News & Announcements Archive
Dining for Dollars Bidding Opens This Sunday
IT'S SILENT AUCTION TIME!
Coming This Sunday, July 3!
It’s time for our summertime silent auction, where you can choose from an array of delicious food and drink events, goods and services including beautiful arts and crafts. But don’t delay! Bidding is only open for one week.
Just like last time, bidding will take place at the Auctria website. You can register easily HERE, and then view the delightful range of offerings generously provided by members and friends of our congregation. Dining for Dollars helps build our community as people get to know one another, one-on-one and in small groups. Let’s have some fun together.
Bidding Opens this Sunday, July 3 at 12:00 Noon
The social value of D4$ is just as important as is the money raised to support our mission and programs. So, if you can, “Bid high and bid often”!
If you have questions, email us at dining4dollars@uusm.org or visit our table in the Courtyard after Sunday Worship.
Bidding Closes next Sunday, July 10, at 6:00 pm
In keeping with the spirit of Covid safety at UUSM, we expect that all who participate in D4$ will be able to provide proof of fully up-to-date vaccination. Please be mindful that an event may have to be rescheduled or cancelled for Covid safety reasons.
Thank you!
The Dining for Dollars Committee
Karl, Pat, Greg, Resa, Barbara Gibbs, Farrokh
Karl, Pat, Greg, Resa, Barbara Gibbs, Farrokh
A Shady Santa Ynez Canyon Hike with Views of the Humboldt Lily
Our next hike will be on the last Saturday of the month, July 30. We will gather at 9:00 am at the church and then carpool to the trailhead for Santa Ynez Canyon. The hike is easy, 2.7 miles round trip, but there are some areas where you have to decide whether to go over a big branch or under since the trail seems to be a bit unmaintained. Also, there is poison oak, but it is easy to avoid. I recommend good hiking shoes, long pants just in case, and all the usual good things to have like water, a hat, and snacks. And the Humboldt Lily is spectacular! If you are thinking of coming on the hike or if you have any questions, email me at hiking@uusm.org.
UUSM Weekend at Camp de Benneville Pines Is Sept. 16 to 18 - THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING
de Benneville Pines weekend
Registration now open
UU Santa Monica Church Camp at de Benneville Pines
Friday to Sunday, September 16 to 18
Dear UU Santa Monica Church Community,
Great news: We will have the annual weekend at our beloved Camp de Benneville Pines! Let’s venture to beautiful Angeles National Forest near Big Bear and refresh our spirits in the mountains.
Camp de Benneville Pines is a rustic, forested retreat shared by the UU congregations in Southern California and Arizona where weekends for art, music, yoga, and ideas happen, as well as programs for elementary, middle school, and high school kids take place. It’s just 100 miles from the corner of 18th and Arizona, and the weekend of September 16th to 18th, beginning with dinner on Friday, is dedicated to UU Santa Monica.
Families and adults of all ages will get together to enjoy a weekend of music, hiking, worship, puzzles, games, art, workshops, and UU conversation and community. All while just being in the spaciousness of the trees and sky.
If you have not been to Camp, ask around; probably the first person you ask will share a story. And take a look at the article and photos of our weekend last Fall.
Sundays after the Worship Service, look for the de Benneville Pines poster in the Courtyard and talk to planning committee members in person, even sign up then and there. You can register online here. And we hope you will. Note the “Comments” section at the end of the registration form: please tell us about any special circumstances. We want to hear from you!
Proof of COVID vaccination will still be required for all participants.
We collaborate to create the weekend’s activities ourselves — and encourage carpooling. We can also help people financially, so everybody who wants to go to Camp can go to Camp; if you need help, please talk to us.
Questions, concerns, program ideas and offers: email us at debenneville@uusm.org.
The mountains are calling. Let’s go!
Amy, Karl, Sunni, Judith, Chela, Larry, Greg, Linda, Joyce
Dining for Dollars Bidding Is Over — Time for the Fun to Begin
SILENT AUCTION RESULTS
Thank you to those who stepped forward to offer an event or a good/service for this summer’s Dining for Dollars! And thanks to all of you who participated and “bid high and bid often.”
Our church needed the support, and we congregants will get to enjoy the community and conversation that meals shared will bring. We raised $7,574.03 in bids, most of which, but not all, has been paid. Statements have now been sent out. Winning bidders, please pay your outstanding balance. If you have questions, email us at dining4dollars@uusm.org.
We’re grateful to you all for supporting our church. The social value of D4$ is just as important as is the money raised to support our mission and programs. Let the fun begin!
The Dining for Dollars Committee
Karl, Pat, Greg, Resa, Barbara Gibbs, Farrokh
Celebrating Blessings - June 2022 Theme
This month our theme is Celebrating Blessings, and we’ll explore it in worship, small group discussion, and personal reflection. Is a blessing as simple as what you say after a sneeze? There are blessings at the dinner table, counting your blessings, and “you are a blessing.” Many see life’s gifts as blessings from God. Our faith uses the idea of blessing to refer to something good, something that feels like a gift. Celebrating blessings means remembering with gratitude all the good things in our lives. The Rev. Dr. Rebekah Savage notes, “Gone are the days when rest was forbidden, as a delicacy reserved for only when we are bone dry. We follow the path of perpetual renewal and spiritual growth. Gone are the days when we felt as if we are not enough. We follow the path of grace.” The Rev. Robin Tanner writes, “Blessed are they who fall in the mud, who jump with gusto and rip the pants, who skin the elbows, and bruise the ego, for they shall know the sweetness of risk… Blessed are they who refuse to listen to the naysayers, for their hearts will be houses for hope… Blessed are they who wildly, boldly abandon winning, for they shall know the path of justice.”
June Generous Congregation Recipient
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday Offering to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church. This month, half of our Sunday Offering will go to the Transgender Law Center (TLC), a group that helps change law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression. TLC is the largest national trans-led organization advocating for a world in which all people are free to define themselves and their futures. Founded in 2002, grounded in legal expertise, and committed to racial justice, TLC employs a variety of community-driven strategies to keep transgender and gender nonconforming people alive, thriving, and fighting for liberation.
Thank you for your generous support of our beloved community and of the Transgender Law Center. To give $10 right now, text “$10 GCC” (or another amount) to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.) Or visit uusm.org/make-a-donation.
Dining for Dollars is back for Summer 2022
WILL YOU OFFER AN EVENT THIS SUMMER?
Hello, UUSM Community.
