Featured Articles Archive
Invitation to a Stewardship Study Group
Dear Members and Friends of UUSM,
As we continue our developmental work of building a community of faith united in common purpose this fall, I want to invite you to take a place in leadership at this congregation.
Stewardship is one of the most important (and most avoided) committees at UUSM. A healthy financial foundation is integral to a thriving congregation; and yet, many carry such shame and insecurity around the role that money plays in our lives that we want to avoid the topic if at all possible.
We are rebuilding our Stewardship Committee this fall and here is my invitation.
Rather than ask you to join a committee (who wants to do that?!), I want to invite you to join a study group that will read either The Soul of Money or Your Money or Your Life this September.
We will support each other in spiritual growth using money as the foundation. And then we will invite the congregation to join us in this important work as 2020 begins.
Our time together will culminate in a Spring pledge drive that will seek to help members of our UU congregation to put our financial resources where our liberal religious values are so that we are impactful as a faith community.
Your commitment is to help choose the book, participate in a discussion, commit to growing spiritually with a group of fellow UUSMers, consider the role that generosity might play in helping strengthen our congregation (financially and otherwise) and help in whatever way that feels comfortable in putting on the pledge drive.
What do you think? Are you game?
RSVP here.
I hope to see you soon!
-- Jacki Weber
What Our Community Thinks About Right Relations
REPORT ON SURVEY BY RIGHT RELATIONS TEAM AND SUPPORT
By Audrey Lyness and Vilma Ortiz
In April, the Right Relations Team and Support convened to consult on a survey, developed by Vilma Ortiz, to assess the congregation’s response to right relations processes over the past few years. In May and June, the survey was publicized by word of mouth, flyers, email announcements, and in the order of service, and administered via a Google document and paper survey. People who were unfamiliar with or had stated negative opinions of right relations were encouraged to offer feedback. The approximately 70 individuals who chose to respond to the survey tended to be more familiar with the right relations endeavors, more likely to attend services, more involved in church activities and more likely to have held leadership roles. Accordingly, the survey results are not representative of the attitudes of all church members. Copies of the survey results (with graphs!) are available at the Right Relations Table.
The respondents are divided roughly evenly between those who have been members for fewer than six years, between six and 15 years, between 16 and 25 years, and more than 25 years. Similarly, the group is evenly divided between participating in a (non-Sunday service) church activity fewer than or once per month, two to three times per month, and once a week or more. Almost 50% of the respondents attend services every Sunday, almost 50% are involved in two to three committees, and more than 50% have chaired committees. The majority of respondents are between the ages of 60 and 80. Most of the respondents do not currently have young children, most are racially white, 2/3 of them have post-graduate degrees, 2/3 are homeowners and 60% are women.
Most survey participants responded positively about the right relations effort. 46% said they were positive, 25% were very positive and only 3% were negative. Similarly, church members felt that the right relations efforts were useful: 36% moderately useful, 43% very useful and 21% minimally useful.
When asked about their familiarity with right relations efforts, more than 70% of the respondents were familiar or very familiar; 16% attended no events, 35% attended one or two events, 29% attended three to five events, and 20% attended more. Of the respondents, 27% believe right relations efforts should cease and 72% recommend that the efforts continue – with one quarter of this group suggesting decreasing, one quarter increasing, and half urging maintaining the same activity level.
Respondents were asked to check off all listed feelings that apply; 30 responses included uncomfortable, bored, uninformed or “other,” 17 were enthusiastic, 20 were curious, 33 were supportive, and 39 were hopeful. Interest in participation in right relations activities was roughly evenly split between not, somewhat, interested and very, with the largest number somewhat interested and the fewest very interested.
A few respondents reported negative experiences: in early listening circles they felt precluded from expressing painful feelings, which exacerbated their sadness and/or anger; they believe right relations process has covered up rather than revealed or addressed real divisions; they believe that the process has gone on too long; that members and leadership are not living out the covenant, or that they use the covenant to police others.
Many respondents appreciated: sharing feelings honestly in the supportive space of listening circles; improved communication and reduced tension among congregants; the modeling of covenantal behaviors; support in working through interpersonal conflict; the hard work, support and caring shown by volunteers; increased respect, trust and relatedness within community; and our Covenant.
Respondents had concerns that: the process is not sufficiently far-reaching to impact those feeling judgment and distrust; there are conflicts of interest among leaders; the process did not start soon enough to address conflicts with the minister; the process is not tailored to individual needs; it has not proven transformative; we should focus on the future not the past; people need to be more friendly and forgiving; the quality of the work was disappointing, too limited in scope and fragmented; members who avoid the events are the ones who would most benefit from them; we should be challenging ourselves with more complex topics; and the church still has a way to go in respecting diverse opinions.
Respondents found the following to be helpful: skills building workshops; voicing and respecting opposing opinions in the protective space of listening circles; process observation at Board Meetings; developing our Covenant; sharing stories of meaning and transformation; facilitated dialogues; getting members involved with, talking to and learning about each other; and right relations as a vehicle for connection in healing and growth.
When asked what endeavors they would like to see in addition to existing circles, dialogues and workshops, respondents offered: book discussion groups, anti-racism and anti-sexism programming, pair-shares, ongoing groups for discussion of church-wide concerns, conflict resolution, competitive debate, brief inter-service discussions to share how we are living out or are having trouble living into the Covenant, video testimonials to inform the skeptical, and right relations as a regular agenda topic at Board meetings.
Regarding the Covenant, some feel it is not necessary, overly wordy and/or vague, difficult to implement, and that members lack commitment to follow its exhortations and won’t change behaviors. In contrast, many take pride in church members’ collective effort to develop it, believe that it accurately reflects who we are and should be, have found it useful in resolving conflict within and without the church, view it as an anchor from which to bring alive our values in and out of meetings, and find it a touchstone for healthier interactions.
Right Relations Team and Support are very grateful to everyone who took the time and effort to complete this survey. Thank you for your thoughtful responses!!
Dispatch from GA 2019: Faithing Family
This June, I attended the UUA General Assembly in Spokane, WA, along with six other devoted UUSM members. By far, the most interesting workshop I attended was Faithing Families, delivered by the Rev. Tandi Rogers, UUA Regional Staff. The big question that Rev. Rogers posed to the group was, “How do we emphasize and create faith in family life?”
Rogers began with the premise that parents are the primary teachers of faith. She addressed busy parents and sometimes-overscheduled kids by highlighting the ways that our faith is already present in their lives. There are a million ways to “family” in a UU way. We can talk about our seven principles when watching TV or reading or listening to podcasts. How do the values expressed intersect with what UUs believe? Pop music offers rich material for conversation. Are we hearing values we share? Is it OK for a growing brain?
When communicating our values to children in this way, we’ll see discernment in our teens and young adults down the road. A survey of any group of UUs will show that many connect to our faith through their experiences as a child or as a parent.
But parents need help in leading their children in faith formation, and conversely, their church cannot do it for them. Rogers encourages churches to shift priorities away from Sunday services and RE education to provide more resources for use in the home.
Help and resources for parents
How can we make the family home the primary incubator of Unitarian Universalism? Rogers encourages congregations to fill in the blanks:
- In a UU home you might experience…
- I claim my UU heritage by…
- My family lives our UU values when we…
- An important religious practice in our house is…..
Telling stories about why we do what we do is a rich tradition at UUSM. Why do we make sandwiches after services? What is the history of our faith? Why do we keep learning? Why do we covenant with each other at church and at home? These are all great examples of how our values guide our actions. We tell these stories and build connection.
Most important, Rogers gave concrete examples of how congregations could use their resources to extend care to busy parents and families in our community:
- Offer time in videoconferencing to do small group ministry with young parents.
- Offer a social justice story hour.
- Offer a blessing at a child’s sporting event or celebration.
- Sponsor an ad in a local newspaper or kids school newspaper.
- Show up to kids’ events wearing your UUSM or Side with Love shirt.
- Provide pizza to kid and family events in your area.
- Offer sensory-friendly worship options.
- Volunteer to offer half-hour home visits; maybe just a chalice lighting with a family to offer connection and support.
- Provide volunteers to a family or kid event.
- Offer free childcare if there is a natural disaster.
At the end of this session, Rogers summed up: “As a community, we need to support all the families, just the same, even the ones that don’t go to Sunday services.”
– Beth Brownlie
#FaithingFamily
Why Come to Camp This September?
LET ME COUNT THE WAYS...
Our congregation’s weekend at de Benneville Pines is just around the corner,
September 13 to 15 (3 pm Friday to 3 pm Sunday).
Over 80 people have signed up already. Our new Developmental Minister and our new Religious Exploration Director will be coming. How about you, too?
