–a UUSS Fellowship Group–If you are from the Baby Boom or Generation X and have been to at least one Sunday service, please know you are welcome to attend. If you have yet to visit a service, then show up this Sunday to meet the leaders. This UU group will be hosting River Cat Baseball for the entire congregation, June 12. More below. Next social meeting for fellowship, check-in and planning will held on June 13 at 7:00 pm at UUSS. This social group has many other events happening. Questions? Contact Gen X Boomers
The annual All-Church Family Camp is June 17-19. This Sunday is the last day to register and pay for your tent or dorm space!
Ways We Reach Out:
1) The red grocery cart in the Lobby or patio area says Together We Share. We join together in contributing personal care items and non-perisable food items.
4) Every Sunday we give half of our monetary offering to an organization doing important work out in the world. In June, we give half the plate to the UU Legislative Ministry of California. There are 13 statewide UU advocacy networks around the 50 United States. Guess which one was the first! That’s right, 10 years ago, here in Sacramento, UULM was founded.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Dear Members and Friends,
Thank you all for your help with this year’s budget, including thoughtful participation in the May 22 Congregational Meeting. We will continue the meeting this Sunday after the 10:00 service in order to finalize our congregational budget for 2011-12.
Since the meeting many people have raised their pledges. Several angels have raised their pledges by $250 to $1000. Many more have raised by amounts from $5 a month to $250 a year. And many people have made one-time gifts on top of their pledge. Our total pledges for the coming year are over 2% larger than last year. Thank you all for your generosity! We are much closer to a budget that does not include staff cuts or furloughs.
If you’ve been thinking about raising your pledge or making a one-time donation but haven’t done so yet, it would help if we knew before the weekend. This will help in our final budget considerations in our congregational meeting after church. No amounts are too large. And none are too small as they show you are involved in ways you can. All gifts are valued and appreciated. Please email Michele Ebler michele@uuss.org with any change in your pledge or any gift you would like to make. Or you may download a pledge revision form at this link.
We know these are difficult times for many people. Your support of our religious community is heartwarming.
Your Board of Trustees,
Filed under: Adult Enrichment and Group Meetings
Soulful Sundown–a mid-week spiritual service on Tuesdays–Soulful Sundown, a Spiritual Service: 6:45 to 8:00 pm on Tuesdays, June 21, 28 & July 5. This is not a class, but a worship-like group gathering. Structure is similar to that of many small-group ministry programs, with opening words, chalice lighting, silence, reading, spoken reflection and deep listening on the spiritual topic of the week. We will provide advance handouts a week in advance, or you can pick it up at Connection Central in the lobby. Sign up so they know how many chairs we need in the circle! Stop by this Sunday to find out more information or just show up on Tuesdaya few minutes before 6:45 pm. We meet outside if the weather permits, in Fahs or another room if not.
Come to be replenished, to listen and to be listened to, bring your journey into sacred community. (And if you don’t drive after dark, note this will end at 8!) Open to teens if accompanied by parent/guardian. No cost or fee, but please sign up. Offered by Carole Czujko.
Tuesday night Poetry Circle–There’s room for YOU– July 12. We’ve heard the words of great poets, from Mary Oliver to Maya Angelou, Alexander Pope to Billy Collins, Woody Guthrie to Walter Whitman. Jerry Hostler hosts members, friends and guests. Bring two or three favorite poems. There’s room for even more. Come join us and make an early evening of it.
UU Readers Book Group July 19, 6:30 PM:
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by journalist Rebecca Skloot.
Please sign up for this group at the Adult Enrichment table so we have enough room!
Have a book to request that we read and discuss? Interested in facilitating a future session? Let me know. Use the COMMENTS function here!
Filed under: Adult Enrichment and Group Meetings, Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Church Finances and Stewardship, Family Ministry, Sermons and a Whole Lot More, Stewardship & Finances, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
Not only is it humbling to be asked if your sermon can go into the magazine of the UU church with the largest number of members around the globe (the Church of the Larger Fellowship), it’s even more humbling to see all of the heavy-hitters whose writings are in the same issue. Thanks!
Money, Anxiety and Abundance — July/August 2011. This is an edited version of a sermon given some time back at church. If you have comments, reflections, or questions, join the conversation here with the “Comments” link. Or see if there is a conversation with other UUs on www.uua.clf.org.
Filed under: Children and Youth, Church Finances and Stewardship, Family Ministry
To read this brief article from Parents.com, click this link. Let us know your thoughts and experiences on this topic by submitting COMMENTS in the section here on my blog (not on parents.com).
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Stewardship & Finances
LGBTQ Unitarian Universalists (plus straight allies from our staff and membership) got up and out early on a rainy Saturday to march and to “stand on the side of love” for Sacramento’s annual Pride Parade. Music Director Eric Stetson led us in song, and small crowds cheered our banners as we sloshed by them.
Then people took turns staffing the UUSS booth at the Pride Fair, along with the other gay-affirming faith communities. My drenched feet and I held out till 1:30, then went home for a cat nap and wardrobe change. Thanks to Diane & Jean for staffing the booth for the duration and Eric for his enthusiastic explanations of Unitarian Universalism to those who stopped by the booth.
A week later, with winter wetness behind us, the Youth Coming of Age’s teenage participants, their parents, siblings, adult mentors, and the two COA co-leaders gathered in one family’s back yard for an evening cookout. Chatting, chowing and swinging on a swing set, the youth had clearly bonded with one another and with their mentors. Parents poured out their appreciation of the time and care given by the mentors.
Eating a big wedge of cake, I asked a third grader about the most fun thing of his school year. No hesitation from him: It was working on his school newspaper, interviewing classmates and writing stories. Name of the paper? “The Cougar Paw Print.”
After church on May 22 our members and trustees engaged one another with open minds and deep hearts at the Congregational Meeting. The Trustees trusted the congregation to share the challenge of our budgetary challenges and some painful options. The discussion was not easy, but always respectful. The meeting was continued for another day, June 12, for final discussion and a vote on the 2011-12 budget
By that meeting, many members and friends had stepped forward to make extra gifts and to raise their pledge commitments by $50, $250, $500 and a few thousand dollars. As a result: no furloughs, and full fiscal year ahead with vital programs to support us as we come together, deepen our lives, and promote healing in the world.
I love starting summer with memories and moments of inspiration. See you again on July 17.
Yours in service,
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Children and Youth, Sermons and a Whole Lot More, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
Dear Members, Families and Friends:
“An Invitation” is written so that you may copy and then paste it into an email or your Facebook status. This makes it easy to invite a friend or neighbor to attend a service with you (and invite their kids to check out our Children’s Religious Education program). We find that most of our visitors try us out because somebody has invited them! I think both the service and RE program this week would be a very good introduction to UUSS.
An Invitation–The Cosmic Force of Love
This Sunday (August 7) my congregation has a special service with a special guest minister.
“The Cosmic Force of Love” is the title of the Rev. Chris Bell’s sermon. It’s inspired by “The Universe Is a Green Dragon,” by physicist Brian Swimme. The message will consider how the Divine is revealed in the physics of the cosmos, and what gravity, galaxies and black holes can teach us about the purpose of our lives. Chris comes highly recommended by our two ministers, Doug and Roger, who have known him since he became the minister of the UU church in Santa Rosa. Before studying for the ministry at Harvard Divinity School, Chris worked in the restaurant business and in wine sales. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, he discovered a UU church in his 20s. Our service is at 10:00 AM at 2425 Sierra Blvd. It’s a good idea for guests to come 10-15 minutes early to find your way through the parking lot, receive a name tag, and find a good seat. Please hang around afterwards for refreshments and conversation, if you like. The congregation enjoys getting to know our guests. Our website is: www.uuss.org.
…
Religious Education for Children: Guests are welcome to visit our Summer ArtWorks! program. August 7 to 21, we have Story Time Yoga (a cool program led by Michelle, a mother of two kids in the church). No need to bring equipment for this. Teens are welcome to participate (and assist!) or to stay in the services. (We also have nursery care for ages 0 through 5 with two paid care providers in Classroom 11, but your baby is welcome in the service or the nearby Baby Comfort Room, in our Bookstore.) Kids are welcome to enjoy refreshments or the playground after the service. Note: after church on Aug. 21, we have the Swan Brothers balloon circus here for an annual show of fun and funny forms. All families welcome to that show.
- – - -
Now back to the regular Weekly Message:
Activities in Our UU Community
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SUNDAY after service and RE: Are you interested in finding out about what your fellow UU’s said in the master planning questionnaire? Or how this information, as well as the focus group information is guiding the development of the master plan? If so, plan on staying around after the service on August 7 to hear members of UUMPF and architect Jeff Gold lead a discussion on this topic. Discussions like these are an important part of the continued ‘fine tuning’ of this process. Questions? Contact Barbara Gardner.
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TONIGHT: U-Tunes Instrumentalists tonight and every Friday–We begin our gathering at 6:30 pm. Come a little early if you want to get some extra practice in and help set up. We will have five minutes to perform at the August 19th first ever Shindig at the Hex. We will play Simple Gifts and the Five Foot Two Medley for the Shindig. Please come to practice whether or not you can perform at the Shindig — all musicians, including singers, are always welcome! –Joan Rubenson
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TONIGHT: Interweave dinner/swim party - for GLBTQ Unitarian Universalists & Allies — August potluck meeting. Remember to bring your swim suit/shorts and a towel! Swim Party and Potluck Supper 6:00 PM Friday, August 5, at Linda Killick’s and Cathy Whitney’s home. Please RSVP to them for directions and to get an idea as to what food to bring. Send an e-mail or telephone them; their number is in the UUSS directory.
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TOMORROW POTLUCK DINNER/DISCUSSION: This Saturday, August 6-4-6 PM, our congregation’s Earth Justice/Green Sanctuary team invites you to a celebratory potluck dinner and discussion to celebrate the 40 Day Challenge. It will take place in Anne Bandy’s lovely garden & pool in Carmichael. Contact Barbara Hopkins with questions. If you are coming, please respond by or calling Ann Bandy at 916-486–8397. Her address is in the Member/Friend Directory, but she or Barb can tell you. Everyone interested in Earth Justice issues is welcome, but RSVP. Come learn about the challenges of changing personal goals, such as Meatless Monday to Carbonless Transit. Share your ideas for future Earth Justice programs, including the world wide September 24th www.350.org.
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SUNDAY AFTER CHURCH: See first listing, above!
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LATER ON SUNDAY: 25th Annual Peace Event– No more Hiroshimas. No More Nagasakis. Sunday, August 7, 2011, 4–6pm (Doors open AT 3:30 PM for browsing displays)/ Secretary of State Auditorium, 1500 11th St., Sacramento. Free parking across the street, close to public transit.
4–6 pm: Program: • Hibakusha Jack Dairiki, a survivor of the atomic bombings of August 1945. People like Mr. Dairiki have played a critical role in arms reduction.
• The story of “Sadako and the Thousand Cranes” performed by the Crane Culture Theater.
• Music, poetry—and more—in this inspirational family program
For more information: contact UUSS member Patricia Pratt at (916) 482-3018. Or this website: www.AugustPeaceEvent.org. Free admission. Donations welcome.
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MONDAY: Yoga Easy class continues at 6:30 PM.
Need to register for this class! See Adult Enrichment section below.
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TUESDAY: More room in the Poetry Circle — For a relaxing summer dusk, why not join the easy evening hosted by Jerry Hostler, probably in Room 12. Typically, each person brings a few favorite poems, simple or complex, new or classic, by any poet you like. We have plenty of room for you, and we make an early evening of it. We’ll do it again, Tuesday, August 9, 6:30 – 8:00 PM. No cost for this group. For questions, contact JoAnn Anglin.
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TUESDAY: UU History: Our Global Garden. Need to register!
For this class, see the Adult Enrichment section, below.
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WEDNESDAY morning: Opportunity Reflection Group (ORG)–Last week I was privileged to be invited to facilitate this weekly group and hear of the challenges facing those who are out of work, looking for work, and maintaining their spiritual grounding and courage. It is not a networking group, though sometimes good ideas do come up. It’s for support and reflection in a confidential setting. They suggested that I extend the invitation to those who may not have heard about “ORG.” It meets from 10:00 AM until 11:30 or so. Come a bit early if you have not been there before, and contact Carole Czujko with questions.
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WEDNESDAY night: UUSS Generation X & Baby Boomers– A UU Group for Fellowship, Fun and Connection– Join us for our regular monthly meeting of UU members and friends in their 40s and 50s on Wednesday, August 10 at 7:00 pm at the church. We’ll check in, socialize and plan future events. Generation X/Boomers also announces its August party event: Saturday 8/20 at 5:30 pm. Contact Rosemary Madruga with any questions.
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WEDNESDAY night: Choir Practice at 7:00 PM. Music Director Eric Stetson invites you to consider joining the Starr Singers. Contact him at this link. And don’t forget Eric’s open-mic coffee house on Friday, August 19, Shindig at the Hex!
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THURSDAY: Auditions for “The Laramie Project” at UUSS– Theater One, our church’s own community theater company, has chosen “The Laramie Project” for its fall play and scheduled it for the first three weekends in November. T-1 will hold auditions Thursday, August 11, and Tuesday, August 16, at 7:00 PM. Our member Mike Erwin is directing. Casting will be from a cold reading of the script. Auditions are open to everyone, not just members & friends. I’ve head there are a number of roles suitable for young adults, so spread the word.
The play consists of character sketches of the townspeople of Laramie,WY, where the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student, occurred, and a lot of the performances are essentially monologues delivered to the audience.
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2 WEEKS FROM TONIGHT: – Shindig @ the Hex!–Friday, August 19– 7:00 PM–Our first open-mic/concert evening event has been confirmed! Spread the word and save the date, come on out for great performances of music, original poetry, comedy, and more along with our inaugural headliner: Brady McKay! Open-mic sign-ups will open two weeks prior to the event (August 5th), so get your acts ready and sign up early, spots will be limited. Tickets at the door: $10 general audience, $5 for open-mic performers, children 12 and under free. Proceeds support the UUSS general fund. For more information contact Eric Stetson, Music Director.
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Activities outside UUSS:
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Sing-along “Wizard of Oz” at Crest Theater, Saturday afternoon, Aug. 13. Doors open at 1 PM for Oz Karaoke in the Lobby. Movie at 2 PM. For prices, etc., click this link.
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The Fire Spectacular--Saturday, August 13, in Sacramento’s William Land Park: Live music 5-8 PM, Fire Dance Show, 8-10 PM. I am so sorry to miss this once-a-year show, since I know at least two fire-dancing, music-making and fire-eating artists. (I will be in Denver.) It will be family-friendly and safe (for spectators, anyway): Find out more at
www.sacredfiredance.com/FireSpectacular
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No More Fish to Eat? The documentary film “The End of the Line” explores the devastating effect that overfishing is having on fish stocks and the health of our oceans. Sunday, August 14, at The Guild Theater in Sacramento. Admission only $5. Click this link to find out more. We’re sure a number of Green Sanctuary/Earth Justice folks from UUSS will be there.
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Adult Enrichment summer courses at UUSS:
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UU Readers Book Discussion Group will meet August 30, 6:30-8:30. The book is ”A Visit From the Goon Squad” by Jennifer Egan. More info at my blog. Jim Glidden facilitates. Here is a New York Times book review.
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The Wednesday Afternoon Women’s Group meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 2-4 pm each month. All women are welcome, you need not be a member. No cost. Contact Carole with questions.
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Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) will be offered again starting with an introductory session on Monday, September 19. There will be both an afternoon ( 1:00-3:30 pm ) course and an evening course ( 6:00-8:30 pm ) offered. After the introductory session, the course will meet weekly for 8 sessions, except for October 31, and there will be one all day session on November 5. The fee is $100 plus $30 for materials. Scholarships are available.
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Chair Yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting in a chair, or standing using a chair for support. Class includes eye exercises , breath exercise and meditation. Sign up for upcoming September sessions, which will be on either Monday or Wednesday morning. Sign up at the Adult Enrichment table!
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Wednesday Walkers and Talkers meet first at Panera Bread, at Howe and Northrup, for coffee/juice at 8:00 AM then walk at 9 AM. Please sign up if you are interested in joining this group, or please call Ray Reynolds at 916-254-3516 to confirm your participation.
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STARTS TUESDAY: UU history in other countries: Roots and Branches: Our UU Global Garden –with the Rev. Roger Jones on 2 Tuesdays, Aug. 9 & 16. Let’s take a look at our families in faith in other parts of the globe. In Transylvania, Unitarianism began in the 1560s and churches still proclaim, in Hungarian, God is one! Come learn about Muslim Ottoman contributions to the Unitarian king’s law of inter-religious tolerance. We’ll look at Poland and England before the 1800s, India in the 1900s, and the Universalist Church of the Philippines, founded in 1955. We might also visit UUs in Pakistan or Burundi. We’ll see that there’s not one way to be a religious liberal. Cost: $10, free up to age 25. Register at Connection Central.
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Adult Enrichment Class: “Immigration As a Moral Issue”
This series of classes will be led by Barbara Gardner and Kathy Olson and will meet over six consecutive Tuesday evenings beginning on September 6, from 7 – 9 PM . Immigration is now – and often has been – a hot and complicated political and economic issue in this country. It’s also a moral issue, addressed by the world’s religious traditions, ethical teachers, and the UN. Engaging with it calls for the use of reason, compassion and a willingness to learn and to listen to those with whom we may or may not agree. The topic was chosen for denomination-wide study and action by delegates to a past General Assembly of the UUA. Good resources come from the UUA’s Commission on Social Witness and Standing on the Side of Love campaign. Although the course cannot be comprehensive, it is a good start at understanding a complex and timely issue that involves all of us. There will be reading assignments prior to each class and much of the class time will be spent in group discussion. The course fee is $15 and scholarships are available. Sign up or find out more at the Adult Enrichment table.
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All-Ages and Abilities Fencing Class–Fight less, fence more.
Coming Tuesday evenings in September with Elizabeth Leonard and Douglas Leonard. Cost will be $5 per week for adults and $2 per week for a child. Equipment provided!
(Maximum 20 individuals, but more openings may be available later through… attrition. –Pastor Cranky). Really, it will be fun AND safe!
Visit the Adult Enrichment table for more information and to register.
Remember: The family that parries together, stays together.
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God, Consciousness & Spiritual Literacy:
Looking at Our Lenses Together–
Adult Enrichment with the Rev. Doug Kraft on
4 Wednesdays, Aug. 31-Sept. 21, 2011.
From 6:00-8:00 PM–Sign up on Sundays at church
Doug’s spring sermon series on “God” spurred interest in further conversation on the issues of integral spirituality, consciousness, and the lenses through which we see matters of ultimate concern.
The course features reflective questions, discussion of points from the sermon, and further material Doug has gleaned from the works of Ken Wilbur. Please read the first two sermons (“God 1″ and “God 2″) before the first session. You can read or hear all the sermons at www.uuss.org(March 20 & 27, April 17, May 22).
Or you can get a new book of the four sermons (plus a new introduction, illustrations, and a transcription of dialogues from the “God” services), available soon from our Beacon Bookstore for $10.
The 4-session course fee is $25 ($10 up to age 25), payable to UUSS. Maximum 20 people. Sign up at and bring your check to Connection Central in the lobby after church. Registration continues till the class is full or until Homecoming Sunday, August 28.
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-for MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF UUSS-
Long-Range Plans now not so Long in the Future:
Come for Survey Results & Talk Aug. 7–
Find out what 134 members and friends had to say on the master planning survey! Learn how the survey (and the focus group information) will guide the development of the master plan. Stay around after the service on August 7t to hear members of UUMPF and architect Jeff Gold lead a discussion on this topic. Discussions like these are an important part of the continued ‘fine tuning’ of this process.
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Ways We Reach Out:
1) The red grocery basket in the Lobby or patio area says Together We Share. We join together in contributing personal care items and non-perisable food items.
2) Every Sunday we give half of our monetary offering to an organization doing important work out in the world. In July, we give half the plate to Family Promise. UUSS participates as one of the congregations which hosts Family Promise families 3-4 times each year. Sign ups for helping to host our next set of guests takes place on Sunday. Guest families will arrive Sunday evening, August 28. We especially need a few more folks willing to sleep overnight (on mattresses on the floor) in teams of two. Family Promise also needs a few fitted twin sheets and hand towels. Light colors, bleach-friendly, and hot-water-washable fabrics work best. –If you have some to donate, contact Dorothy Mitchell , 916-730-1099.
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Spiritual Grounding for Leadership– Doug Kraft will take this program into its third year this Fall. The program looks at areas in our life where spiritual grounding (being in touch with our deepest and highest aliveness) overlap leadership (helping a group of people do something). Curious as to what’s this about? Doug is away for a family vacation and retreat, so for more information look at the program description and application(http://www.uuss.org/Groups/Minister).
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Sermon Published–The UU Church of the Larger Fellowship brings together religious liberals from around the world and in remote parts of North America. CLF’s monthly newsletter is called Quest. In the current issue is a sermon I gave at UUSS, “Money, Anxiety, and Abundance.” You can see it or listen to a podcast at this link.
Also there is an article by the writer, singer, humorist and lecturer Meg Barnhouse, who might give a talk and concert here next spring, sponsored by the Betty Ch’maj Fund at UUSS.
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All Grown Up! Inviting HarvestFest/Auction Donations from our Congregation’s Adult Offspring
Did you grow up at UUSS? Do you have children who grew up here? Do those children (ages 18-80) have something they may donate? Or perhaps you have grown children who didn’t grow up here, but might be willing to help make our Oct. 29 Harvest Fest Fundraising Auction extra special. Need some ideas to start your thinking? So far, we’ve had offers of the following from UUSS kids or “former” kids:
- One has offered to do a pedicure.
- Another works at the Zoo and has offered a private tour.
- One is an accomplished film actress and will either have lunch with some lucky bidders or will offer up a talk to a group of aspiring actors.
- One has offered a photo shoot. And she knows how to shoot photos!
Surely there are kids– or former kids in your family or circle of friends–who could…
· Do a haircut and color for some lucky woman or man.
· Offer up a massage.
· Tutor a high schooler in the finer points of calculus.
· Teach someone to sail. Or kayak. Or canoe. Or dance. Or cook.
· Clean out a back yard. Organize a kitchen or study.
· Offer some nice piece of beadwork jewelry. Offer a large cash donation to be a HarvestFest sponsor!
Don’t think you don’t have any talent. Don’t let yourself believe you have nothing to offer. You do! This is a great opportunity to give back to your church community for having provided such wonderful experiences in Sunday School, OWL, YRUU, SHYG, or just coming to visit your friends and family and finding UUSS for the first time as a grown up.
Come on! Fill out one of those forms available at this link or in the office. Make yourself available for UUSS and help us meet our fundraising goal! You’ll feel good about it and everybody will have a good time on Oct. 29.
Thank you! For questions, contact one of the event co-chairs: Mary Howard or Chris Webb-Curtis.
During Clergy Absences…
For listening support, you may contact the Lay Ministry Team, ext. 250. The team will have our monthly confidential meeting this coming Tuesday, and we’ll keep you in our hearts as we gather. For visits, errands and other practical support, members and friends of UUSS may contact Friends in Deed.
The Office can get you contact information for both of these volunteer teams if you do not find it at www.uuss.org.
In an emergency, Office Assistant Linda Hoganson can reach a minister.
Who is going where?
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Staff: Religious Education Assistant Miranda Massa returns late Saturday from a vacation but will be here. Linda Hoganson, Carole Czujko and Armando Molina also are here this Sunday, and many volunteers will keep things going. Eric Stetson, our Music Director, is our accompanist and Emily Fisher provides special music. Eric has returned all fired up from attending his first conference of the UU Musicians Network.
We extend our condolences to Lead Minister Doug Kraft and his wife, Erika, on the recent death of his brother’s wife. They are in New Jersey for the funeral.