Thank you to all for responding enthusiastically to the recent survey. Results from 50 respondents show that the UUSM community is looking forward to a rebirth of Dining for Dollars.
Overwhelmingly, people are interested in attending events, most preferring outdoors for the sake of Covid safety. Many of you have stepped forward offering to host an event or offer a good or service. People have offered to simply donate money, and others have offered to help in organizing by making phone calls.
The Dining for Dollars committee has decided to follow the lead of our exemplary choir, which will be hosting its own D4$ event this week, the UUSM Choir Talentpalooza on Friday, June 10.
If you would like to offer an EVENT or GOODS/SERVICE for people to bid on, please tell us about it by filling out this form to volunteer. If you prefer not to fill out the online form, you can simply email us at dining4dollars@uusm.org.
Bidding will begin Sunday, July 3 for events scheduled beginning Friday, July 8.
In keeping with the spirit of Covid safety at UUSM, we expect that all who participate in D4$ will be able to provide proof of fully up-to-date vaccination.
Please be mindful that an event may have to be rescheduled or cancelled for Covid safety reasons.
Thank you!
The Dining for Dollars Committee,
Karl, Barbara, Farrokh, Resa, Greg, and Pat
Karl, Barbara, Farrokh, Resa, Greg, and Pat
The Hiking Group’s Next Big Adventure
We will gather at the church on the last Saturday of the month, June 25, at 9:00 am to carpool to our next adventure: Malibu State Park Rock Pool and Century Lake. The hike is a 3-mile round trip; elevation gain is 300 ft. In general, hikers should be able to go up four flights of stairs. Those on the Hiking Group email list will receive a map with details about the hike. If the weather forecast is over 90 degrees then we will cancel. Bring a hat, sunscreen, sturdy hiking shoes, water, a cell phone, and some snacks for the leader (JUST KIDDING!). Please RSVP to hiking@uusm.org.
UUSM 2022 Pledge Drive Matching Grant Announced!
RESPOND TODAY TO DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!
Dear Beloved Community,
There’s still time to make your pledge for the 2022 pledge drive, which we’d planned to finish up this weekend, until we heard from an old friend who put up a super generous challenge grant and gave us until May 10th to fulfill it.
I wanted to let you know right away because THE IMPACT OF YOUR PLEDGE TODAY COULD BE DOUBLED.
A longtime former church member* (now living in Connecticut but still keeping up with us) has offered to MATCH YOUR BRAND NEW OR INCREASED PLEDGE DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR when you respond here — https://archive.uusm.org/2022pledgedrive — or return your pledge card by mail today.
Here’s how you can double your impact:
- If you are already a pledging member, increase your pledge by $20/month or more and he’ll match it dollar for dollar.
- If you do not have a pledge on file, make one. As long as you are contributing $100/mo or more, he’ll match it.
- If you’ve already made your pledge for this year and you’ve left it the same, see number one above!
You must respond by May 10th to have your impact doubled.
Jim loves UUSM — as I’m sure you do. That’s why he stepped up with this dollar-for-dollar matching challenge. He heard that rental income had evaporated because of the pandemic, and thought that a grant like this would help us emerge from COVID a little stronger.
Let’s take him up on his generous offer and max out his challenge!
Again, you can respond here. Increase your pledge by at least $20/month or make a brand new pledge. He’ll match it dollar for dollar as long as you respond NOW.
Thank you for strengthening this community with your pledge.
This Sunday, help Patrick Meighan and friends make Lunches for Bunches for our homeless neighbors and then drop by the stewardship table to return your pledge card and get a treat! $5 Trader Joe’s gift cards and candy while they last!
Yours in ministry,
Jeremiah Beth
Rev. Jeremiah Kalendae Beth Brownlie
Developmental Minister President of the Congregation
* You may remember Jim Cadwell from ’95 to ’05. He’s just a fantastic guy, and a dedicated UU, and he made a tremendous difference in helping to build the UUSM we know today (from the original website build to the cottage on our campus)! Jim still visits on occasion, and I’m trying to convince him to send video greetings from Connecticut.
May 2022 Generous Congregation Supports Sojourn Domestic Violence Services
50% OF SUNDAY OFFERINGS SUPPORT THE GCC RECIPIENT
Since 1977, Sojourn, The People Concern’s domestic violence program, has been meeting the emergency and long-term needs of thousands of domestic violence victims each year. They do this by providing shelter, support groups, workshops, hotline calls, children’s empowerment programming, legal services, and service referrals. Because of their work, Sojourn brings safety, connection, and hope to individuals and families. As part of their mission, Sojourn also works to educate the broader community and advance public policy that affirms the rights of oppressed populations.
Last year, Sojourn added in-house counsel to expand the capacity of its legal services programs and better serve the complex needs of this population. The staff attorney provides much-needed legal assistance, including various direct services to clients and training and consultation for staff and volunteers.
Generous Congregation
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church.
UUSM’s Generous Congregation program supports our church community. And together, we uplift the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to Sojourn Domestic Violence Services. Your donations will help them continue their work in providing support for victims of domestic violence and continuing their work in advancing social justice, locally and globally.
Please consider supporting the mission of our church, and Sojourn Domestic Violence Services. To give right now, text “$10 GCC” to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.) Or visit Make a Donation and reference Generous Congregation. Thank you.
Circles of Caring for the UUSM Community
TIME TO RECONNECT, CHECK-IN, AND STRATEGIZE
The CareRing Committee invites all in the UUSM community to two facilitated circles of caring.
We will hold two circles, one virtual and the other in-person. The goal of these gatherings is to re-connect, catch up, and share personal thoughts, feelings and strategies for dealing with a challenging time.
We hope you will join us for this connection time.
Please RSVP to: pastoralcare@uusm.org
Wednesday, May 18: In-person facilitated circle of caring. UUSM Cottage, 7-8:30pm
Wednesday, May 25: Virtual facilitated circle of caring. On Zoom (link sent after registration)
Bylaws Refresh Town Halls
SETTING NEW DIRECTIONS
One important task of our developmental ministry has been modernizing and refreshing our congregation’s bylaws. A team of congregations leaders, chaired by Past President Patricia Wright, has been working diligently with our Developmental Minister for the past year to study UUA recommendations and the best practices of similar-sized UU congregations to draft refreshed bylaws.
The Bylaws Refresh Task Force is happy to announce they have completed the first draft of proposed bylaws to be considered for adoption at the Annual Meeting in June. We would like to share the draft proposal with the congregation at two Bylaws Refresh Town Halls. We will provide information on the process we followed, the changes we’re recommending, and we want to hear from you before we finalize the proposal.