Why Come to Camp?
Q: Why should you make it a priority to come to camp? A: You need it.
Do you ever notice that you haven’t been really breathing lately? You know, those long deep breaths that allow you to pause, take a moment and just notice yourself, your thoughts, feelings, and the world around you.
Camp is an opportunity to take a breath. You can breathe clean air, smell the pines, sit in the sunshine, and just be.
Camp is a weekend to slow down and enjoy yourself, your family, and other UUSM folks – the kind of slowing down together that might feel difficult to do when we’re navigating the demands and obligations of the everyday world.
Camp is a chance to hang out with people of all ages, to listen, learn, and play together. Or it’s an opportunity to read a book. Sing along. Try out archery. Go on a hike or just wander. Really, there’s only a few tasks we have to pitch in together to do while we’re there.
Camp is a place to further your relationships with those in our congregation. You will leave the weekend feeling more connected to others in our community. Relationships can deepen. Children are laughing. Adults can relax.
We do camp as a community, together. The programming is all ours. Camp is a where you’re invited to linger in the woods. Where you can explore possibilities.
Being in nature is a therapy for many of us. It’s easy to forget what stars really look like at night, or the smell of pines trees, or what the sound of a creek running down a mountain does to our senses.
So why come to camp? Because camp is an opportunity for something special. We are the lucky ones. And we need it! Come.
~Amy Brunell
Your enthusiastic Planning Committee is: Amy Brunell as Dean, Chela Metzger and Karl Lisovsky as Registrars, along with Linda van Ligten, Judith Martin-Straw, Sunni Pavlovic, Joyce Holmen, and Liza Cranis.
The Power of We: Dispatches from UUA General Assembly 2019
CELEBRATE THE POWER OF COMING TOGETHER
Worship, witness, learn, connect… This year’s General Assembly in Spokane, WA, is inspiring UUSM’s delegates as they discover and explore new tools to carry on the work of our community.
Intern Minister Robin Stillwater says, Hello from GA!
Sunday, June 23
UUSM Choir Section Leader Jyvonne Haskin gets her gospel on at Sunday Morning Worship. Sing and clap along at https://youtu.be/rMgD7nGc9NY?t=2600.
Saturday, June 22
Theme discussion: What is so important in Unitarian Universalism that you would be willing to sacrifice for it? Barb Greeve, co-moderator of General Session II (Business Meeting) presenting.
Friday, June 21
“The Power of We” is the theme of GA.
When we do move the margins to the center and fully value the leadership and contributions of those who have been marginalized within our movement, people of color, queer and trans people, disabled people, low-income people, young people, and others – amazing things happen.– Barb Greeve, co-moderator of General Session I (Business Meeting)
Dismantling systems of oppression within our movement means doing things differently. It takes more than different leaders. It also takes different leadership structures, culture, and different ways of doing things. It takes trying things and failing, and figuring out what to do differently. It takes slowing down, evaluating what we are trying and evaluating the process, not just the outcome.– Elandria Williams, co-moderator of General Session I (Business Meeting)
We are sitting at the precipice of something beautiful, incredible, and radical in this faith. We must allow it to happen, and not let fear and distrust of change be our guide…. It is meaningless for organizations and movements to claim to be about change in the world, and operate in oppressive ways in terms of staffing, how decisions are made, and how people are treated…. It’s time to do religious education for everybody, and not just go to church and hear the sermon. So maybe we can all be on the same page. It’s time for us to put care of each other first, the impact we want to have on the world next, and then the deliverables third. Because when you put the care and the impact first, the deliverables will come.– Elandria Williams, co-moderator of General Session I (Business Meeting)
See more, including the annual report from UUA President the Rev. Dr. Susan Frederick-Gray at https://youtu.be/7iAi0L5tFC8: “This is no time to go it alone.”
Thursday, June 20
We love how UUSM Choir Section Leader Jyvonne Haskin raises her voice “for the children of our children” at the Service of the Living Tradition.
Later, the Rev. Lindi Ramsden, from Starr King School for the Ministry, channels Bill Nye the Science Guy’s NSFW tirade on climate change. “Now is the time to go all in…. Massive public and private resources will be mobilized. The question is, where and in whose interest will those investments be made? It is so important to leverage this moment and this time of gathering momentum to advance equity, to create climate justice.”
Wednesday, June 19
UUSM delegates proud to march in the Opening Ceremony. Camp de Benenville Pines in the house!
Divas and Drag Queens: a Choral Celebration of Pride and Empowerment - In Case You Missed It
On Saturday, June 8, the UUSM Choir presented “Divas and Drag Queens,” a musical fundraiser celebrating Pride and Empowerment.
A variety of pieces were showcased, ranging from classy to camp; arias from Donizetti to tunes by Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, and showstoppers from Priscilla Queen of the Desert!
The event was hosted by the magnificent Ms. Beverly Luxe, bingo was played through the night, and a few lucky winners took home fantastic prizes.
If you missed it, or if you were there and want to experience it again, please enjoy one or more of the selections by clicking the links – use full-screen view and turn up your speakers for the best experience.
For additional photos, see the post at http://news.uusm.org/divas-and-drag-queens-a-choral-celebration-of-pride-and-empowerment/ .
Rev. Greg Ward’s Last Sermon & Goodbye Barbecue / June 23, 2019
For more great photos of Rev. Greg's last sermon goodbye barbecue, by Carol Ring and Roy Patience, see http://news.uusm.org/rev-greg-wards-last-sermon-goodbye-barbecue-june-23-2019/
New Members Welcomed with Radical Applause - JUNE 16TH CEREMONY HIT A HIGH NOTE
Membership Committee co-chairs Norm Richey and Sarah Robson led us in a simple, heartfelt ceremony on June 16 to welcome six new members. The response from the pews to this introduction was smiles, laughter, and radical applause. The message is this: We deeply thank you all for enriching our congregational life and for joining us in our important mission.
New Members Ceremony 6-16-19 - (L-R) Erik and Kirin Paesel, Shona Gupta, Suzanne Rainey, John Oliver, Sharon Harrel, Norm Richey, and Sarah Robson.
Erik Paesel is thrilled to join the church. Born overseas, in Munich, he grew up as a “military brat” in Germany and England. He is essentially a Midwest transplant – a diehard baseball fan of the Chicago Cubs; in fact, all his sports allegiances are with Chicago teams. He is a filmmaker still writing scripts and pilots and hoping for his big break. But for now, he teaches editing to university and high school students at the New York Film Academy. He wants you to know that he’s generally game for anything, especially camping, board games, softball, and craft beer. He’s the coach/manager of the UUSM softball team, the Waldos. Erik is also excited that his wife Shona and their son Kiran participate in the church and Religious Exploration (RE), and he’s very interested in helping both the church and the RE program grow. Kiran is very interested in taking OWL and enjoys Cub Scouts, Dungeons and Dragons, chess, soccer, and Minecraft whenever possible. Kiran hopes that he forms lifelong friends here in the RE program.
Shona Gupta has enjoyed her experience with the UU philosophy. She was struck by the kind and inclusive attitude of the UUSM community. She was born into a Hindu family that respects all religions, believing that “Truth is one but we call it by many names.” Her family is from India originally and immigrated to the US when she was a toddler. She moved Canada and spent many years there as well. She loves the outdoors and thus was delighted to participate in our 2018 church weekend at Camp de Benneville Pines – she even made the poster for archery. Shona has worked in publishing and technology for several years. When not managing tech projects, she’s working on her own entrepreneurial initiatives. She’s also an active member of the Culver City Arts District. Her hobbies include travel, tennis, art-gallery-hopping, piano, photography, and camping and hiking with her family!
Suzanne Rainey is a Southern California native, born in San Gabriel. She grew up Mormon and stopped practicing the religion in her 20s. She’s explored Buddhism, studied Judaism, and married Mark Barshop in a Jewish ceremony two years ago and comments, “I guess this makes me a ‘MobujuUU.’ I’m delighted to be joining this congregation.” Her teenage daughter Dagny recently participated in the OWL program.
Sharon Harrel and John Oliver are natives of Virginia and longtime UUs who found each other almost 20 years ago at camp – the Southeast Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute (SUUSI). They and married six years ago in the Unitarian Church of Norfolk. This April they sold their Virginia home and most of their possessions and moved to Santa Monica to help with the raising of their first grandchild, Robin Harrell Lee, born in May. Sharon is a retired school psychologist who worked for many years with teens diagnosed with serious emotional disabilities. She also taught psychology as an adjunct professor at George Mason University and Virginia Wesleyan College. She has a son here and a daughter in Olympia, WA.