I will be preaching this Sunday at the UU Church of Berkeley, in exchange for the Mother’s Day sermon here at UUSS by Barbara Hamilton Holway (but I won’t do any liturgical dancing in exchange for Sarah Bush’s dancing at that service. You’ll have to pay her for that again. And you can’t pay me enough!). I will be gone next Wednesday till Aug. 10– in Denver for my nephew’s wedding.
If you travel or have other summer activities, bring back a few ounces of water representing that activity or place, for our August 28 Gathering of the Waters homecoming services.
Take care of yourselves.
Yours in faith,
Roger Jones, family minister
PS–The August Unigram newsletter is now posted at our website.
Pastor Cranky now posts on his weblog on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Please create or join a conversation on the weblog by using the “Add Comment” button.
DID YOU MAKE A NOTE of this? Sunday, August 28–we move back to having 2 worship services (9:30 and 11:15) and when we have our water communion ingathering ritual.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Comparative Religion, General Assembly 2011 in Charlotte, International | Tags: Egypt, gay rights, humanity, Islam, New York City, travel, UUA
{An edited and version of this appears in the August church newsletter. I received a helpful reply by email from a church member about one of the assumptions I make in this article. I have copied her reply and posted it as a comment to this post.}
So Far Apart, Yet So Close to Our Basic Humanity
A highlight of late-night General Assembly socializing in Charlotte was chatting in a hotel bar as the TV showed CNN coverage of New York State’s legislature’s approval of marriage equality for same-sex couples. The whole bar applauded.
After GA I visited friends– I hiked the Appalachian Trail for a full hour, took a history tour by trolley of Asheville, ate locally grown or fished food in cool cafes, and picked a quart of black currants from their back yard, which one of my hosts baked into a pie.
Then on to New England, and New York City. The Amtrak ride from Providence to New York was crowded with commuters and post-July 4 vacationers. I admired the finely tuned complexity of the NYC public transit system and complimented myself that I could re-learn it after a year’s absence.
New York has become a “green,” energy-conserving, pedestrian- and bike-friendly city. Crowds enjoyed themselves on sidewalks, in Central Park, and at plays and musicals. Me too! A friend’s son gave a tour of the floor where he works, midway up the Empire State Building. Great views all around. A new friend’s pal gave a tour of the underground loading docks at Rockefeller Plaza. Clean, enormous, fascinating. Cheaper than the observation deck.
I stayed my last two nights at the international youth hostel. Though large and busy, it was well kept. The teens and young adults were generally courteous and clean guests, and they were friendly to the odd older person, like me. But NYC doesn’t need an international hostel for variety. Ethnic, national and religious diversity teem on the streets.
On my way to a public bus to catch my plane home, a young woman street vendor at one of the ubiquitous chrome wagons charmed me into getting chicken gyros with rice, $4.99. I asked: “Is it Halal?”
“Al-ham du-lillah!” she said. (“Thanks be to God!”) “Yes, of course it is Halal. Are you Muslim?” (She had on head-covering, a baseball cap in pink. Her dad sat nearby.)
No, I said. (I didn’t explain that I’m Unitarian and concerned about factory farming cruelty, and that I assume Halal and Kosher meat wasn’t farmed that way. Hope I’m right!)
I asked, “Are you from here?” She said she was from Egypt but has been here 15 years, which I took to be more than half her life.
“Do you still have family there?” She said yes.
“Are they okay?” Yes, she said, they are.
“Are they happy?” Yes, she smiled: happy too.
“Well, God bless Egypt!” I said. She repeated this, and thanked me.
She handed me the bag of fresh hot food, and I headed for the bus, following her dad’s directions. She said, “Take care, my friend!” We human beings can be so far apart, yet we can get so close… to our basic humanity.
Yours in service,
P.S.—See Pastor Cranky’s summary of June’s General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations from Charlotte, NC. www.ironicschmoozer.wordpress.com.
Filed under: Uncategorized
This Sunday (August 14) my church has a special service led by a Buddhist meditation teacher who is also a member of our congregation. Rich Howard’s sermon is entitled: What is this “Letting Go”?
“Just let go,” we often hear. Let go of that old relationship, let go of old habits, let go of the need for approval. But what does letting go mean? When does it become denial? And who exactly is letting go?
Rich is a leader in Sacramento Insight Meditation and is a former president of our congregation, where he and his wife, Mary, raised their kids. All guests and visitors are welcome to hear his an exploration of this interesting and useful topic..
Our service is at 10:00 AM at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento, 2425 Sierra Blvd. It’s a good idea for guests to come 10-15 minutes early to find your way through the parking lot, receive a name tag, and find a good seat. Please hang around afterwards for refreshments and conversation, if you like. The congregation enjoys getting to know our guests. Our website is: www.uuss.org.
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Religious Education for Children: Younger guests are welcome to visit our Summer ArtWorks! program. August 14 and 21, we have Story Time Yoga (a cool program led by a mother of two kids in the church). No need to bring equipment for this, just loose-fitting clothes. Teens are welcome to participate (and assist!) or to stay in the services. (We also have nursery care for ages 0 through 5 with two paid care providers in Classroom 11, but your baby is welcome in the service or the nearby Baby Comfort Room, in our Bookstore.) Kids are welcome to enjoy refreshments or the playground after the service. Note: after church on Aug. 21, we have the Swan Brothers balloon circus here for an annual show of fun and funny forms. All families welcome to that show.
Filed under: Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified, Reflections
This is the title of an excellent post by Pastor Cranky’s nephew. It took him a long time to find a job when he finished his degree, and it wasn’t in his chosen field, advertising.
But he keeps up with trends and ideas in business, marketing strategy and advertising, and posts them to his blog.
Right out of college he was in Reconnaissance in the U. S. Marine Corps, and was company honor man in boot camp, and an Expert Marksman (score 241/250). His college graduation and job search were deferred by about 40 hours of brain surgery over the course of a year. Hence his message: Don’t give up!
Filed under: Adult Enrichment and Group Meetings, Poetry | Tags: California poet, Fresno, Levine, plain English, Poet Laureate
I heard this interview with Philip Levine (professor emeritus at Fresno State) this morning on the California Report. Read about it and see if you want to listen. We have a monthly poetry circle on the 2nd Tuesday night of the month. Folks bring in poems they like and read them to one another. Original poems welcome.
PS–I think, when he refers to his Fresno State students as failures, he means they may feel like failures or be seen as such because they are not in a top-ranked college, not that he thinks of them as true failure. Indeed, their grace is that they are not afraid to write poetry because they are not afraid to fail–and to be a poet one must be prepared to fail, especially in the first poems one writes.
….[S]ometimes quitting lets us create space to create the next thing. My career wasn’t going to be over just because I didn’t stick to the firm I had started, and built and led for 11 years.
While your story of wanting to quit will certainly differ from mine, I want to share this: just because you stop doing something doesn’t mean you are quitting. Sometimes it’s bravery to know it’s time to stop and walk away. Experiencing failure isn’t the same thing as failing. Letting go doesn’t mean you’re giving up. And stopping isn’t quitting; it is just a pause that lets you sort out where you’ll turn next. In our black-and-white, win-or-lose society, we admonish quitters and we celebrate survivors. But life is more nuanced than that.
When might it be your time to “quit”? I can’t answer that for you, but I can give you this as a guideline: You can quit things like businesses or projects if you know they are merely one means to your passion. You know if you’ve done your very best to make it work. But what you can’t quit is fighting for your purpose, and living, and finding new, more effective ways to bring forth your passions in the world. We can quit things, but what we can’t quit is fighting for our dreams.
The above is an excerpt from a Harvard Business Review article by Nilofer Merchant, which was cited by www.reconjones.com. Both Merchant’s personal story and my nephew’s story are heartfelt and rather harrowing.
Filed under: International, Magazine & Newspaper Articles, Politics, Elections, and Government, Social Action & Social Justice
I just read that there is a controversy about Newsweek’s Aug. 7 cover photo of Rep. Bachmann. If you go to that link you’ll read that many felt it was unfair because it traded in anti-female stereotypes and purposely made her “look crazy.” Well, I wasn’t even thinking of that! I do think her views are extreme, harsh, dangerous, irrational and out of sync with our country’s Constitutional and pluralistic traditions. I think she doesn’t have the experience to be President, but I’d never want her to be a mayor, let alone a Member of Congress! But unfortunately, she’s not more crazy than millions of other people who hold her views. I just don’t want her picture on Newsweek’s cover!
No, not when the same issue includes a great profile of Gloria Steinhem AND an excerpt from a forthcoming book about a brave Somali woman doctor. Here is my Letter to the Editor:
To the Editor:
You know how to sell magazines better than I do. Yet your August 15 cover photo of Rep. Michelle Bachmanm was a disappointing choice. She merely trades in falsehoods, fear and rage. The honor of your cover should have gone to Dr Hawa Abdi, the Somali who faced down fanatical boys with machine guns who shut down her hospital. Her story is one of true courage and principle. In the midst of war, fanaticism and famine, Dr. Abdi remains committed to treating sick women and starving children, and accepting thousands of refugees as her guests. What’s more brave than her demand for a written apology from the cruel thugs? That show of guts merits a cover story. And, in a fashion sidebar, you could have proclaimed that her colorful, graceful garments can set a trend more bold than flag pins and a sleeveless sheath.
[my name]
PS–all in all, it was a great issue! Gordon Brown, Jennifer Granholm, Jane Harman, Steinem AND Abdi!
Filed under: Advice, Family Ministry, Stewardship & Finances | Tags: couples communication, engagement, family finances, investment, money and marriage, newlyweds financial mistakes, stewardship
I received this blog link in a Vanguard mutual fund email. Misunderstandings about money are a major cause of stress in marriages and families.
And in the posting is a link to a Wall Street Journal article: The Financial Mistakes Newlyweds Make. If you’ve been married a while, and see some of those mistakes in hindsight, don’t despair. There’s no time like the present to start healthy conversations about money.
If you find this helpful–or unhelpful–please feel free to add your COMMENTS below.
Filed under: Eating Mindfully and Sustainable Agriculture, Family Ministry, Pastor Smiley Speaks, Travels | Tags: Denver, family gathering, vacation, wedding
Mile-High Vacation:
I flew to Denver Wednesday and stayed with nephew and his new wife, from Brazil. Her mom was visiting too. Bottom line: Great trip to meet my new niece-in-law and see my nephew so happy after so many challenges in his life. I stayed longer than 
the American tradition of 3 nights– but I was able to not only discern that his wife is genuine, sensitive, joyful, caring and strong–but also to fall in love with her myself. Learning a bit of Portuguese was icing on a very rich cake.
I slept on the narrow sofa in the living room. Not much room to turn around or roll over. Had a nice hike one evening on Dinosaur Ridge. After my brother and his wife arrived, we three guys went for a bike ride downtown, along a creek and up to the Platte river. Denver has lots of B-Cycle locations for bike sharing, where you put in a credit card and take a red bike for an hour or so, then put it back at another site.
We had great food. Mark grilled corn and wild coho salmon on their balcony. And his new mother in law was always cooking. (His wife doesn’t cook much, but she’s a housekeeper with a strong sense of order and cleanliness. This has basically revolutionized my nephew’s life.)
Dining Out:
Friday night I tried to pick a restaurant to treat them, one that I would also enjoy and feel good about (farm-to-table sustainability, strong hops in the local beer, etc). You know that a place is too hip for you when you call at 5 PM for reservations and they ask, “Which evening?” The place that Yelp (and I) had chosen first had nothing till 10:30, so I tried a sister restaurant. Their earliest was 9 PM, but they said we could come in and get on the waiting list, or try for the bar. So, after a lot of time-consuming family grooming, we hopped in the pickup truck and headed out. Parking it in a residential neighborhood was no easy chore, but he did.
Linger restaurant, in an old brick building, serves “global street food” at big-city American prices. Locally raised, sustainable, very tasty, with great Colorado beers on the menu. But the downstairs was packed, and on arriving at 8 PM I realized I should have taken the 9 PM reservation over the phone when I could have. Now added to the waiting list, we went upstairs to the bar. Big, crowded, and loud, with crowded big open-air tables overlooking the skyline and full moon. As I prepared to breach the crowd between us and the bar to order some drinks, I asked a bar manager about how one may grab a booth if it comes open in the bar area–sit down or sign up? “Like that one!” I said about a booth at window suddenly vacant.
He said, “Take it.” We were as close as possible to outside, and as far as possible from the middle of the din, and the menu offered the same thing we would have gotten downstairs. As it was, we ate a lot of small plates and left before our waiting list time would have elapsed.
Saturday night my retired big bro and I treated the gang to Cafe Brazil, a half hour outside the city. Most of us had seafood and/or chicken. Very rich food. Too much!
On my own, I enjoyed many snacks and easy times at Under the Umbrella Cafe, just a walk from their apartment, and next door to the little ice cream shop that makes all three flavors fresh daily: chocolate, vanilla, and flavor of the day. I borrowed Mark’s copy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, since he said it was about business and consumer culture. I’ll say. I’ll blog about it soon.
Church Going:
Sunday morning I walked 2.1 miles, thanks to Google maps, to the lovely tree-lined neighborhood where, at 14th and Lafayette, I found First Unitarian Society of Denver, where a friend who finished seminary when I did and attended extension ministry training with me is the minister.
It was only one of two UU churches in the whole metro area where a minister was preaching, and I’m glad it was the closest too. It was a beautiful service in many ways: welcoming and authentic tone, inclusive style, music to listen to and to sing along with, and a great sermon by Mike on the spiritual work of hospitality. Challenging to his congregation, but also affirming. And quite moving.
Results? A number of people DID speak to me afterward. Not sure if that was because of the sermon itself or because Mike introduced the clergy who were visiting and made us stand. It was a great surprise to see the District Executive and the Director of Congregational Life from the UUA, and to talk after the service.
August is a big month for church-visiting by those who are thinking of a spiritual home, so it’s good when the minister is present and when the programs, even if lay-led, are well-planned and delivered, so that all who come are fed, whether they are new or long timers.
Wedding-Celebration BBQ: After I walked back to Mark’s apartment we had a big meal of grazing all afternoon at their apartment, with a number of Mark’s close local friends (and his wife’s new friends), plus family. Ceviche (Brazil mom), grilled corn, guacamole (Indiana mom), salsa (Mark), grilled and marinated chicken, sausage, Brazilian “mayonesa” salad (potatoes etc.). All tasty. I didn’t touch the beer because I was going to do a brief ceremony for the couple. But everyone else was going through the beer fast, so I got the show on the road by 3. I had offered this ceremony to the couple and told her mom. Not sure if his folks expected it, but the other guests didn’t. (The couple had gotten legally married at the Denver court-house in December, but there were no guests or family present for that occasion.)
To be a little fancy we went inside from the hot balcony and stood in the empty dining nook in the kitchen. My quickest ceremony. Though I did have on a stole, it was also my first one to do in shorts and a Tommy Bahama shirt and Colorado Rockies flip-flops. (I started with bare feet, remembering God’s command to Moses to remove you shoes when you are on holy linoleum, but someone thought I looked under-dressed.)
It was also the first ceremony where my voice cracked several times as I tried to get the words out, where I thought I might break down, as I read the words and thought about Mark’s life and our friendship, his loss of his bio mom to cancer when he was 1-year-old, his parents and their 34-year marriage, his career in the Marines, his rock climbing prowess and his year-long series of arduous brain-tumor surgeries and his mid-30s completion of a B.A., just in time for the 2008 melt down.
Definitely I was moved by the friendship. He lived with us after his bio-mom died I was 12-16 in this period), and he visited me in college and traveled with me to Chicago when I was a young adult, so he’s like a brother. But now that his Brazilian wife calls me “Ankle,” I am happy to retain that venerable title.
After I got home I realized that while the mom who raised him and his dad stood smiling on the couple at the ceremony in the kitchen, just in the next room was a shelf of photographs, including the happy couple and Mark’s parents and younger brother. Facing our small gathering also was a framed picture of Mark’s biological mother and his father, in their early 20s, joyfully sharing a sip from the same silver cup, at their wedding reception over 40 years ago. And smiling down on us.
Going and Returning: Traveling mid-day meant I could take the YoloBus #42 from downtown to SMF airport for only $2 and take it home. A quick trip if you catch it at the hourly departure. But it doesn’t operate at the crack of dawn. Coming back, I caught a bus near downtown Denver, paid $2.25 and got a transfer. I got out at a wide, busy, exposed intersection in the hot sun and waited for the Sky Ride bus. The cost was $9 to get to Denver’s airport LESS the $2.25 I had already paid! A better deal than Supershuttle, and the only inconvenience was waiting in the warm air.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Children and Youth, Comparative Religion, Family Ministry, Inspiration, Special Events
I’d like to invite you (and your kids) to visit my congregation with me this Sunday. Location and times are at the end.
Our minister, Rev. Doug, returns to give a sermon after summer travels and a retreat and study leave. His title is “Smiling Buddha.”
Doug says: Life is too important and precious to not be amused with ourselves. Smiling brings us to a lighter consciousness where we can see more clearly what is true. This morning we’ll explore the spiritual vitality of smiling and laughter.
During this 10:00 AM service we have Religious Education for children, but kids are welcome to stay in the service the whole time. This Sunday we have a session of Yoga Storytelling with Michelle, a mom of two kids in the church. No equipment necessary, just loose clothing. Come 15 minutes early to the RE Welcome Table for signing in, name tags, getting acquainted. We do have child care in Classroom 11 for kids age 0-5, with two professional care providers. Come early to sign in there.
Clown Circus after church. Every August we have a visit from the local Swan Brothers Clown Circus, which is popular especially for kids because Zippy the clown juggles, jokes with kids, makes lots of balloon animals and gives them away. (Teens who like corny jokes also enjoy themselves.) This will start by 11:30, after the 10:00 service ends, and will be over by 12:15.
Sex Education Info Session. Also after the service, parents and others are invited to a session introducing the program called Our Whole Lives (OWL)–values based sexuality education that was created by our UU denomination. On Sept. 11 we start a series of courses for youth in grades 7 & 8 with four trained facilitators and ministerial oversight. This is not part of our regular weekly Sunday school program, but it’s a very important source of support for parents and families. Many members (as well as neighbors from other congregations) appreciate what it offers. You’re more than welcome to come learn about it.
If you can’t make the service this Sunday, that’s okay, but please note that our schedule will change next Sunday. Instead of one service, we will have two services starting on Sunday, August 28. One is at 9:30 AM and the other is at 11:15. Rev. Doug will speak at both of them. Most families with kids come to the early service, as that’s when Religious Education will start in September.
This Sunday only the service is at 10:00 AM. I recommend coming about 15 minutes early so you can receive a name tag and a visitor card and give our greeter a chance to meet you. If you can, please also stay afterward for refreshments and any of the above programs that might interest you after the service. The congregation enjoys getting to know the many visitors we have.
Location: The Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento is located at 2425 Sierra Blvd, just north of Fair Oaks Blvd and east of Howe Ave. If you have any questions, let me know. Here is a google map.
Filed under: Children and Youth, Family Ministry, Pastor Smiley Speaks, Reflections, Reviews, Special Events | Tags: community, death and children, elephant collection, kids, loss, Swan Brothers Circus, UU
Last Sunday after church we had our annual visit by the Swan Brothers Clown Circus, a local company in business for 37 years, nearly the longest running independent circus on record. Les Corbin, a church member and tax preparer, does the circus’s tax returns and asks them to do a show for our kids in lieu of payment. Thanks, Les! I’m sure the circus has done lots of birthday parties but not too many churches.
This year, only one brother came: Zippy, a.k.a., Andy Swan. His brother died last December. There’s an article on the front page of the Our Region section in Thursday’s Sacramento Bee. Read the story at this link.
Our Sunday Religious Education class had a tone of somber reflection rather than anticipation of the circus that was to happen. Alec, a 5-year-old, disclosed to his fellow RE kids that High Top (a.k.a. Mike Swan), had passed away. This led to an important spiritual conversation.
But not long after that, there was a big crowd of squealing kids this past Sunday, but I was not able to stay long. (We had a three-ring circus of our own: Greeter/Usher training and lunch, an info session for parents on the Our Whole Lives sexuality course for 7th & 8th graders, a meeting of our Master Planning Facilitators to look at the architect’s visionary plans, and two other meetings I’m now forgetting!
I have enjoyed working with the Swan Brothers and extend my condolences and prayers to Andy on this great loss. I also cheer him on as he goes “on with the show” without his brother and sidekick.
Filed under: Musicals), Reviews, Theater (Plays | Tags: Miss Saigon, Music Circus, theater, tragedy, Vietnam, war
John, Mark and I saw the last show of this summer’s Music Circus at the Wells Fargo auditorium at H and 11th. I missed two shows of the series: “I Do, I Do,” by choice, because I wasn’t into seeing it, and “Annie, Get Your Gun” because I was out of state. They said the latter show was the best of the summer, and I missed it! (And still have never seen it.) I got 4 stars in the Bee.
John predicted “Miss Saigon” would get 3 stars, and today it did. (Link to review at the end.) The local NPR reviewer said “mixed results,” but he found good things to say about it as well, and like me he favored the second act. I’d say go see it if you’re interested and have $45 to spare and don’t need to see a helicopter and car inside of a building.
I had almost begged off seeing “Miss Saigon,” since I remember the criticism of it: major special effects on stage with some loud, forgettable music tacked on.
The first act was loud–lots of volume and strong voices–but I had trouble making out some of the lyrics. This hasn’t been the case with other shows. (Of course, with familiar songs from other musicals, it’s easier to follow the lyrics.)
It was also quite melodramatic. Yet, by intermission, though I was not in love with it or gripped by the story or the music I was glad I was seeing the show for the first time (it had run on Broadway in 1990 and must have toured everywhere by now).
And I was struck by the misery and tragedy of it: devastated and poor Vietnamese young women trying to survive, being pimped out to American soldiers. War-torn and fearful Vietnamese people pleading not to be left behind as Saigon was falling to the Communists and the United States was withdrawing after a decade of military action. Confused G.I.s over there, on the verge of being lifted out and plopped back into a divided and war-weary American society.
The second act was very strong, and by the end I thought it was a great and important show, if still not tuneful. It was like an opera in that nearly all dialogue was sung, and the music gave the singers a chance to show vocal range and how long they could hold notes. (Very long.) There was no helicopter on stage, thank God. That, of course, was the big appeal of the Broadway production. Instead, during the second act’s flashback to the 1975 evacuation, there was the blare of ‘copter rotors just outside the ramp up from the stage off toward one side. (Music Circus is in the round, so the stage is in the middle and actors and props come in from four long runways [the aisles] which slope up from the stage.) So the G.I.s fled up the ramp into the open hole where bright strobe lights glared and dry ice billowed. It was scary to imagine going up toward that noise and light–and poignant to behold the Vietnamese left behind chain link fence down on stage. When the helicopter took off, you could hear the roar increase as it seemed to fly over the center of the theater and then hear the Doppler effect as it flew off. This use of the auditory and imaginary capacities felt to me more effective than a copter over the stage would have.
Spoiler alert
Borrowing from “Madame Butterfly,” the story is about an Asian woman who falls for an American (a soldier this time, not an official) who leaves her, and she kills herself. I forget if Butterfly had a child, but in this play, Kim has an Amerasian son fathered by Chris, her American beloved. She’s tracked down by her cousin, to whom she had been promised when 13 years old and whom she rejected after she met Chris. He is a commissar, and he wants to marry her now. When she reveals the toddler to him, he wants to kill him, and nearly does with a knife, but she shoots him with the gun that Chris has left her. (Childhood trauma #1.)
Later, when Chris and his wife come to Bangkok to meet her and the son that Chris belatedly found out about, Kim is devastated to know he is married, since she has endured so much to wait for him. She sends off her little boy to live with Chris, his wife and their other kids in the U.S., though of course they first resist this and want to support her and the boy so she can rear him in Thailand. She wants him to grow up in the U.S., and sends him off. (Childhood trauma #2.)
Then, when the boy steps toward his strange new parents, back in her home his mother takes the gun and kills herself. Chris goes back, sobs and cradles and kisses her as she dies. (Childhood trauma #3.)