Please plan to join us online on Wednesday, April 13, from 6:30-8:30 pm for our first Bylaws Refresh Town Hall or in person at the church on Sunday, May 1, from noon until 2 pm. You’ll have a chance to ask questions and provide feedback for the Task Force to consider. We will share a Zoom link as the first date nears. We hope to see you there!
Email bylawsrefresh@uusm.org with questions.
Announcing our Candidates and their Bios for Our In-Person Annual Meeting on June 5, 2022, 12 - 2 pm
Our IN-PERSON Annual Meeting will take place on June 5, 2022, at 12 pm. Members in good standing can look for your ballot in the mail (remember to vote on the resolutions, too) and in your email inbox. If you would like to save a tree and opt out of getting a mailer, please contact the office, assistant@uusm.org. We will be emailing the entire packet directly to your inbox. You could mail or email your ballot in. Absentee Votes must be received by Thursday, June 2, at noon.
Please join us in person! Our existing bylaws require that our Annual Meeting be done in person, so that is what we will do. We will not be streaming this year’s Annual Meeting or voting online. We would like to entice you to come with a delectable vegan lunch box provided by the Board of Directors, as a thank you to all the wonderful leaders in our community who help us run UUSM, by showing up and voting. Lunch will be served in the Courtyard for Members. Be prepared to stay and vote. Remember those great coffee drinks? We will have some of those too.
Bios of our Candidates
Board of Directors
Eileen McCormack, President
I joined UUSM, along with my husband, Michael, in May 2015, after attending for about six months as visitors. I am very happy that we made that decision. We’ve gotten to know so many wonderful people who share our values. We’ve had the opportunity to experience countless beautiful moments of conversations, meals, performances, and, of course, the services.
I have participated in three Heart to Heart groups and am participating in Beloved Conversations. I’m on the coffee committee when we meet in person. I’ve served one term on the board as a Member-at-Large and Vice President and I am nominated for my first year as President. I was on the search committee for our developmental minister, am presently on the COVID steering committee, and have also participated in a variety of meetings and planning sessions. Michael and I have tried to make meaningful contributions to UUSM, including becoming part of the Sustainability Fund. We believe in this place.
I have been awed by the grace with which this community has met the challenges brought by the pandemic. I am honored to be among the nominees this year and excited about the opportunity to serve as Board President as we move toward being together in person again.
Norm Richey, Vice President
UU Member, West Hartford, CT, 2 years
UUSM Member 5 years
Involvement:
Board Secretary, 2 years
Board Member-at-Large, 2 years
Co-Chair, Membership Committee, 3 years
Heart-to-Heart Chairperson, 2 years, Co-Facilitator 1 year; participant 3 years
Participant in Meditation Group, 4 years, and Men’s Group, 5 years
UUA General Assembly, Spokane, WA, June 2019
UUA General Assembly, New Orleans, June 2017
I believe...
- In a congregational home that provides opportunities for spiritual and personal growth.
- In a caring and loving community that is welcoming and inclusive and assumes an active responsibility for our community and world.
- That UUSM is a hidden gem in the Community of Santa Monica. I think it should be easier for people to find us!
- That as we continue to grow as a healthy congregation, we will attract people to our Church and membership will grow.
- That a UU Community that supports high expectation membership will attract members who are dedicated, energized, and committed.
- That in addition to seeking and growing our UU Community, it is equally important to connect with and care for each other as current members.
Goals:
- To fulfill to the best of my ability, the position of Board Vice President
- To bring ideas, energy, dedication, and commitment to the Board as we deal with the important issues before us.
Beth Brownlie (she/her), Past President
Collaborative Leadership for Collective Liberation. This statement is still powerful for me. How do we all participate together? Making light work for many hands. Collective Liberation is something we have heard a lot of in our work in Beloved Conversations, our powerful anti-racist anti-oppression work we are doing together with the program created by the Fahs Collaborative @ Meadville-Lombard.
Functional Organization Protocol or “Look! Everyone knows what they’re doing!” is really so important to me and now we are working towards modernized Bylaws. I am really excited about creating better documents to help us collect our institutional knowledge and make it easily accessible to all.
Leadership. How do we cultivate our leaders in our community? I have found so much here at UUSM and become a more developed human being, a better leader in my work by committing fully and participating fully in this community.
Our Mission and Vision. Let’s work on what this really means.
Board of Directors: Past 8 years
President (2020-2022), Vice President (2018-2020), Secretary of the Board (2016-2018)
Attended UUA GA, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021
Larry Weiner, Secretary
My name is Larry Weiner, and I am running for the Board of Directors of UUCCSM and for a third one-year term as Secretary. I am 72 years old. My wife, Laura, my 23-year-old son, Jacob, and I have been members of our church for about 14 years. I have spent most of my time here teaching RE, so if you don't know me well, it could be because I spent so much time upstairs in Forbes Hall. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with our youth and a lot of fun, too. If you are looking for a way to make a difference here at our church, I recommend teaching RE.
I worked in retail grocery for 35 years and am now retired. While working, I was a union shop steward and also on the Executive Board of UFCW local 1442. I also served six years on a Homeowners Association Board in a large community in Culver City, where I have lived for 42 years. I was the President of that HOA Board for the last five years. More recently, while my son spent 12 years in Culver City Unified School District, I also spent 12 years on various PTA Boards both at school and council levels. I was known for my advocacy. When my son graduated, I left the PTA and moved on to the Exchange Club, a service organization in Culver City that produces events to raise money for children's and veterans' causes. I love this Church and would be honored to continue to serve on the Board here.
Vilma Ortiz, Treasurer
It has been an honor to serve as church treasurer for the last three years. I knew before I started in this position that it meant working on our long-standing financial issues (namely deficit budgets). But I could not imagine that only a few months later, we would be facing a global public health crisis that would shut down our society. The financial worries of the pre-Covid times paled by comparison. Yet we are a stronger church today because of our commitments to each other and our commitment to ensuring that our church survives. As I originally promised, I commit to working with the board and the congregation to move our church forward. As treasurer, I promise to work on the toughest issues facing our congregation today: that of finances. I commit to listening carefully and working closely with each of you.