John Oliver was a local government attorney in Virginia for over 30 years and currently works part-time on mental health legal issues for the Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy at the University of Virginia. He has a son in Virginia.
Leo Forester moved to LA from NY in September to pursue his passions of music and staying warm. He previously attended First Unitarian Church in Brooklyn and found it to be a haven for young people finding themselves and their way in the world, and the community has become a key piece of his social life. Leo has been really excited to find this congregation as he settles into life in LA.
We’re gonna keep on moving forward
Keep on moving forward
Keep on moving forward
Never turning back
Never turning back
– Pat Humphries’ song
Healthy Congregation Events Past and Future
LISTENING CIRCLE ON RECENT STAFF TRANSITIONS ON SUNDAY, JULY 21 AFTER SERVICE
July 8, 2019 Audrey Lyness Healthy Congregation, Right Relations
In March, we learned that our Developmental Minister would be leaving the congregation in a few months, and shortly thereafter, our Director of Religious Education announced her resignation. We already knew that our Intern Minister’s tenure would conclude in June. These turnovers signaled disruption for a church that had endured tumultuous transitions in the recent past. Accordingly, the Right Relations Team implemented two interventions with the goals of taking the temperature of church members and offering an opportunity to process these changes.
The first effort was to begin developing our survey that was administered in May and June, the results of which will be discussed in a subsequent article.
The next step we took was to host a Healthy Congregation Listening Circle: Transitioning in Love and Hope, on a Thursday night in April. Over two hours, folks of varying age and length of time in the church spoke emotionally about their confusion and disappointment, as well as about their hopes for the future. The participants listened with compassion and metaphorically held each other in their distress. This Circle was succeeded by one that followed a Sunday service in June, boasting an even larger attendance, and allowing fellow church members to provide unconditional support through active listening. Circle participants’ feelings, observations and experiences about staff departures varied widely, but many expressed a similar sense of relief in having a forum in which to voice their perspectives.
On Sunday, July 21, after the service, we hope you will consider joining us at our third Listening Circle addressing the staff transitions.
The Right Relations Team is also pleased to announce a new series, the Healthy Congregation InterGroup Dialogues Across Difference. The InterGroup Dialogues will establish contained and respectful spaces for congregants to discuss topics about which they may passionately disagree. Whereas during Circles we listened deeply and honored each others’ perspectives without offering responses, InterGroup Dialogues encourage thoughtful replies directed to more thoroughly understanding each other. The goal is not to debate, nor to change each other’s minds, nor even to come to an agreement, but rather to truly appreciate one another despite our differences – to accept the inherent worth of another’s viewpoint, and in so doing to uphold the dignity of our fellow congregants.
The first InterGroup Dialogue will take place on Sunday, August 18 after service, from noon to 2pm. The topic will be Dialogues Across Difference: Are We What We Eat?
Board Highlights for May 2019: Reimagining RE and Saying Farewell
END-OF-THE-YEAR ROUND-UP
The UUSM Board of Directors met on the evening of Tuesday, May 14. Because the Board will not meet in June, this was the last meeting of the current board. There were several good-byes and expressions of appreciation.
Two new church members were read into the minutes: John Oliver and Sharon Harrel. They hail from the shores of Virginia. Please look for them on Sundays.
The President’s remarks (Jacki Weber) were a synopsis of some of the big – and continuing – projects that the board has taken on this year. Some of these were expected (Big Rocks) and others were unexpected (staff turnover). These events concern the congregation, and Jacki is hoping we are ready for them.
General Assembly (GA) is coming up in June. We are allotted six delegates. These will be James Witker, Emily Hero, Jacki Weber, Beth Brownlie, Abby Arnold, and Norm Richey.
The Minister’s Report included several items:
The church has received more than 20 applicants for the three-quarter–time DRE position. These have been categorized by qualifications and four have been set for interviews.
Stewardship made a heroic effort this year – having face-to-face conversations with more members than in recent years. But several of the most involved members of the committee will be moving away. We are very sorry to be losing Kit Shaw and Olga Felton.
A comprehensive safety policy will, hopefully, be ready by June 15 – just before Greg’s last Sunday.
Our Director of Music, Saunder Choi, has submitted a proposal for a Children/Youth Music Program.
The members of the search committee, to find a new developmental minister, have settled on a candidate and are currently in negotiation regarding the contract. The announcement will likely be made in the next couple of weeks.
Intern Minister Robin Stillwater was delighted to report that the Young Adult group that she has spearheaded is vibrant. Aubrey Sassoon and Leo Forrest will be taking over the leadership.
UUSM Treasurer Cheryl Sims reported that our 2018–19 budget deficit will be about $48,000 – as opposed to the $23,000 originally budgeted. This is largely due to the loss of a couple very significant pledges. The congregation will likely have to vote at the Annual Meeting to determine where the money will come from to cover the increased deficit. But there is some good news: an anonymous donor has given the $5,000 necessary to match the Spirit Grant that helps pay for the RE assistant. Many thanks!
On Sunday, June 2, the Lifespan Religious Education Task Force (Beth Brownlie, JoAn Peters, Nick Henning, Kelly Hatfield and Erik Paesel) will sponsor a visioning session with facilitator Sarah Gibb Millspaugh, from the UUA regional office. This brainstorming session will reinvent our educational program for youth and adults. Nearly all members participate in one or more of these programs and are invited to encourage and collaborate.
In the Big Rocks discussion within the Board, the most detailed new bit of information relates to the Membership Committee. The committee hopes to bring in a membership consultant from the UUA. Meanwhile, the committee has been systematically trying to improve each of five main aspects of membership development: marketing, hospitality, introduction to UU, integration into the congregation, and retention. June 16 is New Member Day.
In June we will enjoy the bittersweet of several good-bye events: June 16 is Kathleen Hogue’s last day; June 23 is the Rev. Greg Ward’s last day; and June 30 is Robin Stillwater’s last day. Look for details coming soon. Don’t miss your chance to pitch in – and say farewell.
Reflections on UU District Assembly
RATED 10 OUT OF 10 BY ROBIN
The Pacific Southwest District of the Pacific Region of the UUA held a District Assembly in Long Beach, April 26-28. Our DRE, Kathleen Hogue, our ministerial intern, Robin Stillwater, congregation president, Jacki Weber Kikanza Nuri-Robins, Abby Arnold, Cassie Winters, Sue Stoyanoff, Aubrey Sassoon, Audrey Lyness and I, Dorothy Steinicke, attended from our church.
District Assembly is a great opportunity for UUs to meet other UUs, to discuss how other churches are approaching their challenges, to learn new things and to get inspired. Going to the national General Assembly (being held this year in Spokane, Washington June 19-23) is fantastic but traveling across the country and spending several days out of town is unrealistic for many of us. But a jaunt to Long Beach was not difficult at all.
When asked to reflect on the experience Robin stated: “The highlight for me was the keynote speaker, Donald Milton, III. He suggested some truly new and innovative ways to do worship and music. He had me laughing and in tears, and I used what he taught me the very next day on Sunday where we incorporated a responsive reading that included music. Honestly, it was worth going just for his address. However, I also connected with DREs, UUA staff, and other ministers that I can now call on if I am ever in need of support, resources or advice. In Millennial speak, 10/10 would recommend DA (or GA in a few weeks….)!”
Kikanza was part of a group that presented a fabulous workshop on the Leadership Experience.
In addition to attending the outstanding keynote presentation on “upcycling” church music, I attended a workshop on the use of ritual in worship and one on the changing reality of religious education.
In the ritual workshop, we performed a ritual and then analyzed its components. We learned that ritual is especially valuable to access feelings and understandings in non-linear ways through the use of participation, movement, reflection and repetition. The presenters pointed out that ritual is an especially valuable practice in intergenerational worship. I gained some ideas that may be useful in my role as worship associate.
In the workshop on religious education we learned that we are not the only UU church or even church that has experienced a dramatic decline in attendance. An idea that has worked in some churches is to have a ‘family worship’, a shorter (20 minute) worship service that is presented before the traditional service. This is a service where all are welcome but that is designed for parents and children to attend together. It involves music, ritual and stories. When it is over those participating might then go attend the regular service/RE classes or call it a day for church.
The presenter also encouraged churches to reach out in support of parents, to perhaps host a monthly ‘parent’s lounge’ with special presentations on issues facing parents with childcare provided.