I avoided reading the plot summary, as I wanted to be a little bit surprised. I read it afterward, and found there were only a couple of minor points I had missed.
I believe we are due for a sequel. The boy would be in his mid-30s and if he’s not had PTSD treatment (along with his dad, Chris), then the next play would be about the mess of his life and would end with either his recovery or his own demise.
Some of the other shows this summer seemed to race to the conclusion in the second act: “The Producers,” “Anything Goes,” and “Oliver.” This one didn’t. The second act took its time, with the 1975 flashback and a couple of numbers.
One of them was “Bui Doi,” an anthem about the Amerasian children left behind by G.I. fathers who had impregnated Vietnamese women. It was poignant, harsh but tuneful, and also earnest. It sounded like a telethon theme, as pictures of kids hung down from the ceiling. Perhaps it has been, and perhaps it should be. Our fathering of those kids and abandonment of them is one more tragic outcome of our cruel misadventure in Vietnam. It makes me think about the ongoing fallout of our long occupation of Iraq and future tragic legacies if we ever leave.
Another strong number in the second act was “The American Dream,” sung by the man called “The Engineer,” a pimp, bar owner, entrepreneur, prison camp survivor, and man hungry to get to the U.S. The song was angry and satirical (and he sang to a glittery, dollar-bill decorated and flag-draped papier-mache Statue of Liberty prop). It didn’t carry forward the plot much at all, but it held off the tragic end and added a more political and socially critical bite.
I think if it takes melodrama and pyrotechnics to get lots of Americans to expose themselves to some of the tragedy of our history, then so be it.
Here is the Sac Bee review.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Family Ministry, Rituals, Prayers, Elements of Worship Services, Special Events, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: all-ages worship, hospitality, invitation to church, kickoff service, liberal church Sacramento, no-pressure church, visitors, water ceremony, water communion
I’d like to invite you to attend one of the services this Sunday with me at my congregation, the Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento. We have two services, and both are for all ages: 9:15 and 11:30.
This Sunday, August 28, is our annual Ingathering Service, when we start a new church year. Many UU churches around the country have a Mingling of the Waters ritual, in which people bring small jars or bottles of water representing summer activities (like vacations, trips to a river or lake, backyard fun, a neighborhood fountain, or the kitchen sink) or representing our reflections on life the past several months. Individuals and families bring the water up and tell what it represents or where it came from. (There are jars of water up front for those of us who forget to bring any water to the service.)
Doug Kraft, our lead minister, will give a brief homily, and our new music director will lead our hymn choir. If you’d like to join me for one of the services, let me know. You may want to arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your way in, make a name tag, and fill out a visitor card. Please also plan to stay afterward for refreshments. The congregation likes to welcome guests.
ABOUT CHILDREN: This service is for all ages, so we can gather as a community across the generations. (However, there is a nursery staffed by two people to welcome kids up to age 5, and there’s also a Baby Comfort Room in the library behind the sanctuary, with sound piped in.) But we do have a Religious Education program for children and teens. That starts at 9:30 AM on Sunday, Sept. 11.
On that day, volunteer leaders and teachers will get to know the kids and youth in their programs, and we’ll take group pictures of every class level (Nursery, Spirit Play for grades 1-5, Junior High Youth Group for grades 6-8, and Senior High Youth Group). Religious Education (or Sunday School) will take place only during the first service, at 9:30 AM.
Filed under: Family Ministry, Magazine & Newspaper Articles, Trends in Religion | Tags: Christian Century, Christianity, Dan Savage, monogamy, relationship advice, Savage Love, sex, sexual ethics, sexuality and spirituality
This cover story in the recent issue of The Christian Century magazine is very interesting, and it’s bold that they would run it. Of course, the pastor who writes the article does not give much detail about the topics Savage covers, only mentions the great range of diversity that’s out there. His focus is on Dan’s emergence as a source of relationship advice and his ethical deliberations and categories. I’ll be looking for the letters to the editor in the next few issues!
Read it here: http://christiancentury.org/article/2011-08/advice-and-consent
Filed under: Comparative Religion, International, Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified, Reflections, Trends in Religion, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: calling, interfaith, LGBT and religion, ministry, Pacific School of Religion, Progressive Christianity, seminary, UU
Monday, first day of the week of new student orientation
Leave my hosts’ home at 7:20 AM and walk in the cool blowing fog from the Berkeley hills down to Holy Hill, where 9 seminaries sit just above the U of California campus Arrive D’Autremont dining hall at 8:00 AM. A 2nd year student organizer of the orientation welcomes me, tells me to help myself to buffet in other room, mentions eggs, French toast. I go to the room, look at the steam tables, get oatmeal and yogurt, cantaloupe, pineapple, rice. Skip the grits and the many slices of bacon and sausages. Check under other steel lids—only hot water. Must not have the eggs ready yet. Eat wholesome food, chat with tall young white man from Wisconsin, Brown U. grad, UCC preacher’s kid, African American mother of 19 year old son, moved here from Detroit with partner (a therapist), is pursuing Metropolitan Community Church ordination.
Chat with two other middle aged white women and a gregarious 2nd year man from the Episcopal seminary. I see people with scrambled eggs. I see someone come out of the kitchen with eggs. Go in, learn that you write your order on a slip and they cook it: pancakes or French toast, white or wheat; eggs any style, omelette with many choices, tofu scramble. Get two eggs over medium, telling myself I can have pancakes tomorrow.
Chef Andy calls out the order or person’s name when it’s up, but I go back to table and come back much later. Grab my plate, add some hash browns. Stop, remember to call out “thank you,” and hear “you’re welcome.” At the table, I ask: “Is it like this all the time here? You can just order what you want? No extra charge?” Yes. What took me so long to come here!
UU colleague Sarah M. S., also a D. Min. student, shows up late. Lovely, gifted and gracious young mother. I come up to her and call out: “Hello, new girl at school!” We hug. Younger kid is 6, starts kindergarten Wednesday, but has fever of 103 today. So mom won’t be here much this week. Her focus: ministry and authority. Mine: religious education and UU leadership development in non-western and poor contexts.
Only 6 or 7 D. Min. students like me and I have met only 1, plus Sarah. Most new students are M. Div.—starting out to pursue the career of ministry. Some are M.A. (Ph. D. students go through the consortium, the Graduate Theological Union.) Different denominations here, a few of them UU. Total entering class 56; goal was 60.
Opening worship is lovely: nice songs, nice welcomes from staff, administration. Scripture readings: Genesis, when God tells Abraham to pick up and move. Walt Whitman, from UU hymnal readings: “Song of the Open Road.” Testimonies from two 2nd year students: Black woman raised by atheist & agnostic parents, has visited Buddhist & earth-based spirituality & Christianity, yet to choose a denomination. Latino man, raised Catholic, gay with two sons. Spoke of the support that is available from students, faculty staff. Prayers of the people called out. I remember young woman: “The homeless teenagers at the agency in LA that I left behind to come here.”
We hear the words of Unitarian Christian Albert Schweitzer: “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” Invitation to come up and light a candle and call out the name of someone for whom we are thankful and without whom we would not be here. (Again, this is aimed at those who are starting to pursue ministry in the M. Div. program more than us in the D. Min. program.) I light a candle and thank my senior colleague, Doug, for his generosity, flexibility and some degree of anxiety in supporting me as I take time away from church to pursue this. Admissions staffer/minister JoEllyn gives us the benediction: Be not afraid. (I’m not. I didn’t pick up and move across the country or quit a lucrative career or uproot a family.)
Move over to Ecumenical Center, a church between Starr King School and PSR that houses many offices and a large sanctuary rented to a Unity church. All GTU entering students are there to learn about registration, online and IT support, finances, etc. Crowd includes nuns, Dominican brothers in long white habits, people from Asia, USA, Africa, Tonga, etc. Boring but helpful stuff.
Going to lunch I meet a UU M. Div. student from the Oakland church. Has child, 2, and husband who is tech engineer and music producer. She is a young lawyer who works for a state regulatory agency. Part-time student. Enrolled in Intro to New Testament and Spiritual Disciplines for Religious Leaders. I tell her the reading load for New Testament isn’t bad and she might take a third course. I love being Mr. Advice Giver.
At lunch table is African man entering the Jesuit school, white woman from Religious Science and white woman entering Episcopal school’s M. Div. program; she works in forensic psychology at Napa State Mental Hospital. Another M. Div. student , young woman, will drive here 2 days a week from Modesto.
After lunch I go to the GTU library and find an empty study carrel to lay down my head for a nap. Then back to chapel for a session on community building, words from the school’s president, and an ice breaker exercise. We’re broken into small groups and have 90 minutes together to get to know one another. A woman with grown kids and a former career who never pursued ministry because she was Catholic. Then went to Methodist church and was asked to give a lay sermon, and the light bulb went on. Two young women, one a Christian only since 2006. Young man born in Philippines, grew up in California. Our facilitator is former university professor of cultural anthropology and sexuality, now 2nd year M. Div. student. Gay man, raised atheist in Holland. Attended LGBT City of Refuge church in SF, let by charismatic Black woman pastor. Became a Christian and now pursuing ministry. Solid, eloquent, gentle, and smart. Amazing depth of talent and soul in the students I am meeting at this place. Restores my hope in mainline Protestantism.
We take a tour of campus. He points out Starr King School for the Ministry, notes it is UU, nods to me. I restrain myself telling them all about the Rev. Thomas Starr King but do mention that there is an Islamic studies program at the school. (I got my M. Div. in Chicago, at the other UU seminary.)
At dinner I meet a young Black man, an activist from Oakland who is the head of security at a large hospital, and an even younger one who moved here from Houston to pursue ministry. I get my dessert and go sit by a young white guy eating alone. He’s a Ph. D. student in Hebrew Scriptures, got his M. A. in Virginia, is Presbyterian. I get to brag about the Hebrew Bible prof I had at the University of Chicago when I was in seminary. Otherwise I feel quite ignorant. Counting courses, comprehensive exams and dissertation, his program will be 7 years long. Good thing he’s young!
Ice cream social after dinner and then a meet-the-faculty session. I greet the president, who remembers me from a lunch for prospective students back in January. I meet his wife, who is a sign language interpreter for the police and court systems.
Fourteen of their 16 professors are here, a very diverse group in terms of age, ethnicity, national background, denominational experience, and research interests. Preaching, pastoral care, Christian ethics, spirituality and leadership, arts, Hebrew Bible and archeology, New Testament, church history, religious education (this prof is a Korean immigrant and she’s my advisor), American spiritual studies, sexuality studies, and on and on. Very easy-going and hospitable group.
Spirituality professor says: Spiritual practice can prevent “compassion burnout” and provide a deep anchor point. But he unexamined spiritual practice is vulnerable to manipulation. History professor invites us to “hang out with the ancestors”—it can put some ground under your feet. RE professor teaches pop culture and theology, notes that many younger adults have never been to a church building and they have developed their spirituality through pop culture. We need to understand and engage with that. Pastoral theology professor specializes in gender and sexuality as well as psychology and cults. About the resistance and battles over sexuality in the Mainline churches, he says that much of this strife may reflect that theological education hasn’t done a good job preparing religious leaders for dealing with sexuality in the church.
Hebrew Bible and archaeology professor says that part of archaeology is to give voice to the voiceless of ancient times, because 95% of the population were not represented in scriptures, the production of which was controlled by the elites of society. (And yet, I realize, those radial social prophets still got included!)
Professor in the Swedenborgian House of Studies (and endowed program) has a lit and American studies background. Swedenborg’s name “appears all over progressive 19th century politics, religion, culture.” Has a book project on “the emergence of a viable American environmentalism” and he mentioned our guys Thoreau and Emerson. He’s also teaching a seminar on the recent and continuing “God debate” in popular culture. Most respondents to the “new atheists” have been literary writers.
Another prof in the Swedenborgian House of Studies says that “the center and depth of the different traditions is when they ‘walk the walk’ [of social justice and service] together.” He also teaches the spirituality of Protestant mysticism, which the Reformation (started late 1500s) tried to squeeze out of religion. He’s also interested in “sport in culture,” an says that 1/3 of media attention is devoted to sports and sports is the 7th largest industry. “Sports is used as a spiritual practice by many. But it’s also used sociologically to oppress people,” in particular people of color, women, and those of minority sexual orientations.”
The arts professor is Bulgarian. Says her first name means small drops of morning dew. “Many Americans find it beautiful. I don’t.” Loves Byzantine art. Is planning a multicultural course: “to see as others see.”
Finally, the dean says: Our primary goal is that we want you to … learn how to learn.
I wanted to take a class with almost all of them.
But I’ve got a job back home! I walked 40 minutes back to my friends’ home after a full 12 hour day. Bed time!
Filed under: Inspiration, International, Rituals, Prayers, Elements of Worship Services | Tags: chalice lighting, international Unitarian Universalism
Somewhere in Berkeley and in Boston and in Bujumbura,
someone lights a chalice, and its light shines on freedom;
Somewhere in Kansas City and in Koloszvar and in Kampala,
Someone lights a chalice, and its light illumines truth;
Somewhere in Tierra del Fuego, and in Tulsa, and in Honolulu and in Havana,
and in Nashville and in Nantucket and in Nairobi,
Someone lights a chalice, and love is made visible.
Today, we light this chalice and hold in memory,
the many chalices whose steady flames hold us.
Rosemary Bray McNatt, Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations of North America
(minister, 4th Universalist Society of New York City)
The International Council of Unitarians and Universalists announces the 97th in its monthly series of global chalice lighting readings.
Congregations worldwide are invited to participate.
All ICUU-affiliated groups have been asked to submit brief chalice lightings for the project.
Every month, a reading will be distributed to Unitarian and Universalist congregations around the world.
We ask each congregation to use the reading for at least one worship service in the designated month,
identifying it as the “Global Chalice Lighting” for that month and naming the group which submitted it.
Readings will be circulated in English and, where different, in their original language.
It is hoped that the ICUU Global Chalice Lighting Project will enhance the worship experience in our congregations
and raise awareness of the international dimensions of our religious movement.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Church Finances and Stewardship, Stewardship & Finances, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: architect, congregational input, master plan, new church building
Momentum for the UUSS Master Plan continues to build as collaborative work continues between our architect Jeff Gold, the master plan facilitators, the congregation, and the focus groups. Newly revised drawings based on ongoing conversations are springing up regularly, many of which will be up for display on Sundays. In addition to meetings with the congregation peppered throughout the fall, there is also opportunity to leave comments and share in dialogue on our blog, ‘Planituurth’: http://planituurth.wordpress.com/ Your comments are most welcome and this blog site is also easily reached via a link on our website!
Filed under: Comparative Religion, Graduate Theological school/PSR, Inspiration, Magazine & Newspaper Articles, Sermons and a Whole Lot More, Trends in Religion, Uncategorized | Tags: sermons boring life-changing fresh air
Loved this Faith Matters column in a recent issue of Christian Century magazine.
http://christiancentury.org/article/2011-08/why-sermons-bore-us
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Children and Youth, Family Ministry, Sermons and a Whole Lot More, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: 9/11 and peace, compassion, invitation to church, liberal progressive Religious Education programs, patriotism and peace, Unitarian Universalist
Filed under: Church Finances and Stewardship, Comparative Religion, Graduate Theological school/PSR, Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified, Rituals, Prayers, Elements of Worship Services | Tags: Christianity, Doctor of Ministry, liberal Christians, offering, Pacific School of Religion, seminary
I parked at the Pacific School of Religion parking lot even before the attendant was on duty to take my voucher. Walked to the Graduate Theological Library–not open yet.
The Copy Central store was open, with a young man working there. I had to buy the bound “course reader” for each of my classes–articles, excerpts from books, all put together and in the professor’s preferred order, with copyright and royalty matters taken care of (and covered in the cost). ”I’m a new student and it’s the first day of school! What do I do?” He said, “I’m new here and this is my first day on the job!” He smiled and said he was just teasing me, as he showed me which bound volumes to buy. I said I hadn’t expected him to know so fast what I needed, given that PSR is so tiny compared to the University across the street. ”That was all last week,” he said, noting that Cal had started earlier than the GTU.
(I don’t know why, but since Copy Central has a monopoly on this gig, I expected a tired, jaded clerk mumbling to me and taking my money. This guy was easy going and cheerful.) I stood at a register with my credit card out. He said, “I”ll take you over there, this one is just for show.” $60 for two readers.
I went back up the hill for fair-traded and strong coffee and a Bagel at Brewed Awakenings, said hi to a PSR professor I had seen at the faculty forum; he was reading on an e-reader. Every time a table by the window came open, someone moved to it. It took me an hour before my chance came. Meanwhile, in comes my pal, colleague, coach and a great teacher from Starr King School for the Ministry, Rev. Michelle. She told me about her practical and reflective course on liturgy and worship.
I stopped by the PSR Registrar’s office and then went to Tuesday chapel. I thought it was at 11 and arrived at 10:55. There were two rows of students standing in a processional line at the door. They began singing and marching in a simple dance step as the music director led them with tambourine. I figured this was the front of the line for chapel, so I should join in. I quickly got the tune and words to a praise song from Cameroon. Halfway in, I realized that this was the choir, rehearsing. Chapel was not until 11:10! So I sat in a pew and read while waiting. Then they sent us back out, as they wanted all worshippers to process in together at the start. I went out, leaving my heavy backpack in the pew. As I stood in the lobby, through the doors I could see the faculty all in their academic robes and hoods. More cute and colorful than stern and serious.
We sang a number of hymns (“Far Too Long, By Fear Divided” is from the UUA Singing the Living Tradition (SLT) hymnal, and “This Is My Song, O God of All the Nations,” which is in our hymnal, among others.) The unison call to worship was “Now is the accepted time…” by W. E. B. DuBois, also from SLT. Students read the Old and New Testament readings: In Genesis, Joseph’s brothers asking him to forgive them for their deceit and harm of him, and his granting it; in the Gospel of Matthew, the passage about the need to forgive “not 7 times, but 7 times 70 times,” and the story of the ungrateful and ungenerous employee. We had the Prayers of the People, calling out names and concerns. I didn’t name any names, but held the names and faces of a few people in my heart who are struggling with mental, physical or economic challenges.
PSR President Riess Potterveld preached. His sermon was straightforward, with a scholarly start and some clever wit here and there. A number of people audibly responded to some of his points. He explore the two texts about forgiveness between individuals of unequal power and then reflected on forgiveness in a community, not just between individuals. He talked about the “real life” of being in community, and its challenges, as we all begin a year together as theological school community. He asked for us to forgive him and one another and ourselves from time to time.
He said that the U. S. government had finally, in the 1990s, apologized for the internment of Japanese Americans in World War II, and sent a check for $20,000 to every person as reparation. In one family of four grown brothers, one of them had been a PSR graduate. He spoke to his brothers about putting their checks to use for something good and lasting, rather than a personal possession or vacation. They pooled their money and invested it, and recently the school received a gift of nearly $200,000.
There are two campus chaplains who coordinate worship at PSR. Jim Mitulski, who used to lead the MCC church in San Francisco, invited the offering. The preacher for chapel is allowed to designate the recipient organization, and the president had chosen a new PSR scholarship fund “for emerging leaders.” There was no apology for taking an offering, no verbalized excuses for some of us who might not have the money, and no rationalizing that over half the crowd was already on financial aid and paying tuition. He merely said, “We ask for your support and generosity. You can give of your money to this purpose, or you can give your prayers.” I found it refreshing that the communal practice of giving was given such care, and made so accessible to us. The final part of the service was a responsive prayer in memory of the events of 9/11/2001 and in petition for peace, understanding, and respect. The prayer had been compiled by a council of Christian churches in Kentucky.
A D. Min. classmate and I zipped to another building for the Doctor of Ministry lunch with the professors who lead the program (one at PSR and one at the Episcopal seminary). I had enough time to say hello and snarf down some hummus and falafel (which is why I thought I should stop in) before heading off to a conflicting class.
The Rev. Professor Randi Reed’s class, History of Christianity in the Pacific Region, will be taught like a seminar. Around the table were nine of us, maybe 10: teacher and her teaching assistant (a Korean man in the Ph.D. program at the GTU), a young white man specializing in Mormonism for his Ph. D. work at the GTU, a Korean Wesleyan man, a Korean Franciscan priest, a Samoan man from the United Church of Christ, a Pagan woman student from Starr King School for the Ministry, a Presbyterian woman of from the NE Indian state of Mizzoram, near Burma and Bangladesh and right next to Meghalaya, the state where the Khasi Hills Unitarians are located. Also with us was a woman from Hawaiii–literally from there, watching us as she sat in front of her computer and appearing to us on a computer screen that sat on the table. Maybe it was through Skype. (She’s doing an internship in Hawaii.) Advertisements scrolled across the screen. I said, “Hi, Terry. Did you know that your presence with us is sponsored by Heineken?” (She didn’t.)
The class grade will come 50% from a term paper and 50% from class participation: discussion of the many readings, reporting on our research pursuits and our final paper, giving a response and facilitating discussion of others’ class presentation, and one interesting role: each week a different student will be the “class listener,” not speaking during class but at the end giving a summary of the main themes of the discussions of the class, and then providing a written summary on the online site for the class.
I enjoyed hearing others’ research interests and, though I had felt my own research area of the UU Church of the Philippines is still vague and uninspired, in conversation a number of possible pursuits did occur to me. But now what hangs over my head is the professor’s advice that “for a doctoral student, an appropriate paper length could be as much as 40 pages.” I shuddered and began cogitating on which of my three classes I need to drop.
I got in the car by 4 PM to join rush-hour commuters on I-80 so I could get to the Lay Ministry Team’s meeting at church in time. I’d had an uneasy feeling about the shifting of my 1997 Honda’s automatic transmission for a few days. This was confirmed by the yellow “Check Engine” light, which came on after I got on the road and seemed to grow brighter the longer I drove. Early the next day my mechanic plugged his computer into my car and said it looked like a transmission problem, and referred me to a transmission shop. He also turned off the yellow light, so I can see if it goes off again. An overhauled transmission can cost nearly as much as what the car is worth, so I’m now procrastinating. And I have to wait until next Tuesday’s chapel before I can pour out my worry during the Prayers of the People.
Filed under: Advice, Comparative Religion, Magazine & Newspaper Articles, Ordeals and Observations of Pastor Cranky not elsewhere classified, Reflections, Trends in Religion | Tags: AA, alcoholism, loneliness, religious leader
I thought this was an important article. Makes me miss the old days, when there was a whole section on religion, ethics and community life. (In the late 1990s it was a Saturday section in the San Jose Mercury News, before they chopped it down and then killed it off.)
Of course, celibacy or other kinds of singleness can add to loneliness in the occupation of religious leadership. But the sometimes overwhelming demands and schedules, the ache of pastoral tragedies and losses, and the lack of much personal time–combined with the accumulation of others’ needs, their expectations of you, and your expectations of yourself–can make religious leadership lonely and painful for even partnered and parenting leaders, and for their loved ones. And of course, being in any kind of leadership role (in any kind of organization or community) often is a very lonely and misunderstood experience. Just ask Spider-Man.
I posted the following on the Bee’s comment list after finding the article on the website.
Well, I’m not going to read all 370 comments but I’ve read enough to confirm my thinking that online reader comments are not a good idea. Too much mean-spirited and poorly-considered shooting from the hip, too much name calling, and very little good will. I am glad I get the paper printed on paper, so I can trust that someone has edited the letters to the editor, and that most folks have taken care with writing them, and I can avoid online rantings most of the time. I’m not Catholic and not in AA.
I came online only to thank the Bee and Ms. Garza for raising this important issue, and to thank the priests for their courage. I am sure this will be a surprise for some of their parishioners, and may cause controversy. At the same time, such honest self-disclosure by a community leader may give help, reassurance and inspiration to others with similar struggles.
Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/09/10/3898378/for-some-priests-the-solitary.html#ixzz1Xa17empU
Filed under: Adult Enrichment and Group Meetings, Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Books (includes sermons based on books), Comparative Religion, Comparative Religion, Graduate Theological school/PSR, Trends in Religion | Tags: "lenses" of our beleifs, Doug Kraft, God, Ken Wilber, religious literacy, spiritual literacy
At a member’s request and with his help, Doug has compiled four recent sermons on the topic of “God” into a book.