Linda Van Ligten, Member-at-Large
Linda has been a member of UUCCSM for over 26 years. With her husband Greg Wood, they raised their daughter Alyssa in this church and tried to live the Seven Principles. She is a retired RN. During the Pandemic, she chaired Care Ring, was part of Pastoral Care, became a member of the Intersectional Anti Racist Anti Oppression Commission, and Zoomed Adult RE Classes. Prior to the Pandemic she participated in RE as an OWL teacher, was an usher, a coffee barista, and was part of the Second Sunday Supper team. For fun, she likes to hike, travel, and take classes at Emeritus College.
Mike Monte, Member-at-Large
I came out as an atheist on the day of what would have been my confirmation as a Catholic in the late 80s. I didn’t get involved with church until my ex-wife convinced me that church would be good for our daughters. She found the UUs in 2000. I was skeptical. During the first sermon I attended, we broke out into groups for a discussion. I don’t remember the topic, but I hadn’t met that many other atheists in one sitting before. I started coming to UUCCSM in 2011. I like it here, and I plan on staying. I've been involved as an OWL facilitator for a few years, and I've hosted a few D4$ events. In my spare time, I like to surf and play board games.
Abby Arnold, Member-at-Large
Abby Arnold has been a member of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica since 1995 and raised two Unitarian Universalist children as a single parent. She has served the church as a worship associate and a leader of several Heart to Heart Circles, editor of the newsletter, and co-led a Religious Education group exploring the Sermon on the Mount from the New Testament. She was first elected to the Board in 2019. She values our connection to the Unitarian Universalist Association, attends the General Assembly as often as possible, and served on the UUA’s national Generosity Network. She is active in the Santa Monica community where she is co-chair of Santa Monica Forward. Abby works as a consultant and grant writer on issues including homelessness and housing, violence against women, and job development. In 2019, she had the life-changing experience of traveling in Alabama with other UUs on the Living Legacy Pilgrimage, focused on the legacy of slavery and how we repair it.
Siobhan Braybrook, Member-at-Large
I am relatively new to UUSM, and organized faith traditions as a whole. I came to UUSM during the pandemic and became a member in Fall of 2020 after recognizing (even through Zoom!) that this was the community I had been searching for and a place for my service. My ministry at UUSM currently includes being a Greeter and serving on the Membership Committee. I would be humbled by the opportunity to serve on the Board as a Member at Large. I believe that my newness to UUSM (and UUA) is a strength that allows me to bring a different perspective to our community, while also providing me with an amazing opportunity to learn and serve.
In my professional life, I am a Professor of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology at UCLA. Our lab studies plants and seaweeds in order to serve our planet and address societal challenges; work that is deeply linked to our UU Principles. As a professor, I aim to build inclusive classrooms that ignite and fan a lifelong passion for biology in our students; again, this work is connected to our Principles. I have always been a UU at heart! I have the opportunity to serve in many ways on campus and in the broader scientific community, including participating in and chairing committees dedicated to equity and inclusion. This work has led me to train in, and practice, anti-oppression facilitation, equity-based organizational change leadership, and inclusive community building. I hope that this experience and skills will be of benefit to our community at UUSM, and continue to grow and develop in community. I hope to have the opportunity to serve, and to get to know many more of you over the coming years!
Nominating Committee
Karl Lisovsky
Karl Lisovsky has been a member at UUCCSM since 1995 and has been active in several Church areas. He's been an usher, served coffee, was on the Facilities Committee for many years, taught in RE for four years, is the chair of the DeBenneville Pines Planning Committee, and currently serves on the Second Sunday Supper Committee. His children went through RE and OWL, and his wife, Janet, has also been involved in Church life for years.
Sheila Cummins
Sheila Cummins has been a member at UUCCSM since 2014 and was a friend for several years before becoming a member. She has served coffee almost as long as she’s been attending this church, served on the Hospitality Committee (now defunct) for three years, and has been a member of the Newsletter team for about two years. She has been affiliated with UU churches for most of her life.
Dan Patterson
Dan Patterson has been a member of UUCCSM since 2009. He has been a youth advisor, a member of the Adult RE committee and Committee of Ministry, a Small Group facilitator, and a member of fUUsion, the young adult group. He has been an usher for almost a decade and the head usher for the last five years. He enjoys small group discussions and looks forward to doing that in person again.
Wendi Gladstone
I have been a member of the Santa Monica UU Church since 2009. I love our Community and the wonderful people I have gotten to know. There are many more folks still to meet. I am looking forward to that time. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of serving at the Church in many ways. I previously served on the Nominating Committee, the Membership Committee, and with Greeting & Welcome Table team. I have always stepped up and helped in the kitchen at the Christmas Eve Services and various other events over the years. Now that we are coming closer to post-covid, I look forward to resuming activities at the Church.
Teresa Castelli
I have attended UUCCSM since 1994–my first Sunday was the day of the Northridge earthquake. At that service, Kris Langabeer’s and Debbie Menzies’ son, Skye, was being welcomed into the community, and I knew this was the place for me, I have served in various areas–I have been a greeter, usher, coffee hour host, RE teacher, at-large board member. I have worked on new member activities and dinners. I am particularly interested in our social action ministries and in our work to expand our church family to make it more inclusive and diverse. I look forward to serving on the Nominating Committee and having the opportunity to get to know more members of our community.
Return of Dining for Dollars?
WOULD YOU PARTICIPATE THIS SUMMER?
To the UUSM Community:
As our church returns to in-person worship services, and things begin to feel something like normal again, some of us are wondering if we are ready for Dining for Dollars to return. Maybe you’re wondering, too.
Remember all the enjoyable company, the entertaining and edifying conversations and the lovely diversity of food prepared by our fellow congregants in the spirit of community? Do you miss it? Miss it enough to participate in a new round of D4$ this summer? Attend an event? Host an event?
We invite you to offer your thoughts. Please fill out this survey of the UUSM congregation.
Thanks,
The Dining for Dollars Committee
Searching for Hikers
The UUSM hiking group is ready to venture out from our Covid caves to see what interest there is in a hike. We are thinking maybe Solstice Canyon. This easy hike is 2.1 miles round trip on a paved and then dirt road. You can email Greg Wood for more info at hiking@uusm.org.
Hikers have been found! - SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2022 AT 9 AM
The hiking group will be gathering together at the church on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 9 AM to prepare to carpool to Solstice Canyon for an easy 2.1 mile round trip hike. The trail is a paved/dirt road with plenty of room for social distancing and good conversation.
For more information or if you have questions, please email Greg Wood at hiking@uusm.org Please bring the usual good things for hiking like sturdy shoes, water, hat, and snacks. RSVP would be helpful.