At the end of the workshop the presenter made a seemingly offhand comment that may have had the biggest effect on me. She said that we need to be ‘religiously conscious’ of all that we do in our church communities, especially in our intergenerational activities. She gave an example that church communities often do things like preparing meals for people but don’t tie in why it is a practice that we are doing with our church community. It so happened that I was coordinating Lunches for Bunches the very next day. One of the wonderful things about Lunches for Bunches is how intergenerational it is, how we are all able to contribute. But, if you have ever participated, you know that L4B can also be rather chaotic. I didn’t immediately see how we could incorporate a religious reflection. We made the lunches. Lots of people helped. It was, as always, quite chaotic. People came and went as they were available. But there were seven of us, people of several generations who worked consistently through the process. As we were finishing and people were walking away I called them back and said that we needed to bless the lunches. There were some raised eyebrows. They were all people who had participated before and this hasn’t been part of the process. I felt self-conscious. But we all held hands and surrounded the lunches and blessed them with our hopes that they would provide sustenance and pleasure to those who received them and said that we sent not only the food but our hopes that those who receive them will be safe and well and will be able to move toward the goals they hold in their hearts. I didn’t check in with my fellow participants, but I found that it made the whole process more meaningful to me.
— Dorothy Steinicke
Attendees enjoyed gathering at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach, 5450 E. Atherton St., www.uuclb.org.
UUSM Annual Meeting Follow-up
WE'D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Our annual meeting to conduct the business of our church is now behind us. If you participated, the Board would love to hear from you so that we can better understand what went well, and what we can improve in the coming year and at next year’s meeting.
If you attended, please take a moment to take a brief survey by clicking the button below, or by responding to the survey when you receive it in your inbox.
TAKE SURVEY
If you did not have an opportunity to attend the meeting or want to know more about the discussion and the outcomes, a summary of events by our Board Secretary will be published in the coming days.
Thank you for contributing to our church community!
Two Memorial Services: Stuart Moore and Geralyn Lambson
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF STUART MOORE
On July 16, 1927, Stuart was delivered by a witch doctor in the jungles of the Republic of Panama. At the age of two he was introduced to the Unitarian Church of Memphis, TN (founded 1896). In the early 1940’s he was active in their YPRU (Young Peoples Religious Union). In the late 1940’s he was a member of the Unitarian Church of Champaign, IL. When he moved to California in 1952, he joined the Laymen’s League of the Santa Monica Unitarian Church long before he became a member officially in 1961.
Stuart was very active in the church during Ernie and Judith’s ministries. He served on the Board of Directors for six years including as Chairman in 1969-70. He was also the church’s Building Engineer for 40 years.
Stuart Moore died peacefully Saturday, May 4 at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife, Francine; his three children who grew up in this church, Amy Robison, and Eliot and Lionel Moore; and his grandchildren Vivian and Arch Stuart Robison. His memorial service was on Saturday, June 8, 2019, 1:00 pm, Sanctuary.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF GERALYN LAMBSON
We are sad to announce the passing of Gerrie Lambson on May 15. Gerrie lived a very full life – including the last 20 years as a member of UUSM. She was well known to many for her service to our community and she will be missed. Gerrie spent years as a copy editor of the UUSM newsletter and was a champion of hospitality at the church, either by serving coffee after services, or by preparing and lighting the chalice in Forbes in front of the TV where the service is videocast. She also headed up our Undy-Sunday campaign for many years, collecting and donating useful clothing for local homeless shelters.
Gerrie became a Unitarian pre-merger in Kansas City after “escaping” her Mormon upbringing in rural Utah. She received a degree in English and a doctorate in Anatomy and was a lifelong teacher of many subjects.
Please plan to attend the memorial and share your stories with other members who miss her. Her memorial service was on Sunday, June 9, 2019, 4:00 pm, Sanctuary.
I knew Gerrie Lambson for most of my time at UUSM. I think I served coffee with her in the early 00’s. She was doing Undy Sundays even back then. (Just found mention in a 2004 newsletter.* Gerrie was on the staff of the newsletter as a proofreading editor from 2004-2014, with Carol Agate, Dayla MacDonald, and Charles Haskell as editors-in-chief. She served as Board Secretary under Sue Bickford in 2010. The Secretary position was eliminated the following year when the board size was reduced, but the position was later reinstated.
— Pam Teplitz
* Undy Sunday was a Big SuccessThanks to all who contributed so generously to the underwear collection on January 11. While the need could be endless, we were able to contribute: for men 74 pairs of briefs/boxers, 22 crew neck shirts, and six pairs of socks; for women 91 pairs of underpants, six pairs of socks/hose, one bra; for children one footed sleeper, one one-piece romper, six onesies shirts, 30 pair girl’s briefs, 15 pair boy’s briefs. The underwear will go to the Cold/Wet Weather Shelter.— Gerrie Lambson, 2004
Become a Chalice Lighter
Chalice Lighters is a program of giving sponsored by our Pacific Southwest District. It fits right into our Generous Congregation philosophy, providing us an opportunity to help others with small contributions from many people – and then to receive that assistance ourselves from the generous members of other congregations.
Imagine: your $20 could help a new congregation support a social justice program, hire its first music director, or purchase tiny chairs and tables for the littlest RE participants.
As a Chalice Lighter, you will receive a note, usually an email, at most three times a year, calling upon you to consider donating to a proposed grant for another UU congregation. You can read the proposal to learn the specifics, then decide whether you wish to support it with your $20 donation. You’ll need to say “yes” to only one proposal per year to maintain your Chalice Lighter designation – but of course you can also choose to fund a second proposal, or all three.
Chalice Lighters remains sustainable through small but broad-based donations, supporting fiscal health and growth in all our congregations. In order to submit our own grant proposals, we’ll need 20% or our church membership to join. Please consider becoming a participant in this enormously successful program.
We will announce the program from the pulpit on June 23, and I’ll be on hand in Forbes Hall to answer questions and help you join. I look forward to an enthusiastic response!
-- Barbara Kernochan for Chalice Lighters: A Program of Generosity
Generosity in All Things: Lessons Learned at the Start of IMG: Pledge Results and More
Spirit of Water flickr/Dhilung KiratLast year, UUSM began participating in the UUA Pacific Western Region’s (PWR) Institutionalizing a Ministry of Generosity (IMG) program. The program helps promote generosity in all areas of congregational life by planning and implementing a unique roadmap specific to each church. Such areas of congregational life could include, for example, family faith formation, pastoral care, and worship, as well as pledging and stewardship.
To apply to the program, the UUSM Stewardship Committee submitted three questionnaires, which were completed by leaders in our congregation (a former treasurer, a past board president, and a current board member). The questionnaire was designed to assess whether UUSM could improve in areas of trust and generosity and whether UUSM was open and ready to transform internal culture in order to promote generosity. Happily, UUSM was accepted into the program, and the Rev. Greg Ward, Olga Felton, Gretchen Goetz, Sarah Robson, and Kit Shaw were recruited as representatives of UUSM to the IMG program.
On February 15–17, representatives traveled to Arizona for a retreat with nine other UU congregations from the PWR. The retreat was held at The Franciscan Renewal Center (a.k.a. The Casa), a former dude ranch in Scottsdale, purchased and run by the Franciscan friars as a place for wellness, worship, and healing. The venue allowed for a peaceful and contemplative weekend. Other UU congregations participating in the retreat were from California (Fresno, Davis, Palomar, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo) and Colorado (Boulder, Golden, Lafayette) and encompassed congregations of 90 to 800 members. One of the best things about the retreat was meeting and connecting with members from other UU congregations and sharing notes about congregational life.
Think differently
The program was organized and facilitated by the Rev. Jan Christian and the Rev. Tandi Rogers, who are Congregational Life staff from the PWR. Over the course of the weekend, attendees worked together to learn and understand our current cultures and norms (which may not be serving us well), and to think differently about ways our culture could be changed to promote generosity. For example, some of the characteristics that could be used to describe our current Western-world culture are perfectionism, individualism, and scarcity. We explored ideas and thought about alternate narratives to shift away from perfectionism to wholeness: for example, from individualism to togetherness; from scarcity to sufficiency. As more specific example, isn’t it a form of generosity to turn to wonder (wholeness) in a situation of disagreement, rather than to immediately assume (perfectionism) that the other view is wrong?
Another important lesson learned in the retreat is that generosity is a two-way street. The metaphor that was offered by the Rev. Russ Menk (UU Fellowship of Santa Cruz County) was imagine that giving is like exhaling. One can give (exhale), give (exhale), and give (exhale), but this does us no good if we don’t also receive (inhale). Therefore, we need to be mindful of receiving generosity when it is offered to us, as well as giving generosity ourselves.
At the closing of the retreat, we all participated in worship in the small chapel on the premises. Stories of generosity were read, we participated in a hand-washing ceremony, and we exchanged small gifts of personal meaning, which we were asked to bring from home. We had learned from each other over the course of the weekend and become friends; the ceremony was pure, humbling, and full of grace. It was more poignant because Rev. Jan was retiring; developing the IMG program was her final project. Tears were shed as her colleagues bid her farewell.