It’s available at our Sunday Bookstore for $10 and through the cursed, community-destroying amazon.com (for less money but with shipping charges that make it more expensive). But there are many people who may enjoy the book who don’t live in Sacramento.
If you have read the book, Doug invites you to go to amazon.com and post a review of his book.
This is the FOREWORD that I wrote for the book. Now I can say I am a published writer!
Foreword
It has been enriching and fun to have known Doug Kraft since 2000, when I was serving a church in Silicon Valley and he was called as Lead Minister by the Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento. We have served together as officers for the UU ministers’ association in the Pacific Central District. Our colleagues look to him as a pastor to pastors, coach, accompanist, troubadour, trouble-shooter, sophisticated psychotherapist, and wise elder. He’s a compassionate and mellow court jester.
Little did I know when I left this District in 2007 that I would return in a year to serve along with Doug, in an associate ministry position at this church.
He’s gone beyond merely recruiting me to the job. He helped me set up an old futon frame and a new laptop computer, drill holes in my wall and move old furniture in and out of a two-story apartment. As a colleague and leader, he’s loyal, collaborative and playful. He’s open to being challenged and is thoughtful in challenging me. He’s insightful about human nature and forgiving of human blind spots and slip-ups, including mine.
In few parish pastors have I seen such a balance of ministerial talents as we have in Doug. He stays on top of the facts and figures of the institution’s life and history, and he counsels individuals with care and insight. He supports the nuts and bolts of board and committee work while keeping our long-range vision, goals and congregational covenant in front of our eyes. He leads us in song with his guitar, delivers dharma talks, and keeps his church data organized and handy on multiple software applications he created himself. He devotes heavy amounts of time to reading, sermon preparation and rehearsal, and his daily meditation practice.
Doug doesn’t talk much in his sermons about our Unitarian Universalist spiritual forbears or progressive theological heritage, even though he grew up as a UU in Houston and has served in historic churches in New England and in Sacramento, where Unitarianism arrived not long after the Gold Rush. Instead, Doug embodies our tradition. The Unitarian minister professor of social ethics James Luther Adams (among others) has said that one of the keys to liberal religion is that revelation is not sealed, but continuous. New insights and understandings about God and human life continue to develop.
So it is that Doug has introduced our congregation to his ideas and those of Ken Wilber about human consciousness and spiritual literacy. These four sermons invite us to consider how human beings perceive the divine and one another, and how we think about thinking about God.
The sermons are not only rich in analysis and thought, they use vivid examples and stories. They are compassionate, practical and helpful—as he strives to make all his sermons, and all of his ministry. Doug invites us to let go of the prize of certainty and the illusion of control. He invites us to ease up a bit, step back, observe, and relax. What an invitation. What a sweet and simple gift.
Sacramento, June 2011
Filed under: Church Finances and Stewardship, Special Events, Stewardship & Finances, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
We drink from wells we did not dig.
We eat from fields we did not plant.
We have been warmed by fires we did not kindle.
…
From the larger Unitarian Universalist Association, our congregation has received new hymnals, R.E. curricula and Green Sanctuary support. We have used the UUA’s creative resources, wise counsel, organizational consulting, and financial support services.
We’ve received the gift of bold public witness by our elected national spokespersons, including UUA presidents. They speak up in the name of our UU Principles and the values of freedom and justice. They lead us in Standing on the Side of Love.
Our UUA network also supports training for ministers, religious educators, and music directors. This not only helps the professionals, it also enriches the lives of our congregations.
Association Sunday is September 25 at UUSS. We invite your financial support of the UUA. My gift this year will be $125. A gift in any amount is welcome. It makes a difference!
Please join Doug and me in supporting Association Sunday. Join us as we affirm that as UUs, we belong to one another.
Filed under: Special Events, Stewardship & Finances, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
UUA: President’s Video Message for Association Sunday 2011.
Filed under: Adult Enrichment and Group Meetings, Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Family Ministry, Trends in Religion | Tags: family spiritual life, liberal church for families, parenting, spirituality
“A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”
Please join me in a focused ministry circle, during which we will consider our role as spiritual guide in parenting our children. In this circle will ask ourselves:
What is my definition of spiritual…parenting?
What do I really mean when I say I want my child(ren) to be happy?
What kind of example am I setting?
How do I help turn values into practices, and then fit them into our busy family life?
How can I listen more deeply, speak more wisely?
How are my physical & spiritual health interconnected?
How can I become more aware of my own spiritual experiences, and how do I help my family discover theirs?
As a family, how can we be a force for healing in the world?
The topics will be guided, but we’ll learn from each other’s ideas, successes, and, perhaps most importantly, our failures.
We will meet in in Citrus Heights (off of Greenback and Mariposa). We will meet once a week, for 8 weeks. We began on Monday, September 26th.
It is still possible to register… if you can make the next 7 sessions and can show up Monday, October 3rd, from 6:45-8:45. This will be a very focused time of adult interaction so that you can go home and have more focus for your little* ones.
*They may not be so little—last time I facilitated this workshop, the age range of children represented was 18 months to 25 years, and everything in between☺
If you have any questions regarding the group, please feel free to contact me, Karen.
Notes From Pastor Cranky (the very grateful Family Minister):
–Note: This is not for the general public, but for parents who are members, friends or newcomers to our church.
Flyers will be at Connection Central Table after the services this Sunday. To reach Karen now about next Monday night’s launch of this important Ministry Circle, send Pastor Cranky a note or post a COMMENT here.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Church Finances and Stewardship, Special Events, Stewardship & Finances, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: architect, building project, capital plans, church layout, long range goals, new buildings on church campus
[written by Barbara]
Wow – it seems like all of a sudden there is a lot going on in master planning. Constantly updated drawings and plans are everywhere! With collaborative input from much of the congregation our architect, Jeff Gold, has made great headway in visualizing a “new improved UUSS.”
The main areas of development in this plan are:
- - Sanctuary/Social Hall – increasing seating capacity, comprehensive remodeling including a new heating and air conditioning system, substantive remodeling of the kitchen, structurally reinforcing the building to current codes, a fire sprinkler system, and adding support spaces (storage, bathrooms, etc.)
- - Offices – adding and consolidating office space that includes a reception/greeting area
- - RE – remodeling and expansion
- - Parking – reconfiguration and renovation of the entire parking/vehicle circulation area
- - Grounds and Garden – new landscaping and upgrades for the grounds and streetside appearance (includes a shade cover for the patio, a labyrinth, new entry courtyard, and covered walkway between RE and the Social Hall)
- - New multi-purpose room with seating capacity for 125 and a new ‘welcome hall’ joined to existing Social Hall
- - ‘Green’ construction methods
- - Compliance with current codes for the entire campus
You are invited to attend as Jeff gives a presentation of the plan on October 2nd after the 11:15 AM service. Childcare and food will be available.
A handout of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers will be available at the meeting as well as on the preceding Sunday (and on our website).
This will be a great opportunity for discussion, and will provide an informational foundation for the Congregational Meeting on October 16th, when we will be asking the congregation for a formal ‘vote of confidence’ about the direction the master plan is taking, and for approval to make a lot line adjustment.
Additional information is available on our website. Also, check out the updates on our Master Planning team’s weblog : PlanItUUrth.wordpress.com.
Filed under: Uncategorized
http://uuss.org/Unigram/Unigram2011-10.pdf
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Church Finances and Stewardship, Special Events, Stewardship & Finances, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
Rev. Lucas Hergert
Minister, Unitarian Universalist Church in Livermore
Lucas is our guest speaker Sept. 25 for Association Sunday.
A young couple recently requested that I officiate a wedding. I asked details about their ceremony, and gathered that it was going to be a big hairy formal deal. Ten bridesmaids, expensive catering, the works.
Cool, I thought, and agreed to do it. About a week after our conversation, the husband-to-be called to tell me that he and his fiancé had chosen a different option. They had asked an inexperienced friend to officiate. So I pictured this huge traditional wedding with a completely untrained person leading the formalities. Something wasn’t right with that picture.
With instant online ordinations, more and more couples are taking this route. According to the Christian Century, a whopping one third of all weddings are performed by family friends. Clergy, please take your seats in the back.
Such trends beg the question: What’s the use of professional ministry, any way?
I want to go on record saying that I am not anxious to perform additional weddings. I enjoy it, but I do not rely on it for income or validation. And it doesn’t affect my vocation if people choose to go another route. I have a wonderful, growing congregation and plenty to do there.
That said, I offer my doubts that family friends and clergypersons are equivalent.
Malcolm Gladwell wrote that professionals need 10,000 hours to master a skill. It takes years for clergy to reach this threshold by preparing and performing services. When they do, there is a certain confidence and presence that accompanies them to worship leadership.
Your friend who just received her online ordination certificate may be able to read the lines. She may be able to dress the part. But any minister can see it’s just that. Dress up.
All weddings have smiles all around. Nonetheless, I will venture to say that even the family will notice the mispronounced name, skipped hymn, shallow or absent homily, and untested microphone. God save us from the untested microphone.
Public opinion has not shifted so quickly about other professions. Take medicine. I suppose if I really wanted, I could ask my friend to reset my dislocated arm and stitch my forehead. The instructions are online, right? And my friend—well, he’s smart and well intentioned.
And then there’s my other friend who’s a great debater. Perhaps I could use her to represent me in my hypothetical divorce proceedings. She will tell my wife’s attorney what’s what.
In truth I wouldn’t dream of doing either. The reason is because I have something to lose there. So why don’t people think they have something to lose when they ask an amateur to officiate the most important day of their lives? Most people wouldn’t risk amateur hour with a broken arm or court appearance. And yet one third of the American public would consider it in a heartbeat with weddings.
My advice for pastors is that we earn our keep. We have to be persistently, resiliently, uncompromisingly committed to ministerial excellence. This year, the Unitarian Universalist Association is having a special offering that will go in part to the continuing education of clergy. It’s called Association Sunday, and I’m supporting it generously. I believe we all will benefit from new and creative ways of bearing witness to the important moments in people’s lives.
My advice for everyone else is this: Consider your options.
Filed under: Comparative Religion, Sermons and a Whole Lot More, Trends in Religion
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Children and Youth, Church Finances and Stewardship, Eating Mindfully and Sustainable Agriculture, Family Ministry, Pastor Smiley Speaks, Special Events, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: all ages at church, Association Sunday, church architect, church greeters, community garden, earth education, fresh made salsa, garden plots, inter-generational activity, local food, Sunday school outside, Welcome Table
Today Doug preached a sermon about selflessness and led us through some meditation exercises. I was in Religious Education for most of the service but some people exiting when I got back told me it was “awesome” and that it “blew me away.” At both services we had a number of new and returning visitors, several infants and toddlers with grown ups in tow, and a lot of 20-somethings.
…
In RE today we didn’t have regular classes, but all ages were together in the UURTHSONG community garden (founded 2009) on our campus. Junior high and younger kids harvested tomatoes, herbs, peppers, cucumbers and then washed them, cut them up with scissors, and made salsa. We had good corn chips for scooping up the non-runny fresh stuff!
…
Glory was in charge, along with Joan, Patricia, Damon, and a few others. I showed a few kids the zucchini plants and demonstrated that you can eat the delicate orange flower; at least one tried it himself. Some middle schoolers thought it would be cool to try a jalapeno pepper. Before the first bite kicked in, one of them had some more. Within minutes I had to make a milk run for one of them, and then a second run for another. I also told an even smaller kid that maybe he should stop eating so many cute little tomatoes. I said “It might give you diarrhea.” I figured I needed to be blunt. He said that lots of things give him diarrhea. I do apologize to those plot-holding members who lost an eggplant and a watermelon to an eager collector who didn’t realize the names on the signs meant that some were not community plots. Sorry!
…
While little kids were frolicking and harvesting, Keith White got out the tools and gave chores to the Senior High Youth Group: digging up dead plants and sawing some thick dried old stalks. They got into it: one working at a time, and the others clustered around watching. Though one girl came to ask for trowels, so I think more of them got into the act.
This coming Saturday morning is Garden Clean-out Day, so all will be torn out. If you have a plot, be sure to harvest the last of your produce. Whether or not you have had a plot this season, you are welcome to come and help out on Saturday.
…
We got beautiful new additions to our Welcome Table and RE Family Table area in the Lobby: hand-built and stained wooden welcome tables at different heights for different heights of visitors and children. Thanks to Dick for his craftsmanship and generosity. Thanks to the task force for your work.
…
After the second service we had our first Soup Lunch of the fall (and we ran out of soup, so by the time I went through the line all we had was cookies. I managed.) Groups volunteer to provide soup, bread, and dessert and we charge only $4 per adult.
…
After soup we had a very thorough and inspiring presentation of our Master Plan with our architect, Jeff Gold. You can see the plans and guiding principles at the church website. I am sure our Master Planning team will post a report on the conversation at the Master Planning blog: PlanItUUrth.wordpress.com.
…
Finally: today we got a few more donations for UU Association Sunday, so I think we are about $100 shy of last year’s tally of $1,500. We’ll send the checks in later, so there is still time. If you click that link you can see a video of UUA president Peter Morales, and you can find a link to donate. Or you can slip a check into my hot little hands.
Filed under: Adult Enrichment and Group Meetings, Books (includes sermons based on books), Comparative Religion, Inspiration, Poetry, Religious Studies: History, Special Events, Trends in Religion | Tags: book discussion
Members, friends and visitors to our Sunday services are welcome to attend our monthly book discussion group, UU Readers. Recent discussion topics: The Secret Life of Henrietta Lacks, A Visit from the Goon Squad, and Tinkers. Here is the schedule for upcoming months, based on a vote by current participants in the group.
Oct. 25 – Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick- Doris will lead the discussion.
Nov. – Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak- Jeff leading.
Dec. – The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall – Jim leading.
Jan. – The Yacoubian Building by Alaa Al Aswany- Carol leading.
Feb. – Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand – Jim leading.
The group meets at 6:30 PM, on the 4th Tuesday of each month, at the church. Come a little early to find out which classroom it’s in. Room assignments are posted on the “white board” adjoining the canvass-covered entry way sculpture
If you’d like to come and it’s your first time there, let us know. The contact person or facilitator is listed in the Sunday Blue Sheet Announcements listing as well as the monthly Unigram newsletter.
(This is separate from the monthly Poetry Circle meetings, which are also open to members, friends and visitors. They take place the 2nd Tuesday evening.)
(This is separate also from the monthly Documentary Film Club movie and a discussion about it. This is also open to members, friends and visitors. This takes place on the 4th Sunday of every month at 4:00 PM. Titles are listed in the Sunday Blue Sheet Announcements listing.)
Sponsored by the UUSS Adult Enrichment Committee, all three of these regular activities promote fellowship, ethical and spiritual reflection, intellectual stimulation and laughter.
At UUSS, we gather to deepen our lives and become a healing force in the world.
Filed under: Adult Enrichment and Group Meetings, Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Family Ministry, Sermons and a Whole Lot More, Special Events
Filed under: Advice, General Assembly 2011 in Charlotte, Inspiration, Rituals, Prayers, Elements of Worship Services, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: leisure, perfectionism, rest, Rev. Richard Gilbert, sabbath, shirk ethic, spirituality of rest, women who do too much, work ethic
This is an excerpt from remarks given June 22, 2011, by the Rev. Richard Gilbert, at the yearly meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association. Every year we recognize those ministers who were ordained 25 years earlier and those ordained 50 years earlier. Dick had begun divinity school as a Universalist and by the time he was ordained (1961), his denomination had merged with the Unitarians.
He’s kept very busy in his 50 years of paid ministry and retired ministry. He says:
“Retirement is a mixed blessing. It is a full-time job, with no coffee breaks, no days off, no vacations, no sabbaticals and no pay checks. It is not for the faint of heart. I probably have too many irons in the chalice, if you know what I mean.”
I think this next excerpt works well for those “who do too much,” those who worry and work and think we can’t ever stop. It comes from earlier in that same talk (published in UUMA News Fall 2011).
He says:
[From] time to time I practice the shirk ethic, counterpoint to the work ethic, at which we are so proficient.
O God of Work and Leisure
Teach me to shirk on occasion,
Not only that I may work more effectively
But also that I may enjoy life more abundantly.
Enable me to understand that the earth
Magically continues spinning on its axis
Even when I am not tending thy vineyards.
Permit me to breathe more easily
Knowing the destiny of the race Rests not on my shoulders alone.
Deliver me from false prophets who urge me
To “repent and shirk no more.”
I pray for thy grace on me,
Thy faithful shirker.
Filed under: Adult Enrichment and Group Meetings, Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Inspiration, Reflections, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
Whose Are We?
Along with other members of the UU ministers association, I’ve taken part in small-group reflections on the question “Whose are we?” The larger questions are “To whom and to what do we belong?” and “Who and what have a claim on us?”
Last fall at a retreat, in one exercise each person sat facing another person. I asked my colleague: “Whose are you?” I asked over and over, for five minutes. The person took a moment to think each time, and then said whatever came to mind. I responded with a phrase of blessing, and asked the question again. We repeated this until the bell sounded.
Five minutes sounds like a long time to face a person and keep answering that question, but it went fast. Then it was my turn to receive the invitation to reflect. “Whose are you?” she asked. I responded, and she blessed every answer with the same phrase.
What would you say? How would you fill five minutes?
I thought of my ancestors and my current relatives. I thought of you, my congregation. I though of many things.
“I belong to the natural world,” I said.
Whose are you?
“I am a child of the Spirit of Life.”
Whose are you? “I am the result of all the efforts, labors and contributions of people I never knew.”
“I belong to my schools and teachers,” I said, for they have shaped and formed me. I belong to the Buddhist and Christian traditions; they have given to me nourishing spiritual practices.
To whom are you accountable? I said I am accountable to the children in my care, and also to the generations of children yet to come. They will inherit my community and inherit planet Earth.
I said I belong to this religious movement. I am accountable to its principles and its guidelines for professional ministers. That’s not the most touching of my insights during that shared moment, of course.
Yet, as participants in UUSS, we all belong to this movement. We have received the gift of this church from generations past.
If you’d like to have a workshop or class based on the “Whose Are We” concept, let me know.
Meanwhile, I invite you to sit and ask yourself this question, over and over. And to respond with words of blessing for each connection that comes to your mind and lips.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Family Ministry, Special Events, Stewardship & Finances, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: capital campaign, church vision, congregational governance, long range plan, mission statement
Building the Future: What You Should Know Before Oct. 16
We’ll get an exciting update on Master Planning progress at the Congregational Meeting at 12:30 PM on Sunday, Oct. 16. This visionary work is part of our long range plan.
These goals were established through a series of workshops a few years ago, and then voted on by members. Every year the congregation hears an update on progress. We’ll do that after church Oct. 2 and then will have a vote at our Oct. 16 meeting. The goals include
- development of the building and grounds to meet the needs of the coming generations of members and friends,
- deepening connections among members and helping folks get involved and make friends, and
- strengthening ministries to families and children. This includes building community across the generations.
Filed under: Adult Enrichment and Group Meetings, Inspiration, Poetry, Reflections
Poetry Circle: Words to Share Tuesday, October 11
Bring your favorite poems and come together to share the pleasure and poignancy of hearing words well chosen.
We’ll meet, sit in a circle, get acquainted, read poems aloud, get inspired, and go home. Jerry H. and JoAnn A. host on the second Tuesday of the month, 6:30 – 8:00 PM.
Filed under: Graduate Theological school/PSR, International, Religious Studies: History, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
September 19, 2011 D. Min. Seminar, Pacific School of Religion
Reflections on Ministry Context:
Unitarian Universalist Church of the Philippines
Summary
The context for my project is the local, institutional and theological manifestation of Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations on the Philippine Visayan island of Negros.
I seek to learn more about their church history (which dates only to the 1950s); their forms of worship, governance, community life, theology, and spiritual practice; their role in the leadership of and economic development in their villages and urban neighborhoods; their changing relationship to North American congregations (especially Partner Church relationships, a recent development) and their relationship to the Unitarian Universalist Association, the larger denomination which the UU Church of the Philippines joined in 1988.
Following a two-week visit to Negros Island and Manila in March of 2011, I now seek to make further visits in February of 2012 and 2013. UU church leaders there have asked for UU ministers from North America to spend time in residence there, practicing ministry and in particular offering instruction to ordained and lay leaders in UU history and identity, religious education, church administration, and leadership development, among other topics.
Philippine History and Geography
The Philippines is the second largest island chain in the world. It was the first western colony in Asia and the first Christian nation there. The Spanish empire and Roman Catholic Church controlled the islands for nearly four centuries.[i] Unlike Spanish colonies in the Americas, the empire prevented Filipinos from learning Spanish. This way, divided by multiple native languages and scattered on separate islands, Filipinos were less likely to unify themselves against their oppressors. Today’s richest families date back to the 1500s. Spain granted large pieces of land to its elite families, who set up dynasties on the islands and sent their kids back to Europe for expensive educations. Resistance movements arose, but independence was not achieved until 1898, in the Spanish-American War. The next year, a Philippine-American war made the islands an American colony (leaving 20,000 Filipino soldiers and 200,000 civilians dead).
Protestant missionaries and other teachers from the United States brought English to the masses. Now with almost 100 million people, the Philippines is the world’s fourth largest English-speaking country.[ii] After the Second World War, the United States gave full control of the country to Filipinos, leaving intact four centuries of wealth-inequality. As with other poor countries, many of its citizens live and work overseas and send money home.
Religious Demographics
Over six percent of Filipinos are Muslim (most living on the large island of Mindanao), five percent are Protestant, 20 percent are listed as “indigenous Christians,” and 83 percent are Roman Catholic. About three percent practice tribal, folk or animist religions, and folk traditions are visible in expressions of Roman Catholicism, which itself is reflected in popular culture.[iii] On Negros Island and in Metro Manila, I noticed (in many villages and city neighborhoods) houses of worship for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (“Mormons”), Jehovah’s Witnesses, with 400,000 adherents each, and the Iglesia ni Cristo, with as many as four million members. This evangelical movement began indigenously in 1913[iv]
Unitarian Universalism in the Philippines
There are 29 UU congregations in the Philippines, nearly all of them on the small, forested island of Negros, comprising two national provinces. The national headquarters is in Dumaguete City (Negros Oriental), a small college city on the coast. It has fewer cars than motorbikes, including motorcycle taxis with sidecars, known as pedi-cabs. Most congregations are in mountain villages, with a few in coastal villages. For money and food, the people grow rice, sugar cane, corn, root vegetables. Some have livestock. On the coast, they fish. Most of their ministers learned their ministries on the job, with mentoring by elders. There’s no salary, so they have other jobs: farmer, teacher, school principal. The national headquarters helps with a little money and a clergy uniform—a shirt with a UU flaming chalice logo
How did this Unitarian Universalism arise in the Philippines? In the 1950s a young man from the Visayan island of Cebu went with his Roman Catholic family to Negros. They lived with a Presbyterian uncle, who had a Bible. The young man read the Bible and became a Protestant. Later he got involved with a Pentecostal movement and joined it, where he became a preacher and musician, spreading the message in villages. By accident he found out about the Universalist Church of America, and he wrote to a congregation because his own denomination was the Iglesia Universal de Cristo. It took a few years, but finally he got a reply, and learned the theological character of the American denomination. Its belief in universal salvation, and in God’s parental love for all souls, resonated with his own beliefs. This man, Toribio Quimada, kept an active relationship with the Universalists, asking for missionaries (which they didn’t have), Bibles, and religious education supplies for children. He applied his evangelical fervor to spreading the Universalist gospel as he had his Pentecostal message. He founded churches and converted existing ones. He recruited people (mostly men) to be ministers.
His relationship with American Universalists persisted through the 1961 merger with the Unitarian denomination. By 1988 the leadership of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) was advocating to its voting delegates that the UU Church of the Philippines be accepted as a member of the UUA. To welcome a non-North American church entailed a revision of UUA bylaws, and led to some controversy about what such an addition would mean: Was it perpetuating imperialism? Was it inviting dependency? At the UUA General Assembly in June of 1988 delegates voted to welcome the Philippine denomination as a member.