See you soon,
Greg
Greg
Women+ of UUSM, Unite! - MAY 29, 12:30 PM - 2 PM
As we begin to think about how we want to be in community together as we emerge from the pandemic, you are invited to a “Victuals and Visioning” session around ministry that centers community who identify as women, genderfluid, genderqueer, and non-binary.
We’ll meet in the shade structure on Sunday, May 29, from 12:30-2 pm, share scrumptious salads, and take stock of all the ways we’ve been gathering in ministry over the past few years. We’ll also consider how the eight elements of effective ministry figure into current and imagined offerings. This is a “get (re)acquainted gathering and brainstorming session.” Everyone and all ideas are welcome. Bring a salad if you can, or pick up a baguette or beverage to bring with you. For more information, contact: Carol Ring, carol.ring@uusm.org.
April 2022 Generous Congregation Supports Planned Parenthood
At UUSM, we believe in fighting attacks on women’s reproductive rights. Access to reproductive health care and sex education are threatened and abridged through dangerous bills, regulations, and executive actions. Opponents of safe, legal abortion have stepped up their use of state legislation to thwart medical decisions about pregnancy that are best left between a patient and their doctor. Among these are restrictions on nonsurgical abortion and mandatory ultrasounds, waiting periods, and state-scripted counseling that inject bias and politics into the medical treatment room.
For more than 100 years, Planned Parenthood has played a key role in public health by providing high-quality and affordable sexual and reproductive services. These services are needed more than ever as states seek to overturn Roe v Wade. Through a national network of more than 600 health centers operated by their affiliates, Planned Parenthood provides education and outreach to more than a million people every year. They provide preventive care, including birth control, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and screenings for cervical and other cancers. They deliver programs, resources, and tools in classrooms, communities, and online to help people make informed choices about their sexuality and relationships.
Generous Congregation
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church.
UUSM’s Generous Congregation program supports our church community. And together, we uplift the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to Planned Parenthood. Your donations will help Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. continue its work in delivering vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of people worldwide.
Please consider supporting the mission of our church, and Planned Parenthood. To give right now, text “$10 GCC” to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.) Or visit Make a Donation at uusm.org and reference Generous Congregation. Thank you.
Awakening - April 2022 Theme.
For April, our theme is Awakening, so we’ll explore it in worship, small group discussion, and personal reflection. Here’s a perspective from the Rev. James Ishmael Ford, who visited our pulpit twice in recent years:
Awakening happens. You don’t earn it. You don’t have to be good. You don’t have to be smart. Awakening just happens. Awakening comes to us in the most unexpected ways, in the most unexpected times. It is a gift. It is always a gift. And it comes to us like being hit by a bus.
There are many, many practices out there that claim to help. And here’s a little secret: too many of them do nothing. The Unitarian Universalist theologian James Luther Adams once wryly noted that “nothing sells like egoism wrapped in idealism.” Much of what passes for spiritual practice is just puffing up the ego, reinforcing and guarding it against any and all assault. And — have no doubt in this matter — a real spiritual practice plays rough with the ego.
The Zen path — the spiritual practice I have embraced — is, in this regard and others, a real spiritual practice. And it is worth pursuing, wholeheartedly. But keep your wits about you, be reasonable. Don’t exaggerate any one experience. And, equally important, don’t diminish it, either. Engage it all with a spirit of invitation….
Save the Date: LA Pride is June 12th!
UUSM WILL RETURN TO THE LA PRIDE PARADE FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2018
The LA Pride Parade is returning after two years of being cancelled due to the pandemic. Faith In Action is excited to announce that our application to march has been accepted!
UUSM has sent an intergenerational contingent of members and friends to support this historic event and represent our values for many years. We need your help to plan and organize our return in 2022. Please join us at this month’s Peace & Social Justice Committee meeting (Sunday, April 17 at 12 pm), if you can — or email justice@uusm.org.
More details will be forthcoming. For more images from UUSM’s participation in LA Pride in recent years, see https://news.uusm.org/save-the-date-la-pride-is-june-12th/
Church is Open on Sundays Again!
After careful consideration of the UUA’s most recent guidance and the practices of our neighboring congregations, our COVID Steering Committee has decided to reopen our historic sanctuary to vaccinated members and friends. Vaccinations, well-fitting masks, and social distancing are still required, but at this time reservations are not.
March 2022 Theme - Renewing Faith
For March, our theme is Renewing Faith, so we’ll explore it in worship, small group discussion, and personal reflection. We’ll consider how UUs employ covenanting to renew our faith. When we make an agreement on how we are going to be together, we call that a covenant. We trust and hope that our actions will be governed by the promises we make in our covenants. It’s all a way of celebrating how our faith reminds us, “It is our promises that make us feel safe, connected and strong.” Lines in a covenant may include mutual respect, attentive listening, using appreciations and not put downs, and choosing to pass when called upon to speak. Over time, it’s important to revisit a covenant to see if it still reflects the promises we want to make to each other or if we need to update our agreement.
Reflecting on the faithful expectation of the Unitarian Universalism that is yet to be, the Rev. Natalie Fenimore notes, “Shirley Chisholm was asked why she, a Black woman, was running for president: ‘You don’t have a chance. Why are you doing that?’ And she said, ‘Because I am in love with the America that does not yet exist,’ and that’s how Unitarian Universalism is also. I’m in love with the Unitarian Universalism that does not yet exist. But I have to hold both the love for that thing and the love for the reality. It does not yet exist. It will probably not exist in my lifetime. I don’t think it will in that of my children, but I can’t deny my love for it. You know, wanting to be there in that struggle. That’s why I’m fighting.” And we have sung together from our hymnal the Rev. Mary Grigolia’s, “I know this rose will open. I know my fear will burn away. I know my soul will unfurl its wings.”
March Generous Congregation Recipient: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church. This month, half of our Sunday Offering will go to the International Rescue Committee (IRC). As Russia invades Ukraine and civilians seek safety, the IRC is preparing to rush critical aid to displaced families.
Poland is preparing to receive as many as one million refugees from Ukraine, the IRC is working to scale up the support they provide to its government and local nonprofits to address the crisis and help meet the basic needs of people fleeing the conflict. Your help will support the IRC as they continue to assist people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by humanitarian crises.
To give $10 right now, text “$10 GCC” (or another amount) to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.) Or visit uusm.org/make-a-donation.