Liftoff
Developing the 3-year IMG plan and launching the UUSM spring pledge drive began in February with recruiting and training 35 “Connectors.” These Connectors ventured out and contacted, one-on-one, 140 UUSM pledging households. Church finances were a topic, of course, but the purpose was to come together to share stories of heartbreak and hope in today’s world. In addition to building community, these conversations explored mission and vision and the ways in which our church could bring our values to today’s world and today’s needs. The “Connectees” were also asked to think about someone in their lives who they felt was especially generous, whether in giving of their time, attention, money, or something else. The purpose of these conversations was to begin exploring the theme of generosity, as we launch into our 3-year IMG plan.
Our pledge goal for the “This is What Generosity Looks Like” campaign was $400,000, and pledges that were turned in accounted for $271,890 (68% of goal, as of 4/5/19) from 144 pledging units (57% of total pledging units). Accounting for pledging rollovers (households that did not turn in a pledge card, but have consistently made a financial contribution to UUSM in the past), expected pledge income stands at $356,012.
An impressive 85 pledgers increased their annual commitment. Recall that there was a matching program for people who increased their pledges. When they’re fulfilled, this year’s eligible pledges will earn more than $27,000 in matching funds from the Sustainability Fund. Adding those funds in, total pledges stands at $383,292: $16,708 short of our pledge goal. This is the number used to develop the 2019–20 budget to be presented to the congregation at the May Annual Meeting.What’s next for IMG?
The UUSM IMG team has already met several times to brainstorm a 3-year plan specific to our congregation. As the minister is required to be part of the IMG team, the new (to be named) developmental minister will take Rev. Greg’s place. We are identifying areas of congregational life of focus, then we will develop plans and programs to support and promote generosity in those areas. Our 3-year plan is due to the PWR in May with a followup report due 1 year later. As we continue on this mission, we will continue to exchange ideas and receive support from the other participating UU congregations.
-- Kit Shaw
Nominating Committee Announces Slate for 2019-20
The Nominating Committee has fulfilled its responsibility to provide a candidate for each board position and to put forth the names of new members for their committee. The names have been posted on the church office door and are available here.
| POSITION | TERM | TERM / YEAR | NAME |
| President | 1 year | 2nd term | Jacki Weber Vote Needed |
| Vice President | 1 year | 2nd term | Beth Brownlie Vote Needed |
| Secretary | 1 year | 2nd term | Norm Richie Vote Needed |
| Treasurer | 1 year | 1st term | Vilma Ortiz Vote Needed |
| Past President | Not elected | 2nd term | Ron Crane No Vote Needed |
| Member-At- Large | 2 years | 2nd year | Eileen McCormack No Vote Needed |
| Member-At-Large | 2 years | 2nd year | Nina Emerson No Vote Needed |
| Member-At- Large | 2 years | 1st year | Abby Arnold Vote Needed |
| Member-At- Large | 2 years | 1st year | Barbara Andres Vote Needed |
| Nominating Committee | 3 years | 2nd year | Pat Gomez No Vote Needed |
| Nominating Committee | 3 years | 2nd year | Kikanza Nuri-Robins No Vote Needed |
| Nominating Committee | 3 years | 3rd year | Linda van Ligten No Vote Needed |
| Nominating Committee | 3 years | 3rd year | Nalani Santiago-Kalmanson No Vote Needed |
| Nominating Committee | 3 years | 1st year | Alison Kendall Vote Needed |
| Nominating Committee | 3 years | 1st year | Barbara Kernochan Vote Needed |
The committee has dedicated themselves to spending more time getting to know a broad assortment of members this year, with the larger goals of developing leadership within the congregation and getting as many people involved as possible. This can be a difficult responsibility, and one that we appreciate – as we appreciate all our members who serve in leadership in our community.We will have a large amount of continuity as we enter a year of extensive change. There will be only three changes: Vilma Ortiz is proposed as treasurer, and Barbara Andres and Abby Arnold have generously offered to serve as members-at-large.
Members may vote in person, by proxy, or by absentee ballot. A quorum is needed, so please come to the meeting on May 19 and vote in person. Your presence, your voice, and your enthusiasm for our beloved community is warmly welcomed.
Make Your Special Event Totally Extra
The Communications Team has been working with UUSM staff to streamline how special events at church and off site are organized and promoted. The goal is to make sure event organizers have everything they need to hold a great, well attended special event – with no surprises. Let’s say that we want the only surprise to be how well everything went!
Together we’ve developed an online form (for members only) that starts with the room reservation and all the contact info. If it’s a public or congregational event we ask for a short, short description for the Thursday Announcements and the Sunday Order of Service; then there’s room for lots of text and links and graphics to appear on the website event page. The options for your event cover everything from parking, set-up, and custodial services to kitchen access, social media advertising, and the credit card swiper.
Now this is not for your regular, monthly meetings, discussion groups, or choir rehearsals. It’s for special events like concerts, receptions, social justice events, and the like.
Please note that completing the reservation does NOT result in a Newsletter story being posted. (Though Adult RE programs sponsored by the Personal and Spiritual Exploration for Adults Committee will be included in their monthly listing.) If you would like your big event covered in a story here, please submit details or a story draft (with photos!) to the Newsletter Committee at newsletter@uusm.org.
We ask that you help staff and help to keep the congregation informed about your lecture, party, or community action. It’s good form to use the form!
OR VISIT
Camp de Benneville Pines Weekend 2019
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13-15, 2019
Each year, UUSM members and friends flock to Camp deBenneville Pines, an idyllic rustic paradise two hours east of Santa Monica (if you leave at the right time on Friday) for our all-church retreat, this year Friday-Sunday, September 13-15, 2019. Join us for a weekend of reveling in nature, ping pong tournaments, dam building, s’mores, tie-dying and sing-along versions of every ‘60s song you know (or don’t).
Singles, couples and families young and old enjoy clean mountain air, lots of activities, great camp food and fellowship. Rustic heated cabins are clean and comfortable, with indoor plumbing and hot showers, for “roughing it, gently.”
The downloadable registration form is available HERE, or contact Karl Lisovsky or Consuela Metzger at debenneville@uusm.org to receive one. You can also pay online at the “MAKE A DONATION” link in the upper right-hand corner of any uusm.org page. If you’d like more information, contact Karl Lisovsky or Chela Metzger.
2019 prices start at $155/person for adults, $90/person for kids and $115 for teens, which includes all food and activities for the weekend! (Discounts are generally provided for early registration, during the month of May.)
We also offer a limited number of financial aid “camperships” for those who need it. If that’s your situation, your camp fee is just half-price (down to a slight $80 per adult), and FREE for kids/teens. Or alternately, if you’re flush with cash, you could contribute to the campership pot, which’d help even more campers make it to deBenneville in September. A full camp is a happy camp and we aim to be very happy.
For more information on any aspect of our church camp, please contact debenneville@uusm.org.
******PLEASE NOTE*********
Fully and properly registering for camp, as described above, is a TWO STEP PROCESS, and both steps must be completed:
Download and complete the PDF registration form…and return it to the church office or Karl Lisovsky via any of the methods described at the bottom of the form.
Make your payment via the church office, or online through our “Make a Donation” link in the upper right-hand corner of any uusm.org page. (Please note that the donation link takes you off-site to our Vanco.com donation processing partner, where you will have to create a separate login, or use a Vanco login you previously created.)
Please note that filling out the online payment form DOES NOT substitute for completing the separate camp registration form. BOTH steps must be completed to complete your camp registration.
Important News from Jacki Weber and Kathleen Hogue, LDRE
LETTER FROM UUCCSM PRESIDENT JACKI WEBER
Dear UUSM Friends,
A week ago I wrote to the parents of children in our religious education program and our leaders in RE to share with them what was no doubt frustrating news: that the proposed FY 2020 Budget includes a quarter-time reduction in funding for the DRE position.
Indeed, last Tuesday the board moved to present in May for congregational vote a budget that has modest budget deficit and a quarter-time reduction to the DRE position.
On the heels of that vote, we learned that Kathleen Hogue will resign her position at the end of the church year. It is a difficult decision for her, as she describes in her letter below, just as it was a difficult decision for the board. RE matters. Families matter. They are the future of our faith.
Having said that, the board is fiscally responsible for managing the long-term best interests of the congregation and we can only support the size of the program we currently have and then work to facilitate its growth.
We understand that Kathleen has to do what’s best for her. We are grateful for her time and energy here and wish her great happiness as she pursues life as a new Grandma closer to home in Arizona.