Yet a few months earlier, Toribio Quimada had died. Because of his association with land-reform activists in Negros, he was murdered. His daughter’s husband was the new president of the UUCP, and he took her and the family to Chicago, where he began studies for the UU ministry and they were safe from harm. She worked in a seminary office and took some classes. His behaviors against her (abuse, adultery) led to a separation. She took more classes and then decided to return home to lead the church, against the advice of Filipino immigrants and even a seminary teacher. Since then, the Rev. Rebecca Quimada Sienes has been president (or held another role) in the church headquarters. Her son and daughter-in-law are ordained and educated ministers. Along with other relatives and friends, they also work for headquarters.
Unitarian Universalism in the United States
The Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) is the result of a 1961 merger. Our 1,000 Unitarian Universalist congregations here are made up mostly of people who have been to college and hold professional jobs (or who did, before many became unemployed). We are widely a white, middle-class population. Our average church size is 150 individual adult members, with some ranging to 1,000 members. Most churches have paid staff, or at least a minister, who holds an M. Div. Our members are liberal and inclusive on gender and sexual orientation and mostly progressive in politics. Theologically we are diverse: we have no creed to which you have to agree to join a congregation. Our worship structure appears to be Mainline Protestant, owing to our heritage. Yet theologies in a church can include Pagan, Buddhist, liberal Christian, liberal Jewish, mystical, naturalistic theist, and Humanist. For much of the 20th century many of our members called themselves Humanist, which meant agnostic or atheist.
Our autonomous congregations come together in the larger denomination for mutual support and a common voice on public issues. While we have no creed for individuals, delegates to denominational assemblies have ratified (and revised) a statement of seven Unitarian Universalist Principles as well as a list of six Sources of our Living Tradition.
Congregations here voluntarily support the denominational structures financially, and we keep the denomination going. In the Philippines, the congregations rely on headquarters for extensive practical support, guidance, and financial assistance. (Hence the current project to raise funds to build a visionary revenue-generating project in Dumaguete City, using part of the land where headquarters is located.)
We have a thriving Partner Church Council, which links North American congregations with Unitarian, Universalist, or Unitarian Universalist churches in Romania, northeast India, the Philippines, and a few other countries. A partnership includes visits (usually North Americans going overseas, but sometimes with foreign clergy visiting churches here) as well as pen-pal relationships, exchanges of gifts, and often financial support of local projects in other countries.
Much work and learning has taken place to promote these as relationships of mutuality, and not as a charitable, missionary, or other kinds of one-way connections. Many in the Partner Church movement have learned and attempted to teach our fellow North Americans how to engage on the level of equals in the face of unequal economic conditions. (As one colleague says, “You cannot embrace each other if your arms are too full with presents.”)
About 10 Philippine churches have partnerships with U.S. churches. I am hoping to convince the congregation I serve to commit to a partnership with a Philippine church.
How does this context shape the questions that I bring to my work?
My topic needs more focus; the more I read the more I think of issues to research and questions to pursue.
Pastoral questions: What is the role of the congregational minister there? How is authority conferred, transmitted, retained, and kept in care? How do clergy learn their calling and craft, and how do they balance ministry with their need to have income?
Institutional and governance questions: How are congregations governed, and what is the purpose of their governance structures? How do they feel about the effectiveness of their structures and polity? What is the denomination’s polity? What are the pressing issues for congregation-denomination relationships there? (Here, we are relatively autonomous from headquarters and from our neighboring UU churches—as distant as we choose to be.)
Theological questions: To what extent are theological claims and theological questions a part of worship, preaching and religious education for adults and children? What are the predominant theological beliefs, and how much variety in perspectives is there within and between congregations? What is their Christology, if they have one? Do they identify as a Bible-based movement at this stage, and if so, how is that expressed? To what extent would Philippine Unitarian Universalist rituals, practices or beliefs there resemble an earth-based or animist religious practice? In what ways does a local cultural identity shape the contextual theologies? To what extent does the practice of faith healing on Negros integrate, ignore, reject or shape UU theology there, and to what extent is it an unaltered inheritance from popular religiosity? How deep is the integration of a core of Unitarian Universalist theology and values in these village churches? As Catholic contextual theology writer Stephen Bevans asks: “Is it possible to recognize the one faith in the different [i.e., North American and Philippine] interpretations?”[v] How can their context shape our American understandings of Unitarian Universalism?
Social-outreach questions: What is the role of a UU congregation in its local village or urban neighborhood? How do its members relate personally and institutionally to people and leaders in other denominations’ parishes? To what extent is there an inter-faith component (e.g., discussion of beliefs and practices), a fellowship component (shared festivals and meals, close friendships or family ties), or a local economic-development component?
Denominational growth questions: How are the newer UU congregations different from the longstanding ones? How many congregations have developed since the original ones were either founded or converted by the Rev. Toribio Quimada? What is the history and status of the two newer groups near Manila (on Luzon Island)? What are the plans for establishing other new churches on Negros, Luzon, or other islands? Is there any strategic thought given to the fact that many North Americans are choosing the Philippines as an affordable, English-speaking retirement destination?
International relationship questions: What’s the recent history of the UU Partner Church relationships between Philippine and North American congregations? How do Philippine congregational lay leaders and clergy see these relationships? How does these impressions, hopes or complaints compare to the views of the official staff and leadership of the UU headquarters in Dumaguete City? (To what extent is that any of my business?)
How does this context shape the content of my work?
Several of the congregations on Negros have held Community Capacity Building (CCB) workshops, inviting not only their own members but people from their village communities. The principle is that only the people of a village (or of a country) are able to solve their problems, and they do have the knowledge to evaluate their situations, review their assets (broadly defined), identify goals and prioritize them, and then make a detailed work plan of who will do what, and of what help is invited from western partners.
Professor Richard Ford, an American UU who has worked in development-assistance programs for decades, espouses these principles when leading CCB workshops and then in summarizing the results. (He’s done this for UU congregations in East Africa, Central Europe and the Philippines.) He makes a strong case that most of the problems of poor, post-colonial nations are in large part the legacy of the arbitrary and arrogant decisions made by colonial powers. In March 2011 he led a training of Filipino UU church lay leaders and clergy on how to conduct CCB workshops, and then co-led one for three days at a village. I have been in touch with him and hope to be in conversation and use him as a resource or even dissertation committee member.
Given the UUCP leadership’s interest in having me and other U.S. ministers spend time there doing ministry and training clergy and lay leaders, I wonder if the CCB approach would be useful in developing ministry and leadership training courses?
What are the theological, social and practical issues that emerge from this context?
It strikes me that I have two contexts.
One is the UU Church of the Philippines as it exists on Negros Island and in two groups in Metro Manila (Luzon Island) and as it is changing and perhaps spreading. It has a major project to achieve regular income and financial sustainability; it helps leaders of its village churches lead local economic development initiatives, and seeks the training of lay leaders and clergy with the help of North American clergy.
The second context is one of encounter, of current and future relationships with North American UU congregations, our clergy, one or both of our UU-identified seminaries, denominational headquarters in Boston, and the Partner Church Council, a network of volunteers with one staff person who promote international church-to-church relationships.
Even if I leave aside these ongoing relationships and potential new developments (i.e., the second context), I will put myself in the middle of this context through my own efforts to understand and document the situation of the UU churches in the Philippines, and my plan to respond to their invitation to stay there a few months to provide ministry as well as training and information to their clergy and lay leaders.
[i][i] Governance of this colony was controlled from New Spain, or Mexico. Civil and military governments changed often in the Philippine colony, so power accrued to the Catholic orders and bishops due to long and uninterrupted terms of clerical office. Native Filipinos were prevented from being priests until the late 1800s.
[ii] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_English-speaking_population#List_in_order_of_total_speakers. This Wikipedia article lists USA, India, Nigeria, Philippines, & UK as the top five. Lonely Planet Philippines says it is the third-largest English speaking country.
[iii]“Philippines,” Encyclopedia of Christianity, Erwin Fahlbusch et. al., editors. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan. 2005in Vol. 4, pp. 181-184.
[iv]This church “claims to be the only true church and the only means to salvation and opposes both Roman Catholic and Protestant churches.” It also rejects doctrines of the Trinity and the deity of Christ, and has a an authoritarian church hierarchy: “[T]ithing and twice-weekly church attendance are strictly enforced.… The [church] instructs its members on how to vote and accordingly wields considerable political power. [It] has appealed to the lower socioeconomic classes and, through job-training programs, has been successful in raising the standard of living for its adherents.” (183). From its base in the Philippines, Iglesia ni Cristo has founded 200 congregations in 67 other countries, with up to ten million members .
“Philippines,” Encyclopedia of Christianity, Erwin Fahlbusch et. al., editors. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan. 2005in Vol. 4, p. 181.
[v] Models of Contextual Theology, by Stephen B. Bevan (Orbis Books, Maryknoll, NY, 2002), p. 23.
Filed under: Politics, Elections, and Government, Social Action & Social Justice, Trends in Religion, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
This message went out to Standing on the Side of Love supporters (like me) on Friday, October 7, 2011. You can sign-up for these emails at www.standingonthesideoflove.org
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“I could conquer the whole of them with fifty men and govern them as I pleased.” -The log of Christopher Columbus’ first voyage to America in 1492
“Merely being part of the United States, without regard to our own acts and ideas, does not make us moral or immoral beings. History is more complicated than that.” -James W. Loewen
For many reasons, I love Dane County, Wisconsin, home to my alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Some people reduce Dane County to just a bastion of liberals. Well, those liberals in Dane County replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day a while back. But so has South Dakota, which honors “Native American Day.” Several California cities, and my employer, the Unitarian Universalist Association, honor Indigenous Peoples Day as well.
Many people think this is political correctness gone too far, or oversensitivity. I’m not even curious what Fox News might say about it. To all the naysayers, I say, as lovingly as possible: I couldn’t disagree more.
Honoring Christopher Columbus is just another symptom of our country’s fundamental denial. It means lifting up a man who sent the first slaves across the Atlantic. More slaves-about five thousand-than any other individual, according to historian after historian. It means honoring a man who kidnapped indigenous Americans to take back with him to Spain, with several dying along the way. It means holding up as an example a man who demanded food, gold, and spun cotton from indigenous Americans, and used punishments like cutting off their ears and noses and hands to make sure the goods were received. It means celebrating someone who instituted policies of rewarding his lieutenants with indigenous women to rape. As educator and historian James W. Loewen writes in his book “Lies My Teacher Told Me”, “All of these gruesome facts are available in primary source material-letters by Columbus and by other members of his expeditions, and in the work of Las Casas, the first great historian of the Americas, who relied on primary materials and helped preserve them.”
I’m not saying we can’t be glad that we live in the United States of America. I know I often am, especially after some time in a state or national park, or while reading about curbed freedoms of speech or assembly in other countries, or while realizing that I have access to hot, clean water every day. But honoring Christopher Columbus-though he was skilled as an explorer-as some sort of national hero just makes me sad.
Each time we hallow Christopher Columbus over indigenous people, or Rick Santorum over a gay soldier in Afghanistan, or Sherriff Joe Arpaio over a migrant, I believe our moral amnesia is flaring up.
For many of us, commemorating Indigenous Peoples Day over Columbus Day is one way to show that we understand the symptoms of the lies that have been embedded in our country’s collective consciousness. Let’s face it. We live in a country where children grew up playing ‘cowboys and Indians.’ Saying our country is in denial about our own story-our roots, our history-doesn’t make us unpatriotic, ungrateful, or unaware of the staggering beauty of our land, our freedoms, and of so many people in our nation, including people who may not agree with us a lot of the time. But we can’t authentically move forward if we don’t truly know the ground we are on, and where we have been. Honoring Indigenous People’s Day is one important way to do that.
On this Indigenous Peoples Day, people are taking to the streets, hungry for a change that is sweeping the world, chanting for a country where those in power govern with love and justice, and heed the moral imperative to serve the needs of humanity over the needs of consolidating wealth or power.
The United States is full of countless children who go to bed hungry every night, overwhelming environmental degradation costing us our health, and a colossal disparity between the very few uberwealthy and the millions of everyone else. Our deeply ailing nation is full of people who think that constitutional rights should be abrogated in favor of their God-beliefs over others’ God-beliefs, or non-God beliefs. It is full of individuals who have convinced themselves that undocumented people-the poorest, most hard-working people in our country-are somehow taking something away from them, and that if immigrants end up being abused in border detention, it’s their own fault.
I believe those of you who are taking part in Occupy Wall Street protests across the country are trying to deliver these messages through inspired love. And I thank you.
This evening, I begin a 24-hour period of Yom Kippur fasting, contemplation, and prayer. I’m overwhelmed by the need for change-from deep within to that which connects us all to one another, and to all.
Wherever we are this long, Indigenous Peoples Weekend, let us think. Let us pray, however we may choose. Let us speak. Rally. Commit. Act.
And, above all else, let us love.
Dan Furmansky
Campaign Manager
Standing on the Side of Love
P.S. Here are ten ways to transform Columbus Day into Indigenous Peoples Day.
The sermon will be posted mid-week.
Pastoral Prayer October 9, 2011
Spirit of Life, Fuente de Amor, Source of Love, draw near to us and to those we hold in our hearts. We are blessed by this gathering in kindness and respect, and by those who can offer a kind word and those who need one.
Let us remember those looking for work, those beset by financial challenges, those facing medical worries, unwelcome diagnoses, and pain of body, mind or spirit. We wish them healing, wellbeing and a sense of ease in living with challenge. To those living with mental anguish, we hope for strength and a renewed appreciation of their worth, their gifts and their courage. We keep in our hearts all who know grief, and offer the gesture of our gentle presence. We mark the passing of our own member Michael Laughlin this past week. So many of us will miss his regular Sunday morning presence in the coffee kitchen, serving faithfully in his unique ministry of hospitality. Rest in peace, Michael.
May our compassion reach around this globe to embrace those in zones of war and conflict—those who serve in harm’s way and those who are living there. We pray for the end of all kinds of conflict, violence, and oppression, including the trauma of domestic violence in too many homes of our community and our country. We pray also for peace. We give thanks for those who devote their time and their gifts in the service of healing, renewal, and reconciliation.
In recent weeks many people have gathered in cities of this nation to exercise their constitutional rights of speech and protest, calling for a broader democracy and economic fairness. May all involved be safe from harm. In the feisty ferment of democracy, may passion for change be partnered with respect for the basic worth of every person. In the Middle East, great numbers continue to risk their lives, even to give their lives, to call for change, to demand government in service to the needs of the many instead of the whims of the few who ruler. May the spirit of democracy prevail thanks to the extraordinary courage of ordinary people.
This weekend in California, we mark the 100-year anniversary of women’s right to vote in our state, and we celebrate the achievements of all those who commit themselves to the long haul. This week includes recognition of National Coming Out Day, highlighting the courage of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to claim the truth of their lives and the right to live in peace. May human dignity achieve its due respect. Spirit of Life, for the gift of life and the gift of this new day, let us be thankful. Now let us take several moments in silence, to appreciate the breath of life, to invite our private meditations, to be here together, present in body and spirit for one another. Amen.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Comparative Religion, Comparative Religion, Family Ministry, Magazine & Newspaper Articles, Politics, Reflections, Trends in Religion | Tags: trends in religion, younger adults in church
http://www.faithandleadership.com/blog/09-22-2011/carol-howard-merritt-five-cultural-shifts-should-affect-the-way-we-do-church
I found this article very interesting. She is a Mainline (Presbyterian) minister in a city (Washington). Some of her points relate primarily to the Mainline moderate Christian context, and the fact that some former Evangelical young adults are finding there way to the moderate churches. Most newer folks in UU churches did not leave Evangelical churches, though some may have grown up Catholic, and some Mormon. But some of the class-based issues and the technology changes are relevant. If you find this interesting, leave a comment for other UUs to read. Or just tell the comment directly to the author on the website.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Inspiration, Special Events
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Filed under: Comparative Religion, Family Ministry, Sermons and a Whole Lot More, Special Events
At the Día de los Muertos service on Sunday, October 30, we will be placing offerings on our communal altar in remembrance of our departed loved ones. Remember to bring a memento – a favorite food, a photo, a small object with special meaning – to place on the altar during the service. And remember to pick it up afterwards! Also, if you grow marigolds and are willing to share some, please bring them to either service (9:30 or 11:15 AM).
Gracias!
Rich Howard
Filed under: Adult Enrichment and Group Meetings, Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Special Events, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
For several years, our congregation has had a Connections Fair. We used to call it an opportunity fair. It will take place Sunday, Oct. 23, after both services (9:30 and 11:15 AM).
The various activity groups, fellowship groups, and volunteer teams set up tables and displays on the meadow, and offer snacks and conversation. This is a great way to find out some of the many things that take place here, and the ways to get involve and make some connections. Plan to stay after the service for refreshments and an easy time of visiting with some of our group leaders and other volunteers. No pressure to join anything in particular, just an invitation to get to know us better.
In the meantime, check out our Pathways brochure, or (if you have kids) our Child/Youth Religious Education site.
Filed under: Adult Enrichment and Group Meetings, Comparative Religion, Comparative Religion, International, Politics, Elections, and Government, Religious Studies: History, Special Events, Trends in Religion | Tags: interfaith, liberal religion, Unitarian, Universalist women, woman ministers, women in religion, women interfaith, women's heritage
This is from the wonderful online UU resource founded some years back by a minister of First Parish Cambridge (MA), Harvard Square Library. Read about this Universalist woman minister at this link.
Filed under: Comparative Religion, Inspiration, Sermon Archives and Excerpts, Trends in Religion | Tags: Blink, channeling, doubt, Doug Kraft, Gladwell, intuition, prayer, reason, skepticism, wisdom
In Doug’s brave sermon on “Channeling” this past week (Part 4 in his sermon on “Selflessness”), I liked especially what he had to say about DOUBT and about using all our faculties and sources of discernment.
Here are my excerpts from his sermon. You can find the whole October 23 sermon in PDF and podcast at www.uuss.org.
Skepticism
Now we come to the final phase: sorting out what to do with impressions that came from a mysterious source.
Up to now I’ve encouraged you to keep your skepticism at bay. For this final phase, it’s fine to open the gates and let you doubts tumble back into the room. But use doubt wisely. Don’t let it dismiss impressions out of hand – that’s just prejudice. Use it to form focused, open minded questions like “What’s real? What’s really going on?”
Here’s my best answer:
There are times when I’m dense, stupid and clueless. There are times when I’m relatively clear, insightful and wise. Mostly I’m somewhere in between.
When I’m channeling, most of what comes out of my mouth comes from the wise end of the spectrum.
Beyond this, I’m less certain.
My hunch is that we are all more deeply embedded in the web of life than we realize. And these practices use our relational instincts to overcome our hyper-developed sense of self and tap into the wisdom and knowing that is the fabric of life itself. But I don’t know this for sure.
Perhaps there are literal disembodied teachers in the flux and flow of life. Perhaps they are metaphors. Perhaps the process sensitizes us to subliminal cues.[1] Empirically I don’t how know to sort these out. I do know that fighting about things that we can’t prove or disprove is a waste of energy at best and a path to holy wars at worst.
So I prefer to let our doubts be doubts and focus on the practical question of how we make wise use of impressions that come from mysterious sources.
Don’t Ask What to Do
I learned three things from this about wise use of prayer, guidance and channeling.
First, ask for insight, not direction. Don’t ask channeled teachers, guides or gods to tell you what to do. Wise teachers – whether embodied or disembodied – don’t want our dependence. So instead ask for wisdom and insight that can help you know what is best.
Ultimately we are responsible for what we say and do. We don’t get to blame mistakes on God, teachers, the devil or well-meaning friends. We are responsible for our actions. We should use spiritual practices in ways that are harmonious with this reality.
So, if we are wondering if it is time to leave a job, don’t pray, “Tell me what to do?” Instead ask, “What might be the effect of staying on?” “What might be the effect of leaving?” “What is it that I’m not seeing clearly?” Ask questions that would help you gain insight and understanding not dependence.
If it’s not clear what to do, keep dialoging with your teachers-guides- sources until it becomes clear. Keep exploring until a course resonates inside you. Act on insight not because something told you to but because it resonates with you.
Second, know the dark side of channeling – ways that it can go wrong either by creating dependence or by confusing channeling with repressed feelings.
All intuitive knowing is filtered through our unconscious – that part of the mind-heart where we store old hurts, pains we don’t want to face and habits we don’t like to acknowledge. Prayer, guidance and channeling work to the degree that we can temporarily step aside from them. We never do it completely. So the more self knowledge we have of our own dark side, the less likely we’ll confuse our unwise tendencies with wise knowing.
I once met regularly with ten therapists in a peer support group. They decided they wanted to work with channeling. It was the most awkward and painful group I’ve ever been in. People who should have known better projected their unconscious fears and control needs onto each other. It wasn’t pretty.
As I said last week, if the guidance we receive would needlessly harm ourselves or others, if it would inflate or deflate our ego, if it’s coercive, dictatorial or autocratic in tone, or if it clashes with our highest values, then it is probably distorted by repressed feelings.
We should use our discernment to sort it out. We can also use channeling or guidance to help deside.
This leads to the third lesson I learned:
Never make a big life decision based on channeling, guidance or prayer alone. We have multiple resources to draw upon, including self-knowledge, experience, reason, emotional intelligence and intuition. In making big decisions we want all these counselors at the table. We don’t want intellect stomping out feeling. We don’t want past fears shouting down intuition. We don’t want intuition blotting out reason. We want all of them constructively and compassionately engaged. None of them is as smart as all of them together. None of them is as wise as all working as a collective.
In Unitarian Universalist circles, intuition – including prayer, guidance and channeling – is often underdeveloped or under appreciated. So it is helpful and healing to take the time to cultivate intuitive knowing.
I am wiser than some people who are smarter than me because I draw on a wider range of resources than they do. And there are people a lot wiser than me simply because they’ve cultivated a wider range of faculties and know how to integrate them harmoniously.
So if you haven’t cultivated relational instincts through prayer, guidance or channeling, I encourage you to not shy away from them. Cultivate them as an experiment. See what you can discover. This may require temporary suspension of disbelief – but not permanent suspension.
Ultimately we want to use our relational instincts to enhance our intuitive abilities so we can invite them all to be full partners at the table. Not as ridiculed children, dictatorial tyrants, or spacey hippies. But as smart, heartful partners to be part of our collective as we become wiser members of the larger collective – the circle of all life and spirit and being which is all of us.
Blessed be.
[1] Malcom Gladwell in Blink (Little Brown and Company, 2005) describes some of the research on subliminal processing of information.
Filed under: Children and Youth, Church Finances and Stewardship, Comparative Religion, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: building and grounds of church, church blueprints, church construction, church layout, church property, master plan, sacred space, Sunday school outside, walking meditation
Last Sunday I was the guest presenter in JHYG, the Junior High Youth Group (grades 6-8). Ginny, one of the amazing lead teachers, was my host. Taylor, one of the amazing church dads and leaders here, was a guest teacher. Ginny’s check in question was “one thing that you appreciate from this past week.”
We talked about sacred space and sacred places, and what makes them sacred or special. I asked them to take a minute of silence and think about examples of sacred spaces for themselves. Most folks had something to say. Taylor talked about sacred places in nature. Ginny introduced Stonehenge and showed some pictures.
We looked at two posters with lots of pictures of houses of worship from different work religions. We looked at three posters with color photographs of various UU church buildings around North America. Most looked vintage post-World War II (like ours, built for the baby boom kids and families), but some dated to the 1800s and King’s Chapel dates to the 1600s (Unitarian since the late 1700s).
I showed them diagrams the size of place mats (and laminated too) showing the whole 6-acre campus. Made by our Grasshoppers (the volunteers who mow and trim the grass, etc.), the diagram shows the names of all the sections of the campus: oak grove, memorial garden, patio lawn, minister’s office lawn, preschool playground, main playground, volleyball area, rose bed, etc. The most intriguing was “twilight zone.” I passed out the “place mats” and they studied them in small groups.