March 2022 Generous Congregation Supports International Rescue Committee
More than 2 million people have fled across borders to seek safety since Russia deployed its military into neighboring Ukraine on February 24. Bombs and shelling continue to escalate, deliberately targeting homes and civilian infrastructure in what could become the worst humanitarian crisis Europe has seen in decades.
The International Rescue Committee is on the ground in Poland, and working with local partners in both Poland and Ukraine. They are providing critical information services to some of the 1 million people who have arrived in Poland from Ukraine. They are also procuring medical supplies and essential items such as sleeping bags and blankets for distribution at reception centers on the Ukrainian/Polish border.
Inside Ukraine, they are quickly mobilizing resources and connecting with partners to provide lifesaving support to civilians forced to flee their homes.
Generous Congregation
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church.
UUSM’s Generous Congregation program supports our church community. And together, we uplift the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Your donations will help the IRC continue to assist people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by humanitarian crises.
Please consider supporting the mission of our church, and the International Rescue Committee. To give right now, text “$10 GCC” to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.) Or visit Make a Donation at uusm.org and reference Generous Congregation. Thank you.
February Generous Congregation Recipient: Equal Justice Initiative
We come together for more than ourselves. This month, half of our Sunday Offering will go to Equal Justice Initiative. Founded in 1989 by Bryan Stevenson, a widely acclaimed public interest lawyer and bestselling author of Just Mercy, EJI is a private nonprofit providing legal representation to people who have been illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in state jails and prisons. Just Mercy has also become an award-winning film. The organization challenges the death penalty and excessive punishment and provides re-entry assistance to formerly incarcerated people. EJI supports the Legacy Museum and Memorial in Montgomery, AL. Working with communities that have been marginalized by poverty and discouraged by unequal treatment, EJI is committed to changing the narrative about race in America. Thank you for your generous support of this beloved community and Equal Justice Initiative.
To give $10 right now, text “$10 GCC” (or another amount) to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.) Or visit uusm.org/make-a-donation.
January Generous Congregation: YWCA Greater Los Angeles
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church. UUSM’s Generous Congregation supports our church community. And together, we uplift the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to the YWCA Greater Los Angeles. Your donations will help the YWCA in its mission to eliminate racism and empower women through advocacy, local programming, and services.
There are three ways to give: text, website, or mail a check. Using your smartphone, text 844-982-0209 with the donation amount and the code for where the funds will be posted.
- To make a pledge contribution, use PLG (“$20 PLG”).
- To make another non-pledge contribution, use IDC (“$20 IDC”).
- To make a Generous Contribution, use code GCC; for example, “$20 GCC.”
Easy text giving makes a big difference. Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted. The first time you give, you’ll be asked to register. You can make a one-time donation or set up reoccurring payments for your pledge or another purpose on our website.
Visit: https://archive.uusm.org/make-a-donation. Of course, we happily accept your checks mailed to the church office. If you are contributing to the church by check, our bank requested that the full name of the church is spelled on the “to” line: Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica.
December 2021 Generous Congregation Supports UNICEF
WE COME TOGETHER FOR MORE THAN OURSELVES
“I am happy for the reopening of child friendly spaces and we missed it a lot during COVID-19” says Muzhgan from Ferdousi Internally Displaced camp, Nahri Shahi district of Balkh, a north province of Afghanistan. In 2019, with partners and through funding from the European Union, UNICEF Afghanistan supported a total of 38,649 children (18,292 girls, 20,357 boys) in the most at risk areas and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) settlements across Afghanistan. These children benefited from psychosocial support services and essential social services in 234 Child Friendly Spaces (CFSs) in the targeted communities over 4 regions in 15 provinces, bringing the total for the programme to 56,641 children. © UNICEF/UNI367271/Fazel
UNICEF, also known as the United Nations Children’s Fund, is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. The agency is among the most widespread and recognizable social welfare organizations in the world, with a presence in 192 countries and territories.
For more than 70 years, UNICEF has worked in the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents – and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere. UNICEF’s mission is to help children survive, thrive and fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
The world’s largest provider of vaccines, UNCEF supports child health and nutrition, safe water and sanitation, quality education and skill building, HIV prevention and treatment for mothers and babies, and the protection of children and adolescents from violence and exploitation.
Before, during and after humanitarian emergencies and despite remarkable challenges, UNICEF is on the ground, bringing lifesaving help and hope to children and families. Non-political and impartial, they are never neutral when it comes to defending children’s rights and safeguarding their lives and futures.
Generous Congregation
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church.
UUSM’s Generous Congregation supports our church community. And together, we uplift the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to the UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund. Your donations will help the UNICEF fight for the rights of every child seeking safe shelter, nutrition, protection from disaster and conflicts, and equality.
Please consider supporting the mission of our church, and UNICEF. To give right now, text “$10 GCC” (or another amount) to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.)
UPDATED: UUSM COVID-19 Safety Policies & Practices - 12/16/21
We are excited to be gradually returning to our church campus for in-person services and group activities. Our COVID-19 Steering Committee has been working hard to ensure our services and activities are safe and accessible. We’ve adopted the following policies and practices based on UUA Guidelines, County Health Data, and input from neighboring congregations. Please see below for our COVID Safety Policies and Practices.
● Masks are required on campus, both inside and out, until future notice. Extra masks are available in the church office.
● We expect that anyone entering the sanctuary or participating in church activities will be vaccinated unless there is a medical reason not to be.
● Our Sunday morning service is at 10:30am and only adults and youths who are vaccinated are permitted to attend. Registration is currently required in addition to providing vaccination documentation to the church office. Please use this form to register.
● A limited number of socially-distanced seats will be made available in the sanctuary and overflow seats will be provided in Forbes Hall. The service may be viewed remotely in Forbes Hall.
● Congregational singing is prohibited while in the building. Members and friends may hum along with hymns during the service.
● All windows in the sanctuary and the glass doors in Forbes Hall will be open to provide optimal air flow and ventilation in the church. Please dress for the weather as it can be quite drafty and chilly in the church building.
● Our Sunday morning service is streamed on Facebook and YouTube to ensure accessibility for all.
● We are not presently printing Orders of Service. Hymn lyrics are displayed online.
● The sanctuary is thoroughly cleaned before services.
● Instead of passing a collection plate, a QR code is posted to assist in making an electronic donation. We also have a box for cash and check donations in the back of the Sanctuary.
● Following Sunday morning services, members and friends are invited to immediately exit to the courtyard and garden next to the Sanctuary and Forbes Hall to avoid too many people gathering indoors during our social time.