Although it is sad — for all who have loved and worked with Kathleen and the RE program — it is more than that. It is an opportunity and a responsibility to take some time of honest reflection about what has worked well in the RE program that we want to retain and what is needed that our children, parents, teachers and volunteers deserve. This is a time of creativity and cooperation, not despair and anxiety.
There are amazing, dedicated, experienced and committed people — both in the congregation AND in the larger community — who are are ready to be part of communities dedicated to families raising amazing children and youth.
So what comes next?
The board voted last week to put together a task force of concerned board members, RE leaders and parents and youth. Thanks to Board VP Beth Brownlie for leading that effort. The task force will be responsible for conducting an evaluation, reporting back on what is working well in RE and what needs attention, and recommending how to make the most of our resources.
We’re also interested in broadening into a shared ownership of the ministry for our children. We all need to understand that we need to grow young, not old.
Simultaneously we are posting our position on the UUA Pacific Western Regional sites — both locally, within the district, regionally and nationally. We’re focusing on bringing someone who loves children and youth and who brings an energy, enthusiasm, and immediacy to our ministry with young people.
The Board of Directors will work with Rev. Greg and a team of RE Stakeholders on the search. We hope to have a successful candidate by the end of June who is able to start in August. Our new DRE will work with a restructured LRE program and we can begin our church year strong.
We’ll celebrate Kathleen’s service to our community on June 16th.
Thank you for continuing to walk this path with me, uncertain as it is. If we can summon gratitude and seek to be of service we may find joy in the mystery, no matter what the journey brings.
Peace,
Jacki
LETTER FROM OUR LIFESPAN DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION KATHLEEN HOGUE
To: Rev. Greg Ward
UU Church of Santa Monica
1260 18th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Dear Rev. Greg Ward,
Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as Director of Lifespan Faith Exploration with the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica as of June 16, 2019. I sincerely appreciate the opportunities I have been given during my time here, as well as your professional guidance and support.
My time here has been very rewarding making this a difficult decision for me. I’ve enjoyed my work here and witnessing how our community has grown through our shared work and love for one another. There have been challenges — for both myself and the congregation. The parts that I have enjoyed best were the ones where those challenges called us to learn and become better people and worker better together.
Living in Los Angeles has been difficult as a result of being a single mom to a disabled adult child living with me. The financial struggle has been very challenging. In addition, you may be aware, my life has recently been blessed with a grandchild. Over the past few months I have been struggling with the truth that I am not able to spend more time with her watching her and helping her grow. Family is everything. So this is why I believe it is time for me to make another move. There are things that are still not clear to me about my future but this one thing is…to be with family.
I will miss this congregation. I will miss the work that we accomplished together as a staff and as a community. I will miss the pot lucks, the softball games, the conversations, the celebrations and the kids. It is my deepest hope that this congregation continues to work together to create more love, more justice and more hope in the world. And I know you will.
I know my departure will add to the transition already in place. My hope is that this is something you will all see as an opportunity for a new start. If I can assist with the transition, I am happy to help things go well. We are one world.
“To everything,
There is a season.
And a time to every purpose, under heaven.”
Sincerely,
Kathleen Hogue
LDRE
UUSM Church Governance: Let your Voice Be Heard
2019 ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL MEETING: MAY 19, 2019
All members in good standing who have been members for at least 40 days prior to the Annual Meeting are eligible to vote.
Come to the meeting; let your voice be heard.
The Nominating Committee will present its slate of nominees for the open seats on the Board and Nominating Committee to the Board of Directors by April 18. The slate will be posted in the Church Office April 19. It is the practice of UUSM to nominate one person per open position.
Any member of the congregation who chooses to run by petition for an open position on the Board or Nominating Committee will also appear on the ballot.
Once the Nominating Committee’s slate is presented to the board, any member of the church who has been a voting member for at least a year may run for any open seat on the Board of Directors or Nominating Committee. To do so, submit your petition, signed by 10 or more voting members, to the church office. All submitted petitions and signatures must be reviewed by the Secretary of the Board, Norm Richey, for validation by April 29, 2019.
The final ballot for the May 19 elections will be included in a church mailing to be sent in early May. New and renewing members who were read into the rolls at the April 9 board meeting will become voting members after 40 days, and thus will be eligible to vote.
Voting members may vote in person, by proxy, or by absentee ballot.
A quorum is needed, so please come to the meeting and vote in person. Your presence, your voice and your enthusiasm for our beloved community is needed and welcomed.
Board of Directors
The President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer serve one-year terms, so those positions appear on the ballot every year. These officers can be nominated to the same position for three consecutive terms.
Members-at-large serve for two-year terms and may serve for three consecutive terms.
Nominating Committee
There are two open seats on the Nominating Committee, currently held by Barbara Gibbs and Liza Cranis, that will appear on the ballot for three-year terms.
Linda van Ligten, Nalani Santiago-Kalmanson, Kikanza Nuri-Robins and Pat Gomez will continue their current terms.
Stewardship on the Vitality of Monthly Giving
As we get ready for the pledge drive in March, we want to connect feel-good generosity to a real commitment. The Pledge Committee also asks that you give a thought to the mechanisms we use to fulfill our pledges. Consider a year-long giving strategy. If you’re not already one of our community’s stalwart monthly givers, please consider monthly giving to UUSM. It’s easy and convenient, and so much more.
Predictable monthly giving helps UUSM with confidence in planning and cashflow (more on that below). But it also helps members and pledging friends with their own finances. Quite a few of us still fulfill our pledges at the end of the year. Monthly giving lends peace of mind, with a fixed sum given on a fixed date each month. In contrast, a looming lump-sum payment can add stress and perhaps lead to a cash-flow crunch.
Automated monthly giving is even easier. Just sign up once, and you don’t ever have to remember whether you’ve paid your pledge. Monthly givers generally consider and adjust their pledge amount only once a year; though you can always make a change should your resources or personal circumstances change. Monthly givers enjoy our church celebrations and services, and continue our work together for common causes, all year long; knowing that our community is deeply grateful for their constancy. You’re able to focus on what’s important about church – making a difference in your life and in the world – rather than paying the bills.
Speaking of paying bills…
Monthly giving, particularly automated monthly giving, frees up staff and volunteer time. Rather than tracking unfulfilled pledges several times throughout the year, staff members and the Stewardship volunteers can focus more on music, environmental and social justice issues, meaningful connections, education, pastoral care… you name it. Our largest source of income is pledging, and our largest expense category is staff. As with any employer, UUSM has an obligation to staff. It is part of our community’s covenant with staff that we manage our collective resources such that they feel empowered to bring joy and dedicated engagement to their work.
It’s common for businesses to have cash ebbs and flows throughout the year, and the church has reserves in place for just that purpose. But having that steady monthly-giving income provides ease for the office staff and Stewardship. It gives the Board of Directors and the Finance Committee – all of us, really – a more realistic picture of the heath and capacity of the church as we look to the future and the initiatives we undertake.
You have bills. What if you weren’t sure when a third of your salary would be paid? Yes, 32% of UUSM’s pledge income is paid on a date (and sometimes amount) uncertain. About 40% households pay once a year.
This coming spring, our annual pledge drive will consider our congregation’s culture of generosity and commitment, bringing those issues to the fore of our vision. Though it is simple to enroll and forget about it, Stewardship and members in leadership want to thank monthly givers often. Thank you for your steadfastness. We remind you to embrace the joy of your generosity to our beloved community.
Any manner you choose to meet your pledge commitment and support our call to a more loving and just society is warmly welcomed, and deeply appreciated. But to those who usually make a single payment to fulfill your pledge: when you think about your 2019-20 pledge, please consider automated monthly giving. Is it right for you, your finances, and your commitment to UU Santa Monica?
In fact, you can start today. Call or email Finance Assistant Nancy Thompson and she’ll help you convert your current single-payment pledge to monthly giving going forward. Or visit the improved online giving platform right now. There’s an app for that!
Your investment in monthly giving to UUSM will lend you peace of mind, and then go on to bring joy and inspire change through the coming church year and beyond. Thank you.
Gretchen Goetz and Kit Shaw
Stewardship Committee Co-Chairs
Note: You’ll be hearing from Stewardship volunteers, “Connectors,” in March to discuss generosity and commitment. The Stewardship Committee is happy to support you as you make decisions about how you fulfill your pledge: transfers of investments, legacy giving, and year-end versus year-long giving. Contact Nancy with any questions, and we’ll be in touch.