Then we went on a walking meditation, further delaying enjoyment of Ginny’s homemade cookies. It was to be a silent meditation. Before we left, the adults told them about the wildlife that lives here or passes by: squirrels (lots), crows, opossums, wild turkeys, and at least one pair of big bushy-tailed skunks.
I led, and Taylor followed the group at the rear. We walked by the community garden (UURTHSONG), and down the length of our parking lot, along chain-link fence that separates us from the many two-story apartment buildings. We walked by the trees and wrought-iron fence separating UUSS from the enormous Woodside Sierra condo complex. We walked by the rose bed, the oak grove (and looked at the “mini oak trees,” as someone called them later. The senior high group had planted them in summer with Taylor’s oversight), the big evergreen trees, through the twilight zone to the meorial garden. We walked by the Ben Franklin Thinking Bench and a few small stones with another former member’s names on them. Esther Franklin was in the sanctuary with a photo of Ben for our Dia de los Muertos altar. He died 20 years ago.)
We walked by the creek (drainage ditch between the church and the duplex apartments we own) and then behind the sanctuary exterior and by the two green Dumpsters. We heard the congregation singing the closing hymn (a bit early!) and then crossed the patio and went back for cookies.
I asked them to pause in silence for a minute and think about what they had noticed. The responses were varied. I had noticed two youth giggling now and then. One noticed another’s squeaky sneakers. One noticed a pile of paving stones behind the church. One mentioned a squirrel that didn’t fun from us.
I also noticed how easy it is to take all the different aspects of the campus for granted when one is rushing in and out, or shuttling between two offices. It certainly shifts your perspective to approach the familiar on foot, and from a different direction.
Then I showed them the new UUSS Master Plan–the recent architectural drawings by Jeff Gold. I pointed out the classroom building we were in and the additions and changes proposed, and the main hall, with walls to be expanded so it’s a larger space (seating up to 375), and the new restrooms, meeting rooms, storage rooms, AND an all-purpose room (chapel or fellowship room, holding 125 seated). The main entry for worship would be on the opposite side of the building from where it is now.
Also proposed was a new office building, which would be at the tip of a triangle if you had the base line be the line between the current main office and the minister’s study. Hence: out in the parking lot, an obvious stopping or welcome place for someone coming during the week to visit the main office, minister or other staff. This means all offices would be in the same building, and the classrooms in another building, and meeting rooms would be in the worship/fellowship building.
I did show them the “later” plans, which would include a new sanctuary building in the large area where some of the trees are now. That area was intended for a sanctuary building back in the 1960s. The hall we have been using for 50 years was built to be the fellowship hall, and it was assumed that a sanctuary would be built separately some time later.
I handed out the architect’s printed plans and the youth studied them together as they sat on their cushions on the floor and ate cookies. They seemed interested, but not overawed by the prospects for our future. Yet they did not strain to see their parents waiting for them outside the room. Ginny passed out registration forms for the Middle School UU Gathering (MUUGs) for the current weekend, to take place at a UU church high on a hill in Marin County. I told those who are going to notice that sacred space, and maybe take a few pictures to show on a future Sunday.
I think that more middle schoolers here have studied the master plan than grown ups. Some of them will no doubt be enjoying the refurbished, expanded and new spaces in coming decades, and maybe their kids will be eating cookies baked with love by a silver-haired volunteer from their church.
Filed under: Family Ministry, Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Children and Youth
Today (Sunday) during Religious Education (RE), I led a Feast Day program in Spirit Play, with 22 kids from grades 1-5 and two adult leaders helping, plus the RE Assistant. My goal was to show them maps and globes to let them know where the Philippines is, and where is the island of Negros. Then I would show them some of my slide show of digital photos and talk about the people, landscape, and congregations in the UU Church of the Philippines. We also would have a snack, prepared by Lee and her sons. Well, this is more or less what happened, but the group quickly became unsettled and to my experience barely manageable. The trusty Spirit Play refrain to call for order, “Let’s get ready! I don’t think we are ready to continue. Can you help us get ready?”, was rarely effective. Anyway there was a lot of engagement with the maps and the inflatable globe, and the regular one, and some responses and questions to the slides. But it felt like pandemonium.
Given my preparation for that (perhaps insufficient) I was not at all worried in anticipation of the two Congregational Conversations about calling me to be the Associate Minister. The task force had meetings after both services, and we had maybe 25 folks at each one. The task force had organized it very well, so it went smoothly, and with a nice chalice lighting (and extinguishing after the closing words).
The questions, statements and responses were genuine and supportive, and I appreciate much specific feedback on my ministry here and my thoughts about the congregation and the ministry in general. It’s nice to hear when you have done things that have mattered to folks, and to have them highlighted as specific examples. I will strive to do that more in my supervisory work as well as in my support of volunteer leaders.
If you have any responses to the conversation that you attended, please add them as a comment here. As I drove home I thought of one question that deserves a more complete answer. One person noted that he had read in a local paper that I was “an out gay minister.” He said he hadn’t known that but wanted me to speak more about it. I didn’t say much, except that coming out of the closet coincided with my finding Unitarian Universalism as a young adult and getting involved in church life. I also said it was clear that our officially certified “Welcoming Congregation” had really done its work in learning about the issues and becoming inclusive and affirming. It was
That is what I said. Now it occurs to me that I should have said it is important for clergy and laypersons involved in religious communities to be honest, open and visible as openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people (LGBT). The reason is that historically organized religion has been unwelcoming but actively hostile and oppressive to LGBT people. Of course, it’s important for all people to be “out” to the extent that they can do so and remain safe from harm. But it makes an extra difference when we can be seen as participating freely and fully in religious community. It is a public witness and also a source of healing for many people who have suffered from religiously based oppression, and this includes not only LGBT folks but their parents and families, friends, and religious communities.
Filed under: Family Ministry, Children and Youth, Rituals, Prayers, Elements of Worship Services, Reflections, Special Events
EVERY SUNDAY MORNING OUR LAY WORSHIP LEADER OFFERS A PERSONAL REFLECTION BEFORE LIGHTING THE UU FLAMING CHALICE. I ASKED DEIRDE IF I COULD POST HERS.
It is November 8, 1991. We are in the southern coastal city of Fuzhou, China. Damp morning air rolls in through the open windows of the hotel breakfast room. The linoleum floor is wet from a recent mopping. Round tables are thronged with men in dark clothes, speaking the local Chinese dialect. We are the only westerners in the room.
I try to eat, but I can’t—NOT because the breakfast of rice porridge topped with pickled things and dried salty things is strange to me, though it is—BUT because my chest feels as if birds are beating their wings inside me.
We leave the hotel and walk a few blocks. The street hums with bicycle and vehicle traffic. We turn up the long driveway of a grim, Soviet-era concrete building—the Children’s Welfare Institute. A white government van turns in behind us and stops at the entrance of the building. A woman gets out, carrying a baby bundled in multiple layers of clothing topped by a mustard yellow knit sweater with black crocheted trim.
We glimpse the baby’s face—round-cheeked and full of light. Could it be…?
We hurry forward for our first meeting with this baby girl, and in this moment we are forever changed…into her parents.
WE light the chalice for all the first meetings that change our lives.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Comparative Religion, Inspiration, Pastor Smiley Speaks, Trends in Religion
I don’t recognize any of these people, but this video could have come out of our congregation.
It was sent to me on the UU Ministers’ email chat.
Add your COMMENTS to my blog if you look at the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUJpJyth3J4
If you want to know what’s going on at my congregation, visit www.uuss.org, or visit us in person!
Filed under: Adult Enrichment and Group Meetings, Inspiration, Sermon Archives and Excerpts, Sermons and a Whole Lot More, Trends in Religion | Tags: breathing, Buddha, compassion, insight meditation, Kabbat-Zinn, meditation, mindfulness, noticing, obliviousness, prayer, silent retreat, simplify, Thoreau, walking meditation
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento
Hymns: #175 (From the Crush of Wealth and Power), #201 (Glory, Glory, Hallelujah),
#163 (For the Earth Forever Turning).
Reading: from Chapter 2 of Walden, by Henry David Thoreau (interrupted by the skit…)
Liturgical Skit: Battle for Attention between Worship Leader (Taylor L.) and the Minister
–You had to be there!
Sermon: Mindfulness and Multitasking
In 1854 the American Transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau asked: “Why should we live in such a hurry and waste of life?” In the century and a half since then, our situation not gotten any better. We rush through life, and miss too much of it. A current ingredient of this problem, and a sign of it, is our obsession with multitasking.
Multitasking is this: doing two or more activities at the same time, even though each thing calls for your attention. Multitasking can seem glamorous in this high-tech age, but it can be mundane as well.
I come home at night after a church meeting and heat up a late dinner. I eat while reading a magazine and sitting in front of the computer, listening to a podcast and checking email. Hungry for a little something sweet. In the freezer: Ben and Jerry’s ice cream…about a half pint left. I’ll have only a few spoons of it, so I won’t bother to get a bowl out for it. Sitting at the table, reading, I have few bites. Then a few more, and a few more. Now there’s hardly enough left in the carton to bother putting it back, so I’ll finish it off.
Now, I don’t remember the flavor, but its color was some shade of brown. I don’t remember the magazine article I read either. Or what I had for dinner.
Doing more than one thing at a time is not necessarily a problem. After all, we are equipped to do more than one thing at a time. We are complex organisms. Right now your bodies are carrying on countless activities—in addition to listening to me (or at least sitting there) — your circulatory, digestive, and respiratory systems, your senses all are working hard: multitasking. In our brains and all our nerves, n every microscopic cell we have, there’s a lot going on. The issue with multitasking is not the amount of activity, but whether we are aware of ourselves, whether we even experience ourselves. What Thoreau called our hurry and waste of life comes from a lack of mindfulness.
In the Bay Area, I meet with a friend for deep-dish pizza, Chicago style—our favorite. We catch up on our work lives. I ask him about computers, he brings up spiritual stuff, and we finish the pizza. “How did you like it?” I ask. “Uh, I don’t remember. I wasn’t really paying attention to it.”
Jon Kabat-Zinn is the founder of the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. He has written a book, Wherever You Go, There You Are. He says that no matter what diversions and obsessions we use to distract us from what’s going on in our lives, the fact is that we must face ourselves if we are to achieve peace in our lives. The emphasis in the title is not on the wherever, but on the you: Wherever you go, there you are. Having a spiritual practice is a good way to learn to be with yourself, wherever you are.
Kabat-Zinn recommends a regular practice of mindfulness, like yoga, meditation, or prayer. He says you can’t wait to be mindful only in “those moments when the big events hit. They contain so much power they will overwhelm you.” You’ve got to get ready for them. He says that the practice of mindfulness “is the slow, disciplined work of digging trenches, of working in the vineyards, of [emptying out a pond with a bucket]. It is the work of moments and the work of a lifetime, all wrapped into one.”[i]
The practice is to give your attention to what’s going on in the moment. Mindfulness, attention, awareness—noticing of what we are experiencing in each moment that arises. It’s simple, but far from easy.
Most of the time I am not sure if meditation works—especially when I am meditating. A half hour passes, and I doubt that I’ve spent a total of seven minutes noticing my breathing, or the feeling of my seated body. When my mind wanders, it’s easy to feel like a failure. While I was at a mediation retreat, a teacher talked about the habit of judging ourselves —“I can’t even meditate right! I don’t know how to sit still. My mind wanders from thing to thing.”
But our teacher said that such moments of failure are in fact … occasions of success. When we notice our mind has wandered, we are practicing awareness. When we notice, we are practicing. “Oh, my mind has wandered.” “Oh, I’m feeling impatient.” “I’m thinking about work. How about that!” “Oh, I’m feeling frustrated.” “I’m worried.” To notice is to practice. As Kabat-Zinn writes: “It is in the coming back to mindfulness that seeing [takes place].”
One morning, after working out, I go to my car, put my gym bag in the trunk, and close it. Now, where are my keys? I just used them! I search my pockets three times. Oops—they fell into the trunk before. I’m stuck. I call a towing service to get into my car. Somehow, surprisingly, I decide that I am going to watch myself react to this experience. I observe: waiting, frustration, resentment, impatience, and self-blaming. Interesting! Deciding to watch my reactions saves me from being overwhelmed by them. It’s even a bit funny. It’s also funny that I have I paid more attention to my experience in these moments of waiting than I do while sitting on the meditation cushion, trying to pay attention to my breathing. But perhaps there’s a connection. Maybe the reason I don’t always get overwhelmed in the stressful times like losing my keys is because I have a regular practice of sitting, trying to notice my breath.
Seven years ago I attended a meditation retreat at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Five days of group meditation practices in relative silence—sitting, walking, eating, and doing a daily task—all as training in awareness. I learned that everything I do, every challenge I encounter, and every reaction I have is an opportunity for practice—the practice of noticing, of being aware, open, and curious. At the retreat we heard lectures (Dharma talks) nightly and individual meetings with a teacher.
We could also leave notes for our teachers on a bulletin board. I wrote a few questions I thought were cute. I asked this one: “Teacher—I understand the practice of mindfulness and its purpose–being present with what’s going on. Usually when I drive I listen to National Public Radio, and when I swim I think about my writing. I like to read while eating. Is multitasking okay, and can I do it mindfully?”
The answer soon was pinned on the message board. Her written reply was brief: “I find that doing one thing at a time to be a good practice.”
It was not the answer I wanted. It was a challenge. And this gentle challenge came even before I had a cell phone. A cell phone, of course, multiplies your multitasking.
If I am working at home and feel bored, my first instinct is to check the computer for email. If I’m away from a computer, boredom leads me to grab the cell phone. With an advanced piece of equipment known as a smart phone, I can go just about anywhere, and do just about anything, except where I am and what I’m doing. This impulse comes out of restlessness with whatever I’m doing.
I have had the impulse to use the phone while driving, and given in to it. Back before it was against the law, when I would be on the road and would see other drivers talking on cell phones, I would feel outrage. How selfish, how insensitive, how un-aware they are! But when I made a call, I felt justified. I wanted to say to other drivers: “Really, it’s only a short one, and if you knew how important it is, you wouldn’t judge me for it!”
Years ago, before California banned cell phones while driving, I was on a road trip with a friend. I was driving down the multi-lane highway Interstate 880, in the East Bay. We were having a good conversation. My phone rang. Without thinking, I shifted my body to get the phone out of my pocket. This brought about a change of one or two lanes on the interstate. Then I spoke on the phone for a few minutes, while driving. This was the wrong thing to do.
Clearly upset, my friend gave me a short talking-to. He invited me to think about why somebody with my ethical values would ignore those values by putting myself, and him, and other people at risk on the road. It was the wrong thing to do. But he was the right person to do it in front of, because he brought me back to mindfulness. By challenging me, he invited me to further practice in being aware of my actions.
I’ve read that talking on the phone while Ωdriving lowers your awareness and response time as much as if you were to
have more alcohol in your blood stream than the legal driving limit allows.
It’s not handling the phone that’s the problem—it’s the conversation. Talking on the phone takes attention, takes it away from the important task at hand. Thank goodness there’s a law now—not only for safety, but for my sanity.
Yet, when I am bored on the road, I am tempted. Sometimes I pull the phone out of my pocket, so I can have it ready when I reach my destination.
The need to pay attention on the road is an example of the ethical implications of mindfulness. You can also raise questions about social justice through the lens of mindfulness. For example, one of the most hazardous jobs in the country is that of a meat cutter. What used to be a trade, even a craft, butchering has been made into cheap, assembly line work. Many of the low-wage workers who butcher and package meat and poultry to suffer repetitive motion injuries. They risk the loss of fingers, hands, eyes, limbs—and even their lives. One reason we can buy inexpensive meat is that speeding up assembly-line forms of processing saves money. Yet it makes it harder for a worker to be mindful. It can turn a moment of boredom or a lapse of attention into a deadly mistake.
For most people I know, the challenge of paying attention is not a life or death matter. We are privileged if our distractible mind is only a cause of emotional stress, as damaging as that can be in itself.
But mindfulness can protect us in ordinary situations too. I live in a unit at the top of a set of stairs. Sometimes I leave in a hurry, with a few things to carry—backpack and computer, gym bag, newspaper, a bag with lunch in it. You know I’m in a hurry on a Sunday morning, which is of course the time of the week when I am supposed to be the most grounded! Sometimes, when I carry too much and think about too much at once, I trip on the top step, and struggle to catch my balance. I realize—oh, this is how people sometimes fall down stairs. They don’t get up and say, “I think I’ll take a tumble today!” They think all kinds of other things. They don’t think about what their body is doing, and that they are about to go down the stairs. So now, when go out and look down the stairs I say, “Okay, here are the stairs. I’m about to go down them. Am I steady?” Well, I try to do that. It’s a practice—always room for more practice.
I knew someone who had a practice of stopping every hour of the day for two minutes, sitting in her chair and watching her breathing. Of course, she worked at home, so it was easier to take a two-minute break every hour. Some people, while in traffic, will use a red light as trigger or a reminder to notice their breathing. Red light, notice my breathing. Are there any activities or triggers in your ordinary life to remind you to come back to mindfulness?
Do you have others who can support you in the practice of mindfulness? It doesn’t have to be someone at home. Support for this practice can show up in all kinds of places.
On Sunday mornings, I am in a rush to get here, often running behind. As my car and I zoom up here on Highway 50, I have the help of a meditation teacher… sitting along the highway in a black and white car with lights on the top. This teacher wears a badge and a uniform and has a radar device. The presence of the Highway Patrol car is an invitation to pay attention to what I am doing. It is an invitation to notice.
You can practice awareness when eating. If you eat with others, you could enjoy a shared meal in silence: cook in silence, and then sit and ea in silence. Afterward, reflect on the experience and talk about it. If you eat alone, you can try eating without reading or watching TV.
One meditation teacher recommends that you try taking a bite of food and then putting our fork down to chew. He says that the Buddha advised that you stop eating your meal about five bites before you’re full! This calls for close awareness to how you’re feeling as you eat. But how can you determine what it feels like to be five bites away from full? Maybe it’s the Buddha’s joke on us.
When this teacher works on the computer, he tries to keep a small fraction of his attention to watch himself working, so he is not totally absorbed in his work. He tries to notice the feel of the keystrokes and the plastic clicking sound, and to be aware of himself sitting there.
Dr. Kabat-Zinn writes: “[Try] to use ordinary, repetitive occasions in your own [life] as invitations to practice mindfulness. Going to the door, answering the telephone, … going to the bathroom…going to the refrigerator—all can be occasions to slow down and be more in touch with each present moment. Notice the inner feelings which push you toward the telephone or the doorbell on the first ring.”
He asks: “Why does your response time have to be so fast that it pulls you out of the life you were living in the preceding moment? Can [your] transitions become more graceful?”[ii]
A meditation practice is a commitment. It may not be the right one for you, or it may not be a practice you can start at this time. There is no use in judging oneself harshly over this. Indeed, the cultivation of kindness and compassion is a primary purpose of spiritual practice—and this includes being compassionate and kind to yourself. But even without a regular practice of our own, life gives us many opportunities to be mindful, many moments to pay attention.
Here I am eating…what am I eating? What does it taste like?
Here I am…preparing to go down the stairs, am I steady?
Here I am pulling my cell phone out, opening my computer, what else am I doing?
Here I am, uncomfortable in a social situation. What does this feel like? What does it feel like in my body?
Dr. Kabbat-Zinn recommends: “[Try] being present for things like taking a shower…. When you are in the shower, are you really in the shower? Do you feel the water on your skin, or are you someplace else, lost in thought, missing the shower altogether.”[iii]
I invite you to ask one another—after church today, or over coffee some other time, or at a meeting—what helps you return to awareness of yourself and what you’re doing? What helps you return to the present and simply notice? And what have you noticed?
Life gives us unending invitations to notice, and countless moments to return to.
A daily mindfulness practice can make a difference, to be sure, but if you don’t have time for one yet, that’s okay. There is no shortage of moments in which to be present.
When you become aware that you just missed a few moments, then you must be noticing a new moment now. You are noticing! “It is in coming back to the moment that seeing [takes place].”[iv]
Try asking yourself, “Am I awake now?” When you think to ask the question, the answer will be yes.
So may it be. Amen.
[i] Wherever You Go, There You Are, by John Kabat-Zinn, New York: Hyperion, 1994, p. 111.
[ii] Ibid., p. 202-3.
[iii] Ibid., p. 203.
[iv] Ibid., p. 160.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Church Finances and Stewardship, Comparative Religion, Inspiration, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: LGBT welcome, liberal church growth, liberal progressive Religious Education programs, ministry to children, ministry to youth, Religious Education success, wise giving
Chalice Lighters is a program of the UU congregations in this Pacific Central District. If you identify as a Chalice Lighter, it means you are willing to make a donation three times a year to a project selected for a grant by our district’s growth committee. I’ve been a member of the committee since 2000!
Take a look at the current winner of the grant-selection process. If you want to help out, find a link on the web page. Gifts of any amount will make a difference. I usually give $35 each time there is a Chalice Lighters aware. Because this is for a very cool church in my region, and the ministers and congregation are really on the move, I stretched and sent a check for $100 this time.
If you cannot afford to send a donation, I hope you will ready about their progress anyway, and let your good feelings and good wishes head their way! Read about it at this link. Thanks for reading!
Filed under: Children and Youth, Comparative Religion, Comparative Religion, Eating Mindfully and Sustainable Agriculture, Family Ministry, Graduate Theological school/PSR, Inspiration, International, Rituals, Prayers, Elements of Worship Services | Tags: Advent, culture shock, family life, good guests, hospitality, isolation, minister's column, reaching out
The Family Minister’s Message:
Culture Shock and the Gift of Presence
A woman in my religious history class in Berkeley is from a hilly state in the far northeast corner of India. Her tribal people look more Burmese than Indian. They speak no Hindi, only English and the tribal tongue of their region.
Her state is nearly all Christian. Welsh and Scots missionaries took the Gospel there in the 1800s, and it took root. Her husband, a Presbyterian minister, is here to get a Ph.D. in Biblical studies. He has to learn Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, Latin and German. Their girls are 7 and 11. One attends Malcolm X School, and enjoys music, art and all subjects. The other attends middle school, plays soccer a lot, and reads a ton of books. In one year, the girls have gained an American accent!
Mom said the kids have adjusted well, but it’s been harder for the parents. They are used to having many relatives and friends drop in all the time back home. Here, they are isolated. People are too busy. We Americans always need to schedule ahead.
On hearing that I stay overnight in Berkeley on Mondays, she asked me to come home with them sometime. To be nice, I said yes. But I’ve been busy and have stayed with my usual hosts. Then she asked me to come on the next week, and I decided it was time to go.
They live at Presbyterian Mission Homes, a very plain set of cottages and apartments for international student families at the Graduate Theological Union. I saw this family’s vegetable garden, and the dad and I talked about life in Northeast India and our studies.
At dinner, dad said grace, giving thanks for the fellowship, asking for a blessing on me, my ministry and my congregation.
We had a simple and big meal: freshly cooked veggies, flavorful meat, and white rice. Mom kept offering more rice. The girls were polite and friendly but not rambunctious.
They didn’t mind giving up their room for me, as they were excited to sleep on a mattress in their parents’ room. After supper, dad studied Deuteronomy; the girls played on the computer and bathed. Mom held them, sang to them, chatted with them, put them to bed.
Afterward, she made Nescafe for us. We three grad students read quietly into the night. It was sweet and cozy… to study together in a small, plain cottage. It was a gift of quiet companionship. I faded, and turned in first.
We had breakfast, the girls met the school bus, and dad and I walked a half hour to campus. Mom would come to school later. I thanked them. They thanked me.
They expect me to come back. Showing hospitality to me gave them a break in their isolation, and a chance to express their culture and values. To show up as their guest was a gift for me–but also for them.
I’m glad I decided to alter my usual pattern.
This December, may we find ways to alter some usual patterns.