● Coffee and food will not be served following the service until it is safe to do so.
For questions on COVID Safety Policies and Practices please email assistant@uusm.org.
Dear Ones,
We hope this finds you enjoying the beauty of this season of peace, goodwill, and glad tidings. We have some important news we wanted to share with you about our congregation’s holiday offerings this season.
Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Dear Ones,
We hope this finds you enjoying the beauty of this season of peace, goodwill, and glad tidings. We have some important news we wanted to share with you about our congregation’s holiday offerings this season.
Our traditional Christmas Eve Service will be offered online and in the sanctuary and Forbes Hall at 7 pm on Friday, December 24th.
We have decided to increase the seating capacity to allow for 20 members and friends in the Sanctuary and 10 in Forbes Hall, in addition to our staff members and choir. Unfortunately, as we are still in the transitional phase of the pandemic, we have to restrict in-person attendance to members and friends. We require vaccination, well-fitting masks, and social distancing while on the church campus.
Don’t forget your mittens! It will likely be cold in both spaces as we have to open the windows and doors to provide good ventilation, so please dress warm and come prepared for a chilly but moving holiday service.
You can register to attend with the church office on a first-come, first-served basis. You will need to send Cyndee Hayes a picture of your COVID-19 Vaccination Card (and vaccination cards for everyone in your party), if you have not done so already, to register to attend in person. You can use this special Christmas Eve form to RSVP.
Our Online Candlelight Christmas Eve Service is accessible to all of our families and friends, so we hope to be with you virtually, if not in person, this year on our Facebook page or on our YouTube channel.
Pastoral Care Holiday Circles
We are going to once again offer Holiday Pastoral Care Circles for anyone in need of some extra support or time with Beloved Community this holiday season. These will be sacred spaces for members and friends to check in with a circle of caring. Pastoral Associates and Care Ring members will hold space on two occasions–one will be online and the second opportunity will be in person at the church (masks and social distancing required).
Holiday Pastoral Care Circle (Zoom – Online)
Tuesday, Dec. 21, 7:00-8:30 pm
Host: Bettye Barclay
Holiday Pastoral Care Circle (at Church in Forbes)
Wednesday, Dec. 22, 3:00-4:30 pm
Host: Linda Van Ligten
To register – which is not required, or to request the Zoom link, please email pastoralcare@uusm.org.
Vaccine Boosters
We encourage everyone to speak with their healthcare providers about the appropriateness of receiving a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccines to help protect you and the larger community. Waning antibodies means many of us no longer have the protection we once did and it makes sense to boost protection this holiday season if you haven’t already. A booster shot is not yet required to attend in-person services and meetings, but we encourage you to consider it with your healthcare provider.
May we all be open to receiving the joy of beloved community this holiday season!
Warm Holiday Blessings,
Jeremiah
Rev. Jeremiah Lal Shahbaz Kalendae
Developmental Minister
Beth
Beth Brownlie
President of the Congregation
November Generous Congregation Recipient: Community Services Unlimited (CSU)
We come together for more than ourselves. 50% of our Offering in the month of November will go to Community Services Unlimited. Recent events and the pandemic underscore the extreme inequalities which impact the health and lives of black and brown communities in Los Angeles. UUSM’s Faith in Action Committee has supported the ongoing health and environmental justice efforts of CSU to provide healthy organic food, preventive health services while building community capacity to address issues of unsustainable resources and unequal impact.
Volunteers from our congregation helped CSU refurbish their Veggie Bus classroom and seed library and remodel the nonprofit’s headquarters in the Paul Robeson Community Wellness Center. The Center includes a produce market, café, catering kitchen, and community center promoting environmental and social justice and health. Please join us in a generous contribution to CSU, so they can continue their important work to help South LA communities. Thank you for your generous support of this beloved community and of Community Services Unlimited.
To give $10 right now, text “$10 GCC” (or another amount) to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.) Or visit uusm.org/make-a-donation.
November 2021 Generous Congregation Supports Community Services Unlimited
CONTINUING TO HELP BUILD HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES
Recent events and the pandemic have underscored the extreme inequalities that impact the health and lives of black and brown communities in Los Angeles. Food deserts — areas where residents have limited access to a variety of healthy foods — were already problematic in low-income areas of Los Angeles.
Community Services Unlimited, based in South Central Los Angeles, has been working to build a healthier local community since 1977. CSU helps local families apply for food aid via CalFresh. But their primary focus is to work against the injustices of a food system steeped in unsustainable charity and based on poor-quality and unhealthy foods. Founded on community self-reliance, CSU coordinates local food production. Among many health initiatives, CSU distributes organic produce, much of which is grown on their urban farm. During the school year, children tour the farm and colorful Veggie Bus, learning how to grow food at home, and why healthy, locally grown food is so important.
Over the past five years, UUSM’s Faith in Action Committee has supported the ongoing health and environmental justice efforts of Community Services Unlimited. UUSM volunteers provided expertise and connections to raise funds to convert an old school bus into the Veggie Bus learning center, and pitched in with some hands-on labor. UUSM was pleased to connect CSU leadership with the Los Angeles Chapter of the US Green Building Council (USGBCLA) and the Self Help Credit Union (where substantial UUSM reserve funds are invested) as they undertook a substantial renovation of CSU’s Paul Robeson Community Wellness Center (PRCWC). The center includes a produce market, cafe, catering kitchen, and community center, and created a model for sustainable development and self-sufficiency. The PRCWC and the urban garden are the base of operations for CSU’s work in the community.
CSU continues to provide healthy organic produce at affordable prices from their Expo Park garden and other local organic producers. UUSM members have organized a Santa Monica drop-off point for CSU produce bags, which enables congregants and friends to receive a weekly bounty of organic fruits and veggies grown by local farmers. These weekly deliveries to Santa Monica support CSU’s ongoing programs, including discounted produce sales to households in South LA. It also gives us a chance to greet some of our (masked) church friends every Friday afternoon as we pick up our produce. (If you are interested in ordering a weekly organic produce bag at the Supporter rate, first email greenchair@uusm.org and then sign up on the CSU market site choosing the UUSM Private Drop Site).
Generous Congregation
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church.
UUSM’s Generous Congregation supports our church community. And together, we uplift the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to Community Services Unlimited. Your support will help provide healthy organic food and preventive health services, while building the South LA community’s capacity to address issues of unsustainable resources and unequal impact.