Eating Simply So that We May Simply Survive
MARCH SECOND SUNDAY SUPPER
By reducing or eliminating our consumption of beef, pork, poultry, seafood and dairy products, our planet can produce more food for more people with less water, fewer greenhouse gases, and less environmental destruction. Join Faith In Action’s Peace and Social Justice Group and the Green Living Committee, Hunger Taskforce, and Disability Support Group at Second Sunday Supper on March 10, 2019, at 6 pm to find out how we can reduce our environmental and social impact while improving our own health and that of our planet. Bring a vegetarian, vegan, local or organic side dish, salad or dessert to share. Faith In Action will provide the Main Dishes. Be sure to stay afterward for Sunday Cinema’s “Cowspiracy” at 7pm in the Sanctuary.
Second Sunday Suppers are informal social events for all ages held in Forbes Hall on the second Sunday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Initial set up time is followed by communal meal. Attendees should bring a main dish, side dish, salad or dessert to share. Please join us! Children are absolutely welcome! To save on waste and promote green living, we kindly ask that you bring your own plates, cups, utensils, and cloth napkins. We will have extra dishes if you cannot bring your own.
Happy hour begins at 5:45 pm.
You can also help by joining our Kitchen Cabinet and help with cooking (the day before), setup, or cleanup. You know that the most fun at any party is in the kitchen! Sign up at tinyurl.com/kitchenministry.
A Bridge to Replacing Our Black Lives Matter/Side with Love Banner
Working together, the UUSM Communications Team, Facilities Development and Maintenance Committee (FDMC), and Faith in Action have coordinated an approach to replacing our Black Lives Matter/Side with Love banner that was vandalized (again) in January. Comm Team is purchasing two temporary “feather” banners that can be put out on Sunday mornings and during special events, beginning in March. These 12-ft, stake-mounted banners can then be furled and stored safely during off hours. Over the next 6 months the committees will explore options to display a banner or other solution that is less vulnerable to vandals.
The UUSM congregation voted for “permanent” placement of this important social justice statement. However, FDMC currently has a separate, longstanding proposal being considered by the City of Santa Monica. This is a replacement of our corner sign, which is aged and severely damaged. We have been advised not to complicate our corner sign application with new banners or other signage. Our sanctuary at 18th and Arizona is a landmarked building in a residential neighborhood, so a nuanced approach is required. We will be thoughtful about how we proceed, so that we are successful in communicating our values.
Abby Arnold has taken point to push through approval of the corner sign, so that we can complete construction and inspection this summer. As we look for a new, less-vulnerable solution, Faith in Action welcomes comments, suggestions, and donations from members and friends.
The church remains committed to the denomination-wide effort to support Black Lives Matter in an ongoing, fixed way. The moveable feather banners are only a temporary bridge. We will continue to lift up the stories of the individuals and communities embraced by Black Lives Matter and Side with Love.
Stewardship Snapshot: Ask Not What Your Church Can Do for You
Today our 2019–20 spring pledge drive is in full swing and we are making connections throughout our community. Vital conversations are taking place concerning our mission and priorities and exploring our commitment as individuals and as a church. This year’s theme “This Is What Generosity Looks Like” covers pledges as well as our generosity of energy and precious time, our willingness to hear a diversity of voices, our acceptance of change and how these all can lead to true inclusion.
These are formative conversations as we deepen our efforts to effect change in troubled times. To “follow that challenging call at the heart of our faith to embody the fierceness of love in the face of hate and violence,” in the words of UU President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray.
Members should already have heard from a Stewardship Connector, calling to meet with you to share stories about what fuels you, what fires you up, and what breaks your heart. And to explore what generosity and commitment look like. If you’re a member – or want to become a member – and haven’t been contacted by a Connector, call or email The Rev. Greg Ward to make a connection and have your voice heard.
What’s changed?
There’s lots more that’s new with this year’s pledge drive.
- First, it’s happening now. Instead of a fall-winter 2018 pledge drive, we have transitioned to a spring pledge drive to align better with our church year.
- This will be our only pledge drive, and it will not continue into the summer. On Monday, March 25 all the pledges will be tallied and the numbers will go to the Finance Committee and the UUSM Board of Directors to make decisions and formulate a budget for the 2019–20 church year.
- There will be a brief, Sunday afternoon meeting on the last day of the pledge drive March 24 to show near-final pledge numbers and what’s next.
- Are you playing possum? We want every member to activate and turn in a pledge form this year.
- If you’re an annual, lump-sum pledger, we thank you kindly and ask that you consider becoming an automatic monthly contributor, to benefit both your cashflow and the church’s.
- Instead of relying as much on our biggest pledgers, we are seeking to grow our average donation to the nationwide UU average of $1700 (last year we were at $1300). Not everyone can pledge at this level. We’re asking each member to do their very best.
- Our “heavy hitters” have joined forces to inspire the congregation through the Sustainability Fund.
- Anyone who increases their pledge by at least 10% will have their increase matched up to $500!
- Anyone who increases their pledge by 20% will have their increase matched up to $1000!
- Anyone currently pledging below our $1700 target who increases their pledge to $1700 or above will have their increase matched up to $1000!
Snapshot
So far, we have received $127,973 in pledges from 25% of our membership. More than $13,000 of these are increases that are eligible for a match; thanks to all our Sustainability Fund supporters. Here’s how it stacks up as of Wednesday, March 13.
Remember that UUSM receives no funding from our denomination and that 70% of our operating income comes from pledges. Please, when your connector calls, say “Yes!” Give your Connector your completed pledge form or turn it into the office by Sunday, March 24. The Stewardship Committee is so grateful for your pledge, which is critical to our covenantal community and to supporting our mission and ministry.
May we not be silent or shrink back from the demands of love. And may we hold one another as we follow new pathways of joy, of community, of change, of the unknown.
- -The Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Black Lives Matter Banner Rededicated then Stolen Again in 3 Days
UUSM RECOMMITS TO #BLM BANNER "SIDING WITH LOVE"
On Sunday, January 20, the Universalist Unitarian Community Church of Santa Monica congregation rededicated a new Black Lives Matter/Side with Love banner to replace the one that was vandalized last spring. (The “Black Lives Matter” portion had been slashed off.) During coffee hour, we celebrated with cakes decorated with the banners’ dual messages.
As we were about to post a celebratory article on the Wednesday after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we learned that the newly installed banner had been cut down and stolen sometime on Tuesday night. According to James Witker, Sarah Mae Harper, and Deirdre Dietel, writing on behalf of UUSM’s Faith in Action Committee, “A police report has been filed, and we are discerning next steps. We appreciate your support in the wake of this hateful act against our community. We expected that the new banner would face the threat of further vandalism, but were deeply disappointed that it happened after less than three days.” Several other UU congregations around the country that have taken up the clarion call of Black Lives Matter have reported vandalism.
Santa Monica City leaders, including Chief of Police Cynthia Renaud, expressed sadness at the repeat vandalism. “As much as we would all like to live in a hate-free zone, a city of 93,000 that flows daily with rivers of people from all over the world can no more dam intolerance at its borders than America can erect walls to keep out the world,” Santa Monica City Manager Rick Cole wrote in an email. “I would not let the furtive actions of an unknown party or parties take away from Santa Monica’s community spirit of love and tolerance.”
The Rev. Greg Ward is pictured above standing in front of the newly hung banner on Sunday, January 20, sending a message of unity and committing UUSM to Side with Love and supporting Black Lives across America. The banner was re-dedicated at the conclusion of both services that day with the assembled congregation looking on.
Cables all that's left of Black Lives Matter banner
This image shows the tie-down cables remaining after the sign was stolen. “We are a predominantly white church in a fairly affluent area of West LA. We are steeped in privilege. We are beginning to understand what that means. And the responsibilities that go with it,” wrote Rev. Greg in a pastoral letter to our community. He went on to recount stories of oppression and complacency along with instances, here and now, that bend towards justice.
“But mostly, I will lift up that all these stories are the same story. They have the same plot and the same conflict – they are just waiting for a protagonist to appear. And the protagonist is not a person or a people. It is a conscience and some consciousness. And, finally,” he wrote, “the $250 it will cost for a new banner and a re-dedication – even if we have to do it monthly – is a small price to pay for a conscience.”
This is a developing story. Stay tuned.
Internship Committee Announcement
When we voted to take on an intern minister, we as a congregation committed to provide attentive, caring feedback to challenge and polish the skills in all areas of congregational ministry to our intern, Robin Stillwater. As a part of this learning experience, students in the ministerial formation process are asked to establish an internship committee. This committee is to be comprised of a diverse cross-section of the congregation and to have a commitment to the growth of Unitarian Universalism. Duties of the committee are to meet with the intern monthly and to assist with the learning goals, as well as to provide feedback about their ministerial presence. The committee will also be providing formal feedback to the UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee with recommendations about their ministerial process.