May we reach out and welcome in.
May we give the simple gift of our presence, and invite that gift from others.
Blessings,
Filed under: Family Ministry, Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Children and Youth, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views, Inspiration | Tags: all-ages, Spirit Play, community-building, children's programs, ministry to children
By a Spirit Play Member
I am 9 years old and I have been attending Religious Education, or RE, for two years. I’m writing this to let you know what goes on every Sunday in RE.
When it’s time to light the chalice in the main hall, we know it’s time to go to RE. I’ve memorized our Mission, Values, and Covenant, so I am comfortable saying them in front of the congregation. As they sing us out to the “Go Now In Peace” song, the aisle where all of the kids are exiting is very crowded. As they walk the kids in a line to the RE classroom, all of the kids catch up on each other’s news.
The Doorkeeper shakes our hands and asks if we are ready for Spirit Play. After we come in, the kids form a circle with everyone sitting next to their friends. When we do “Joys and Sorrows,” everyone says what they are happy or sad about.
The storyteller then tells a story based on the “Rainbow Principles.” When it’s time to do activities, everyone gets really quiet so they can get picked first. The things that there are to choose from are blocks, drawing, dress-up, Play-Doh and other fun activities.
Everyone is in a rush to get first in line when RE is over and their parents have arrived to pick them up.
Some of the kids are happy to see their parents, and some don’t want to leave.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Comparative Religion, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: Unitarian Universalism, Unitarian Universalists in the Philippines, UU elevator speech, UU fridge magnet
Fridge Magnet Corner:
Unitarian Universalism in a Few Words
This is a monthly feature in our newsletter, the Unigram—submissions welcome!
We believe in a loving God and a just, helpful and caring community.
We affirm to promote the welfare of the environment and support for a just and economic, social and spiritual connection that will lead to build an open mind for a wholistic life.
We affirm to uphold an equal and peaceful relationship to every person and to every religion because we are here as One Big Family!
–Mission Statement, UU Church of the Philippines
Filed under: Adult Enrichment and Group Meetings, Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Comparative Religion, International, Religious Studies: History, Sermons and a Whole Lot More, Special Events, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: California International Marathon, Filipinos Sacramento, international relations, partner church, special guest speaker, Sri Lanka, Unitarian Universalists in the Philippines, UU diversity, UU Philippines
Worship Services
Rev. Nihal Attanayake and our Family Minister
By bus, motorbike and hiking, Rev. Nihal visits all 27 of the village churches on his island to provide guidance, teen scholarship funds, and encouragement. As director of Faith in Action for the UU Church of the Philippines, he is the matchmaker for official UU partner church connections between there and here. Come meet this brave but joyful man. Learn more about our UU friends from the tropics today!
Plan ahead: don’t let the International Marathon keep you from this special day.
There will be an informal Congregational Conversation with Rev. Nihal after the 11:15 service, approximately 12:30 PM. We also have soup after the second service, provided by volunteer teams. Requested donation $4.
This comes from a helpful member of the congregation. If it looks incorrect to you, please ADD COMMENT to this posting and I’ll get it right away, and others can see. Also, you can use the comments section to start a carpool group and a parachutists/skydivers group. We have an open meadow for you to land in, if the winds are not too strong.
http://www.runcim.org/page/show/226319-the-course
I think it should be on the Street Closure page also.
Here’s my read: The only way for those of us south of the route to get to church after 7:00 a.m. is to
Take 50 to Business 80, exit Arden (if that’s what it’s called), take Arden to Howe or Fulton and turn right to Sierra Blvd.
If that’s correct it would sure be good to get the word out. I think many in Orangevale, Fair Oaks, Citrus Hts, and even Carmichael have easy ways to get there, but remember to plan on staying north of Fair Oaks (keep Fair Oaks Blvd. between yourself and the river).
Filed under: Uncategorized
This tourism video about the home province of the UU Church of the Philippines includes lovely scenes that you can see if you visit this March, plus some very ritzy resorts that you won’t see. The UU pilgrimage is a good deal, and the rooms are clean and comfortable, and the food good, but a pilgrimage trip is not a resort trip.
But we have one advantage: Our UU family there, who welcome us warmly, and show us a good time. That’s not in this video. Take a look before Saturday night’s dinner and Sunday’s sermon and discussion by our guest speaker, the leader of the UU Church of the Philippines. He’s been in the USA nearly a month, and leaves Monday for home!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9Aun05v2ao
Filed under: Uncategorized
Rev. Nihal Attanayake’s sermon will be posted soon on our church website. He’s the director of Faith in Action Programs at the UU Church of the Philippines on Negros Island. His non-stop ministry includes visiting all the 29 congregations, managing the Partner Church Program and assigning new partners for North American UU congregations, administering the Microfinance Lending Program for families and small businesses, and managing scholarships and sponsorships for Philippine UU children to attend elementary and high school.
If you’d like to hear a sermon about the variety of Universalist theology in the Philippines, listen to or watch his sermon to First Church San Diego from November 27.
This is the opening reflection for chalice lighting on December 4 by our lay worship leader, Deirdre.
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The email arrives late on Tuesday night: “We’re here!” My 80-something parents have arrived safely at their winter home after a drive of over 2000 miles, from St. Cloud, Minnesota to the Gulf coast of Florida, with detours along the way to visit family. Florida, my birthplace, is the state where they first met, as students, back in 1951.
This, now, is the season of annual migrations. Not just “snowbirds,” but actual birds are on the move. Flock upon flock, bird after bird, flies south through our valley. Some birds make our shared wetlands their winter home; some just pause to rest before moving on.
The salmon travel also. They journey inland from the ocean, swimming up against the currents and dams of our shared rivers to find their spawning places, laying the eggs of future generations of salmon. Then, they die, where they themselves were once born.
The leaves of our trees turn bright colors and migrate down to the earth, eventually becoming the earth, becoming the soil’s nutrients that will migrate in some future spring, back up through the roots to the tips of the branches, to become new leaves once again.
We humans also tend to migrate at this season. Our ancient ancestors moved from their summer pastures and food-gathering places and hunting grounds to their winter shelters. Many people still perform seasonal labor that requires them to travel from harvest to harvest, or from shopping mall to shopping mall. And many of us journey at the holiday season, no longer for physical survival, but to renew our ties with family and loved ones.
I know I am looking forward to my daughter’s arrival home from college for the holidays next week. Then, two weeks after that, she and I will fly together back east to join my extended family in celebrating not only the holidays but also my parents’ 60th anniversary.
It may seem a bit crazy to travel in the busiest season, with the worst weather, but this is what so many of us do. The journeys we undertake add meaning to the longer journey that is our life.
So I light the chalice today for all our journeys—may we find peace at journey’s end.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, International, Religious Studies: History, Sermon Archives and Excerpts, Special Events, Travels, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: Philippines, UU Partner Church Pilgrimage
Eric reported about 70 folks showed up for the Roy Zimmerman concert, even with short notice! On Sunday, a number of people were slowed down or dissuaded by the International Marathon’s obstacles. Even I was slowed down, waiting to turn from Fulton right onto Sierra. Thanks to those who made the extra effort. For those who gave up, you can read more on my blog and hear the sermon on http://www.uuss.org.
On Friday I took him to the annual theater/musical Filipino cultural revue of Singa-tala at Luther Burbank High School. We enjoyed it, but only Nihal could understand the lyrics!
Saturday, in the chilly air and bright sun, I walked him around the State Capitol grounds, showing him the Vietnam Veterans’ and Firefighters’ memorials, among others, and the statues of the Sisters of Mercy and Father Junipero Serra, and of course our own apostle of liberty, Thomas Starr King! (It was moved here from the U.S. Capitol in 2009. I take visiting UUs by that statue without announcing it in advance, because I enjoy their surprise when they discover it!).
I also walked him to the Japanese American Civil Liberties Monument. Nihal, a native Sri Lankan, had not known about the U. S internment of Japanese Americans. And I had forgotten that it was Pres. Reagan who signed the reparations and apology legislation… in 1988.
We had a nice Saturday evening dinner and conversation with the Rev. Nihal Attanayake, from the UU Church of the Philippines. Thanks to all who came, and those who brought food!
On Sunday, Dec. 4, Rev. Nihal preached, without notes, two significantly different sermons! (Not yet posted, but podcast will be at this link.) We had soup and a Congregational Conversation afterward. Four UUs from San Mateo came Saturday and Sunday to talk about the benefits of their participation as a Partner Church with a village congregation on Negros Island. As noted above, Monday is the deadline to reserve your spot for the March trip.
We presented Nihal with a size medium UUA Standing on the Side of Love tee-shirt to take back to the tropics. He presented UUSS with a lavender and black plaid hand-loom cloth (from the island of Mindanao) for tables or pulpit decoration. By the way, I still have some white or golden yellow Standing on the Side of Love shirts. I paid $22 for them last year. Just in time for the holidays. If I don’t have your size, go to the Zazzle link in the PS below.
Great news! Several UUSS folks spoke to me after the services with interest in helping UUSS connect and engage with a congregation in the Philippines. Of course, this is why Nihal made UUSS his stop #10 on a month-long visit.
Later I took him to the new airport terminal (with the big red rabbit sculpture) and we hugged as he began a two-day (and five-stop) journey back to Dumaguete City. Your Philippine travel won’t involve quite as many transfers, I’m confident.
I do hope to plan a January meeting for those with interest in pursing a deeper relationship with UUs in the Philippines. Let me know if that includes you!
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Children and Youth, Family Ministry, Sermons and a Whole Lot More
AN EXCERPT FROM THE WEEKLY MESSAGE EMAILED TO MEMBERS, FRIENDS AND GUESTS:
SATURDAY
Holiday Tree-Trimming and Dessert Potluck Party—Dec. 10—A team from our All-Ages task force is organizing and hosting the annual party this year. It’s a time to share craft-making, gather ‘round the tree and dress it up, sing, and eat. Eat supper before coming or bring it along, as this is a dessert potluck!
Doors open at 5:30 in the Main Hall and Lobby. We enjoy desserts at 6:30.
Last year we had over 60 folks from age 1 to age 90, plus one dog.
Questions? Contact event co-leader Ginny Johnson, one of this year’s All-Ages Task Force members.
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Stocking Stuffing Opportunity–The Religious Education program is collecting items for Christmas stockings to be donated to children at Women’s Empowerment in Sacramento. Please pick up a list of requested items at the Religious Education Welcome Table in the lobby. A copy will also be available on the RE web page. Items for the stockings may be dropped off at the RE office during the week or placed in the box on the RE Table in the lobby. Thank you from the RE Committee—a wonderful bunch of elves, led by Santa Janet!
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THIS SUNDAY’S SERVICES @ 9:30 & 11:15 a.m.; RE Classes @ 9:30 a.m.
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December 11: Selflessness #5: Beyond Reason. (The link takes you to our website listing.) Doug Kraft is back in the pulpit after a week of study leave (working on another book and course!) and his well-received preaching visit to the UU Church in Livermore. It was in exchange for Lucas Hergert’s Sept. 25 sermon here.
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Music Director Eric Stetson writes: Our music for Dec. 11 is by the Chanteuses Quartet, a group of voices representing the women’s choral group, Chanteuses: Melissa Mandeville, Mary Howard (our very own!), Jan Truesdail, Barbara Lazar (our former accompanist!)
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Religious Education—This Sunday is the last class day of 2012! Our services on Dec. 18 (Holiday Pageant) and Dec. 25 (Christmas Spirit) are for all ages!
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It’s Soup Sunday!– On the 1st and 2nd Sundays, volunteers provide a $4 soup lunch after the 11:15 AM service. Your activity group, committee, family members or group of friends, is welcome to take an upcoming Sunday. Contact Glory.
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Offering for December—Each Sunday morning we share half of our monetary gifts with St. John’s Shelter for Women and Children—It’s much more than a shelter program: employment training and networking, social services, transitional housing, and the inspiration that comes from fellowship and mutual support. Many of our members volunteer for this agency and/or enjoy lunch at its Plates Café.
In November, we all gave $1,727 to Sacramento Loaves and Fishes. Many thanks for your generosity. It makes a difference!
…
Welcome to UUSS–Please enter for Sunday services through the lobby, and return there for refreshments, conversation and Connection Central after the service.
Filed under: Church Finances and Stewardship, Politics, Elections, and Government, Stewardship & Finances | Tags: Charity Scams, generosity, holiday
“State Attorney General Kamala Harris is reminding Californians to be aware of how and where their holiday donations are used.”
Read more:
This is from the December 9 “Public Eye” column in the Sacramento Bee:
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/12/09/4110702/public-eye-check-charitys-record.html
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Sermon Archives and Excerpts, Sermons and a Whole Lot More, Special Events | Tags: preacher's questions, sermon ideas, sermon title, Sunday topics, survey
Choose up to three of these. Feel free to suggest your own.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Church Finances and Stewardship, Inspiration, Stewardship & Finances, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: bequests, estates, generosity, memorial contributions, wills, year-end gifts
Giving: My Reflections (from the Weekly Message, sent by email to the congregation)
It has been gratifying these past several days!
Here at UUSS we have seen members, friends and guests bring in nonperishable food items, clothing, toys, and personal care items for the Together We Share boxes in the Connection Central Lobby.
Both Doug and I have had members reach out to meet with us to talk about making special donations to the church, and ask us about options and opportunities for making both year-end gifts and for including UUSS in their will or trust planning. I’ve run into people bringing a check to the office, or filling out a monthly pledge card. And of course there have been plenty of goodies brought in for those of us who work here.
The holidays bring out a spirit of generosity and connection. Even when times are tough—perhaps especially when times are tough—the act of giving seems to be a sign of possibility and potential. Your gifts to UUSS not only show your appreciation for all that this congregation does and all that it means.
Your gifts also keep UUSS doing all the good things that we do together in support of its Mission, Values and Covenant. Thank you!
Our loyal bookkeeper, Michele, will be back in the office next week.
After Tuesday, when she processes the payday numbers with our payroll service, Michele can receive any year-end gift you would care to make to make to UUSS, whether to the all-important Operating Fund, the Heritage Fund (in memory of a loved one or in honor of a special occasion), or a gift in support of the Master Planning process for the future of this UUSS campus (Details in January Unigram, page 3.)
By the way, last week Michele mailed the quarterly Contribution Report to all of us (sent by regular mail or by email). It includes a summary of both pledge payments and special contributions to UUSS that we may have made, and helps us know if we are current.
If you did not get this and were expecting an email, check your spam or junk folder, since our PowerChurch system’s mail sometimes gets caught in those filters. If you still don’t have it, feel free to contact Michele. She will respond as soon as she can.
With my deep thanks for another blessed year together, and my wishes for a safe and peaceful holiday weekend,
Yours in service,
Family Minister
PS—on the above topic, two years ago my newsletter column for January was entitled: “The Tax Deadline Approaches: Don’t Get Taken While Giving!” If you click the link you can read it on Pastor Cranky’s weblog.
Filed under: Comparative Religion, Rituals, Prayers, Elements of Worship Services, Sermon Archives and Excerpts, Special Events | Tags: baby Jesus, Christmas eve, Luke 2, Progressive Christianity, Unitarian Christmas, Universalism
Family Minister, Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento
Christmas Prayer
Please take a moment to feel settled for a time of reflection and prayer. Feel your body in the seat, your feet on the floor. Feel the breath of life rising in you, and then feel it reaching out and mingling with the air, which joins us to all of life on this earth, in all its generations.
Feel your hopes for this time together this night. Feel your hopes for this season. Your hopes for those you care about, those in your heart or those held in your prayerful intentions.
Recognize your hopes for this whole world, with all its pain and its dangers and threats. Recognize your gratitude for this whole world, with all its beauty and its resilience and creativity.
Take a moment to acknowledge that every human life—including yours—holds mysteries and questions, and doubts. See if you can relax just into a more open acceptance of the gift of life and its questions.
Let your heart receive what it needs as I offer these further words of prayer.
Spirit of Life, Source of Love, on this holiday night, we pause to give thanks for life in all its abundance and all its mystery. We give thanks for the people, places, and experiences that have sustained us this past year. On this night of worship and rest, we remember and give thanks for those who are working, especially those who are caring for others or keeping us safe.
We remember those around the world in zones of conflict and oppression, the ones who serve there and the ones who call those places home. Let us give thanks for those returning safely from military service in Iraq, and remember those still serving abroad. We remember also the refugees, exiles, and prisoners. We long for the end of conflict and pain for all people, for everyone in every land. Let us pray–and hope and speak and work–so that all might soon come to know the gift of peace, which is the message of this holiday, and its promise.
Let us remember that each one of us is able to give gifts to others, starting with the gift of our authentic presence. We can receive and share the gift of respect and kindness. We can receive and share the gifts of listening and encouragement. We can receive, and we can share, the gift of peace and stillness. So may it be in these moments, and in the days ahead. Amen.
Readings
Book of the Prophet Isaiah, 9:2-7 (KJV)
Gospel of Luke, 2:1-20 (KJV)
Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 2 (The Message translation)
Homily
I’m amazed at all the kinds of people who like Christmas. I know Jews, Hindus, Humanists, atheists, neo-Pagans, ex-Christians and people not elsewhere classified who enjoy sending Christmas cards, exchanging gifts–even shopping for gifts amid the rush. They like decorating their home, and singing traditional carols. Some folks make it a point to get to a Christmas Eve service, even though they haven’t been to church in ages—well, they haven’t been to church in a year. They patronize concerts of Christmas music, holiday dramas and comedies on stage and screen. They show up for The Messiah, and of course the Nativity Pageant. Even those of us who stubbornly resist going along with the crowd most of the time…will make room in our hearts to say “Merry Christmas” over and over, and almost never to say “Bah! Humbug.”
I wonder: In our modern secular society, and our consumerist culture, have we concluded that Christmas is merely harmless? Do we think of it only as a treat of carols, candles, and candy canes to get us through a time of darkness and chill in the northern hemisphere? Well, that’s a worthy trait for Christmas to have, but it’s not the only one. And: Christmas is not harmless. I mean the story of Christmas, the divine and human story that gets the whole thing going in the first place. The story that is the reason for the season… is full of danger.
It’s a story of wonder and love, to be sure. It’s got a donkey, sheep, cows, and other animals in a stable. But it’s a story of danger too. As we’ve heard, the Gospel writers explain that Joseph and Mary journey to Bethlehem because Joseph is from there. He has to go to his hometown in order to register for the census of the Roman Empire. “There went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed” –this is how the King James Bible says it.
All the people going to and fro, heading back to the places they had left behind. The roadways–full, crowded in all directions. No Greyhound bus, no Southwest Airlines, just animals to carry you, or your own two feet. Robbers and Roman soldiers no doubt find easy pickings among the vulnerable travelers.
When Joseph and Mary arrive in Bethlehem, the innkeeper has no place for them. They share space with farm animals, and she gives birth in a stable rather than at home or in a midwife’s tent. In those days, infant mortality was a high risk, as it still is today in places of poverty, oppression, and military occupation. Mortality in giving birth was a high risk also.
In the wilderness, shepherds guard their flocks against predators. They’re used to being alone out there. All of a sudden a strange figure appears and calls out to them. They are “sore afraid,” the story says, even though the Angel of God says: “Fear not!” Good news comes in a flurry of wings–more angels arrive, with a chorus of praise for this child. The shepherds follow instructions, risking loss of life or at least loss of some of the flock, as they travel into Bethlehem.
Wise men, coming from afar, follow a dancing star. Perhaps they have a safer trip than the shepherds and the family. Yet they make a deadly mistake. They ask the emperor’s local rep for directions to the Christ child’s location. King Herod, as he’s known, does not hear their good news as good, or as anything but a threat to his status as a local ruler, and to Caesar’s power as a god-and-king in one. The wise men find the baby in the stable. After kneeling to offer gifts fit for a king, the wise men head home. Yet they take another way, avoiding Herod. In his rage, Herod orders genocide–all the firstborn sons. The holy family escapes the ensuing raid, but countless others do not.
This is not a story just about a baby being born, it’s about a baby who will challenge accepted power structures, who will try to bring peace, generosity and kindness to a world accustomed to anger, greed, and brutal force. This baby becomes a prophet.
In these Gospel accounts, the grown-up Jesus proclaims this message: “Blessed are you poor ones, for to you belongs the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry, for you shall be satisfied.” But then he says: “Woe unto you that are rich! For you have received your consolation.” In other words, you’ve already taken about all you’re going to get.
The people in the original Christmas story know of the danger of being born in such a time and place as they inhabit. But can they know of the danger that this baby’s deeds will bring? Can they know what his teachings will inspire, and how far they will spread?
How can any of us know what potential resides in any human being, even in a child we nurture and know as our own? How can we know what any particular birth will lead to?
That simple stable-birth turns out to be an earth-shaking, mind-bending, eye-opening, heart-filling and heart-breaking challenge to that baby’s parents, the rabbis, the Romans, the whole wide world. But you can say that about any birth, any child. I don’t have one of my own, but I’ve listened to some of you, and that’s my impression of the experience of parenthood. It’s an earth-shaking, mind-bending, eye-opening, heart-filling and heart-breaking challenge.
How can we know if any given child will challenge the ways of the world later on: the astronomer in Europe who says the sun does not revolve around the earth, but the earth around the sun… the nonviolent protestors in India who face the bullets of the British Empire? How can we, who bow to greet any new children, predict which ones will show great courage: the African Americans who will not budge from lunch counter protests or let police dogs and water cannons turn them ‘round… Or the college students and other activists of recent days, who “occupy” public parks across the land, calling for economic fairness, and risking pepper spray or a beating as they spark a new movement… Or the Arab citizens who rise up finally against dictatorships, the Burmese democracy activists, the Chinese dissidents. So many stories show the faith and courage that reside in every person—in everyone’s heart—and everyone starts out as a child!
How do we know what child will be a philanthropist, a teacher, a cherished volunteer, a health professional? What child will be a patient parent, loving partner, an actor, an athlete, a good friend?
What child won’t make it?
What child will face medical needs or emotional struggles in life so great that it will draw out of you courage and endurance you could not have expected of yourself?
The Christmas story is, indeed, one of possibility and of danger. Promise and chance.
What children will be hardworking custodians, cooks, farmworkers, musicians, artists, clerks, or inventors of new technologies? Which ones will be givers of military service, social service, automotive service, or givers of care in nursing homes and nurseries? So much potential, in every human life.
Once we draw near to the Christmas story, we can see its theme of danger, and the risks of human life in any age of history. We remember that it’s dangerous to call into question the unjust ways of the world. But what calls us, what draws us to the story, is the surprise of the situation and all its characters.
This unlikely story shows the unshakeable simplicity of life–and the gentleness and generosity of human life.
It shows the power of divine love and human goodness, the power to shine amid the shadows of the world. It shines, and it shows the way to the gifts of life: the way of patience, kindness, encouragement, and courage.
May we walk this way with one another, and may we help one another. Let us all help to show the way, as we make our way to the gifts of life.
So may it be. Amen.
Filed under: Inspiration, Reflections, Rituals, Prayers, Elements of Worship Services, Trends in Religion | Tags: Arinna Weisman, gratitude, insight meditation, mindfulness, practice, spiritual growth
“Thank you for your effort.”
I remember this from one of my meditation teachers, Arinna Weisman. I haven’t been on a silent meditation retreat for nearly four years, but I still keep to my morning practice of prayer and sitting meditation. (I set the microwave timer to go off in 45 minutes–not the same as an ancient bell in a meditation hall, but using it does take watching the clock off my mind.)
On retreat, when the bell or gong rings to mark the end of a session, I would bow toward the Buddha statue and give my thanks to the Buddha nature (and his example of liberation), the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community of others in practice). I still do that while meditating at home at the end, when the timer goes off. I bow to the little statue and give thanks for the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha, and this practice of meditating. I also give thanks for my effort.