Please consider supporting the mission of our church, and the great work of Community Services Unlimited. To give right now, text “$20 GCC” to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.)
October 2021 UUSM Generous Congregation Supports Westside Food Bank
YOUR DONATIONS ARE NEEDED
Even as conditions improve for many emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of unemployed workers and others in our community continue to face poverty and food insecurity. Many people are turning to hunger-relief organizations to meet urgent needs. Westside Food Bank distributes to more than 70 local social service agencies, providing emergency food assistance.
UU Santa Monica has a long relationship with Westside Food Bank: volunteering, donating food, providing labor, and raising money. Most UUSM youth and young adults remember trekking over on a Sunday morning to sort food and learn more about hunger in our community. Right now, the most urgent need is cash. According to the website: “As the need for emergency food assistance skyrockets, we need your help to continue buying the truckloads of food required to keep our warehouse stocked.”
Generous Congregation
Our practice here at UUSM is to dedicate half of our non-pledge Sunday offerings to organizations doing work in the world that advances our Unitarian Universalist principles; the other 50% of the offering is used to support the life of our church.
UUSM’s Generous Congregation supports our church community. And together, we uplift the reach and impact of vital organizations doing work we could not do on our own. This month, half of our Sunday offerings will go to Westside Food Bank. Your support will help keep our vulnerable neighbors food secure. We can make a high volume of nutritious food available for free throughout this crisis.
Please consider supporting the mission of our church, and Westside Food Bank. To give right now, text “$10 GCC” to 844-982-0209. (One-time-only credit card registration required.)
Walk to End Hunger Oct. 17 - SUPPORT US!
Hello UU Santa Monica—
This October, our Generous Congregation recipient is the Westside Food Bank. UU Santa Monica has a long relationship with Westside Food Bank: donating food, volunteering labor, and raising money. Most UUSM youth and young adults remember trekking over on a Sunday morning to sort food and learn more about hunger in our community.
This year there’s a way that UU Santa Monica members and friends can support the Westside Food Bank and get some exercise in the process. Westside Food Bank is conducting their 31st 5k Hunger Walk virtually, October 17-24. And the UUSM Hunger Task Force is on the march!
We are doubling down to support Westside Food Bank with cash. They distribute to more than 70 local service agencies and can stretch a dollar like nobody’s business. The economy is improving, but even before the pandemic, an estimated one in five individuals in LA County lived with food insecurity.
If you are able, please join us to walk the 5K, on your own time, in your own neighborhood; or with the group on October 17. Yes, a real in-person group is walking October 17 at 2:00 pm. We’re starting at 18th and Arizona, but note that the church buildings and campus are is closed. This is a public, intergenerational event, so mask up and kids must have an escort.
If you’re not able to walk, please help the Hunger Task Force by supporting an individual walker or the UUSM team.
Lois Hutchinson and Jo An Peters will lead the walk from church, and all funds will go directly to the Westside Food Bank to help food-insecure persons in our communities. This is a way to have some fun in addition to your regular support via Generous Congregation donations on Sundays.
Remember, lots of people are walking on their own time in their own neighborhoods, but we will be walking at 2:00 pm on October 17 starting at church. We are hoping to get ten walkers with ten sponsors each, raising $1000… or even more. It’s going to be super fun! Everyone is welcome, kids, dogs, families, single folks, old and young… Come join us as we walk AND make a difference!
Thanks!
— The UUSM Hunger Task Force
Let Amazon Contribute to UUSM - IT'S EASY! HERE'S HOW
“Wouldn’t it be great to have a winning lottery ticket and be able to make a big donation to UUSM?” Linda said at the morning’s breakfast.
‘That’s a terrific idea” I said. “But first, we have to buy a lottery ticket and the chances of us winning are pretty slim. We’ve never played the lottery.”
Linda said, “I’ve got an idea, and it won’t cost a cent and the church can get some additional revenue through targeted donations. Amazon will donate .5% of whatever we spend to the charity of our choice.”
“You’re talking about Amazon’s Smile donation program, right?” I replied.
“Yes” Linda responded. “All we have to do is login to Amazon at their Smile portal and order our usual products.”
“Besides benefiting the church, it’s easy to set up. We’re buying things from Amazon anyway. We could be helping the church by designating them as our favorite non-profit organization” I added.
“Why don’t you share the how-to piece you made for people who want the church to get small contributions” she suggested. “Imagine, if everyone in the church ordered their Amazon products this way, the church would benefit”
So here are the three steps to order your Amazon products and automatically send UUSM the benefits.
Step 1 – Log Into Amazon’s Smile Portal
You probably already have a login name or email and a password that you use when you sign in to Amazon for your purchases. Have that information handy. Instead of logging into Amazon.com, log into Amazon’s charity portal at:
On this page, you will see this screen. Click on the yellow “Get started” button (see the red arrow on the screen shot below).
Clicking on the yellow button will take you to the Amazon login screen (below). Type in your Amazon account email or phone number and click on the gold “Continue” button just below it.
Next, type in your Amazon account password and click on the gold “Sign In” button below it (see red arrow in screen shot below):
You are now logged into your Amazon account and on their Smile charity portal.
Step 2 – Designate UUSM as your charity
Click on the “Supporting” tab (see red arrow in screen shot below) to move to next screen.
In the next screen, type “Unitarian Universalist of Santa Monica” (as shown below in #1 arrow) and click on the “Search” (shown by the #2 arrow below). It will display the name of the church (as shown below in the #3 arrow). To select your church, click on the yellow “Select” button (shown by the #4 arrow below).
You now see that UUSM has been selected (see the red arrow in this screen shot below):
You have successfully set up your Amazon account to automatically contribute (from Amazon’s profits) an amount equal to a percentage of the money you spend at Amazon.
From now on, all you have to do is login to Amazon at the Smile portal (https://smile.amazon.com and begin your search for your desired purchases.
Step 3 – Order Your Products from Amazon
Simply login to your Amazon Smile account at https://smile.amazon.com. Click on the search bar (see red arrow in screen shot below) and type in the name or type of product you intend to purchase and proceed as you always do in purchasing from Amazon.
See if that automatic church contribution puts a smile on your face.
Philip Siddons is a new member and contributing author. He and his wife Linda are new to Santa Monica. They came from Buffalo, New York, having lived in Chicago and Boston. Philip was a Technology and Communications Coordinator for a number of non-profits. Philip’s three books are on Amazon and his Medium.com articles are indexed at https://connectedness.org.