Robin, and her Internship Committee (Kikanza Nuri-Robins, Tom Peters, Olga Felton, Beverly Shoenberger, Aubrey Sassoon and Cassie Winters) would love to hear from you to help support her growth as a minister. When considering your offer of feedback, please consider these seven competencies as a starting point: Worship and Rites of Passage, Pastoral Care and Presence, Spiritual Development for Self and Others, Social Justice in the Public Square, Administration, Serves the larger Unitarian Universalist Faith, and Leads the Faith into the Future. She is looking forward to hearing compliments, questions, observations, constructive and supportive feedback, listening to stories and having great conversations about your journey as well as sharing hers with you.
Please feel free to talk with Robin directly or to email her to set up an appointment to see her at Internminister@uusm.org. You may also contact someone on the Internship Committee who can help facilitate a conversation if needed.
Stewardship Redefines Generosity
The Institutionalizing a Ministry of Generosity (IMG) program espouses the idea that generosity is more than an action – it is an abiding attitude and a culture that encompasses many areas of congregational life far beyond money.
Congregations who are intentional about adopting new practices and paying attention to the need for cultural shifts are open to all types of giving. What does being more generous with our time look like? Could we be more welcoming, or more generous listeners? What kinds of programs could we develop within our congregational life to promote and transform our culture around all these contributions?
The IMG program is sponsored by the Pacific Western Region (PWR) of the UUA. The region provides materials and support to engage congregational leaders and help them with their work. At UUSM, volunteers have already participated in three web conference calls with other PWR congregations to begin brainstorming and to learn what other congregations are doing. Leaders from all the participating congregations will gather for a retreat February 15–17 in Phoenix, AZ, to create a 3-year plan that is specific to their congregation.
The Rev. Greg Ward, Stewardship Cochairs Gretchen Goetz and Kit Shaw, Olga Felton, and Sarah Robson are leading what we envision will become a large team here at UUSM. We’ve been working on our “homework,” which is a personal reflection on generosity. We invite all member to ask themselves,
Are there areas of my congregational life in which I find it easier to be generous?
Whom do I see modeling generosity, and how do they show it?
How do early messages I learned about money shape my feelings and attitudes today?
Looking at my current resources, are there ways in which I’d like to be more generous?
In what ways could my fellow members support me to do more?
In what ways does the congregation already call for my generosity?
What role does gratitude play in my life?
Please think about how these issues present stumbling blocks and promote joy in your life. Then discuss it with an IMG leader or any of the Connectors who are stepping forward to share their stories and explore your values, attitudes, and commitment.
IMG and Stewardship leaders continue to enlist Connectors, who will each meet with a handful of fellow congregants, one-on-one, to hear their personal stories and who are curious to learn new facets of our common vision and hopes for a brighter future.
We seek to move beyond reactionary responses and technical financial fixes. A more intentional and comprehensive approach to a culture of giving can nurture the generosity that glows within each of us.
Gretchen Goetz and Kit Shaw
Stewardship Committee Cochairs
Connecting to a Brighter Future
Dear UUSM Friends,
The church has held an important place in our hearts. We’ve been with it in good times and hard times. And it – because it is all of us – has been with us in such times. Just like ourselves and friends and family, the church can be in a good place – close to its very high potential. Or it can struggle and lead us to worry or grieve. And just like any of us, the church’s tendency to live close to its high potential is most often seen when all of its friends are close, supportive, and encouraging it to be what it is capable of being.
Right now, the church is on the rise. It is, clearly, still in a place where it knows struggle. But it is also beginning to see a path to a greater purpose and higher resolve. Of course, the promise of such a path depends on those who choose to walk it together and who pass the miles with stories of where they are headed.
As we prepare for our 2019–20 Stewardship campaign in March, we do so in stories and conversation with one another around values. Friends of UUSM are coming together to share stories of clarity, purpose, meaning… They are stories about the values at the core of our lives. The people who taught them to us. The ways in which we bring these values to life today, and how we hope they’ll be passed on to others.
If you are interested in being part of this outreach of stories and values, we invite you to become a Connector.
As a Connector, you’ll have the chance to tell your story of values, as well as the values of the church. You’ll get the chance to sit down with other people on the path and hear their stories – both personal and what they hope for the church. This is a time when we all connect our individual lives to the common good and a brighter future. We’ll describe the places we’ve found meaning, hope, and inspiration. We’ll share our vision for what we all need and what we’re all willing to commit to.
We welcome you to sign up for a Connectors training session:
Sunday, January 27 3–5:30pm
Saturday, February 2 9 am–12 pm
Wednesday, February 6 6:30–9 pm
You only need to come to one. These will be both informative and fun. You will walk away feeling better about the path you’re on and the people who are on it with you.
Please consider saying “yes” to the chance to be a Connector. And no one need wait to be asked. Contact our Stewardship Cochairs Kit Shaw and Gretchen Goetz, or myself, to let us know you’re ready to sign up. I think you’ll be very glad you did. The church certainly will, because its in these very conversations that we get to see where we’re really going.
To the Glory of Life.
-- Rev. Greg Ward
Dining 4 Dollars Auction is Approaching - February 17 & 24
On Sunday, February 3, the Dining for Dollars host sign-up table closes, if you have not entered your event online and prefer to do it in person. Please come and see Barbara J. Gibbs at the Welcome Table. Stop by, even if it’s just to chat or ask for clarification or assistance. Remember that D4$ success depends on your participation!
What is Dining for Dollars?
Dining for Dollars is one of UUSM’s largest and most successful fundraisers of the year. Don’t miss the opportunity to lend financial support to our beloved community while enjoying the fellowship of community members. From individual homes and gardens spreading out onto fascinating SoCal sites, hosts plan fun and creative events and activities. Some offer ticketed events or goods and services. We’ve got it all!
How often are events held?
The auction for Dining for Dollars events is held once a year, and the individual events take place all through the year. We have often have as many as 50 or more events up for auction!
Who may bid on and attend the events?
Bidding in the Dining for Dollars silent auction is open to anyone who attends the church, and the winning bidders attend the events.
How many events are there?
Groups and individual hosts usually offer about 50 different events each year, each with a different theme.
What kinds of themes do hosts choose?
Ethnic meals (Indian, Italian, Mexican, French, etc.) are always popular. We’ve also had sailing trips, pancake breakfasts, game nights, pool parties, Shakespeare nights, architectural tours, murder mystery parties, and even a tide-pooling picnic. The possibilities for themes are as varied and infinite as the hosts’ imaginations.
How can I host a Dining for Dollars event?
For 2019 events, please contact Barbara Gibbs. She will be happy to guide you through the process of hosting an event.
When will the next round of bidding be held?
This year’s Dining for Dollars auction dates are February 17 and February 24. Don’t miss out!
January Podcast: News Plus Kit Shaw on Generosity and Connection
UUSM’s Interfaith Quest RE class presents the January 2019 “18th & Arizona” podcast. Listen in for highlights from the online Newsletter plus an interview with Stewardship Committee Cochair Kit Shaw. She discusses the March pledge drive and how generosity means so much more than dollars and cents.
Please let these middle-schoolers know what you think of their work!
Ready, Set, Bid!
UU Santa Monica’s Dining for Dollars silent auction gives members and friends the opportunity to help the church and build community when bidding kicks off after both services this Sunday, February 17.
The dazzling array of member-hosted parties and events offers opportunities for fun and fellowship. Check out the full catalog by clicking below, and you’ll see tastings and tours; games and art; the staff and the spice of life; plus much, much more. All the proceeds – that’s 100% – from D4$ support the church’s mission and crucial programs.
If you’re not able to attend on Sunday, ask a friend to bid for you. The last chance is Sunday, February 24 at 1:00 pm. Sharp. Don’t miss out!
Welcome, New Members!
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE ORGANIZES WELCOME
Our church welcomed six new members this past December 16: Erika Scremin, Dan Wunsch, Julia Barnett, Chuck Craig, Cedar Boschan, and Barbara Gluck.
We are reminded that the Welcoming Ceremony isn’t just about joining our church. It’s a multifaceted commitment, spanning our congregation, ourselves, and our world. It’s a commitment to secure the health of our church community through financial investment and voluntary support as each is willing, motivated, and able. It’s a commitment to personal growth in wisdom and the practice of relating to each other with acceptance and respect. It’s also a commitment towards social justice, a part of our grand mission.
So let us welcome, with wide arms, these six individuals who have found not just value in our church, but also personal fulfillment in joining us. We are all called to reach out to each one of these new members and invite them to participate in our grand adventure together.
Holiday 2018 Photoessay: Tradition and Fresh Perspectives
UUSM CELEBRATES THE SEASON
Photos by Carol Ring
Second Sunday Supper Sings for the Holidays!