On retreat, after ringing the bell for us to end a sitting, Arinna would say, “Thank you for your effort.” She didn’t say “great job!” or tell us we had done it just right, or assure us that if it was a meditation filled with distraction or boredom that the next time would be a better one. How would she know? That’s not really the purpose of meditation: getting it right. The purpose is to practice being present and mindful, practice bringing attention back to one’s present experience, to what’s going on. The goal of spiritual practice for me is to cultivate peace, peacefulness, freedom, spaciousness, patience, kindness to self and others, and gratitude. But since these are not quite measurable goals, and I don’t want to evaluate a session in a strict outcome-oriented way, I don’t dwell on them. I hope my practice works and trust that it does.
It does take effort. So I remember to give thanks for my effort, my own effort. I hear Arinna’s voice and I see her face when I do this.
I think this little phrase can be useful in many aspects of life. When I go for a swim, a walk, or another kind of exercise, I can say to myself, “I give thanks for my effort.” It doesn’t need to be the best workout ever to do this.
We send a thank-you note when someone does a favor for us or sends us a gift. We don’t usually send a bigger card or a longer note depending on the size of the gift or the favor. We say thanks.
In the new year–or at least in the next few days–I will try recognizing effort, recognizing gifts of all kinds and contributions that others make through their actions, and I will say thanks. If I’m reflecting on the gifts received while alone, say at the end of a long day, I’ll still say “thank you.”
And when I do something to enhance my own life, health, mindfulness, or serenity, I’ll say, “Thank you.”
Filed under: Adult Enrichment and Group Meetings, Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Books (includes sermons based on books), Comparative Religion, Inspiration
While checking out another book on Amazon, I stumbled on to this chapter (“Prayer Class”) from the book The Stage is on Fire by Katie Steedly.
She attends a UU church (in Canada, I think). One section is about “the Unitarian Universalist spiritual tradition,” as explained by her minister, and the next section explores the distinctions between prayer and meditation. Read the excerpt from pages 79-83 at this link.
Filed under: Comparative Religion, Comparative Religion, Family Ministry, Inspiration, Special Events | Tags: ancestors, Japanese Buddhist, Japanese temple, New Year's
It’s 9 PM in California on New Year’s Eve. Not sure why fireworks are going off all around my apartment building, and people are cheering them. I can’t see them out of any window, but it sounds as if they are being fired a block away. Just heard the finale. These must be New York-ophiles, since it’s midnight there. [P.S. Sunday in church, a kid mentioned having seen the fireworks in Old Sac, so they just sounded close to me, but were not.]
At 7 PM I went with a friend to the Sacramento Buddhist Church (also known as Betsuin) for their New Year’s Eve service. Founded in 1899 and in this Midtown/Land Park location since 1959, it’s a Japanese Buddhist congregation. One of the oldest, and maybe the largest, of all the 55 Betsuins in the country.
My pal had read that the colors are red and white, so she wore a red top and black jacket. I wore a white shirt and red tie. Nearly everyone there had on black. Or other dark colors, and leather jackets. Mixed ages, and a diversity of ethnicities, not only Japanese Americans. The congregation sits in wooden pews of the kind you’d find in any church built in the 50s or 60s, with padding. We face an altar area, raised a bit like a stage, with a large golden structure in the middle, sort of like an ornate temple on poles with a a relief of the Buddha on the back wall. A couple of smaller altars to the sides. We listen to electric organ music from just below the stage area, on the left. But the crowd is talkative, so I can barely make out the music.
Ministers, assistants and lay leaders come in from the sides, bow at the altar, and take seats along he side. The chairperson of the service comes to the podium near the organ to welcome us to the service. From the other end of the stage, an up on the stage or platform, is a pulpit. From this, a number of people speak, alternating with a series of chants and hymns from the Service Book. Some chants in Japanese musical notations, others with western notations. One man leads a responsive reading, giving thanks for the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. After every speaker people are invited to [word I can't make out or remember], and everyone clasps their hands in a prayer pose, many with a string of beads around both hands. I also can’t quite make out the phrase uttered by a leader and repeated by the crowd, but it happens frequently.
Rev. Bob, the lead minister, gives a short sermon, recalling the year past. He recalls an official honoring of a Nisei regiment of service men from WWII, and nods to one veteran in the congregation. He calls to mind the devastation of last March’s tsunami in Japan, and the Betsuin’s response, under the leadership of its president (who is a doctor I met at the end). They sent over several tons of food and raised $230,000 in relief aid. They have a “sister Betsuin” in the affected area.
About 35 minutes into the service, they invite us all to rise and come down the center aisle to the front, and then exit the side door to see the bell. Barely audible over the conversation is the organ again, softly playing “Auld Lang Syne.”
The line doesn’t move much, as there is a receiving line of all the clergy, youth and lay leaders on the way out the door. My friend had read that they ring the bell 108 times to let go of all the distractions of the past year. If they are waiting for all of us to get outside for that, it will be a long wait, and those at the front of the line will be cold waiting in the courtyard.
We approach the center altar, and in front of the platform are a few large incense vessels, with bowls of crushed incense in front. Each person pinches some incense, sprinkles into the gently smoking vessel, and bows–toward the smoke? Maybe toward the Buddha. We shake hands with several people in the receiving line. I introduce myself to the president and then to the lead minister, who has preached in our church a few times.
We walk out the side door, into the hallway, and then out into a small courtyard, delicately manicured with gravel, trees, grass, and larger rocks. Hanging in the corner is a large gray bell. We’re in line. A robed Caucasian leader is handing a wooden mallet to everyone. Each of us approaches, one at a time, and strikes the bell. My friend hits it loudly, so I do too. There are more than 108 people there, to be sure, so the bell was struck more than 108 times. Apparently, this ceremony is different, less regimented, than what my friend read about. Well, it is a Buddhist “church” in America. No tradition is totally pure anyway, no matter what purists of any kind would say.
We watch others do it, and then wander into another room. it’s the columbarium, where ashes are kept. It’s a lovely, chapel like square room of wooden cabinets, each with glass about 1 foot high and 30″ long. People are walking around the sides of the room to pay respects to their ancestors and friends, but they’re also visiting, and quite jovial with one another. We both walk around and read the names and dates of birth and death. Some of the boxes are of a lovely etched metal, looking almost like thick books in a library; other boxes are of wood, some smooth, others with etchings. Often there is a small framed picture of a person or a couple, and sometimes a bracelet of meditation beads. Many folks were born in the 1910s and 1920s, but some later. One baby girl, born in 1974, died on the same day.
It’s both a celebratory night and one for reflection on one’s past, and on the transience of life.
At 10 PM, I go over to 23rd and B, near the levee, where a friend and other students of her fire-dancing teacher are doing “sacred fire dance” also known as poi. To see what it looks like in the dark, see this link from Obsidian Butterfly. They swirl chains, ropes, and long sticks with alcohol-soaked pads on them, creating fire designs in the sky. Four of them are doing this at the end of a street by the levee, blocked off a bit by a large van. A small crowd watches.
From another vehicle a mix of music plays as they go through their numbers: some solo, with the next performer getting fire from the one about to finish; several are in pairs or threes, but at least one is at the ready to put out the others’ fire when the act is done (or should there be a mishap). As the chains and “light saber” fly through the chilly night, close by, I can hear that the fire makes a lot of noise–a low, deep swoosh.
After an hour I can’t handle the chill (the fire is still not close enough to warm me), so I say goodbye and head a block away to my car. A cop in a car pulls up beside me: ”What’s going on over there?” I explain a few artists are doing fire dancing.
He asks: ”Are you involved with it?” No, I tell him, I’m a friend of one of the students.
He asks if they have a permit. ”I think so. She usually does. She runs a studio.” He heads over in his car; I see her (the teacher) walking toward him, to answer his questions. I’ll find out if things turned out okay.
I read a David Sedaris story from Holidays on Ice, while drinking a glass of cheap red wine I heated up in the microwave, and start to doze at 11:30. I turned in before midnight, with earplugs so any local revelers could do so loudly with my blessing, rather than my curses.
Happy New Year.
I read this article in an email from a progressive Protestant publication from the Alban Institute.
Check out this link. Add your thoughts to the comment section, please.
Filed under: Graduate Theological school/PSR, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: alumni director, development consultant, donor relations, fundraising, job openings, liberal Christians, positions avaialble, religious humanist, Unitarians, UU
Meadville Lombard Theological School
Manager, Development and Alumni/ae Affairs
Meadville Lombard Theological School, located in the City of Chicago South Loop, is currently seeking a full-time Manager for the Development and Alumni/ae Affairs office.
Reporting to the offsite Senior Consultant for Development and Alumni/ae Affairs, the Manager has direct responsibility for carrying out the daily operations of the development office and is responsible for a wide range of confidential administrative, operational, and reporting tasks. The position carries substantial responsibility, requires a broad range of skills and the ability to exercise considerable judgment, initiative, discretion, and independence.
The Manager is a full time 12 month exempt position. This is a hands-on, confidential administrative position providing support to the institutional advancement apparatus, serving as the department’s front-line contact and charged with creating an atmosphere of hospitality and welcome and ensuring the efficient running of the department by performing a range of day-to-day tasks including record keeping, research, arrangements, phone and e-mail contact with donors, trustees and alums, writing reports and filing.
The Manager reports directly to the Sr. Consultant for Development and Alumni/ae Affairs who works off site and works closely with the Business Office. Responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:
- Oversees the day to day operations of the office and its variety of functions
- Processes donor gifts and prepares bank deposits
- Performs donor gift entry
- Prepares and mails receipts, thank you letters and annual donor tax letters
- Takes responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of the donor and alumni/ae databases
- Maintains confidential donor files
- Conducts a monthly reconciliation of gifts received with the Business Office to ensure that financial records of both the Development Department and Business Office match.
- Oversees production and mailing of annual winter and spring appeal mailings as well as annual holiday cards
- Tracks fund agreements insuring on-time annual reports to funders as well as communications from students receiving financial aid to funders as appropriate.
- Prepares monthly fundraising reports to the president and senior consultant
- Prepares monthly progress reports on departmental strategies for the president and senior consultant
- Works with the President’s Office to coordinate Alumni/ae Association gifts for graduates during the annual commencement weekend and is present to assist with various functions related to the weekend
- Arranges rooms, meals and equipment for development and alumni/ae functions at the annual UUA General Assembly working with the UUA General Assembly Planning Office
- In consultation with the Senior Consultant, oversees the Development Office budgets and processes expenditure requests for the consultants
- Works with the Vice President, Finance & Administration in connection with the annual audit of the financial records and internal control procedures within the development office.
- Acts as liaison to Board of Trustees Development Team. Prepares agendas for phone and in-person meetings of the Team.
- Acts as liaison to president and other officers of the Meadville Lombard Theological School Alumni/ae Association
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. Minimum of three to five years of progressively responsible experience in a related administrative position, preferably in a higher education environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
The ideal candidate will be a person with professional demeanor and presence, positive attitude, strong work ethic, outstanding attendance and punctuality, working knowledge of Microsoft Office software, fluency with internet applications and a willingness to learn new applications, strong English and grammar skills, excellent verbal communication and inter-personal skills and be a self-starter. The successful applicant will be well organized, have strong administrative, communication and organizational skills, and be able to multi-task and work effectively under pressure. This position requires someone who will exercise a high level of discretion; have the ability to deal with diverse groups of individuals and situations with a high degree of tact and good judgment. Ability to function as a team player in a fast-paced culture along with a sense of humor and a good deal of enthusiasm are essential.
Meadville Lombard Theological School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the work place.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Interested applicants should submit
- a cover letter,
- resume and
- professional references
To:
Deborah Bieber, Vice President, Finance and Administration
Meadville Lombard Theological School
Incomplete applications will not be considered
Open until filled; apply by January 9, 2012 for assured consideration.
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Rev.12-21-2011
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
This is the season when ministerial search committees court the clergy. Later this year, the “matches” will be revealed on the Hot Stove Report, compiled on Facebook by one or more colleagues. You can see the various churches in the US and Canada, and the positions they seek to fill, at this UUA link,”Opportunities for Ministry.” This does not show congregations that may be looking for interim ministers in the coming months, after they find out they will have a vacancy. My own congregation is considering the step of changing my contractual (hired) status to one of settled ministry (a called position). The Board and board-appointed task force has been using some materials from the resource at this link in their deliberations.
May everyone find time to breathe in this busy season, and may the spirit guide all to fruitful, healthy matches!
Filed under: UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views | Tags: Eric Stetson, Eric Stetson composer, Eric Stetson Music, Eric Stetson ukulele, ericstetsonmusic.com
Eric Stetson is our UU music director and is in Sacramento. He is from Georgia. This Eric Stetson is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist. He plays ukulele. He is a composer.
This Eric Stetson is not the Bahai-bashing musician who claims to be a UU. Find OUR Eric on Google Plus. His website is ericstetsonmusic.com.
Note that OUR Eric Stetson has the word “music” in his web address.
There are a few other Eric Stetsons out there, but none like ours. I am Pastor Cranky and you can trust me.
Filed under: Becoming and Being Part of a UU Congregation, Comparative Religion, Inspiration, Religious Studies: History, Sermon Archives and Excerpts, UU Denomination and Pacific Central District News and Views
January 22, 2012 Sacramento, CA
Hymns: We Are Children of the Earth, Spirit of Life/Fuente de Amor, We Would Be One.
Reading: #444, This House, by Kenneth L. Patton.
Choral Music: Love Is the Spirit of this Church, James Vila Blake & Jason Shelton.
Sermon
Online computer dating sites invite you to identify your faith, as well as listing your occupation, income, hobbies, hair color, height and weight. In the religion category of the sites I have seen, the most commonly used label is not a denomination’s name, and not Christian, Catholic or Protestant. It’s “Spiritual but Not Religious.” Many people say this also in casual conversation–“I’m spiritual but not religious.” There is no authoritative definition of what people mean by this. I have not read of any study or survey. My guess is that they wish to identify as having a spiritual outlook on life, or a spiritual practice, or a relationship with God. Perhaps they feel humility toward life, or an attitude of gratitude for the gifts of life. Maybe it means they like to hike in the mountains, read poetry, sing gospel songs, hear Bach’s Mass in B Minor, or visit old cathedrals—just not when there’s a church service going on.
When people say “I’m not religious,” they may be thinking of dogmas and creeds; rules and commandments; lifeless theologizing; hypocrisy and abuses of power, and preaching that’s dull. And let us not forget religious intolerance, repression and violence. Religions have done terrible things. People have done terrible things, acting in the names of religions.
Living in the fourteenth century, Hafiz was an Islamic poet of the Sufi tradition. He wrote this:
The
Great religions are the
Ships,
Poets the life
Boats.
Every sane person I know has jumped
Overboard.[i]
A friend of mine is retired from the Christian ministry in a Mainline, moderate denomination. He’s a radical environmentalist and a veteran of Civil Rights demonstrations. He’s respectful of other faiths and knowledgeable about them. And he has no patience for the phrase “spiritual but not religious.” To hold this attitude, he says, is to cut yourself off from history, to be rootless, to be unaware of the source of the modes of spirituality that you hasten to claim. It is to risk falling for the newest fads and latest fashions, he says, to see spirituality as a catalogue item instead of a heritage. My friend writes:
[A man tells me] that he attended a Baptist revival once when he was thirteen and didn’t like all the shouting about sin so he never again has had anything to do with Christianity. Well, once I attended a junior high art show when I was thirteen and didn’t like the pictures there, so I never again have looked at art. [He goes on, asking whether he should] stop having anything to do with any college or university because six hundred years ago all their astronomy faculties taught that the sun revolved around the earth, and one hundred years ago all their anthropology faculties taught that blacks were genetically inferior [to whites], and fifty years ago almost all … were segregated. What enlightened person wants to be associated with such institutions?
My friend can recount the bad stories from religious history, as well as the contributions made by religions. He notes that religious traditions can change, evolve, and even improve. Those of us who choose to identify with a faith tradition have a duty to make it better, to reform and revive it. We have a duty to embody the values and virtues our tradition espouses.
American Unitarians of the nineteenth century took on this duty. I’d like to tell you about three of them. In fact, our big three: William Ellery Channing, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Theodore Parker. You could say they were the inventors of “spiritual but not religious.” To them, religion was not a set of creeds and rules to follow, it was your way of life.
The first generation of Unitarian ministers in the United States were liberal Christians in Boston-area Congregationalist churches. Their faith was Bible-based, yet they said we should use our God-given ability to reason when studying Scriptures. To them, “reason was the friend, not the enemy of faith.”[ii] Their leader was William Ellery Channing. You can see a statue of him in Boston’s Public Garden, across from the church he served.
Orthodox Calvinists believed that all human beings were depraved and fallen, and could do nothing to avoid the fire-y fate in hell that awaited all but an elect few. Channing and the liberals said no. They believed that all people are created in the likeness of God. Hence, all could grow toward God’s goodness and perfection, as Jesus had modeled for us. Channing did not want to fight over points of theology with conservative ministers. That was a distraction from teaching religion as a way of life. Yet as the orthodox ministers continued attacking them as heretics, the Unitarians stood up for themselves. Channing led the charge, giving a sermon as the manifesto of Unitarian Christianity in 1819.
Those liberal ministers got organized in 1825. They grew in number and influence. To them, to be religious was to live sincerely and virtuously. To be religious meant examining your own heart–not for evil, but for the goodness that lives there. It meant showing the goodness in your actions, words, and commitments. Those early Unitarians believed every one of us can cultivate our divine potential. The term used for this approach then was “self-culture.” Nowadays people call this “spiritual growth.”
Sitting in the pews of Channing’s church, and nourished by his preaching, was Ralph Waldo Emerson, a young man whose father had been a Unitarian minister. Waldo’s parents had died when he was a child, and he was shaped intellectually and spiritually by his aunt, Mary Moody Emerson. Channing tutored Waldo privately before the young man entered Harvard’s divinity school. For its day, it was a liberal school, as Unitarians had already taken over its faculty. But for Emerson, the divinity school was lifeless.
He entered parish ministry but didn’t enjoy it. After his first wife died of tuberculosis, at age 19, he withdrew from his colleagues. Then he resigned his pulpit. The stated reason was that he did not wish to officiate at the Lord’s Supper, or communion. He saw it to be an empty ritual. But for him the whole church thing was empty and cold.
Emerson began lecturing and writing essays. He was on fire, and brimming with inspiration. Around him gathered an intellectual circle known as the Transcendentalists. Most of these people were Unitarians, or had been. They said it is not necessary to be Christian to be religious. It isn’t necessary to believe in a supernatural deity to be religious. They emphasized the use of reason, but they celebrated personal intuition more. They tossed out the Holy Bible, or tossed out the idea that the Bible was the primary source of religious truth. The primary sources must be your personal experience, your own soul, and the world around you. They said the word of God is too plentiful and fresh to be bound in one book for all time.
Emerson preached not a religion of the church, but “religion of the soul,” in the words of my colleague Jay Deacon. Instead of a remote God, Emerson felt and imagined a Power that connects us all, and which comes from within each of us. He said that in each of us is “the wise silence, the universal beauty, to which every part and particle equally related; the eternal One.”[iii]
In 1838 the graduating divinity school class at Harvard invited Emerson to give the commencement address, and he accepted. To these new ministers, the ex-minister recounted the corruptions of the Christian church over the centuries, and those of their own church. Conventional Unitarians still accepted the New Testament accounts of the miracles of Jesus as true—to them the miracles were evidence that Jesus was a messenger of God. Emerson condemned this as a monstrous idea. Supernatural tricks have nothing to do with miracle. A miracle is a flower blowing in the wind, or the roaring ocean waves.
Emerson said we can’t rely on others to tell us what God is, or who we are. Everyone must get acquainted “first hand” with the Spirit of Life. He urged the students: Have your own experience of God, and be brave enough to tell your congregations about it. Preach a new message, speak your own gospel. Don’t rely on old ways or old words of theologians and preachers, even the ones you admire.
He meant only to challenge the complacency of the students and their professors. According to scholar Gary Dorrien, Emerson meant to light a fire. Instead he caused a “firestorm.” One Harvard professor called his address “the latest form of infidelity.” The scandal of it gave orthodox critics one more weapon with which to attack the Unitarians.
Emerson was not invited back to speak at Harvard for 27 years. Yet he continued to shape the religious life of the Unitarian churches—and of the nation–as “students, and ministers and throngs of laypeople were reading his essays and going to hear his lectures.”[iv]
Sitting in the audience for the Divinity School Address was the new graduate Theodore Parker. In his journal that night, he wrote that Emerson’s “picture of the faults of the church” was “so beautiful, so just, so true.” Parker took from Emerson the call to a wider circle of religious concern, and he took it further. Parker is famous in our history for his radical abolitionism against American slavery and his opposition to the Mexican War and the government’s mistreatment of Native American tribes.[v]
In his day, Parker became infamous after giving an address called “The Transient and Permanent in Christianity.” This was 1840, 11 years after Emerson’s address, and 21 years after Channing’s Unitarian Christianity sermon. Emerson had celebrated Jesus as a spiritual teacher, just not the only spiritual teacher. Parker now said that Jesus was a great soul, to be sure. But what mattered was not Jesus himself, but the lessons he taught, the spiritual and moral principles he embodied. Those principles are timeless. They would be just as good if they had come from a mathematician in Athens as from Jesus of Nazareth.
We need no church, we need no Jesus, to tell us what is good. We know from our intuition and reason what values are true and lasting, Parker said. The rituals and forms of Christianity are transient; they will fall apart. The true spirit will persist. Rebellious words, for Boston in 1840!
Since Channing’s day, conservatives had been calling the Unitarian church “a halfway house to infidelity.” Now, orthodox ministers used Parker’s heresy to embarrass the Unitarians. Under this pressure, many of Parker’s colleagues avoided him, refusing pulpit exchanges with him, some not even speaking to him.[vi]
Consider a Unitarian Universalist congregation as a halfway house now. What’s our program? What do we offer? I think as a halfway house we try to show the way beyond separateness and spiritual isolation, the way to true connection, authentic fellowship, and a sense of belonging. We encourage every person to self-knowledge and self-expression. We strive to offer, and we seek to receive, the courage to find our personal calling and purpose in the world, and the courage to live out that purpose.
Ralph Waldo Emerson compared each human life to a ship starting on a journey. He asked: “Why should each new soul that is launched out of God into Nature be wrecked at the beginning of the voyage by following the charts of its mates instead [of] the compass, the stars, and the continents?”
For Emerson’s time of stale conformity, rigid social rules and unoriginal thinking, it was good advice. It still is good advice. Yet looking at my own life as a journey on the sea, I wonder what I’d be without the wisdom of other people’s experience from their journeys. Where would I be without the friends who taught the stars to me, the mentors who showed me how to use a compass, the travelers who brought news of continents worth exploring. Where would I be without, the sailboat skipper who said, “Here, take the wheel,” and then stood by me as I tried it out? Where and who would I be without them?
I believe the best way to find courage and a sense of connection is by joining with others, joining by our own free will, making our own decision. In community, we practice our values. We find that living by our values can take work. We need support, and the good examples of other good people who come seeking their own purpose and their own sense of connection.
Moral principles and ethical values matter. Yet values must be embodied for them to make a difference in our world. Values need structures and platforms. It is by institutions that values are carried from generation to generation. Such institutions are families, homes and schools; businesses, governments and unions; congregations and voluntary membership associations of all kinds. People do challenge their institutions, call them to account, and reform them. People will even found new institutions to replace the outworn and lifeless ones. Institutions carry values from one generation to the next. For better and for worse, religious institutions also embody values and carry principles forward. Together, here, let us decide to make it for the better. For the better! Amen.
[i] Daniel Ladinsky, The Gift: Poems by Hafiz the Great Sufi Master. New York: Penguin Compass, 1999, p. 177. Quoted and cited by Jay Deacon.
[ii] Gary Dorrien, The Making of American Liberal Theology: Imagining Progressive Religion, 1805-1900. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2001, p. 31.
[iii] Jay Deacon, Magnificent Journey: Religion As a Lock on the Past or Engine of Evolution. Westminster, MA: Ground Wave Publishing, 2011, p. 62.
[iv] Deacon, p. 72.
[v] Deacon, p. 65.
[vi] Dorrien, p. 88.
